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

 

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