Number 519 - 5th June 2010

 

Conjuring at the Court, 24th June, London. The June show features stage pickpocket, James Freedman; the award-winning Richard Pinner; alternative magician Sean Heydon, whose madcap comedy has won him many TV appearances; the fast and funny visual magic of Stephen Barry; and classic conjuring with a twist from Russell Levinson. A year on, Conjuring at the Court has become Greater London's longest running monthly magic show. There's a different line-up every month, and you can enjoy a drink while watching the magic in a comfortable environment. It's their first birthday - so it's going to be a special night! Drayton Court, 2 The Avenue, West Ealing, London W13 8PH (Map). Doors open 7.30pm, show 8pm to 10pm. Tickets £10 from www.conjuringatthecourt.com or email tickets@conjuringatthecourt.com. 5.6.10

 

"You don’t need to know Chinese to enjoy this incredible feat" emails Wayne Dobson... Visit Wayne's Video Vault page to see close-up magic at its best, from Taiwanese magician Lu 'Louis' Chen (Liú Qiān). 5.6.10

 

Countdown, with special guest Paul Zenon. Paul Zenon joins Jeff Stelling and Rachel Riley for a week commencing 14th June as contestants race against the clock to pit their wits against each other with nothing more than vowels, consonants and numbers up their sleeves. See TV Magic for details. 5.6.10

 

Tom Harrison - MindMatics. After the success of 'Tom Harrison - Control Freak', another mystifying evening of wonder from the up and coming illusionist, Tom Harrison, is on the cards - literally. With his interactive and unique shows, Tom combines extraordinary psychological trickery with dangerous and seemingly impossible demonstrations that mystify and entertain. MindMatics is the perfect follow up to 'Control Freak', taking the audience on a sensational journey with an ending that you will struggle to comprehend for years to come. Not suitable for under 12's unless accompanied by an adult. Entrance at the discretion of the adult. Friday July 9th and Saturday July 10th at The New Players Theatre, The Arches, Villiers Street, London WC2N 6NL (Map). Book tickets (£15.00) via www.tomharrison.uk.com tomharrison06@yahoo.co.uk 07921 669175 or www.newplayerstheatre.com. These performances will be filmed and will be raising money for The Martlets Hospice, Hove (Registered Charity No. 802145). 5.6.10

 

The London School of Magic - Open Day, Saturday 26th June: "Jack Delvin, the principal of The London School of Magic, was bitten by the magic bug at 5, performed his first professional show at 13, and has enjoyed a professional career lasting over 60 years since. He has performed at leading theatres throughout the UK, on numerous television shows, in most of London’s leading hotels, on ships and even in circus. He is now President of the world famous The Magic Circle. All this successful experience is at your service. Jack has taught dozens of magicians, many of whom are now leading professionals. Places at The London School of Magic are limited to ensure that the teaching can be tailored to suit each student’s ability and personality. Learning magic can be a difficult and expensive process. The London School of Magic can teach you, or your child, without stress or great expense. If you are already an experienced performer, The London School of Magic can make you even better. You are cordially invited to a free open day. If you would like to know more about this once in a lifetime opportunity, ring Jack Delvin on 01689 826169, or send an email to magic@jackdelvin.co.uk." 5.6.10

 

ImpossibleBottle.co.uk For many people, the most common objects seen in glass bottles are ships. However, a UK-based amateur magician has given the traditional ship-in-a-bottle a distinctly magical twist! Phil Evans, creator of www.impossiblebottle.co.uk, was inspired to design impossible bottles after reading about Harry Eng, the acknowledged master of the art form. Harry put all manner of strange items into bottles, all of which were too large to fit through the neck, and had a remarkable ability to tie difficult knots inside bottles. Phil’s speciality is sealed decks of Bicycle cards, along with other items such as padlocks and steel bolts: "The process of creating impossible bottles isn’t easy. There are no books or manuals which teach this unusual art form in any detail. When you start out, you’re on your own, and it’s often a frustrating journey!" said Phil. "For me impossible bottles sum up everything that’s wonderful about magic. They have the ability not only to entertain, but also to astonish and inspire, and isn’t that what magic is all about?" Visit www.impossiblebottle.co.uk to find out! 5.6.10

 

Magic Moments Day - update: Our new Facebook fan page is a great way to stay up-to-date with Magic Moments Day (this year on October 2nd) and to also let us know what you will be up to! We’re pleased to have some heavy-weight magic fans! Visit the official Magic Moments page on MagicWeek! Jay Fortune. 5.6.10

 

Magicseen Taster Issue 2 is currently available to download from the Magicseen website, and the best part is it's free! From the Editor: "Changed every two months, the Taster Issue comprises of about half the number of pages in a regular issue, and these pages are made up of some of the material from the current issue plus selected features from our library of Back Issues. A new full issue of Magicseen is released every two months (Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, Nov), and a new Taster Issue will be ready for you to download one month after those regular issues have appeared. The current Taster Issue features interviews with Gaetan Bloom and Chris McDaniel, there's the first part of Craig Petty's series on Fake Coins, we have an article on magicians who have emigrated to the US to live and work as well as a major piece on how to become a successful mentalist, plus more. So if you want to see what Magicseen is all about, look for the Taster Issues on the Magicseen website which can be found at www.magicseen.co.uk." 5.6.10

 

Kennedy: The Subliminalist, 10th and 11th June, Newcastle Upon Tyne. The brand new show from ‘mind-reading phenomenon’ Kennedy, is a slick composition of psychological wizardry, subliminal messaging and razor sharp witty banter. Expecting a terrifying night out at the theatre? Think again. The Subliminalist is a full-throttle, foot to the floor rally drive through every emotion you know. Relax in to the quirky comedy of Kennedy's Northern humour, then hold your breath as you're pushed to the edge of your seat. The performance, which Kennedy has put on to raise funds for Haiti, contains the use of subliminal messaging techniques, strobe lighting and may cause you to have a bloody good time! Thursday 10th and Friday 11th June at 7:30pm tickets £18. To book your seats call the Live Theatre box office on 0191 232 1232 or book online: www.live.org.uk." For more information visit www.thesubliminalist.com. 5.6.10

 

Exclusive to Magicians Cave Productions: Roll-Up Stage Set Banners.: "Set the stage - announce your presence, our Roll-Up Stage Set Banners take just seconds to erect and pack away into durable carry bags, yet they present a totally professional image which will make you stand out from the crowd. Superior digitally printed graphics bring these banners to life making them great as side curtains or backdrops and ideal for concealing props and speakers behind. Just 2Kg each and 7ft x 3ft in size; come complete with a padded and zipped travel bag. Totally self contained units; everything fits into the base of the banner holders. Strong and very stable fold-out feet. We have been able to arrange a very special deal and can, for now, offer these at the amazing price of just £120 per pair." For more information and to order visit: www.magicianscave.co.uk. 5.6.10

 

Bath-based Mystery Entertainer Ian Carpenter, from Mindwriter Magic, last week officially joined the elite ranks of Churchill Fellows, at a Ceremony in London's Guildhall. He was presented there with a personally inscribed Medallion, by Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust began its work in 1966 as a lasting legacy to Sir Winston, and his daughter also attended the ceremony. Each year the Trust interviews shortlisted applicants, who seek to further their knowledge in a particular field by visiting other parts of the world. On return, Fellows are then required to write a detailed report of their trips, and seek to put something back into their work here in the UK, based on what they have learned.

The basis of Ian's trip in 2008, was the study of magic teaching. He spent over a month in Las Vegas, which is home to the world's premier magic instructors, at the McBride Mystery School. He also met with world famous magicians such as Lance Burton and Mac King, who have had shows running in the city for many years, as well as legendary 'underground' personalities. Since returning, Ian has already been offering his services regularly to a local secondary school, as part of their broader curriculum. He is also continuing to develop the Maths and Magic presentation which has proved very successful in secondary schools.

"It is both an incredible privilege and a real responsibility to become a Churchill Fellow. When an organisation has literally funded you to go on the trip of a lifetime, you feel a great sense of loyalty and a strong desire to put something back - which is a fundamental part of their ethos. I love my educational work, and I am looking forward to expanding it further. I am also taking on the private teaching of adult beginners in this wonderful Art!" www.mindwriter.co.uk.
 5.6.10

 

Joe Swing (otherwise known as magician Zane) recently performed at a private VIP party and is seen here looking very happy to be alongside Amanda Holden. Joe Swing performs an act which combines singing Sinatra songs with magic and he's available for Magic Society Dinners or as a pre-magic-gala show act. Visit www.joeswing.co.uk. 5.6.10

 

The Coventry Magic Circle extend an open invitation to magicians everywhere to join them for their 'Presidents Night' on July 6th at The Bentley Road Social Club, Bentley Road, Nuneaton for "an open evening of entertainment, light buffet provide, no charge, just a friendly warm welcome". Email Mike Price if you'd like to attend: miketigermagic@live.co.uk. 5.6.10

 

High Jinx - Misdirected. Last year's fringe award-winners return with their own unique brand of magic, illusion, escapology, juggling and music. "Extraordinarily accomplished, entertaining and Witty" Buxton Fringe Review. 11th July 9.30pm, 12th July 6.30pm, 17th July 1pm, 18th July 6.30pm, 24th July 1pm and 6pm. Underground Venues beneath the Old Hall Hotel, Buxton www.buxtonfringe.org.uk Tickets £8.00, Children £6.00, Concessions £6.00. Direct Bookings via www.undergroundvenues.co.uk or 07980 292978. 5.6.10

 

World Magic Shop 'dealer dem'. The Coventry Magic Circle are pleased to announce that on Tuesday 22nd June, World Magic Shop will give a 'dealer dem' at Bentley Road Social Club, Bentley Road, Nuneaton. Small entrance fee. Email Mike Price for details: miketigermagic@live.co.uk. 5.6.10

 

Michael Gee is the new Watford Association of Magicians' Close-up Magician of the Year. The competition took place on Tuesday 1st June. Mark Chudley was placed 2nd, and Wayne Murphy and David Milne joint 3rd. Congratulations to all. www.michaelgeemagic.com. 5.6.10

 

Wayne Goodman lectures at the Devon Magic Circle on Wednesday June 9th. His new lecture features close-up and stand-up magic, with some information on promoting yourself as well. www.waynegoodman.co.uk Non members welcome (£8 door charge). More info: www.devonmagiccircle.co.uk or email Ozzy Dee ozzydee@themagiccircle.co.uk. 5.6.10

 

The Academy of Magic is pleased to announce that Anthony Jacquin is presenting 'An Introduction to Hypnosis' on 20th June in London at the Phoenix Artist Club at 7pm. Visiting magicians welcome, or watch it live online via www.academyofmagic.com. 5.6.10

 

John Styles recently performed his Punch and Judy show at the pinnacle of the City of London's iconic building "The Gherkin" - and asks, "Could this be a record for Punch's highest performance in the land?" His Punch was also recently seen on "The Antiques Road Show", "The Darling Buds of May" and "Alan Tichmarsh's Seasons" on ITV 1. 5.6.10

 

James Ward lectures for the Merlin Magical Society on Thursday 10th June. "Mind, Mirth & Magic" includes a selection of close-up and mentalist effects. The lecture will run from 8pm - 10pm and entry for non-members is £5.00 payable on the night. Venue: Little Heath Parish Hall, Thornton Road, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire EN6 1JJ (Map). More info from John Clayton (Secretary) on 07931 525399. 5.6.10

 

Tony Russell (Pennywise Magic). The arrangements for Tony's funeral are as follows: The funeral will take place on Thursday 17th June at 11am at St. Thomas of Canterbury Church, Worting, Basingstoke. All are welcome with a gathering afterwards at the Conservative Club, Bounty Road. Family flowers only but charitable donations for either Cancer Research or MacMillian Trust can be forwarded to Alexander and Dry, 1 Seal Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire. Tony Russell is remembered by Jack Delvin this week, Click Here. 5.6.10

 

iPad Magic: "Japanese magician uses Apple's new gadget in incredible routine on Tokyo street" Click Here • Matthew Garrett's recent lecture at the Riviera Circle of Magicians is reviewed by Graeme Vanstone this week, Click Here • "The mystery of the human regurgitator" Click Here • "Fan claims one-night stand with Lu Chen" Click Here • "The Illusionist - Sylvain Chomet's animated feature creates an Edinburgh never seen before" Click Here • "I balance my life of performing by painting portraits in private, admits TV trickster Derren Brown" Click Here • All these "me and a celeb photos" that appear on MagicWeek every week leave me feeling a little bit left out, so I'll see what I can come up with over the weekend (but if nothing appears next week don't even ask!). Have a sunny weekend, Duncan. 5.6.10

 

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