Number 527 - 31st July 2010
Pete
Firman Jokes & Tricks Autumn Tour 2010. Pete Firman's second national tour, Jokes
& Tricks will open at the Salford Lowry on 19th September,
culminating at London’s Bloomsbury Theatre on 11th November. Prepare
yourself for incredible teleportation exploits, devilishly sickening
tricks and death defying feats as the amazing Pete Firman hits the road
to amaze and amuse with his brand new show featuring his most astounding
mirthful magic to date. Pete’s first national tour, ‘Flim Flam’ sold out
from Inverness to Dartmouth, he has performed to sell-out audiences at
the Edinburgh Festival since 2007 and headlined British comedy showcase
‘Britcom’ at the prestigious Montreal ‘Just For Laughs Comedy Festival’.
“The man from Middlesbrough sets the pace for comedy-meets-magic in the
21st century” The Times. For dates visit
www.petefirman.co.uk or see
What's On. Jokes &
Tricks can also be seen throughout August at the Edinburgh Fringe
Festival - again see
What's On for times and dates. Jokes & Tricks is a Phil McIntyre
Entertainment production by arrangement with Objective Talent.
31.7.10
Pit
Hartling (and some would say even more importantly his alter ego
Heinz) will be appearing at
The
International Magic Convention in London in November. A FISM prize
winner at the age of just 17, Pit has built on this success to become
the most highly regarded card performer around in his division
(flyweight in size, heavyweight in dexterity). Pit will be lecturing and
performing in both the close-up and Flicken Finger Show. 'Heinz' will also
be making a couple of appearances during the Convention. For anyone who
has never experienced the 'Heinz magic' it is one of the best examples
of technical skill and comedy characterisation you are likely to see -
plus he's a babe magnet and international playboy, and that’s
not just his opinion... it says here. Visit
www.internationalmagic.com for more info and to register!
31.7.10
The
Real Hustle: Celebrity Scammers. Hustlers Paul Wilson, Jess Clement
and Alex Conran lift the lid on the most devious scams to target the
British public. This time around they are joined by celebrity guests, who are thrown in at
the deep end to become a part of the hustle team without training or
preparation. Series 9 has just started on BBC 3, but you can catch up
via the BBC
iPlayer.
31.7.10
Michael
Ammar UK Lecture Tour. Tony Griffith is organising the UK lecture
tour for Michael Ammar in September and October. Here are the dates and
places: September 28th Leatherhead, 29th Portsmouth, 30th Bristol
(closed meeting). October 1st Gloucester, 2nd Hereford, 4th Belfast, 5th
Dublin, 6th Leamington, 7th Liverpool, 8th Blackpool, 10th Aberdeen,
11th Larbert (Falkirk), 12th Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 13th York, 14th
Manchester, 15th Northampton, 17th Rochester and 18th The Magic Circle.
See What's On for
club contact details for each evening. The lecture in Bristol on
Thursday 30th is a closed meeting for Bristol Society of Magic and Bath
Circle of Magicians members only. Unfortunately there will be no room
for non members due to limited seating and fire regulations. At the
other lectures visiting magicians will be welcomed, but do make contact
in advance to check each individual club's arrangements.
31.7.10
Magic
Show exhibition - Cardiff. Magic Show is a Hayward Touring
Exhibition from Southbank Centre, curated by artist Jonathan Allen and
writer Sally O’Reilly. Magic Show considers how art and magic
often share common ground, and how some contemporary artists adopt the
perception-shifting tactics of the theatrical magician to influence the
viewer and explore the power of suggestion. Magic Show includes work by
twenty-four international artists and an archive of historical posters,
curious props and off beat ephemera from the world of theatrical magic.
The exhibition demonstrates how art and magic both flourish in the grey
area between fact and fiction, where the audience is not sure whether to
believe their own eyes, and considers the potential of trickery and
illusion to undermine logical thought. Saturday 31st July - Sunday 12th
September at Chapter, Market Road, Cardiff CF5 1QE (Map).
Visit
www.chapter.org for more information. A Magic Cabaret will accompany
the exhibition, featuring contributions from Sarah Rose Allen, Brian
Catling, Jonathan Gilhooly, Aura Satz, Ian Saville, Clare Strand, Bedwyr
Williams and William Wegman. Tickets are available from Box Office on
02920 304 400 or online at
www.chapter.org
Saturday 31st July, 7pm – 9pm. Chapter Theatre, £3.50 Magic Cabaret
(18).
31.7.10
First
Magic Moments 2010 event announced. My Glitterballs Promotions
present ‘Walk on Stage’ as part of Magic Moments 2010. This is the first
show to be announced for this year's annual Magic Moments Day. With
Magic Moments now in its third year, we wanted to create a special event
where the show itself becomes a magic and memorable moment for those
taking part and Walk on Stage is it. This is your chance to be in
the spotlight and live on stage. If you have ever dreamed of being on
stage then register online now at
www.myglitterballs.com/walk-on-stage.php and you’ll be entered into
our Final Showcase Lottery. Names will be drawn at random and should you
be lucky enough to enter then congratulations! You will Walk on Stage in
our live show on October 2nd. Co-organiser John Ross said "this is not a
talent show. There’s no winners or losers. This is a celebration of
people. A show for the people, by the people." Jay Fortune. (visit the
Magic Moments
page on MagicWeek for more information).
31.7.10
The
Supreme Magic Company. Many readers will remember with great
fondness the name and logo of The Supreme Magic Company, a magic company
that supplied magicians worldwide with a vast range of magic. Ian
Adair's 'Dealing' With Magic: The Rise & fall of The Supreme Magic
Company, is published today. Past customers of The Supreme Magic Company have often
wondered what really happened to the famous magic firm based in Devon,
which became the largest of its kind in the world.
Ian's new book of 180 pages provides all the answers, with the complete
story, plus twenty additional chapters - and it's available now!
As well as the Supreme story, Ian's early days in Scotland, running
three separate magic dealing firms at the age of thirteen, plus his many
appearances on Scottish Television are touched on, as too are his 36
continuous years at Supreme. Here is a record of how Edwin
Hooper launched the firm with just a few pounds in his pocket... For
more information and ordering details email
Ian Adair:
magicianadair@hotmail.co.uk
with 'Dealing with Magic' in the subject line.
31.7.10
Mark
James lectures in the North-East. Fresh from a week performing for
Brittany Ferries visiting Spain, France and Ireland, Mark James will be
presenting two lectures this week in the North East, On Thursday August
5th he'll be at the Darlington Magic Circle and on Friday 6th at the
Newcastle Magic Circle. The lecture features material on close-up and
stand-up comedy magic; for all ages and skill levels. Contact the
individual clubs for exact details, entrance fess for non-members, and
times. For more information or to book Mark for a lecture at your club
visit
www.unusualcomedian.com.
31.7.10
School
Show Business Package: "As a professional magician, you know that
you are good at your craft, but maybe you are just not getting enough
work. Perhaps taking your skills back to school could be the answer!
Schools are always looking for new and unique ways to impart important
information to students. Charlie the Magician has created the School
Show Business Package, which gives you everything you need to perform
two top educational shows. By following the techniques outlined in this
package, which is packed full of tried-and-tested material, you can soon
be a 'professional school show magician'. Read more about it (plus
information about related products) at
www.fyidenmark.com/SSBP.html. Charlie performed 450+ school shows a
year in Britain for 5 years straight."
31.7.10
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." Thursday's broadcast can be
heard again on the BBC's iPlayer
Click
Here (5 days remain).
31.7.10
Paul
Gordon DVDs - special weekend offer. Card magicians might be
interested in the following limited DVD offer from Paul Gordon. Email
Paul
pgmagic@btinternet.com before Monday (with 'Weekend Offer' in the
subject line) to get Card Startlers (3 DVD set) and Card Rarities (1
DVD) for only £49 including p&p. A total of 60 of Paul's best worker
card tricks, saving you £15.00. Visit
www.paulgordon.net/shop.html for DVD contents, reviews and video
trailers.
31.7.10
Merlins
of Wakefield have just received their first batch of CupWOW! and
email: "This is a great effect by Ron Jackson and Sean Bogunia. Here is
the link -
CupWOW. If you want one, act fast as they are in limited supply, and
the next batch will be 4 to 5 weeks away. We are also pleased to
announce the release of the magnetic locking coin in a £1 - 20p version.
This is the first time to our knowledge that this effect has been
done with a 20p coin, and the engineering is the best, see:
£1 - 20P. For any enquiries, please contact us on 01924 339933 email
merlins@btconnect.com."
31.7.10
Mike Sullivan and his alter ego Magic Mike
helped St Christopher's Hospice in Sydenham raise thousands of pounds
recently
for patients to receive the best end-of-life care. With a helping hand
from Uncle Dave (Dave Blyth) and Skwalk, Magic Mike performed two shows
to a packed audience. Gemma Holt, Fund Raising Manager said "We thought
he was fantastic, and look forward to Mike performing for the patients
and their families on 2nd October for the Magic Moments campaign."
31.7.10
The
Phil Knoxville Superhero Sideshow. "Enter the crazy world of Phil
'Knoxville' Hasted, as he takes you on a roller coaster ride of comedy
and twisted magic. Proving a mild mannered magician can possess
superhuman powers, if variety is the spice of life then this will blow
your pants off! The Phil Knoxville Superhero Sideshow is part of the
Laughing Horse Free Festival and entry is free." Part of the Ed Fringe
(see What's On for listings) 6th-15th August at 7.45pm at Espionage,
Kasbar, 4 India Buildings, Victoria Street (entrances on Cowgate and
Victoria Street), EH1 2EX
(Map)
www.myspace.com/phillipknoxville.
31.7.10
Magicseen
Taster Issue #3 is now ready for download from the Magicseen website:
"Included in this latest free sampler issue you will find the full
articles on Kockov, the outrageous character created by Jasper Blakeley,
and Joaquin Ayala, one of the big acts from Las Vegas, taken from the
current issue along with a feature on the new Siegfried and Roy book.
There are a couple of Masterclass tricks to learn and from our archives,
a major piece on how to perform magic on the radio in Radio Gaga. They
say you never get anything for nothing, but we like to prove otherwise,
so take advantage of our Taster Issue and see what you're missing if you
don't already get Magicseen."
www.magicseen.co.uk.
31.7.10
The
Fylde Mystics celebrate the second anniversary of their reformation
on Tuesday 3rd August with a lecture by Al Smith: "Al is one of the
greatest minds in magic with numerous credits to his name and this is
sure to be a lecture not to be missed. The evening is open to visiting
magicians at a cost of £5.00 on the door. The Fylde Mystics meet at the
South Shore Lawn Tennis Club, Midgeland Road, Blackpool (straight off
the M55 motorway)." For more info contact Alan Mylecraine
info@fyldemystics.co.uk or
visit
www.fyldemystics.co.uk.
31.7.10
S1L3NC3:
Mind Reader is on at the Camden Fringe Festival, London (after a
sell out show last year), at the Roundhouse, Studio Theatre on Tuesday
August 3rd. "An underground artist whose canvas is your mind. An
encounter you will never forget. Disturbing? Always. Predictable? Never.
You will be stunned into S1L3NC3." Time Out London, Critics' Choice.
Camden Fringe sell-out 2009. Tuesday 3rd August at 7.30pm. Roundhouse:
Studio Theatre. Book Tickets,
Click Here.
www.realityabuse.com.
31.7.10
International
News: Troy Star of Triksters emails: "We are pleased to announce all
our plans regarding the TV special are going ahead as planned. We are
still seeking one additional member to join the line-up and the audition
will be held in Tokyo next week. The pilot for the TV series will begin
shooting next month and the group's staging a launch party in the heart
of Tokyo on the 25th of August. For more details about the party and the
selected magicians please visit the new website
www.triksters.com."
31.7.10
A
Card Merely Thought Of… "Several years ago, Mentalist Thomas Baxter
offered an ebook version of his notes on the think-of-a-card theme for
sale on a very limited basis, for a very short period of time. After
that, the notes were withdrawn from sale. In the ensuing years these
notes have become much sought-after by students and collectors,
including some of the most successful performers on the planet. Now the
author has agreed to finally publish these notes in an expanded,
hard-cover book format, making them again available to the Mentalism and
magic communities..." Find out more,
Click Here.
31.7.10
Illusions
Magic Bar 3rd Anniversary Party, date change. "Please note our new
date for our 3rd Anniversary Bristol Party is now on Sunday 12th
September 2010. We still have a few tickets available for this great
night at only £5! Contact
matt@illusionsmagicbar.co.uk or call 0117 9093405 or Mark on 07974
005280. Hope to see you all on the 12th, or sooner!"
www.illusionsmagicbar.co.uk.
31.7.10
John
Styles will be a guest on BBC Radio Kent's "Sunday Supplement", at
around noon on Sunday, 1st August, being interviewed about the varied
aspects of his work as a children's and adult entertainer.
31.7.10
Ziggy
Zoo, a children’s entertainer from Essex, has been sent out to Mallorca
for the summer. He will perform at Thomson’s biggest family Xtra resort,
presenting his family comedy magic show on the main
stage at the Bonaire Hotel in Cala Bona.
Find out show details and see what Ziggy Zoo is up to
via www.ziggyzoo.co.uk.
31.7.10
Online Booking Assistant pre-launch contest. Gordon Drayson, of Drayson Design writes: "Tweet and win your own online booking assistant, free, for life! Online Booking Assistant (OBA) is a brand new way to take bookings from your website. As we are excited to bring this to magicians and other entertainers, we have a contest to win a free OBA account for life. It is very simple, and no purchase is necessary. The full details can be found at www.onlinebookingassistant.com/twitter-contest - you can enter as many times as you like. Good luck to all entries." 31.7.10
Magician and Balloon artist Chubbz will be appearing at a Mammoth Family Fun Day on Saturday 7th August at The Bug, Lord Street, Fleetwood, Lancashire in aid of Brian House Children's Hospice from 12 noon onwards. The day includes many activities for the whole family. 31.7.10
More British Ring Eastbourne Convention news this week from PRO Bob Hayden, Click Here • Spellbound Cabaret Charity Show 2010, in aid of the World Wildlife Fund. London, September 16th. Info and tickets, Click Here • Penn & Teller get intimate by James Pritchard (our third review of their recent London show) Click Here • "The wizard of Wargrave: Paul Daniels" Click Here • "Magic master has trick up his sleeve" Click Here • "Acclaimed magician Falkenstein dies at 78" Click Here • "Abracadabra! Magic for sale at Universal Studios" Click Here • Your UK news is always welcome - see you next week, Duncan. 31.7.10