Number 518 - 29th May 2010
The
Great Nardini - Eastbourne Convention, September 2010. Bob Hayden
writes: There are a number of acts that no matter how many times you see
them you spot something that you have previously missed, and if a comedy
act, still makes you laugh. Such an act is that of The Great Nardini aka
Paul and Mhairi
Nardini who will be appearing in the Late Gala of Magic on Friday
evening. It is from the expressions of Nardini the hapless magician and
those of his frustrated assistant coupled with some brilliant timing
that the comedy erupts. The genesis of the act is interesting. Paul used
to perform the act as a solo one until it was seen by Ali Bongo who
suggested that his wife Mhairi get involved. It was some of the best
advice they could ever have received as together they developed it into
an award winning act cumulating in them winning 1st prize in the comedy
category at the 2003 Netherlands F.I.S.M. To them it was their top
magical moment. Read Bob Hayden's latest British Ring Eastbourne
Convention news,
Click Here. To register for the convention visit
www.britishring.org.uk. 29.5.10
Essential
Magic Conference 15th, 16th, 17th July 2010. Marco Tempest – The
Future of Magic, Bill Herz - Know your Audience, Matthew Holtzclaw -
Experiencing the Mysterious... watch these video posts online:
www.essentialmagicconference.com. In addition, if you have
registered for the Essential Magic Conference you will now have
exclusive access to their new range of videos, featuring interviews with
some of the top people in magic. The first is award winning producer
David Yamner, CEO of Concept Artists. David Yamner is a leading agent in
the USA, booking some of the very best acts for the world's top venues.
Hear what he has to say about building the dream magic show... The
Essential Magic Conference 15th, 16th, 17th July 2010. The cost of
registering for the conference is EUR €55 (US $75.00) via
www.essentialmagicconference.com - don't miss it! 29.5.10
International
News. Houdini: Art and Magic Exhibition, New York. Harry Houdini
(1874-1926), the renowned magician and escape artist, was one of the
20th century’s most famous performers. His gripping theatrical
presentations and heart-stopping outdoor spectacles attracted
unprecedented crowds, and his talent for self-promotion and provocation
captured headlines on both sides of the Atlantic. The Jewish Museum will
present the first major art museum exhibition to examine Houdini’s life,
legend, and enduring cultural influence from October 29th 2010 - March 27th
2011. Through 163 objects, exhibition visitors will be able to explore
the career and legacy of the celebrated entertainer while considering
his lasting impact on contemporary art and culture. Visit:
www.thejewishmuseum.org/exhibitions/houdini. 29.5.10
British magician wins 'New Uri Geller'
TV title in Holland. Andrew
Melia first entered the competition as himself (Andrew Melia) but early on
the TV company (SBS6) asked him if he'd be willing to compete as a new
character called The Joker instead. They told him to scare people and
read minds. The idea was that Andrew Melia was thrown out the competition
early on, and his alter ego would come back to avenge the jury's
decision! It was a
huge success, and added over a dozen live performances and over 20 TV
performances in the last 6 months to his CV. Audition one, as himself
Click Here and later, as the Joker
Click Here,
and Click Here. Visit
www.club-magic.com
for more on Andrew. 29.5.10
Innovator
of the Decade Award. Paul Stone writes ... On 15th May Diana
Zimmerman and I had the pleasure on behalf of The Innovention of
awarding Criss Angel with the 'Innovator of the Decade' Award on stage
at the Luxor Hotel & Casino after his sell-out 'Believe' Show. This
award was enthusiastically received by the 1500 people in the audience
and was also filmed as part of a documentary on Criss for the Biography
Channel. The 'Believe' Show has changed dramatically from when I first
saw it soon after it opened and Criss does a great job. He is currently
in the process of adding 8 new illusions to the Show. Criss certainly
works hard and his schedule would wear out most performers. Apart from
the 'Believe' Show at the Luxor, he is in the middle of filming another
series of MindFreak and is also soon due to tape shows with both Oprah
and Larry King!
We are delighted that he will be presenting his first ever Special
Session at The Innovention at the Suncoast Hotel & Casino in Las
Vegas which runs from 4th - 7th October 2010. And we've also now
confirmed that Teller will present his very rarely seen lecture 'The Red
Ball' at The Innovention too. So in addition to an already
stellar line-up of talent you will get to see two of the greatest
magicians in the world! Please note that the Special Offer of a superb
Ken Brooke Collectors Series Five Star Wallet, valued at $150, runs out
on 31st May, so if you don't want to miss out you should register in the
next couple of days. The other Special $50 Introductory Discount, making
The Innovention a fantastic deal at $295, will also be finishing
on 15th June, so if you are one of the people who has subscribed for
this offer but have not yet registered then now is the time to book
before the Special Offer runs out. Visit
www.innovention2010.com to register. 29.5.10
TV
mindreader let off jury duty - because court officials feared he may
wreck trial. "Drew McAdam's act includes reading thoughts,
duplicating drawings done in secret and bending cutlery Uri
Geller-style. He turned up at court after being called to sit on a case.
But the 54-yearold was sent home after officials recognised him as the
human lie detector on Five's Trisha chat show..." To read the full story
by Alan Carson in the Daily Record
Click Here. 29.5.10
Chris
Cross is Escaping from Reality. Chris Cross is a stand-up comedian
presenting his trademark 5 star show which incorporates his skills as a
crazy contortionist and escapologist. After having had a great run of
gigs in New Zealand, France, Bahrain, Greece and the States, he is now
returning for a 15 night run of 'Escaping from Reality' (a 'Must See
Show' The Stage). This is Chris's 6th Year at the Ed Fringe. 12th
- 27th August 2010 at 9.35pm at The Voodoo Rooms, 19a West Register
Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2AA (Behind Burger King on Princes Street). Free
admission, no booking.
www.chris-cross.co.uk. 29.5.10
Jumbo
Magic Auction - Manchester Circle of Magicians, Monday 14th June. At
Salford Masonic Hall, Hemsley House, 41 The Crescent, Salford, Nr.
Manchester commencing at 6.30pm with viewing from 6pm. Auctioneers Mike
Shepherd and Derek Lever. Door charge £3.00. Members free of charge.
Featuring hundreds of items including apparatus, books and DVDs. Further
details from Derek Lever on 01253 810113
d.lever1@sky.com. 29.5.10
Close-up
magic mystro Etienne Pradier is seen here with PM David Cameron just
weeks before he made it to number 10. Not only did Etienne predict the
election result, he even managed to make Cameron's old house keys
disappear first too!
www.frenchmagician.co.uk. 29.5.10
The
Thirteenth Box - A Cave Tour and Ghost Hunt like no other! "Jez
Starr, The Dreaded Mentalist, is inviting you to take part in this truly
unique experience. Every Friday night from June 25th to August 27th at
7.30pm Jez will be letting small groups into Cheddar Caves to witness
the curses of The Thirteenth Box! This is a Cave Tour and Ghost Hunt
like no other! Find out what has cursed the box and how it's now
haunted!" Tickets £13. Booking advised. Over 16's only. Suitable
footwear required as cave floor can be slippery. For tickets call 07749
538016 or email
jezstarr@dreadedmentalist.com
www.facebook.com/jezstarr
www.dreadedmentalist.com. Venue: Gough's Cave, Cheddar Caves &
Gorge, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3QF (Map). 29.5.10
Jasper
Blakeley and Rob Brydon in Audi Car launch. Jasper Blakeley recently
joined Welsh rugby stars, a string quartet, a celebrity chef and
comedian Rob Brydon in Swansea for the glitzy launch of Audi's new A8.
Jasper had planned to gamble with one of the 70K cars as the evening's
finale, but after weeks of insurance problems with management and,
despite offering to actually buy the car beforehand, Jasper gambled a
thousand pounds in cash of his own money instead. Following the success
of the night, Audi’s now talking with Jasper about a blindfold drive for
the launch of their next supercar [try getting insurance for that one
Jasper! DT]. Catch Jasper, aka Kockov, on the cover of the next issue of
Magicseen magazine with an in depth interview including news of his new
venture ‘The Cabaret Academy'.
www.jasperblakeley.co.uk. 29.5.10
Bank
Holiday Madness at Alakazam! Save 15% on any order placed over the
Bank Holiday weekend until 9am Tuesday. Use this code: 58008618.
Details:
www.alakazam.co.uk/blog. 29.5.10
Chris
Dugdale: An Evening of Magic and Mindreading. "Chris Dugdale, world
class magician, returns by popular demand to Riverside Studios with a
show that will leave you spellbound. From over 100 performances at the
Monte Carlo Casino in Las Vegas, to a private audience for Her Majesty
The Queen in Windsor, he has mesmerised audiences at the top level. He
is the face and expert behind the new Britain’s Got Talent Stage Magic
kit, and is currently developing two television projects. Experiencing
magic before your eyes is a sensation like no other. Join Chris for a
very different night that you will never forget." Tuesday 31st August to
Sunday 19th September, Riverside Studios, Crisp Road, Hammersmith,
London W6 9RL (Map).
Box office: 020 8237 1111. More info:
www.riversidestudios.co.uk. 29.5.10
Ian
Keable lecture, Coventry Magic Circle. Ian Keable presents his
Stand-Up, a Professional Guide to Comedy Magic lecture at The Coventry
Magic Circle on Tuesday 8th June. Doors open 7.30pm. Visitors welcome
(small nominal charge). Venue: The Bentley Road Social Club, Bentley
Road, Nuneaton.
www.iankeable.co.uk. 29.5.10
Paul
Ormonde and Sara will be the special guest performers for singer
'Silhouette' at the Safehouse Art Gallery, Belfast, on Saturday 29th May
at 8.30pm. Silhouette has just released her new track "Volume Destroyed"
and tickets for this 'Cupcake & Champagne' party are £5.00. Paul and
Sara will open the event with a 30 minute performance. 29.5.10
The
Twins are currently wowing audiences in China. Back in April a 40ft
shipping container stacked full of illusions was sent to China ready for
their arrival. The sold-out show Aladdin’s Magical 3D Adventure
has a cast and crew of over 30 and tours key cities in China for the
next 3 months. The production visits venues with a capacity of 2,000 to
40,000 people. The show features some of The Twins 'World Magic Awards
International Stage Magicians of the year' illusions plus some new
bespoke illusions. "The Twins are amazing, It's Magic!" China’s CCTV,
"The new Harry Potters, 5 stars" Beijing Today.
www.theillusionists.com. 29.5.10
A
séance lecture, workshop and demonstration for magicians and mystery
entertainers will be taking place at the Galleries of Justice
visitor attraction in Nottingham on Friday June 4th from 7pm to 10.30pm.
The "What Lies Beneath" evening will include a lecture and workshop on
séance magic and paranormal entertainment from Paul Voodini followed by
a ghost tour of the venue (claimed to be the most haunted in England)
and séance demonstration. All attendees will also receive a copy of
Paul's book "The Paranormal Entertainer". Details and tickets from
www.seancenights.co.uk. 29.5.10
Last
chance to get your £20 voucher! Mark Leveridge Magic's latest Dealer
Night, which takes place on Monday 7th June at the Holiday Inn, Junction
25 off the M1, Nottingham, is not only a great opportunity to browse the
MLM and Magicseen product ranges at leisure, but also to make some big
savings. Pre-register now and you will receive a £20 voucher to put
towards purchases on the evening, as well get a further 10% off all MLM
products and Magicseen books. There are also three prizes worth up to
£10, £20 and £30 respectively, plus all attendees can enjoy the half
hour dealer dem and Mark's mini lecture featuring three brand new
routines. So, register now and receive your £20 voucher by return email
ready to spend on the evening. More details from
www.markleveridge.co.uk. 29.5.10
Comedy
magic entertainers and cruise ship performers Des and Cherry King
are making their first appearance on the magic club lecture circuit.
South Downs Magicians are pleased to be hosting a lecture by the star
performers - and it is free entry for all visiting magicians. Des King's
lecture is entitled "45 years in showbusiness and I've never lost a
thumb tip" and will be on Wednesday, June 2nd at 8pm at Handcross Parish
Hall, High Street, Handcross, West Sussex RH17 6BJ (Map).
Find out the secrets of their successful career which includes an
appearance in the Royal Variety Show. Further details:
www.southdownsmagicians.co.uk and
www.descherryking.co.uk. 29.5.10
Paul
Kybert Wins The Leamington and Warwick Magic Society 2010 Close-up
Competition. Reported by Mark Traversoni. On 20th May Paul Kybert
put in a brilliant performance with a great twist on some traditional
plots in magic. The routine that has us all talking was when he produced
a goldfish and constantly referring to it which had us wonder why; he
went to produce a card which had its corner previously removed from his
wallet inside which were 2 sealed envelopes only to find it filled with
fish food not the card. It was then found that the card was inside the
fish food container that had been on the table the whole time. Brilliant
thinking and a worthy winner who now gains entry to the Midlands
Champion of Champions Competition to be held at the clubs Day of Magic
on 23rd June. Well done to all the other competitors (Mark Traversoni,
Jonathan, David Taylor and Matthew Redmond) who made this one of the
best fought competitions in a long time. Special thanks also go to the
Junior section who put on as show in the first half of the evening. The
quality of their magic and showmanship is coming on leaps and bounds and
we are very proud to have such talented new blood in our society. 29.5.10
The
Exonian Magical Society will celebrate their 75th anniversary in October 2011,
and are now looking for dealers and acts to take part in the
celebration. If you can add something to the convention either as a
performer or dealer contact secretary Ozzy Dee
ozzydee@themagiccircle.co.uk. 29.5.10
Merlins
of Wakefield are having trouble at the moment with their website,
but hope to resolve this shortly and apologise for any inconvenience.
Their new June/July Preview is out now. With over 70 magic effects
there's bound to be something of interest. Best of all, the Preview is
free! Just contact them with your address and they'll post you a copy,
or can send a PDF version if you'd prefer. Call them on 01924 339933 or
email merlins@btconnect.com. 29.5.10
Billboard
By Marc Bangert. Exclusive pre-order offer via
MagicTao for free world wide delivery week commencing June 14th. "An
impossible effect? The mentalist asks a spectator to name any freely
chosen piece of information (a playing card, a number, a word, the name
of a person etc). This exact piece of information is then shown to be on
the internet, not only far away and with no possibilities of multiple
outs, but on top of that it turns out that this exact prediction had
been sitting there, in advance, for days already." For more info and to
pre-order visit
www.magictao.co.uk. 29.5.10
This year's Pentacle Club Lecture take place on Tuesday 1st June
when you are invited to 'Experience the Unexpected!' as Andrew
Normansell – author of 'The Man Who Would Be King' - takes to the floor
with an evening that covers aspects of commercial stand up, mentalism
and close up magic.
All magicians are welcome, the lecture starts at 8pm and they meet at St
Laurence's School, Arbury Road, Cambridge CB4 2JX (Map).
There is a charge of £5 for non-members. 29.5.10
Tony Russell. It is with deep regret that I write to inform you of the death of Tony Russell. Tony was a long time member of the IBM and past member of the Magic Circle. Founder member and treasurer of the Magicians of Basingstoke. Magic dealer under the name of Pennywise Magic. Tony and I shared a passion for magic and snooker. We played snooker every week for the past 25 years - neither of us getting any better. Tony will be sorely missed. Alan McGurk. 29.5.10
Martin Gardner. Martin Gardner, who died on May 22 aged 95, infused his writings on mathematics and science with the concept of fun, but achieved wider renown with his deconstructions of the Victorian fantasies of Lewis Carroll (the Rev Charles Lutwidge Dodgson), the Oxford maths don and author of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (1865) and Through the Looking Glass (1871). To read the full article from the Telegraph Click Here. 29.5.10
Ray Alan. Ventriloquist Ray Alan dies at 79. Ventriloquist Ray Alan has died suddenly at the age of 79, his agent has announced. The showman was known for his upper class puppet Lord Charles, who usually appeared to be drunk. Alan, from Reigate, Surrey, was a TV regular from the 1950s to the 1980s, appearing on shows including variety serial The Good Old Days. To read the full article from the BBC Click Here. 29.5.10
The
Illusionist makes its terrestrial television debut on June 9th - see
TV Magic • "World's first
womens' magic festival to be
held in Kerala"
Click Here • "Woman magicians to ride blindfolded in bikes tomorrow"
Click Here • Paul Gordon: Derby Magic Circle Lecture - reviewed
by Al Smith
Click Here • "Lessons in storytelling from Derren Brown"
Click Here • "Kylie Minogue Turns Her Hand to Magic!"
Click Here • Many thanks for your news items - have a good Bank
Holiday weekend, Duncan. 29.5.10