Number 506 - 6th March 2010
A-Bar-Cadabra!
Illusions Magic Bar opens in Manchester. While other bars may
claim to have a 'magic' atmosphere, Illusions is the only bar in
Manchester that literally does. Illusions is the UK's first
branded Magic Bar concept, dedicated to the art of magic, featuring live
magic shows every night from some of the best home grown talent,
together with visits from international magicians throughout the year.
Manchester is home to the second Illusions magic bar for business
partners Mark Bennett and Sylvie Dagallier. The first is in Bristol,
which last year was awarded 'The Best Entertainment Pub of Great Britain
2009' and the owners hope to bring the same success to the new
Manchester venue. Mark Bennett said: "The first bar in Bristol has only
been open for two years and to win the Best Entertainment Pub of the
Year award was a dream come true for us... we hope to replicate that success
here in Manchester." Specialising in live magic and live music, the bar
has its own baby grand piano and will see some dazzling performances
from local talent. For budding Manchester magicians every Wednesday
night there is an open mic night, for local talent to show off their
tricks. Illusions Magic Bar does not charge entry and the magic shows
are free - the perfect way to start your night! Visit
www.illusionsmagicbar.co.uk for more information. 6.3.10
P C
Sorcar Jr performs at the London Ananda Utsav 2010 on Saturday and
Sunday March 20th and 21st in the Great Hall, Alexandra Palace.
"Anandabazar Patrika presents a unique and fun-filled event to be held
in London, UK from the 19th to 21st March 2010. The P.C. Chandra London
Ananda Utsav is an initiative to bring together the vast Bengali
community living in the UK by providing a platform where they can
celebrate the essence of Bengal. This festival is the first of its kind
in the UK and the venue for this fun fiesta will be the incredible and
splendid Alexandra Palace situated in North London. The three day event
will see outstanding performances by the best of Bengali and Indian
artists and performers." Visit
www.londonanandautsav.com
for booking details. 6.3.10
South
Tyneside International Magic Convention Friday 12th to Sunday 14th
March. Germany's Gentleman Juggler Jeton (photo) has just been added to
the line up of artists appearing at the convention next week, together
with added talks from Israel’s Roni Shachnaey and the UK’s Richard
McDougall. The registration fee of £65.00
includes all eight lectures, close-up sessions, the two Gala Shows, and free
access to the exclusive “Midnight Show” on Friday night at the
convention HQ. Magic dealers attending include: Magic Box, Five of Hearts Magic
Productions, Wayne Dobson (Dtrik), Kaymar Magic, Magicians Cave, Adrian
Sullivan and Dave Forrest. Visit
www.southtyneside.info/visitingus/magic-festival for full details.
There will also be a number of additional Master Classes on Sunday 14th
March at Customs House. Each session is limited to just 20 people and costs
£60.00 per class. Featuring: Lennart Green - From Chaos to Order &
Impossible Locations. "Lennart will lead you through the skills
involved in card control, how to secretly arrange cards and will show
you a variety of self-working effects." Tim Sonefelt - To Sell or Not
to Sell, Insider Secrets to Back of Room Sales "You will learn the
secrets to substantially Increasing your income through back of the room
sales! Bands do it, speakers do it, touring theatre shows do it and so
should you!" and, Joshua Quinn - Conjunction. "Joshua will present a
workshop on his acclaimed gimmickless, examinable, self-linking business
card effect, Conjunction."
6.3.10
Thom
Peterson joins the line up for the Irish Ring 85 Diamond Jubilee
convention (April 30th-May 2nd) in Belfast. He will be lecturing,
performing stage and close-up magic and will also have a dealer stand.
Thom’s performance has been sponsored in memory of the late Wallace
Blair - long term society member and previous convention organiser.
The Headquarters Hotel is now fully booked, except for those rooms which
have been reserved for conventioneers. These will be released to the
public on March 19th so anyone wishing to stay is therefore asked
to contact the hotel without delay.
The convention website
www.online-usm.com/Convention.html has now been
fully updated with a list of lecturers, performers, dealers and a
provisional schedule of events. 6.3.10
Magic
Moments Day. Jay Fortune launched Magic Moments Day in 2008. The
idea being to set aside a day each year where magicians across the
country could stage a show for charity, performing to an audience of
their choosing, raising funds and
smiles, simultaneously. Jay proposed that I set up a page on MagicWeek
so that the day could build more momentum by having a permanent 'home'
that could be seen weekly by thousands of magicians, and I was happy to
agree. So, please do keep an eye out for updates on the new 'Magic
Moments' page as the day develops in 2010. Details of this year's day
will appear in the coming weeks. DT. 6.3.10
Conjuring
at the Court. On the last Thursday of every month, the Drayton Court
hosts an evening of mystery and magic: "For our show on 25th March,
we’re delighted to feature the very funny mind-reading of Graham Jolley,
the silky-smooth sleight-of-hand of Michael Vincent; the comedy
double-act of Dave Loosley and Joe Derrington; and the charming young Ed
Hilsum producing doves from nowhere. The show is presented by genial
up-and-coming TV personality Paul Metcalfe." 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. 6.3.10
The
Production Suite are on the hunt to find Britain’s Best Crazy Kid’s
Entertainer. The Production Suite have a progressive, forward
thinking view of children’s entertainment and have written a very
successful programme utilised by major tour operators. Fantastic prizes
on offer include a development session with their team of expert
producers and guaranteed bookings. Auditions to be held in early/mid
March; Competition 6th – 10th April in London. For more details call 020
8407 2911/12 or visit
www.productionsuite.co.uk. About The Production Suite: "The
Production Suite are a talented group of entertainment professionals who
are passionate about delivering great results for our clients. Born in
1996 we are the UK’s Number 1 provider of top to tail entertainment to
the holiday industry. We have over 75 combined years of experience
producing entertainment for all of the UK’s Tour Operators. We create
exciting production shows, original game shows, imaginative daytime
entertainment, children’s shows and formats for all age-groups. Our
agency books and contracts cabaret artists, comedians, children’s
entertainer’s, vocalists, bands and speciality acts and if it doesn’t
exist? Then we produce and deliver to your exact requirements."
www.productionsuite.co.uk. 6.3.10
Introducing
MagicianFX.co.uk "Magician FX magic site owner Gary Bryson has been
working as a professional magician for over 11 years, performing all
over the UK. Gary feels suitably equipped to pass on his professional
advice, help and working knowledge to customers. The shop features over
35 exclusive magic tricks and DVDs together with a large range of magic
tricks, DVDs and books. During March, all customers will benefit from a
10% discount on the entire range:
www.magicianfx.co.uk, and to book and Magician FX for a free Magic
Club Dealer Demonstration evening contact Gary via
www.magicianfx.co.uk." 6.3.10
Wessex
Magical Association presents Gary Jones on Tuesday 9th March. Gary
Jones's lecture offers something for everyone including those interested
in table hopping and/or in working in corporate environments. It will
also contain information of particular interest to those who are
anxious about using sleights. This will be a great lecture and a highly
entertaining night. The evening starts at 7.30pm for 8pm and visiting
magicians are especially welcome for a nominal £5 fee. The location is
the Bourne Valley Community Association, 56 Herbert Avenue, Poole,
Dorset BH12 4EE (Map).
More info from Dr Alan Chitty, WMA Publicity Officer on 01202 883474 or
achitty@tiscali.co.uk. The
Wessex Magical Association attracts members from Dorset, Hampshire,
Wiltshire and beyond.
www.wmagic.co.uk. 6.3.10
The
Working Magician - new interviews added. Scott Pepper was armed with
his microphone at the Blackpool Magic Convention a couple of weeks ago,
and has now added more magic interviews to 'The Working Magician' page
of his website. There are interviews with Dave Allen (children's
entertainer), Mike Rose (close-up magician), Richard Whymark (comedy
magician) Amy Lauren (agent, booker and comedy magician), Jay Fortune
(magician) and Duncan Trillo (MagicWeek). Visit
www.scottpepper.com and click on 'The Working Magician' to see, and
listen to, the full range of free audio downloads. Scott would like to
hear from you if you'd like to be interviewed. Contact Scott at
info@scottpepper.com. 6.3.10
British
Magical Society - Annual Dinner. On Saturday March 27th the British
Magical Society, with President Mike Gancia and President-Elect
Elizabeth Warlock presiding, holds its Annual Dinner at the Ramada
Hotel, Penns Lane, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham. This sparkling event
with great food, brilliant cabarets, Tombola, raffle and close-up magic
at the tables, is noted by many around the country as one of the main
events in the magical calendar. For such a special evening tickets at
only £35.00 are a snip. This year's cabaret features the sparkling
comedy of Mark Shortland, brilliant manipulation by prize-winning
teenager Danny Jewel, and the amazing illusions of Martyn James & Co.
Presentations include the David Berglas Award for outstanding service to
magic. Treat yourself to a great night out by contacting Pamela Buckley
on 01827 715660. 6.3.10
Hey
Presto Show, Bingley. Bradford Magic Circle are hosting their annual
Hey Presto Magic show at Bingley Arts Centre on March 20th at 7.30pm.
"This year's show includes current Magic Circle Young Magician of The
Year, Michael Jordan, as well as Junior World Magic Champion, Stephen
Williams. Other acts include Bradford Magic Circle President Jon Harris,
the young and talented Patricia Duncan, as well as multiple award
winning illusion act, High Jinx. The Compère this year is the
hilariously funny Terry Herbert (photo). The show will also include
dancing from The Spotlight Dancers." Book early via
www.bradford-theatres.co.uk, telephone 01274 432000. Tickets are
also available from Keighley and Shipley Information shops, The Council
Shop and Travel Options on Main Street Bingley, or any Bradford Council
ticket agency. 6.3.10
Book
early for Blackpool 2011!
Even before the Blackpool Magicians’ Convention 2010 had ended magicians were booking for the 2011 Convention,
which will open on Friday 18th February 2011. The full cost of
registration is just £85.00 and every member of a FISM associated
magical society will automatically qualify for a free book 'The World’s
Most Ingenious Magical Apparatus'. There will be no Day Tickets or VIP
Tickets and no After Gala Party. The Blackpool Magicians' Club have also
announced that, after extensive meetings with the FISM European Board,
they will host the first ever FISM European Championships of Magic
in 2011 as a part of the Convention. Early registration is recommended
for the World's Largest Magic Convention! Registration forms can be
downloaded from www.blackpoolmagic.com. 6.3.10
Magic
ebook for Chile. Graham Justice emailed last week with details of
Pablo Amirá's ebook that is being sold to raise money for Chile
following the major earthquake that the country suffered on February
27th. "Pablo Amirá is a young magician living in Temuco, a city in
southern Chile, capital of Cautín Province - As you know Chile has
suffered a catastrophic Earthquake some small towns have been completely
destroyed. Thankfully Pablo has not been injured, he is offering his
latest ebook for $15 and is donating the proceedings to assist his
country." Visit Graham's website for full details and to support this
project:
www.digiquick.com.au/chile.html. 6.3.10
Tin
Opener. News from Mark Southworth: "The Blackpool Convention saw the
pre-release of my new effect, Tin Opener. For those of you that
haven't heard about the effect, it is a signed card to impossible
location effect (a mint tin!). Tin Opener is now available via
www.marksouthworth.co.uk. 6.3.10
Steve
Dela, two time British Ring IBM close-up champion, Young Magician of
the Year, three time winner of the IBM Rovi Trophy for card magic and
star of the sell out show Fantasmagoria, lectures for The Academy of
Magic this Sunday (7th March). The lecture will be held at The Phoenix
Artist Club, Charing Cross Road, London (doors open 7.30pm) or watch the
whole lecture live online from 8.30pm on
www.academyofmagic.com. 6.3.10
The
organisers of The Comedy Magic Workshop
www.comedymagicworkshop.co.uk are pleased to announce the addition
of Ian Keable
www.iankeable.co.uk to an already fantastic line-up... "Ian is quite
literally the man who wrote the book on Stand-Up Comedy Magic and the
experience and knowledge that he will bring to the Workshops is certain
to add a powerful extra dimension to the expertise on offer. If you have
even a passing interest in using comedy in your magic, you owe it to
yourself to book a place at one of these exciting events! The CMW team
will be running further Workshops in Sweden, Denmark and Norway in early
November. Details and dates to follow." 6.3.10
Phenomenon
Magic Cabaret - Shrewsbury. Phenomenon Magic Cabaret returns at
8.30pm on Sunday 7th March at the Loft, The Old Post Office Public
House, Shrewsbury. Tickets are £6.00. "After the first two sell-out
shows Phenomenon returns with host Magic Kev 'self proclaimed
alpha male and zombie killer', Phil Hasted (comedy and magic) and multi
award winning magician Paul Dabek (photo)." Call 01743 241071 to reserve
tickets; un reserved tickets will also be available on the door. 6.3.10
News
from MagicWorld.co.uk: "Andrew Normansell, a well-known creator and
innovator of close-up and truly workable magic, has brought out a new
lecture booklet entitled, Twilight Lounge. The booklet contains
13 truly unique pieces of magic, ideal for the casual amateur, through
to the professional worker. The booklet is created around the idea that
many amazing ideas come to light after a few Martini's, and offers you
solid performing material that is extremely strong magically." For
details visit:
www.magicworld.co.uk. 6.3.10
The
Northern Magic Circle are offering a chance to win an exclusive
masterclass with Kostya Kimlat. Twelve lucky winners will enjoy a free
two-hour masterclass with Kostya at this year's convention which will be
held on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th March at the Marine Hall,
Fleetwood. To enter simply mention 'Masterclass Draw' at the time of
booking and you will be entered into the draw. Book online via
www.northernmagic.co.uk. Along with Kostya, this year's convention
is set to be one of the best yet, starring Nathan Kranzo, Guy Barrett,
Chris Priest, Steve Royle, Marc Paul, Steve Hewlett, Roger Woods,
Maurice Howarth, Paul Joyce, Brian Sefton, John Dixon, Darren Bonas,
Stephen Williams, John Hotowka and Thom Peterson. 6.3.10
Scott
Creasey lectures for the SCA on Wednesday 10th March at 8pm.
Scott Creasey,
the ESPecialist and originator of the BIP book test, will be bringing
his lecture to Glasgow on Wednesday. In addition to his lecture, Scott
is offering his workshop "Performing Mentalism Professionally". The
workshop starts at 6pm, with a fee of £10 (includes a CD-rom for every
participant). To attend the workshop contact Scott Cuthbertson
scottcmagic@ntlworld.com
in advance. The lecture starts at 8pm, visiting magicians welcome.
Venue: Walton Conference Centre, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow G51
4TF (Map).
www.scottishconjurersassociation.org.uk. 6.3.10
The
Dreaded Mentalist presents By Hook or By Crook. Friday April 30th,
Saturday May 1st, Doors open 7.30pm, show starts 8pm. "Jez Starr, The
Dreaded Mentalist, brings you a unique mentalism show based on themes
from the cult 1960's TV series 'The Prisoner'. In this show Jez will be
demonstrating various techniques that can be used to Gather Information
and predict Human Behaviour. As you enter the performance hall you will
each be issued your own 'Number' which you will wear with pride
throughout the show. You will then have your identity taken from you as
you will now be referred to by this number for the rest of the night.
Don't let this put you off, Jez promises a fun and exciting show with
tests of Intuition, Lie Detection, Mind-Reading, Memory Feats and more
surprises to come! You've seen the series, now become a number!" Ticket
£8.50 available from The White Hart or contact Jez on 07749 538016 or
www.facebook.com/jezstarr or
Jezstarr@dreadedmentalist.com. Booking Advised Over 16's. For more
information and tickets visit
www.dreadedmentalist.com. Venue: The White Hart, The Bays, Cheddar,
Somerset BS27 3QF (Map). 6.3.10
London's
World Famous and Original Jack the Ripper Séance is offering a crazy
ticket deal for all magicians. Their Saturday March 13th performance has
tickets priced at £15 each. However by emailing the organisers via their
website and stating the words 'Séance Offer' in the email, you will be
offered two tickets for the price of one! The Jack the Ripper Séance
combines illusion, suggestion and mystery, and is hugely popular both
within the magic community and with the broader general public. Visit
www.seancenights.co.uk for further details. 6.3.10
Doctor
Diablo. Following a successful appearance at 'Showzam 2010', Doctor
Diablo has launched a new website
www.doctordiablo.co.uk featuring "loads of video footage featuring
sideshow classics, fire, escapes, nails, swords, freaks, oddities and
many other dark delights!" 6.3.10
Congratulations
to Naomi Rush winner of the Junior Performer of the Month Trophy at
the Mid-Ulster Magic Circle, with an entertaining square-circle routine
which culminated in the production of Easter eggs for everyone present.
The juniors have all been working extremely diligently honing their
skills since their recent appearance on Ulster Television. The Club
meets every Wednesday in Lurgan Town Hall at 8pm. New members are always
welcome.
www.midulstermagiccircle.co.uk. 6.3.10
Theo
The Magician’s Magic Sunflower Competition. News from Theo The
Magician: "In Memory of Sarah Cure and Bill Shrimpton. Sarah had a
Premature Baby boy Christian the same time Theo’s daughter Elena was
born 10 weeks early weighing 2lbs. Christian weighed even less than
Elena and his twin brother did not survive. Sarah passed away only 42
years old with Cancer in August 2009. Bill was Captain of Cheam Fields
Bowls Club last year and in May 2009 also passed away with Cancer. His
grand children were also cared for at The Neonatal Unit. Theo The
Magician is organising this, to raise funds for both the Neonatal Unit
at St Helier and The Royal Marsden, Carshalton. It will be £5 to enter;
you will receive 10 Magic Seeds grown by Theo with an Authenticated
Certificate. There are prizes for Tallest Sunflower, The Widest Head and
the Funniest Photo with a Sunflower. Seeds can be bought now to be grown
between late March and May. Magic launch night with wine and
refreshments, raffle, auction, and magic show." Monday 22nd March 7pm -
9pm at Aberdour School, Brighton Road, Burgh Heath, Tadworth, KT20 6AJ.
For further information and an entry registration form visit
www.magictheo.com
(see 'Magic Sunflower Competition') or call Theo on 07711 724129. 6.3.10
Magic table top sale. At Mysticals Magic Bar, 9 Rigby Road, Blackpool on Saturday 14th March from 11am to 4pm. There will be food available and the bar will be open from 12noon to 11pm. There are limited tables available, call 01253 408893 or 07810 511655 to book. 6.3.10
Ed Ellis from the USA lectures for The Chester Guild of Magicians on Monday 8th March at 8pm. Venue: The Bull & Stirrup, Upper Northgate Street, Chester CH1 4EE (Map). Visiting magicians welcome for a £5 door charge. Contact Steve Cooil 01244 881462 stevecooil@me.com for details. 6.3.10
Ed Ellis Masterclass Workshop, Sunday 14th March, 10am - 3pm. "Magic Castle regular and one of the highlights of this year's Blackpool Convention, Ed Ellis, will be hosting an intimate workshop and session here in the UK before he travels back to the States. Learn incredible routines, including 'You Blue It' and 'Ringature' with one to one tuition from 'The World's Fastest Hands', this is a brilliant opportunity with a very limited number of places available, so email as soon as possible to book your place." £30 per delegate (includes lunch, tea & coffee). Strictly limited to 15 places. Venue: The Littleton Suite, Longford House, Watling Street, Cannock, Staffs. WS11 1SJ (Map). Contact Jonti Sparrow info@po-go.co.uk to book. 6.3.10
House of Secrets, Blackpool. Bill Thompson's House of Secrets Magic Studio in Blackpool welcomes visiting magicians at 12 Caunce Street, Blackpool FY1 3DN (Map). For opening hours telephone 01253 620902. 6.3.10
Adrian Sullivan lecture. On Tuesday 9th March, the master of mystery, Adrian Sullivan will be lecturing and demming at The Pentacle Club, starting at 8pm. Visiting magicians welcome. Venue St Laurence's School, Arbury Road, Cambridge CB4 2JX (Map), £5 on door. 6.3.10
"You're not going to like this a lot" Click Here • "Mazuma Mobile hires Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee for TV ads" Click Here • For those that missed Blackpool this year, Russ Stevens has put up some clips from his performance on the Gala show: clip 1, clip 2, clip 3 • "Magic Business Communication" Click Here • "Hanz Ferrari Tower Vanish" Blackpool convention MC Tony Stevens has been up to his old tricks again... Click Here • "World Magic Seminar’s all-star lineup pays tribute to Siegfried & Roy" Click Here • Thanks to Dale Shrimpton for spotting the P C Sorcar Jr news. When submitting news items please let us have just a few succinct sentences, and remember the Friday 12 noon deadline. Many thanks, Duncan. 6.3.10