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

 

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