Number 495 - 19th December 2009
Sandi
Toksvig's Christmas Cracker with Pete Firman. This festive season
Pete is performing in 'Sandi Toksvig's Christmas Cracker' at The Royal
Festival Hall. Hosted by
Sandi, the show runs from 15th-24th December and stars comedy legend
Ronnie Corbett as well as different guest celebrities every night. Pete
is in every show! For more details and booking information visit
www.southbankcentre.co.uk.
19.12.09
The
Session 2010 is fast approaching (16th - 17th January) and tickets are
almost sold out. Just added to a line-up that already includes
Joshua Jay, Danny Garcia, Rune Klan, David Acer and Thom Peterson is the
extremely creative, yet seldom seen Matthew Wright. A favourite at Jeff
McBride's Masterclass in Las Vegas and winner of The Magic Circle
Close-up Magician of the Year 2008, Matthew will be performing a number
of times over the weekend (including in The Session's innovative new bar
magic show) and will be teaching his magic for the first time ever at a
magic convention. With only 15 tickets remaining, The Session is
destined to continue its tradition of selling out every single year
www.sessionconvention.com.
19.12.09
The
Innovention - Las Vegas, October 2010. News just in from Paul Stone:
"On October 5th, 6th & 7th, 2010 I will be producing a very different
Magic Convention in Las Vegas. Called The Innovention it will
include many new ideas never before seen at any Magic Convention. The
venue is The Suncoast Hotel & Casino in Summerlin, one of the nicest
areas in Las Vegas, just 15 minutes from the Las Vegas 'Strip'. Full
details of this event will be available when Registration opens at the
start of 2010, but I can tell you that there will be world class
Close-up Shows, three International Cabaret Shows, and several Workshops
aimed specifically at substantially increasing the earnings of any
performing magicians. The Presenters will be covering Close-up, Cabaret,
Tradeshows, Speaking, Children's Magic and also Marketing & Promotion
and Show Production.
Performers booked so far include Johnny & Pam Thompson (The Great Tomsoni & Co), Joseph Gabriel, Jeff Hobson, Kevin James, Andy Nyman, Lennart Green, Bob Kohler, Richard McDougall, Michael Close, Al Garber (Magic Al), Seth Kramer, Shep Hyken, Graham P. Jolley, and Kris Kremo. More performers including a couple of big surprises will be added in the New Year. The venue is excellent and offers a superb and intimate Las Vegas style Showroom, a Cabaret Room and four dedicated Close-up Rooms. Numbers will be carefully limited to ensure that everyone attending will be guaranteed a 'Best Seat' and will have unrivalled access to all the performers and presenters." MagicWeek will bring you full details at the start of January 2010... watch this space! 19.12.09
David
Copperfield - A Magic Life. Magicseen are excited to announce the
forthcoming publication of the only full biography of legendary magician
David Copperfield. Written by French magician and author Benoit Grenier,
this book takes the reader on a behind-the-scenes trip to learn what it
is like to be the most recognised magician in the world. Benoit examines
what it is that makes David Copperfield such a success, how he has
managed to maintain his place as the No.1 performer for so long, and
reveals the huge dedication and commitment that David infuses into his
every show. The book gives a real insight into Copperfield the man and
performer, and it makes for a fascinating read. From childhood to the
present day, A Magic Life sets out to explore the David
Copperfield phenomenon with background information not revealed before -
it's an essential read for anyone interested in the world's most high
profile magician. Publication is set for mid February 2010, but there is
a special 20% price reduction for any order placed with Magicseen before
January 31st 2010. For more information and to order visit
www.magicseen.co.uk.
19.12.09
Second
Illusions Magic Bar to open in Manchester! Illusions Magic Bar
owners Mark Bennett and Sylvie Dagallier would like to announce that
they will be opening another Illusions Magic Bar in February 2010, in
Manchester. Mark writes: "Some of you may remember that we trialed the
Magic Bar idea back in 2007 and we have succeeded in getting the old
venue back, Ss what was once 'Pure Magic Bar' will become 'Illusions
Magic Bar', Manchester. Based in the Printworks the bar will be
redecorated to our designs as a sole venture between Mark and Sylvie (no
backers!). We would like to thank everyone that has shown support to
Illusions in Bristol and please do not worry our venue in Bristol will
be staying, that’s our baby, and we will not let this new opening affect
our operation in Bristol. Mark and Sylvie will keep everyone informed of
opening dates. Thanks again and we hope this won't be the last!" Sylvie
and Mark will be holding auditions for magicians to work in the UK’s
first branded Magic Bar concept! So if anybody would like to be involved
please email Mark or Sylvie directly:
manchester@illusionsmagicbar.co.uk or call 07974 005 280.
19.12.09
Mandy
Muden appears on 'Ready Steady Cook' with Claire Sweeney this
Tuesday at 3.15pm on BBC2.
19.12.09
Cranford,
BBC1 Sunday 20th and 27th December at 9pm. A character from the
original novel, Signor Brunoni (Tim Curry) is an "Italian magician"
advertised as "Grand Magician of Arabia and Wizard to the King of
Delhi". When tragic events in Cranford lead to his show being cancelled,
Peter Jenkyns determines to invite him to return for a special Christmas
performance. Colourful and quick-witted, Brunoni immediately sees
through Miss Pole's attempts to discover the secrets of his show and
finds ways to disconcert even the ever-certain Miss Pole. Paul Kieve was
the magic consultant.
19.12.09
Jez
Starr is The Dreaded Mentalist. "Magician and mentalist Jez Starr
stars in The Dreaded Mentalist on Friday 22nd January at The Sherston
Inn, Wells. In this show Jez Starr presents an exciting mix of magic,
mystery and mental illusions. He will be demonstrating various
techniques and skills a 'Mentalist' uses in his/her art. By using
audience participation, Jez will be looking in to Group Consciousness,
Personality Tests, Mind-reading and Mind-Over-Matter. Ending his show
with a Death Defying Grand Finale which is not for the faint hearted!
Plus the offer for one volunteer to potentially walk away with £50, this
is a show not to be missed!" Over 16's only. Tickets £8 from Venue: The
Sherston Inn, Priory Road, Wells BA5 1SU (Map)
01749 678040. Doors open 7.30pm, show starts at 8pm.
www.facebook.com/jezstarr.
19.12.09
Glen
Neckles and John Harris entertained James Corden at the launch of
Rio Ferdinand's
Live the
Dream Foundation in central London last week. The star-studded guest
list included JLS and David Haye.
19.12.09
Alan Carr's Celebrity Ding Dong Christmas Special
is on E4 at
11.30pm on Tuesday 22nd December. "Alan Carr's Celebrity Ding Dong returns with a Christmas special and
another double dose of celebrities. Alan Carr hosts the festive showbiz
game show as two teams of celebrities - the goodies and the baddies -
compete against each other to prove who knows the most about showbiz
gossip. The goodies are Adele Silva as Alice Fitzwarren from Dick
Whittington, Paul Daniels as Baron Hardup from Cinderella, Debra
Stephenson as Aladdin and team captain Barbara Windsor as the Fairy
Godmother. Taking them on are Claire Sweeney as the Wicked Queen from
Snow White, John Thomson as Captain Hook from Peter Pan, Michelle
Collins as the Wicked Stepmother from Cinderella and team captain Joe
Pasquale as Smee the Pirate from Peter Pan."
19.12.09
Merlins
of Wakefield are proud to announce that they are the UK Exclusive
retailer for Raven Magic. Raven specialise in 'Bizarre Magic' and will
be releasing effects throughout 2010. The first is in stock now:
www.merlinswakefield.com.
19.12.09
MOJOE!
By John Kennedy - watch the clip and you'll flip! You'll know the
name Nathan Kranzo from his Moving Tanline release or his monthly
column in M.U.M. magazine, well, now Kranzo Magic is proud to offer John
Kennedy's new effect MOJOE which will have you scratching your head if
you watch the video at
www.kranzomagic.com. Kranzo recently teamed up with our own Keith
Fields to present their 'Mad, Magic And Mental' show; learn all about it
here
www.twoprostalking.com (episodes 7-10!).
19.12.09
Congratulations
to Kelly Cummins (right), winner of the Bernard Weller Comedy Award
at The Surrey Society of Magicians two weeks ago. The photo shows Stage
Competition Winner Stephen Baker on the left and Magic Circle President
Jack Delvin in the centre. This was the first time that Kelly had ever
performed in front of an adult audience, usually working as a children's
entertainer.
www.jellykelly.co.uk.
19.12.09
The
January 2010 issue of Magicseen is out already in time for
Christmas. Editor Mark Leveridge offers a round-up: "Our cover star is
Guy Bavli from Israel, and we sit down and bend a few spoons with him as
we find out more about this mental master. We also talk to Steve Dela,
who has more magic awards than is probably healthy for him, to Mel
Mellers, who knows more jokes than is probably healthy for him, and with
Sav, who knows more commercial close up routines than is probably
healthy for him. We have two big features in issue 30, one on Comedy and
one on Ventriloquism, both of which make for a really interesting read.
Then there's part 3 of Craig Petty's excellent series on Fake Coins, the
Masterclass has a mental effect and a game for children's entertainers,
and then of course we have the usual colourful round up of reviews,
letters, news and other bits and pieces to ensure that you have a better
Christmas than your turkey will! Available now on subscription, as a
single paper copy or an instant download from
www.magicseen.co.uk.
19.12.09
Robert
Fox was chosen as the only entertainment at this year's X Factor
wrap party for a 4th consecutive year. The party brought together the
judges, the contestants and the production team to celebrate another
successful year for the show. Pictured, Robert and Joe the eventual
winner. www.r-fox.co.uk.
19.12.09
Amethyst
(Danny Hunt and Annette Claire) are to perform at Hanley's Victoria Hall
on Saturday 19th December (telephone 01782 213800) and Wolverhampton
Civic Theatre on Sunday 20th December (telephone 0870 320 7000) in the
final two dates before Christmas of the Ken Dodd Happiness Show.
Amethyst have had the pleasure of touring with legendary comedian, Ken
Dodd, throughout 2009. Whilst Ken takes a short break over Christmas,
Danny and Annette will continue to perform at several private and
corporate events, before rejoining Ken as he kicks off his tour for the
new year at Lakes Leisure on Saturday 2nd January. Amethyst will be
appearing at various dates throughout 2010 in the Ken Dodd Tour
www.amethyst-illusions.com.
19.12.09
Exclusive
offer from Magic2Wear.com! Purchase "Quick Change 2" at the full
price, together with "Time for a Change?" and you'll be refunded $20.10
(USD) via your PayPal account. This offer is for direct orders placed
through
www.magic2wear.com between now and December 31st. Normal shipping
costs will apply. "Thank you to all magicians and friends who have
supported our many projects during 2009 and looking forward to a blast
in 2010!" Lee Alex.
19.12.09
One
Magical Night, in Woburn, Bedfordshire. MK:Magic are hosting a
Magical Dinner evening on the Friday 30th April 2010 at
The Inn at Woburn
in support of
Cancer Research UK. The evening will include close-up illusionists
and mind magicians to enthrall and entertain you as you dine. The evening
starts at 7pm with a drinks reception and light entertainment. This will
be followed by an exquisite three course meal and two after dinner
cabaret acts. Dress Code: Formal evening wear. Tickets are on sale at
£68.00 with proceeds going to Cancer Research UK. For bookings and more
information visit
www.mkmagic.co.uk (group bookings welcome).
19.12.09
Details
of Tony Griffith's lecture have just been added to our 'Lecturers'
page. The material in Tony's current lecture is taken from his highly
acclaimed books Reflections, Further Reflections and
Final Reflections. However, there is no need to be in possession of
the books as everything is very fully explained.
www.tonygriffith.co.uk.
19.12.09
Many
congratulations to Richard Leigh, celebrating 10 years of producing
magic and illusion shows in London Theatres, today, 19th December. Keep
up-to-date via
www.falseimpressions.co.uk.
19.12.09
Cinderella:
A sparkling new adaptation with magic and circus! "This Christmas
Jacksons Lane (Highgate, London) is giving the classic rags to riches
tale a makeover! In our brilliantly updated version, Cinderella finds
herself transported into a world of reality TV, fame and fashion as she
seeks her true love on Britain s favourite talent show, set against a
modern, funky soundtrack. Our innovative version includes amazing,
jaw-dropping acrobatics and stunning magic tricks... expect floating
tables, breathtaking stunts, disappearing acts, lots of audience
participation for the little ones and a mystical mouse, all wrapped up
with a sprinkling of magic in this colourful, funny, festive show for
all the family. Featuring the award-winning magic performer Christian
Lee as our 'Prince', who has performed at some of London's best-known
venues and starring in his own TV show. At the moment, most people
probably know him as the many faces of Max Magic on Sky One but to
cabaret fans around the country he regularly appears as headliner and
host on countless stages, including Magic Night at the Soho Revue Bar
and Meet the Magic Circle, the two most prestigious events of their type
in London." To Sunday 3rd January. £12.50 adults, £9.50 children &
concessions, £40 family ticket. Box office: 020 8341 4421
www.jacksonslane.org.uk.
19.12.09
Stuart
and Jayne Loughland’s Magic Light Puppet Company have Black Art UV
puppet acts and Puppeteers featured in various Pantomimes across the UK:
Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates of the Caribbean (Under the Sea) at the
Kings Theatre Edinburgh. Jack and the Beanstalk (The Magic Garden) at
the Bedworth Civic Theatre, Dick Whittington (Under The Sea) at the
Carlisle Sands Centre, Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs (Haunted Forest)
at Welwyn Garden City, Beauty and The Beast (Haunted Dungeon) in
Clacton, and Aladdin (Wonders of the Magical Cave) at Rochdale Gracie
Fields Theatre. Visit
www.magiclightpuppets.com for more info.
19.12.09
"Magic Highlight of the Year" We'd love to hear from you. What was
your personal magic highlight of the year? Large or small, something you
achieved or something you saw, just for you or enjoyed by many... tell
the magic world via MagicWeek! Please send a few lines to
MagicWeek and we'll run them just before the end of the
year.
19.12.09
Jilli
Dog and the Magic Card Trick
Click Here • "Professor Richard Wiseman's Top 10 quirky science
tricks for Christmas parties"
Click Here • "Ten Things You Never Knew About Derren Brown"
Click Here • "Master of Panto magic"
Click Here • ""So, does Paul Daniels share the Becks magic?
Magician parodies David Beckham's famous Armani underwear advert"
Click Here • "Paul Daniels
reveals £2.5million home was burgled while he sat downstairs watching
television"
Click Here • "Paul Daniels burgled ‘Oliver Twist’ style"
Click Here • "Conjurers offer a magical day out for families"
Click Here.
19.12.09
Merry
Christmas and Happy New Year to all our readers all over the
world from the MagicWeek team, Duncan, Keiko, Amelia and Louis. Thank
you to everyone who contributed throughout the year, and to all our
advertisers too. Have a wonderful Christmas! (Please note: The deadline for
news submissions next week is 12 noon Wednesday).
19.12.09