Number 540 - 30th October 2010
Saturday
Night Gala Show tickets for the 39th International Magic Convention
are close to selling out, so if you want a Saturday night ticket (as
opposed to Sunday) register as soon as possible via
www.internationalmagic.com to be safe. Artists this year include David Ben, the entire
Flicking Fingers gang from Germany, Ponta The Smith, Tom Noddy (The
Bubble Guy), Johnny Fox (Sword Swallower extraordinaire), Kim Hyun Joon
the sensational Korean manipulator and a couple of surprise guests. The
Close Up Competition has entrants from 9 different countries, including
for the first time Iran. The recipient of the David Berglas Award
remains a closely guarded secret and promises to be another memorable
moment, and this year the convention also pays tribute to Jim Cellini –
The King of Street Performers with a show that includes Michael Vincent,
Gazzo, Richard McDougall and Ben Whiting. 26th, 27th, 28th November, International
Magic Convention, London:
www.internationalmagic.com.
30.10.10
The
Session, the UK's only close-up magic
convention, (January 15th & 16th 2011), gets stronger this week. Comedy circuit favourite, Danny
Buckler has been added to the line up and will be giving a talk about
magic and comedy. Danny joins Darwin Ortiz, Denis Behr, Pit Hartling,
Luke Jermay and more at the event, which sells out every year. With less
than half the tickets remaining, book now to guarantee your place!
www.sessionconvention.com.
30.10.10
Benjamin
Earl celebrates the publication of Gambit Magazine Issue Two
and the launch of his new website for magicians by offering a free
download of his amazing card routine Dr. Strangehand. Keep up to
date with Ben's new releases, as well as his thoughts on magic and more
by visiting
www.benjaminearl.com.
30.10.10
Marsha
Meets... Pete Firman. Xfm's First Lady of Comedy talks to the
magician and stand-up...
Click Here. Pete Firman's second national tour, Jokes
& Tricks ends at London’s Bloomsbury Theatre on 11th November. Prepare
yourself for incredible teleportation exploits, devilishly sickening
tricks and death defying feats. “The man from Middlesbrough sets the pace for comedy-meets-magic in the
21st century” The Times.
Thursday, November 11th, Bloomsbury, London Phone 020 7388 8822
www.thebloomsbury.com.
30.10.10
R
Paul Wilson Lecture - International Magic, London. News from
International Magic: "We are delighted to tell you that the last lecture
in our series before our 39th International Magic Convention will be R
Paul Wilson. Paul last lectured for us in 2007, since then has been busy
performing around the world and filming for TV shows including ‘The Real
Hustle’. Paul is known and respected internationally for his original
magic effects as well as being a superb performer and card technician.
He needs no further introduction. This is certain to be an excellent
lecture, with plenty of insights and ideas for all skill levels. Ticket
price: £15. Date: Thursday 4th November. Start: promptly at 7.30pm and
finish approx 10pm. (please arrive by 7.15pm latest). Pre-booking
essential - email
martin@internationalmagic.com. Venue: 2nd floor at ‘Casa Italiana’,
136 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1R 5DL (Map).
This is almost opposite our Magic Shop in Clerkenwell Road."
30.10.10
Paul
Daniels to add a touch of magic to Oddsock's Hilarious Hamlet.
Oddsock's Hamlet- the Comedy! On tour nationally from November 29th -
March 6th. Magician and entertainer, Paul Daniels, has a reputation for
taking on challenges, not least in tackling BBC1's Strictly Come
Dancing. Now he is to take another change of direction in his
illustrious career, by taking on a dramatic Shakespearean role this
winter. Paul will be appearing, via hologram, as the ghost of Hamlet’s
father in renowned touring theatre company, Oddsocks’, upcoming national
tour of Hamlet the Comedy. Paul commented; "'One of the best bits about
my job is designing and working on special effects for theatre. When
Oddsocks came up with this idea I jumped at the chance of not only being
in Shakespeare (a first for me), but also being a special effect myself.
I am really looking forward to being spooky.'" Artistic Director, Andy
Barrow said "The role of Hamlet's father is a key one and drives the
production, so it was Important to find a performer with warmth and
status. Paul is a great choice because his image is of fun, warmth and
magic." The cast features Paul Daniels (a hologram of the ghost of
Hamlet's father) Kevin Kemp (Hamlet), Bethan Nash (Ophelia) Robert
Laughlin (Claudius) Elli Mackenzie (Gertrude/Horatio) and Andy McGillan
(Polonius/Leartes). Visit
www.oddsocks.co.uk for venues and dates.
30.10.10
Coventry
Magic Circle's Christmas Magic Show. 7.30pm on Tuesday 23rd
November. The Coventry Magic Circle are once again organising a family
magic and variety show in aid of local charities. This is the 10th
consecutive show organised by the Coventry Magic Circle, which over the
years have featured both local club members and international stars of
magic. The show is regularly a complete sell out and tickets are now
available. £7.50 adult, £5 child, £20 Family of four. This year's
charity, Vibes of Coventry, is a children's and young people's service
developed to meet the emotional and mental health needs of young people
between the ages of 7-19 years. Also receiving funds this year will be
Chron's and Colitis UK. Tickets are on sale now: 024 7638 5278. Venue:
The Abbey Theatre, Pool Bank Street, Nuneaton.
www.coventrymagiccircle.co.uk.
30.10.10
Drummond
Money-Coutts launches his latest short film this week on YouTube,
"Tanzanian Devil: The Dark Truths b'hind the African Witchdoctors".
Filmed in August of this year, Drummond both performed throughout the
country and set out to investigate the existence of witchcraft today in
Africa - Tanzania being today still one of the worst-affected countries
in the world. Part 1:
Click Here, Part 2:
Click Here. Latest news on
facebook.com/DrummondMoneyCoutts.
30.10.10
Martin
Daniels - P&O Oceana, reviewed by Jack Stephens. Martin Daniels,
live in the luxurious Footlights Theatre on board the P&O liner Oceana.
This was one of the finest live magic shows I have ever seen. Magic is
not really the correct terminology as it is not a magic show with
comedy, but a comedy show with magic. Martin only performs 3 tricks in
the show (Balancing a glass of coke on a snooker triangle; Equal unequal
rope; Water on head/funnel trick). But around these three tricks was an
array of gags, jokes, one liners and a true lesson in the art of how to
handle an audience and more specifically, an assistant. He was a marvel
at both. Naturally he made a reference to his famous dad, but it was all
very good humoured and very, very funny. Martin proved very popular with
the mixed aged audience. He was immaculately turned out, and the show
content was family orientated, despite the odd bit of lighthearted
innuendo. An evening of true old fashioned fun, hosted by a talented
performer. It was a pure delight to be present to witness an expert in
stagecraft flying the flag of magic. Jack Stephens.
30.10.10
Karnival
Dead Eyes - BigBlindMedia's Limited Edition Playing Cards. The
incredibly popular Karnival range of playing cards reaches new heights
of eye-popping design with the Karnival Dead Eyes! Inspired by gothic
medical imagery and the world of serial killers, the deck features 56
beautiful pieces of artwork. Every single card has been painstakingly
crafted by master designer Sam Hayles - from the blood splattered court
cards to the aged and distressed jokers. The Karnival Dead Eyes are a
beautiful yet macabre spectacle. Points to note: The entire deck has
been designed – the faces of every card are in keeping with the theme
and feel of the deck – in stunning full colour!; The value of each card
is printed down its left and right hand side (so it can be clearly read
in a ribbon spread); You get the world famous USPCC Air Flow Finish for
superb handling and unparalleled durability. All Karnival Decks are
manufactured exclusively on Bicycle’s sheet fed press for a higher
quality product!; A beautifully realised card reveal on one of the
jokers – (a Ten of Spades appears inside the skull); A bonus card with
the message ‘You will choose the Five of Diamonds’ emblazoned across it;
A blank faced card to use in your magic routines; A hidden card reveal
on the bottom of the card case (Two of Spades)... For more info and to
order visit
www.bigblindmedia.com.
30.10.10
The
Open Prediction. "In 1949 magician Paul Curry proposed an effect
with playing cards that seemed impossible. Despite the best efforts of
the top minds of his day, the effect became known as The Curry Unsolved
Card Problem. For almost 60 years mentalists and magicians have wracked
their brains trying to find the perfect solution for Curry’s challenge,
now known as The Open Prediction. The Open Prediction Project is the
largest collection of its kind in existence. It is a compilation of 51
unique and creative solutions to the Open Prediction problem. Performers
such as Marc Paul, Michael Weber, Barrie Richardson, Patrick Redford,
Mick Ayres and Hector Chadwick have offered their solutions for this 220
page hard-cover book; and these are just a few in a long list of
creative and innovative contributors from around the globe. The First
Hardcover Edition, limited to just 100 signed and numbered,
dust-jacketed copies is now available for pre-order. Expected delivery
by November 31st. To pre-order your Limited First Edition, signed and
numbered copy of The Open Prediction Project, send $50.00 (Canadian)
plus $15.00 for S&H anywhere in North America via PayPal to:
tombaxter@cogeco.ca. For
shipping charges elsewhere email first.
30.10.10
Postgigs.com
is a work referral website designed for professional entertainers. After
a very successful year running the site with close up magicians (in
excess of £300 000 worth of work listed), owners Rob James and Andi
Gladwin have decided, for a limited time period, to open membership to
children's entertainers across the UK. "I don't think you can afford not
be on here if you work as a magician!" - Alan Hudson. For more
information on how it works and to sign up please see
www.postgigs.com/about.
30.10.10
Phill
Smith joins Romany, Peter Wardell and an as yet to be
announced international star for the Wessex Magical Association's
One-Day Convention on 3rd April 2011. "Phill Smith, author of the
acclaimed Mitox, Yokai and Mokele handbooks to creative mentalism,
presents an exciting lecture exposing the secrets of performing engaging
mentalism and mental magic. With a focus on realistic practical methods
and impactful presentation, Mitox mentalism is intent on delivering
real-world experiences to real people." The WMA One Day Convention will
feature lectures, workshops and performances. 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 Day tickets
(include evening Gala Show) are £18 if booked in advance, or £20 on the
door. The location, as in previous years, will be the Kinson Community
Centre, Millhams Road, Kinson, Bournemouth BH10 7LH (Map).
www.wmagic.co.uk.
30.10.10
Mario
Morris was invited to Las Vegas earlier this month to teach at the
Magic and Mystery
School operated by Las Vegas headliner Jeff McBride. Whilst in Las
Vegas Mario taught alongside Jeff McBride to students from all over the
US. Mario performed his renowned international act in front of The
Mirage and at other locations in Las Vegas which proved to be a huge
attraction. Mario Morris is an international comedy magician and street
performer who has performed his show in many cities all over the World.
He is the founder of the School of Busking, the UK based school that
teaches students the art of street theatre. The School of Busking have
just released a new DVD Mario Morris The Showman and Busker:
www.mariomorris.co.uk.
30.10.10
The
Infinity Wallet. New from Alakazam: "Following the worldwide success
of the Stealth Assassin, we have had countless requests for a peek
wallet that incorporates a good card to wallet, a peek, and will fit in
the back pocket. With over two years of development, and after numerous
prototypes, The Infinity Wallet is finally available. This clever
all-in-one wallet is the answer to a working magicians dream..." Visit
www.alakazam.co.uk or
www.alakazam-usa.com to watch a video demo and find out more about
this incredible wallet. Place a pre-order today and receive a free
bonus "Pre-Order Special DVD" - visit Alakazam for full details.
30.10.10
Portsmouth &
District Magic Circle Jumbo Day, Sunday 7th November. There's just a
week to go to this year's Portsmouth Jumbo Day on Sunday 7th November at
Buckland Community Centre, Malins Road Portsmouth PO2 7BL (Map),
and this year there's a record number of dealers attending. You'll be
able to choose from the very latest new releases or a wide range of
second-hand bargains. The day features... John Archer, Paul Zenon, Bob
Hamilton's videos, Workshops by Mike Stokes and Wayne Fox, Close-Up
sessions and The Gala Show with John Archer, Matthew Garrett, Edward
Hilsum, Steve Price and David Croucher. Tickets on the door £18.00. For
more information, visit
www.jumboday.co.uk.
30.10.10
Nottingham
Guild of Magicians Table Top Sale. 4th November at 7.30pm "This is
always a popular evening and a great opportunity to pick up a bargain.
If you have effects in your collection gathering dust, book yourself a
sale table for only £5.00! Tables can be booked by contacting Andrew
Morrison on 07966 494095. Venue: Pond Hills Lane Arts Centre, Pond Hills
Lane, Arnold, Nottingham NG5 8DR (Map)
www.nottinghamguildofmagicians.co.uk.
30.10.10
Bob
Hamilton Evening - Blackpool. If you attend a magic convention or
lecture in Britain and there's a professional videoing the event it is
almost certain to be Bob Hamilton. Bob has been recording magic
happenings for some thirty years and he will be showing some of his
remarkable library of videos at the headquarters of Blackpool Magicians’
Club on Tuesday 9th November. Over the years Bob has filmed most of the
stars of magic, many of whom are no longer with us, so this evening is a
unique opportunity to see some of them in action. In recognition of his
sterling work Bob was awarded this year’s prestigious David Berglas
Award by the British Magical Society. The headquarters of the Blackpool
Magicians’ Club is to the rear of No 1 Sherbourne Road, North Shore,
Blackpool FY1 2PW (Map).
Doors open at 6.30pm.
www.blackpoolmagic.com.
30.10.10
Jon
Allen has just returned from presenting his lecture and workshops at
The College of Magic in Cape Town. Forty magicians from across the
continent attended the weekend event. This week Jon sets off to France
for a 12-day lecture tour
www.close-upmagician.com.
30.10.10
Julian
James’ Late Night Magic event at the Jermyn Street Theatre last
Friday evening played to a sell out audience! Special guest magicians
Michael Vincent and James Prichard joined Julian in a show of classic
magic, mentalism and great entertainment. Julian will also be starring in
the upcoming 4 week run of ‘The Twilight Ballrooms’ comedy and magic
spectacle in Jermyn Street, beginning on Friday 5th November, at
10.45pm. For more information visit:
www.thetwilightballrooms.co.uk.
30.10.10
The
Magic Circle of Rotterdam. The Magic Circle of Rotterdam is open for
visitors from abroad. "Every first and third Thursday of the month we
have our club evenings in Manege Lansbergen, Bergweg zuid 135 in
Bergschenhoek (10 minutes from Rotterdam airport). For further
information check our website
www.goochelclubrotterdam.nl. We would love to meet you! You can call
Hans Matena (secretary) + 31 6 20 21 31 11 or John Anders (chairman) +
31 6 53 60 26 10."
30.10.10
Spring
into Magic. "Starring International Illusionist and the UK's number
one plate spinner Andrew Van Buren and top ventriloquist and comedy
magician Ward Allen with Roger the Dog, together with compère/speciality
act Tom Rolfe." Saturday 26th March 2011 at Altburn Community Theatre,
Albion Terrace, Saltburn-by-the-Sea. Tickets: Adults £7, Concessions £5,
Family ticket £22, Groups (ideal for magical societies) 10+ £1 off per
ticket. Box office 01642 490129.
30.10.10
Magicians
Wanted. September Films email: "Does your magical talent deserve a
slot on primetime Saturday night television? We are looking for the very
best British magicians of all ages who think they have what it takes to
completely stun the viewing public with an incredible magic trick. The
winner will get the chance to perform as part of a major Las Vegas show.
If you think you have what it takes and want to be part of the show,
please contact
magic@septemberfilms.com by November 5th. Please include your name,
a description of your best trick and a bit about yourself, a photo, any
video links and full contact details!" (The show will be recorded on
Saturday 18th December in London where the chosen magicians will perform
in front of Penn & Teller and a studio audience. The show will be hosted
by a very well-known magic fan. You will also need to make yourself
available for 1-2 days filming in the run-up to the studio day. )
30.10.10
Rare Magic
Posters, Magic Movie and Theatre Posters and Prints For Sale. Perfect for your office, home office,
magic room, or even (if you are brave enough) the living room,
Click Here. (These are
from my personal collection so most are 'one-offs' DT).
30.10.10
The
Grand Order of Lady Ratling’s Masked Ball. Darryl Rose, Paul Brown,
Richard Pinner, Katherine Rhodes and Bharat Patel entertained guests at
The Grand Order of Lady Ratling’s Masked Ball last Sunday evening.
Guests included Anita Dobson, Brian May, Wayne Sleep and Barbara
Windsor. The Queen Rat herself Babs Bruce (Member of The Magic Circle)
hand picked the performers for her special day. Steve Allen (also a
magic collector) from LBC 97.3 was awarded their special ‘Cup of
Kindness’ Award. The magic highlight was Darryl making Barbara Windsor’s
chosen card melt away... along with the entire deck! (Photo L to R:
Darryl Rose, Steve Allen and Barbara Windsor)
30.10.10
West
Coast
Dealers Day 2011. Hosted by the Southport Magic Circle on Sunday 8th
May 2011. Doors open at 9am and will close at 8pm. Admission £3 payable
on the door. The Windsor Suite,
Royal Clifton
Hotel, The Promenade, Southport PR8 1RB (Map).
Limited free parking at the front and rear of the hotel. Contact the club
for table rates:
www.southport-magic-circle.co.uk.
30.10.10
Riviera
Circle of Magicians Close-Up Competition 2010/11. Congratulations to
Chris Tennant (right) winner of the recently held Riviera Circle of
Magicians Close-Up Competition for 2010/11. Chris performed his
signature Ambitious Card Routine, alongside his popular Ninja Duck
routine. Chris Perks (left) has won the Amateur Close-Up award with a
hilarious act featuring a school boy learning his first tricks from a
Marvin's Magic kit! Both acts were well received, competing against some
very experienced professional members, of particular note, Jack Bryce
performing a very ingenious Card into Sealed Box routine.
30.10.10
Michael
J Fitch has been asked to be guest speaker at the 165th annual
Colchester Oyster feast. Michael is honoured to have been asked to
attend this prestigious occasion and plans to vanish a guest's ring and
have it appear inside a rock oyster!
30.10.10
Care
& Share Balloon Fun Day, Banstead, Surrey. Graham Lee has another
Care & Share balloon fun day coming up in Banstead, Surrey with Special
Guest Star, American twister Mark Byrne, “Bad To The Balloon” with his
one and only lecture in the UK on Monday 15th November. For more info;
Click Here. Mark will be presenting four hands-on sessions
throughout the day: 1. Bad to the Balloon Vol 1 and 2; 2. Working the
real world; 3. Marketing; 4. Requests. A fantastic day is lined up with
an early bird discount available, the day is being sponsored by Qualatex
Balloons/Pioneer Europe. Booking details:
Click Here.
30.10.10
Paul
Voodini's "How Psychic are You?" Drama at The University of
Huddersfield are proud to present Paul Voodini's "How Psychic are You?"
stage show on Friday, November 12th from 7.30pm - 10pm. Paul Voodini
presents his "How Psychic Are You?" stage show, live at the University
of Huddersfield. All are invited to this wonderfully entertaining show
which asks such questions as: "Is it possible to read minds?" "Can we
foretell the future?" "Is hypnosis real?" and "Do the spirits talk to
us?" Expect a lot of audience interaction, lots of fascinating psychic
experiments, and perhaps a shock or two along the way! Paul's relaxed
and informal style will lead you on an entertaining journey into the
darker recesses of the human mind! Tickets are just £7.00 or £5.00
concessions. Contact the box office by emailing
miltonboxoffice@hud.ac.uk
Milton Theatre, Drama Department, University of Huddersfield, Page
Street, Huddersfield HD1 3DH.
30.10.10
Paul Voodini presents Above & Beyond Cold Reading - A Workshop for Mentalists & Magicians on Saturday November 6th, from 12 noon - 4pm. Paul Voodini is the author of the highly successful and acclaimed book on cold reading techniques and its applications for the mentalist, "Reader of Minds". This workshop is ideal for beginners, intermediates, and experts alike, and will concern itself with several areas of the technique known as "cold reading". Areas covered include: What is cold reading? Where did cold reading come from? Why are mentalists and magicians interested in cold reading? How to actually "cold read". Traditional uses of cold reading. How can mentalists and magicians utilise cold reading in their performance? Is there really such a thing as "intuition"? How to make money from cold reading. The ethics of cold reading. Tickets are priced at just £15, and places are very limited. This will be an interesting, informative afternoon with plenty of scope for discussion and questions. You will not be lectured to. Paul's lectures and workshops tend to be both informative and jolly good fun! To purchase tickets visit www.readerofminds.co.uk/workshop_18.html. 12 noon - 4pm University of Huddersfield, Page Street, Huddersfield HD1 3DH. Part of the Performance Magic Research Programme within the Division of Drama at the University of Huddersfield. 30.10.10
Congratulations to Chris Tennant of Devon, winner of the Hidden Wren chop cup competition sponsored by www.cupsandballsmagic.com and www.hiddenwrenmagic.com. Chris chose to name the cup "The Legacy Goblet." Great name Chris, enjoy your new cup! Brian Watson. 30.10.10
MagicWeek
and Amazon.co.uk. MagicWeek receives a small commission on all
Amazon.co.uk sales that originate via a click-through from our site. If
you click through to find out about a book, but end up buying something
else in the same session, MagicWeek still gets a small commission. A
mini-banner ad sits at the bottom of the ads on the right of this page.
By clicking on the banner, or an Amazon text link, you are supporting
MagicWeek.
Click Here to visit Amazon.co.uk.
30.10.10
Confessions
of a Conjuror (Unabridged) Audio Download by Derren Brown (Author,
Narrator) available via Amazon.co.uk
Click Here • "Feature: Inside the Magic Circle - A look at the
'House of 10,000 Secrets'"
Click Here • Drew McAdam is a regular guest on The Hour - the
Scottish television evening magazine show. Here's a link to his most
recent appearance
Click Here • "WikiMagic is an online collaboration project to
make crediting Sleights and Routines in Magic as easy as possible"
Click Here • "That's magic: David Blaine opens exhibition about
his hero, magician, illusionist and escapologist Harry Houdini"
Click Here • "Handcuffs, Shackles and a Straitjacket on Display at
New Houdini Exhibit"
Click Here • "Exclusive: Lance Burton’s two new TV projects;
Jerry Lewis’ new movie"
Click Here • "Magic and science: Together again at last"
Click Here • Many thanks for all your news - see you next week,
Duncan.
30.10.10