Number 480 - 5th September 2009
David
Blaine: What is Magic? David Blaine travels across America to
perform in Friday's UK premiere of his show What Is Magic? He
visits New Orleans where he carries out a money trick in front of
locals, producing hundreds of dollars at their fingertips before
stopping off in New York to conduct magic in front of Orlando Bloom. But
the jewel in David's crown is his shot at the infamous Bullet Catch;
a trick which sees a 22 calibre bullet being fired at point blank range
directly at the magician, who then has to catch the bullet in a small
metal cup held in his mouth. The stunt is filmed using Phantom Camera
technology which shoots 10,000 frames per second so that not a fraction
of the action is missed. It's Derren and David night on Channel 4 on
Friday! See TV Magic
for details, and don't forget to watch Derren Brown: The Event Live
at 10.35pm on Wednesday, the prequel to Derren's Friday night show.
"Derren Brown 'will incapacitate viewers'"
Click Here.
5.9.09
Ipswich
Magical Society Convention - Sunday October 25th. Tickets are now on
sale for the Ipswich Magical Society’s one day convention, that will
take place at the Spa Pavilion in Felixstowe. This year's lineup
includes lectures by Marc Oberon ('Parlour Magic' FISM winner), John
Archer (The current Magic Circle Stage Magician of the Year) and Dan
Garrett, plus an audience with Wayne Dobson that will feature previously
unseen footage from his life as a magician. The evening gala show also
promises to be one of the best, with Graham P. Jolley, John Archer, Alec
Powell, Michael J. Fitch (International Children’s Entertainer of the
Year winner 2009), and Marc Oberon who will be performing not just his
award-winning stage act, but also his superb UV act! Visit
www.ipswichmagicalsociety.co.uk for more info, and to book.
5.9.09
The
Nottingham Guild of Magicians Presents '70 Years of Pure Magic' on
Sunday 13th September at 7pm. Join the Nottingham Guild of Magicians as
they enter their 70th Year, for a great evening of magic and comedy
with, Billy Pearce, Andrew Green, Graham P. Jolley, Stuart Brown, Mandy
Fletcher, Jackie Elm and Graham Harper. Tickets: £13.50 each via:
www.nottingham-theatre.co.uk. Box office: 01159 476096 or call
Andrew Morrison on 07966 494095. Venue: The Nottingham Arts Theatre,
George Street, Nottingham NG1 3BE (Map).
Andrew Green and Stuart Brown will lecture at 2pm on the same day,
contact the club for details:
www.nottinghamguildofmagicians.co.uk.
5.9.09
The
Magic Circle Annual Awards Banquet is being held this year at the
Holiday Inn Bloomsbury on Saturday 21st November, 6.15pm for 7pm... "A
Glittering Night of Dinner, Dancing and Cabaret plus Britain’s Top
Awards. This year our prestigious David Devant Award will be presented
posthumously to Ali Bongo for his outstanding contribution in advancing
the art of magic not just in the UK but around the world. To find out
the recipients of our other major awards you do of course have to be
there on the night. Round tables for ten are available. Why not book a
table with your friends?" Tickets at £60 can be obtained from David Ball
MIMC, 40 Sandy Lodge Way, Northwood, Middlesex. HA6 2AS. Telephone 01923
822589. Cheques should be made payable to ‘The Magic Circle’.
5.9.09
British
Ring Convention - Lectures and Workshops. Bob Hayden, PRO, writes:
"We have continuously up-dated as to who will be performing in both the
stage and close-up shows so it is now time to put the spotlight on the
lectures/workshops that are to be given in Southport and wherever possible the
content of the lecture. The organisers have made every effort to make the
lectures as diverse as possible and to include at least one to suit your
particular interest in magic..."
Click Here to read Bob's latest Convention Update.
5.9.09
For
One Night Only - Tuesday 8th September at 7.30pm. "Time Out Comedy
presents an eclectic night of some of the most talented comedians
currently playing the circuit. Exciting young comics Seann Walsh, Joe
Lycett, George Ryegold and Sam Gore share a stellar bill with the best
compère currently working, Kiwi Jarred Christmas, award-winning five
star funnyman Jason Cook, the king of comedy magic Pete Firman, Time Out
Comedy award-winner and Radio Four star Milton Jones and spectacular
headliner, the one and only Stephen K Amos. Expect some special guest
appearances from the weirdest and most wonderful comedy and variety acts
London has to offer." Only single seats and standing tickets (£15)
remaining. Call 020 7388 8822 for availability.
www.thebloomsbury.com. Pete Firman enjoyed some great press in
Edinburgh, "Tickling funny bones and boggling bonces this Fringe is Pete
Firman...Firman's mix of daft humour, mock exasperation and deliberate
trick fluffing is so winning, there's a danger you might not appreciate
just how good he is" Metro,
Click Here for more.
5.9.09
The
Northern Magic Circle are pleased to announce two more names -
joining their international line-up next year: "'Millennium British
Magical Champion of Close-up Magic' Chris Priest will be both performing
and lecturing during the weekend. Chris has recently had the honour to
be invited to perform his amazing magic for HM The Queen at Buckingham
Palace. Chris is very different from other close-up performers; he
performs the most unbelievable and original close-up magic in his own
unique style, which makes his act and lecture very entertaining and not
to be missed. We can also announce that the children’s show this year
which is being put together by Clive Moore reads like a who’s who of top
class children’s entertainment. We can confirm that we will have the
stylish magic of Brian Sefton, the mad-cap children’s magic of Paul
Joyce, top balloon act Mr. Twister (aka Darren Bonas), UK Children’s
Entertainer of the Year Mr. Trix (aka John Dixon) and the Northern Magic
Circles own Clive Moore." The Northern Magic Circle Convention takes
place on Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th March 2010 at the Marine Hall,
Fleetwood, Lancashire. See:
www.northernmagic.co.uk and
www.northernmagiccircle.org.uk.
5.9.09
Kidology
- this Tuesday, 8th September. "Albion
Magic will be launching a revamped version of Jack Hughes' Skeleton
in the Cupboard by kind permission of Derek Lever and Taurus Magic
titled Billy Bones and the Curse of Davy Jones. With a pirate theme and
a great fully scripted story routine from Craig Petty it comes complete
with Davy Jones locker, the tube made in aluminum, the skeleton, pirate
coins and a change bag, this will be on offer at the special convention
price of £39, normal price after the convention will be £49." Kidology
this year is on Tuesday September 8th. It's at the usual venue: the
Civic and Wulfrun Halls in Wolverhampton. Tickets need to be booked in
advance and cost £35.00 which includes a buffet lunch. This year's
lecturers are Ali Cardabra (Walk Around Magic for Children); Derek Lever
(Children's Magic Props Through the Ages); Michael Diamond (Halloween
Magic) and Michael Fitch (Kids' Cabaret). Plus 14 dealers with all the
latest children's props. Visit
www.practical-magic.com for more information.
5.9.09
Two
to click from O2. We featured these ads last week in the sign-off
section, but in case you missed them here they are again, and very good
they are too. Scott Penrose and Dynamo acted as consultants for the two sequences.
Starring:
Billy Kidd and
Brendan Patricks.
5.9.09
Conjuring
at the Court – 1st October. Conjuring at the Court returns on
Thursday 1st October after selling-out the last two performances. The
next show features Alan Shaxon, Roy Davenport, Lee Hathaway (photo) and
Russell Levinson, and will be compered by Richard Pinner. The venue is
the lovely theatre of the Drayton Court, 2 The Avenue, West Ealing,
London W13 8PH (Map).
It seats over 90 people comfortably and you can have a drink while
watching the magic. Doors open at 7.30pm and the show starts 8pm.
Tickets are £8 each via
www.conjuringatthecourt.com. Tickets will also be available on the
door – if any are left. The venue is opposite West Ealing Train Station
which is 12 minutes from Paddington. Free parking after 6.30pm on
adjacent roads. For more info visit
www.conjuringatthecourt.com.
5.9.09
Light
of the Blue Moon. 17-year old Joe Shellard is to produce a new
comedy, titled “Light of the Blue Moon”, for one night only, on Friday
30th October. Joe Shellard and his cast will perform a show of comedy
and illusion at the Albany Theatre in Greenwich. “This is a really
exciting time for theatre”, said Joe Shellard, the producer. “I am a
great fan of live entertainment and thought producing a show myself
would be an excellent way to encourage more young people into coming to
the theatre.” “Light of the Blue Moon” is a lively show, great for
teenagers and couples who want to see something out of the ordinary,
even featuring mind-reading with audience volunteers! Tickets are
available from The Albany on 020 8692 0231. More information can be
found at
www.lightofthebluemoon.com. Joe Shellard previously won the “Young
Magician of the Month” from The Magic Circle's Young Magicians Club..
5.9.09
Win
a copy of Experience: The Magic of Jon Allen. "Stunning
effects and jaw-dropping magic!" Jeff McBride, Creator of the Magic &
Mystery School. "For the first time ever, Jon Allen (creator of 'The
Silent Treatment' and one of the busiest magicians in the UK) is tipping
his most prized routines, and ideas — fifty effects packed into more
than 200 pages of polished, performance-ready magic. More than 400
photos are included to make your learning experience a pleasurable one.
Written with the inimitable style and wit of John Lovick, this important
book contains amazing magic that will fit directly into your real-world
repertoire." On Monday 14th September, someone will be randomly selected
to win a free copy of this amazing new book. Simply visit
www.vanishingincmagic.com/specials/jon-allen/magic-week enter your
details, and cross your fingers for your chance to win! We'll announce
the winner in two weeks. VanishingInc co-founder Joshua Jay was in a
serious boating accident recently and suffered a major injury to his
left arm and wrist. Early prognosis is that Josh will have a rigorous
6-month recovery, with hopes of regaining mobility.
5.9.09
The
Magicians of Basingstoke - update. Norman Morris emails:
"Unfortunately Mel Meller’s will not be able to make the MOB’s September
meeting due to revisions to his Caribbean cruise schedule. It is hoped
to set another date for Mel’s lecture when he’s back in the country. The
MOB are very grateful to Alan Mac who, at short notice, has kindly
agreed to present his lecture on rope magic. Non member magicians will
receive a warm welcome on 29th September at Kempshot Village Hall, Pack
Lane, Basingstoke RG22 5HN (Map)
7.30pm for 8pm. For more info contact Tony Russell on 01256 326666."
5.9.09
British
Magical Society lectures. In September the British Magical Society
in Birmingham have two international lecturers visiting them. On
September 8th Tyler Wilson from the USA and on the 29th, Sean Taylor
from Australia. For more information visit:
www.britishmagicalsociety.co.uk.
5.9.09
Safire
and Steel the UK’s Magical Robots will be appearing at
Lightwater Valley Theme Park on 31st October. Also appearing in the
theatre, Safire’s Magic Light Puppets with their Halloween Themed Spooky
Blacklight UV Show.
5.9.09
New
Book from Peter Eldin. This month sees the publication of the latest
book by Peter Eldin. Written for the general public with little or no
knowledge of magic
Chambers Card Tricks describes 100 tricks with playing cards. The
book explains some essential basic techniques and shows how to perform a
wide range of entertaining magic with cards. All the tricks are graded
from simple to advanced to make it easier for the reader to learn new
tricks at his or her level of expertise. Although best known to
magicians for his books on conjuring and his editorship of The Magic
Circular and Abracadabra, magic is actually quite a small part of
Peter’s prolific output. He specialises in factual, educational and fun
material for young people and has written numerous books on a wide range
of subjects. Name almost any topic of interest to children and it is
very likely that Peter has written about it. Chambers Card Tricks by
Peter Eldin will be published in England at £5.99 on 25th September. It
is a paperback of 160 pages and the ISBN-13 is 978 0550 10471 7. To
order from Amazon.co.uk
Click Here.
5.9.09
The
Magic Menu is now taking subscriptions. "For more than ten years,
from 1990 through 2001, The Magic Menu was a continuing and trusted
source of practical information for close-up magicians, particularly
those who performed in restaurants, bars and night spots. Each issue
brought real-world advice, information, reviews of the latest magic and
audience-tested effects from some of the best magicians in the world.
After an eight-year hiatus, The Magic Menu is back with a renewed vision
and a brand new staff for another generation of professional and
semi-professional close-up magicians. Some of the columnists and
contributors you'll meet include Paul Green (held over by popular demand
from the original staff), Paul Gordon, Christopher Lyle, James Prince,
Tom Frank and, of course, founder and editor Jim Sisti..." Visit
www.themagicmenu.com for more information and to subscribe.
5.9.09
Etienne
Pradier, London September 13th. There are still a few tickets
remaining for Etienne Pradier's lecture at The Phoenix Artists Bar,
Charing Cross Road, London, on Sunday 13th September at 7pm. Tickets are
£10 on the door or £8 if you register in advance by emailing
info@academyofmagic.com or
from 'Magic Cave' in Covent Garden. Those who can't make it will be able
to watch it all live online, via
www.academyofmagic.com.
5.9.09
Colonel
Custard (Paul Megram) lectures at the South London Magic Society on
Friday September 11th at 8pm (doors open at 7.30pm). Please visit
www.slmagic.co.uk
for details. Non-members £10.00.
5.9.09
Magic
Car Boot Sale. The next Magic Car Boot Sale at West Bromwich is on
tomorrow, Sunday 6th September, starting at 9.30am. Admission is £4 and
it is being held at 43 Union Street, West Bromwich B70 6BP (Map).
Just booked in amongst over 20 stalls, John Palfreyman is selling off
five cases of his magic and John Carrigan is selling his book collection
featuring lots of first editions and some real gems including Sharps and
Flats from 1894, More Magic (1890), and Our Magic (1911), plus hundreds
of magazines, recent classics and more. Also some Alan Warner mini
magic, including an item with a signed authenticity paper from Paul
Daniels to say that it was performed on his TV show. Own your very own
piece of magic history! For further details call Alec Powell on 07831
115448.
5.9.09
Care
& Share Balloon Performance Day, Watford, Hertfordshire, Wednesday
16th September. Graham Lee emails: "Danny Schlesinger
www.circoridiculoso.co.uk who I personally rate very highly will be
running the day, he has just got back from performing his one-man
balloon mime show at the Edinburgh festival. 'The Idiots Inside - and
letting them out, for Balloon Artists' Danny Schlesinger will be
teaching his workshop on “The Idiot Inside and letting them out” Danny
has taught this workshop for corporate clients, teachers, performers and
balloon artists. It is an interactive, physical and participatory
experience that will benefit both newcomers to performing and the more
experienced who wish to learn something new and usable. Danny will be
looking at four main areas; Comfort & Confidence, Play, Being
Ridiculous, How to apply this to balloon modelling?, and How do you
perform and balloon model? The day will be a series of games, exercises
and fun." For more details about the day and to book
Click Here.
5.9.09
Douglas
Maddy won the "Magic of the Mind" trophy for his Mentalist act and
the originality award for his creativity in the development of an
ambitious coin routine at the Northamptonshire Magicians' Club on
September 1st.
5.9.09
Liam
Ball emails: "I just wanted to say a big hello to any magicians that
may be traveling to Caen on the MV Normandie as I will be boarding as
the Entertainments Manager from Monday the 6th September for 2 weeks.
Feel free to pop in and talk magic any time."
5.9.09
Stuart
and Jayne Loughland (Safire) have just completed 106 performances of
“Chuckle Trek The Lost Generation” in over 63 theatres all over the UK
with BBC’s popular children’s favourites The Chuckle Brothers. Although
currently performing in their own show
Kamakan Live and Monstrous they will be making room to appear with
the Chuckle Brothers this Christmas in “A Christmas Chuckle” marking
their 8th time in a season with the Brothers. This will be a 23 date
Christmas show based on “A Christmas Carol” featuring all the usual
comedy capers and characters. Safire will be performing a themed magic
illusion spot, their popular Magic Light Puppets, and will also have
parts in the production. See
What's On for dates
and venues.
5.9.09
Tyler Wilson (USA) will be lecturing at the Bolton Magicians Club on Wednesday 9th September at the Doffcocker Inn, Chorley Old Road, Bolton BL1 5QE (Map). The start time is 8.30 pm and all visiting magicians are welcome for a small fee. www.bolton-magic.co.uk. For more info contact Steve Owen 07951 753447. See What's On for Tyler's other dates. 5.9.09
Magic,
1400s-1950s by Mike Caveney (Author), Jim Steinmeyer (Author), Ricky Jay
(Contributor) and Noel Daniel (Editor). Amazon.co.uk Pre-order Price
Guarantee: £87.75 (saving 35%) with free delivery via
Amazon.co.uk. Hardcover, 670 pages and very, very, very (trust me on
this one) big!
Click Here • The South Staffordshire Society of Magicians have a new
website: www.3sm.org.uk
• The Tommy Cooper Joke and Magic Shop have a new website
www.magic-are-us.co.uk and blog
www.magicareus.wordpress.com • "Stars rally round for theatre
fund-raiser"
Click Here • Ian Rowland and Drew McAdam have just been added to the
names appearing at Tabula Mentis VI: Paranormality Personified
Click Here for details • Jonathan Jay, reviews Richard Griffin and
Hayley Jane's show for Princess Cruise Lines this week,
Click Here • "Punch and Judy: that's the way to do it"
Click Here • "David Avadon dies at 60; illusionist specialized in
picking pockets"
Click Here • "Jonathan Creek's Alan Davies reveals fears for show
after BBC slash budget in half"
Click Here (that'll be the old sawing in half trick then Alan!)
• That's it for another week, many thanks for all your contributions,
have a good week, Duncan.
5.9.09