Number 484 - 3rd October 2009
The
International Magic Convention has a reputation for bringing exciting new
talent to these shores for the first time, with debut English convention
appearances from Gary Kurtz, David Williamson, Rick Merrill and Lennert
Green in the past. This year many more performers will be appearing for
the very first time too. Chris Mitchell (photo), a well known comedy
magician who plays major comedy venues and cruise ships in America will
be appearing in the Friday Night Stand Up Comedy Show and Gala Show
(sure to be one of the comedy highlights of the evening) and David
Minkin, a well established Californian close-up performer and finalist
in last year's joint IBM/SAM $10,000 competition, will be appearing in
the Close-Up Gala Show. International Magic Convention, Mermaid Theatre,
London, November 27th-29th. For registrations visit
www.internationalmagic.com.
3.10.09
Ed’s
Magic Stall. The Zeppelin Shelter is a themed WW1 pub in Aldgate,
London, that hosts a monthly magic forum and special magic nights.
Following a run of successful shows at the Zeppelin, Ed the Magician has
organised a weekly ‘open mic’ style forum for locals to trial their
latest tricks to a small audience in a friendly venue for like-minded
illusionists. The evening is hosted by Ed the Magician on the first
Tuesday of every month, with the next being this Tuesday, 6th October.
Entrance is free, with performances from 7pm – 11pm, the forum also
features guests and Ed’s stall where you can buy new magic! Visitors are
encouraged to participate, but they may just watch. If you'd like a
specific time slot or your act requires setting up, email Ed first
edthemagician@hotmail.co.uk.
The Zeppelin Shelter, 40 Leman Street, London E1 8EU (Map).
3.10.09
Chris
Dugdale An Evening of Magic & Mindreading. "Wooed by Angelina Jolie,
praised by the Queen, world class magician, illusionist and mind-reader
Chris Dugdale returns by popular demand to the Riverside Studios this
October with a ground-breaking new magic show. Have you ever wondered
how somebody can be in two places at one time? Have you ever doubted the
evidence of your own eyes? In an empowering journey through the mind of
a consummate showman and magician, Chris fuses live and recorded video,
cutting edge technology with close-up magic, mind-reading and theatrical
artistry to create an amazing interactive spectacle that will leave you
bewitched and perplexed." Chris explains: "I have spent my whole life
dreaming up some of these effects, blending classical magic with modern
deception. I want people to go out completely stunned and thoroughly
entertained." The show runs at the Riverside Studios, Crisp Road,
Hammersmith, London W6 9RL (Map)
between 13th and 16th October. Box Office: 020 8237 1111. Tickets £14,
£12 concessions.
www.riversidestudios.co.uk.
3.10.09
Junior
Masterclass. The Northern Magic Circle are staging a Junior
Masterclass as part of their convention next year featuring Nathan
Kranzo, John Hotowka, Chris Priest and a surprise guest.
Click Here for details.
3.10.09
It's
Magic
Moments Day today. Last year magicians raised over £11,000 for
charity in just one day visit
www.jfortune.co.uk/Jay/Magic_Moments.html
to see how today's event is doing.
3.10.09
Poz
lectures for the Watford Association of Magicians on Tuesday October
6th at 8pm. Non-members are welcome (£10 door charge). Non-members
wishing to attend should contact the club secretary, Julie Carpenter,
via email first:
juliecarpenter@themagiccircle.co.uk.
3.10.09
Bolton
Magician's Club Close-up Magic Competition took place on last
Wednesday. Congratulations to Jason Rea seen here receiving the winner's
shield from the club's president Paul Molyneux. The competition was
hotly contested but Jason displayed exceptional charisma and skill to
win the trophy. Peter Turner and Geoff Leech were placed second and
third respectively.
www.bolton-magic.co.uk.
3.10.09
John
Bannon's Bullets After Dark. "On November 4th John Bannon's 'Bullets
After Dark', a 2-Disc DVD, will hit the shops, released by
BigBlindMedia! It's 3 hours of sheer genius that will fire up your
creative juices like nothing you have seen before. And if you pre-order
with BigBlindMedia, you can get two exclusive Bannon freebies today!
Chaingang (a brand new Collector's Routine) and Open & Notorious
(Bannon's eBook on the 'Open Prediction'). These are only available by
pre-ordering at
www.bigblindmedia.com and will be emailed to you the same day that
you put your order in! Featuring brand new material, re-worked classics,
and the cream of the crop from Bannon's best-selling book, Dear Mr.
Fantasy, 'Bullets After Dark' is a treasure trove of workable,
awe-inspiring magic - from self-workers (that will fool you) to
deviously constructed sleight-of-hand routines." To watch demos, learn
more and pre-order visit
www.bigblindmedia.com.
3.10.09
Mark
Leveridge Magic Dealer Night - Newbury, Monday 12th October. Mark
Leveridge Magic's next Dealer Night which will be held at the Chequers
Hotel, Newbury. Previous similar events in Bristol and Birmingham were
great successes and there is just time to register for this latest
evening which includes a dealer dem, a mini lecture of three previously
unpublished ideas, plus the chance for attendees to receive 10% off the
entire MLM entire range. There will be a full display of MLM and
Magicseen products, three prize draws for items worth up to £10, £20 and
£30, together with other special offers and freebies too! The evening
starts at 7pm and will finish at about 10pm and is designed to be a
relaxed and sociable time for everyone. Anyone who pre-registers now for
just £10 will receive a Credit Voucher worth £20 to put towards their
purchases on the night. For full details and a registration from visit
www.markleveridge.co.uk.
3.10.09
Paul
Stockman: Connected, twin set DVD: "Alakazam Magic take great pride
in bringing fresh new material from original artists to the forefront of
the magic and mentalism communities and the latest of these exciting new
talents is a name that is destined to become synonymous with modern
mentalism. For over a decade, Paul Stockman has been extremely busy
performing his unique and fascinating style of psychological
entertainment all around the world. Appearing at almost two hundred
events every year Paul is in constant demand and is a consummate and
professional entertainer in every sense of the word. From intimate,
high-end celebrity gatherings to full evening theatre shows for two and
a half thousand people, Paul has performed in virtually all situations
possible. 'Connected' is Paul Stockman’s DVD debut and showcases some of
the finest modern mentalism in the world today, seamlessly blending
deviously clever methods and engagingly entertaining plots this double
DVD set is certain to become a must-see for all stand-up performers..."
Visit
www.alakazam.co.uk for more info and to pre-order (Alakazam have a
new DVD release from Michael Vincent in December - keep a watch on their
site for details).
3.10.09
Kovari
- Mystic Ring evening. Kovari, President of The Mystic Ring, is to
lecture at the Mystic Ring clubroom on October 15th at 7.45pm. Kovari
will talk on his career in magic, his TV appearances, and films and TV
shows that he has advised on. The talk will be illustrated by stories
about the magicians and celebrities he has known, with film clips, many
rare, as well as demonstrations of some of the magical effects used.
"This is a great opportunity to go behind the scenes with one of
the country's best performers and creative thinkers." The talk takes
place at The Conservative Club, 49 High Street, North Dunstable, and
costs £5 to non-members.
3.10.09
Amethyst
perform this weekend in the gala show at Cannons Great Escapes, Escape
artists convention, California. Their show features three brand new
escape routines designed by the duo, one which was built by Philip
Hitchcock of Secret Workshop who has brought a terrifying escape idea to
life. Amethyst then return to the UK to continue their successful shows
with British comedy legend, Ken Dodd visit
www.amethyst-illusions.com for details.
3.10.09
Tony
Griffith will be holding another of his popular 'At Homes' on Sunday
18th April 2010 in Bristol from 10.30.am to 5pm.
Included in the registration price of £40 will be morning coffee on
arrival, a great buffet lunch, and tea and cakes prior to departure.
Tony has considerable experience in the world of magic having lectured
throughout Europe, the USA, Australia and New Zealand, has lectured at
The Magic Circle on seven occasions and at the Magic Castle in Hollywood
on five occasions, where he has also given over 100 performances. Tony
is a Gold Star Member of The Inner Magic Circle. The day will cover a
variety of areas including close-up magic, trade show magic, presenting
and organising a One Man Show, After Dinner speaking/entertainment, and
more. A discount of £5 will be given to those registering before 30th
November 2009. Numbers attending will not exceed 12 persons, so if you
are interested in having a more in depth look at magic with an
experienced professional, contact Tony on 01275 835463 or email
tony@tonygriffith.co.uk -
for more info visit
www.tonygriffith.co.uk.
3.10.09
Best
Comedy Night in Town! News from magician/golfer John Derris: The
Vaudeville Golfing Society is celebrating its 80th Annual Dinner and
Cabaret on Sunday 8th November at The Royal Lancaster Hotel, London.
Acknowledged as the season's best value show biz evening with brilliant
speakers and a top cabaret that includes Magician/Juggler Michael Pearse
(photo). It will be a star studded gentlemen only event with the accent
on comedy with celebrity guests Gary Lineker, Paul Daniels, Roy Hudd,
Sir Henry Cooper, Tom O'Connor and many others. For details and tickets
go to
www.vaudeville-golfing-society.com.
3.10.09
Dan
Garrett lectures at the Bath Circle of Magicians on Thursday 22nd
October. "The Bath Circle is proud to present the return of a close-up
legend. Dan Garrett is an old favourite with a score of performances for
TV and top international venues. He is also one of the great magician's
magicians, with regular performances at the big conventions and inner
membership of the top national clubs from MIMC to National Presidency of
the SAM. His wealth of performing experience incredibly includes the
Presidential Inauguration Dinner for George W. Bush, who was a rational,
intelligent man before he met Dan. This lecture will combine classics
with brand new material to offer something for everyone. All magic folk
welcome for £10 on the door. Arrive 7.45pm for an 8pm start." Contact
Oli Foster for further details on 07817 726 785 or email
o_foster@das.co.uk.
3.10.09
Britain's
Top Talent. Following on from last week's story about Paul Zenon
appearing in Las Vegas, the show, entitled 'Britain's Top Talent' was
produced by Paul Stone, and also starred Jeff Hobson (who emceed the
show), Nathalie Enterline (a legendary baton twirler and acrobat who was
seen in the Magic Circle's Centenary), Arron Sparks (a young Yo-Yo guy),
and singer Ben Stone, who performed with an 8 piece 'live' Band and
backing singers, and The Overtures, the 60's Tribute Band.
3.10.09
Christopher
Taylor and Matthew Johnson, two of Canada's most creative thinkers,
join forces on Tuesday 13th October at 8pm to lecture at the Northampton
Magicians' Club, Westone Manor Hotel, Ashley Way, Weston Favell,
Northampton NN3 3EA (Map).
Visitors £8 Telephone 01604 517406 for details.
3.10.09
At
the British Ring Convention Banquet last week Toastmaster Geoffrey
Newton (the immediate past President of The Order of The Magi) presented
President Trevor Lewis with a framed and mounted front cover of almost
the last edition of Abracadabra, which was The Magi’s Centenary issue.
The picture is of the birthday cake and the magazine contained tricks,
experiences, articles and greetings.
3.10.09
The
Fylde Mystics will be hosting a lecture on Tuesday 6th October from
top children's entertainer Paul Guy. The lecture will start at 8pm and
visiting magicians are welcome at a charge of £5.00. This meeting will
mark the first at the society's new venue which is The South Shore Lawn
Tennis Club, Midgeland Road, Blackpool, Lancashire FY4 5HZ (Map)
just off the M55. For more info visit
www.fyldemystics.co.uk or email
info@fyldemystics.co.uk.
3.10.09
The
Punch & Judy Fellowship's Annual Covent Garden Festival - tomorrow,
Sunday 4th October from 10am until 4pm in the North Hall of Covent
Garden Piazza. Mark Andrews emails: "Come along and enjoy the
performances given throughout the day by members of the Punch & Judy
Fellowship. For more information visit
www.thepjf.com. The PJF will also be holding its AGM on the same day
at 6.30pm, at the CAA, Bedford Street, and shall be entertained
afterwards by John Kimmons (ventriloquist and magician) who was recently
awarded the title of 'World Champion Children's Entertainer'. Whilst the
AGM itself is for PJF members, we do welcome guests and friends who
would like to enjoy the entertainment of John Kimmons."
3.10.09
New
lecturer, Roberto Forzoni MMC. 'Magic, Mentalism & Psychology'
"Looking at the psychology behind the magic, Roberto Forzoni, one of the
county’s leading sport psychologists, takes you on an intriguing journey
of magic, mentalism and psychology. After launching the full lecture at
the Kent Magicians’ Guild comments included 'Excellent, a wonderful
lecture... great effects, very well presented with loads packed in!'
Comments about the effects shown included: 'Wow' 'very powerful' and
'brilliant ideas'. To see for yourself why not ask Roberto to visit your
club?" Telephone 07956 263348 or email
robertoforzoni@mac.com.
3.10.09
Magical
Showtime - Gibraltar. Magical Showtime was a special fund-raising
event produced by StageOne Productions in aid of Great Ormond Street
Hospital, London. It featured Jamie Zammitt, Levi Attias, Jordan and
Shailah Lopez (from 'Faster Than Magic') and special guest, Hans Kazan,
from Holland. The three performances all sold out and the audiences
loved it. The moto was 'Keep the Magic Alive' - for more information on
the details of the charity, and what the show was all about, visit
www.stageone.gi.
3.10.09
Magician Wanted for International Day of Climate Action. A Rocha, a Christian environmental organisation (www.arocha.org.uk), are planning to join with the Global Climate Action Day on Saturday 24th October, as part of the 350.org campaign. "We are trying to organise an event at Southall Park, and are desperately looking for a magician, someone who could make the event more fun, and be a part of our action. The Event will be opened by peaceful multi-faith meditation for a period of 350 seconds in Southall Park, followed by different acts: magic, dance and speech etc. Each act will have 350 seconds allocated time. We want to make it fun for people of all backgrounds and levels who will be joining us for the event. On October 24, the International Day of Climate Action will cover almost every country on earth, the most widespread day of environmental action in the planet’s history. If you'd like to be a part of this event contact: Kailean Khongshai, Community Worker, A Rocha, Phone: 0208 574 5935 or email kailean.khongsai@arocha.org.uk. 3.10.09
From Sceptic to Psychic? Can a scientist become a psychic and win a million dollars? Dr. Matthew Smith left behind the safety of academic life last week to pursue a unique and rather ambitious project. After more than fifteen years of researching ‘paranormal’ experiences from a scientific perspective, Matthew will set aside his scepticism to see if he can discover and develop his own hidden psychic abilities. In a year-long project, he will work with some of the world’s leading mediums and psychics to discover if he has any hidden psychic talents. Leading parapsychologists will monitor his progress by subjecting him to scientific tests along the way. At the end of the year he will take the million dollar challenge offered by American magician and sceptic James Randi for anyone who can demonstrate genuine paranormal abilities. ‘This challenge takes me outside of academia, and out of my comfort zone, to explore these topics from a very different perspective.’ Said Matthew. Matthew is writing about his experience for a book, Million Dollar Psychic, to be published next year.
Matthew’s first challenge will be today, Saturday 3rd October, when he will be giving readings at a psychic fair in Witney, Oxfordshire. ‘They will be readings based on tarot, and maybe a little cold reading!’, explained Matthew, ‘I’m keen to find out how good my readings are before I’ve even started any psychic development.’ Matthew will give readings for free and ask his clients to compare his with those they get from other readers at the fair. Saturday 3rd October: Psychic Fair, Langdale Hall, Market Square, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX8 6AB (Map). 3.10.09
Christmas Gothic Victorian Séance. Experience the mystery and secrets and tricks of the Victorian Séance with Paul Bell. "As you get to be part of a real Victorian Séance, prepare to encounter a night of terror as you are taken on a journey of suspense and intrigue. You will be involved in the fear factor of a traditional Victorian Séance using all the old techniques. This is a night of genuine séance phenomena mixed with psychological illusion. Not for the faint hearted!" Saturday, 5th December at 10pm. £22.00. Bookings: 01789 298070. Venue: The Falstaff Experience, 40 Sheep Street, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 6EE (Map). www.falstaffexperience.co.uk. 3.10.09
The Amazing Chang, The Magic of Whittington Wickes. Delve into the magical world of Samuel L. Whittington-Wickes at this exhibition which celebrates the life and career of the famous Leamington magician. The exhibition has drawn interest from magicians and illusionists worldwide, including David Copperfield who said: ‘Every age has its superstar illusionists. Chang was one of the greatest of his era.’ Grand opening: Saturday 17th October, 12noon – 3pm, Royal Pump Rooms Museum, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire. Entry is free, just drop in and join in. David Taylor MMC will be performing a range of classic parlour and close-up magic. All ages are welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information on the exhibition Click Here. 3.10.09
IBM Southport Fringe. Tom Weil emails: "The IBM Fringe last weekend was a great success. It was largely sponsored by The Academy of Magic and The Magic Cave and organised by the incomparable Fay Presto and Richard Pinner. We are currently working on and editing a full documentary video featuring highlights of this year's Fringe events, which will be available to stream free of charge on www.academyofmagic.com. These is already a trailer up on You Tube and the peoples' choice pick of the fringe, Lee Hathaway's hilarious lottery prediction is available to watch here: You Tube." 3.10.09
Johnny Fantastica will be performing his award winning "The Rose" at the evening cabaret of the GLDA Young Arts and Film Festival at the Unicorn Theatre, Tooley Street, London Bridge, London, on Saturday October 5th at 6.30pm. 3.10.09
David Gemmell's new eBook Pasteboard Paradise as well as his take one the famous Curry / James plot '51 for Two' is reviewed by Andrew Loh at pasteboards.blogspot.com. This book and more of David's work can be purchased from Lybrary.com, Merchant of Magic and Kernow Magic. David is now taking bookings for lectures in 2010 and can be contacted by email david.mindreader.gemmell@googlemail.com. 3.10.09
Bring your ideas to fruition! John Harrower emails: "Would you like to make your contribution to the magic world? If you’ve released products before or are looking to get your first product into the market then Road2Magic.com can help you; let us sell it and we’ll share the profits fairly. Road2magic.com specialise in downloadable products so if you have written a PDF/eBook or filmed a magic video then we’d love to hear from you at webmaster@road2magic.com. We also can design promotional artwork and convert DVDs into downloadable products." For more information visit www.road2magic.com. 3.10.09
"Derren
Brown meets Roushan on ICRadio"
Click Here • "Youthful mentalist a magician at reading minds"
Click Here • "Essex magician's amazing day inside the
remarkable world of David Copperfield"
Click Here • "A
magical trip into childhood"
Click Here • Your UK magic news is always welcome - see you
next week, Duncan.
3.10.09