Number 526 - 24th July 2010
27th
International Close-up Competition & Kevin Reay Trophy, 2010.
Magicians hoping to take part in the annual Close-up Competition at this
year's
International Magic Convention are requested to contact Georgia
georgia@internationalmagic.com to receive a set of rules and be
considered for a place in this prestigious event. Along with a cash
prize of £1,000, there is the Kevin Reay Cup and the chance to add the
title to your résumé. Past winners include such luminaries as Lennart
Green, Gary Kurtz, Gazzo, Michael Vincent and indeed many more. It is
acknowledged as one of the magic world's top titles. The competition is
judged by an international panel including many overseas convention
organisers - so also acts as a great showcase, even if you don't win one
of the cash prizes or Awards of Merit. The number of contestants is
limited - if you plan to enter make sure you register as soon as
possible. International Magic Convention, 26th, 27th, 28th November
2010, visit
www.internationalmagic.com for hotel deals too.
24.7.10
"Hello,
I'd like to register for the conference that I just missed, so that I
can attend, please." Thanks to the magic of the internet you can.
You may have missed the live event but that doesn’t mean you can’t join
in the fun and see the conference that everyone was (and is) talking
about. If you register now you will still receive the full DVD set as
soon as it is published. The EMC team are currently in the process of
uploading the conference sessions to their website as well, so you'll
also enjoy access to all the sessions online until July 2011. The cost
is 55 Euros (approximately $75). You will also become a member of EMC
and will receive the 'members only' Newsletter. This offer won't last
forever! The conference was the huge success predicted for it. Register
at
www.essentialmagicconference.com. (During the conference we were
asked to send in photos of ourselves watching the conference, I took one
but didn't send it in, but here it is
Click Here).
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Tommy
Cooper's Mirth, Magic and Mischief takes us back into the hilarious
world of the master. In this volume not only do we revisit Tommy's
personal joke collection but we also delve into his secret magic files.
Here we will learn how to catch a bullet in your teeth - Tommy style,
create a floating sausage, learn Tommy's favourite practical jokes, and
perform the egg and bag trick to the amazement of all. There's only one
person in the world who could produce this book: John Fisher, author of
the bestselling "The Tommy Cooper Joke Book" and the biography "Always
Leave Them Laughing". John was a friend and confidante of Tommy and is
the possessor of the largest archive of Tommy Cooper material including
a card index of 25,000 Cooper jokes, scripts, monologues and memorabilia
which will make this book a 'must have' for all of his millions of fans.
Hardcover, 176 pages, publication date: October 14th. To pre-order from
Amazon.co.uk (with a generous discount)
Click Here.
24.7.10
Conjuring at the Court - London.
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 (photo), 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.
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Kevin
McMahon, Artistic Director, MagicFest emails: "Massive thank
you to all performers, volunteers and supporters of the first ever
Edinburgh International Magic Festival. Thousands of people turned out
to see some fantastic acts perform across the centre of Edinburgh. Many
shows sold out and all received great reviews from the local press.
Under 18 Competition winner, Liam Black (Scotland), stole the show with
some clever manipulations and excellent comedy timing. The over 18
competition was won by Michael Neto (Portugal) whose charm and skill won
over the judges and audience. Big thanks to
www.magictricks.co.uk for sponsoring this event. Magic School
received rave reviews from the young participants and was covered in
full by ITV Scotland and Radio 4. Links to press coverage available from
www.magicfest.co.uk/latestnews.html. The Magic and Variety Gala show
finale at the Royal Lyceum Theatre received 4 star and 5 star reviews
across the board. The first ever festival was a massive success and we
look forward to seeing you next year." Kevin McMahon, Artistic Director
www.magicfest.co.uk.
Photo: Quick Change Artists Keelan and Charlotte in rehearsal for the
Edinburgh Magic Festival's Variety Gala performance in the city's Royal
Lyceum Theatre.
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Sherlock's
magic. Danny Hunt and Annette Claire of Amethyst are the
creative/escapology consultants on the new BBC three-part drama,
'Sherlock'. Sherlock is a modern day take on the classic Sherlock Holmes
originally created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Danny and Annette had a
great time filming on set in Wales. Sherlock stars Benedict Cumberbatch
as the new Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as his loyal friend Doctor
Watson. Sherlock starts on Sunday 25th July at 9pm on BBC1. For more
info
Click Here or visit Amethyst's blog:
www.amethyst-illusions.com.
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Knock
knock... Carl Charlesworth and Dave Allen, have just been awarded
the Billy McComb trophy of excellence and named 'Watford Association of
Magicians Members of the Year'. The trophy was presented at the club's
'Fish & Chips Supper and Awards Night' on Tuesday evening to the comedy
duo for all their hard work, commitment and performances given at the
club. Carl and Dave are currently working on a new double act, which
they hope to be performing at the
British Ring
IBM Convention in September.
www.carlcharlesworth.com
www.daveallenmagic.com.
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'Instant
Radio V2' and 'Electro Magic Squeeker' come highly recommended by
Steve Cook: "The new version of Instant Radio has some excellent
improvements from the original; it's louder, clearer, slimmer, faster
and more powerful. So if you want to turn any item into a radio -
instantly, with empty hands, then get this great little gadget. Comes
with a very clearly detailed booklet, and all you need. The Electro
Magic Squeeker works on the same lines but allows you to 'squeek
anything' at a touch, whilst your hands are empty. Think of the fun you
can have with this item! You can use both items anywhere, anytime, and
there's nothing to palm or hide! Use both on stage, in close-up
table-hopping, at kids' shows - anywhere you feel an item could do with
a squeek! This item too comes with a very nicely produced booklet.
Looking for something different, then look no further. Very highly
recommended." Steve Cook. Visit
www.magigadgets.com
for more info.
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Colin
McLeod DVD shoot - free tickets. Alakazam Magic are opening their
doors for a live DVD shoot next weekend. Direct from a 5-star sell-out
run in Edinburgh, Colin McLeod will be taking to the Alakazam stage to
perform some of his finest creations for a new DVD set release. If you
would like to be in the audience simply email
sales@alakazam.co.uk for
further details and to book free tickets. There will be no explanations,
so partners and non-magicians are very welcome - the more the better!
Tickets will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, so book
quickly as spaces will be limited! Sunday 1st August, Rochester, Kent,
doors open at 5.30pm, showtime 6pm. See Colin in action on
YouTube.
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The
Paul Ormonde Illusion Show. "Experience the mystery, excitement and
laughter of The Paul Ormonde Illusion Show at Portadown Town Hall
Theatre on Saturday November 6th at 8pm. All tickets £8.00 via
www.ticketmaster.ie
or Portadown Town Hall Theatre. Paul's special guest will be Silouette
and he will also be joined by his dazzling assistants Lisa and Sara. The
show will include Houdini's Metamorphosis, Harbin's Zig Zag Lady, The
Levante Sword Box, and Paul Ormonde's Flying Psychic Leprechaun
routine." The Paul Ormonde illusion Show can also seen in Omagh on
Friday, November 12th.
www.paulormonde.com.
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International
News: "IMX 2011 is a new event heading to Las Vegas. 15+ of the
world’s greatest performers invade The Orleans Hotel from the 23rd to
25th May 2011 for 3 days of non-stop magic – incredible performances,
unrivalled training and mind-blowing skill. Welcome to the International
Magic Experience 2011. IMX is different. IMX provides you with an
unparalleled amount of choice. You get to choose your own sessions and
create your own unique experience. Gone are the days of being forced to
sit through a mass lecture that doesn’t interest you in the slightest.
Choose your lectures, choose which workshops to attend and choose the
things which interest you." Visit
www.imx2011.com for
more information.
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Jimbo's
Magical Funtime Extravaganza. 45 minutes of child friendly close-up
magic followed by a 45 minute stage show. Venue: Center Parcs,
Nottingham, Saturday 24th and 31st July.
www.jimmycarlo.co.uk.
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More
Workshop Plans by Granville Taylor (Faust the Magician). A Granville
Taylor Publication. A Limited Edition of 200 copies, each one numbered
and signed by the author. 124 pages with 49 colour photographs. A4 size,
stapled and bound with cardboard covers. "These are the original plans
drawn up by Granville Taylor over many years, including: Production of
Two Trays of Beer Glasses, Close-up Carrying Case/Table, Horace Goldin’s
Chair to Suitcase, The Golden Wand, My Dancing Cane, Thimble Holders,
Board for Rapping Hand, The ‘Bean’ Card Holdout, the ‘Miracle’ Billiard
Ball, Smoking the Thumb, Box for Vanishing Garter... and many more.
Email
taylormademagic@yahoo.co.uk for a flyer that includes full contents
listing and ordering details.
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News
from China: "The Twins are still wowing audiences with their
performance in 'Aladdin’s Magical 3D Adventure' which is breaking box
office records the length and breath of the country! 'The Great Wall of
China and the Terracotta Warriors have been the highlight so far, and
the Chinese people are so lovely' said Paul to the gathered media."
www.theillusionists.com.
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The
Pentacle Club James Ward Lecture. "With the holidays upon us, The
Pentacle Club is hosting one last lecture before the summer break and
visiting magicians are invited to join us on Tuesday, 27th July, for an
evening of 'Mind, Magic and Mirth' when magician, author and TV
scriptwriter
James Ward brings along a mix of mentalism, magic and ideas on
comedy. There is a small charge for non-members and the lecture starts
at 8pm at St Laurence's School, Arbury Road, Cambridge CB4 2JX (Map)."
24.7.10
Riviera
Circle of Magicians. The next meeting on Wednesday 28th July will be
split into two halves. Firstly performances of self working cards
tricks, followed by a mini-lecture on presentation, routining and design
by Zak Stone. Guests welcome, admission only £2.00.
www.rivieracircleofmagicians.co.uk.
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Steve
Price lectures at the Kent Magicians Guild at 8pm on Tuesday 27th
July. Visiting magicians welcome: "special summer offer for visiting
magicians only a fiver!" The Kent Magicians Guild meet near Sevenoaks on
the last Tuesday of every month - it's a fun place to learn and share
magic and is always welcoming to new members. Visit
www.kentmagiciansguild.co.uk for details.
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Bill Miller (Dusty) emails: "With a view to taking the idea of 'things in bottles' to a new level, I have produced a range of impossible bottles using unique one-off containers. My challenge has been to create a range of puzzle bottles which would really be a talking point in any magic den. check out www.impossiblebottles.co.uk (Not to be confused with Phil Evans' impossiblebottle.co.uk site)." Dusty (aka Bill Miller). 24.7.10
Blackpool Magicians' Club AGM. At the recent Annual General Meeting of Blackpool Magicians Club the President Alan Coventry handed the chain of office over to the new President Jeremy Guest. Officers elected were: President Elect: Derek Lever; Registration Officer: Arthur Casson; Treasurer: Alan Coventry; Convention Organiser: Derek Lever; Assistant Convention Organisers: Russ Stevens and David Plant; Clubroom Manager: David Plant; Entertainments Officer: Derek Lever; Librarian: John Hardman; Welfare Officer: John Hardman; Committee Members: Mark Raffles, Harry Robson, Jim O'Toole. Members expressed their deep satisfaction at the huge success of the 2010 Blackpool Magicians’ Convention and much discussion ensued regarding the forthcoming 2011 FISM European Championships on the 18th, 19th, 20th February 2011 and the FISM World Championships on the 9th to 14th July, 2012. Honorary Life Vice President, Tom Owen presented a beautiful Unique Magic Studio Card Sword, to the BMC Museum which was gratefully accepted by Curator Derek Lever. 24.7.10
David Brandwood (magician David Rie) won an award for volunteer work that he does in his local community which resulted him being presented to the Queen at a garden party held on Tuesday 20th July at Buckingham Palace. "It was a wonderful day for me, meeting members of the royal family including HRH Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles and other members of the royal family. The award is the highest award available for voluntary work! I performed magic to many of the guests on the day." 24.7.10
Two
readers review Penn and Teller's recent London shows this week,
Click Here • "Camden
Fringe 2010: Interview – Nathan Penlington, ‘Uri & Me’"
Click Here • Magic, 1400s-1950s [Hardcover] Mike Caveney, Jim
Steinmeyer, Ricky Jay & Noel Daniel - now with 43% off at Amazon.co.uk
Click Here • There's another look ahead to the British Ring
Eastbourne Convention this week,
Click Here • "Dan Hewitt and Sean Hayden win first heat of The
Next Big Thing"
Click Here • That's it, many thanks for all your submissions.
Please remember the strict Friday 12 noon deadline though. See you next
week, Duncan.
24.7.10