Number 473 - 18th July 2009
Michael
Jordan is The Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year 2009. All
seven finalists who appeared on stage at The Magic Circle headquarters
in London last Sunday should feel really proud of their achievement.
Twenty-two young magicians initially entered, with just seven making it
through to the final stage of this career-launching biennial
competition. I've always rated this competition as the most important
in British magic. Since its inception in 1961 it has
showcased a rostrum of magical talent... from Johnny Hart onwards. So,
many congratulations to Michael Jordan whose lively personality, variety
of material, pace and humour captured the judges votes last Sunday. And
many congratulations also to Megan Knowles-Bacon for being placed second
with her ballet magic act, and to Carl Scutt for coming third with his
comedy magic act. Mary Stupple, Bertie Pearce, Ian Keable and Peter Scarlett
judged, Alan Maskell compered and David Ball was the chairman of the
organising committee. Rob Page directed.
Now if this had been a real magic competition then everyone would have won - all seven! I thought Edward Hilsum's dove act was excellent. He really knows how to project and could easily play an 800 seat theatre tomorrow. Carl Scutt's timing, ad-libbing and delivery was something that simply can't be taught - there were flashes of genuine comic brilliance (bowled me over to be frank). Sanjivan Parhar had a great look and easy manner on stage that the audience instantly warmed to, James Milner's dry delivery worked well and David Johnson's manipulative skills were first class.
The competition was originally conceived by Derrick Speight 48 years ago; how nice to see him in the audience on Sunday. The Magic Circle has a very active Young Magicians Club and it's so good to see new talent coming through like this. Again, many congratulations to winner Michael Jordan, Megan Knowles-Bacon in second place and Carl Scutt in third. Click Here for a photo of the magnificent seven (DT). Photo: Michael Jordan is presented with his award by Magic Circle Vice President Jack Delvin MIMC. "Golcar magician Michael Jordan conjures up an award" Click Here. 18.7.09
Northern
Magic Circle Convention 2010. Nathan Kranzo (photo - USA), John
Hotowka and Stephen Williams have been booked to appear at next year's
Northern Magic Circle Convention which takes place on Saturday 27th and
Sunday 28th March 2010 at the
Marine Hall,
Fleetwood, Lancashire FY7 6HF (Map).
All the latest convention news can be found on the newly launched
website
www.northernmagic.co.uk. The registration desk opens in November,
but you can register your interest in attending now, by emailing
convention@northernmagic.co.uk. This year's convention was a great
success and the active Convention Committee will be booking more top acts
and lecturers from the UK, Europe and the USA in the coming months.
18.7.09
Conjuring
at the Court. June's show went so well that they've decided to stage
another. The
next date is Thursday 13th August, in West Ealing. The show stars John
Archer, Russell Levinson, Stephen Barry, Scott Penrose and Katherine
Rhodes, and is compered by Richard Pinner. Visit the new website for
full details
www.conjuringatthecourt.com.
18.7.09
Pete Firman
- The Paradise Comedy Club, London. Pete Firman headlines at the
intimate music room at The Paradise Comedy Club on Wednesday July 22nd where audiences sit and enjoy the show at
tables, cabaret style. Supporting Pete will be comedians Ross Lee, Sara
Pascoe, Ahir Shah and MC James Everett.
To guarantee entry email reservations to
paradisecomedy@gmail.com
or call 07855 375 760. Show time 8.30pm - 10.30pm. The Paradise, 19 Kilburn Lane, Kensal Rise,
London W10 4AE (Map).
18.7.09
Skillicious
- with special guest Dynamo. "The series kicks off with the
incredible beat boxing talents of Petebox performing in the studio. We
get introduced to the world of Skill Seeking with a master class from
street magician Dynamo and the Access All Areas crew hit the track with
racing driver Alice Powel. Get involved at home by trying out today's
Boredom Busters - and witness the amazing talents of Spoon Boy." 10.30am
on Monday 27th July on CITV - see
TV Magic.
18.7.09
Stars
of Tomorrow Show, Buffalo, New York. Edward Hilsum appeared on the
Stars of Tomorrow Show at The Society of American Magicians' Convention
in Buffalo, New York last week, together with Jack Gleadow. More than 30
young magicians applied to be on the show, with just six acts being
selected to appear. "Magicians Convention Appears in Buffalo This Week"
Click Here.
18.7.09
Morgan
& West present their Edinburgh Fringe 2009 show - Bamboozlement! at
the Balcony, Gilded Balloon Teviot every day of the Fringe (5th to
31st August) at 5pm. Visit
www.gildedballoon.co.uk to book. Bamboozlement! is an evening
of magic, mystery and whimsical ideas taking the form of a classic
Victorian Parlour show. Taking to the stage in full Victorian evening
dress, magical duo Morgan & West entertain the audience with their
powers of dupery, hoodwinking and confabulation in a myriad of magical
feats with a healthy dose of silliness. An hour of laughs, hasps and
rather splendid magic tricks with a veritable bucket-load of audience
participation.
www.morganandwest.co.uk.
18.7.09
Costas
Damianou’s Magic Tao - the newest name in magic! Costas brings over
20 years of experience in magic to the table and to
Magic Tao.
Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional, the site features not only
the latest magic tricks, but also news, new product releases and
exclusive offers to tempt, impress and inspire! Over the coming months
there will also be a few surprises so "watch this space".
Intimately
involved in some of the most established brands in the magic business
Costas’s knowledge and passion for magic always shines through. Whatever the
particular area of magic you’re interested in Costas looks forward to
Magic Tao
becoming "the source of your ability". Magic Tao – open for business at
www.magictao.co.uk.
Plus: There's currently a 10% discount coupon code, which is: MAGICWEEK.
18.7.09
S1L3NC3: Mind Reading & Reality
Abuse.
"S1L3NC3 makes a stunning return to full form, with a brand new stage
show: Mind Reading & Reality Abuse at the Camden Fringe Festival 2009.
After the 5 star sell out success of the last show in Oxford, six months
of preparation, experimentation and collaboration brings a
stunning and deeply thought provoking display of the capabilities of the
human mind. S1L3NC3 is an evening of distorted reality, a journey
through the uncharted realms of the human mind and an exploration beyond
the boundaries of human interaction and control. You will be eyewitness
to demonstrations of feats that will astonish, astound and confuse your
perceptions of reality. A demonstration of the confines on self-control,
mind over matter, and a look into our dreams, and our nightmares."
Box Office: 08444 771000 or
www.camdenfringe.org for tickets. Strict over 18 age restriction.
Venue: Etcetera Theatre, 265 Camden High Street, London NW1 7BU (Map).
Sunday 16th, Monday 17th August at 9pm.
www.realityabuse.com.
18.7.09
Mental
Case By Steve Cook. "Show an exquisite veneered wooden box which has
a brass plaque on its lid depicting all 5 ESP symbols. Now ask a
spectator to freely select and remember anyone of the 5 symbols shown.
The spectator now names which symbol they have chosen. In a dramatic and
entertaining fashion a prediction is now revealed from inside the box by
the performer. The prediction showed perfectly matches the ESP symbol
chosen by the spectator. Mental Case is a completely self contained
effect which can be repeated with a different outcome each time." For
more info and to order visit:
www.tonycurtismagic.com today!
18.7.09
Mel
Harvey starts off the new cruise season with a tribute to the Magic
of the Blues Brothers or "Duckin and Divin" where he plays the part of
Elwood or should that be Melwood and where "Jake, the Drake" plays
himself. Mel has been booked as comedy magic headliner on board the
Boudicca for Fred Olsen Cruises for their voyage next month to Norway.
The new show has been written in conjunction with Dave Short of The
Magic Circle who worked with Mel on his last Panto. Mel will be
performing his own 45 minute stage show plus two further comedy shows
during the fourteen day cruise. Mel said the beauty of this cruise is
that as he will be embarking from a UK port, rather than flying, so he
can take the bigger comedy items. Jake the Drake is apparently already
practising his writing skills for his "Derren Brown mind reading act"!
www.melharvey.com.
18.7.09
Tony
Griffith presents his 'Reflections' lecture for the Leicester Magic
Circle on Monday July 20th at 8pm at the Ramada Hotel, Granby Street,
Leicester LE1 6ES (Map).
Visiting magicians welcome, no booking needed. For more information
contact Secretary Barry Martin:
info@leicestermagiccircle.co.uk or visit
www.leicestermagiccircle.co.uk.
18.7.09
Eleven year old Jamie Mckeller from
Bridlington won the Hull Magicians’ Circle Spooner Trophy competition
for young magicians age 10 to 16. The competition was held on Thursday
17th July at Holderness Road Methodist Church, Hull. Proceeds went to
the Church Ladies’ Group Charity. Magical judges, Danny Hunt, Annette
Claire and Joe Hustler with lay judge Hilda Wildridge picked Jamie from
the line up of six entrants – Nathan Ayer came second and finalists were
Kai Weymes, Joseph Lee, Alex Pawinski and James Fisher. Kai Weymes was
awarded the Charles Tadman Trophy for winning the most points at monthly
workshop meetings.
President of Hull Magicians’ Circle, Eddie Dawes made the presentation
of trophies, certificates, books and DVDs. Thanks go to Magic Books by
Post, Geoff Maltby, Walt Lees and Rob James for assistance with the
prizes. Richard Morrell organized the show assisted by Malcolm Bromwich,
Brian Wilson and Ben Hall on sound. Reported by Jon Marshall. Click Here
to enlarge photo.
18.7.09
New
Monster Partnership Launches in Colwyn Bay! A creative partnership
formed in Colwyn Bay is set to take the theatre world by storm with a
new production of the children's adventure “Kamakan The Vampire Slug”
www.kamakan.co.uk.
Author and producer, Huw Roberts, has teamed up with illusionists Safire
to produce a touring version of the show that premiered at Theatre
Colwyn in 2007. Following rehearsals and performances at Theatre Colwyn
in October the show will embark on a UK tour early next year. Stuart and
Jayne Loughland make up Safire who, as an illusion act, perform around
the world. They also work as magic and special effects consultants for
The Chuckle Brothers live shows as well as working with Joe Pasquale,
Ken Dodd and other major variety stars and as Magic Light Productions
www.magiclightproductions.com they also create puppets, special
effects and illusions to order and produce original stage productions.
Stuart says of the new partnership, “We’ve been looking for a new stage
show for some time and are thrilled to have found Kamakan. Its brilliant
and suits our style perfectly. It’s the perfect mix of comedy and
fantasy that allows us to get creative with illusions and effects. Kids
are going to love it.”.
18.7.09
Paul
Gordon's Card Capers takes place on Sunday 13th September at
Cubbington Sports Centre in Leamington Spa. A full day of card magic
(lecture and workshop) is promised for just £25. Visit
www.paulgordon.net/cardcapers.htm for full details. Paul's new 3
disc DVD set Card Startlers is now ready for pre-ordering.
Featuring 40 professional card tricks from Paul's repertoire. Visit
www.paulgordon.net/cardstartlers.pdf for details of the contents.
18.7.09
Congratulations
to Stuart Hodgson winner of the Darlington Magic Circle’s Presidents
Trophy Competition last week. The popular and busy children’s
entertainer who goes by the name Stu-Di-Doo had to take part in six
different competitions featuring different aspects of magic throughout
the year and was judged upon his performance, magical content and
ability. The six disciplines in this year’s competition were Mentalism,
Children’s Magic, Close-Up, Stage Magic, Ropes & Bands and Cards. Each
year a unique trophy is created for the competition and this year it
featured the famous cups & balls. Stuart said, “I am delighted to have
won. It was exciting and great fun to take on the challenge myself and
show people that I also do grown up magic as well as puppets and
children’s parties. It was hard work finding the time for extra practice
and rehearsals but to be awarded the top prize has made it well worth
the effort.” Noel Brooks, President of The Darlington Magic Circle said
“There has been a very large field of competition this year but
Stu-Di-Doo has consistently shown himself to be a very worthy winner and
I am very pleased to present him with his award and certificate.” Photo:
DMC President Noel Brooks (right) the award and certificate.
www.stu-di-doo.com
www.thedarlingtonmagiccircle.co.uk.
18.7.09
Sixteen
year old Danny Jewell (Daniel Wardle) has won The Northern Magic
Circle Junior Stage Competition and is seen here receiving the shield
from Cliff Lount. He also won the Close up competition taking the Johnny
Neptune Trophy. His coach for this excellent dove act was Scott
Christian who also coached Paul Dabek in 2003 who went on the win The
Young Magician of The Year competition at The Magic Circle. Danny’s
mentors for close up magic were Chris Stevenson and Neil Fletcher. All
three of his tutors are members of The Order of The Magi in Manchester.
It is hoped that Danny will be appearing at a Magi event in the near
future. Reported by Geoffrey Newton PRO.
18.7.09
Barry
Harvey will be entertaining on the MV Amorique between Plymouth and
Roscoff between July 20th - 30th and August 10th - 20th. Barry emails:
"Passing magicians feel free to say hello but please wait until I’m off
duty if you want to talk magic! I’m also entertaining at the gala dinner
following the Rick Wakeman Celebrity Golf Classic. The day teams up
groups of three amateur golfers with a celebrity for a round of gold
during the day and a wonderful dinner and cabaret in the evening. The
event is to raise money for the
SPARKS charity –
Sports Aiding Medical Research For Kids – and last year they raised over
£43,000."
www.thatsmagic4u.com.
18.7.09
Mentalism goes Bizarre. Roni Shachnaey emails: "Just back from the USA after six weeks. My lecture 'Mentalism goes Bizarre' was extremely well received and now it is available for bookings here in the UK. For details please contact me direct houseofdarknessuk@msn.com quoting: 'Mentalism goes Bizarre' and I will send you the relevant info pictures etc." 18.7.09
Dawn Chester. Alan Chester writes: Dawn has gone to rest now and we have prayed for her soul there will be a service of thanksgiving for her life in Blackpool at 1pm at Alexandra Church, 44 Bolton Street 23rd July and a drink afterwards and a bite to eat please email me if you can come or have any wishes to send. Thanks, Alan and Kelly-Anne Chester. alanchester312@blueyonder.co.uk. 18.7.09
"A summer of magic for Beijing" Click Here • The Sorcerer’s Apprentice series 3 starts on Sunday 18th October at 9am • Alexis Gora and his Magic Green Shoes: Click Here • Do seagulls like magic? Catch up with the latest from Ollie Mealing on YouTube, Click Here • "Chinese magician's The Legend of Magic" Click Here • "Magician to hold anti-ID show" Click Here • "Bob Arno: A pickpocketer on the right side of the law" Click Here • Your UK magic news is always welcome - see you next week, Duncan. 18.7.09