Number 558 - 5th March 2011
Many
congratulations to Romany, Diva of Magic and winner of the Siegfried &
Roy Golden Lion Head Award and the $5,000 first prize at last week's
World
Magic Seminar which was held at the Orleans Hotel & Casino, Las
Vegas. I wasn't there, but know how Romany can literally light up a room
with her original and theatrical act that mixes the glamour of a classic
Folies Bergère showgirl with a dry and brilliantly timed wit in a
routine involving two hapless gentlemen from the audience... (DT).
www.romanymagic.com.
5.3.11
South
Tyneside is set to be enveloped in all things magic for the eighth year
running as magicians and magic enthusiasts from around the globe
descend on the borough for the return of the hugely popular
International Magic Festival which runs from Monday 7th March to Sunday
13th. For details of all the events, including the three-day magic
convention segment, visit
www.southtyneside.info/magicfestival. "Preview: Latimer, The Customs
House"
Click Here.
5.3.11
Conjuring
at the Court – London, Thursday 31st March. A strong line-up this
month for Greater London’s monthly magic show. Elegant US performer Jay
Scott Berry kicks off his extensive UK tour. Michael Vincent (photo)
performs silky sleight of hand, fresh from his TV success on Penn and
Teller: Fool Us. Tim Shoesmith provides magic and fun. Witty
mentalist/magician Ian Keable makes a welcome return to the show.
Compered by co-producer Russell Levinson. Doors open at 7.30pm, show
starts at 8pm, and runs to about 10pm with an interval. It’s in the
attractive, refurbished function room of the Drayton Court, with a
stage, theatre-style and table seating, and a bar in the back so you can
have a drink while enjoying the magic. Tickets £10 from
www.conjuringatthecourt.com or
tickets@conjuringatthecourt.com. Venue: Drayton Court, 2 The Avenue,
West Ealing, London W13 8PH (Map).
5.3.11
Palladium
Magic update from Paul Stone: "The 'Palladium Magic' Show on Monday
19th September is now really taking shape, and it will undoubtedly be a
very unique, memorable and one time only event. The line up of talent is
building fast and already confirmed in the show are Mac King, Marko
Karvo, The Great Tomsoni & Co, Paul Zenon, Kriss Kremo and almost
certainly Jeff Hobson, Michael Finney and Tom Mullica. I'm also hoping
that the Master Magician from Italy, the one and only Silvan, will be
there too. And I'm speaking to a number of other major magic names who
will hopefully be added to this incredible line-up of talent.
And of course, we are all hoping and praying that John Calvert will be
fit and well enough to realise his lifelong ambition to appear at the
London Palladium. To do this when he is 100 years old would be
incredible and a real piece of magic history. We're keeping our fingers
tightly crossed that he'll be there, and knowing John, I certainly
wouldn't bet against it!
There are still places available for Close-up performers to entertain in
the auditorium before the show and in the intermission. Don't forget you
will not only have the kudos of performing in the world's most famous
Variety Theatre, but your photo and contact details will appear in the
Souvenir Programme, and you will have a chance to take your applause
actually on stage in the Finale of the Show. This opportunity will
genuinely never happen again. If you are interested in being a part of
this unique event, email now to
producer@palladiummagic.com
and attach a biog and a current publicity photo."
5.3.11
The
Northern Magic Circle are pleased to announce the final line up for
this year's gala show which will take place on Sunday 17th April. The
host and compere for the evening will be America’s Amazing Guy, Thom
Peterson, introducing current FISM World Champion of Parlour Magic Marc
Oberon, from Australia the elegant magic of Jay Scott-Berry, England's
Luke Jermay, the astounding magic of award winning junior performer Ben
Proos, laughs a plenty from Ian Keable, the incredible juggling skills
of Mat Ricardo (photo) and Sweden’s award winning magician Tom Stone.
The NMC Convention 2011, Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th April at the
Scarborough Spa. Tickets via
www.northernmagic.co.uk or from registration officer Allan Clarke on
01772 685073. (Mat's act is amazing! DT).
5.3.11
Steve
Faulkner presents Monday Night Magic at The Greystones, Sheffield at
8pm on Monday March 7th: "There are still places left for what will be a
great night of contemporary and very entertaining magic at one of the
best venues in Sheffield, The Greystones. We have the man who fooled
Penn and Teller and Magic Circle Stage Magician of the year 2008, John
Archer (photo); the very funny and immensely talented Alan Hudson
(Finalist in Hackney Empire New Act of the Year 2010) and the hilarious
Gary Knights (Gary Animal)." Tickets are now available from the
Greystones for just £7.00 or contact Steve Faulkner:
stevefaulkner@uk2.net.
5.3.11
Magic Night at Madame JoJo’s - London.
"Outstanding magic and variety show" Time Out. Starring Arron
Sparks, Piff, Lee Hathaway, Neil Henry, Anil Desai and Christian Lee.
Friday, March 18th: Magic
Night at Madame JoJo’s, Doors open 7pm, show starts at 7.45pm, Tickets: £12, show ticket
plus dinner: £22 Tickets can be bought via
www.ticketweb.co.uk.
Madame JoJo’s,
8-10 Brewer Street, London W1F 0SP (Map)
For more info visit:
www.magicnight.co.uk.
5.3.11
Derren's
fans are no dummies... Fans of Derren Brown have begun a petition to
see him immortalised in wax. Outraged that the 40 year-old has not
already received the honour, the online petition
Click Here describes him as "not only one of the most talented men
on television, but now undeniably a national treasure". It is hoped the
petition will convince the owners of Madame Tussauds to install a
waxwork of Derren Brown in their London attraction or the newly-opening
Blackpool venue in Spring 2011. In 2008, Derren Brown pretended to be a
waxwork in Tussauds, London for a television stunt. In series 1, episode
3 of Trick or Treat, he replicated the appearance of a waxwork
whilst his sound installation transfixed passers-by and lulled them into
a catatonic trance.
5.3.11
Richard
Wiseman has a new book out called Paranormality. It looks at the
psychology behind lots of different types of seemingly supernatural
experiences that are of interest to magicians, including cold reading,
metal bending, séances, fake psychics and Ouija Boards. The book's
website,
www.paranormalitybook.com also has a free 'Instant Superhero Kit'
download containing lots of psychological stunts and body magic. "Is the
paranormal just a con?"
Click Here.
5.3.11
“Look
No Hands” is a new collection of 10 routines from the ever
astonishing Wayne Dobson, and the theme, as you may have guessed, is
that all of the tricks have been structured to work without the need for
the magician to touch anything... Liam Montier reviews Wayne's latest
this week,
Click Here.
5.3.11
James
Prince lectures at the Leamington & Warwick Magic Society on
Wednesday 9th March. Visiting magicians are welcome. There's an entry
fee of £10 which includes a buffet. Doors open at 7.30pm. Cubbington
Sports & Social Club, Windmill Hill, Cubbington, Leamington Spa,
Warwickshire CV31 7LN (Map).
Details:
http://lawms.wordpress.com
www.jamesprince.co.uk.
5.3.11
MagicNevin.com
is pleased to announce the impending arrival of
The Original Tarbells Lessons in Magic Book. Available to pre-order
(with a shipping date of Wednesday, 9th March) this outstanding 900 page
book is available at the incredible price of just £57.49. At
MagicNevin.com there is free shipping on all UK orders over £10 (£15 for
international orders) and unless the item is a pre-order, all products
are held in stock in the UK and ship within 24 hours, visit
www.magicnevin.com to pre-order.
5.3.11
Sleight
Of Mind – Nottingham, Friday 18th March. An evening of Mindreading &
Magic in aid of Comic Relief featuring the psychological mindreading of
Mark
Roberts, the award winning close-up magic of
Roy Bond
and the award winning comedy magic of John Dornan. Musical entertainment
provided by the fabulous Just Duet. All proceeds from the tickets to
Comic Relief. Doors open at 7.30pm. Show begins at 8.30pm and the bar
closes at midnight. Birchover Road Social Club, Birchover Road Community
Centre, Bilborough, Nottingham. Tickets £3 each available from
www.illusionsofthemind.co.uk/news.php.
5.3.11
Oliver
Meech reveals the secrets of creativity, 10th April 2011, 9.30am to
5pm, Pimlico Academy, London. Oliver Meech will be running an intensive
1-day workshop on creating your own magic tricks, teaching simple yet
powerful techniques. It's not a lecture, it's an intensive full-day
workshop. You'll be creating new tricks right from the start. If you've
always wanted to be more creative but don't know where to start, this is
the your chance. To Oliver's knowledge, there's nothing like it
available anywhere else in the magic community. Places are strictly
limited to 12. To find out more and book your place, visit Oliver's
website:
www.magicmeech.com.
5.3.11
Diabolical
- Brighton. Described as "Alice in Wonderland and Edward
Scissorhands meet David Copperfield via The Grudge" Diabolical is
Brighton's very own monthly Magical Extravaganza: "The night will
consist of an hour's stage show bringing you two world class acts, and
M.C'd by Rooster Magic; then downstairs in the bar for half an hour's
close-up magic with the acts themselves: Vishente Baraja, In his home
country of Spain he can be seen entertaining the general public at his
various sell out shows. With various TV appearances this young performer
will take you on a journey that will blur the line between reality and
real magic. And, Alex Ward 'one of the country's most creative and
unique magical minds!'" March 19th at 8pm. Tickets £8, £5 concessions,
via
www.list.co.uk.
5.3.11
Merlins
of Wakefield are now exclusive UK stockists for the popular range of
latex products from
Magiclatex. There are several items including: Oranges, Lemons,
Bananas, a Vase & Flower, Tongues and more! See the website for details.
They are all handmade and of the best quality. A complete sell-out at
the recent Blackpool Magic Convention they are expecting a new batch
early next week, so place your orders now
www.merlinswakefield.com.
5.3.11
WD40
back in stock! A small stash of the best-selling WD40 has just been
uncovered. "WD40 contains 40 great tricks from Wayne's own professional
repertoire, and more than a quarter of them have never been published
before. The tricks are real crackers and not too difficult to perform.
The book also includes Wayne’s autobiography ‘Star Struck’, which charts
his career from the very beginning to the present day and includes many
anecdotes about his time performing in the working men’s clubs, on TV
and in Las Vegas." Available in both semi-hardback and a limited edition
hardback version. Please also note that the book is for adults only as
it contains strong language. Order via
www.waynedobson.co.uk.
5.3.11
'Savant'
plays the Preston Playhouse on Tuesday 19th April. "The show is a
unique blend of mathematics, magic and trickery which creates the
illusion of mind reading and strange human abilities. Audience members
will be amazed as the spin of a roulette wheel is predicted in advance,
thoughts are plucked from minds and photographic memory is
demonstrated." Adam Hudson 'Savant' Tuesday 19th April at 8pm (doors
open at 7.30pm) at Preston Playhouse, Market Street West, Preston PR1
2HB (Map).
Tickets £8. Box Office 01772 253731.
5.3.11
Magicseen
- Now available on a Pay-As-You-Go Subscription. Magicseen editor
Mark Leveridge writes: The latest issue of Magicseen (no.37, March 2011)
is out and has Ali Cook back to reprise his cover from issue 1 back in
March 2005. Ali is joined by American mentalist Angela Funovits and
creative young gun Liam Montier as our main interviews this time. Issue
37 also has a new columns on magic on the internet with George Luck's
Magic Seen Online, and also with Club Land, which shines a spotlight on
to some of the UK's magic societies. There's a Dealer's Booth Special in
which we introduce Magicseen's new Distributor Partner
Lybrary.com (surely
the first time that a magic magazine has been printed and distributed
simultaneously on both sides of the Atlantic), Mark Lee reveals his
obsession with Tenyo products, and Mark Rhodes chats to Jim Steinmeyer
about his new book on Houdini and Thurston. All this plus much more is
available as a regular 1 or 2 year printed copy subscription, or now,
starting with this issue, printed copies of Magicseen can be bought with
a Pay-As-You-Go Subscription. No fixed subscription term is required,
readers are simply debited a payment for each issue as it appears and
can stop the arrangement at any time. For more info please go to
www.magicseen.co.uk.
5.3.11
Taffy
Night - Cardiff
Magical Society. Russell Wells emails: "We are holding a memorial night
for Taffy "Ian James" The Clown who passed away on 26th October 2009.
Anyone who knew Taffy is welcome to join us at Cardiff Yacht club on
28th March from 8pm to 10.30pm to celebrate a great man loved by many
and a long standing member of The Cardiff Magical Society. For more
details please go to
www.cardiffmagic.org.uk."
5.3.11
Jacksons
Lane Theatre in Highgate was graced with stars, Paul Daniels and
Debbie McGee, TV and Film actress Nina Sosanya and Bill Oddie last night
at the London opening of Oddsocks' Hamlet the comedy. Paul Daniels was
very impressed. As he was leaving he enthused, 'If anyone wants a good
night out go and see this. It's fantastic' This riotous show featuring
vibrant rock and pop music, specially composed by Jamiroquai's Rob
Harris has had rave reviews on its national tour so far. Tonight is the
final night at the Highgate venue. Tickets are available by calling 020
8341 4421 or via
www.jacksonslane.org.uk.
5.3.11
SALC
Presents - Keep on Running, "An amazing variety show combining the
talents of many of the regular users of the Bonington Theatre
(Nottingham), amateurs and professionals from the world of entertainment
come together with dance, drama, music and magic with a show for all the
family. On Sunday 27th March at 2pm & 7.30pm, Tickets £6.00, £4.00
Concessions. The Bonington Theatre, Arnold Leisure Centre, High Street,
Arnold, Nottingham NG5 7EE (Map).
0115 9670114.
Save Arnold Leisure Centre.
5.3.11
Up,
Up and Away! That’s the message from The Order of The Magi
(Manchester) President - balloon expert - Alan “Snaggers” Russell as he
has a special item on offer at the society's annual dinner to be held on
Saturday 19th March. As part of the evening a voucher for a Virgin
Balloon Flight for two people is being auctioned. There is no reserve on
it; whatever the final bid is that’s what it goes for. At the time of
acquisition the face value of this was £310. Anyone making a bid must
have the means to settle either by cash or cheque on the night. The
after dinner cabaret features the skills of Bruce Thompson and His One
Man Band and the amazing illusions of Andrew Van Buren and Allyson.
Tickets are £30 for a four course meal with coffee and details are on
www.orderofthemagi.org.uk. The closing date for ticket applications
is 11th March 2011. Geoffrey Newton PRO.
5.3.11
Mel
marches on... Following a successful Panto appearance as "Idle Jack"
Mel Harvey has now been booked to appear in the touring theatre show
'Flanagan and Allen'. Mel will be playing one of The Crazy Gang (Jimmy
Nervo of Nervo and Knox) a part which allows for plenty of audience
participation both on and off the stage, so beware! The show follows the
story of how Bud Flanagan met Chesney Allen, and continues through the
war years to the Crazy Gang's run at The Victoria Palace Theatre in
London. Mel will be joined by his comedy partner Dave Short, another
Magic Circle member. Dates for the tour already include The Floral
Pavilion, New Brighton, The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, The Windmill
Theatre, Little Hampton and The Blackfriars Arts Centre, Boston, Lincs.
Mel looks forward to meeting friends old and new as the tour progresses.
www.melharvey.com.
5.3.11
The
Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year History. Michael Colley
emails: Having completed the first draft of the History I'm trying to
get in touch with as many of the competitors as possible. Does anyone
have contact addresses / phone numbers / emails for any of the following
competitors?
1961: David Longley, Davani (who at that time was in Edgware) and was
Runner-up.
1963: Billy Shingler (Birmingham), Aston Brits (Van der Veldt) - a South African who was at that time working in Hamleys.
1965: John Dare (and Pat) - Cheam (also 1967).
1967: Alan Fraser - Bletchley (also 1969), David Evans - Hornchurch, Colin Martin (also 1969), Raymond McLellan,
1969: Gareth Elwin - Bexleyheath, Richard Oliver Hall, Stevan, Peter
Hughes.
Hope you can help. Michael Colley
cmcolley@tiscali.co.uk.
5.3.11
Shirley Ray
Lecture - Darlington Care & Share Balloon Fun Day, Wednesday 9th March: "The
cost for the lecture/workshop is just £20 which must be the bargain of
the year for one of the world’s top twisters who will be doing four
one-hour hands-on lecture/workshop sessions, sponsored by Qualatex
Balloons." For more information and booking details visit
www.balloonchat.co.uk.
5.3.11
South
Downs Magician Close-up Competition results. "A record 10 performers
battled it out in the Close-up Competition of the South Downs Magicians
on Wednesday, March 2nd. Club members plus invited guests were presented
with a series of card tricks, rope routines and a variety of other
effects. The number of entrants delighted the club committee and ensured
a full evening of entertainment. The competition winner was Rob Sharp
(photo)" Paul Bromley MMC, Secretary,
www.southdownsmagicians.co.uk.
5.3.11
Carnival
of Freaks, Surrey. "Lock up your poodles, the freaks are coming to
Surrey, presenting a night of comedy and magic featuring Tennyson
Hanbury/Alen Sellers, Paul Andrews, Matt-G, Pete Beckley, James Pritchard, Matt
Miles, Casper and a host of great comedians, and it's free." Saturday,
19th March at 8pm. Venue: The Wellington, 60 High Street,
Walton-on-Thames, Surrey KT12 1BY (Map).
5.3.11
Congratulations
to Brian Colling (photo) and Brian Hodge, winners of the Close-up
and Stage Magic competitions respectively at the Fellowship of Christian
Magicians UK conference over the half term period. David O'Connor won
the Peter McCahon Comedy award - a prize awarded in remembrance of the
Fellowship's much loved past president. The five day conference featured
a packed schedule of lectures, workshops, competitions, shows and
socialising. Next year celebrates the 25th annual conference and it
promises to be the biggest yet. More details here:
www.fcmuk.org. Matt
Pritchard.
5.3.11
Indoor Magic Car Boot Sale - Wigan. Offering a range of dealers with a mixture of quality used, new and collectible items. 11.30am - 4pm on Sunday, March 13th at Orwell Pub, Wigan Pier, Wallgate, Wigan, Lancashire, WN3 4EU (Map). Admission £3 (free parking, refreshments and lunch available), Telephone: 07785 712 714 for further details. 5.3.11
Showreel/DVD production recommendation. Harvey Seager, Ringmaster, Blackpool Tower Circus emails: "I have just seen quite a lot of Russ Stevens' filming work [rsvpmagic.com] and believe me nobody does it better. It's first class, so if anyone out there needs quality he's the one to film your next DVD without a doubt." 5.3.11
IBM Southport Convention Hotel recommendation. Paul Storey emails: "Friends of mine own a lovely hotel called The Leicester. It's only a 5-10 minute stroll from the IBM Southport Convention centre www.leicesterhotel.net and has been awarded 4 stars from Visit England. I know many magicians have stayed in the past and they would be made very welcome by the owners." 5.3.11
Reg Moores, who died on February 13th aged 88 is remembered in The Telegraph Click Here. 5.3.11
"Paul
Daniels - I'll conjure up spirit of the Great Lafayette"
Click Here • "Top award at convention for master magician Roy
Johnson"
Click Here • "Jim Steinmeyer's 'The Last Greatest Magician in the
World'"
Click Here, available from Amazon.co.uk
Click Here
• "The man who fooled Houdini profiled on Ottawa stage"
Click Here • Al Smith reviews 'Paul Hallas On Magic And Mentalism'
this week,
Click Here • Paul Daniels 'Hair today Gone Tomorrow' tickets
Click Here • Barry & Stuart Live dates
Click Here
• "Pifftacular 2: Get Rich or Die Trying"
Click Here • The first new full-length ballet created by The Royal
Ballet for over 20 years, "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" opened at
the
Royal Opera House on Monday. Paul Kieve was the Magic Consultant:
www.balletnews.co.uk,
www.nytimes.com • More magicians in moustaches
www.magiciansinmoustaches.com • "Magician let off hook after arrest
for using bogus note to pay hotel while drunk"
Click Here • Busy week. Many thanks for all your news items, see you
next week, Duncan.
5.3.11