Number 499 - 16th January 2010

Comedy Magic Workshop - Unleash the comic within! With the goal of ‘Unleashing the comic within!’ the Comedy Magic Workshop offers magicians the opportunity to learn the real secrets of comedy from some of the funniest magicians in the business. Taking all the guesswork out of how to successfully write and deliver comedy in any magic or mentalism act, this full-day workshop is a must for anyone who wants to improve their performance. The Workshop’s format is split between lectures and hands-on participatory tuition and focuses on script writing, selection and development of effects, building a character, audience participation and much, much more. The featured instructors are: John Archer, Mel Mellers, Logan Murray, Jasper Blakeley, Matthew Wright and Mark Elsdon, who is hosting the day. Due to demand and for the convenience of all attendees, the Workshop is being held in three different cities: London (Sunday March 21st), Newcastle (Saturday April 10th) and Manchester (Saturday May 15th). Further details, including availability and how to book can be found on the website: www.comedymagicworkshop.co.uk. 16.1.10

Innovention 2010, October, Las Vegas. "To make The Innovention even more attractive for you, we're offering a Special Double Introductory Discount! Fill in your details at the top of the web page to get your $50 Introductory discount. The first 75 people to register & pay will receive a superb Limited Edition Fred Kaps Miracle Wallet. (part of the celebrated Ken Brooke signature Classics Series, complete with Certificate of Authenticity) Normally sold at $159!" More names have just been added to an already outstanding line up, visit www.innovention2010.com for details. 16.1.10

Marc Paul added to Northern Magic Circle Convention line-up. Marc Paul (photo), comedy juggler Steve Royle, illusionist Guy Barrett and ventriloquist Steve Hewlett will now join the list of already confirmed star performers appearing at the NMC convention in March that includes Nathan Kranzo (USA), Chris Priest (UK), John Hotowka (UK), Kostya Kimlat (USA), Dr Roger Woods (UK), Maurice Howarth (UK), Chris Cross (UK), Stephen Williams (UK), Brian Sefton (UK)), Paul Joyce (UK) , Darren Bonas (UK), John Dixon (UK) and Thom Peterson (USA). The convention takes place on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th March at the Marine Hall, Fleetwood, Lancashire. All those who register before 31st January will be issued with a Golden Ticket with entry into a lucky draw for an exclusive masterclass with Kostya Kimlat. The weekend will feature star lectures, competitions, an exclusive masterclass for all Northern Junior Members and a fantastic gala show on the Sunday evening. Registrations can be made online by visiting www.northernmagic.co.uk or by email via Alan Mylecraine allan@northernmagic.co.uk. 16.1.10

Paul Zenon can be seen daily, week commencing Monday 25th January, on Channel 4's Countdown conjuring with close-up conundrums in the in the Dictionary Corner. See TV Magic. 16.1.10

Joshua Jay Lecture, Newcastle upon Tyne and London. Joshua lectures for the Newcastle Magic Circle on Monday 18th January, and International Magic on Friday 22nd January. Joshua Jay has made numerous television appearances and has been a headline performer and lecturer in over 40 countries. He routinely performs for distinguished politicians and major celebrities and is a headliner at the prestigious Magic Castle in Hollywood. He is the author of two best-selling books on magic (his first is published in five languages), and has produced a series of top-selling instructional DVDs for magicians. www.joshuajay.com.

Newcastle Magic Circle: Monday 18th January at 7.30pm. Members – free. Members Partners - £5.00 Non Members - £15.00 Members of other Magic Clubs £5.00 Headquarters Address: Copthorne Hotel, The Close, Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3RT (Map). For more info contact Newcastle Magic Circle Secretary Martin Duffy martin@martinduffy.com.

International Magic: Friday 22nd January at 7.30pm. New venue: The Bridewell Theatre, Bride Lane, Fleet Street, London EC4Y 8EQ (Map or PDF Map). The cost is £15.00 per person, payable on the door, but those who wish to attend should either telephone 020 7405 7324 or email martin@internationalmagic.com to book in advance. 16.1.10

Tricky TV New Series - Young magicians wanted. Tricky TV is returning to ITV and CITV later this year. The BAFTA nominated magic and wind-up show has been very successful and has featured a number of young magicians in its first two series. The new series will feature young performers to an even bigger degree and The Foundation, the company that makes the show, is currently looking for new faces to audition for the cast. So if you are between 8 and 13 years old and would like to be considered for an audition please send your photo or show-reel, along with a list of material you perform or a brief description of your style and experience to: tricky@paulmagic.co.uk. 16.1.10

Michael Vincent Lecture - Newcastle. Monday 25th January at 7.30pm. Michael embodies the teachings of history's masters of magic, performing classic sleight of hand and making it relevant for the 21st century, all delivered with style and panache. A three-time Magic Circle Close-up Magician of the Year winner and a regular performer in Hollywood, Michael continues to be demand at celebrity parties and high end events worldwide. Members – free. Members Partners - £5.00. Non Members - £15.00 Members of other Magic Clubs £5.00. Headquarters Address: Copthorne Hotel, The Close, Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3RT (Map). For more info contact Newcastle Magic Circle Secretary Martin Duffy martin@martinduffy.com. www.michaelvincent.co.uk. 16.1.10

Love and Other Magic Tricks. Standnotamazed's debut show returns to London at the end of the month. Awarded 'Best Production' at last year's Buxton Fringe, nominated for 'Best New Writing' and Time Out 'Critic's Choice', Love and Other Magic Tricks plays Camden's People Theatre from 27th - 29th January nightly at 8pm. With a matinee on Thursday at 2pm. Tickets cost £10 or £8 for concessions and are available via www.cptheatre.co.uk. 16.1.10

Doctor Diablo. As part of next month's Showzam festival, Doctor Diablo will be appearing in Blackpool Olympia with his sideshow classics featuring fire, nails, rope, drills and other sharp, hurty, ouchy, pointy things. Appearances will be on February 12th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th, daytimes, alongside Jon Marshall's Flea Circus, original sideshow memorabilia and more. Visit www.showzam.co.uk. 16.1.10

Kernow Magic are the exclusive supplier of the entire Radio Magic product range. There are great deals to be had in their January Sale with savings on the Radio Magic books and audio series. With new releases to be announced soon, why not make sure you have the current back catalogue before their limited stock runs out? "These products contain the real secrets of performing magic from the best in the business. If 2010 is the year you decide to make money with your magic, you really should own them all." Save money today – visit www.kernowmagic.co.uk/jayfortune.htm stocks are limited, so don’t delay! 16.1.10

Comedy Magic/Illusion act Sam Beedle and Vega will be headlining in the heart of London's West End underground variety scene at Leicester Square's 'Penthouse Cabaret' on January 31st at 7.30 pm, at the Comedy Pub, Oxendon Street. Tickets are tickets £7 on the door. With fantastic comedians, tantalising burlesque and quirky music, the night is set to be memorable! For more details join the Penthouse Cabaret facebook group of call 07805 465641. Sam Beedle and Vega are a dynamic and well-established duo with holiday park and cruise ship experience, performing gory magic and illusions, punctuated with darkly wicked humour that will have you on the edge of your seat. 16.1.10

The Associated Wizards of the South Centenary Convention. The AWS are celebrating their 100th year by staging a Centenary Convention on Sunday 11th April 2010 in Romsey, near Southampton. Artistes booked to date include Kostya Kimlat, Paul Gordon, Mike Stokes, James Brown, Mel Mellers, Mark Worgan and Tensai. For more information visit www.awsmagic.co.uk (The PDF registration form is accessed via a link at the bottom of their home page). 16.1.10

Dobson's Choice: Special Effects by Wayne Dobson. "Special Effects is my latest, and I honestly believe my best book to date. Within its forty pages, you'll encounter fourteen really strong close-up and stand-up routines. All my own offerings appear here in print for the very first time, and include most of the core routines that elevated me to stardom not so many years ago. I have stripped away virtually all the sleight-of-hand from most of the routines and presented you with a collection of tried and tested 'workers' that are very strong in effect, but equally easy to perform. As I said of one of them, 'If I can do it... you definitely can!' This, I believe, is true of them all. Along the way Stephen Tucker, who wrote the book for me, has suggested some very clever additions, tips, and ideas, and even a complete routine. I have been absolutely amazed that, after being quite the finger-flicker myself for many years, I have been able to retain the strength of each effect, but with the absolute minimum of dexterity being required to achieve it. There are routines with business cards, playing cards, bottles and bottle caps and even one with a silk and a borrowed packet of cigarettes. At the next convention we both attend feel free to ask me to show you something from the collection, which I'll be more than happy to do." Wayne Dobson. Special Effects is a 40 page soft bound book. For contents listing, to pre-order (and receive a free gift!) visit www.waynedobson.co.uk today! 16.1.10

Cashback Customer. "Regular customers of Mark Leveridge Magic get the chance to be selected as one of the weekly Cashback Customers (CBC). Each Saturday one customer who has placed an order with Mark Leveridge Magic during the previous 12 months is selected at random and their name placed on the homepage. For one week, that customer is entitled to place an order and receive a 40% discount on the order total. CBC are not notified directly that their name has been selected, so customers should check the MLM website each week to make sure that they do not miss the opportunity to make the most of being the CBC for any given week." For more information visit www.markleveridge.co.uk. 16.1.10

Leicester Magic Circle on the move. After 41 years at the Grand Hotel in Leicester, the Leicester Magic Circle are moving to the Braunstone Civic Centre. Their first meeting in their new headquarters will be Monday January 18th when Steve Price will be lecturing. Braunstone Civic Centre, Kingsway, Leicester LE3 2PP (Map). www.leicestermagiccircle.co.uk. 16.1.10

Magic Dave & Daisy the Cow will be appearing in their first ever full stage show on Friday 22nd January at the Civic Theatre in Bedford. It will be a fun filled magical stage show with ventriloquism, magic and illusion for all the family. For more information contact the box office on 01234 269519 or visit www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk. 16.1.10

Legend: an anecdotal tribute to Ken Brooke. Compiled by Steve Cook. Foreword by Wayne Dobson. Edited by Steve Cook, Russell J Hall and Les Johnson. Cover design by Ken Perks. Hard back, 220 pages, Only 1,000 copies worldwide, signed by the author. Now available to order online via: www.loxandkeys.com/legend.html. 16.1.10

The Dave Rawson Hypnosis Experience. Dave Rawson is currently performing his weekly show until mid March every Thursday at The Milwaukee in Pas de la Casa, Andorra and invites any magicians in the area to go along and say hello. www.stagehypnotist.co.uk. 16.1.10

MagicPackagingDesign.co.uk Combining his interest in magic and graphic design James Howells was involved with a number of design projects in 2009, working with some leading magic companies and magicians. View James' portfolio at www.magicpackagingdesign.co.uk. 16.1.10

The Twins have been heavily involved in the current Pantomime season across the UK, adding magical special effects to productions in Newcastle, Bradford, Aberdeen, Cardiff, Manchester, Birmingham, Plymouth, Darlington, Horsham and Southampton, with some shows running until early February. Visit www.thetwins.co.uk www.sleepingbeautypanto.co.uk and www.qdosentertainment.com. 16.1.10

The Leamington and Warwick Magic Society are holding an auction on January 20th at 7.30pm, at Cubbington Sports & Social Club, Windmill Hill, Cubbington, Royal Leamington Spa CV32 7LN (Map). Free entrance. 16.1.10

SupaLok - now available in 3 sizes! Mick Hanzlik has just introduced a 40mm 'close-up' version of his ever-popular lock and key effect. Visit www.loxandkeys.com/supalokoffer2.html for details and to order. 16.1.10

Banstead Care & Share Balloon Fun Day - New Date. Following the cancellation of this day (which was originally planned for January 13th but had to be cancelled due to the snow) a new date has now been arranged: Wednesday 27th January: The Care & Share Balloon Fun days are back for 2010, with the next event taking place in Banstead on Wednesday 27th January from 10am to 6pm. For details visit: www.balloonchat.co.uk "Come along and join in the fun at these very friendly and formative balloon modelling days with three lectures throughout the day including one from the mystery lecturer. There are prizes to win in the fun competitions that go on during the day, including the 'one balloon challenge' and the hat competition. The day caters for all levels from the basic beginner to the more advanced twister. This day is unique as for the first time there will be two main lectures, Gerry Luff with a short talk on the history of balloon modelling plus a new mystery lecturer. A fun filled day for everyone - please note that the day is limited to a maximum of thirty people." For booking information visit: www.sempertexballoons.co.uk. 16.1.10

The Circolo Amici della Magia di Torino, Italy, is pleased to announce the 9th Edition of its Magic Convention, held, once again, in the city of St. Vincent, in north Italy. This Convention, from 19th to 23rd May 2010, will bring to Italy some of the World's greatest artists, all together under a single roof for 5 days of non-stop magic: Steve Forte, Bill Malone, Michael Weber, Ed Alonzo, Bill Kalush, Lennart Green, David Williamson... These are only some of the great names that will perform and lecture in Italy. Four different competitions, for total prizes of up to €12,000, a large number of magic dealers, a new Guinness World Record in Magic and many, many other events will make this Convention very special! For further information visit www.mastersofmagic.it/saintvincent2010. 16.1.10

Hypnosis training for Magicians with Anthony Jacquin. Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th February, 9am- 4.30pm, London. Visit www.anthonyjacquin.com/training.html#manchu for details. 16.1.10

Archie Manners emails: "Magician and Hypnotist Archie Manners' tour begins on 28th April and ends at the Edinburgh Festival. If anyone would like to offer any help/ideas/place to stay in Edinburgh or knows of anywhere that would like to have the show then please let me know. My telephone number is 07545 973238, and my email is magic@archiemanners.co.uk On a separate note, someone called John Williams contacted me about this, and I've lost your details! Please get back in touch. Thank you!" 16.1.10

"David Blaine's Times Square Marathon for Haiti" Click Here, video Click Here • "League of Gentleman writer Jeremy Dyson and Derren Brown director Andy Nyman bring Ghost Stories to Liverpool Playhouse" Click Here • "Horror play Ghost Stories is top of the scary League" Click Here • "Hypnotist to put nation in a trance using Twitter and Facebook" Click Here • Matt Wainwright reviews The Unusual Suspect DVD by Matthew Wright, Click Here • "City date for magician who taught Harry Potter actor" Click Here • "David Copperfield 'rape' investigation closed" Click Here • "Magician conjures up work all across the world" Click Here • That's it for another week, your UK news is always welcome, see you next week, Duncan. 16.1.10

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