Number 507 - 13th March 2010
Blackpool
Magicians' Club and the FISM organisation are pleased to announce
the launch of the official FISM World Championships of Magic 2012
website
www.fismwcm2012.com. FISM (Fédération Internationale des Sociétés
Magiques) was founded in 1948 in Lausanne, Switzerland with just 13
member societies. The organisation has since grown and now boasts
members in some 50 countries, representing 60,000 magicians. FISM is the leading global platform for magic, committed to the enhancement,
promotion and development of the art, whilst encouraging goodwill
amongst magicians and fighting against exposure and the copying of acts,
effects, inventions, presentations and original routines. One way to
achieve this is to organise, every three years, the FISM World
Championships of Magic. Past FISM Grand Prix winners include Lance
Burton, Fred Kaps (three times!) and Richard Ross (twice!). FISM 9th -
14th July, 2012, Blackpool, England. Book before 31st March 2010: 450
Euros, before 31st March 2011: 500 Euros, and after 31st March 2011: 550
Euros. Visit
www.fismwcm2012.com for competition and registration details. 13.3.10
The
Magic Underground. Christian Lee and Jerry Sadowitz present The
Magic Underground starring a line up of magicians, known, unknown,
new and internationally acclaimed, performing and trying out new
material... from classic magic and bizarre tricks to breath-taking
sleight of hand and post recession junk! A comedy magic spectacular
hosted by Christian Lee ("King of comedy magic" - Time Out) and
partner in comedy crime Wes Zaharuk ("Twin Peaks meets Cirque du
Soleil"). This is a night you will never forget and maybe
for the wrong reasons! There's only one thing more entertaining than a
really good magician... and that's a really bad one. Best and worst acts
get paid. With twists and bangs along the way, it’s one night that has
to be kept underground! Leicester Square Theatre, 3rd Monday of the
month from 22nd March. Doors open at 7.30pm. 5 Leicester Place, London,
WC2H 7BX (Map)
Telephone: 020 7492 1593. Tickets: £12.50 and £10.50. 13.3.10
A
tricky business. "While many entertainers might have fallen at the
first hurdle on finding they are suffering from MS, Wayne Dobson is
still making stage appearances – with a bit of magic. Wayne Dobson was
starring in his first TV series when he was diagnosed with multiple
sclerosis. His career was soaring, he was making a name for himself and
a potentially debilitating illness was not something he was willing to
face up to..." To read the full interview by Steve Pratt in The
Northern Echo,
Click Here. 13.3.10
Geoffrey
Durham lectures at The South Lincs Magical Society on Monday 22nd
March at 8pm at The Petwood Hotel, Stixwould Road, Woodhall Spa,
Lincolnshire LN10 6QG (Map).
Visitors welcome (£10.00 door charge). Members £2.00. For more
information contact Burger Bill President/Secretary on 01400 261323
www.southlincsmagicalsociety.co.uk. 13.3.10
Irish
Ring 85 Diamond Jubilee Convention. Irish magic will be a feature of
the Irish Ring 85 Diamond Jubilee convention (April 30th-May 2nd) in
Belfast. Caolan McBride and Nicola (photo) and George Bleeks will
perform on the Gala Show while Alan Kennedy and Pat Fallon will appear
on the Friday night show, hosted by Steve Dela under his 'Fantasmagoria'
brand. Magicians from all over the island will compete in both stage and
close-up competitions and for the inter-society Eric Pollock Award. The
convention website
www.online-usm.com includes a full list of visiting lecturers,
performers and dealers, a provisional schedule of events and online
booking. 13.3.10
Hellis
in Wonderland. Last Monday Will Houstoun launched his new book,
Hellis in Wonderland, at The Magic Circle. It contains a facsimile,
transcription and annotations of an original notebook from the Peter
Lane Collection. The book features explanations of the magic that
Professor Hellis taught his students in 1873, probably the same material
that he taught Hoffmann before Hoffmann wrote Modern Magic and that
caused David Devant to describe Hellis's show as "One of the most
satisfying two-hours’ performances I ever saw. Each trick or group of
tricks was kept distinct, and the programme was perfectly balanced.”
Hellis in Wonderland is a high-quality hard-bound book with a dust-cover
and has been printed in a signed numbered limited edition of 500 copies.
Visit
www.willhoustoun.co.uk/HellisAbout.html for more information and to
order. Will's first book The Notebook is also now back in print after
selling out at The Los Angeles Conference on Magic History. The Notebook
got great reviews from Genii, Magic and The Magic Circular and can be
ordered via
www.willhoustoun.co.uk/notebookabout.html. 13.3.10
Magic
Soc Gala Show 2010. The University of Nottingham's Magic Society
proud to present Magic Soc Gala Show 2010 featuring Marc Oberon (FISM
World Champion of Parlour Magic 2009), Jonathan Shotton (IBM British
Ring Most Entertaining Magic Act 2008), Chris Cross (top
Contortionist/Escapologist) at 8pm (Doors open at 7pm) on Friday 19th
March at The Great Hall, Trent Building, University Park Campus, The
University of Nottingham. Tickets: £8 (advance), £10 (on the door).
Tickets may be purchased from Albert, the Magic Society President on
07501 664043 or by sending an email to
sumagicsoc@nottingham.ac.uk.
Facebook users
Click Here. 13.3.10
Uri
Geller to hunt for treasure in Forth. "Celebrity spoon-bender Uri
Geller is to spend 24 hours on an island in the Forth searching for
Egyptian treasure. Mr Geller, 63, plans to look for ancient artefacts
thought to be left by Tutankhamen's sister on the Island of Lamb, which
he bought last year..." To read the full story from the BBC
Click Here. "Uri Geller to Sleepover on Lamb Island in search of
legacy of Pharaoh Princess"
Click Here. "Uri Geller's night on treasure island"
Click Here and, finally, watch Drew McAdam and Uri Geller in North
Berwick on YouTube,
Click Here. 13.3.10
The
Big Big Variety Show plays Blackburn on Friday 19th March at the
Blackburn Thwaites Empire Theatre. "The show features comedy magician
Mark James, top illusionist Andrew Green, ‘Ken Dodd Comedy Award winner’
John Kimmons and Junior magic champion Stephen Williams. The show also
features rock duo Merci and a full support cast of dancers and singers.
A fantastic line up and sure to be a massive hit." Show starts 7.30pm.
Tickets £12.
www.thwaitesempiretheatre.co.uk. 13.3.10
MagicWeek
awarded 'Communication to the Magic World' trophy by The Order of the
Magi. It's not often that we find ourselves on the MagicWeek news
page, but do so this week, as recipients of The Order of the Magi's 'Communication to the Magic World' trophy, awarded on March 11th,
The Order of the Magi's 101st birthday. Many thanks to President Ian
Ball, Public Relations Officer Geoffrey Newton, the council and the
entire membership for such a nice surprise! DT. 13.3.10
Bigblindmedia
have just released the first two items from their new apparel line. The
Tshirts are aimed squarely at magicians, with some beautiful designs
from both French artist Sam Hayles and the UK's own Adrian Gower. The
first shirt features the Karnival Deck's skeletal
Joker printed in special UV ink. And the second shirt has a huge,
oversized front print emblazoned with the words -
Card Star! Available in M, L, XL and XXL, both Tshirts come with a
free deck of Karnival Cards (RRP £5.00) - grab a bargain today!
www.bigblindmedia.com. 13.3.10
Jumbo
Magic Auction - Manchester. Manchester Circle of Magicians are
holding a Jumbo Magic Auction on Tuesday 16th March at 6.30pm at Salford
Masonic Hall, Hemsley House, 41 The Crescent, Salford, Manchester M5 4PE
(Map).
Admission: Free for members, £3.00 for non-members. Featuring hundreds
of items including close-up magic, books, DVDs, stage magic and more.
Star auctioneers Mike Shepherd and Derek Lever host the event. For
further information contact Derek Lever on 01253 810113, email
d.lever1@sky.com. 13.3.10
Kostya
Kimlat lectures for the Scottish Conjurers Association on Wednesday
7th April at 7.30pm. The Scottish Conjurers Association is continuing
what has been an outstanding season for lectures with a visit from world
renowned close-up magician Kostya Kimlat. Kostya made his name with the
roadrunner cull (a beautiful thing to watch), but that is not all he is
about. He is also a very successful professional magician and excellent
entertainer. The lecture consists of a wide range of magic from the
simplest to very complex magic that is more than worth your time to
learn. You will leave with countless ideas that will help you get the
most from your magic, and improve how you entertain your audiences.
Entry fee for visiting magicians, £10 payable at the door. For more
information email
secretary@scottishconjurersassociation.org.uk. Venue: Scottish Mask
and Puppet Centre, 10 Balcarres Avenue, Kelvindale, Glasgow G12 0QF (Map)
www.scottishconjurersassociation.org.uk. 13.3.10
Peterborough
Society of Magicians - Lecture, Sale and Exchange Day. Peterborough
Society of Magicians are holding their annual Lecture, Sale and Exchange
Day on Sunday 28th March at Millfield Community Centre, Lincoln Road,
Peterborough PE1 2PE (Map)
£12 admission (plus concessions). Tables can be booked through Keith
Downs; call 01778 343167 for details. Lecturers: Martin Cox and
Christisn Lee. Workshop with Al Smith. Magic dealers: Magic Books by
Post, Zane's Magic Shop, Merlins, Albion Magic, Hocus Pocus, and Mick
Hanzlik the magical locksmith. Doors open 9.15am. 13.3.10
Danny
and Annette of Amethyst presented a magic workshop followed by part
of their show which is currently on tour with The Ken Dodd Happiness
Show, for the GSG Conference 2010 at Birmingham Children's Hospital
last week. Amethyst were supporting the Galactosaemia Support Group.
Suffers have a condition whereby they are unable to break down galatose
- found in milk products. Galactosaemia is a rare condition and just 12
- 18 children are born with it each year. For more information about the
group visit
www.galactosaemia.org or email
amethystmagic007@aol.com.
(Photo: Annette, Mike Bevington a support worker for the charity who
suffers from galactosaemia and Danny Hunt. 13.3.10
Paul
Gordon's 'all new' card magic lecture. Paul Gordon presents his 'all
new' Card Magic lecture for The Derby Magic Circle at 7.30pm on
Wednesday 26th May. "Come and watch Paul perform and teach in his usual
energetic way. All workable doable card magic; mostly from his new DVDs,
Card Startlers and Card Rarities." Breadsall Village Hall, Derby DE21
5LF (Map).
www.derbymagiccircle.co.uk. 13.3.10
Paul
Voodini Private Lecture. Peter Simon emails: "On Wednesday 3rd March
I teamed up with Paul Voodini by arranging a private lecture for like
minded individuals. The lecture was entertaining as well as being
informative and covered Paranormal Entertainment, glass moving, séance
work etc and non-gimmicked mind reading (cold reading). Paul's wealth of
experience and passion in these areas came across and it was clear that
this was someone who'd really been there and knew what he was talking
about. I arranged the evening as a small private lecture for 10
individuals because I felt that due to the off-beat subject, this
lecture wouldn't appeal to everyone. This lecture is not for
anyone who's a trickaholic, new to magic or just curious, these people
will get nothing from it, in fact, they will probably struggle to 'get
it'. This lecture is for the serious performer, one who has
experience and confidence in audience management. I would highly
recommend this lecture to anyone interested in this area of magic. Paul
can be contacted via:
www.seancenights.co.uk" Peter Simon,
www.petersimonmagic.co.uk. 13.3.10
Tony
Griffith 'At Home'. Time is running out for those wishing to take up
the few remaining places at Tony Griffith's 'At Home' event on Sunday,
18th April. This takes place at his home in Bristol and is a day long
event from 10.30 am until 5pm. Registration includes morning coffee,
buffet lunch and light tea. Visit Tony's website
www.tonygriffith.co.uk for details. Tony can also be seen lecturing
at the York Society of Magicians on May 12th - see
What's On. 13.3.10
Last
week magician Matt Grindley was asked by his friend Jeff Holland of
Hi-de-Hi fame to appear at the
Heritage Foundation lunch in Jeff's honour. Matt made such a splash
he will be returning to perform for the Heritage Foundation no less than
three times this year. Guests including, Su Pollard, Vicki Michelle,
Bobby Crush and Eastenders star Charlie Clements watched
Matt's amazing close-up magic and stage show. 13.3.10
Magic
and Laughter Show. Following his win in the stage competition run by
the Nottingham Guild of Magicians last year John Dornan was asked again
to take part in the Magic and Laughter Show, held at the Arts
Theatre, Nottingham. John had a spot in the first half which included
magic and comedy routines and audience participation. John is seen here
with top of the bill, Jimmy Cricket.
www.johndornanmagic.vpweb.co.uk. D Lewis reviews the show this week,
Click Here . 13.3.10
Legal
Hypnosis for Magicians. "On June 12th and 13th in Manchester
Jonathan Royle will be teaching how to become a 100% legal, safe,
licensed and fully insured comedy stage and street hypnotist and how to
combine hypnosis with magic and mentalism. This is the first time he has
run this course since 1993." For details visit
www.magicalguru.com/stagecourse. 13.3.10
Congratulations
to the Fellowship of Christian Magicians UK competition winners at
this year's conference. David O'Connor (photo) won the close-up
competition and Volker de Haas won the stage competition for a second
time. The 5 day conference held in Swanwick, Derbyshire also featured
workshops, masterclasses and lectures by David Tomkins, Simon Williams
and Matt Pritchard. For more info about the Fellowship of Christian
Magicians UK visit
www.fcmuk.org - new members are always welcome. 13.3.10
"Illusionist Derren Brown on bringing his show Enigma to the Liverpool Empire" Click Here • "Bafta TV awards gaffe blamed on 'human error'" Click Here • "Review: Derren Brown’s Enigma" Click Here • "Review: Derren Brown - Enigma at the Congress Theatre" Click Here • "Ghost Stories at the Lyric Hammersmith, review" Click Here • "Magician tricks baffled Becks" Click Here • "Talented trickster proves it's a kind of magic in Circle joy" Click Here • Ian Rowland reviews Jasper Blakeley as ‘Kockov’ at the Wales Millennium Centre, Click Here • Many thanks for your news this week, see you next week, Duncan. 13.3.10