Number 489 - 7th November 2009
Derren
Brown Presents The 3D Magic Spectacular at 10pm on Monday
16th November on Channel 4. Featuring some of the world's greatest,
funniest and most shocking magicians performing magic in stunning 3D.
With Derren as host, some of Britain's leading performers dazzle the
audience with incredible trickery, and amazing archive footage features
performances of some of the world's greatest magic tricks. "Sainsbury's
now offering free glasses for Channel 4's 3D week"
Click Here.
7.11.09
John Archer lectures at the Leicester Magic Circle at 7.45pm on
Monday 16th November. No booking needed - just turn up on the night.
There is a £10.00 door charge for non-members for what should be a fantastic
evening. Venue: Ramada Hotel, Granby Street, Leicester LE1
6ES (Map).
For more information contact Secretary Barry Martin:
info@leicestermagiccircle.co.uk or visit
www.leicestermagiccircle.co.uk.
7.11.09
Conjuring
at the Court – West Ealing, London, 26th November. The next show on
Thursday 26th November stars Nicholas Einhorn (photo), Richard Pinner,
Oliver Tabor, Richard McDougall and Russell Levinson, with compère Paul
Metcalfe. That's quite a line-up! The venue is the lovely theatre at 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 at 8pm.
Tickets and further information via the website
www.conjuringatthecourt.com or on the door on the night if any are left.
Free
parking after 6.30pm on adjacent roads.
7.11.09
The
Baltic International Festival of Wonder and Magic 'Miraculous Amber'
4th-7th March 2010, Riga, Latvia. News has come in of an exciting
Festival of Magic that will take place in Riga, Latvia, next year. AMBER
- The Association of Baltic Illusionists was founded in April 2008 at
the Riga Black Magic Bar by two magicians from Latvia and Lithuania.
This club was created to help and unite magicians interested in art of
magic and illusion. The association is growing rapidly and now
includes members from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, the Ukraine and
Russia. This magic festival/convention would undoubtedly make a
fascinating
trip if combined with a holiday. The website
www.aabii.eu includes
initial information, and more details are being added all the time. Also
see this article:
Click Here.
7.11.09
Axel Hecklau's
ColaCap is reviewed this week by MagicWeek. It's not often that a
trick finds itself near the top of the 'News' pile, but this one
certainly deserves to be here. Axel's meticulous attention to detail has
resulted in a piece of magic that is as near perfect as can be. Read the
full review:
Click Here.
7.11.09
James
Brown lectures live for The Academy of Magic tomorrow evening
(Sunday 8th) at 7.30pm. You can 'tune in' to watch James Brown's lecture
as it goes out live via
www.academyofmagic.com for just £5.
You can also interact with James and ask questions throughout
the evening from your home. If you are in London the lecture is taking place
at The Phoenix Artist Club, Charing Cross Road, (doors open 7pm) and
tickets will be available on the door for £10.00. The bar will be open
until late for an evening of sessioning after the lecture.
7.11.09
The
Kings of Sizzle this year are.... Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee.
Paul and Debbie toured the country last week, presenting Regional
Winners with their Banger Awards for 'British Sausage Week 2009'.
Organised by The British Sausage Appreciation Society, British Sausage
Week celebrates the taste, quality and diversity of the sausage, of
which there are some 400 individually named varieties in Britain alone.
Visit
www.britishsausageweek.com for recipes and further information about
the week! "Bristol bangers are magic for magician Paul Daniels"
Click Here. "Chris Blake Butchers sizzle with success"
Click Here.
7.11.09
MAPro' Magic (Martin Allan Professional Magic) are now
advertising with MagicWeek: "Our aim is to offer you the latest products
at competitive prices, the best quality, the highest level of service
and to promote Magic as an art. Based near Selby, North Yorkshire, and
near York, Leeds, Hull and Doncaster, we are ideally located to serve
the whole of the UK. Our Magic Shop is available for dealer
demonstrations for your Magic Society and for your Junior Magic Clubs we
offer a "Teach In Session". We have over 7500 lines currently available,
and approximately 800 lines of stock for next day shipping (and dealer
dems). The products in stock range from the latest DVDs, Books and
Effects from the UK and US to magical standards such as playing cards
and silks. The current hot list included the new DVD '13 Steps to
Mentalism' with Richard Osterlind, 'Pointless' from Gregory Wilson and
'Strip' from Paul Harris. For the dealer dems I have some nice tips and
ideas that are added in that I have accumulated over the last 25 years
experience performing magic." Visit
www.mapromagic.co.uk today!
7.11.09
Father
Christmas Quick Change + optional chimney! Quick Change is currently
enjoying renewed interest with the arrival of Arturo Brachetti's
Change in the West End. A seasonal theme is now being offered for a
limited period by Tim for a Change? author Lee Alex - the 'Quick
Change Father Christmas Costume'. The Father Christmas costume changes
to any costume you wish, and the change can take place in an optional chimney -
the usual hoop having been altered to form a solid based square 'tube' made
from the finest brick-patterned fabric. Each costume is custom made to
your specific measurements from velvet with fake fur trimmings,
including leatherette boots and a luxurious beard. The whole outfit takes
up to three weeks to produce depending on demand. The costume is easy to
prepare thanks to the gimmicks used by Lee Alex, and the change takes
place in just seconds. For those who wish to change from Magician to
Father Christmas (or indeed any other costume) Lee also offers a "Quick
Change Tuxedo" too.
www.magic2wear.com.
7.11.09
Lecture/Dealer
Dem & Magic Auction - Blackpool. A lecture and dealer demonstration
will be presented by Alec Powell of Albion Magic from 4pm-5pm on Tuesday
10th November.
Admission is included in the door charge of £3.00 (Associates and
Members are free of charge). The Auction will then commence at 7pm with
viewing from 6pm. The Lecture and Jumbo Auction will all take place at
Blackpool Magicians Theatre Club, Rear of No. 1, Sherbourne Road, North
Shore, Blackpool FY1 2PW (Map).
Licensed Bar plus toasties, sandwiches and pies available all afternoon
and evening. Visit the magic shop and museum. Star Auctioneers Derek
Lever and Mike Shepherd. All enquiries in respect of this Auction should
be directed to Derek Lever, 32 Pilling Lane, Preesall, Poulton-Le-Fylde,
Lancashire FY6 0EU Phone/Fax: 01253 810113 email:
d.lever1@sky.com.
7.11.09
Lex
Schoppi, magician and costume technician from Germany, presents his
new book Quick Change volume 2. This new volume describes a
complete Quick Change act featuring 12 designer costumes. The techniques
described in this book explain in detail the required methods to gain
maximum speed. The book is a high quality publication aimed at magicians
who are seriously interested in learning the art of high speed costume
changes at the top level. Lex Schoppi's technique "tied ball gowns"
differs substantially from old well-known classic costume changes - his
new technique for the final costume employs an innovative method.
Available from your favourite magic dealer or direct from
www.lexschoppi.com.
7.11.09
World
Magic Shop are now advertising with us: "The business are creators
of the ‘Wizard Range’ of magic including such products as The Wizard
PK Ring, Coinvexed and The Mirage Coin Set. As well as
having over 7,000 products available online they have over 3,000 items
in stock in their Birmingham based shop, just five minutes from
Spaghetti Junction." For more details visit
www.worldmagicshop.com or
download a PDF map:
Click Here.
7.11.09
Northern
Magic Circle Convention update. Online registration is now available
for the Northern Magic Circle Convention which will be held on 27th -
28th March 2010 at the Marine Hall in Fleetwood, Lancashire. Acts booked to date are Nathan Kranzo, Chris Priest, Brian Sefton, Stephen
Williams, John Hotowka (photo), Darren Bonas, Paul Joyce, Clive Moore,
John Dixon and Kostya Kimlat with more names to be announced shortly.
For more convention news and to book visit
www.northernmagic.co.uk.
7.11.09
The
Magic
Circle Dealers' Day - Today! Saturday November 7th. The Magic Circle
Dealers' Day will take place on Saturday 7th November between 10am and
5pm at the Royal National Hotel, Bedford Way, London WC1H 0DG (Map).
Free to members of The Magic Circle with current membership card; £5 for
all other adults; £3 for under 16s.
7.11.09
November's
Magicseen has just been published. Editor Mark Leveridge writes: On
the cover we are delighted to feature international superstars JC Sum
and 'Magic Babe' Ning from Singapore. Inside you will find an in depth
article on the lively duo which reveals the dedication and drive that
have been required to get them where they are today. Also featured in
issue 29 are interviews with Alan Hudson (proving that magic and comedy
clubs do mix), Stephanie Preacher (aka Henrietta Rabbit, the children's
favourite) and Scott Penrose (classy stage performer and magical
advisor). If you are after great information articles, we have those
too. Craig Petty returns with the second part of his series on fake
coins, John Helvin takes a look at the psychology of Street Magic, and
we offer you a major piece on how to work magic on the radio, with sage
advice from experienced performers Ian Keable, Jay Fortune, Alan Jones,
Mark Waddington and Stuart Watkins. Then if reviews are your thing, we
have plenty to offer. As well as letting our review panel loose on a
selection of marketed products, we also have reports of three live
events, namely the Edinburgh Festival magic shows (Chris Cox, Jerry
Sadowitz, Barry and Stuart, Piff The Magic Dragon, Philip Escoffey,
Lewis Barlow and Pete Firman), Ivardo's Minnekongress in Norway and Jay
Fortune's Magic Moments 09 fund raising events. So there's plenty to
excite and entertain in the latest issue and you can get yours right now
as part of a 1 or 2 year subscription, or as a single paper copy or as a
download from the magicseen website
www.magicseen.co.uk.
7.11.09
Illusionist
Rides His Magic Carpet Again. Following a short break from touring
to work on other projects, International Illusionist Doctor Bondini and
the Ladies of Mystery will dust off their magic carpet and again travel
the length and breadth of the kingdom to astonish audiences with their
stories, dance and magic. Doctor Bondini promises a fun-filled show for
all the family, with lots of audience participation as well as great
drama, hilarity, spectacle and grand illusion. Doctor Bondini will be
presenting some of his much loved illusions together with some
impressive new magical content. “You can enjoy my magic whatever age you
are. I try to rekindle the childhood dreams which linger in all of us,
dreams which are all too easily forgotten as we grow older and succumb
to the pressures of modern life.” said Doctor Bondini. Visit
www.bondini.co.uk
for tour dates.
7.11.09
Congratulations
to Douglas Maddy, 1st prize winner at the Northamptonshire
Magicians' Club 'Neville Ayris Memorial Trophy for Children’s
Entertainment' competition last Tuesday.
www.douglasmaddy.com.
7.11.09
Missing
Pieces. Matt Colman emails to let us know that he has just released
a new eBook Missing Pieces. "Veering away from the conventional style of
writing, it's a crazy concoction of real world repertoire material, pipe
dreams and moves..." Visit
www.mattcolman.co.uk/shop for details.
7.11.09
Magic's Biggest Secrets Finally Revealed (again) 6pm on Saturday 7th November on
ITV4. "The Masked Magician returns to television
to defy his fellow illusionists and reveal the secrets that lay behind
tricks that have astonished audiences for centuries." See
TV Magic.
7.11.09
Richie
Austin has just returned from a non-stop 9 months of performing all
over the world clocking up about 115,000 air miles and emails that he is
delighted to have had such a busy year considering the current financial
climate. Richie can be seen starring as Muddles in Snow White and the
Seven Dwarfs at the Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne, Dorset from December 6th to
January 2nd. Richie's new website is now online:
www.richieaustin.com with photos and design by
www.thephotomonkeys.co.uk.
7.11.09
Alan
Mylecraine and Allan Clarke can be heard on Radio Lancashire 103.9FM
between 9am and 10am this morning (Saturday) discussing the history and
continued growth and progress of The Fylde Mystics. For membership
details visit
www.fyldemystics.co.uk or email Alan Mylecraine:
info@fyldemystics.co.uk.
7.11.09
Jeremy
Dyson (writer of League of Gentlemen) and Andy Nyman have co-written
a brand new play called 'Ghost Stories'. It plays at the Liverpool
Playhouse from February 4th - 20th and then the Lyric Hammersmith from
February 24th - April 3rd. It will be a terrifying 80 minutes with
moments of extreme tension and high shock! Tickets are selling fast at
both venues. Watch a teaser on
YouTube.
www.andynyman.com.
7.11.09
British
street performer James James emigrated to Australia last winter and
has now set up a blog which he'll be updating regularly... "Met a girl,
settled down... (sounds like a Cat Stevens song), fell in love and got
married. Now I can say I've travelled 13,000miles to work in a shopping
mall (always gets a laugh)." Keep up to date via
www.thetartantrickster.blogspot.com.
7.11.09
Play
your cards right... It was strictly entertainment last weekend when
Paul Martin,
Mark Williams and
Etienne
Pradier entertained the stars of the BBC's hit show Strictly Come
Dancing. At the private event in London the trio of magicians amazed
guests that included host Bruce Forsyth and the shows' stars. The photo
shows Bruce Forsyth reliving his past by playing his cards right, but it
was the bottle through table trick which really left him speechless!
7.11.09
Acclaimed
balloon modeller and comedy magician Flash (Rupert Appleyard aka the
eccentric adventurer Phileas Flash) returns to the UK this weekend
having completed his contract for First Choice. The last nine months has
seen him perform in the Dominican Republic, Egypt and Spain, during
which time he has brought his unique flair for craziness to thousands of
holidaymakers. Whilst in Spain he premiered his new show 'The Spy who
Shoved Me', a comic tribute to James Bond, which sees Flash attempt to
save his uncle from an unknown evil genius planning to create a
dooms-duck device and take over the world! Suitable for all ages, the
show has been described as innovative and has been receiving fantastic
responses from audiences. He has also been remodelling his critically
acclaimed show; 'The (not so) Amazing Flashdini' and adding new material
to his walkabout and compering. He would like to thank his brilliant
team for one of the most challenging and memorable summers of his life.
Flash will be appearing at Chatworth House for their bonfire event today
(Saturday 7th). Catch up with some of his misadventures on online via
You
Tube. For booking enquiries please email
rupert.appleyard@live.com.
7.11.09
S1L3NC3:
Mind Reading & Reality Abuse. "S1L3NC3 makes a stunning return to
full form. Mind Reading & Reality Abuse was a complete sell out
at the Camden Fringe 2009, and the show is coming to Oxford from the
17th-21st November. After the 5 star sell-out success of the last show
in Oxford, 9 months of preparation, experimentation and collaboration
will bring you 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. Strictly over 18s, not
for the faint hearted. Contains visual scenes of self harm." "Undeniably
impressive" OxStu "The stuff of nightmares" DailyInfo.
Tickets available via:
www.oxfordplayhouse.com.
7.11.09
Gavin
Davey was awarded first place in the George Key Memorial Trophy (for
stage magic) at the
Mid Essex Magical Society Sandon Village Hall, near Chelmsford, on
Tuesday 27th.
www.theprofessionalmagician.com.
7.11.09
"Carl
Ballantine, an 'amazing' comedy magician and 'McHale's Navy' co-star,
has died"
Click Here • Carl Ballantine Actor, entertainer, 92
Click Here • "The Man Behind the Magic"
Click Here • "World's best magician to perform in Pattaya"
Click Here • "Cruise ship performances are just magic"
Click Here • "Win tickets to Arturo Brachetti - Change at the
Garrick Theatre"
Click Here • The Magic Castle Celebrates 100 Years"
Click Here • "A year in, Criss Angel’s ‘Believe’ hasn’t changed
much for the better"
Click Here • "The Science of Magic: Not Just Hocus-Pocus"
Click Here • Nick
Brown reviews George Kovari's recent lecture in Dunstable this week,
Click Here • Two in the Bush... a game of chance that
you control, in eBook format from Paul Brook,
Click Here • Chris North reviews the recent Ipswich Magical Society
Convention,
Click Here • Your UK magic news is always welcome - see you next
week, Duncan.
7.11.09