Number 470 - 27th June 2009
Derren
Brown Enigma - 3 Extra Shows Added! 23rd, 24th & 25th July - due to
overwhelming demand. "Brilliant... there was nothing for it but to
surrender to his control" Mail on Sunday. "Mind-blowing"
London Lite. "A Spectacular night of entertainment. Derren Brown is,
without a shadow of a doubt, this country's greatest illusionist. His
latest show sees him climb to artistic heights rarely, if ever, achieved
by any other legends of the magical arts" Time Out. Tickets: 0844
579 0090.
27.6.09
Barry
and Stuart - Powered by Demons. Following a complete sell-out in
2008 Barry and Stuart return to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2009
with a devious all-new jaw-dropping show. This is a rare chance to see
the stars of Channel4’s Dirty Tricks and Tricks from the Bible
presenting their uniquely inventive illusions live on stage. Tickets on
sale now via the official Fringe
Box Office and
Underbelly. Can't wait until August? Here's a video that you can
'fool your chums' with (it's great!). First watch the tutorial on
YouTube
Click Here then go to the 'experiment' itself at
www.bbc.co.uk/esptest and wreak havoc!
27.6.09
The
Magic Circle Headquarters Wins Top Industry Award. The team behind
The Magic Circle Headquarters has been awarded the title “Venue Team of
The Year”. The announcement was made by the Association of Event
Organisers at the annual Excellence Awards held at the Hilton on Park
Lane. This is the latest industry honour for the team responsible for
London’s most magical venue. Marketing Executive Hollie Taylor
commented, “I understand that entries for this award were at an all time
record level this year, so to win is something very special indeed.”
Sales Manager Paul Jablon said, “We were shortlisted with four other
world-class venues; Earls Court & Olympia, the Business Design Centre,
the Scottish Exhibition Centre and ExCeL London. I’m delighted that all
our hard work has been recognised with this prestigious award this
year.” A spokesman for the judges revealed what had impressed them.
“Excellent new marketing initiatives and a highly successful and focused
sales approach have resulted in a great list of new clients and a
massive turnaround for the venue. Our congratulations to The Magic
Circle Headquarters”.
www.magiccirclevenue.co.uk.
27.6.09
The
Ali Bongo Micro Magic Marathon. Bob Hayden reports: At the
Eastbourne Convention in 2008 Ali Bongo introduced the idea of a Micro
Magic Marathon into the programme. The event proved to be an enormous
success. The event will take place again at Southport and will carry the
name ‘The Ali Bongo Micro Magic Marathon’ in his honour. It is to take
place on Thursday September 24th between 7.30pm and 8.30pm. The number
that can compete will be limited to between 15 and 20 depending on the
size of the room where it will be held. For more information on this
event, and profiles of performers Mark Shortland and Jonathon Shotton
Click Here.
27.6.09
Blackpool
Convention Registration Desk Opens. The Registration Desk for the
2010 Blackpool Magicians’ Convention officially opens on 1st July but
you can book now to avoid the rush. For details of the prices for
individual days or for the convention as a whole, download a
registration form from the Blackpool Magicians’ Club website
www.blackpoolmagic.com (all major credit cards accepted, or pay by
cheque). A link on the website will take you to a conference bookings
site where you can select your accommodation. The 2010 Blackpool
Magicians’ Convention, which runs from Friday 19th February 2010 to
Sunday 21st February 2010, is the largest magic convention in the world!
February 2009's was simply superb - don't miss next year's convention!
27.6.09
The
Art of Suggestion and Influence: Practical Applications for Magicians
and Mind Readers. "This really is not for everyone" says John
Vincent. "I wanted to write a book that moved magic into the areas that
a lot of performers claim to be using! There are very simple pieces of
purely suggestion-based magic that anyone can do, right the way up to
dramatic demonstrations of suggestion and influence like the Psychic
Punch, where you knock a person over standing ten feet away from them
using only suggestion and influence." Until the end of June you can buy
The Art of Suggestion and Influence: Practical Applications for
Magicians and Mind Readers in its new paperback format, with an £8
discount. Visit
www.howtoreadminds.co.uk for more information and to order.
27.6.09
The
Secret Caribbean with Trevor McDonald. Trevor McDonald visits three
starkly different islands - Musha Cay, Jamaica and Barbados. Musha Cay
is owned by David Copperfield, and is possibly the most expensive
private island in the Caribbean. In contrast, Trevor is then given
permission to visit some of the British women serving time in a Jamaican
prison for drug smuggling. Finally he travels on to meet the man who
owns most of luxurious Barbados. 8pm on Sunday 5th July on ITV1 - see
TV Magic.
27.6.09
Huddersfield
Circle of Magicians 60th Anniversary Show - tonight! Huddersfield Circle of
Magicians stage their 60th Anniversary Show at the Lawrence Batley
Theatre on Saturday 27th June - featuring a great British line-up:
Amethyst, John Archer, High Jinx, Brian Sefton, Dave Andrews, John
Danbury, The Bernie Heys Dancers, Kirkheaton School Choir and compère Al
Conway. For more information and tickets contact the Lawrence Batley
Theatre Box Office: 01484 430528.
27.6.09
Magic Evening Boot Sale, Potters Bar,
this Friday.
The Merlin Magical Society which is based in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire,
are holding a Magic boot sale on Friday 3rd July at The United Reformed Church,
Tilbury Hall, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire EN6 1BZ (Map).
From 6.30pm - 9.30pm with free entry. Tables are £5.00 for sellers and
there's ample parking in front of the building and in the surrounding
area. For more info visit
www.merlinmagicalsociety.co.uk.
27.6.09
Jumbo
Magic Auction - Manchester Circle of Magicians. The Manchester
Circle of Magicians are holding a Jumbo Magic auction at 6.30pm on
Monday 6th July at Salford Masonic Hall, Hemsley House, 41 The Crescent,
Salford, Manchester M5 4PE (Map).
With Star Auctioneers are Mike Shepherd and Derek Lever. Hundreds of
items have already been entered. Phone 01253 810113 or email
d.lever1@sky.com for more info.
27.6.09
Taurus
Magic Supply have recently purchased two large estates of magical
apparatus, vastly increasing their stock of used magic. Many
unobtainable children's tricks are listed and in the next few weeks more
items will be added. Taurus Magic are the World's Largest Used Magic
Dealers. View their website at
www.taurusmagic.net.
27.6.09
The
Manchurian Approach: A complete course in Hypnotism for Magicians &
Mentalists. "With five hours of tuition, live performance and
in-depth explanations, this three-disc DVD set is bound to become a
definitive classic for a new and exciting genre of performance that
blends magic, mentalism and hypnosis." To For info So order your copy of
“The Manchurian Approach” today!" Pre-order from
www.alakazam.co.uk
today!
27.6.09
The Life and Career of David Nixon, a lecture by Steve Short.
The Watford Association of
Magicians presents
The Life and Career of David Nixon, a
lecture by Steve Short, on
Tuesday 7th July at 8pm. Steve has researched David Nixon's life and
career with the help of David's family and many people who knew and
worked with him.
£10 for non-members. Email
Julie Carpenter (WAM Secretary)
juliecarpenter@themagiccircle.co.uk for venue details (they are
based at Bricket Wood, near St Albans just off the M1/M25 junction).
www.wamclub.co.uk. 27.12.08
Magicseen
issue 27. The latest issue has just been published, Mark Leveridge
emails: Magicseen issue 27 (July 09) is now out and takes readers on an
international journey by way of its range of celebrity interviews. The
journey starts in Scotland with cover star R. Paul Wilson whose ability
to diversify his talents has led to consulting work on major films as
well as a key role in the creation and presenting of TV's The Real
Hustle. From Scotland we visit Brazil to talk to young prodigy Henry
Vargas, China to chat with Zenneth Kok, Holland to spend five minutes
with Hans Klok, Ireland to conclude our two part interview with Keith
Barry, and then finally touch back down in England as we catch up with
Ian Keable. So, read Magicseen and you will go far! Also in the latest
issue we have feature articles on the classic Flying Ring with reviews
on a whole range of currently available Flying Ring products, we hear in
detail about Michael J. Fitch's trip to Las Vegas and how he used his
Magicseen 'pass' to get interviews and time with some of the top names
there including David Copperfield, Penn and Teller and Mac King, The
Bookshelf showcases Harry Lorayne's Trendsetters from the 1990s, and Jay
Fortune turns up with one of his always interesting Think Tank columns.
Our Review Section as usual contains honest comment on a wide range of
current releases, the Masterclass explains two close up effects, plus
there is news, the letters section along with other interesting and fun
bits and pieces to help you enjoy your summer. Available right now as a
1 or 2 year subscription, or as a single copy or instant download sale
from
www.magicseen.co.uk.
27.6.09
Future
Children's Entertainer? Order training system by Wednesday 1st July
and save £65! If you would like to learn how to become an 'in-demand'
children's entertainer in the UK, visit
www.entertainertrainer.co.uk for full details of their comprehensive
training system. On Wednesday 1st July 2009, the price is going up to
£250 - so order now and save £65 (the current price will never be
offered again.).
27.6.09
Smoke
and Mirrors. "Following on from the success of the 2008 events,
Smoke and Mirrors are proud to present the return of the South
Coast's hippest evening of magic entertainment. Magicians Leon Simmonds,
Dan Edwards and Simon Ambrose will be joined by some very special guest
magicians for an evening of magic, mentalism and maybe a dash of
escapology. With a mixture of close-up magic at the tables, and the
stage performance, the evening promises to offer something for
everyone." Tickets are £5 (or £4 for concessions). Over 18's only.
Wednesday 12th August from 7pm at The Crown and Anchor, Marine Parade,
Eastbourne BN21 3DX (Map).
Wednesday 19th August at The Hope, 10-12 Queens Road, Brighton BN1 3WA (Map)
and Wednesday 26th August at Occasions Night Club, Worthing Seafront,
Worthing BN11 3QA (Map).
www.smokemirrors.co.uk.
27.6.09
Rod
Newman underwater escape - Southampton. Hampshire based magician and
Magic Circle member, Rod Newman is going to fulfill a promise in a very
dangerous way! Rod, along with eight other magicians, took part in The
Magic Trek, the sponsored walk from Portsmouth to London to raise money
for The Anthony Nolan Trust. Before he started the 106 mile walk, he
promised that if the walkers achieved their target of £5000 in
sponsorship, he would perform an underwater escape. The great news is
that so far The Magic Trek has raised over £6000 for the charity and Rod
is not a man to go back on a promise. So, this Sunday, 28th June, at 4pm
he will escape from a strait jacket, inside a mail sack, which has been
secured with a steel bar with two padlocks in the 10' deep pool at
Andark Diving Centre, 256 Bridge Road, Lower Swanwick, Southampton SO31
7FL (Map).
If you are in the area and would like to see this daring escape, come
along from 3.30pm. Donations are still welcome at
www.anthonynolanevents.org.uk/magictrek. Rod’s website is
www.rmnentertainment.co.uk.
27.6.09
Quick
Change 2. Lex Schoppi's new book offers a complete insight into the
complexity of the whole quick change act. You'll see the effects from
behind the curtain and understand what really happens. You will see how
a complete quick change act featuring costumes was developed, how the
costumes work, exactly why they are performed in the way that they are
and how the difficulties were overcome. 144 pages, hard back, 17 x 24
cm, more than 150 diagrams, drawings and photos in a limited German
language first edition. Publication date Summer 2009. For more info
visit
www.lexschoppi.com.
27.6.09
Magical
Mayhem presents a Magic Lecture by Sean Goodman. Nick Brown emails:
"This lecture is not to be missed. His first lecture for us was
fantastic with great worker's effects for close up and cabaret. The
shredded £20 trick was stunning. This is a completely new lecture and is
sure to be a great evening." Thursday 2nd July at 7.30pm at the Sun
Hotel, Sun Street, Hitchin. Contact Nick Brown 07884 045554 or Lee Smith
07731 916965 for details.
27.6.09
Levett
& Lee Roadshow, Birmingham. News from Graham Lee: "New for 2009 is
the 'Levett & Lee' Roadshow, Birmingham Wednesday 22nd July. This year
we will be covering the basics of balloon modelling including all the
twists, what they are called and why and how would you use them. What
pens to use, tips, tricks and techniques learnt over the many years that
Graham Lee and Thelma Levett have been twisting. The idea is to give
everyone a good grounding as to what is involved in this fantastic
industry of ours and the best way forward into entertaining and balloon
modelling. The morning session will start with all the twists and
terminology, with what can be made using the techniques shown with a few
basic models shown as well. The day will be hands-on, with everyone
joining in and making the models as well. We then move onto showing some
nice one-balloon models and then some quick, easy and impressive models
made out of two or three balloons, finishing up with a couple of basic
hats. The day will run from 10am till 5pm with tuition running from
10.30am till 4.30pm. There will be two more basic roadshows: Banstead on
Wednesday October 21st and Leeds on Wednesday November25th." For more
info
Click Here.
27.6.09
House
of Magic have a new website featuring a search facility and video
demos. Visit
www.house-of-magic-shop.co.uk.
27.6.09
JezO’s
Magic and Laughter Show. "An exciting children’s show is continuing
to tour the UK. Featuring the rising star of comedy magic JezO (Jeremy
Bond), this show will appeal to children from 4–10 and, importantly, to
their parents and grandparents. JezO’s great comedy skills, together
with a thorough grounding and understanding of magic and illusion, put
the emphasis very firmly on entertainment." The Queen’s Theatre,
Hornchurch, Monday 14th September 2009 at 6.30pm, Box Office: 01708
443333. And Harlow Playhouse, Thursday 29th October 2009 at 2.30pm, Box
Office: 01279 431945.
www.jezo.co.uk.
27.6.09
What
will your Bag Say? Magician Clive Grewcock has been garnering
interest with direct yet straight forward marketing from an Eco Friendly
bag. From a true cottage industry in the Highlands of Scotland, DD
Couture designs and makes one of a kind Eco Friendly bags from scratch.
The bags are made from 100% cotton sourced from Lancashire. From the
cutting of the fabric to tying of the knot on the swing ticket all
processes are done by the designer Dympna Rochford in Golspie. Clive
explained; "I don't use the bag for walkaround but it's ideal for
transporting the props I may need, and when you're going to the library,
coffee shop or store the advertising doesn't hurt."
www.ddcouture.com
www.magician.org/member/clivegrewcock.
27.6.09
Ferrybridge
Day of Magic - additional event announced. Travis Perkins has added
an extra event to the 17th Ferrybridge Day of Magic on Sunday 5th July:
"A Kavalcade of Komedy Kapers Question & Answer session with Tony
Stevens and John Archer - two Kings of Komedy! This Q & A session along
with lecturettes by Andrew Green and John Archer and a showette
featuring all three should make for an entertaining and informative day
- and all for £3.50!" For more info visit
What's On.
27.6.09
Tony Griffith - Creative Magic Lecture.
News from Paul Bromley: Proponents of practical magic are in for a treat
when Tony Griffith lectures at the South Downs Magicians next Wednesday
(July 1st). Tony, a member of The Inner Magic Circle with Gold Star,
will be passing on his tips and advice on commercial, practical magic.
It will include material Tony has created and performed over many years
with the emphasis on entertainment, subtlety and routining. He's
promising something for everyone from cabaret performers and restaurant
workers to trade show magicians and children's entertainers. It's a
not-to-be-missed lecture; plus thirst-quenching refreshments and a
spectacular raffle - just £5 for visiting magicians. The lecture is at
8pm at Handcross Parish Hall, High Street, Handcross, near Crawley, West
Sussex RH17 6BJ (Map).
Further information from
www.southdownsmagicians.co.uk or
www.tonygriffith.co.uk.
27.6.09
Back
up the entire contents of you PC or Mac, and enjoy peace of mind,
with this Western Digital Elements 1TB (1,000GB) USB 2.0 External Hard
Drive from Amazon.co.uk
Click Here. Recommended by, and used by, the makers of MagicWeek!
27.6.09
If you are heading over to the Glastonbury Festival this weekend look out for Ollie Mealing in the Theatre and Circus Arena between 1.15pm - 3.15pm www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk. Ollie has also created a YouTube channel www.youtube.com/olliemealing which he'll be updating weekly. Magic Singh and Sav will also be there. 27.6.09
Ian Moran (Covert Magic & Cullfather) will be lecturing at the Bolton Magicians Club on Wednesday 1st July. The venue is the Doffcocker Inn, Chorley Old Road, Bolton and the start time is 8.30pm. All visiting magicians are welcome for what promises to be a great evening of magic. For further details contact Steve Owen on 07951 753447. 27.6.09
Dawn Chester. Very sad news to report that Dawn Chester, of Tommy Cooper Magic Shop, Blackpool, passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning. The shop will closed until after funeral services which will be held in Birmingham and Blackpool. Alan Chester can be contacted on 01253 312119. 27.6.09
"'America's Got Talent' auditions: possible contenders shine through" Click Here • "Cyril the street magician is blazing hot" Click Here • "Barrow magician Mark puts you under a spell" Click Here • "Young magicians will ensure the entertainment carries on" Click Here • Craig Petty reviews Mark Leveridge Magic's Dealer Night in Birmingham last week, Click Here • "Young Illusionist Sues Old Magician on Tricks of Trade" Click Here • Your UK magic news is always welcome - see you next week, Duncan. 27.6.09