Number 505 - 27th February 2010

 

Blackpool Magicians' Club 58th Annual Convention, awards and competition results.

Friday, Junior British Magical Close-Up Championships, four acts competed. 1st place: Alex Hansford, 2nd place: Joe Harper, 3rd place: to Billy Debu from France.

Friday, The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented by President Alan Coventry to Wayne Dobson.
Friday, British Magical Close-Up Championships, nine acts competed. 1st place: Min Hyung Kim from Korea, 2nd place: Johan Stahi from Sweden, 3rd place: John van der Put.
Saturday, The Children's Entertainer International Championships, six acts competed. 1st place: Oscar Munoz from the USA, 2nd place: David Tomkins, 3rd place: Jimmy Carlo.

Saturday, International Stage Magic Championships, five acts competed. 1st place: Hyung Joom Kim from Korea, 2nd place: Jung Min Lee from Korea, 3rd Place: Sandro Rivoli from Austria.

Sunday, The Murray Award, presented by Blackpool Magicians Club President to IBM British Ring Secretary John Pye MIMC and to The Magic Circle President Jack Delvin MIMC.

Sunday, The Ken Dodd Comedy Trophy was presented by Ken Dodd OBE to Clive Webb and Company.

Sunday, Special Presentation to Tom Owen in recognition of his services to the Blackpool Magicians' Club.

Every year we all think it can't get any bigger - but every year it does! I understand 3,600+ magicians attended. Once again we enjoyed three days of world class magic. A tremendous amount of work goes on behind the scenes every year to make it all happen. President Alan Coventry, Convention Organiser Derek Lever, Assistant Convention Organisers David Plant and Andrew Green, and Registration Officer Arthur Casson, together with the entire membership should now all take a very well-earned rest. 27.2.10

 

South Tyneside International Magic Festival - Monday 8th to Sunday 14th March. South Tyneside is set to be enveloped in all things magic for the seventh year running as magicians and magic enthusiasts from around the globe descend on the borough for the return of the hugely popular International Magic Festival in March. South Tyneside Council, The Customs House and past President of the Newcastle Magic Circle, Martin Duffy with support from MagicBox have conjured up another fantastic line-up of first rate magicians from around the globe for the 2010 week-long festival. The Customs House will also be hosting a Family Magic Extravaganza, two evening International Gala Shows and a three-day magic convention for budding and established magicians. Tickets for the convention are priced at £65 per person, with an additional charge for anyone wishing to attend a master class session. For more information, including a full list of events and how to book, visit www.southtyneside.info/magicfestival. 27.2.10

 

Michael Vincent will be lecturing at The Order of The Magi (Manchester) on Tuesday 9th March at 8pm at the Irish World Heritage Centre, Queens Road, Manchester M8 8UF (Map). This internationally renowned magician has won The Magic Circle Close-up Magician of the Year competition no less than three times and appeared at events all over the world. He has been called the magician’s magician, presenting his magic with style and panache. All welcome, door charge for non members. For further information contact Secretary Mike Sharples on 0161 287 7865 or email secretary@orderofthemagi.org.uk For more info and directions visit www.orderofthemagi.org.uk. 27.2.10

 

Cameron Francis Lecture - Reading and London. "Cameron Francis is an actor and magician currently living in Gainesville, Florida. As an actor he has appeared professionally on stage in New York, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Washington DC, and the Hippodrome State Theatre in Gainesville. He has also starred in many commercials and appeared in the feature film "Never Back Down" starring Oscar nominee Djimon Hounsou. As a close-up magician, Cameron has performed at dozens of parties, events and restaurants. He has also created many original effects and has collaborated with some of the top names in close-up magic, including Dave Forrest, Aldo Colombini, Peter Duffie and Richard Sanders. He has had tricks published in Genii, Magic, Magician Magazine and the Stone Cold Magic e-magazine. In January, 2010, a new monthly column written by Cameron entitled The Continental will make its debut in the British IBM magazine The Budget." This will be Cameron's first ever UK lecture tour. Reading: 7.30pm for 8pm. 3rd March at the Home Counties Magical Society, Shinfield Parish Hall, School Green, Shinfield, Reading RG2 9EH. Guests are welcome at a cost of £8. Visit www.hcms.org.uk for details or email Dan Hudson, Programme Secretary programme@hcms.org.uk telephone 0118 93 10 981. London: Davenports Magic Studio on Saturday, 6th March 2010, starting at 2pm. Tickets £10 from www.davenportsmagic.co.uk or phone on 020 7836 0408. 27.2.10

 

Frank Allen 'Alain the Teller of Tales' has been added to the line up for the Irish Ring 85 Diamond Jubilee convention from April 30th-May 2nd in Belfast. Frank will be presenting a lecture on bizarre magic and performing on the close-up show courtesy of Kaymar Magic who have just released his new DVD. He joins other lecturers Steve Dela, John Kimmons and Paul Gordon and performers Neil Henry, Lee Hathaway and local prize-winners Caolan McBride and Nicola. If you register for the convention before Monday March 1st you could win back the cost of your registration; visit www.onliine-usm.com for details. 27.2.10

 

Jus’ Like That! Geoffrey Newton emails "Jus’ Like That, the play about Tommy Cooper’s life is back on tour with Clive Mantle (left of photo) now playing the role. I caught up with him backstage at the Lowry, Salford Quays during this week for a chat. Clive is known to many as Dr. Mike Barratt in TV’s Casualty and Holby City but he has now changed his forceps for a fez. He has the stature, shoe size and dyed black hair which makes him look so close to the real thing. His portrayal shows the highs and lows of Tommy Cooper and the belly laughs come thick and fast as the famous TC jokes are delivered together with the magical mayhem. The set has changed considerably from the Garrick days and is now very simplistic, but it does not detract from the action. The introduction of Mary in the dressing room scene adds to the rhythm of this part. If you are a Tommy Cooper fan it really is a must and is on tour until the end of June. For dates and venues visit www.markgoucher.com. Geoffrey Newton. 27.2.10

 

Paul Gordon's 'Powerful' Card Magic Lecture. "For the very first time in Glasgow, visit The Paul Gordon 'no-holds-barred' full and intensive, but fun, card magic lecture. All doable impromptu card magic from Paul's best-selling books and DVDs. See website for bookings." Wednesday May 12th at 7.30pm. Venue to be confirmed. www.scottishconjurersassociation.org.uk. 27.2.10

 

Drummond Money-Coutts launches his first solo film this week. "Hindi'licious - A Magical Mecca Unto the Taj" was filmed in January and February throughout India, and produced in conjunction with local Rajasthan charity - Seva Mandir. Whilst there the journey made primetime news on regional channels - with interviews going out to over 30 million people. Visit www.dmcmagic.com to watch the movie. 27.2.10

 

Jason Bradbury and Suzi Perry of Gadget Show fame turn their hands to magic on Monday in an attempt to conjurer up some magic, with the aid of some fancy gadgets. The Gadget Show, 8pm on Monday 1st March on Five, see TV Magic. 27.2.10

 

David Copperfield - A Magic Life. Magicseen is proud to announce the release of Benoit Grenier's biography of magic legend David Copperfield. Called 'A Magic Life' this interesting book traces David's rise from precocious young magic talent to international star and takes the reader behind the scenes to experience at first hand the dedication and commitment required to produce some of the most memorable magic ever seen on television and to perform 500 live shows a year. Benoit is clearly a great fan of David's and his story is a personal and fond account of both David the man and David the illusionist. Although no actual secrets are revealed, the reader is nonetheless given access to the workings of the David Copperfield world, a world where fantasy becomes reality and where nothing seems impossible. The book runs to 144 A5 size perfect bound pages and is a must-read for all magic fans. Available now from www.magicseen.co.uk and reviewed this week by Mike Clarke Click Here. 27.2.10

 

Drew McAdam Mindplay. He'll read your thoughts. He'll Influence your thoughts. And he will predict your thoughts... Exploring the untapped mysteries and potential of the human mind, Drew McAdam will use all his incredible abilities in this show. Body language interpretation, subliminal suggestion and, yes, mind-reading will combine with gentle humour to produce an entertaining, challenging, yet relaxing experience for spectators – and participants - alike. The result is Mindplay, a fascinating, fun-filled evening’s entertainment with Scotland's foremost mind reader. Drew will stop his pulse, reveal a word an audience member has selected at random, describe to a participant an event from their childhood, bend metal cutlery, demonstrate fast calculation, perform impressive memory feats... and read your mind! 7.30pm, 2nd April, Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Port-Na-Craig, Pitlochry PH16 5DR (Map) www.pitlochry.org.uk. 27.2.10

 

Flink Key by Karl Bravosky. The Flink Key is now available exclusively from www.my-magicshop.com. Find out what it is and what you can do with it at www.my-magicshop.com! (see the demo video). 27.2.10

 

Edward Hilsum is in Las Vegas at the World Magic Seminar this weekend. He'll be competing in the Teen Stage Contest, and is the only competitor from the UK. Go get 'em Ed! 27.2.10

 

Steve Dela at The Academy. Following on from the release of his new DVD, Work and Play, which is gaining rave reviews, Steve Dela is lecturing at The Academy of Magic at 8pm on Sunday 7th March. The lecture will be streamed live and can be watched from anywhere in the world. For more details visit www.academyofmagic.com, where you'll also be able to watch the previous lecture from Hayashi. 27.2.10

 

American Summer Arts Camp needs a Magician. "We are looking for a magician to stay at camp from June to August teaching private and small groups of campers all forms and styles of magic, culminating in shows. Free full room and board provided, plus salary and assistance getting your work visa. Please contact Geoff at geoff@longlakecamp.com or call me directly in America on 914 693 7111. We are 5 hours behind UK time. Thank you, Geoff Burnett." www.longlakecamp.com. 27.2.10

 

Magic/Illusion assistant. Isabel Woywode emails: "My name is Isabel Woywode and I am an aerial circus performer/ dancer looking into becoming a magicians assistant. I have originally trained and worked as a dancer before breaking into the world of aerial circus after being cast for the Millennium Dome show in London. My experience includes cruise ships, 4 years in a travelling circus, theatres, touring shows and corporate gigs. I mainly work on vertical rope (cordelisse), aerial tissue/ silks and cloudswing but am also a confident stilt walker and used to working with fire (eating and swinging- I don’t swallow or try not to…). I’m currently on P&Os ‘Pacific Jewel’ as one of their aerial cast members and am due to finish my contract in June 2010. Please contact me via email on izzy_woywode@hotmail.com (web link www.isabelwoywode.com) if this interests you." Isabel Woywode. 27.2.10

 

Sean Heydon is embarking on a 36 date tour, later in the year (23rd July -3rd September). In preparation he's doing a mini tour featuring some of his smaller routines (basically his cabaret act, sorry no tigers or airplanes!). The dates are 4th March: Leek, 7th March: Sheffield and 8th March: Derby. For venue locations and more info email sheydon@aol.com www.seanheydon.com. 27.2.10

 

Mel Harvey tells us he was made an honorary "Sheik" during his recent visit to Dubai, seen here 'table floating' outside the world's tallest building, the Khalifa Burj (tower), on the beach at the Al Arab Hotel. Mel was pleased to be part of the Blackpool Convention seeing Clive Webb and Danny in two shows and winning the Ken Dodd comedy award, particularly as the feature trick 'Pigeon Feathers to Cat' was supplied by Mel's Magic Co. Anyone wishing to see Clive and Co can see them at The Bedworth Civic Theatre today (Saturday) in 'Circus Hilarious' at 7.30pm. (Note: Front row seats are not necessarily the best!). Box office 02476 376707. 27.2.10

 

The Van Buren Story on DVD. "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 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." The DVD costs £15.00. Cheques should be made payable to 'Andrew Van Buren' and sent to: Van Buren DVD, PO Box 777, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire ST4 8QA. 27.2.10

 

Jon Marshall's Sideshow Lecture – Darlington Magic Circle. Jon Marshall lectures at the Darlington Magic Circle on Thursday, March 4th. You may have seen Jon’s shows at Showzam in Blackpool; now is your chance to find out much more about them. 'Sideshow Illusions and the adventures of Jon Gresham, fire-eater, magician and sideshow showman' is a talk illustrated with photographs and video about the sideshow illusions that were often seen at fairgrounds and seaside amusement parks in the 1950s and 60sfeaturing funny stories about Jon Gresham's life and the perils of sideshow promoting. Stories about the punters, the girls, the importance of the "Flash" and the "Outside Talker" are featured. Jon Marshall shows how he and others have restored and presented several of these wonderful attractions. Whether local or from further afield The Darlington Magic Circle extend a warm and friendly welcome to all magicians who would like to attend. There is a token £5 admission for non-members. Very easy access as just off the A1 and on the East Coast mainline. Further details: secretary@thedarlingtonmagiccircle.co.uk or iainjae@ntlworld.com

 

Extreme Clowning would like to thank everybody for their help and encouragement at this year's Blackpool Convention. The trip was a huge success and a created great awareness for Deafblind people and also got a few magicians thinking! Jimmy would like to thank David and Dania for letting him feel the glitter transformation and also to all of the magic dealers who let him feel and explore magic tricks, and also Creative Magic and Kreis Magic for their time and donations of magic for Jimmy. A big thank you to the Berglas Foundation, Beard Juggling and the Blackpool Magicians Club - without them this trip would not have been possible. If you have any ideas for magic which can be appreciated purely by touch contact JJ (Extreme Clowning) at instantmash@hotmail.com. (Photo: Jimmy, Joe Pasquale and JJ). 27.2.10

 

Quentin Reynolds' Psychic Game Show - extended Manchester run. The success of the February shows prompted the management of The Lass O'Gowrie to ask Quentin to continue every Monday in March. Good pub food is available for those arriving early. They also brew their own beer on the premises. "A bewitching blend of mindreading and humour." Shows start at 8pm. Tickets £5.00 at The Lass O' Gowrie, 36 Charles Street, Manchester M1 7DB (Map). Phone 0161 2364452 or visit www.psychicgameshow.com. 27.2.10

 

David Tomkins Lecture - West Sussex. Fresh from his well deserved 2nd place win in the International Children's Entertainer competition at the Blackpool Magic Convention, David Tomkins will be lecturing on the secrets of his success. The talk, on children's entertainment and ventriloquism and the use of puppets, will take place on Wednesday, March 3rd at 8pm at South Downs Magicians, Handcross Parish Hall, High Street, Handcross, West Sussex RH17 6BJ (Map). Visiting magicians welcome, £5.00 on the door. More details and directions: www.southdownsmagicians.co.uk. 27.2.10

 

The "Levett & Lee" Road Show - Birmingham. Graham Lee has another Balloon Fun Day coming up, The "Levett & Lee" road show will be in Birmingham on Wednesday 24th March, see: www.balloonchat.co.uk. This is a full day 'hands on' lecture/workshop from two of the UK’s leading balloon artistes, Thelma Levett and Graham Lee: "This year we will be carrying on from the days last year, as long as you can twist the basics this day will help you onto the next level of balloon modelling. The day will run from 10am - 5pm with tuition running from 10.30am - 4.30pm with four, one-hour hands-on tutorial sessions throughout the day. Topics covered: 'one balloon wonders', 'weaving', 'something for everyone' and a 'requests' section. To book visit www.sempertexballoons.co.uk. 27.2.10

 

A Celebration of The Life of Patrick Page.

The Family of Patrick Page asked to post the following information.

Service Details: Date: Monday 1st March 2010. Time: 2.00pm. Place: Golders Green Crematorium, Hoop Lane, London NW11 7NL.
*Anyone wishing to attend on Monday to pay respect please contact Sharron Rose via ColinRoseMIMC@aol.com as this will assist the family with arrangements. Thank you. Those of you wishing to send flowers or donations: Flowers to be sent directly to Golders Green Crematorium, Hoop Lane, London NW11 7NL to arrive by 2.00pm Donations should be made to 'St Christopher's Hospice' c/o F. A. Albin & Sons, Funeral Directors, Arthur Stanley House, 52 Culling Road, London SE16 2TN.
 27.2.10

 

"Defining Moment: P.T. Selbit creates the magician’s assistant, January 17 1921" Click Here • "Interview: Paul Daniels" Click Here • "Criss Angel’s new $100,000 bike is made from human skeleton" Click Here • "Daniels: 'The Krankies are hysterical'" Click Here • John Archer supporting Tim Vine reviewed by Ian Keable, Click Here • "It's no illusion - resort is magic!" Click Here • "POW Magician visits Pensby School" Click Here • "It’s over! Magician Dirk Arthur ends six-year Tropicana run" Click Here • "Be afraid: terror set to stalk the boards" Click Here • Your UK magic news is always welcome - see you next week, Duncan 27.2.10

 

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