Number 492 - 28th November 2009
Join
Mel Mellers and his crew as they travel the length and
breadth of the UK to bring you 14 brand new routines on this superb new
2 Volume DVD set. Over a year in the making, you'll see Mel perform in
various live shows and then watch as he explains everything in
the studio afterwards. Russ Stevens of RSVPMagic said "Following the
success of the last Mel Mellers DVD projects
Tickling the Mind and
Undiscovered Wonder we've been asked by many people when will Mel
be releasing more material... well, here it is - and in time for
Christmas too!" (I've just finished watching the preview discs. The
mischievous Mel Mellers has done it again - these DVDs are pure gold! DT). Visit
www.rsvpmagic.com to pre-order
and watch the trailers.
28.11.09
Ali
Cook performs a 20 minute spot this coming Monday, November 30th, on
Frank Skinner's Credit Crunch Cabaret at the Lyric Theatre on
Shaftesbury Avenue. It's not often a magician gets a spot on a big
comedy show like this, so it'll be a great opportunity for people to see
Ali on the big stage.
www.alicook.com.
28.11.09
Blackpool
2010. The full programme of events for February's Blackpool
Convention is now online, and once again they've managed to cram a
week's worth of magic into just three days! Friday 19th, Saturday 20th,
Sunday 21st February 2010. Visit
www.blackpoolmagic.com.
28.11.09
Thom
Peterson has been added to the Northern Magic Circle Convention
lineup for 2010. Thom's magic is faster than a speeding bullet, his
comedy is more powerful than a locomotive. Thom's riotous comedy and
mind-bending magic will have you in stitches - he'll be performing and
lecturing during the weekend which will be held at the Fleetwood Marine
Hall, Lancashire on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th March 2010. A
registration form is available by emailing
convention@northernmagic.co.uk or simply download a copy via
www.northernmagic.co.uk.
28.11.09
Antique
& Collectors' Items Auction - 11am on Friday 4th December
at the Bedford Auction Centre. "We are very pleased to have been
instructed to sell a collection of items relating to Punch and Judy in
our next Robert Room Sale on the 4th of December. This collection was
formed by the well known local character Richard Stupple. Richard, who
lived in Kempston, Bedfordshire most of his life, was Chairman of The
Magic Circle when he died in 2007. He was well known locally and
recognised as one of the country’s leading children's' entertainers. As
well as his skills as a performer, Richard was considered a leading
collector and an authority on all things connected with Punch & Judy.
His passion for collecting Punch & Judy items started over 40 years ago
and several items in his collection are more than 100 years old. The
collection includes a group of rare mid 19th century Staffordshire
character jugs modelled as Punch and Judy, an early 19th century set of
Punch and Judy puppets with papier-mâché heads to be sold with a period proscenium, and
a great number of 'affordable' collectables - truly something for
everyone who wants to rekindle those happy seaside memories of their
childhood!"
www.peacockauction.co.uk.
28.11.09
Do
you want to read minds? By Richard Wiseman and Sarah Angliss.
"Finally someone has released a rather fantastic mind reading app that
genuinely triggers that “wow – how did you do that?” response." Derren
Brown. Richard Wiseman writes: "Ever wanted to read a person’s mind? Well, now you can with
Telepath, the new mind-reading iphone app that the wonderful Sarah
Angliss and I are releasing today. The idea is simple. Someone thinks of
a number or image, and mentally sends their thoughts to the iphone. They
then turn over the iphone and are astounded to discover their thoughts
on the screen..."
Click Here.
28.11.09
Roy
Davenport is presenting his magic show at Leamington Spa Art Gallery
& Museum as part of an exhibition about the famous 20th century stage
illusionist, The Amazing Chang. The show, which takes place on Thursday
7th January, from 6.30pm - 7.30pm, will include an opportunity to see
magic tricks performed with original props that were used in Chang's
stage shows.
Davenports Magic, London, provided many of the fascinating original
props, stunning backdrops and advertising materials that feature in the
exhibition. Roy
Davenport said: "I have always been interested in bringing historic
magic to a modern public. It is a wonderful feeling to breathe life back
into a magic prop that has not been performed for 70 years." The
performance is suitable for the whole family. Entry is £3 per adult,
with free entry for children, students and FLAG members (Friends of
Leamington Art Gallery). Advance booking is essential as places are
limited. Call 01926 742700 to book.
www.warwickdc.gov.uk/royalpumprooms.
28.11.09
Harry
Robson – A Laugh a Minute. Reported by Pieras Fitikides,
President , Cyprus Magic Society "Last week (11th November) we had Harry
come to Cyprus and he entertained us with his laugh a minute lecture, it
certainly lived up to its name. With his unique blend of magic and
humour it made an enjoyable evening for everyone. Andrew Dean also
entertained us with some of his favourite classic effects with his own
twists to them. We are looking forward to seeing both Harry and Andy at
the convention in Blackpool." If you'd like a laugh a minute then
Harry’s lecture is for you:
www.harryrobsonmagic.co.uk.
28.11.09
Merlins
of Wakefield will be celebrating 15 years of Magic Dealing in 2010,
and will be introducing some great offers and deals. Their latest 16
page Preview is now available, and can be sent as a PDF, or by regular
mail. Just contact them for your free copy -
merlins@btconnect.com
telephone 01924 339933 and keep checking their website every week for
some very special 15th anniversary discounts -
www.merlinswakefield.com.
28.11.09
The
Tommy Cooper Christmas Special Show - 20th December, Alton. "Is it a
talk? Is it a speech? Is it a show? It's all three 'coz it's magic! The
unique style of the late great Tommy Cooper means that this tribute is
suitable for everyone. Audiences cry with laughter at the tricks that go
wrong and the jokes that only Tommy could get away with. The show is
brimming over with great anecdotes, how the magic developed through the
war years and what ever did happen to Tommy Cooper's last Fez!" Sunday
December 20th. 2pm and 7.30pm. Box office: 01420 82203. Presented by
Clive Greenaway.
www.altonassemblyrooms.co.uk.
28.11.09
The
Bob Day Card Competition - Portsmouth. On Monday 23rd November,
Portsmouth & District Magic Circle held The Bob Day Card Competition.
This annual card competition, named in memory of a long serving member,
was won by Hampshire magician, Greg Williamson. His smooth card handling
and slick presentation earned him a cash prize and The Bob Dday Memorial
Shield. The photo shows Greg being presented the shield by Bob's
daughter, Sarah.
www.gregwilliamson.co.uk.
28.11.09
Jon
and Jackson. On Thursday night, Jon Allen helped launch Lyoness UK
along with world recorder holder Cindy Jackson, the ‘Face of Lyoness’.
As well as entertaining the business partners during and after the
presentation, Jon had less than a week to create a 20 minute,
product-related stand up act after a planned presentation had to pull
out.
www.close-upmagician.com.
28.11.09
John
O’Riordan AIMC is seen here receiving the Mid Essex Magical
Society's Shield and Close-up trophy for winning the close-up
competition for a third consecutive year. Presentations took place at
the Awards Dinner which was held at the Three Lakes Golf and Country
Club, Cold Norton, Essex on November 20th. Luke Keteleers on left was
placed 3rd and Richard Graham on right 2nd.
28.11.09
Six
Impossible Things Before Dinner - Philip Escoffey. Philip Escoffey
will be performing for a 3 week run at the Sydney Opera House in January
2010. Following a hit premiere at the 2008 Edinburgh Festival Fringe and
sold-out seasons at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and
Melbourne Fringe, Philip Escoffey makes his Sydney debut with Six
Impossible Things Before Dinner. "…leaves our minds well and truly
wrangled…" The Times. The maverick showman will challenge what
you believe to be true. Although he has never met you, can this stranger
really know you better than you know yourself? What interests Philip is
not whether people can read minds or not (as luck would have it, it
seems he can), but what the rational mind does in the face of an
irrefutable demonstration of six very impossible events. Venue: The
Studio, Dates: From Tuesday 12 January, Duration: 75 minutes.
www.sydneyoperahouse.com/whatson.
28.11.09
The
Surrey Society of Magicians held their Annual Stage Competition in
Leatherhead last week. The standard of acts this year was very high but
on the night the eventual winner was Stephen Baker (for the second year
running). The 2nd place spot went to John Field and in 3rd was George
Yates with his modern take on 'Russian Roulette'. The Bernard Weller
Trophy for Comedy (as voted for by the society membership) went to
"Jelly Kelly" Cummins. Pictured, with the four winners, is magical judge
and President of The Magic Circle, Jack Delvin MIMC.
www.surreymagic.co.uk.
28.11.09
Johnny
Fantastica "Johnny Fantastica will be performing his hilarious
award-winning comedy show 'Doctor Deaf' at the Stratford Circus Theatre,
London. at 8pm on Saturday December 5th".
28.11.09
Magic,
1400s-1950s by Mike Caveney (Author), Jim Steinmeyer (Author), Ricky Jay
(Contributor) and Noel Daniel (Editor) was published on October 15th by
Taschen GmbH. "The scientists of showbiz. Magic has enchanted humankind
for millennia, evoking terror, laughter, shock and amazement. Once
persecuted as heretics and sorcerers, magicians have always been
conduits to a parallel universe of limitless possibility - whether
invoking spirits, reading minds, or inverting the laws of nature by
sleight of hand. Long before science fiction, virtual realities, video
games, and the Internet, the craft of magic was the most powerful
fantasy world man had ever known. As the true pioneers of special
effects in human history, magicians have never ceased to mystify by
perpetually making the impossible possible. This book celebrates 500
years of the dazzling visual culture of the world's greatest magicians.
Featuring over 1,000 rarely seen vintage posters, photographs,
handbills, and engravings in one 640-page volume, it traces the history
of magic as a performing art from the 1470s through the post-WWII years.
Through sensational images and clear and insightful accompanying text,
"Magic" explores the evolution of the magician's craft, from its early
street performers to the brilliant stage magicians who gave rise to
early cinematic special effects; from the 19th century's "Golden Age of
Magic" to groundbreaking daredevils like Houdini and the vaudevillians
of the early 20th century." Hardcover, 670 pages, 50.6cm x 32.8cm x 7.6
cm (or in other words very, very big!) and available from Amazon.co.uk right now for
just £82.44 (a 39% saving) with free delivery
Click Here.
28.11.09
Congratulations
to Taff, winner of the North Wales Magic Circle's Mentalism
Competition last week. Welsh magician Taff was presented with the NWMC
Griffin Award for Mentalism at the Annual Dinner Dance and Awards
Ceremony held this year at the Springfield Hotel in Holywell.
Attended by Guest of Honour Mr D Jones M.P. (Shadow Minister for Wales),
the cabaret was provided by Brian Sefton, Ian Keable and illusionists
James Long & Jane. Other competition winners this year were Mark Thurold
(Stage/Cabaret), Elliot Carty (Close-up) and Jon Garrod (Originality).
Also honoured were Mr Bob Scott (Services to Magic and the NWMC) and a
Lifetime Achievement Award to Mr Noel Massey.
www.nwalesmagic.co.uk.
28.11.09
Comedy
Magicians, Carl Charlesworth and Dave Allen, took their double act
to the Abbey Theatre in Nuneaton on Tuesday 24th, for the Coventry Magic
Circle’s annual ‘Magic of Christmas Show’. This is a show which is
organised yearly by the Coventry Magic Circle, to raise money for
charity. After the performance, Carl and Dave were made honorary members
of the Coventry Magic Circle.
www.live-entertainers.com.
28.11.09
Magic
is Awesome / Reality is Fragile. Tuesday 1st December at 7.30pm at
The Wheatsheaf, High Street, Oxford. Entry £3. Victorian comedy duo
Morgan & West join forces with S1L3NC3 to present a magic scratch night
at the Wheatsheaf in Oxford. Previewing and testing out brand new
material, this hour and a half promises to be entertaining, mystifying,
hilarious and fun!
28.11.09
Peter
on Peter Street. Peter Moran recently appeared at the Radisson Hotel
in Peter Street, Manchester (the former Free Trade Hall) in 'The Stars
Are Coming Out', a charity fund raising event for the breast cancer
Genesis Appeal. The entertainment mainly featured Coronation Street cast
including Julie Hesmondhalgh (Hayley) and Jack P. Shepherd (David
Platt). Peter’s magical effects included block through the head with
Helen Flanagan (Rosie Webster–photo) and the head chopper with Alison
King (Carla). Peter has a long association with Granada Television
having appeared several times on the Tours Magic Show. He was the stage
manager for many episodes of ‘Sooty Heights’ and ‘Sooty and Co’ where a
number of scenes were filmed in Heaton Park, Manchester. He also worked
on ‘Blackpool Bonanza’ with Paul Daniels. He had involvement in ‘The
Wheeltappers and Shunters Social Club’ as well. The evening, attended by
250 people, raised over £30,000 for the charity and included a painting
of the ‘Street’ signed by the cast that raised £1,100 during the auction
part of the occasion. Geoffrey Newton.
28.11.09
“Do
you know what you’re doing?” exclaims Helen as Vivien tries out a
new wrist chopper on Nikki. This was just a bit of fun by the ladies
team at The Order of The Magi North West Dealers Day held in Manchester
last Saturday where over 50 people attended this annual very social
occasion. For the first time a Dealers Demonstration Competition was
held and judged on magical skill and entertainment value. The winner was
Adrian Sullivan. The Kevin Fox Memorial Lecture was delivered by Brian
Glover and very well received. It is now intended to make this feature
an annual event with a different presenter each time. The raffle hamper,
this year worth over £100 was won by Roger Woods. Visitors reported that
they had an enjoyable time, many being regulars to Magi activities. The
President’s Christmas Party is on Tuesday 8th December and guest tickets
at £5 are available from
president@orderofthemagi.org.uk. There will be a supper included and
entertainment by comedian Bill Wooland, vocalist Lesley Davies and magic
by Dave Hutchinson (Patrix).
www.orderofthemagi.org.uk. Geoffrey Newton PRO.
28.11.09
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28.11.09
The London Society of Magicians is looking for new members. "The invitation is open to all those who love magic, whether they be professional, semi-pro, amateur or hobbyist. All will be made most welcome. Meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Friday of every month at Davenports Magic Shop in the Charing Cross Underground complex. Very central for rail, road and bus connections. Davenports very kindly allow us the use of their studio, complete with stage, lighting and curtains. At the beginning and end of the meetings Davenports shop is open to club members. The L.S.M. is well known for being a very friendly club, hosting a wide range of activities including guest lecturers, competitions and fun events. Why not come along and give us a try - we would be delighted to see you (over 16s only). Contact Peter Blundell on 0208 451 1521 or email peterblun@aol.com." Mike Dix, President. 28.11.09
Forrest Wang - London Society of Magicians Close-up Competition winner. Peter Blundell reports. On the 13th November Forrest Wang won the annual London Society of Magicians close-up competition. Forrest, who had just returned from his native China, won with a routine that included a four ace sequence that included not only cards but wine glasses as well and a clever chink a chink routine. After a very close competition Tom Head and Jack Romero finished second and third. The competition was judged by the club members. 28.11.09
Steve Price Lecture - Portsmouth. Steve Price lectures for the Portsmouth & District Magic Circle on Monday, 30th November. Admission is free for PDMC members, visiting magicians welcome (£5 admission). www.stevepriceillusions.co.uk. 28.11.09
Jim
Cellini died last week. I'm afraid I don't have any details but I
would like to remember him here. I only saw Cellini working for a couple
of weeks back in Covent Garden in April 1984. He very much kept himself
to himself during that time and I remember how restricted he found the
then tightly controlled street performing environment of London's Covent
Garden (photo). Hugely influential his style is now very much back in
vogue. I remember his performances as being very gentle, very warm, and
quite amazing (DT).
28.11.09
"La
Clique at the Roundhouse, review"
Click Here • "Our Favorite Magicians Ever"
Click Here • "A Rogue’s Gallery’s Ricky Jay: Interview"
Click Here • "Hollywood's Mansion of Magic Celebrates 100 Years"
Click Here • "Top magic award for 'staggered' entertainer"
Click Here • Rod Newman reports on a recent visit made by the
Association of Conjurers of East Sussex (ACES) to the Portsmouth &
District Magic Circle (PDMC)
Click Here • "Quad's magic show set to enchant"
Click Here • "YouTube adds full length TV shows"
Click Here • Your UK magic news is always welcome - see you
next week (or at Ron's on the Sunday), Duncan.
28.11.09