Number 517 - 22nd May 2010
The
Edinburgh International Magic Festival (MagicFest) 7th-11th July 2010.
The Edinburgh International Magic Festival (MagicFest) is an exciting
new event for the magic calendar, running from Wednesday July 7th to
Sunday July 11th. MagicFest will focus purely on the performance of
magic. The line up for the first Festival has now been released and
includes R Paul Wilson, John Archer, Drew McAdam, Keelan Leyser and
Charlotte, Matthew J Dowden, Paul Nardini, Xavier Mortimer, Colin McLeod
and Alan Hudson. The event is aimed at the public and magic fans alike.
There will be no lectures, no dealer dems, no dealer halls, just amazing
live performances in some of Edinburgh's finest theatres. Although the
majority of the audience will be made up of magic-lovers around
Edinburgh and Scotland, the organisers anticipate that the Festival will
also attract a sizeable magician audience from across the UK. Special
bulk ticket offers for magicians, as a cost saving alternative to buying
tickets on a show by show basis, will be offered, as well as a limited
number of '2 for 1' tickets on the first night. With over 4000 tickets
on sale right now, MagicFest will definitely offer something for
everyone who loves watching live magic. Visit
www.magicfest.co.uk
for the latest information and booking details. 22.5.10
Lincolnshire
Day of Magic 2010. Magic Books by Post and the South Lincs Magic
Society are pleased to announce that the star lecturer at the
Lincolnshire Day of Magic on Sunday June 20th will be The Magic Circle
Stage Magician of the Year, John Archer. John will join Adrian Sullivan,
Dynamo, Michael Vincent and Paul Gordon for what promises to be a packed
day of magic, and magic dealers' Merlins, Magic Tao, Harry Robson, Razamatazz Magic,
Made to Measure Magic, Magic Nevin, Discount Magic, Kaymar Magic, MBBP and
Gifts4Magicians will all be displaying the very latest magic products.
Tickets are just £12.50 and include "your first cuppa and a bacon roll!"
To book visit
www.lincsdayofmagic.com or call 0845 3700455. 22.5.10
Hocus
Pocus with Paul Kieve, Polka Theatre, London. After sell-out
performances at the Edinburgh Literary Festival, the Hay on Wye Festival and
the Southbank Imagine Festival, Paul Kieve comes to
The Polka Theatre Wimbledon for 6 performances only to present a live
show based on his international book 'Hocus Pocus' (now published in 12
languages). Here's what the leaflet says! "The magnificent and amazing
Paul Kieve, master illusionist, magic consultant to Harry Potter films,
and personal magic tutor to Daniel Radcliffe; is here to perform an
amazing show based on his book 'Hocus Pocus'. Paul will perform amazing
tricks and illusions to baffle your mind and overload your senses, as he
takes you on a tour of the greatest magicians from the past. Paul Kieve
has performed his show around the world and is a Gold Star member of The
Inner Magic Circle. With live music by Daniel Kieve and featuring Alexis
Terry." Thursday 3rd, Friday 4th June 11am and 2.30pm daily, Saturday
5th June 2.30pm & 5.30pm. Suitable for ages 7 and upwards (running time
approximately 95 minutes including interval). Tickets £7 - £8. Box
office 020 8543 4888
www.polkatheatre.com. 22.5.10
Introducing
Lightyear Films "We want you to stand out and be leagues above your
competition... so we make modern, original and outstanding showreels for
magicians, illusionists and many other artists. Lightyear Films is a
fresh production company with television industry credits & experience,
friendly, creative & productive staff who only use high definition
broadcast standard equipment to make your content look and sound crystal
clear. Let clients see the real audience reactions & how you achieve
them. Priceless television industry experience goes into every showreel
produced and filming Magicians & Illusionists is our speciality, so no
need to worry about angles and glimpses. Whatever your talent, we can
produce the showreel you have always wanted so you can then let your
showreel do the talking to gain bookings and generate more business.
Full HD, broadcast standard, filming and editing equipment is used to
really show you off. The saying goes "a picture says 1000 words..."
Therefore... a showreel must say millions. First impressions count so it
makes sense to use vision over verse. Every film we produce is unique
and tailored to our client, so please don't hesitate to contact us for
pricing info... you may be pleasantly surprised! We don't just do
showreels. We offer many other services, including Live show filming
(Magic / Dance / Comedy / Variety / Cabaret ), creating custom YouTube
channels & video content for uploading, editing footage you may already
have filmed, producing commercial magic DVDs and magic consultancy. To
view some examples and for more information visit our website:
www.lightyearfilms.com or
email us:
info@lightyearfilms.com". 22.5.10
Magic
Circle Headquarters shortlisted for industry award. The Magic Circle
Headquarters has been shortlisted for the title ‘UK Venue of the Year’
by the Association of Event Organisers for the 2010 Excellence Awards.
Sales & Marketing Executive Jackson Baugh said “It is very exciting to
be nominated for such a prestigious award alongside such illustrious
other venues. Given our venue's versatility and our policy of continuous
improvement I think that we might have a good chance of winning!” This
is the latest industry honour for the team responsible for London’s most
magical venue, having won the AEO award for ‘Venue Team of The Year’ in
2009. 22.5.10
The
funny five are re-united for the final Comedy Magic Workshop of 2010
on Sunday 30th May. Taking place at the Biscuit Factory in Newcastle
(no, it's an art gallery, not John and Mark's secret hideaway!) the day
will be a mix of lectures, hands-on tuition, writing and discussion. It
is your last chance to learn from these working comedy pros in this
format. Further info and booking:
www.comedymagicworkshop.co.uk. 22.5.10
3SM
Stage & Cabaret Competition. "Another fantastic night was had at the
South Staffordshire Society of Magicians (3SM) last week at their Stage
& Cabaret Competition. 5 Acts (Ed Sumner, John Nash, Dean Brindley,
Aaron Hayes and Jonti Sparrow aka 'The Wizards of Odd' and Dave
Stevenson) were scored by four judges, two magical and two lay and the
evening was compèred by the brilliant Thom Peterson. Dave Stevenson won,
taking 'The Ian McGarva Shield' and title of 'South Staffordshire Stage
Magician of the Year 2010' and 'The Wizards of Odd' won the 'South
Staffordshire Harlequin Award For Comedy'." For more information on the
club, its members and the awards, visit their new website
www.3sm.org.uk. 22.5.10
Magic
Night goes Mental on Friday June 4th. "Featuring electrifying mind
reading, very posh hip hop, predictive number crunching and needles.
Barry and Stuart will control your mind with 80's tunes and make you do
things you never thought possible. Chris Cox (photo) will be using
mind reading, psychology and lying whilst trying to influence you and be
your friend in order to stroll through your head and casually reveal
what's on your mind. And The Gentleman Rhymer fuses Hip hop and Banjoleles
to create Chap Hop." Doors 7pm, Show 7.45pm sharp. Tickets £10 (or
supper and show tickets for 2 £40.00) from 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. 22.5.10
The
April Issue of Mystery Magazine is out now. From the publishers:
"The cover story features Ed Ellis 'The World’s Fastest Hands', find out
more about this amazingly talented performer. Also featured are: Full
report from the Northern Magic Circle Convention, The AWS Centenary and
Peterborough Sale, Exchange & Lecture Day. Plus tricks from Paul Gordon,
Roberto Bomassei, Ali Cardabra and Kakinda Sreeniva. To purchase a copy
or to subscribe please go to:
www.themysterymagazine.com where you can also purchase Ed Ellis DVDs
at truly amazing discounts as well as download a free PDF sample issue
(Nov 2009) or call 0845 3700455….. coming soon an exclusive interview
with Banachek!" 22.5.10
Jon
Allen will be travelling around the east coast of America from May 23rd
– 28th. He will be presenting his lecture 'Who Cares About Magic?'
in Baltimore, Virginia, Philadelphia and New York. This is the first
time Jon has been on tour in the USA for a few years and the first since
he has been granted a work visa. 22.5.10
Ali
Cardabra lectures at The Merlin Magical Society on Thursday 27th May
(8pm to 10pm) at Little Heath Parish Hall, Thornton Road, Potters Bar,
Hertfordshire EN6 1JJ (Map)
Non-members welcome (£5 charge on the door). Further information from
Secretary John Clayton on 07931 525399. 22.5.10
Collectors
Day at The Magic Circle. This is a reminder that Collectors Day this
year is on Saturday 5th June. Speakers will talk about several famous
magicians of the past including Chefalo, Frikell and Maskelyne and
Devant. Richard Kaufman will tell us about DeLand and the many card
tricks which he sold over the years. Finally, Fergus Roy will remind us
of the history of the Davenport Family and Roy Davenport will
demonstrate some of their exclusive tricks. Tickets cost £35 and include
lunch and refreshments. They are available from The Magic Circle Tel.
020 7387 2222 or email
cma@themagiccircle.co.uk. 22.5.10
Gareth
Shoulder wins Kent Magicians Guild Close-Up Magician of the Year
competition. London based Welsh magician Gareth Shoulder won the
title on Tuesday 27th April, in a keenly fought competition featuring
ten competitors in all. The event was a double success for the twenty
year old, as it was also his examination for the world famous Magic
Circle, which he passed. Gareth presented a nicely conceived routine
using a deck of cards and a salt shaker. Brendan Teahan was awarded the
Virgin Cup for a highly commended performance. 22.5.10
Matthew
Garrett, The Magic Circle Close-Up Magician of The Year 2010, will
be lecturing on Tuesday 25th May at The Kent Magicians Guild, The Social
Club, 159 London Road, Dunton Green TN13 2TA (Map)
at 8pm and on Wednesday 26th May at The Riviera Circle of Magicians,
Churchills Hotel, 63 Babbacombe Downs Road, Torquay TQ1 3LP (Map)
at 8pm.
www.professionalmagic.com. 22.5.10
Paul
Gordon's Manchester Card Capers,
Sunday 23rd January 2011. 10am to 5pm. From 10am to 12.30am Paul Gordon
will present his Card Magic lecture. From 12.30am until 1.30pm lunch
will be held at the venue (or find a local pub.) Pay your own way, so
check with venue about food availability. The bar is open 12-2pm and
they hope to session then. From 1.30pm to 5pm, Paul Gordon will teach
and discuss all the nitty-gritty stuff: angles, moves, nuances,
misdirection, sleights, tricks, routining, patter and more tricks! Paul
will help teach registrants in areas they struggle with; plus tips on
the business of magic. Book via
www.paulgordon.net/cardcapers.html. Advance bookings only as numbers
limited to 35. Cost: £30. Venue: The Lass O Gowrie (pub), Oxford Road,
Manchester M1 7DB (Map).
Paul is also hosting a Card Capers Day in Worthing in April 2011, visit
the website for details. 22.5.10
Middleborough
Circle of Magicians are holding a show on Friday 4th June at 7.30pm
(doors and bar 6.45pm) featuring magicians competing for the Will Fleet
Cup for Stage Excellence (plus supporting act) Tickets are £5 from
Saltburn Health Foods telephone: 01287 624622. Venue: Saltburn Community
Theatre, Albion Terrace, Saltburn by the Sea TS12 1JW (Map). 22.5.10
Magician
Wanted! Pulse Films are looking for a larger than life magician to
be featured in an entertainment documentary about show business: "We
interested in magicians of all levels. If you are interested please
email
showbiz@pulsefilms.co.uk and include the word Magician in the
subject. Please note - we are not interested in revealing any trickery." 22.5.10
Wessex
Magical Association presents Paul Hyland, Art of the Impossible, on
Tuesday 8th June, when Paul will present his new lecture 'Pocket
Cabaret'. "Paul will explain a dozen colourful and creative ‘workers’
plus refinements of existing magic (with credits and permissions) and
utility moves. There will be more subtleties than sleights or gaffs, and
a number of hard-won presentational ideas that go beyond close-up, to
the practical ‘pocket cabaret’ that banquets and big tables demand. Paul
welcomes enquiries from other magic clubs interested in booking his
lecture."
www.magician.org/member/paulhyland. The evening starts at 7.30pm for
8 pm 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: 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. 22.5.10
Magicathon
2010, Sheffield. City Magicians, Sheffield's first magical
entertainment agency, are holding the first ever 'Magicathon' to raise
money for Bluebell
Wood Children's Hospice on June 11th-13th. A whole weekend of magic
featuring 15 magicians performing in and around Sheffield (including
Meadowhall, Crystal Peaks and the city centre) to raise awareness and
money for Bluebell Wood. There will also be a two hour gala extravaganza
on the Sunday evening at the Sheffield Library Theatre. Tickets for the
Gala show are priced at £15 and are available from
www.citymagicians.com, where you'll also find more information about
the event. If any local magicians would like to get involved email Dan
Ellis dan@danellismagic.co.uk. 22.5.10
Will
Gray lectures at The Coventry Magic Circle on Tuesday 25th May at
8pm. Visiting magicians welcome, small door charge, arrive by 7.30pm.
Venue: The Bentley Road Social Club, Nunueaton.
www.coventrymagiccircle.co.uk. 22.5.10
Paul
Gordon lectures at The Derby Magic Circle on Wednesday 26th May.
Doors open at 7.30pm. This return visit to Derby is with Paul's all new
lecture material. Visitors £7.50. Breadsall Village Hall, Derby DE21 5LF
(Map)
www.derbymagiccircle.co.uk. 22.5.10
Alakazam
Magic present Nailed, the safest Russian Roulette by Gerry Frenette.
"There have been many versions of the Russian Roulette effect in recent
years and all with some element of real risk to the performer... until
now! Gerry Frenette's Nailed really has it all - direct - clean -
dramatic - and best of all 100% safe! Visit
www.alakazam.co.uk for details and to order (exclusively available
via Alakazam in the UK). 22.5.10
The
Secret Castle of Magic "Dublin's most magical and exciting show
experience!" is now taking bookings for June and July due to strong
demand for tickets. The Audience are treated to three shows during this
unique evening, a close-up magic show from Pat Fallon (International
Magician & Illusionist), a comedy magic show from Nevin Cody (Close Up
Magician and Stage Magician of Ireland 2010) and a Mentalism Show from
the Secret Castle's Ronan MacGabhann. Visit
www.secretcastleofmagic.com
for details. 22.5.10
Death
Defying Acts. A film about Harry Houdini's romance with a con woman.
Starring Catherine Zeta Jones, Saoirse Ronan, Guy Pearce and Timothy
Spall, available from Amazon.co.uk on DVD
Click Here • "Teller speaks out about his Vegas favorites"
Click Here
• "Mystic magic winners"
Click Here
• There's more on the Eastbourne Convention from Bob Hayden this
week,
Click Here
• "Showbiz agent owes performers thousands"
Click Here
• "I dreaded my kids' parties. But at least we didn't host the one
where the cat savaged the magician's rabbit"
Click Here
• "Being a magician is a tricky business!"
Click Here
• Gary Jones reviews The Step System DVDs this week,
Click Here
• "Magician Steve Wyrick seeks bankruptcy, notes liabilities of $54
million"
Click Here
• Rex Stott reviews Tony Griffith's recent lecture in York,
Click Here
• Your news is always welcome, but please remember the strict
Friday 12 noon deadline for the following Saturday. Looks like it's
going to be a beautiful weekend, see you next week, Duncan. 22.5.10