Number 562 - 2nd April 2011
John
van der Put is The Magic Circle Close-up Magician of the Year 2011.
John gave a perfect performance on Monday evening in front of a packed
house at the home of magic in the heart of London. Eight finalists (from
an initial 16 entries) competed and were judged by three lay judges and
three magic judges, Alan Shaxon, Rajan and Geoffrey Durham. John's
close-up magic is innovative, engaging and fun; free of the tired 'magic
patter' that holds back so many. He's not afraid to take risks and
'play' with both his helpers and audience, never forgetting to perform
super-strong magic in the process. I've seen a lot of winners (and
losers!) over the years; John's close-up work ranks with the very best.
In second place Marc Spelmann's eerie routine with some treasured items
from his distant past was excellent, also winning him The Magic Circle's
Originality Prize, and James Freedman's superb handling of the classic
Ring and Rope routine, with many original touches, meant he had no
trouble in securing third place. Also competing were Tim Sutton, Jon
Allen, Joe Stone, Chris Wood and Andrew Murray. Michael Vincent chaired
the panel of judges (DT).
www.vanderput.com.
2.4.11
Steve
Allen’s Magic Circle Mysteries. LBC 97.3FM early breakfast show
presenter Steve Allen has announced he is hosting a fund-raiser at The
Magic Circle in London on Saturday 25th June. Steve says "I’ve been
talking about The Magic Circle on my show for more than two decades and
I thought it was about time that my listeners got a chance to see some
fantastic magic, visit our wonderful museum and help raise much needed
funds for The Magic Circle’s charity." Steve’s Allen’s Magic Circle
Mysteries includes a stage show featuring the man who fooled Penn
and Teller, John Archer, the always amazing Graham P Jolley, former
Stage Magician of the Year Duncan Trillo, former Young Magician of the
Year Ben Hart, the sensational Paul Zerdin and more to be confirmed!
Close-up entertainment will be provided by Fay Presto, Chris Wood, Will
Houstoun, Robert Pound, Richard McDougall and many more. "Please come
along, have a glass of sherry and you’ll even get to meet Sooty!" states
Steve. Times: 2.15pm and 6.30pm, Saturday 25th June, all seats £32 (+
booking fee) via
www.seetickets.com.
2.4.11
Rafael
joins British Ring Convention lineup. "The IBM British Ring is proud
to announce that Rafael from Belgium is the latest of magical stars
lined up for their Southport Convention in September (22nd - 25th). He
is truly a many-sided artist. Rafael is a former winner of the Siegfried
and Roy Golden Lion Award, and also holder of the Magic Award for the
best magician in Belgium. It is now 6 years since Rafael appeared at a
British Ring Convention so there’s certainly something to look forward
to at this year’s gathering as he brings to our shores his quick change
act and a new comedy and illusion act. Other top names are yet to be
announced so keep in touch with the British Ring on
www.magicconvention.co.uk" Geoffrey Newton PRO.
2.4.11
Michael
Vincent is lecturing for International Magic in London on Tuesday 5th
April. In this new lecture ‘The Craft of Magic’, Michael has
attempted to transform the traditional magic lecture into an interactive
conversation, which entertains, educates and inspires. The lecture
starts at 7.30pm and is being held at International's usual venue: 2nd
floor at 'Casa Italiana', 136 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1R 5DL (Map)
Entrance is £15.00. All those who wish to attend should contact Martin
MacMillan in advance on 020 7405 7324 or email
martin@internationalmagic.com.
2.4.11
Shenanigans,
The Irish Magic Convention, update. Shenanigans' organisers are
delighted to announce that Keith Barry has been added to their lineup:
"Keith is Ireland’s premier magician and mentalist. Originally from
Waterford upon settling in Dublin he quickly became a magician of note
on the nightclub circuit. This work soon led to TV series both at home
and abroad. His live shows are constantly a sell out. His new show 8
Deadly Sins will debut later this summer in Dublin’s Olympia theatre
and he is just back in Ireland from a long stint of filming for his
Discovery Channel TV programme. Keith will present and answer questions
on Session 4 on Saturday and will be popping in and out of the
convention all weekend, work permitting. Shenanigans, 29th April - 1st
May, in Dublin. Full registration just €110 (includes Saturday dinner
and Sunday lunch). In addition to Keith, Shenanigans stars David
Williamson, Jay Scott Berry, Peter Samelson, Paul Gordon, Jeremy Le
Poidevin and a host of local talent." For more info and to book visit
www.irishmagicconvention.com. More news just in from the organisers:
"Just got word from Paul Wilson that he is coming over as well. We're
really thrilled - he will be appearing on all three days of the
convention!"
2.4.11
A
Magical Variety Show - Nottingham. The Nottingham Guild of Magicians
is proud to present its third show at the Nottingham Arts Theatre on
Sunday 8th May at 7.00 pm. This show features Krystalitii, Andrew Van
Buren, Guy Barrett, Mark Raffles and topping the bill Mick Miller.
Tickets are only £13.50 each from Andrew Morrison on 07966 494095 or
Dawn May on 01159 292126. Venue: The Nottingham Arts Theatre, George
Street, Nottingham NG1 3BE (Map)
www.nottinghamguildofmagicians.co.uk.
2.4.11
Magicians, 9pm on Saturday 2nd April, on ITV2. Comedy from the makers of the sitcom Peep Show. After a guillotine-based trick goes wrong, two magic partners become mortal enemies. However, they attempt to patch up their differences when they try to win the biggest prize in magic, the Magic Shield! Director: Andrew O'Connor. Starring: Robert Webb and David Mitchell. See TV Magic. 2.4.11
"Britain
Does Variety" is a nationwide hunt to find the best variety acts
Britain has to offer. Do you have the talent to perform at the O2? A
nationwide hunt has begun to find Britain’s most entertaining variety
acts and auditions are taking place around the nation during April. Acts
include comedians, magicians, singers, dancers, novelty acts,
impressionists, musicians, glee clubs and anyone else that can impress
top industry and celebrity judges as well entertaining a live theatre
audience. Britain Does Variety is all about finding undiscovered real
talent, across the entire nation. Visit
www.britain-does-variety.co.uk for details.
2.4.11
Terry
Herbert at The Fighting Cocks Restaurant. "For a night of fun, magic
and music come along to The Fighting Cocks Restaurant, The Street,
Horton Kirby, Kent DA4 9BY (Map)
on Saturday 7th May where Terry will be performing magic right under
your nose during a sumptuous 3 course dinner, followed by his award
winning stand up spot. Also featured Maggie Hart, Kent's favourite
vocalist and cabaret artiste. For table reservations contact
www.fightingcockshortonkirby.co.uk."
2.4.11
Cedric’s
Tried and Tested Routines for Kids’ Shows – Ian Adair. Prolific
author Ian Adair has compiled and brought to life many of the routines
of the late Cedric Richardson. Cedric and Ian corresponded over many
years and this book is the result of that association. When you get two
inventive and imaginative magicians sparking ideas off each other you
are going to get some terrific material and that’s exactly what you'll
see in this new book, crammed with detailed routines for the children’s
entertainer. In all, there are about 30 complete routines and 136
illustrations over 196 pages. The books are signed by Ian Adair. Tricks
are one thing, but with these routines, you get patter and precise
working details making this an absolute goldmine for children’s
entertainers. The book is available exclusively from Practical Magic.
Visit
www.practical-magic.com ('Latest Products').
2.4.11
Merlins
of Wakefield. "Merlins of Wakefield have received their latest batch
of
Colour Changing Sponge Balls, by Bizzaro and they are selling fast.
The new product from Bizzaro is called
Non Toxic which is a great gag item - only available in the UK from
Merlins of Wakefield!"
www.merlinswakefield.com.
2.4.11
By
Hook or By Crook. "This year is the 30th Prisoner convention in
Portmeirion, PortmeiriCon 2011 and Jez Starr (The Dreaded Mentalist) is
performing his very own Prisoner themed show 'By Hook or By Crook'.
Inspired by the ideas and concepts behind the 1960's show, Jez will be
performing experiments and demonstrations on intuition and human
behaviour. The audience will also have their identities taken from them,
being replaced with a numbered badge. But Jez promises a fun, exciting
and unique night, with memory feats, lie detection, mind-reading,
escapes and more!" Friday 8th April at 8.45pm at Hercules Hall, The
Village, Portmeirion, Wales
www.dreadedmentalist.com,
www.sixofone.org.uk.
2.4.11
Zenith
Rising Sharpie Marker by Steve Fearson. In stock at
WarpedMagic.co.uk: "Another new, cool trick direct from Steve Fearson is
the Zenith Rising Sharpie Marker. Amaze people as the Sharpie Marker
laid on your palm slowly rises until it is standing on its end, defying
gravity, before it slowly descends back into your palm. With the Zenith
Sharpie you can perform the most practical levitation/suspense effects
anytime, anywhere. It can be used as a normal marker pen, the gimmick is
virtually invisible, using no threads, wires or magnets, and with
nothing to reset or replace its simplicity is an instant miracle in your
pocket. The Zenith Rising Sharpie can be used in conjunction with the
G-Sharp (featured last week) for an extra mind boggling effect. See the
Zenith and G-Sharp, and watch the videos at
www.warpedmagic.co.uk."
2.4.11
Ghost
The Musical. "As we're magicians you'll be wondering about the
special effects, all devised by Paul Kieve. In a word, superb. Many of
them received audible gasps from the audience, especially when Sam,
played by Richard Fleeshman, walks through the door..." Ghost The
Musical. World Premiere, Manchester Opera House, Monday 28th March,
is reviewed by Quentin Reynolds this week,
Click Here.
2.4.11
Who
is Mark James? "He is a professional cabaret and close up magician
working on cruises and in corporate functions. He will be lecturing at
The Order of The Magi (Manchester) on Tuesday 12th April. The lecture
will be split into two sections. The first will be cabaret effects and
the second a session on close up. He has offered a mystery question and
answer facility. This means during the interval you will be able to
write questions down anonymously. He will answer these quite honestly at
the end. Here’s your chance to ask something without anyone knowing it
was you! Have you a question on fees or contracts or just general magic.
Don’t miss this opportunity. It clearly looks like has a wealth of
knowledge to impart. It all starts at 8.00pm, door charge for non
members." Geoffrey Newton PRO.
2.4.11
Brand
new escape illusion! Michael Diamond emails: "Brand new escape!
Dixie Dooley, famous Las Vegas magician and escape artist has a brand
new thrilling escape - 'The Impailer'. This escape can be performed
anywhere: stage, cabaret or on the streets and surrounded! To see a clip
of Dixie performing the escape, go to
www.houdiniexperience.com. This escape fold down into 3 pieces and
can easily be carried anywhere. It is available exclusively in the UK
from Michael Diamond. Tel: 07836 385069 E-mail:
diamond_jade_illusion@hotmail.com."
2.4.11
Jimmy
Carlo lectures at the Northamptonshire Magicians Club on Tuesday 5th
April at 8pm. Venue: The Yeoman of England, High Street, Wootton,
Northants NN4 6LP (Map).
Non-members welcome, £8 door charge. Telephone 01604 517406 for more
info.
2.4.11
NMC
in Scarborough today! A team from the Northern Magic Circle will be
in Scarborough today (Saturday, 2nd April) to promote the forthcoming
Northern Convention. There will be street magic from a number of members
as well as the current Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year, Michael
Jordan (photo). This year's convention will feature performers from
America, Australia and Europe and promises to build on previous NMC
Conventions. To register visit
www.northernmagic.co.uk or contact the registration officer Allan
Clarke on 01772 685073.
2.4.11
Banstead Care & Share 'Basic' Balloon Fun Day.
The next Care & Share Balloon Fun Day will be held in Banstead between 10am
and 5pm on Wednesday 13th April and will have three basic
lecture/workshops during the day. "After many people asking for just a
basic balloon modelling day we have decided to run the day with three, 1
hour sessions starting off with the basics with many tips and tricks of
the trade thrown in, continuing with some basic sculptures to use during
a magic show, in fact everything you could possibly want to know to make
this an excellent add-on to any event." For more details and to book
Click Here.
2.4.11
Bill Abbott UK Lecture Tour.
Visit the What's On page for
Bill Abbott's final lecture tour dates in Cardiff, London, Gillingham, Leamington Spa
and Dublin.
2.4.11
D'oh!
With their 22nd season now on the air, The Simpsons has turned to
magic as a plot device for an episode titled “The Great Simpsina.” Alan
Howard looks back at magicians on The Simpsons in the April
edition of Magic magazine.
Click Here for details, to buy a single issue, or to subscribe.
2.4.11
Spinal surgery for David Ginn. Ian Adair writes: "Top American children's entertainer David Ginn has been in agonizing pain over the past eight weeks. He had to cancel his trip to the UK and Blackpool Convention, where he was to lecture and display his products, because of severe pains in one leg. He has postponed his Italian tour until September and will be in surgery on April 1st. 'I'm not joking - it's no April Fool!' quipped David, who has presented some thirty six school shows whilst seated on a pillow-top stool. 'The kids still loved me, and I got paid. Harry the rabbit remained employed, which made him happy too!' David will be having Laminectomy Back Surgery for Spinal Stenosis and will have to cancel all shows for the time being, having to rest for several weeks after the operation. UK and overseas friends and admirers of David may like to wish him well and pray for his recovery. He can be contacted at his email address: ginnmagic@comcast.net." 2.4.11
Andy
Nyman stars in Campus, starting Tuesday on Chanel 4
(contains strong language)
Click Here and
Click Here • Sijuan's Art of Changing Faces on 'Diamond Club'
Click Here • TNT is back in stock!
www.waynedobson.co.uk • Mark Leveridge Magic New Releases 2011 -
Reviewed by Jay Fortune,
Click Here • Tony Middleton reviews 'Mind Messer Kockov at The Glee
Club, Cardiff'
Click
Here • "It’s all in my mind – Brown stays silent on his new show"
Click Here • "Plans registered for Davenport’s Magic Kingdom in
North Walsham"
Click Here • "Magic way to raise cash!"
Click Here • "Marvin made magic for Mubarak and Jacko"
Click Here • That's about it for this week, your UK magic news is
always welcomed, see you next week, Duncan.
2.4.11