Number 508 - 20th March 2010

 

The Essential Magic Conference is the world’s first web conference for magicians. Featuring 33 speakers over 3 days of conference, streamed live worldwide. It will take place on the 15th, 16th and 17th of July 2010. The entire conference will be broadcast via the internet. It features lectures and demonstrations by some of the most important thinkers in magic. You can watch the lectures live on your computer, or you can view the lectures on-demand immediately following their broadcast. There will be opportunities for you to interact with, and question, the conference speakers. And, as an additional bonus, every subscriber will receive a set of DVDs containing every lecture.

 

The EMC is being organised by Luis de Matos, Marco Tempest and David Britland. It is a not-for-profit venture designed to bring together magicians of all kinds via the internet to learn, share and collaborate.

 

The cost of registering for the conference is EUR €55 (US $75.00) via www.essentialmagicconference.com. On registering you will create your own personal account and member page. This will entitle you to access various privileges together with the conference newsletter, which will keep you up to date on all the latest developments. One registration covers one computer but the organisers encourage you to invite your friends to watch the conference with you. Register today to attend - access passes are limited: www.essentialmagicconference.com. 20.3.10

 

74th British Ring IBM Convention, 22nd - 26th September 2010, Eastbourne. Appearing this year... Charlie Frye and Company, Rich Bloch, Julius Frack, Richard Forget, Martin Eisele (photo), Wayne Dobson, Cyril Harvey, Mauel Muerte, Flip, Yoganne, Matt Johnson, Richard Cadell, Black Fingers, Derek Lever, Bob Yelland, Jimmy Carlo, Pluck, Graham P Jolley, Ian Keable, The Nardinis and Amethyst, with more names to come! British Ring PRO Bob Hayden will keep us up-to-date in the forthcoming weeks. To read Bob's initial convention preview, Click Here. www.britishring.org.uk. 20.3.10

 

The Northern Magic Circle Convention takes place next weekend (Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th March) at the Marine Hall, Fleetwood, Lancashire. Guy Barrett will be performing an extended excerpt from his full evening show, including the convention premier of a new illusion. This years lineup features Nathan Kranzo (USA), Steve Royle, John Hotowka, Chris Priest, Thom Peterson (USA), Steve Hewlett, Marc Paul, Paul Joyce, John Dixion, Darren Bonas, Roger Woods, Maurice Howarth, Brian Sefton, Stephen Williams, Chris Cross and Kostya Kimlat (USA). Expect lectures, workshops/masterclasses, competitions, a Saturday evening late show, a history of mystery event, an exclusive Northern Junior members masterclass and close-up shows, culminating in the All Star Gala Show on the Sunday evening. A full weekend registration is just £50.00 via www.northernmagic.co.uk (or contact the registration officer Allan Clarke on 01772 685073).

 

Nathan Kranzo will also be hosting an additional Masterclass event at 8pm on Friday 26th March at the New Boston Hotel, Fleetwood. This will feature 2 hours of hands-on advice focusing mainly on coin magic interspersed with other close-up effects. The cost of this additional event is £50.00 and includes two of Nathan's DVDs (Stand Up Coin Magic and Nathan's Lecture), which normally retail at £25.00 each. To reserve a place email Alan Mylecraine alan@northernmagic.co.uk. 20.3.10

 

A wide range of conjuring books, memorabilia and apparatus are included in the sale at Bloomsbury Auctions of March 25th. The main collection comprises items surplus to the collection of John Fisher. The books include nineteenth-century editions of Professor Hoffmann, Robert-Houdin, and others, and more recent limited editions such as "The Magic of Robert Harbin". The memorabilia includes collections relating to Jeffery Atkins, Murray, David Nixon, Francis White and others, and a large number of photographs dating from the early twentieth century, many of which are inscribed. The apparatus includes Harbin's own props for Sawing a Woman in Half, and his Goldfish Bowl Production, Norman Hunter's Chest of Magic used at St. George's Hall, a Miraculous Casket and Disappearing Bird Cage, both nineteenth century, a number of boxed magic sets, the majority also nineteenth-century, a Robert-Houdin mystery clock, and a cane presented by Beatrice Houdini to Edward Saint. The auction will be taking place this Thursday, 25th March, at 10am at Bloomsbury Auctions, 24 Maddox Street, London W1S 1PP (Map). Visit www.bloomsburyauctions.com for more information. Photo: Lot 469. Houdini (Beatrice). A yew walking cane, the silver knob decorated with a continuous scene with Chinese figures. Estimate: £2,000-£3,000. 20.3.10

 

Michael Vincent is presenting his lecture ‘An Evening With Michael Vincent’ for International Magic on Tuesday 23rd March at 7.30pm at their regular venue - 2nd floor at 'Casa Italiana', 136 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1R 5DL (Map). Entrance is £15.00 on the door. All those who wish to attend should contact Martin on 020 7405 7324 or email martin@internationalmagic.com. 20.3.10

 

Fantasmagoria, Komedia, Brighton. The critically acclaimed magic cabaret "Fantasmagoria" returns to the Komedia in Brighton this week on Wednesday 24th March. Hosted, as ever, by the multi award winning magician Steve Dela, this month's show features two rising magic stars, Dave Loosley and Joe Derrington, along with "The King of Comedy Magic" (Time Out) Sky One's very own Christian Lee. With close-up magic before the show and during the interval. Don't miss it! Doors open 7pm. Tickets are £12.50 (£10.00 Concessions) from the Komedia Box Office on 0845 293 8480 or via www.komedia.co.uk/brighton. 20.3.10

 

Irish Ring 85 Diamond Jubilee Convention. Junior registrations are now available for the convention (April 30th-May 2nd) in Belfast. If you are aged 16 or under the discount is £10.00 per full day, when accompanied by a responsible adult paying full registration. Anyone planning to enter the Stage or Close-up competitions is advised to let organisers know by April 23rd. Unless the minimum number of entrants is received by that date the competitions will be cancelled and an alternative event arranged. www.online-usm.com/Convention.html. 20.3.10

 

Cold reading and séance magic expert Paul Voodini is pleased to announce that his two books 'Reader of Minds' and 'The Paranormal Entertainer' are now available from his website, along with details of his lectures for magic societies and news of a very special lecture and workshop in London on May 29th. Interested parties should visit www.seancenights.co.uk for more details. 20.3.10

 

Pro-Flite is a new version of the classic Flying Ring effect from Nick Einhorn and Bob Swadling. Priced at £29.99 it available from your favourite magic dealer (currently on pre-order for delivery at the start of April) or from Nick Einhorn www.einhorn.co.uk (with free postage until the end of March). Pro-Flite is reviewed this week by James Freedman, Click Here and to watch the "ohh get out of here" trailer Click Here. 20.3.10

 

Thought Thief. Sunday 28th March at 8.30pm. "Thought Thief is coming to Oxford for one night only. Both criminals and the government are controlling you. Join underground mind-reading sensation, Peter Antoniou, when through laughter and amazement he reveals how your mind has been compromised. You have been warned!" Tickets £6.00 (concessions £4.00) available from www.wegottickets.com/event/74939 Venue: Upstairs @ The Copa, 9-13 George Street, Oxford OX1 2AU (Map). www.isyourmindsafe.com. 20.3.10

 

A Magic Evening For Amnesty. Colin Francome is planning to be the first pensioner to juggle whilst jogging during the London Marathon on April 25th, and will be raising funds for Amnesty International by hosting a show with some top comedy and magic acts on Thursday 25th March at the Amnesty Headquarters, 17 New Inn Yard, London EC2A 3EA (Map). The acts include, Fay Presto (personally requested to entertain HM The Queen on six occasions), Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Tom Wrigglesworth, Isy Suttie (Dobby in Peep Show), Laura London who will be performing a spectacular illusion show featuring Miss ReJoyce and Mr Frank and Megan Knowles (the UK's leading teenage female magician). The show starts at 7.30pm and tickets are £10.00 each via www.theticketsellers.co.uk or contact Colin Francome 0208 205 6110 for more info. 20.3.10

 

Ed Doolan Interviews Paul Daniels and Leonard Nimoy. "A double-bill of conversation: Star Trek's Mr Spock speaks from 1980 - and the famous magician pops in from 2009." 11am and again at 5pm on Sunday 21st March on BBC Radio 7. 20.3.10

 

Magic Night at Madame JoJo’s, Friday, 2nd April. Expect séances, palm reading, video magic and the politically incorrect! "The Infamous Barry and Stuart will raise the dead and get into your head via the medium of the silver screen, Harrison Richards will be bending metal and your brains, reading your palms and your mind, Hulaboy will be causing revolutions and comic ubermeister, Frank Sanazi will be bringing a new order and discipline to the usually more relaxed style of lounge singing. All expertly compered by the mind expanding Christian Lee. Doors open at 7.00pm, Show starts at 7.45pm, Tickets £10 or supper and show ticket: show ticket plus dinner for two: £40. Tickets can be bought at Ticket Web www.ticketweb.co.uk or www.lastminute.com Madame JoJo’s, 8-10 Brewer Street, London W1F 0SP (Map) 020 7734 3040 www.magicnight.co.uk. 20.3.10

 

Magic Moments Day 2010. This year's Magic Moments Day will take place on Saturday 2nd October. Shortly we will have our downloadable information and sponsorship pack for you to create your very own Magic Moment on our annual day wherever you live, to whomever you like, raising money for whoever you wish! Last year magicians raised over £7000 for charities through magic – this year we aim to beat that. What will you do to create your magic moment? Stay tuned to MagicWeek for further news on this exciting day bringing the magic community together for good causes. Jay Fortune. 20.3.10

 

Ghost Stories (Andy Nyman and Jeremy Dyson) has broken all the Lyric Hammersmith's Box Office records and has consequently been extended until April 17th. There is also a one-off midnight show on March 26th. Here is what the critics say in the latest trailer: Click Here. Tickets via: www.lyric.co.uk. 20.3.10

 

Michael Ammar will be visiting the UK in late September and October for a lecture tour. The tour is almost fully booked. For further details contact tour organiser Tony Griffith tony@tonygriffith.co.uk or 01275 835463. Details of the lecture venues will appear in What's On in due course. 20.3.10

 

Merlins of Wakefield. Merlins of Wakefield's new March/April preview catalogue is out now. If you'd like one just email them - they are free and packed with loads of great products. Other items of interest are their popular Ton Onosaka product range, and, following a complete sell out at the Blackpool Convention, DRIFT by Mark Lee - now back in stock. Visit www.merlinswakefield.co.uk for all the latest products and don't forget to keep an eye out for the 'Friday Specials'. 20.3.10

 

Morgan & West: Time Travelling Magicians. Burton Taylor, Oxford OX1 2LW (Map), 31st March and 1st April at 8pm. After their sell-out Edinburgh Fringe show Bamboozlement!, Morgan and West: Time Travelling Magicians marks the triumphant return of the magical Victorian duo to the stage, and to the future. Revisiting their roles as the 19th century’s finest magical duo, Rhys and Rob present another hour of baffling magic, mind-reading and time travel. As ever the moustachioed duo present a show suitable for al - capped off with a top hat and a cheeky wink. Book now to avoid disappointment! www.oxfordplayhouse.com. 20.3.10

 

Jasper Blakely and Vladimir Dimitri Kockov! Darlington Magic Circle, April 15th. "The Darlington Magic Circle is hosting a 2-4-1 lecture with both Jasper Blakely and Kockov on Thursday 15th April. 7.30pm for 8pm start. Award-winning international magician, Jasper Blakeley MMC, wants to tell you about the most important part of being a professional magician – performance. After this 2 hour lecture, Jasper hopes to inspire you to re-examine some of your priorities when it comes to being a working professional. Looking at close-up, children’s magic, cabaret, one-man shows and even comedy clubs, Jasper will not only reveal the techniques he’s developed to overcome common performing difficulties, but he also examines persona, voice, approaches, dress, style, manner and character. The second half sees Vladimir Dimitri Kockov perform several of his unique routines, including 'Real Live Russian Roulette'. The lecture finishes off with an in depth look at the mechanics and psychology of the roulette routine and touches upon the reason behind creating original effects and ensuring their commercial viability. A very lively and funny lecture, Jasper’s enthusiasm as a fulltime working professional and creator of off-beat unique characters and effects will hopefully challenge your thinking. Please be prepared to contribute on the night with your own experiences on performing. Please be warned that parts of this lecture are intelligently Adult in nature and that firearms will be used. This is a very different kind of lecture with something for every aspect of performance." The Darlington Magic Circle extend a warm and friendly welcome to all magicians who would like to attend. There is a token £5.00 admission for non-members with easy access just off the A1 and on the East Coast mainline. Further details: Secretary@TheDarlingtonMagicCircle.co.uk or IainJae@ntlworld.com. 20.3.10

 

Chris Cox was involved in a major road accident last week, but fortunately came out of it in one piece, Chris emails: "I was on-route to Liverpool on Wednesday for my show there, and had a major accident. The van we were in flipped two times across the motorway. Had to cancel the gig but somehow managed to both escape with a bit of whiplash and some cuts and bruises. Everyone at the scene seemed amazed we'd managed to walk out of the van. Back on tour on Monday though in Bath. This is the result of the accident: twitpic.com/19imnv." 20.3.10

 

Triksters Magic Group email: "Big break for upcoming magicians. Triksters Magic Group (TMG) is assembling a band of magicians called Triksters. The group will live and work in Tokyo for a year following a month long audition process in August, 2010. In the first twelve months the group will be groomed and packaged to hit the world stage. We are developing a TV series and a worldwide promotional tour with an Executive Producer based in the US. What we are seeking from participants (of which we are only selecting four additional ones for the group) are the following requirements: 1. Professional magicians aged around 20 -25, who possess very strong magic skills. 2. Have exceptional TV presence and proven ability to connect with an audience. 3. Desire to become a world-wide magic star. 4. Be available to fly to Japan in August, 2010 for a month long audition - with a view to staying for an extended period. Jay Jay (photo) is the first magician to sign with the group. Jay Jay is a Queensland, Australian based magician who embodies the talent and spirit of what we are looking for. For further information, photos or interview please contact me, Troy Logan, Producer. Triksters Magic Group, 3-4-31 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan. T/F +81-3-3568-3929. Skype: troystarskype." 20.3.10

 

Secrets of Improvisational Magic book launch. "Card and close-up magicians, mentalists, and anyone interested in improvisational magic, are invited to the launch of Justin Higham's new book, Secrets of Improvisational Magic, this Tuesday (March 23rd), between 5pm and 9pm, in the upstairs bar of The Cock Tavern public house, 27 Great Portland Street, London W1W 8QG (Map), just 3 minutes from Oxford Circus. Justin, a former Marlo student, is recognised worldwide as an expert creator, technician, and author with cards, and he will be present on the night to meet and talk with fellow magicians about improvisational magic. There is no official format for the evening, but the first five people through the door will each receive a complimentary copy of Justin's previous book, Dexterity Manual. Arrive early as it will get very busy." Visit www.card-magic.com for more information and to order the book direct from Justin. 20.3.10

 

Tommy Cooper Collection, 5 DVDs, over 12 hours long, available from Amazon.co.uk • "From box-kites to the A380: Australian aviation turns 100 [Houdini interest]" Click Here • "Paul Daniels: My Magic Circle Hell" Click Here • Tony Griffith presents his Reflections lecture for the Hereford Magic Society on Thursday 8th April. Details from Steward Bevan 01521 670330 • "Stephen Mulhern lands primetime ITV show" Click Here • Robert Temple's Hypnotica - Hypnosis Training Workshop, live in May in Manchester RobertTemple.net/Workshop • "Invisibility cloak created in 3-D" Click Here • "Illusionist pleads no contest, draws jail" Click Here • "Interview: Pete Firman" Click Here • "Magician from Thornbury is accepted into Magic Circle" Click Here • Please submit news for publication in April as soon as possible, to allow for the Easter holiday period. See you next week, Duncan. 20.3.10

 

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