Number 525 - 17th July 2010
Over
1000 magicians around the world are enjoying The Essential Magic
Conference. The conference, which runs until late this evening, is
still open for registrations. You can see the lectures and performances
live as they go out online in high definition on your computer today!
The first session starts at 3pm GMT and the last ends at 10.30pm. All
registrants of this ground breaking event will receive DVD box sets of
the complete conference as a bonus, after the event, so nothing will be
missed even if you weren't there from day one. I've been at the
conference (at home!) since Thursday, and it's been really excellent,
and broad, covering many aspects of the creation and performance of
magic, together with some world class performances and 'trick' lectures
too.
Click Here to see today's schedule and sign up at
www.essentialmagicconference.com to enjoy this final day - live!
Here are a few exclusive photos from MagicWeek's 'boys on the inside'
Click Here.
Congratulations to organisers Luis De Matos, Marco Tempest and David
Britland for producing such a first class and slickly produced event. It
really has been outstanding. Photo: Guy Hollingworth performs
Reformation up close at the conference on Friday. Guy is one of the
guest speakers later on today.
17.7.10
“Give
instruction to a wise man and he will be yet wiser!” Wayne Dobson is
now offering a one-to-one production service for magicians looking for
professional advice on sound, lighting, comedy, structuring routines and
indeed all aspects of the performance of magic. This is a real
opportunity to take your magic forward and learn from one of the finest
magicians this country has ever produced. Visit Wayne's website for full
details
www.waynedobson.co.uk. Wayne will be appearing at the Eastbourne
Convention in September and is profiled by Bob Hayden this week,
Click Here.
17.7.10
Vegas
Dream Ticket. Paul Stone and Showstealers are excited to announce
the launch on August 1st of 'Vegas Dream Ticket'. Paul writes: "Every
performer has dreamed of appearing in a top Las Vegas Showroom in front
of a sold-out audience, but very few get the chance. Now we can help you
to make that dream come true! This is genuinely the chance of a
lifetime, a chance to perform in a top class professionally produced
show, supported by live musicians in a fabulous Las Vegas Showroom for
an audience of 500 - 1000. This is a unique PR opportunity and a chance
to increase your profile, credibility and fees overnight. And
Showstealers are the only entertainment company in Las Vegas that can
make it happen for you. If you have a Stage or Cabaret Spot lasting
between 5 and 18 minutes, and you are seriously interested in realising
your dream, contact us now on
info@vegasdreamticket.com for full details."
17.7.10
The
Innovention, Las Vegas. News from Paul Stone: "The Innovention,
taking place at the Suncoast Hotel & Casino in Summerlin, Las Vegas,
from October 4-7 truly is unlike any other Magic Convention. This is not
a marketing gimmick and we are definitely limiting the number of people
attending to make sure that everyone has a great seat for every event
and always has a good view. Where else can you find a line-up of Talent
like the one at The Innovention? For a start, fresh from the sell out
Penn & Teller Shows in London, Teller speaks at The Innovention. Yes,
you really did read that correctly, Teller will be presenting his
fabulous and rarely seen 'Red Ball' Lecture. This alone will be worth
the price of admission. A genuine Superstar of Magic. But that is just
the start. Just consider the names of those presenting Lectures and
Workshop Sessions. Johnny Thompson, Gaetan Bloom, Richard McDougall,
Shep Hyken, Seth Kramer, Kevin James, Joanie Spina, and Magic Al. Then
there's the unbelievably quick fire entertaining mindreading of Graham
P. Jolley, and the hilarious Mel Mellers, both of whom are making their
US debuts. You'll see the one and only Jeff Hobson as you've never seen
him before! And the rare and exciting appearance of another major Star,
Criss Angel at a Magic Convention. For Close-up fans there's the
incredible Lennart Green, and the boss himself, Bob Kohler ( yet another
top class performer you rarely see perform ) and a couple of other
surprise guests! Add to that some really top Dealers including without
doubt the best 'magic demonstrator' in the business, from the UK, Mark
Mason, plus a terrific and intimate venue, great room rates, and lots of
restaurants that stay open late at night. So, what are you waiting for?
Do you really want to miss this one of a kind and one-off event? We do
still have spaces left to fill, but not that many, so if you don't want
to be disappointed, go now to
www.innovention2010.com/specialoffer and register before it is too
late."
17.7.10
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.
Chris' last appearances at Riverside Studios in October were rapturously
received by
audiences and critics alike. Roger Foss on LBC 97.3 declared: 'Chris
Dugdale is amazing. So amazing in fact that the applause was almost
drowned by the sounds of jaws dropping. He's not just a mind-reader,
he's a mindboggler.' Alistair Smith of The Stage newspaper said that the
show was: 'Slickly staged with some nice theatrical touches and some of
the most impressive sleight of hand magic I've seen.'" Tuesday 31st August to
Sunday 19th September, Riverside Studios, Crisp Road, Hammersmith,
London W6 9RL (Map).
Tickets £15 (£12 concessions). Previews: £10. Saturday matinees: £12. Box office: 020 8237 1111. More info:
www.riversidestudios.co.uk. 17.7.10
West
London's monthly Conjuring at the Court will make you smile on
Thursday 29th July with an evening of magic, comedy and variety at
Ealing's Drayton Court. "The show features the clever and witty Ian
Keable, whose subtle humour and astonishing ability to read minds have
made him a top choice for cabaret and corporate events; Fletcher
Ransberry, a young rising star of magic (he had The Magic Circle falling
off their chairs with laughter recently); Steve Price, a funny and
talented entertainer, whose comic take on Russian Roulette has inspired
many imitators – none as good as the original, and the multi-talented
Ian Thom is a magical clown but at the Court he’s going to show us his
wonderful skills as a puppeteer, conjuring up emotion, drama and humour
as he brings his creations to life. The show will be compèred for the
first time by one of the producers, Stephen Barry, whose fast-paced
visual comedy and fun have made him one of West London’s most popular
performers." For tickets and further information visit
www.conjuringatthecourt.com email
tickets@conjuringatthecourt.com. Venue: The Drayton Court, 2 The
Avenue, West Ealing W13 8PH (Map).
Doors open 7.30pm, show time 8pm-10pm, Thursday 29th July.
17.7.10
Tickets
for the 2011 Blackpool Magic Convention (18th-20th February) are
currently being dispatched. Don't worry if you don’t receive yours
immediately, this mammoth task will take several weeks to complete.
Blackpool is the largest magic convention in the world featuring, in
2011, the FISM European Championships of Magic in addition to other
great attractions for which Blackpool is justifiably famous. 2011 is
proving to be even more popular than ever so if you have not yet
registered you should do so quickly before the ‘Sold Out’ announcement
is made. The registration fee of just £85 represents amazing value for
money, but if you can't attend all three days single tickets are also
available for the Saturday evening show only at £25 per person, or the
Sunday Gala Show only at £35 per person. The registration form can be
downloaded from
www.blackpoolmagic.com but be quick - space is limited and time is
running out!
17.7.10
Wayne
Dobson releases 'Fourseen' on DVD. This is one of Wayne's favourite
cabaret routines - perfect for both the close-up and stage magician. The
disc features performances by Wayne and Matthew J. Dowden and you'll
also receive two specially printed Fourseen Cards with this
instructional DVD. For customers that already have the 'Life In Magic'
DVDs, the special Fourseen Cards can be ordered on their own. Visit
www.rsvpmagic.com
for more information.
17.7.10
Magic
People and Places. "John Sugar
digs deep into a bygone era, exploring British magic that centered
around key characters and studios. Times have changed since a magician
produced a startled rabbit out of top hat with a puff of smoke. Today we
expect more, and the modern magician apparently does the impossible
before our eyes. But did the magic get there? John hears how the sale of
magic has changed with the impact of the internet and the way
conventions are developing new environments for its promotion and sale.
He also hears about the leading magic shops and studios of 60 years ago,
revealing the characters who created the magic. Today, magic revolves
around the internet and magic conventions. The key gathering is in
Blackpool in late February. John visits the 58th Magic Convention,
attended by 3,500 magicians, and talks to the organisers and the
performers while soaking up the atmosphere." See
TV Magic for details.
11.30am on Thursday 29th July (30 minutes) on BBC Radio Four.
The
Order of the Magi is holding a Jumbo Auction on Tuesday 27th July at
The Irish World Heritage Centre, Queens Road, Manchester M8 8UF (Map)
commencing at 7.30pm prompt; with viewing from 6.30pm. Lot numbers are
now available so if you need one contact Max Townsend Entertainments
Officer on 07800 618218
max.townsend@stockport.gov.uk. Details are on
www.orderofthemagi.org.uk. Door charge £3. All welcome.
17.7.10
Jack
Curtis' debut book Distorted Thoughts is set for publication
in August: "...containing a collection of mentalism routines straight
from his working repertoire. The book also includes two eye opening
essays about why playing cards should never be taken for granted and how
magicians can easily adapt their approach to tables to dramatically
increase audience engagement." "Every effect in this book is simple
and direct, just how I like them! Jack has thoroughly thought through
every presentational nuance to bring you not only a small collection of
strong mentalism effects, but also some very important performance and
delivery ideas often overlooked by entertainers in this industry."
Looch. "I absolutely love the effects in Distorted Thoughts, the
production is tip top too." Anthony Jacquin.
www.jackcurtis.co.uk.
17.7.10
RSVPMagic
presents Strike6. Three years ago RSVPMagic released the very
successful 1 Deck...14 Tricks...24 Hours DVD set starring Matthew
J. Dowden and email: "These discs have now almost completely sold out
and so we've decided to release the best 6 routines from both DVDs, on
one disc, at a great price. Strike6 features fantastic easy-to-do
card tricks that are suitable for beginners and professionals... they
really are that good". Visit
www.rsvpmagic.com
for more information and to watch the trailer.
17.7.10
Henry
Lewis MIMC, IBM, SAM, Hon Vice President of The Magic Circle,
Emeritus Curator of TMC has been invited to give an illustrated talk to
IBM Ring 316 Halifax, Nova Scotia on Wednesday 4th August 2010 on the
life of the famous Robert Houdin, father of modern magic, horogist and
scientist of his day. This talk was well received in The Magic
Circle Theatre in London in 2009. Enquiries to Greg Gibney email:
Ring316@eastlink.ca Tel: + 902
829 3556.
17.7.10
F13
presents An Evening of Uncomfortable Fun at 8pm on Friday 13th
August. "Superstition holds that Friday 13th be a day of bad luck. Some
people are so paralyzed by fear on Friday 13th that they avoid their
normal routines in doing business, taking flights or even getting out of
bed. There are 13 witches in a coven. Many buildings don't have a 13th
floor or streets a house number 13.... On Friday 13th August, Martin
Allan will be hosting 'An Evening of Uncomfortable Fun' featuring
Bizarre Magick from Roni Razor, Escapology and Magic from Paul Cooke,
The Odd Antics of Salamon and Martin Allan 'Pushing His Luck!'" Venue:
The Basement, City Screen, Coney Street, York. Tickets £10.00 available
from The City Screen Box Office 0871 9025726 or via
www.thebasementyork.co.uk. More info: Martin Allan
martin@mapromagic.co.uk.
17.7.10
Holder
of world' first degree in Street Magic to perform in London. In 2006
Owen Lean graduated from Trinity College Dublin with the world's first
degree in Street Magic. He had started doing a drama degree but had
specialised in the subjects of Magic and Busking in his essays to such
an extent that his tutor declared he had created the worlds 'first
degree in street magic'. For three years now Owen has been working on a
new feel-good stand up comedy magic show that he will be debuting in
London on August 4-7th. The show entitled Failure: Admit It, Accept
It, Embrace It. Promises to be as hilarious as it is thought
provoking dealing with subjects such as romance, politics, employment
and questioning whether the criteria society uses to define people as
'successes' and 'failures' are actually completely the wrong way around.
Owen Lean: Failure 4-7th August at the Intermission Theatre, St
Saviors, Walton Place, London S23 1SA (Map).
Tickets £10.00 (enter 'magicweek' in the online concession box on
www.failureshow.com
for a reduced rate) Box office 020 7823 8979.
17.7.10
Jimmy
(Jimbo) Carlo will be presenting his Kid-Ability Children's Lecture
at the British Magic Society on Tuesday, 20th July. He then flies out to
KIDabra! in
Tennessee, USA to lecture and perform his children's show in front of an
invited audience of children (the show, not the lecture!) and appear on
the Gala Show (August 8th - 18th).
www.jimmycarlo.co.uk. This summer Jimbo will be performing
children's entertainment every Saturday through July, August (not 14th)
and September in 'Center Parcs Saturday Night Extravaganza' at Center
Pars, Nottingham. Child friendly close-up magic, plus a Stage Show.
www.centerparcs.co.uk.
17.7.10
Magic Attic Dealer Dem. ACES are delighted to host Magic Attic's
dealer dem at their Lewes HQ on Wednesday September 8th. Everybody
welcome. Venue: Thomas A Beckett Church Hall, Cliffe High Street, Lewes.
Visit
www.acesmagic.co.uk for more information or contact Secretary Nicky
Lewis for more details:
nickymoon@btinternet.com.
17.7.10
Fresh
from his encounter with Penn and Teller on the Jonathan Ross show,
legendary singer Sir Tom Jones enjoyed more tricks with Magic Circle
member Paul Craven at a Hoping Foundation's children's charity event
last Saturday, at Jemima Khan's Oxfordshire country house. Other
performers at Kiddington Hall included Roger Waters and David Gilmour of
Pink Floyd. Whilst Tom's three of clubs was previously revealed on the
eyeballs of Teller, this time his signed eight of diamonds was lost in
the deck then rediscovered by 'The Voice' himself in a Moroccan treasure
casket of coins and jewellery, at his very feet on the green green
grass. Tom was aghast - not this time asking "why, why, why?" but "how,
how, how..?!" His suitably astonished reaction and bellowing Welsh
laughter meant Paul could only just contain himself from pointing out
that "it's not unusual..."
17.7.10
Piff-tacular
2: Get Rich or Die Trying. He’s back! Genre-defying 2009
breakthrough act Piff the Magic Dragon returns with Piff-tacular 2:
Get Rich or Die Trying, set to take the Edinburgh Festival by storm
with a raft of brand new tricks and Mr Piffles – the world’s first
levitating Chihuahua! See the last Edinburgh preview on July 22nd at 9pm
at the
Tristan Bates Theatre.
17.7.10
Matt
Edmondson interviews Penn and Teller on BBC Radio 1 this morning
(Saturday 17th) between 10am-1pm (Matt is covering for Vernon Kay).
"Penn and Teller, Hammersmith Apollo, London" Guardian review,
Click Here.
17.7.10
Mark
James Lecture - Darlington
Magic Circle. The Darlington Magic Circle is hosting a two-part
lecture by Mark James on Thursday 5th August (7.30pm for 8pm start).
"The first half of the evening is devoted tosStand-up and comedy in
magic – Mark has an enviable background in this area and will be sharing
many tips. A must for those wanting to perform comedy even if not
interested in magic. The second half focuses on Mark's close-up work and
his recent work on Wayne Dobson's latest DVDs." Further details: Iain Jae, Secretary, The Darlington Magic
Circle iainjae@ntlworld.com
www.thedarlingtonmagiccircle.co.uk.
17.7.10
Congratulations
to Sean Heydon following his invitation to perform in the heats of
"The Next Big Thing" a competition organised by The Event Show focusing
on corporate entertainment. In Sean's heat popular acts included Tootsie
Rollers, Tony Rudd, Karla Bernardi, Dan Hewitt and Streetball Extreme.
The judges, made up of corporate entertainment bookers and agents,
declared Sean the heat winner and he will be performing in the
semi-finals at the NEC in September during The Event Show (good luck
Sean!)
www.alternativemagic.com.
17.7.10
Care
& Share Balloon Fun Day - Surry. Graham Lee has another Care & Share
Balloon Fun Day coming up in Banstead, Surrey, 'The Dashing Diane Day'
on Friday 30th July from 10am - 5pm. The day is free and includes a
small lunch, but book early as places are limited. As long as you can
twist the basics then the day will be of benefit. More details:
www.balloonchat.co.uk. There will be three hands-on lecture/workshop
sessions throughout the day, with two fun competitions to join in with,
plus all the usual fun of a Care & Share Day with fun and laughter all
the way. The day is designed to help everyone and includes a more
advanced workshop in the afternoon. To book visit
www.qualatexballoons.co.uk.
17.7.10
Mike and Marjorie Stokes of Playtime Balloons will be holding a workshop at the IBM British Ring Convention in Eastbourne on Wednesday afternoon, 22nd September. There will also be a Qualatex-sponsored area on their stand for balloon twisters to enjoy, with the benefit of professional help if needed. They look forward to seeing you there! 17.7.10
Magicians Wanted. Are you an enthusiastic modern day magician? Professional Magician Matt Parro is looking for talented magicians to work alongside him as part of a unique act. A few audition places still remain for this Friday, 23rd July, in Hassocks, West Sussex. To apply fill in the application form on the website: www.mgcofficial.com. 17.7.10
Obituary – Mel Wilson (1944 – 2010) Darlington Magic Circle. It is with great sadness that we report the death of one of our members, Mel Wilson. Also a member of The Flyde Mystics. Mel was a very popular member and had served on our committee as auditor. Universally known as a true gentleman he was very enthusiastic about magic, eager to learn and equally keen to assist others. Our condolences and thoughts extend to Irene, Andrew, Helen and family. Iain Jae, Secretary, The Darlington Magic Circle. 17.7.10
"Where a Magician Disappears. Near Vegas, Criss Angel relaxes amid crosses, fountains and Houdini's handcuffs" Click Here • Buxton Festival High Jinx Reviews, Click Here and Click Here • "No Wires Or Safety Harness - Honest! The illusionists Penn and Teller perform a levitation on Sky News" Click Here • "Penn and Teller back in UK after 16 years" Click Here • Al Smith reviews Twilight Lounge by Andrew Normansell this week, Click Here • Tom Harrison's show Mindmatics is reviewed by Ian Keable this week, Click Here • Abberline's Repository is reviewed by Roni Shachnaey, Click Here • "Cabaret Review: Escape From Stalag Luft 32DD @ Royal Vauxhall Tavern" Click Here • "Warner Hopes Carter Beats The Devil" Click Here • Thanks for all your news submissions - see you next week, Duncan. 17.7.10