Number 552 - 22nd January 2011
"Don't
email me about this ... I KNOW it's silly" writes Paul Daniels in
his eBay wig auction listing, but perhaps it wasn't so silly after
all... What started out as a bit of fun hit the headlines last week as
Britain's most famous magician put one of his old wigs up for auction on
eBay. With an opening bid of just 99p it is now up to £1,100.00 (Click
Here) and with 48 bids and the possibility of a last minute
'sniper' coming in, it could go even higher. Now that's magic!
Daily Mail: "For his next trick, Paul Daniels will make his wig disappear - by selling it on eBay" Click Here
The Telegraph: "Magician Paul Daniels sells thousands of pounds worth of props on eBay" Click Here
Fancy a magical makeover? Bid now! Click Here. 22.1.11
Derren
Brown: Faith Healer. The next 90 minute special from the
incomparable Derren Brown will see the star turn his attention to the
controversial world of faith-healing. In Derren Brown: Faith Healer
Derren will lay bare the tricks and techniques employed by American
Bible belts’ self-proclaimed faith-healers, who boast the ability to
perform wonders. In one of the most audacious stunts he has ever
attempted, Derren finds a member of the public who he will train to be a
faith healer, before going out to see if he can manage to put on a faith
healing type show, and get away with it. Transmission date to be
announced.
22.1.11
Illusionist
Jonathan Hawley added to Blackpool Gala Show. Blackpool Magicians'
Club have had to change their top of the bill artiste for the Sunday
Gala Show. Jan Rouven had to withdraw (due to an operation) and has been
replaced by sensational young Illusionist Jonathan Hawley who'll be
featuring an incredible levitation in his act. It is hoped that Jan
Rouven will appear at the next Blackpool Convention in 2012. Just four
weeks to go now - register via
www.blackpoolmagic.com.
22.1.11
Cumbrian
Magic Circle host An Evening with Michael Vincent on Thursday 27th
January. This is not a lecture. The evening is planned as a workshop
session with Michael. Participants are invited to bring along effects
they perform or are working on for expert advice and tuition. Houghton
Village Hall, Houghton, Carlisle. The venue is only 1 mile from J44 of
the M6 and 2 miles from Carlisle City Centre. Free Car Parking. Thursday
27th January. Doors open at 7.30pm for an 8pm start (ends 10.30pm)
Entrance £10.00. Contact:
basby100-cumbrianmagic@yahoo.co.uk Mobile 0777 3418892.
22.1.11
Beat
the Wand is back! "A brand new year means only one thing. It is
time, once again, to Beat the Wand... We had a fantastic show last year
and it was all down to the amazing acts who entered. So thank you once
again to all who took part. This year we want it to be bigger and better
than ever, but that is only possible with your help. Non-magical acts
have proved to be more popular with the audience so we would love to
increase the variety aspect this year. Juggling, Escapology, Contortion,
Geek Magic, Bizarre, Occult, Mind Reading, Ventriloquism, Mouth
Juggling, World Record Attempts.... etc. We know you guys are out
there!!! Of course magic is welcome in the show but will need a novel
twist or presentation to capture the audiences interest. If you are
interested in performing here are the rules: 1. Your act must last a
minimum of three and a maximum of five minutes. 2. Three giant wands
will be thrown into the audience. After an act has performed for one
minute the voting begins. Once a wand holder has seen enough of your act
they will place their wand in the air. If three wands are in the air the
act will stop. 3. If an act reaches three minutes they are safe and will
be allowed to finish their act. 4. The act who performs for the longest
and/or completes their act 'beat the wand' and is therefore the winner.
In the event of more than one performer completing their act, the
audience will decide the winner by Clap-o-meter. 5. Performers will be
supplied with a hand or lapel mic, a table and two chairs. There are no
cameras or screens in the bar so close-up/table magic will not be
suitable. 6. If you are interested, or know someone with a crazy act who
would love to be involved then please email
beatthewand@hotmail.co.uk."
22.1.11
The
Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year Competition 2011. The competition is open to all magicians over 14 and under 18 who can present a stage act suitable for a family
audience, lasting between eight and twelve minutes. The heats will take place on May
8th and the Final on July 31st, but entries need to be in by January
31st, so hurry! Further information and an entry form can be found at
www.themagiccircle.co.uk/young-magicians/ymoty.
22.1.11
Showstealers
Las Vegas. News from Paul Stone: "I am delighted to release details
of an exciting project aimed specifically at Magicians worldwide.
Firstly, on 24th January we are launching Showstealers Vegas Link.
This will provide a direct link for performers to Showstealers,
established Las Vegas Entertainment Consultants and Show Producers.
Showstealers Las Vegas operation will be headed up by Executive
Producer, Paul Stone, who has been producing top quality Entertainment
Shows and Events around the world for over 30 years. Showstealers are on
the lookout for new and original performers to appear in our ‘Variety
Live’ and ‘World Stars of Magic’ Shows, and also at Corporate Events,
Tradeshows, and on TV in USA and Europe. Showstealers will be
reintroducing our copyrighted ‘Vegas Dream Ticket’ promotion every month
from April, offering a unique opportunity for magicians worldwide to
appear in a Las Vegas Show. Showstealers will also be offering USA
Representation for overseas performers (from outside the U.S.). For full
details and to apply to join the select Showstealers performers roster,
email your CV and promotional materials to
info@showstealersvegaslink.com".
22.1.11
Dobson's
Choice: Special Effects - free! Wayne Dobson writes: "Special
Effects is my latest, and I honestly believe my best book to date.
Within its forty pages, you'll encounter fourteen really strong close-up
and stand-up routines. All my own offerings appear here in print for the
very first time, and include most of the core routines that elevated me
to stardom not so many years ago. I have stripped away virtually all the
sleight-of-hand from most of the routines and presented you with a
collection of tried and tested 'workers' that are very strong in effect,
but equally easy to perform." Dobson's Choice: Special Effects is
currently being offered as a free gift for all purchasers of Wayne's new
3 DVD set Wayne Dobson: A Life in Magic. This book normally
retails for £19.95 on its own. For ordering details visit
www.waynedobson.co.uk.
22.1.11
Merlins
of Wakefield will be hosting a lecture by Paul Hallas on Wednesday
2nd March at 7.30pm at their studio above their shop. Paul moved to the
USA several years ago, and it is not often you will get the chance to
see him lecture in this country. Well known throughout the magic world
for his many tricks, books, DVDs and articles, this will be his only
lecture in England in 2011. Tickets must be booked in advance. For more
details
Click Here.
22.1.11
Jon
Allen asks “Who Cares About Magic?” at the Copthorne Hotel,
Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne on Monday 24th January at 7.45pm. "In a
must-see lecture for all magicians who do, as well as learning the
‘what’ and ‘how’ of wonderful new routines, you will learn the often
overlooked ‘why’ about them. This thinking can then be applied to any
type or style of magic you do. You will not only come out of the lecture
with more tricks in your arsenal; you’ll come out of it inspired to look
at how to make your magic better for your audiences. While covering the
serious side of the performance of magic, Jon’s lecture is one of the
most entertaining, informative and inspirational you will ever
experience. Jon’s lecture in Newcastle will also see the introduction of
a new concept with lecture notes. It has never been seen before in this
country… or quite possibly anywhere!" Hosted by the Newcastle Magic
Circle. Members - free; Members partners - £5; Non members - £15;
Members of other magic clubs - £10.
22.1.11
House
of Illusion Auditions. Last year, Rodney James Piper's House of
Illusion magical dinner show in Salou, Spain, enjoyed audiences
totaling twenty thousand people over the Summer. They have now opened a
second House of Illusion, 'Sylvester’s Attic' in the Ski Resort
of Soldeu Andorra which is also selling out every night. House of
Illusion is now recruiting for its seasons in 2011. All types of
magicians and mystery entertainers are needed to join the team.
Auditions: Manchester 22nd January, London 23rd January and Blackpool
21st February. To apply email:
recruitment@rjpentertainment.com phone 0207 193 7148 or
+34977380940.
www.houseofillusion.net.
22.1.11
Magicseen
Taster Issue No.6. Editor Mark Leveridge writes: "Magicseen Taster
Issue No.6 is now available and includes some extracts from the current
issue of Magicseen (no.36 Jan 11) as well as a major article from one of
our back issues. The contents are: Andi Gladwin - we interview
this highly successful young man who organises the Session Convention
each year and who runs the magic dealership Vanishing Inc with Joshua
Jay; Restaurant Magic Part 2 - the concluding part of our look at
how to successfully work magic in restaurants with advice from 6
experts; Masterclass - a close up routine from Wayne Fox is fully
described: Luis de Matos - from our Back Issue files we give you
this interesting article on Portugal's No.1 TV magic star; Paul
Stockman on Mentalism Part 2 - an extract from Paul's book on
working stage mentalism in which he gives advice on handling hecklers
and on incorporating stories in your act; Product Reviews - a
selection of some of the reviews from the current issue; News -
keep up to date with the news from issue 36 too. Magicseen Taster Issue
No.6 is a great way to experience what the UK's brightest bi-monthly
magazine is all about, and is available as a PDF download completely
free now from
www.magicseen.co.uk."
22.1.11
Steve
Evans has put a brand new lecture together for 2001: "It's called
'The Stuff you will use lecture' and it features material from his
working repertoire and covers, kid's, close-up, cabaret and a balloon
model of Wyle E Coyote! Anyone interested in booking Steve's lecture can
contact him by email:
stevemagicbloke@aol.com and mobile: 07900 191958."
22.1.11
Wolverhampton
Circle of Magicians. News from WCM President Mark Harrington: "The
Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians has a fantastic programme of lectures
coming up this month. Mandy Muden mystifies on Wednesday 26th January,
Dave Charles delivers his Dealer Dem & Lecture on Wednesday 2nd
February, Fay Presto presents her banquet magic lecture on Wednesday
16th February and to finish off Richard Osterlind lectures on Mentalism
on the Wednesday 23rd February. All meetings are at the West End Working
Men's Club, Merridale Street West, Wolverhampton WV3 0RW (Map),
doors open 7.30pm. Why not come and join us for one or more of these
lectures? Visiting magicians from other societies are welcome for a door
fee of £5. Please contact Mark Harrington (President WCM) on 07779
608387 or
mark@illusistration.com to let us know you're coming or to find out
about how to join our very active society."
22.1.11
Magic
Car Boot Sale. Sunday 6th February from 9.30am, Admission £4, at The
Masonic Hall, Edward Street, West Bromwich B70 8NT (Map).
Free Parking. Over 20 stalls of new and used magic. For further
information contact Alec Powell on 07831 115448 or via
www.albionmagiccompany.co.uk.
22.1.11
Safire
can be seen in 'Barry Potty and his Full Blood Brother Paul, The Ghostly
Shadows' from February. After a sellout Christmas Theatre Tour Stuart
and Jayne are now appearing on an 11th tour with the BBC's Children's
favorites, The Chuckle Brothers. They will be presenting their illusion
act, their Magic Light Puppets and will also will be playing parts in
the production. Featuring ghosts, ghouls and spectacular magic in an
exhilarating brand new show. Guaranteed fun for all the family. See
What's On for dates.
22.1.11
A
Charity Varity Show is being held at the Marine Hall, Fleetwood,
Lancashire on Saturday 5th March featuring comedy magic from Chubbz and
illusions from Alan Horne, plus singers, dancers, a juggler, Michael
Jackson and JLS tribute acts, and a special guest appearance from Tony
Adkins (photo). Tickets are on sale now at £5 each (from the venue).
Doors open at 6.45pm, showtime 7.30pm.
22.1.11
Tony
Griffith will be presenting an abridged version of his
Reflections lecture at the Wessex One Day Convention in Bournemouth
on Sunday 3rd April, and his four books in the Reflections series
will be available at a special convention price. Visit
www.wmagic.co.uk
for more information. Tony also lectures at the Anglian Magic Society,
Norwich on Tuesday 17th May. Visit
www.anglianmagicsociety.ukf.net for details.
22.1.11
An
Evening of Enchantment with Dr Todd Landman. At Studio 1,
Huddersfield University, on Saturday 12th February. Act I: Unobserved
Worlds. "How much of the world do you perceive? How much of what you
know is based on preconception? How aware are you? What do you not see?
What do you not feel? What do you not hear? What do you not smell? What
do you not know?" Act II: Journeys. "What are the best journeys
of your life? Where have you been? Where would you like to go? What have
you learned? What other kinds of journeys have you made? Have you ever
made journeys in your mind? Have you ever made journeys to other worlds?
What are they like? Where are you now?" For booking information visit
www.todd-landman.com.
22.1.11
Pete
Firman on 'Comedy Rocks with Jason Manford' see
TV Magic • "The UK's
youngest illusionist"
Click Here • "Terry Seabrooke, who died on January 11 aged 78, was
one of Britain's best-known magicians, noted for the trick he called
'The Burnt Banknote'"
Click Here • "The Magicians"
Click Here • "Disillusioned with The Magicians. BBC1 and ITV have
both recently aired magic shows with The Magicians and Penn And Teller:
Fool Us. So have either of them held you spellbound?"
Click Here • Further Education, a 2 DVD set by John
Archer is reviewed by Steve Evans this week,
Click Here • Blockbusters With Cards the 2 DVD set by Paul
Gordon is reviewed by Al Smith this week,
Click
Here, and his recent lecture at the Anglian Magic Society is
reviewed by Steve Majes,
Click Here • Please remember the strict Friday 12 noon deadline for
all news submissions, many thanks, see you next week, Duncan.
22.1.11