Number 502 - 6th February 2010
Magic
Is Real: A Fund-raising Event For The People of Haiti - This
Wednesday,
February 10th, at the
Borough Bar, 8-18 London Bridge Street, London. Ian Rowland is
putting together a remarkable evening and emails: "I’m delighted to say
the amazingly talented singer Kirsty Newton has agreed to perform for
us. Some say she can sing and play any song you ask for! As well
as Kirsty we have top comedians Adam Bloom (photo) and Carey Marx, the
wonderfully funny ‘stand-up chameleon’ Anil Desai, memory man Chris
Hare, my friend James Brown who could teach Derren Brown a thing or two
about mind control, sleight of hand artist Michael Vincent and many more
(full details on the web page). This will be an evening of great
entertainment!" £10 on the door - all the money goes to the disaster
relief agencies in Haiti.
Click Here for more info. 6.2.10
Conjuring
at the Court New Year Show – 25th February. "The February features the subtle
conjuring of award-winning magician Jon Allen, the fast-paced visual
magic of Stephen Barry, comedy and powerful mind reading from Paul
Martin, and Oliver Tabor’s extraordinary act with a violin and doves.
The venue is the lovely theatre of the Drayton Court, 2 The Avenue, West
Ealing, London W13 8PH (Map).
It seats over 90 people comfortably and you can have a drink while
watching the magic." Tickets £10.00. Doors open at 7.30pm and the show
starts at 8pm. Free parking after 6.30pm on adjacent roads. To book
visit
www.conjuringatthecourt.com or buy on the door if any are left, this
show does sell out. 6.2.10
Quentin
Reynolds presents his one-man show The Psychic Game Show at
The Lass O'Gowrie, 36 Charles Street, Manchester M1 7DB (Map)
on Monday, 15th and Monday 22nd February at 8pm. All seats £5.00.
Presented in game show format, Quentin and his audience will explore the
psychic and the paranormal, using intuition, hunches, psychometry and
telepathy. The show promises to have audiences both laughing and feeling
amazed, and there's the chance to win prizes too! Reviewing Quentin's
show in The Irish Independent, Nick Kelly wrote: "If you're the kind of
person who thinks that people like Uri Geller should be beaten with a
sharp spoon, Quentin Reynolds show will have you reaching for the
cutlery only so that you can eat humble pie." Experience a fun and
amazing evening. More details and directions:
www.psychicgameshow.com. 6.2.10
The Magic Car Boot Sale,
bigger and better than ever -
West Bromwich, tomorrow! Alec Powell has a
new venue for his 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. With over 25 stalls including many dealers and some special
promotions too! Craig Petty will be attending on behalf of
World Magic Shop
demonstrating many of his released effects and will be giving a few
sneak previews of products we will be launching at the Blackpool
Convention. For further information contact Alec Powell
07831 115 448. 6.2.10
Showzam
Festival. The UK’s only festival
dedicated to circus, magic and new variety runs over the February
half-term (12th-21st February). Olivier award-winning La Clique
headline. Critics and audiences alike cannot find the words to describe
a La Clique show, concluding that you simply have to go and experience
it for yourself. Other Showzam highlights inspired by the great British
traditions of circus, cabaret, magic and variety include the stunning
acrobatics of Ockham’s Razor with their new show The Mill, Spymonkey’s
surreal and absurd take on the tale of Moby Dick. Complementing this
line-up of critically acclaimed shows are some of the hottest new
variety acts currently on the circuit. This includes Australian hula
queen Marawa, the irrefutable Miss Behave (photo), American operatic
Diva Le Gateau Chocolat, World runner-up same sex ballroom dancers the
Sugar Dandies, Hula Boy Elvis, Mrs Barbara Nice and burlesque star Amber
Topaz. Visit
www.showzam.co.uk. 6.2.10
RSVPMagic
will launch the 'The Step System' DVD project starring close-up
magician Lee Smith, at the upcoming Blackpool Magic Convention in two
weeks: "So what is ‘The Step System’? Well it stands for Simple Tricks
Extraordinary Power and proves that you can get fantastic
reactions and make a great living performing effects that really are
simple to do. Each DVD runs for nearly two hours, featuring 14 superb
routines with cards, rubber bands, business cards and lighters. Jeff
McBride said of Lee's work 'Great stuff! Practical real world magic from
an experienced pro!' Included on volume 1 is a free PDF copy of Lee's
Walkabout lecture notes which inspired the project and normally retail
for £10.00. To see just how strong the magic is watch the reactions on
the trailer at
www.rsvpmagic.com" For a limited time RSVPMagic are also including a
free DVD with all orders containing five complete routines with
explanations from Matthew J. Dowden, Mel Mellers, Mark James, James
Brown and James Prince. 6.2.10
The
Order of The Magi Annual Dinner and Cabaret. Geoffrey Newton PRO
emails: The Annual Dinner and Cabaret this year takes place on Saturday
20th March 2010 at our headquarters The Irish World Heritage Centre in
Manchester. Tickets for a four course meal and three part cabaret are
only £30 which makes remarkably good value for money. Providing the
entertainment this year is the sophisticated dove act of Danny Jewell
who won both the Northern Magic Circle trophies recently. We have the
comedy magic of Martyn James and superb illusions from Andrew Green. The
President (Ian Ball) and Council are looking forward to seeing our guest
of honour Shirley Ray, President of the International Brotherhood of
Magicians British Ring 25 (pictured) together with her husband Dave Cass
whose musical skills are well known to British Ring conventioneers.
Shirley is known internationally for her expertise in the area of
balloon modelling and has won many awards on this particular subject.
Shirley is a Past President of Leeds Magical Society and a Member of The
Magic Circle. Put the date in your diary now 20th March 2010. All
information is on
www.orderofthemagi.org.uk. Tickets are available from Ian Ball at
president@orderofthemagi.org.uk or telephone 01457 835990. 6.2.10
Manchester
Irish World Heritage Centre. On Sunday 31st January 2010
The Order of
The Magi President Ian Ball MMC headed a small delegation from the
society to meet His Excellency Bobby McDonagh The Irish Ambassador (left
of picture) where the official launch of the plans for the new
Manchester Irish World Heritage Centre took place. The event was opened
by Michael Ford, Chairman of the centre, who with the aid of a projected
power point went through all the features this new centre will have. It
includes a theatre, conference centre, restaurant, meeting rooms and
gardens. After this the Ambassador made a formal speech about the
exciting new venture and how he hoped to return to Manchester to see
progress of construction now scheduled to be completed by November 2011.
He then went on to meet representatives of groups who use the centre and
talked enthusiastically with Ian about magic and our long standing
association with the existing Irish Centre. After some light
refreshments it was time to return home through the snow feeling The
Magi had something really wonderful to look forward to in the way of a
new headquarters in the now not too distant future. Geoffrey Newton PRO. 6.2.10
Craig
Petty will presents his 'Accessible Coin Magic' lecture for
The
Chester Guild of Magicians at 8pm on Monday 8th February. Visiting
magicians welcome for £5 entrance. Venue: The Bull & Stirrup, Upper
Northgate Street, Chester CH1 4EE (Map).
Contact Steve Cooil 01244 881462
stevecooil@me.com for details. 6.2.10
Mark
Leveridge Magic is pleased to announce the arrival of its 'New
Releases for 2010'. The items are: The Commercial Card Magic of Mark
Leveridge Volume 1, which is the first of four projected volumes of
Mark's commercial card magic containing 15 effects; Ring And String
Deluxe, the ultimate instruction package for 6 ring moves including
a DVD, a reference booklet and 3 metres of thin rope; Impossible!,
which is a killer card effect for walkabout; Vacation Destination,
a simple to do prediction effect for tables; the Mini Leveridge
Envelope, which is Mark's versatile gimmicked envelope made in a
size that's designed for use with Bicycle cards and business cards;
Unavoidable Destiny - Reloaded, an improved and streamlined handling
for Mark's version of the Brainwave Deck. Online video dems and full
details on all the above are available now from
www.markleveridge.co.uk. 6.2.10
Congratulations
to 'Simon Says' on becoming the
Watford Association
of Magicians' Children's Entertainer of the Year 2009/2010. The
evening, which took place on December 29th, was attended by 50 children
who acted as judges for the event. Each act had up to 15 minutes to
impress the judges as best they could. and once all the acts had
performed, the children placed a ball into the box of their favourite
entertainer. Simon said "I'm very thrilled and excited to receive the
title and am glad I have something to show for all the hard work I have
put in over this past year!" To find out more about 'Simon Says' visit
www.simonsaysmagic.com. 6.2.10
Lecture
by Ali Cardabra. Ali Cardabra will be presenting his 'It's Only a
Gimmick' lecture at the London Society of Magicians on Friday 12th
February. Tickets are£10.00, contact Bob Pamplin on 020 8504 0979 or
email bob@lsmmagic.co.uk Venue:
Davenports Magic Studio, 5, 6 & 7 Charing Cross Underground Arcade, The
Strand, London WC2N 4HZ (Map). 6.2.10
Michael
J Fitch has been invited by Colchester United to make an appearance
at Weston Homes Community Stadium, on Monday 8th February. He will be
performing a little magic at half time on the big screen entertaining
over 8,000 football fans!
www.michaeljfitch.co.uk. 6.2.10
Kirstie’s
looking for a little magic... From Channel 4: "Kirstie's back (Kirstie’s
Homemade Home - Series 2) and this time she's here to help you!
We're looking for potential contributors to take part in the second
series of Kirstie's Homemade Home. Kirstie wants to help people create
their own dream interiors using reclaimed and restored second-hand
furniture and handmade objects from fantastic craftsmen and women around
the country. We are currently looking for people with interesting
occupations. If you would like to apply please email
siobhan.smith@iwcmedia.co.uk and describe your home, your budget and
why you think it needs Kirstie's help to turn it into a homemade home." 6.2.10
The
Working Magician. "The Working Magician is an in-depth look into the
different types of work available for magicians in the light
entertainment field. Over the course of the book Scott explores holiday
parks, ferries, fly-back work, pantomimes, children’s parties and cruise
ships. Each section gives you valuable advice on getting the booking,
suitable material to use, venues and stages, types of audiences, dealing
with agents, showcases and lots more hints and tips to help you succeed
in these areas. Scott Pepper has been a working magician for over 10
years and has performed all over the world. He has performed in many
different types of venues and for many different types of audiences in
the UK and abroad and has certainly had his share of ups and downs..."
Visit
www.scottpepper.com for more info and to order.
Also, coming soon, free audio downloads of interviews with working
magicians from around the world. Scott will be armed with his microphone
at the Blackpool convention. If you would like to contribute you are
invited to email Scott at
info@scottpepper.com. Facebook users may also like to visit Scott's
'Working Magician'
Facebook page where magicians can talk about aspects of the business
and add links to products, websites and more. 6.2.10
Jon
Allen is back in the USA having been granted a work visa. He is
currently in Columbus, Ohio performing and lecturing at the Magi-Fest
convention. His stage performance will include a first showing of the
stage version of his effect 'The Silent Treatment'. Jon will be
returning to the USA in May, to present a mini lecture tour on the East
Coast.
www.close-upmagician.com. 6.2.10
Zane's
Magic Shop - Cuff-Linked: "The magician casually shows and removes
his stylish playing card cuff links and says 'I’ll show you a trick with
them'. He starts off performing a one in the hand, one in the pocket
routine where the cuff link placed in the pocket always returns to the
hand'. Then for the finale both cuff links are placed in a spectators
hand and the magician asks 'Have you ever wondered why they call them
cuff links?' The spectator is then asked to open their hand and to
everyone’s amazement the cuff links are now inexplicable linked
permanently together!" Find out more, visit
www.zanesmagicshop.com. 25 new products have just been added to the
website, including video demonstrations too. 6.2.10
Casting
Call For French TV. "Magic families wanted for a prime time Live
show on the French channel TF1 "Is magic a family passion? You have a
magic act that you perform with one or several members of your family
(such as Quick Change, The Laser pen illusion, etc...) Contact us to
come perform in Paris and get a chance to win €15,000. All the travel
expenses (train tickets, meals, hotel room) will be covered by our
company. Please make contact by email:
couturier_aurelia@hotmail.fr or
couturier@coyote.fr or by phone: +33 1 40 53 46 08" Thank you very
much! Aurélia Couturier. 6.2.10
Mike
Stokes The Balloon Man has been re-booked for the 5th year running
to perform at the
Intech Science Park near Winchester. He will perform five 20 minute
magic shows per day during school holidays throughout the year, no doubt
the odd balloon model will also make an appearance!
www.playtimeballoons.com. 6.2.10
John Derris is
doing well following the heart attack which he suffered on
January 23rd. He was immediately rushed into hospital and only came out
on Monday, 1st February. I talked to John two days ago and he told me
he'd been over-doing it over the Christmas period, so is now taking it
very easy for the next few weeks... but he sounded great. He's got his
Mac out so I'm sure he'd love to hear from friends via his email
address: europro@tiscali.co.uk. 6.2.10
Dennis Collins MIMC. Alan Maskell writes: It's my sad duty to report the passing of Dennis Collins MIMC. As 'Uncle Dennis and Auntie Jean', Dennis and his late wife entertained hundreds of thousands of children in East Anglia and on the South Coast with their holiday and schools road safety shows, the latter featuring their living marionettes. Never one to blow his own trumpet, Dennis was one of the best children's entertainers around and remained well known long after his retirement, indeed a recent archive photograph of one of his shows in the local paper elicited a big response of warm memories and he was often approached by people who recognised Uncle Dennis from their childhood. A stalwart of The Pentacle Club and inspiration to many a fledgling magician, Dennis will be missed by many. His funeral takes place at Cambridge Crematorium (on A14) on Tuesday 16th February at 12.45pm. 6.2.10
"The mathematics of magic" Click Here • "Meet magic Morgan: Britain's youngest illusionist at just six years old" Click Here • "Why Have Women Magicians Vanished? Working magicians conjure up rationales — both beneficial and baneful — for why so few women perform magic." Click Here • "HCPT The Pilgrimage Trust present - 'Colin McLeod - He'll read your mind and you'll like it!'" Click Here • Johnny Fantastica will be performing his crazy magic comedy show 'Doctor Deaf' at the Reading Centre for the Deaf, Reading, on Saturday 13th February at 8pm • 'Love and Other Magic Tricks' (John Van der Put and company) plays the Barbican Theatre, Plymouth on Friday 12th February, and Chris Cox reviews the show this week, Click Here • Many thanks for your news items - see you next week, Duncan. 6.2.10