Number 498 - 9th January 2010
The
Curiosities of the Egyptian Hall. The Great Mephisto! By Tony
Lidington. Episode 2. At 3.30pm on Wednesday 13th January on BBC Radio
Four. Series of three stories inspired by the Victorian venue in
Piccadilly, famed as the home of magic, spectacle, freak shows and
pseudo-scientific demonstrations. A young illusionist from the Punjab
takes revenge on his cruel master. Read by Madhav Sharma. With Tony
Lidington as Alfred, the Custodian of the Hall. Director: David Blount.
Click Here for details of the other two stories in the series, which
starts on Tuesday, January 12th.
9.1.10
Less
than 10 tickets remain for The Session, which will be held in
Gloucester next weekend. Five new performers have been added to the
line-up. Danny Buckler (UK), Brett Bishop (USA), Chris Mayhew (Canada),
Mark Elsdon (UK) and John Archer (UK) will join Joshua Jay (USA), Daniel
Garcia (USA), Matthew Wright (UK) and Thom Peterson (USA) to create what
will definitely be the best convention in the event's five-year history.
With innovative shows and events such as the Flash Talks, Bar
Magic Show, Creativity Workshop and Your Strongest Card
Tricks, this year will be a sellout too! Buy your ticket now at
www.sessionconvention.com.
9.1.10
Blackpool
2010 - set for another record. The offer of a free book for everyone
registering for the Blackpool Magic Convention before 1st January proved
so popular that an additional print run had to be ordered and all VIP
tickets have now been sold. Some Gold Cards and tickets for Saturday and
Sunday events can still be obtained if you act fast. Once again,
Blackpool looks like achieving another record attendance. If you have
not yet booked visit
www.blackpoolmagic.com as there are less than six weeks to go! (It
may even be advisable to email Registration Officer, Arthur Casson,
arthurcasson@aol.com or
telephone him, + 44 (0) 1253 393688, first to check availability).
9.1.10
The
Innovention - Las Vegas. Paul Stone presents Innovention 2010
'The Magic Convention where everyone's a VIP!' "The Innovention at
the Suncoast Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on October 4, 5, 6 & 7, 2010
will be a really different Convention, and our aim is to offer people a
very high quality event presented at a superb and intimate venue with
world class performers, shows and workshops, and unrivalled access to
all the performers and presenters. We are limiting the numbers to just
375 to guarantee that everyone attending has a good seat for every
event. The line-up of talent is outstanding and we will be adding
further to it in the next couple of months and will also be announcing a
couple of very special surprise bonus sessions. And the weather will be
great, with temperatures predicted to be a very comfortable 75-80
degrees." There's a Special Introductory Discount for anyone booking by
31st January 2010. Full event and registration details will be available
from January 10th. To be notified when registration is open, and to
receive a special 'Introductory Early Bird' discount voucher, visit
www.innovention2010.com today!
9.1.10
West
End Magic at the New Players Theatre. Real-life Hogwarts magic
school reunites for West End show. Graduates from a real-life Hogwarts
magic school are getting together to put on a show in London’s West End.
The magical alumni will be performing at the New Player’s Theatre on
Saturday 6th February 2010. They are all former members of the Demon
Club, an academy for junior magicians, much like the school for wizardry
and witchcraft found in the Harry Potter novels. They used to meet in
Davenports, one of the world’s oldest magic shops, hidden away in
Charing Cross Underground. Amateur magicians aged 8-18 would attend
lectures and read books to learn the mystical art. Past members include
TV star Steven Mulhern, recent Royal Variety performer Paul Zerdin,
Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Phil Blackmore and many award-winning
magicians. The show has everything from large-scale illusions to
close-up magic performed right in front of your eyes, and is suitable
for all ages. Former Demon Club member Oliver Tabor said: “One of the
club’s traditions was that we would put on a show every year, but now
that many of us are professional magicians working around the country,
we rarely get together. It’s very exciting to be performing with the
gang again and it’s a unique chance for audiences to see a wide variety
of magical styles, such as dove magic, mind reading, card manipulation
and there will also be some death-defying extreme juggling.” Tickets for
'West End Magic' cost £15 for adults and £12.50 for children and can be
bought from the theatre box office: 020 7478 0135 or Ticketmaster: 08444
771 000. New Players Theatre, The Arches, Villiers Street, London WC2N
6NG
www.newplayerstheatre.com Davenports Magic Shop, 7 Charing Cross
Underground Arcade, The Strand, London WC2N 4HZ
www.davenportsmagic.co.uk.
9.1.10
Ali
Cook is set to play the role of Harry, a frustrated and violent
young father in a new movie from American director Gershon Hinkson. The
movie is a coming of age tale following the lives of three boys growing
up in three very different environments and shooting begins in February.
Ali has been busy recently with live gigs, wowing audiences at Frank
Skinner's Credit Crunch Cabaret and Lee Hurst's Fym Fyg. For Ali's
interview in Cloud Comedy
Click Here.
9.1.10
Demon-A-Tricks
return to the Royal Vauxhall Tavern. 3 eclectic magicians (Oliver
Tabor, Oliver Meech and James Pritchard) bring their unique show back
for one night only as part of the HAF Highlights Festival. The show’s a
time-travelling tour of magic past, present and future; showcasing
vintage dove magic, modern geek magic and futuristic mind magic.
Performance: Wednesday 13th January at 8pm. Visit
www.rvt.org.uk/event/demon-tricks for ticket and venue info and
www.myspace.com/demonatricks for more on this magical trio.
9.1.10
Chris
Cox will be touring the UK in March and will be also be performing a
week of shows at
The
Pleasance in Islington from March 8th - 14th at 8pm nightly. 'Mind
Over Patter' is Chris's 5 star award-winning Edinburgh show from 2009.
We'll bring you the tour dates when confirmed.
www.magiccox.com.
"One of the most exciting entertainers in Britain. Sure to be playing
bigger stages here and abroad soon….The hottest ticket in town" The
Guardian.
9.1.10
Magigadgets.com.
Here’s a great new effect from Shahid Malik’s new company: Instant
Radio: "Take anything and make it come to life – instantly! Turn
anything into a Radio. Instant Radio has become a huge global hit since
its launch 4 months ago. Order yours now before the special introductory
offer ends! Don’t just take our word for it….. here’s what some of the
world’s top reviewers have to say… 'This is definitely different. Shahid
Malik has devised a new technique and set-up that is quick and can be
activated almost at will. The sound really does seem like it is coming
from your hands. The ‘Cushionair’ switch is the key to the effect and
triggering it when necessary could not be simpler. No visible movement
when you trigger it. Instant Radio is definitely worth checking out. It
could make you an instant hit with your audiences!' – MAGIC Magazine
(Marketplace reviews). Shipping worldwide. Order yours now before the
introductory offer ends!"
www.magigadgets.com have another new effect which they'll be
launching in the next 4-5 weeks. MagicWeek readers who subscribe via
their opt-in request form on the
www.magigadgets.com website will receive advance notice of this
terrific new effect!
9.1.10
The
Magic Car Boot Sale - Now at a brand new venue. Alec Powell has a
new venue for is Car Boot Sales for 2010; The Masonic Hall, Edward
Street, West Bromwich B70 8NT (Map).
The first sale for 2010 will be held on Sunday 7th February. Admission
£4.00. Doors open 9.30am. Hot refreshments and licensed bar. Free
Parking. Over 20 Stalls. For further information contact Alec Powell
07831 115 448.
9.1.10
Mini
Magic Sale - Today in London! On Saturday January 9th, Andy
Nyman and Anthony Owen will be having a mini-magic clear-out for the new
year. There will be lots of books, tricks and 'stuff' on offer at very
reasonable prices. The sale is at The Hepsibah Gallery, 112 Brackenbury
Road, Hammersmith, London W6 0BD (Map).
They'll be open from 10am-4pm so why not drop in for a coffee and some
great second-hand magic. First come, first served!
9.1.10
Harrison
Richards will be showcasing his unique mix of the psychic, the
psychological and the just plain strange, in various West Yorkshire
venues this month. Performing alongside Simon Munnery (of Alan Parker
Urban Warrior fame) at Seven, Leeds on 15th January and at The Peacock
Lounge, Huddersfield on 16th January, and with Isy Suttie (star of
Channel 4's Peep Show) at Kork's Wine Bar, Otley on 28th January. More
details at
www.cabaretheaven.co.uk and
www.motleyclub.co.uk respectively.
www.harrisonrichards.co.uk.
9.1.10
Conjuring
at the Court New Year Special - Thursday 28th January. Each month
the Drayton Court hosts an evening of mystery entitled, Conjuring at the
Court. The show is great value with the opportunity to see a full
evening of magic from some of the UK’s finest performers in a lovely
theatre setting for only £10. "Our New Year show stars Mandy Muden ‘a
very clever, funny magician’ (Daily Mail); Christian Lee (photo), ‘king
of comedy magic’ (Time Out); the clever and witty mind-reader Ian
Keable; and the international prize-winning manipulator, Roy Davenport.
The venue is the lovely theatre of the Drayton Court in West Ealing, 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:
www.conjuringatthecourt.com or on the door – if any are left!
9.1.10
Mystery
Magazine. The January issue of Mystery magazine is out now: "This
month we have a really great interview with Jack Delvin as well as a
very full report on the International Convention plus the usual mix of
tricks & society reports etc." Ali Cardabra is now writing for the
magazine, and emails: "When Walt Lees contacted me and asked me to write
for Magic Books by Post’s new Mystery Magazine I was delighted. I have
to say that when I saw the first few issues I liked the content, the
size, and the layout – I am not being paid for this, by the way! I have
to say that it is so nice to see a new magazine that celebrates the
creative talent of British Magicians. I am proud to be part of it. If
you like the kind of magic that sends a tingle down the spine look out
for my new series of articles in Mystery Magazine called ‘Weird and
Wonderful’. Be prepared... To quiver, in the lofty tower room as you
are shown a grand selection of grisly conjuration by non other than ...
The Count!"
Mystery Magazine is published by
www.magicbooksbypost.co.uk.
9.1.10
South
Staffs Society of Magicians - World Magic Shop Dealer Dem, Monday 11th
January. "This is a great opportunity for you to see new and
exciting products offered to the magic market. Meet your local magic
dealer in our welcoming club surroundings. All visitors and new members
welcome. Product demonstrations by David Penn, Craig Petty and Russell
Leeds. The South Staffordshire Society of Magicians, or '3SM' was
founded in 2008 as an alternative to the 'typical' magic club.
Abolishing auditions for membership and favouring a more informal
'session' feel to its meets, it has fast become one of the busiest
regional clubs in the country. Now in its second year, with a fantastic
mix of both world renowned professionals and keen hobbyists amongst its
membership and many top performers from all over the country appearing
as special guests, the South Staffordshire Society of Magicians
continues to grow." The 3SM meets fortnightly at The Langford House
Beefeater, situated where the A5 meets the A460 and is easily accessible
from both Junction 11 and Junction 12 of the M6.
www.3sm.org.uk. For
more info contact Ian on 07738913293.
9.1.10
Steve
Dela's "Fantasmagoria" Brighton. "Following a very successful launch
show last month, Steve Dela's 'Fantasmagoria' returns to the Komedia in
Brighton on Monday 11th January. With a five star review, and being
hailed as 'Gloriously camp' by the Brighton Evening Argus, the
incredible line up for Monday's show includes Lee Hathaway ('Tall
Daniels'), John van der Put performing as his alter ego, 'Piff The Magic
Dragon', and BBC Radio 1's very own Mind Freak, Chris Cox ('One of the
most exciting entertainers in Britain' - The Guardian). All this plus
Steve Dela as host for the night providing his usual brand of award
winning stage magic." Doors Open at 7pm, Show Starts at 8pm. Tickets
£12.50 (Concessions £10.00) and are available from the Komedia Box
Office
www.komedia.co.uk/brighton or 0845 293 8480.
9.1.10
David Blaine: Drowned Alive
"Another mind-blowing feat of physical and mental endurance from David
Blaine. In Drowned Alive, David puts his life on the line as he attempts
to live in an eight-foot acrylic sphere filled with water for seven days
and nights in front of New York's Lincoln Centre. In addition to his
underwater drama, the special features new illusions as Blaine performs
his signature street magic." David Blaine: Drowned Alive is being
repeated at 11.05pm on Friday 15th January on Channel 4, See
TV Magic.
9.1.10
This
year Merlins of Wakefield celebrate 15 years of magic dealing. To
mark the occasion, every Friday they will be offering one item at a
special price of up to 50% off retail. The item will only be on offer
for one week, finishing at midnight every Thursday. To see this week's
special deal
Click Here (and book-mark the page)
www.merlinswakefield.com.
9.1.10
Tales
From The Darker Side, The Galleries of Justice, Nottingham, Tuesday
12th February. "Veteran 'psychological investigator' Dr Nicolas Grimoire
(aka Nottingham-based magician Nick Brunger) invites you to join him for
a unique evening of Gothic magic, psychological illusion and spooky
story-telling. His unsettling 'Tales from The Darker Side' conjure up
ancient mysteries and unusual experiments, with your help. During the
evening someone from the audience will be invited to test their ability
to tell the living from the dead, help recreate one of this country's
most unusual murders and to challenge a long-dead writer of horror
stories to name a family member who has 'passed over'. As part of the
entertainment someone's heart will stop! Could that someone be you?"
7.30pm, Tickets £7.50 (Please Note: suitable for over 16s only),
available from the Galleries of Justice on 0115 9520555
www.galleriesofjustice.org.uk/tales-from-the-darker-side.
9.1.10
Steve
Low - flying high! On 28th November 2009, Steve Low performed "Spoon
Bending" while freefalling from the sky, 10,000 feet up, at a speed of
200 km per hour. The feat was photographed by a qualified skydiver and
witnessed by another qualified skydiver instructor. Steve would like to
know if he is the first person to perform this feat - I'm sure he is!
Steve was flying over La Plata, Argentina.
9.1.10
Fylde
FM is an internet radio station based on Blackpool's North Shore,
broadcasting nationally: "Our remit is to bring 'The fun back to the
Fylde Coast' by presenting fun shows care of our entertaining
presenters. Two of our shows are presented by Liverpool magicians
Michael Diamond and Bryan James. We are looking to promote and give
exposure to any local talent through appearances, both live and on air.
Anyone interested in presenting a show, or looking for us to promote
forthcoming appearances should contact
bryanmartin@fyldefm.co.uk."
Bryan Martin, Director of Programmes - Fylde FM
www.fyldefm.co.uk.
9.1.10
Magician required for a possible residency in Bournemouth. Wayne Goodman emails: "Working 7pm-9pm on specific nights, could be a residency if the person is right for the establishment. Please contact Wayne with CV and contact details to wayne@waynegoodman.co.uk. All applicants will be forwarded to venue and they will contact direct". 9.1.10
MagicWeek
Links. A number of link icons and banners are available for website
owners who'd like to add MagicWeek to their link pages:
Click
Here. 9.1.10
"TV
magician Paul Daniels in health scare"
Click Here • Catch up with Giles Wemmbley-Hogg (Marcus
Brigstocke) as he heads out to Las Vegas encountering a magic show along
the way! (Episode 4 - expires in 2 days)
Click
Here • Specialist Book Auction featuring magic books from the
collection of Richard Stupple. Friday 5th February 2010 commencing after
12 noon
www.peacockauction.co.uk • "Israeli magician Hezi Dayan breaks
David Blaine's record time in ice in Tel Aviv on New Year's"
Click Here • "Miracle Mile Shops suing magician Steve Wyrick
over rent"
Click Here • "Yo-yo legend is set to hand over title"
Click Here • "Google Security Chief by Day, TV Magician 'Eran
Raven' by Night"
Click Here • "His success is no illusion: Jonesville High
graduate Kevin James making mark with magic"
Click Here • "Ryan vs Dorkman" (not magic but it amused me)
Click Here • That's it for another week, see you next week, Duncan.
9.1.10