Number 539 - 23rd October 2010
The Magic Circle Awards Gala Dinner.
Congratulations go to The Magic Circle’s Award winners announced by
David Ball at the Gala Dinner held on 14th October in London. The Maskelyne is awarded for services to British magic, and is a
sculpted head of the founder of the great magical dynasty. This year it
was presented to Terry Herbert by president Jack Delvin. The Carlton Comedy Award was
presented to Michael Pearse. The J N Maskelyne Award for Magic Literature was
presented jointly to Eddie
Dawes and Steve Short for their book about David Nixon – ‘Entertainer
with the Magic Touch’. The Cecil Lyle Award, for the best trick in The Magic Circular,
was presented to
Douglas Gibbard for his ‘Fill the Blank’ in the May issue. The Silver
Wand was presented to
Richard Sanders for his outstanding
service to the Society.
www.themagiccircle.co.uk.
23.10.10
Ipswich
Magical Society Convention, this Sunday October 24th... Simon Shaw
emails: "Tickets are still available for what is shaping up to be a
glorious day of magic. As well as award winning close up magic and a
lecture from Nick Einhorn we also have lectures by Danny Archer (USA)
and Richard McDougall, plus of course our exclusive event – “The Serious
Business of Comedy” where two of the funniest minds in show business
(John Archer and Graham P. Jolley) get together to reveal the secret of
adding comedy to your act. This event will be Hosted by Michael J. Fitch
looks like being every bit as good as last years much acclaimed
“Audience with Wayne Dobson”. And if that all isn’t enough Shahid Malik
will be starring in the evening Gala show." For more information visit
www.ipswichmagicalsociety.co.uk/eveconv2010.htm.
23.10.10
Magic
Shows: 30 Years of Programmes from Daniels to Derren by Ian Keable.
Ian Keable has spent the past thirty years [with breaks] watching a wide
variety of magicians performing in the UK, ranging from the superstars
of magic through to many lesser known names. From his notes – and going
back to many of the magicians themselves – he has produced a
comprehensive listing of the tricks they did in each show. Furthermore
each of the programmes is illustrated in full-colour with ephemera
relating to the specific performance, whether it is posters, flyers,
souvenir programmes, newspaper reviews or photographs. Some of the more
significant shows include Paul Daniels eighteen month run in London’s
West End from 1980 to 1982, David Copperfield’s only appearances in the
UK in 1994 and 1995, Ricky Jay and his 52 Assistants in 1999 and Derren
Brown’s sensational first show in 2004. Also included are the programmes
of another forty magicians, amongst them being Wayne Dobson, Geoffrey
Durham, Guy Hollingworth, Max Maven and Simon Drake. Magic Shows: 30
Years of Programmes from Daniels to Derren is reviewed by David
Britland this week,
Click Here. For more information and to order visit
www.iankeable.co.uk/magic_shows.
23.10.10
Have
Rings, Will Travel.
Mark Raffles took his set to the Suncoast Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas for a
''Stars of Magic Show'' presented by Paul Stone where he received a
standing ovation.
Mark, seen here outside the showroom, made further guest appearances
whilst in Las Vegas at The Innovention 2010.
23.10.10
The
Innovention 2010. From Paul Stone: "I'd like to thank the large
contingent of magicians from the UK who travelled over to Las Vegas for
The Innovention. I greatly appreciated their support and hope that they
all had a good time. The British flag was also carried magnificently on
stage by Graham Jolley, Mel Mellers, Mark Raffles, and Arron Sparks and
by Mark Mason in the Close-up. Personal highlights for me were Criss
Angel's session, the wonderful lecture by Teller, and the appearance of
Siegfried & Roy at the official launch of their new book. I also thought
that Johnny Thompson was superb and the emotional reception accorded to
Tom Mullica was very moving. I am currently working on another important
and unique magical event due to take place in London in September /
October 2011. Full details will be announced shortly ..... Watch this
space!" (Rick Tynan emailed MagicWeek to say that it was simply "the
best magic convention I've ever attended!" and sent in this review
Click Here. DT).
23.10.10
The
Magicians' Guide to Palm Reading is the latest offering from the
overactive mind of Paul Voodini! "This concise booklet explains exactly
how to read palms, but perhaps more importantly it also demonstrates how
to incorporate palm reading into your existing close-up set. Once you
have incorporated palm reading into your magic you will find the
spectators' reactions going through the roof! Not only will you have
blown their minds with your magic, you will have astounded them with
your palm reading skills. It's powerful stuff and will take your magic
and/or mentalism to the next level." Visit
www.readerofminds.co.uk for more details.
23.10.10
Nick
Einhorn is staging a one-man show in aid of Great Ormand Street
Hospital and CHYPS (Ellanor Lions Hospice) at The Woodlands, Poplar
Suite, Swanley Banqueting Hall, Swanley on Friday October 29th. If you
are able to go along and support this wonderful charity then
Click Here to buy tickets. Visit
www.ellenorlions.org for further information about the hospice.
23.10.10
The
Magic Circle Dealers' Day - next Saturday. The
Magic Circle Dealers' Day takes place on Saturday, 30th October from
10am until 4.30pm at The Royal National Hotel, Bedford Way, London WC1H
0DG (Map).
Entrance is free for Magic Circle members (with card). £5 for
non-members and £3 for under 16s. Contact Dr Altman for further
information or to book a stand, email
peter.altman@ntlworld.com
or phone 01923 404918.
23.10.10
Christmas
Seaside Special, Cromer Pier, Norfolk. Starring comedian Olly Day,
magician Oliver Tabor, and vocalists Aston Dobson and Alice Redmond. 4th
- 28th December 2010. Visit
www.cromer-pier.com
for more info and to book.
23.10.10
Francis
Menotti - The Academy of Magic London. Francis Menotti is presenting his lecture live at The Academy of Magic at 19.30GMT
on Thursday 28th October. Wherever you are in the world you can tune in to
watch. The lecture is being hosted at Davenports Magic Shop, London, so
if you are local you can attend in person. Coming up in January 2011,
the first 'open mic lecture' which will feature 10 up-and-coming
creative magicians from across the UK, each sharing their best magic
effect. It will be streamed, just like a normal Academy lecture,
however, the difference is that the most popular lecturer on the night
(as voted for by those watching online and at Davenports) will be
invited back to do a full-length Academy lecture later in the year. Log
onto
www.academyofmagic.com for more details.
23.10.10
Magician
FX, are having a massive Sale featuring magic tricks, DVDs, books
and accessories: "The prices will be slashed with massive reductions on
sale items which will can be found under the 'Magic
Sale' navigation button on the website. This is a chance to pick up
a classic or new magic item at a fantastic price! So, be sure to check
out the sale and all the other new magic stock items that have come in
over the past few months. If you have any questions regarding any item
in the sale, or if you wish to book a free Dealer Demonstration for
2011, for your Magic Club or Society email
gary@magicianfx.co.uk or call
07810 796 967."
www.magicianfx.co.uk.
23.10.10
Damien
O'Brien Magician became the talking point backstage at the MOBOs in
Liverpool on Thursday night after leaving grime artist Skepta speechless
after he pulled his chain out of his neck! Next, US star Travie McCoy
who was so stunned that he momentarily disappeared to grab some other
artists to make sure they didn't miss Damien's magic. "It was an amazing
night. I always love performing at the MOBO - there's always a great
vibe and everyone is in high spirits, Travie McCoy was the best to
perform to, he loved what I did and was telling people about me all
night!" said Damien.
www.damienobrien.com.
23.10.10
Attention
all Card Magicians. Paul Gordon will be staging his Card Capers Day
of Card Magic in Glasgow on Sunday January 16th and Manchester on Sunday
23rd 2011: "A full day of card magic lecturing, workshoping and
performance by best-selling card magic author, creator and professional
entertainer Paul Gordon. Over an 8-hour period, Paul teaches his
best-ever magic! Strong, powerful stuff you can, and will, do and use;
forever! See
www.paulgordon.net/cardcapers.html for full details. Only £30 for
the full day. See the rave reviews and comments. Paul Gordon's magic has
been praised by Peter Duffie, Roy Walton, Harry Lorayne, Jon
Racherbaumer, Jim Sisti and J. C Wagner to name a few. Paul's style is
fast, fun, energetic and enthusiastic. Book soon. Advance sales only.
Visit Paul's website or phone 01903-211785."
23.10.10
Magic
Moments, the fund-raising initiative, are delighted to have been
featured in a new book which is itself a charitable venture. Gift
Magic is a collection of tricks which leave the spectator with a
souvenir. Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, George Parker, Robert E. Neale,
Rich Bloch and editor Larry Hass have created a magic book that keeps
giving. Illustrated by Jay Fortune, there are eleven performance pieces,
five interviews and four thoughtful essays on gift magic by world-famous
performers and teachers. All the proceeds from the book will be donated
to the Encore Foundation, a non-profit foundation that assists magicians
in need. To order visit
www.theoryandartofmagic.com ($25 plus P+P). The Magic Moments team
are still counting up the monies raised from this year and will announce
the total and next year's Magic Moments Day very shortly on MagicWeek.
23.10.10
Derby
Magic Circle Day of Magic - tomorrow! Sunday 24th October, doors
open at 8.30am. Featuring a table top sale, an auction, magic workshops
and lectures. Venue Willington Power Station Social
Club, Twyford Road, Willington, Derby DE65 6DE (Map).
Tables are £7 each and entrance is £2.50 payable on the door.
Refreshments and bar available. Further details from Allan
Humphries on 01889 590975
www.derbymagiccircle.co.uk.
23.10.10
To celebrate his 70th birthday in December, and 65 years in magic,
Ian Adair is having his 268th book published during that month. With his
autobiography "Dealing with Magic" The Rise & Fall of the Supreme Magic
Company, already a best seller, the new book will be designed for children's
entertainers.
"Over the last few years, books dealing with the entertainment of
children have mainly concentrated on 'How to obtain bookings', 'How to
plan shows', 'Telephone tips' etc" Ian said, "this book deals with tried
and tested effects, with some items straight from my current kids'
shows. "Terrific-trix for Kids' Shows" will contain over 200 pages and will
include 168 professional illustrations to accompany the text. Over sixty
tried and tested effects are described and most are accompanied by
suggested patter presentations.
"This will probably be my last book," Ian said, with a smile on his face,
"but who knows?" For publication in December.
23.10.10
Strike
2.2 by Lee Smith. RSVPMagic email: "After many requests from people
that purchased 'The Step System' DVDs, we've finally managed to get the
lighters that Lee Smith used for his routine; Strike 2 lighters made up
especially for magicians. They're the same lighters used in the original
routine, but with one very special difference in that they will enable
you to predict two chosen cards at the end of the routine! Just watch
the trailer and see the reactions that Lee gets from this powerful piece
of magic and then see just how the people react at the end when Lee
reveals the thought of cards. These are available at a special launch
price of only £11.99 (normally £14.99) with free postage."
www.rsvpmagic.com.
23.10.10
Dr Nicolas Grimoire is telling his spooky stories during Bolsover
Castle's 'The Castle At Night' activities over the Halloween weekend
(October 30th & 31st). He
will be joined by actors from specialist interpreters Griffin Historical,
as English Heritage celebrate the weird weekend. They are all taking
their inspiration from the castle's Ghost Book which records the
experiences of staff and visitors to the 17th century castle and keep.
It's a chance for visitors to hear tales of resident ghosts, take part
in terrifying tours or simply wander the beautifully illuminated grounds
and enjoy the ambience of the castle after dark. Tickets must be booked
in advance by calling 0870 333 1183.
23.10.10
Mark
James eBook release: Gagged Unbound. Mark James is releasing his
first eBook: "Filled with completely original comedy the book contains
one- liners and jokes that you can slot into your act immediately. Some
of the material is on the 'adult' side and lots of it is perfect for
the whole family. The book is now available from Mark's website for £6, but
for a limited time can be bought for 50% off. Simply PayPal Mark £3
direct to unusualcomedy@live.co.uk to receive your eBook by return
email." www.unusualcomedian.com
"Finally a joke book where all of the jokes are funny. When I read the
airport gag I woke the
whole family up laughing!" Christopher Congreave.
23.10.10
Steve
the Magician wins magic title for an eighth time! A
small piece of magical history was made on Tuesday 19th October for the
Northants Magicians Club when member Steve Dimmer AKA Steve the Magician
won The Children's Entertainer of The Year award for the eighth time in a
decade. Performing before a lively pack of Brownies and Rainbows, Steve
galloped through an energetic routine of original material, ending with
a rainbow-coloured handkerchief that lit up the rainbow on his T-shirt.
The ‘Pip’ Ayres Memorial Trophy was awarded after the audience had voted
for their favourite entertainer. Steve is a busy performer who also
performs close-up magic for adults as well as writing and performing in
murder mystery nights. Steve said "I am very happy to win this award,
especially as it has been voted for by the people who matter the most –
the audience!" Steve has been a professional entertainer for 14 years.
Further info from Steve Dimmer on (01604) 409010.
23.10.10
Mark
Traversoni wins the Leamington and Warwick Magic Society Stage Magician
of the Year Competition. Mark is pictured receiving the trophy from
President Keith Pearson who organised a terrific night of entertainment
for the club and invited guests last Wednesday. "Mark's act featured a
few gags when predictions were obviously manipulated, he correctly
predicted three freely chosen cards selected from a pack that was
handled, examined and shuffled by the spectators. The magic element of
his act consisted of a humorous presentation of the linking rings with a
volunteer, and his presentation of the floating table, with the
multiplying bottles to finish.
www.themagiczone.co.uk.
23.10.10
The
Mystic Menagerie is a new e-zine catering for the
occult/bizarre/mystery entertainer and includes contributions from top
names in the field. Each issue is a mixture of routines, reviews and
articles that cover the whole spectrum of mystery entertainment
including séances, tarot cards, prop making and anything else deemed
interesting enough to include! It is available exclusively from Lebanon
Circle and the fantastic first issue is free to download!
Click Here and the 2nd issue is available now for a super-cheap
introductory price of £2
Click Here. Issue three is expected in early December.
23.10.10
Max
Gordon is presenting his lecture 'Magic to Mentalism' for the
Scottish Conjurers Association on the evening of Wednesday 27th October
at the Scottish Mask & Puppet Theatre, 10 Balcarres Avenue, Kelvindale,
Glasgow G12. The lecture will start at 7.30pm and finish at around 10pm.
Visitors welcome, £10.00 payable on the door.
23.10.10
Congratulations
to Wayne Goodman and Michelle Andrews on their marriage on 20th
October in Fulbourn, Cambridge. A number of magicians travelled from all
across the UK to be there and a magic day was had by all.
23.10.10
Merlins
of Wakefield's latest 16 page Preview catalogue is out now,
containing over 70 great magic effects. For a free copy via the mail
call them on 01924 339933 or email them your postal address. For a PDF
copy, email merlins@btconnect.com.
Merlins are looking forward to seeing everyone at The Magic Circle
Dealers' Day next Saturday. If you are going and would like to see
anything in particular, just give them a call.
23.10.10
News
from The Twins: "The Twins are now creative consultants for Paul
O'Grady Live! The Twins introduced Paul to 'The Table of Death'; after
nearly a week of rehearsals Paul was ready to perform this dangerous
illusion. The Table of Death was featured on Paul's live national
television show last Friday [October 15th] which received outstanding
reviews! The Twins are planning more effects on the show - watch this
space!
www.theillusionists.com."
23.10.10
Doesn't anyone ever say "no" to television people? Why would an act hire out a professional illusion for it to be performed by Paul O'Grady to help him fill seven minutes of air time on his dire ITV1 talk show Paul O'Grady Live? The show is little more than drivel, spewed out to an over-hyped studio audience who seem only too happy to lap up an hour's worth of nothingness.
"How long have you spent training?" asks Kate Thornton as The Table of Death is being prepared "I had about 10 minutes, yesterday... but I was drunk" replies Paul O'Grady. ha ha
That's what happens. Hand over your magic to "celebrities" and there's a very real risk that they'll reduce it to nothing more than a springboard for their "ad-libs" to bounce off. Yes, the illusion was filmed adequately, and no, they didn't expose the method, but they certainly made it look like anyone can be an illusionist.
Paul O'Grady and The Table of Death (Friday 15th October) YouTube: Click Here.
"Paul O'Grady Live - Comments", from tvguide.co.uk Click Here.
David Copperfield became a huge star performing illusions such as this. More recently David Blaine drew on the work of past masters including Houdini to create incredible worldwide media interest with new stunts and magic, and here in the UK Derren Brown has elevated magic to new heights. Magic is about showmanship and performance. Paul O'Grady's efforts on Friday October 15th made me cringe. Duncan Trillo. 23.10.10
"Paul Daniels waltzes off Strictly Come Dancing" Click Here • Chris Congreave reviews Harry Robson's lecture at the Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians this week, Click Here • "Inspired by David Nixon" Click Here • "Magician’s family vanishes from Walk of Fame guest list" Click Here • "Paul Zerdin’s Sponge Fest cooks up a comedy treat" Click Here • Sorry about my little rant this week, but for some reason it really jarred with me (maybe more so because I wasted a whole hour last night watching his bloody awful show again, just in case he did another one!). That's it, have a good week, and remember to respect your magic! Duncan. 23.10.10