Number 537 - 9th October 2010
Trick
Photography. Steve Gore's Trick Photography is about as perfect as
proper working close-up magic gets. Very magical, direct, powerful, playful,
practical and slap-bang up-to-date. I just loved this trick when I first saw it,
and your audiences will too. Years ago, a magician may have asked "can I borrow
a handkerchief... hat... cigarette..." well not anymore! But ask "can I borrow
an iPhone?" and out they'll come. Watch the demo video:
Click Here then watch it
again! MagicWeek's Close-up Trick of the Year - fantastic! (DT). Steve
Gore's Trick Photography produced by
RSVPMagic - pre-order now to receive a free gift worth £9.99 ($15.00).
9.10.10
David
Solomon and John Bannon (photo) are lecturing for International Magic on the
evening of Tuesday 19th October. The venue is ‘Casa Italiana’ (2nd floor), 136
Clerkenwell Road, London EC1R 5DL (Map).
Starts at 7.30pm and finishes approx 10pm. £15.00 per person payable on the
door. Contact
martin@internationalmagic.com or telephone 020 7405 7324.
9.10.10
Portsmouth
& District Magic Circle are pleased to announce that they have extended the
closing date for Fast Track registrations for the Portsmouth Jumbo Day on
Sunday, 7th November. The closing date is now Tuesday 26th October. By
registering for Fast Track, you will receive a discount against paying on the
day, and of course avoid the queues. This year's Jumbo Day has workshops by Mike
Stokes and Wayne Fox, Star Lecturer John Archer, a special presentation by Paul
Zenon, videos from Bob Hamilton and The Gala Show with John Archer, Matthew
Garrett, Edward Hilsum, Steve Price and David Croucher. For registration forms
visit www.jumboday.co.uk.
9.10.10
Conjuring
at the Court – Thursday, 21st October. "Witness the impossible on Thursday
21st October with an evening of mystery and comedy, Conjuring at the Court. The
show features the humour of raconteur Tim Fitzhigham and the magic of Mandy
Muden, Pete Wardell, Neil Henry (photo) and Richard Pinner. Enjoy a drink while
watching the magic. Our regular venue is being refurbished, so we’re moving to
another great venue, the Inn on
the Green, 3-5 Thorpe Close, Ladbroke Grove, London W10 5XL (Map).
The pub is a 5 minute walk from Ladbroke Grove station, and there’s free
on-street parking from 6.30pm. Thorpe Close runs between Ladbroke Grove and
Portobello Road. It’s under the Westway flyover, and the pub is above the
Portobello Green Fitness Club. Doors open at 7.30pm, the show starts at 8pm and
continues to around 10pm. Tickets £10 from
www.conjuringatthecourt.com or by email
tickets@conjuringatthecourt.com.
9.10.10
Peter
Wardell to perform in the Evening Gala Show at the 2011 Wessex Magical
Association One Day Convention in Bournemouth on Sunday 3rd April 2011. Peter
Wardell is widely recognised as one of the strongest magic performers in the
country today. Not only is he an award winning close-up magician, but he has
also received critical acclaim for his theatre and cabaret work. A previous
winner of the International Magic Close-up Magician of the Year award and a
recipient of The Magic Circle's Carlton Award for Comedy, Peter also won The
Magic Circle's Close-up Competition in 2009. The WMA will be celebrating its
80th year in 2011 and the long running bi-annual convention, which will be
attended by the usual wide variety of magic dealers, will be one of the
highlights of the year. Full details of yet another international magician who
will be participating, will be announced later. Full day tickets (include
evening Gala Show) will be £18 if booked in advance and £20 on the door, and the
venue, as in previous years, will be the Kinson Community Centre, Millhams Road,
Kinson, Bournemouth BH10 7LH (Map)
www.wmagic.co.uk.
9.10.10
Magic
Moments has come and gone for another year and the various funds raised from
the many shows are now being totaled. The next Magic Moments Day will soon be
announced together with and a downloadable press pack of highlights from this
year’s event. Thank you to all of the magicians, charities, venues and
organisers who took part. Jay Fortune.
9.10.10
A
Night of Shocking and Dangerous Magic, Mind Reading, Escapology, Sleight of Hand
and Illusion. Matthew Garrett, Matt Le Mottée, Mark Andrew Paul, Kate
Russell and Puzzle Paul Metcalfe present: A Night of Shocking and Dangerous
Magic, Mind Reading, Escapology, Sleight of Hand and Illusion on Monday 1st
November at 7.30pm at the Mumford Theatre, Cambridge. The first half is a
variety show, and the second is packed with illusions, dangerous and shocking
magic, escapology and magic of the mind! Suitable for ages 16+. Tickets in
advance: £10.00 (£8.00 for students and senior citizens) or on the door: £15.00.
Call the Box Office on 0845 196 2320 or book online
Click Here.
9.10.10
Above
& Beyond Cold Reading. Those interested in the art of cold reading and
ungimmicked mind-reading should pop along to Paul Voodini's lecture "Above &
Beyond Cold Reading" this Sunday afternoon (the 10th) at Treadwells bookshop in
Covent Garden, London. The event runs from 12 noon until 4.30pm and costs just
£18 if you purchase your ticket in advance. Tickets will be available on the
door if you'd rather, but they will be slightly more expensive at £20. Full
details:
www.readerofminds.co.uk.
9.10.10
Doctor
Who Live - Flying Dalek! The Twins are part of the creative team behind "Dr
Who Live the Monsters are Coming!". Developed in association with Doctor
Who's Executive Producer and show runner, Steven Moffat, Doctor Who Live
promises the same excitement, adventure and suspense that viewers have come to
expect from the TV programme. Taking in nine cities and 31 dates, Doctor Who
Live kicks off in London at Wembley Arena on 8th October, and will visit
Sheffield, Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester, Nottingham, Cardiff and Liverpool,
culminating in Belfast on the 7th November. This incredible live show is an
unmissable treat. This live tour has all the magic of the Television Programme
together with a host of incredible effects, including a flying Dalek which The
Twins have provided! The production is at Wembley now,
www.thetwins.co.uk
www.doctorwholive.com.
9.10.10
Harry
Robson, caricaturist Glynn Edwards and Sean McCree are seen here at the NATO
Security Symposium in Belgium last week. "With the main audience consisting of
NATO personnel from NATO HQ, NCSA, NC3A, SHAPE including member countries MoD’s
and NSAs, the Symposium is an ideal opportunity for the IA community to
highlight IA concerns, developments, improvements and other related issues. As
in previous years the conference dinner was set in the main ball room SHAPE
Club, catering for 400 delegates and vendors in the form of a 5 course meal,
with evening entertainment provided by magicians and caricaturists."
www.harryrobsonmagic.co.uk,
www.mccree.co.uk.
9.10.10
Master
Locksmith and Houdini historian Mick Hanzlik, has built an accurate working
replica of a set of handcuffs that become well known as Houdini's most difficult
handcuff escape challenge. Known as the Mirror Handcuffs, these were obtained
from a blacksmith who reportedly spent 5 years designing and making the cuffs.
The Daily Illustrated Mirror bought the cuffs from the blacksmith and challenged
Houdini to escape from them at the London Hippodrome on March 17th 1904. Houdini
found the intricate Bramah locking mechanism a real challenge, and almost gave
up. But after a gruelling one hour and ten minutes he was free! The original
handcuffs are now owned by David Copperfield, and are in a glass case in his
private museum of magic, in Las Vegas. Mick had already made a replica key from
photographs of the original, and decided shortly after that, a really accurate
set of replica Mirror Handcuffs was to be his next project. Using only
photographs of the original cuffs from old photographs (he was not able to get
any information from Las Vegas), he now has a very accurate reproduction, that
works perfectly with its own elaborate Bramah key. The project has taken over 2
years to complete. Apart from David Copperfield's originals, these are the only
other set of Mirror Cuffs in the world that operate on an authentic looking key.
A 20 page A5 booklet "Looking into the Mirror", telling the story with colour
pictures taken during the building of the handcuffs and the unique key, is
available from Mick. Email for details:
info@loxandkeys.com.
9.10.10
Francis
Menotti is presenting his lecture live at The Academy of Magic at 19.30GMT
on Thursday 28th October. Following the very well received lecture by Manuel
Muerte last month (which will be available to watch on-demand shortly, together
with all the previous lectures) you can attend this lecture live at Davenports
Magic, or just log in to The Academy and watch from home.
www.academyofmagic.com.
9.10.10
Merlins
Coin Safes are back at last! Merlins email: "Our own prop builder used to
make these for us fifteen years ago. When he retired we struggled to find anyone
who could make them to the same standard. We have now found a local craftsman
who is able to make them to the high standard we require. In effect the magician
displays a small wooden box. The box is opened and a coin can be seen inside.
The box is passed to a spectator and they are asked to remove the coin. Try as
they may they cannot open the box. The magician retrieves the box and opens the
box instantly! The open box is handed back to the spectator for them to close...
now they cannot close the box! This is a great ice-breaker, loads of fun, and
very easy to do... when you know the secret." Available exclusively from Merlins
of Wakefield; and keep an eye on their
Friday Specials where one item every week is reduced by up to 50% (visit the
site every Friday). Visit
www.merlinswakefield.com for Coin Safe details.
9.10.10
Cardiff
Magical Society Balloon Night. Cardiff Magical Society are holding a Balloon
Night on Monday October 11th. It will be run by multi award winning entertainer
Dr Bob
www.drbobsballoons.co.uk. All levels of Balloon Modelling will be covered,
and non members are welcome at an entry fee of £10. The night will run from 8pm
to 10.30pm at the Cardiff Yaught Club. For more details visit
www.cardiffmagic.org.uk.
9.10.10
The
Magical Mayhem Show. Wellesbourne and District Lions have engaged the
services of local comedy magician Mel Harvey to help raise funds for the
Shakespeare Hospice in Stratford upon Avon. Mel is seen here with the President
of the Wellesbourne Lions, Terry Offiler and Linda Bister, fundraiser for the
Shakespeare Hospice. Mel's full evening show "The Magical Mayhem Show" is being
presented at The Kineton Village Hall on Saturday 23rd October at 7.30pm. The
evening includes a bar, raffle and a two course meal with tickets costing £12.50
from 01926 624153 or 01789 841567. Mel will be including many features from his
cruise ship shows including Jake the Mindreading Duck, an underwater escape and
more! Mel can be heard on BBC Coventry and Warwickshire (94.8 FM) with Jake this
coming Monday 11th October talking about the show
www.melharvey.com.
9.10.10
Magician
Peter Baffles entertained at "An Evening with Frank Bruno" a corporate event
at the Atlantic Hotel in Newquay last week. The aim of the evening was to raise
funds for the Handstand appeal for Marshall Janson.
www.peterbaffles.com.
9.10.10
3rd
North West Magic Mart. The Order of the Magi (Manchester) hold their 3rd
North West Magic Mart on Saturday 30th October at The Irish World Heritage
Centre, Queens Road, Manchester M8 8UF (Map)
from 10am to 3pm. Sellers' tables (1.8m long) are available at £10 and must be
booked in advance by emailing
pro@orderofthemagi.org.uk for a form, or by calling Geoffrey Newton on 0161
969 8222. Stallholders already booked include: Adrian Sullivan, Brian Berry
(Peter Diamond), Trevor Dawson, Adrian Harris, Bob MacGregor, and Mr. E.
Enterprises. Entrance £2 on the door. This has proved a very successful event in
the past; there is a large free car park, plus refreshments and a bar. The
Manchester Fort shopping centre is next door.
www.orderofthemagi.org.uk.
9.10.10
Stolen
Magic Props. Simon Rosselli emails "On Monday my car got broken into by
thieves looking for a SatNav (which they got) but they also came across my whole
children's show - which they also took. It has little or no use to them but
obviously means a great deal to me. This is really a warning to others to be
careful as some things I've had for years and can't replace. If you do see a
Roll On table with Amigo's Magic or a remote snake basket on EBay or other
places I would be grateful if you could get in touch with me either by email
simonrosselli@themagiccircle.co.uk or on 0777 023 1794. I'm very grateful to
fellow magicians who have lent me gear to get through the weekend. I'm offering
a reward with no questions asked if anyone does happen to come across the stuff
which includes a Remote Control Snake, Dove Pan, Hoffman Wand and coin bucket,
Passing Water, Tilt, Magic Paintings, Silks and Change Bag, Wizards Change Hat
from Practical Magic and other bits and pieces." "Magician's props vanish from
West Norwood"
Click Here.
9.10.10
Redfearn
Ryder Cup Magic. David Redfearn was delighted to be personally invited by
Monty to perform his magic at the private players' party at the Celtic Manor
Wales last week. The world's finest players were astounded by David's magic;
David has also performed at private parties for Tiger Woods and at the
prestigious Sangster Classic in Barbados in the past. There really was magic in
the air last week as Europe went on to win the Ryder Cup in a thrilling finish
www.redfearn-magic.com.
9.10.10
750th
Magic Cavern performance. Richard Leigh will present the 750th Magic Cavern
performance on Sunday 17th October at 3pm at Barons Court Theatre, London W14
9HR. Quite an achievement!
www.falseimpressions.co.uk. See
What's On for current dates
and shows.
9.10.10
Congratulations!
The Ipswich Magical Society would like to congratulate Gavin Davey, winner of
their Magini Shield last week, at the annual close-up competition. "This year’s
competition was one of the highest standards we have had but at the end of the
day Gavin was a very deserved winner. Nick Chapman was runner up." Simon Shaw.
www.ipswichmagicalsociety.co.uk.
9.10.10
Steve
Price Lecture. Steve Price will be presenting his lecture "Not how - Why?"
at Bolton Magician's Club on Wednesday 13th October at 8.30pm. Steve has been
described as 'professionally crazy' with a unique mix of comedy, magic and
mayhem and definitely one of the magicians to look out for. Steve's website is
www.stevepriceillusions.co.uk. The venue is the Doffcocker Inn, Chorley Old
Road, Bolton. Directions can be found on the club's website
www.bolton-magic.co.uk.
Magicians from other clubs, welcome, there is a door charge of £5.00. For any
further information contact Jim Hodgkiss: 01204 522651.
9.10.10
Tony
Griffith lectures at the Bath Circle of Magicians on Thursday 21st October.
Tony Griffith celebrates the release of his fourth (and allegedly final) book in
the 'Reflections' series, Ultimate Reflections, with this lecture:
"Tony's books contain a veritable cornucopia of everything from refined
commercial close-up and stand-up magic to mentalism, kids magic and the magic of
science - all honed and polished from a lifetime of performing in all kinds of
venues around the world. These books have rapidly become an 'underground'
favourite among magicians, garnering great reviews from all corners. Tonight
Tony will perform and explain some of his favourite routines on what is sure to
be an entertaining and valuable evening. 8pm on Thursday 21st October. Admission
free for visiting magicians, but any donations greatly appreciated. Tony will
also be selling copies of his books, so you can take the magic home with you!"
Venue: Bath Circle of Magicians, St Mary's Church Hall, Saltford, near Bath. For
further details, contact Oli Foster on 07817 726 785, or email
olifostermagic@gmail.com.
9.10.10
Wayne
Fox presents his 'Outfoxed' lecture at the Portsmouth & District Magic
Circle on Monday 15th November. Non-members welcome, £8 admission. Venue:
Buckland Community Centre, Malins Road, Buckland, Portsmouth PO6 2DN (Map)
www.portsmouthmagic.co.uk.
9.10.10
'Uri
& Me' at Brighton Comedy Fringe, Saturday 16th and 23rd October at 6pm.
"Wow, I just discovered Nathan Penlington! He is skilled, talented, mastering a
tangible force of visionary mind power. His latest show is simply supernatural!
and Nathan delivers it with mystical sensitivity. I highly recommend it!" Uri
Geller. Nathan Penlington presents Uri & Me an obsessive deconstruction of
the spoon-bending cultural icon that fuses stand-up, spoken word, and psychic
ability. Uri & Me looks behind the celebrity that we all know and love, to
reveal the subtle, complex, mindful and caring man that has created an
exhaustive series of board games, an impressive folding bike, a range of
porcelain plates, over fourteen fiction and non-fiction books, a line of
jewellery produced exclusively for QVC, a collection of psychically energised
teddy bears, and a pop album. If you've never wondered what Uri has been up to
since 1971, then this isn't the show for you. This is what Uri Geller said about
the show after attending a sell-out performance at the Camden Fringe:
YouTube.
Tickets are only £8/£6 and are on sale now:
Saturday 16th,
Saturday 23rd.
Upstairs at the Three & Ten, 10 Steine Street, Brighton BN2 1TE (Map)
www.upstairsatthreeandten.co.uk
www.brightoncomedyfringe.co.uk.
9.10.10
Houdini
"Escapologist, magician, secret agent, lover, husband, devoted son, enemy of the
establishment - Harry Houdini was all of these things. In this stunning one-man
show, Lee Garrett becomes the enigma that is Harry Houdini to tell the
remarkable story of this self-made man and the myths that have turned him into a
legend. Through a fusion of physical performance, circus, film, music and stage
magic, Proteus Theatre Company bring his story to life." Wednesday 20th October
at 8pm at the West End Centre, Queens Road, Aldershot, Hampshire GU11 3JD (Map)
www.westendcentre.co.uk.
9.10.10
Derren
Brown: Confessions of a Conjuror. "The inside of Derren Brown's head
is a strange and mysterious place. Now you can climb inside and wander
around. Find out just how Derren's mind works, see what motivates him
and discover what made him the weird and wonderful person he is today..." 352 pages, hardcover,
out on Thursday, with 50% off via Amazon.co.uk
Click Here • "Magician Penn Jillette for 'The Defenders'"
Click Here • "Magic double act scoop top comedy prize"
Click Here • "Paul steps back in time for Debs"
Click Here • Many thanks for all your magic news - always
welcomed, have a good weekend, Duncan
9.10.10