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