Number 503 - 13th February 2010
Patrick
Page 17th March 1929 – 11th February 2010. The great magician,
historian, raconteur and author Patrick Page, passed away on Thursday
at 80 years of age. A native of Scotland, for many years he was a
performer in working men's clubs. He married (his late wife, Margaret)
and moved to London where he worked in a succession of magic shops,
including a long stint at Davenports. He was the author of Bell's
Book of Magic, Magic by Gosh (Al Goshman),and The Big Book
of Magic, among others, as well as dozens of booklets on topics from
the Topit to the purse frame. He partnered in the 1970s with Vic Pinto
to produce the Trik-a-Tape series of audio and video cassettes.
Pat authored the Pageboy Speaks column for Pabular and contributed items
and musings to most of the magic magazines. He passed away in hospital
after a long illness, and leaves two children, Janette and Jeremy, and a
grandson. At his death he was working on a massive, final book
comprising new material as well as effects from his small, hard-to-find
booklets. No publication date is set as yet. Pat continued performing
and manning a dealer table until last year. Matthew Field.
(Photo: Pat at the IBM British Ring Convention, Eastbourne, in September
2008 by Duncan Trillo) 13.2.10
International
Illusionist Franz Harary has been booked by Blackpool Magicians'
Club to vanish the famous Blackpool Tower. Franz previously vanished
Tower Bridge in London for the BBC. This spectacular event is being
recorded on video and will be used to publicise the 2011 F.I.S.M.
European Magic Championships being hosted by Blackpool Magicians' Club.
The vanish will be shown on the Blackpool website
www.blackpoolmagic.com in two weeks time. A full
programme of events is now listed on the website for the 2010
Blackpool Convention which has attracted a record number of registrants
this year. Registration Officer Arthur Casson is still trying to find
new ways for magicians to enjoy at least part of the convention but
basically it is a complete sell-out. The World's Biggest Convention just
got even bigger - see you there! 13.2.10
Derren
Brown
Enigma. This is the second leg of the sold out tour that started in
2009. Derren is in Swansea this evening - see
What's On for complete
tour dates. "Brilliant... there was nothing for it but to surrender to
his control" Mail on Sunday. "Mind-blowing"
London Lite. "A Spectacular night of entertainment. Derren Brown is,
without a shadow of a doubt, this country's greatest illusionist. His
latest show sees him climb to artistic heights rarely, if ever, achieved
by any other legends of the magical arts" Time Out. Visit:
www.derrenbrown.co.uk/blog/tour-dates for updates. 13.2.10
A
Magical Variety Show - Nottingham. The Nottingham Guild of Magicians
are staging A Magical Variety Show at 7pm on Sunday 28th February at the
Nottingham Arts Theatre, George Street, Nottingham NG1 3BE (Map).
The show stars Jimmy Cricket, Paul Dabek, Martyn James, John Kimmons and
Su Jayne, with further acts to be announced. Tickets are £13.50 each and
can be booked online via
www.nottingham-theatre.co.uk or from the box office on 01159 476096.
In the daytime there will be two lectures from John Kimmons and Su
Jayne, starting at 2pm. Tickets are just £5.00 to see both lectures.
Lecture tickets are available from Andrew Morrison on 07966 494095.
www.nottinghamguildofmagicians.co.uk. 13.2.10
Magic
Show visits Blackpool, following a highly successful inaugural
showing at Quad, in Derby. This Hayward Gallery Touring exhibition can
be seen free at
The Grundy Art Gallery, just a short walk from The Winter Gardens
from Saturday 13th February - Saturday 10th April (10am -5pm, closed
Sundays). The exhibition brings together 24 visual artists for whom
theatrical magic is an important form, intellectually and
performatively. Highlights include art-world bad-boys Jake & Dinos
Chapman working in collaboration with Derren Brown, and a monumental
sculptural illusion by German artist Sinta Werner. In addition, an
archival section explores magic's sometimes surprising connections to
the world of politics, warfare, marketing and religion, with loans from
Eddie Dawes, Paul Kieve, Scott Penrose, Peter Lane, John Fisher, and The
Magic Circle Collection. A richly illustrated catalogue contains essays
on art and magic by the curators, Jonathan Allen (aka the fictitious
gospel magician
Tommy Angel) and writer Sally O'Reilly, as well as new writing from
Simon During, Brigitte Felderer, Peter Lamont, Pierre Taillefer, Helen
Varola and Marina Warner. After Blackpool, 'Magic Show' tours to Tullie
House Museum and Art Gallery, Carlisle (15 May – 4 July); Chapter,
Cardiff (30 July – 12 September) and Pump House Gallery, London (6
October – 19 December). For a review of 'Magic Show'
Click Here. More information is available on the South Bank Centre
www.southbankcentre.co.uk. 13.2.10
Beat
the Wand! Last call for any entrants for this year's Beat the Wand,
Blackpool Magic Convention's only Interactive Magical Variety Show...
"We have a nice mixture of performers, styles and a few surprises along
the way, but would like a couple of extra acts to balance the show out.
We've also included a couple of sections in the first and second half
for some exciting 'audience participation record breaking attempts' so
you may end up being the star of the show without even planning it! If
you have something quirky/alternative to offer then get in touch or if
you know someone who can give the audience 5 minutes of something they
have never seen before then we would love to hear from them. Remember a
sub-genre or branch of magic will have a better chance of winning than
an ambitious card or Professor's Nightmare routine for this crowd and
venue. So get in touch and be part of the madness!" This competition is
for convention attendees only. Email Andy
beatthewand@hotmail.co.uk
for more info. 13.2.10
Magicseen
will be having a stand for the first time at the Blackpool Convention
next weekend and will be positioned right next to the Mark Leveridge
Magic stand in one of the corners of the main dealer hall. As well as
offering customers the chance to take out a subscription to the
magazine, or to renew an expiring one, there will also be some very
special offers on back issues bought at the convention and also on the
Magicseen range of books. Plus, copies of the new Magicseen publication
'David Copperfield - A Magic Life' will be available for the first time
on the stand too as the book is being launched at the convention.
Magicseen Design Manager Phil Shaw and Deputy Editor Graham Hey will be
there on the stand to meet and chat with you and Editor Mark Leveridge
will be just 'next door' keeping an eye on things too!
www.magicseen.co.uk. 13.2.10
The
boys are back in town – Matt Parro, Stuart Harley, Geoff Hunt, and
Max Curd will be back in Blackpool this year to review the convention as
it happens (well, more or less). They'll be posting news, reviews,
photos, audio, video and even tweets! They want you to add your
comments, making it the most interactive convention yet. Head over to
www.magicbloggers.co.uk to add your thoughts. 13.2.10
Black
Cat Magic & Escapology will be attending the
Blackpool Magic
Convention on 19th - 21st February and have several new products for
magicians and escape artists, including Escape Volume 1 & 2 by
Danny Hunt and, from the creator of Supalok, Master Locksmith
Mick Hanzlik's Supalok 'Mini', 'Midi' and 'Numba-Lok'
- all brand new for 2010. Black Cat began trading in 2006, with an aim
to create high quality, long lasting and affordable magic and escape
effects for professional and amateur performers alike. With over 15
years experience as a professional escapology and illusion act, their
products are tried and tested in a live environment and include magic
tricks, escapes, illusions, large scale escapes, close-up effects, books
and DVDs, many of which have been precision made and hand crafted by a
qualified locksmith and engineer. Black Cat supply to many professional
magicians and escapologists around the world, and also provide
escapology design and consultancy for TV, Film and Theatre. For more
details visit
www.blackcatmagicuk.com. 13.2.10
Champion
of Magic. "The effects invented by Argentinian magician Henry Evans
are strong, visual, and incredibly deceptive so any lecture by him is
worthy of attention. Members and Associates of the Blackpool Magicians’
Club will be in for a treat when he lectures at the club headquarters on
Thursday, 25th February at 8pm (doors open 7pm). Henry Evans is a FISM
World Champion (Cards, 2000), a fact that becomes self evident when you see him
perform and yet the methods he uses are within the reach of most
magicians. If you seek outstanding and powerful magic then this is one
lecture you should not miss." Lectures are free to all members and
associates of the Blackpool Magicians’ Club so if you are not a member
or an associate you should consider joining. Details of membership and
associate membership (which is only £25 a year) can be obtained from the
club website
www.blackpoolmagic.com. 13.2.10
Stephen
Barry is pictured here with Alesha Dixon for the launch of the
Variety Club of Great Britain's 2010 Gold Hearts Campaign. "The
Variety Club is a fantastic charity helping so many thousands of
children and young people every year regardless of whether they are
sick, have mobility problems, are disabled or come from disadvantaged
backgrounds. I'm so happy to be involved in this Gold Heart campaign,
where every badge you buy will make a real difference to someone's life.
And remember just three badges will pay for an unforgettable day out for
one of our young people. Have a heart, help a child." Alesha Dixon.
Stephen Barry is the 'resident magician' for the Variety Club of Great
Britain
www.stephenbarry.co.uk . 13.2.10
Phoenix
and Alchemist Playing Cards - in stock! MagicNevin.com is pleased to
announce the arrival of the Phoenix and Alchemist playing card decks.
Printed in metallic ink these stunning limited edition decks were
created by Stephen Rooks and printed on Bicycle stock by the United
States Playing Card Company. Also, just in, the new Ellusionist deck,
The Arcane (available in both black and white editions) and a stunning
125th Anniversary Edition Bicycle Deck. MagicNevin.com is continually
expanding its wide range of Magic Tricks, Accessories and Playing Cards
with the majority of items being in stock for immediate delivery. Visit
www.magicnevin.com! 13.2.10
South
Downs Magicians are staging a fund-raising show to pay for a new
community centre. Club secretary Paul Bromley explained: "We currently
meet in a lovely Edwardian hall with a stage and lighting and dressing
rooms. It's been a marvellous venue enabling us to learn more about the
art of stagecraft and attracting some great cabaret acts but the lease
on the building is due to run out in four year's time." The 'Magic,
Mystery and Illusion' show will take place on Friday February 26th at
7.30pm and the proceeds will be split between the Handcross parish fund
to build a new community centre and the magic club. Close-up performers
will entertain the audience before the stage show and there will be
refreshments and a raffle during the interval. Tickets cost £5 and are
available from Paul Bromley on 01444 871161. For further details and
directions visit
www.southdownsmagicians.co.uk. 13.2.10
House
of Illusion Auditions. Last year, Rodney James Piper's House of
Illusion magical dinner show in Salou, Spain, enjoyed audiences
totaling twenty five thousand over the Summer. They are now recruiting
for Summer 2010. All types of magicians and mystery entertainers are
needed to join the team for the season. Their final auditions will be
held in Blackpool on Monday 22nd February at the Ruskin Hotel. To apply
email
recruitment@rjpentertainment.com or phone 01212 883542 or +34 977
380940.
www.houseofillusion.net. 13.2.10
Numba-Lok.
Master Locksmith Mick Hanzlik's latest effect is Numba-Lok: "The
code of a brass 4 number combination padlock is 'cracked' whilst in the
spectator's hand, in an impossible way. Ideal for mentalists or close-up
workers. A regular looking lock, expertly gimmicked by a Master
Locksmith. Very easy to do." Numba-Lok will be on demonstration
for the first time at the Black Cat Magic and Escapology stand at the
Blackpool Convention; it is also available now directly from Mick
Hanzlik:
www.loxandkeys.com/numbalok.html. 13.2.10
The
Jack the Ripper Séance, hosted by Paul Voodini and Chris Carter, is
taking place once again at Treadwells bookshop in Covent Garden, London
on Sunday 21st February. Fast becoming established as one of London's
"must attend" events, this evening attracts huge interest from
magicians, mentalists and members of the public alike. Expect intrigue,
mystery and a few frights along the way as guests hold hands in the dark
and utter the immortal line "is anybody there?" Tickets and information
from
www.seancenights.co.uk. 13.2.10
20
Tips For Séance Workers. Thomas Baxter has written a new ebook for
those interested in presenting theatrical séances, entitled 20 Tips
For Séance Workers. Previous publications include the Nail Writer
Anthology (which H&R books will be publishing in hard cover in May)
and A Card Merely Thought Of, both in ebook format. Thomas kindly
sent through a copy. This is a well produced ebook that very much
achieves what it sets out to do, offering 20 mostly very useful tips for
the séance worker. Thomas Baxter was one of the lucky few invited to
attend the last Houdini Séance officiated by Joseph Dunninger, shortly
before Dunninger passed away. Recommended. 20 Tips For Séance Workers is
priced at $25.00. To order visit
www.thoughtcontrol.ca. 13.2.10
Extreme
Clowning will be at the Blackpool convention again this February. JJ
(Jonathan Lucia-Wright) will be enabling Jimmy O'Hare (photo) to access
the world of magic through sign and props. Jimmy was born deaf and
became blind at the age of 17. He discovered the world of magic over the
last 8 years and is looking forward to meeting more people again this
year and to discover more tricks. JJ and Jimmy research and adapt tricks
which can be appreciated by touch alone and can then be used with other
Deafblind people. They would especially like to thank their sponsors
this year, The David Berglas Foundation, Beard Juggling, James Hallam
and Arthur Casson and all at the Blackpool Magicians' Club for all their
help. Without them this trip would not be possible. 13.2.10
Jon
Gresham’s 1964 Monster Sideshow has been restored by Jon Marshall
and the Sideshow Illusions team and will be presented for the first time
at Showzam 2010 at the Winter Garden’s Olympia in Blackpool opening
today, Saturday 13th February. Also displayed are The Headless Lady and
Girl in the Goldfish Bowl. The Sideshows fronts are on display
throughout the Showzam festival but will be operating on the 13th, 14th,
20th and 21st February from 11am to 6pm. The Monster Show features the
original show fronts and artefacts including a 1960s wax Wolfman and an
the original animated Frankenstein’s monster, made by Jimmy Tattersall
for Jon Gresham, Tattersall was well known in the 50s and 60s for his
performances with life size vent dolls.
The feature illusion in the Monster Show is Robert Harbin’s Invisible Ray or Out of the World which has been constructed for the show. Harbin’s Invisible Ray illusion has a sideshow pedigree being shown for some years on Blackpool’s Golden Mile by Murray and presented by Maskar. Alan Shaxon, Derek Lever, Michael Diamond and Max Blake were all generous with advice said Jon Marshall. The sideshow illusions are part of the Barnum exhibition curated by Professor Toulmin from the National Fairground Archive, University of Sheffield which also features Tom Norman’s original show booth with performances by Andrew Van Buren and Tim Cockerill in the style of The Great Carmo and Dr Walford Bodie. Admission to the Barnum exhibition is free of charge. www.sideshowillusions.com. 13.2.10
Van
Buren presents The Temple of Illusions at Showzam, Blackpool. "A
specially commissioned magic show which pays tribute to the famous
magicians who appeared in the Tom Norman show and fairgrounds of the
last 100 years. This fast paced one hour variety show, produced by and
featuring Andrew Van Buren & Company recreates magic from the past
featuring magicians & showmen such as the Great Carmo, Professor
Anderton and The Amazing Yoxanis. The exotic Marawa will be playing the
part of Koringa the world’s first female fakir and Tim Cockerill will be
making sparks fly as the infamous Dr Walford Bodie. The emphasis of the
show is showmanship and entertainment." Three shows per day on 13th,
14th, 20th and 21st February. The performances will be followed by
displays of rare vintage Blackpool cine footage.
www.showzam.co.uk. 13.2.10
Kockov
In Cardiff. Monrokvian master magician and mind-reader, Kockov, aka
Jasper Blakeley, is appearing at the prestigious Wales Millennium Centre
in Cardiff Bay on Saturday March 6th. This one-man 'adults only' mind
show, will feature some never before seen mental effects plus his famous
'Real Live Russian Roulette'. For more information see
www.wmc.org.uk and
to book Jasper/Kockov for his current lecture tour, visit
www.jasperblakeley.co.uk. 13.2.10
Roy
Davenport will be lecturing at Bolton Magicians' Club on Wednesday
17th February at the Doffcocker Inn, Bolton at 8.30 pm. Roy, a fourth
generation magician from the famous Davenport family, will be lecturing
on aspects of manipulation and stage presentation. Visiting magicians
from other societies are most welcome. There will be an entrance fee of
£5.00. Roy's website is
www.roydavenport.co.uk. Visit
www.bolton-magic.co.uk for directions to the Doffcocker Inn or
telephone Jim Hodgkiss on 01204 522651. 13.2.10
The
Van Buren Story, 3pm on Thursday 18th February at the Olympia,
Winter Gardens, part of the Showzam Festival in Blackpool. "The Van
Buren story marks the rise of illusionists Fred & Greta and their son
Andrew who over the years have performed for audiences ranging from The
British Royal Family to Sultans in the Middle East, always with an
original twist and emphasis on performing surrounded by the audience and
with showmanship. The film produced by Professor Ray Johnson from
Staffordshire University is a real insight into the world of variety,
theatre, circus, TV, fairground and the corporate world. The DVD
features early cine footage of Fred Van Buren & Greta, other performers
of the time, anecdotes, the workshops and store rooms, vehicles, effects
and inventions, Van Buren illusions, and footage of their recent
illusion spectaculars around the world. Also bonus poster galleries,
hundreds of photographs and appearances by Roy Hudd and Robbie Williams. A mammoth project and an epic story. With a preview showing
of the completed project in the Tom Norman - Cine Variety show." The
film will also be available to buy on DVD during the Showzam Festival.
www.showzam.co.uk. 13.2.10
The
Syndicate Night Club Blackpool (The largest night club in the UK) is
offering free entry to magicians all night on the 18th February (before
12pm) and 19th (before 11pm). You will need to prove you are a magician
on entry by showing either a magic club membership card/badge, or a
trick, or a special flyer. Normal admission is £10.00. More information
can be found at
www.thesyndicate.com. 13.2.10
Young
Magician required for new illusion show. Illusion X is looking for a
young, dynamic magician/illusionist for a new touring show: "We are
looking for someone between 18 and 25 with previous performing
experience. If you already have your own routines then they would be
included in the show. If you are looking for a way to get into
performing illusions without all the expense of paying out for your own
show, then this would be a perfect opportunity." For more information
contact Scott Pepper
mail@revillusion.co.uk or 07980 253372. 13.2.10
Paul
Gordon will be presenting his new card magic lecture for
The
Leicester Magic Circle on Monday March 1st. Paul will be featuring
magic from his new 3-DVD set Card Startlers, together with some
never-before-published card magic. 13.2.10
Matt
Grindley the comedy stage magician from the TV shows Streetmagic
and Britain's Biggest Heists, has been asked by MTV to film a
number of indent magic segments to be played on a giant screens in
Oldham town centre. The indents will also be shown on information
stations around the town, featuring close-up magic to catch people's
attention. 13.2.10
Stage
magic duo Amazing Norvil & Josephine will appear in the line
up at
Yes,
Yes, Yes! Club on Saturday 13th February. "Four floors of love and
romance-themed music, other live acts, cabaret and burlesque, with stage
shows from the likes of magician
Amazing Norvil & Josephine, Bunny Warren, mime artist Matt Hennem,
Dead Cirkus Cabaret and Natural Addiction, plus B-Boy dancers and
vintage erotica on the decks until late. Dress Code: Burlesque, vintage
or fetish. No sportswear or real fur." Venue: Scala, 275-277 Pentonville
Road, London N1 9NL (Map).
Telephone 020 7833 2022. Tickets can be bought in advance for £15 - £25
from Scala Box Office (no booking fee) or for £25+ via
www.ticketweb.co.uk. 13.2.10
Oliver
Meech Lecture. Thursday, March 4th at 8pm. "Liverpool Magic Circle
are proud to announce The Oliver Meech Lecture. The first ever lecture
by Oliver Meech a.k.a. The Creative Conjuror. Described by Genii Online
as wildly creative, Oliver loves developing tricks with new plots. His
first book, The Plot Thickens, was a critical and commercial
success, and his work has been compared to Paul Harris and Jay Sankey.
In this fun and informative lecture you'll learn a range of tricks,
designed to be original yet practical. There will also be a
mini-workshop teaching a powerful creativity technique that makes it
easy to come up with new tricks of your own." Members £4.00, Non Members
£10. For more information contact Secretary Richie Smith
rtsmagic@blueyonder.co.uk
07979 804823. Venue: The Crown Inn, Leyfield Road, Liverpool L12 9HA (Map)
www.liverpoolmagiccircle.co.uk. 13.2.10
John
Kimmons 'Talk To The Hand' lecture. Portsmouth & District Magic
Circle will be hosting John Kimmons' Talk To The Hand lecture at
Buckland Community Centre, Malins Road, Buckland, Portsmouth PO2 7BL (Map)
on Monday 15th February at 7.45pm. Non-members are welcome, £5
admission.
www.portsmouthmagic.co.uk
www.kimmo.co.uk.
Organised by Sean Lobban PDMC secretary
secretary@portsmouthmagic.co.uk. 13.2.10
More
Magic Moments. "Two of Northamptonshire’s leading children’s
entertainers have joined forces to run a fantastic children’s show this
half-term. Royston and Steve Dimmer are both members of The Magic Circle
and have both previously won the title 'Northamptonshire Magicians Club
Children’s Entertainer of the Year'. Last year they organised a show
entitled Magic Moments to entertain local children – this year they have
a brand new show called More Magic Moments – featuring magic, illusions,
comedy, music, puppets and audience participation." The show is on at
Forum Cinema, Lings Forum, Weston Favell, Northampton on Wednesday 17th
and Thursday 18th February at 11am. Tickets are priced at £5.75 and
further details can be obtained from the Box Office on 01604 409010.
Credit Card Bookings via Ticket Web 08444 77 1000 or
www.ticketweb.co.uk. 13.2.10
Zane's
Magic Shop will be at the Blackpool Convention, in the same spot as
last year. Their first 10 customers will receive a free magic gift worth
over £10.00 with any purchase over £25.00. Customers can now pay by
credit or debit card over the phone or in person at conventions.
www.zanesmagicshop.com. 13.2.10
Reviewed this week: Lecture: Anthony Jacquin, Lecture Jasper Blakely, Tricks: Mark Leveridge: New Products 2010, Book: Magic 1400s - 1950s, Show: Pete Firman & The Gilded Balloon Tour • "My crash course as a children's party clown" Click Here • "Review: Magic Night @ Madame JoJos" Click Here • "Britain's got cruelty: Exploitation is what this talent show is about" Click Here • "Sydney’s new magic scene no illusion" Click Here • "Renowned illusionist hails Marshall museum as the ‘Smithsonian of magic museums’" Click Here • Pat Page is going to be greatly missed. He was a brilliant magician with an encyclopedic knowledge of magic which he freely shared. I was lucky to have worked with him many times over the years and always enjoyed his sharp wit and outspoken no-nonsense attitude to magic and life. His contribution to the world of magic will certainly live on. Duncan. 13.2.10