Number 567 - 7th May 2011
An
Audience with David Berglas. The Magic Circle is delighted to
announce An Audience with David Berglas. International Man of
Mystery David Berglas, Past President of The Magic Circle & MIMC
Professional, will share some of the secrets behind his extraordinary
life in magic and show business. This is a very special opportunity for
you to ask David about his unique presentations, experiences and
philosophy, developed over a career spanning 60 years. 7.30pm on Monday
27 June 2011. Strictly members only.
Every so often we are asked if it is worth being a member of The Magic Circle. Of course it is! Meetings are held every Monday evening in the club's London HQ which features a museum, library, bar, club room and theatre. Members enjoy lectures, talks, shows and a variety of other events throughout the year. Visit www.themagiccircle.co.uk/join-us to watch an introductory video and to find out about the entry requirements. Student, overseas, and 'out of town' members benefit from a discounted membership fee, and also enjoy The Circular, every month, The Magic Circle's beautifully produced in-house magazine, that not only covers Magic Circle news, but also features interviews, magic, one-off in-depth articles, 'Circular Mentalism' with Ian Rowland, Magic History with Edwin A Dawes, reports, show and lecture reviews, product reviews and more! Click Here for membership details. DT. 7.5.11
Paul
Daniels & Guests: A Salute to the Great Lafayette. Saturday 7th May
at 7.30pm at the Festival Theatre, Edinburgh. For one night only,
entertainer Paul Daniels brings his legendary skills to pay tribute to
The Great Lafayette. Starting with the story of The Great Lafayette, new
magic will be interwoven with the old in order to salute the memory of
one of the greatest magicians of all time. Paul’s expertise in all forms
of the magic arts, from comedy to dramatic illusions, promises an
unmissable evening of entertainment. Paul will be joined by the lovely
Debbie McGee and Scott Penrose & company. Tickets £15.00 – £27.50
www.greatlafayette.co.uk/the-main-attraction. Plus daytime events
Click Here. "Paul Daniels heads to Edinburgh to pay tribute to
illusionist The Great Lafayette"
Click Here. "Interview: Paul Daniels, magician"
Click Here.
7.5.11
Edinburgh
International Magic Festival unveils its 2011 Programme. It’s time
to unbelieve it! Magic changes your view of reality and leaves you
believing anything is possible. This year’s Edinburgh International
Magic Festival programme opens the door to a world of visually
astounding and cutting-edge illusionists, mind readers and
magicians from the Netherlands, France, America, New Zealand and the UK.
They will enchant, inspire and astonish audiences from 1st to 8th July.
Early Bird Special Offer: save up to 20% discount if you book tickets
before 24th June.
Click Here to see the programme or visit
www.magicfest.co.uk
for more information and to book.
7.5.11
Friends
of The Magic Circle. 'Friends of The Magic Circle' has just
launched, offering magic enthusiasts the opportunity to share in the
excitement of Magic Circle public events at preferential rates, and to never
miss out on news of upcoming special events. The Magic Circle houses a
fantastic collection of magical artefacts that once belonged to the
world’s greatest magicians from Chung Ling Soo to Ali Bongo and from
Houdini to Tommy Cooper. They also have a huge collection of magical
posters and an amazing library containing over 6,000 books on
magic. The Magic Circle is pledged to keep these priceless reminders of
a glorious bygone age in perpetuity for the pleasure of magicians to
come, and to advance the art of magic for generations to come. Your
support, by joining the Friends of The Magical Circle, will enable them
to fulfil that pledge and, in return, they will offer you many evenings
of superb magical entertainment. Friends of The Magic Circle membership
costs £30 per year. For benefits and joining details visit:
www.themagiccircle.co.uk/friends-of-the-magic-circle.
7.5.11
Register
Now for EMC 2011. That centre front-row seat beckons... registration
is now open for the Essential Magic Conference 2011. The Essential Magic Conference
runs from 7th - 9th of July. The first Essential Magic Conference
in 2010 marked a turning point in the history of magic conventions,
surpassing all expectations. In fact it achieved an ‘Epic’ rating from registrants
in the follow-up online poll. And sensational reviews the world over. This July
the organisers
promise to do it all over again. 3 days of incredible online lectures
from 33 of the world’s finest magicians.
Registration costs $90/ €70 and includes full access to the live 3 days of
conference presentations. One year’s access to an online archive, plus a set of DVDs featuring all the conference
content, and bonus materials, mailed directly to you following the event.
Speakers for EMC 2011 will be announced shortly. The organisers have some very
big surprises in store. Register now,
Click Here.
7.5.11
Philip
Escoffey hosts Impossible? the
new magic-themed gameshow from Channel
5. In the first of the series, forty-year-old firefighter Paul teams
up with colleague John to play for a big-money prize. Philip will set
increasingly spectacular challenges; to win the £40,000 prize the duo
must decide if they are possible or Impossible? See
TV Magic.
7.5.11
David
Berglas' Foundation for Promoting the Art of Magic (FP-AM) have
given their support to Magic Moments. David said, "Magic Moments is
exactly the kind of charitable initiative that the Foundation are happy
to support and we look forward to using our influence and contacts to
help put Magic Moments on a worldwide platform." Organisers Jay Fortune
and Richard Leigh say they are very excited about the Foundations'
commitment to raising the profile of Magic Moments day. With such
knowledgeable and high profile magicians behind this unique charitable
and magical venture they hope to make this year's event the best ever.
Magic Moments day 2011 is Saturday 1st October and full details of how
you can take part can be found
here,
exclusively on MagicWeek.
7.5.11
The
Magic Circle’s Season of Summer Sorcery - London.
Throughout June and July The Magic Circle are staging a series of evenings of
fine magic for both magicians and the public to enjoy. Seats are £25, or
£20 for Magic Circle Members and
Friends of The Magic Circle. Bookings/enquiries: Box Office 0207 387 2222.
See What's On for details.
7.5.11
51st
Bristol Day of Magic - tomorrow! 8th May, at the Winter Gardens and
Playhouse Theatre, Weston Super Mare. Starring David Williamson, Jay
Scott Berry, Mel Mellers, Ed Hilsum, Jason Steele and Joanne, Rafael
Benetar, El Loco, Tom Saeys and Noel Britten. Special one man show with
Mel Mellers; Close-up shows from David Williamson, Jay Scott Berry and
Rafael Benetar; Lectures by David Williamson and Tom Saeys; Dealers
Exhibition with over 25 leading magical suppliers; Spellbound Gala show
at the Playhouse Theatre; Winter Gardens café and bar open all day for
refreshments and evening meals.
www.bristolmagic.co.uk.
7.5.11
Richard
Bellars Déjà vu. Richard Bellars is taking his mind-blowing act to
the stage. Richard, who tricked Jonathan Ross in the Penn and Teller ITV
magic special Fool Us, will be performing at the Royal Victoria Hall
Theatre, Tunbridge Wells on May 26th (Tickets £15.00, doors open at
7.30pm) before planning a round-Britain tour. The two hour magic
spectacular – Déjà vu – will feature a variety of new tricks written by
Richard and stage managed by Captiv8 Productions. Details of the show
can be seen on
www.richardbellars.com - and tickets can be booked by phoning 01892
511511. “I’m really proud of this stage show – it has some awesome new
tricks which will even astound the magic community,” said Richard, 30.
7.5.11
Midweek
Magic at the Corinthian Club, Glasgow. A new show is about to begin
at The Corinthian Club in Glasgow. Douglas Cameron and Liam McLaughlin
(photo) are joining forces [pun intended] to present Midweek Magic,
a close-up show limited to a maximum of just 50 people. The first night
is on Wednesday 11th May, and then every fortnight until 22nd June.
There will be two shows a night; at 7.30pm and 9.30pm. Douglas has been
performing his unique brand of magic throughout Scotland for over 20
years and has one of the longest running residencies in the UK. He
recently returned from performing at The Magic Castle. Liam is an up and
coming talent who has made a big impact in a short space of time.
Focusing on mentalism, he brings a fresh approach to the art and is
sure to get inside your head. Tickets are £10 from
www.ticketsoup.com.
7.5.11
West Coast
Dealers Day - tomorrow. 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.
7.5.11
Peter
Antoniou dates, Sheffield and Brighton. Club 197 Presents mindreader
Peter Antoniou. "Peter has been wowing audiences across the UK with his
unique brand of mind reading including clients such as Kerrang! and
Southern Comfort. With his return to Club 197 Peter will be giving
attendees a sneak preview extract of his new show, which promises to be
his most ambitious mind reading project yet!" Plus guests. Thursday 26th
May at 7.30pm at The Great Gatsby, 73-75 Division Street, Sheffield S1
4GE (Map).
More info:
Click Here.
Peter Antoniou: Comedium (Edinburgh Preview) "Award-winning Comedy Mind Reader Peter Antoniou comes to Brighton to guide you through his psychic world of weirdness. In this preview of his brand new show Peter will read minds and show you how talents like his might even be being used against you! A blend of documentary and jaw-dropping mind-reading demonstrations all wrapped up with trademark humour, this show will leave you asking, Is Your Mind Safe?" Sunday 19th June, 9.30pm, Tickets only £5, available from www.wegottickets.com/event/116789. Venue: The Caroline of Brunswick Pub, 39 Ditchling Road, Brighton BN1 4SB (Map). 7.5.11
The
No Cards Close Up Lecture. Don Simpson is now taking bookings for
his No Cards Close Up Lecture. "Don has been a professional
magician for over 30 years. During that time he was a top children’s
entertainer, an extremely busy close-up worker and cabaret artiste, very
much in demand at private functions, trade fairs, weddings and on
cruises. Don has spent many years lecturing to Magical Societies around
the country including The Magic Circle, Peterborough, Bexley Heath,
Leicester, Frinton, Medway, Zodiac, Bexleyheath, Dartford, Potters Bar,
Sussex, Stratford upon Avon and Malta to name a few. This new lecture is
a full evening of pure knowledge and entertainment, proving that you
don’t have to have a pack of cards to perform. This lecture is already
in great demand but there are some dates left for August, September and
November 2011 and bookings are already coming in for 2012." Visit the
Lecturers page for more
information and to make contact.
7.5.11
Chris
Cox - London,
Thursday 12th May. "The UK’s most exciting mind-reader
who can’t read minds Chris Cox is renowned for his incredible ability to
predict the unpredictable. After 4 years of award winning sell out runs
at the Edinburgh Fringe, performances at the New Zealand International
Comedy Festival & UK tours Chris will do his final London show of Mind
Over Patter at the Udderbelly in the Southbank Centre on the 12th May
where he will once again make the impossible possible in this 5 star
show that’ll astound and astonish with a mongrel hybrid mix of mind
reading related nonsense. 'One of the most exciting entertainers in
Britain. Sure to be playing bigger stages here and abroad soon….The
hottest ticket in town' The Guardian. Tickets (£15.50) are
available from
The Southbank Centre or via
www.magiccox.com.
Udderbelly at the Southbank Centre, London, 12th May at 9pm.
7.5.11
Congratulations
to Jayne Corrigan, winner of the Bristol Society of Magic's
Stage Competition and 'Parker Cup for Comedy' at
The Bristol
Society of Magic's recent Club Competition. Jayne says "It was such
a fun night and I am really delighted to have won both these awards",
she continues "I actually lost my voice the day before the competition
(which probably made everyone else delighted too!), so I nearly pulled
out, but as they say 'the show must go on!' There was a packed audience
of both lay people and magicians, with both lay and magic judges and I
had lots of great feedback on the night. I was even told that not only
did my routine catch the lay people, but it also caught many of the
magicians as well, which is always great to hear!" Take a look at
Jayne's recently updated website at
www.magicbyjayne.co.uk.
7.5.11
WD40
now available as a PDF. Wayne Dobson's best-selling WD40 is now
available in PDF format. "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." Order via
www.waynedobson.co.uk.
7.5.11
David
Tomkins has joined the line up for the IBM British Ring Convention
in September both as a performer on the children’s show and as a
lecturer on magic for youngsters. His name will be familiar to many of
you especially those who read The Magic Circular with his regular
contributions entitled 'Cheeky Dog Chicanery'. He has been an
entertainer since leaving school at 16 although his first public
appearance was at aged 8 as a ventriloquist at Butlin’s in front of an
audience of 2,000. He has been a member of the British Ring for many
years, received his MIMC about 10 years ago and now sits on The Magic
Circle board of examiners. David is a very creative performer who, over
the years has invented and made many of his own original tricks and
routines. The lecture therefore should be of great interest to those
conventioneers specialising in this side of the magic business. The
convention runs from 22nd – 25th September and details are on
www.magicconvention.co.uk Geoffrey Newton PRO.
7.5.11
Tommy Templeton Lecture - Scottish Conjurers Association.
On Wednesday 11th May the Scottish Conjurers Association are hosting yet
another lecture, their fourth lecture in 2 months. Tommy Templeton one
of Scotland's finest magical entertainers, will be presenting his brand
new lecture which promises to have something for everyone. Scottish Mask
and Puppet Centre, 8-10 Balcarres Avenue, Kelvindale, Glasgow G12 0QF (Map).
Time 7.30pm. Visiting magicians from other societies welcome, free
admission for everyone!
7.5.11
Dave
Allen presents his 'Bish Bash Bosh' lecture at the Magic Circle on
Monday the 16th May. This new lecture includes performances (and
explanations) of many of his favourite children's, family, cabaret, and
close-up magic routines. It also features puppet and vent routines,
along with information on what equipment he uses and why. Note: Magic
Circle members only.
7.5.11
Merlins
of Wakefield will be hosting a lecture by Danny Hunt and Annette
Claire (Amethyst) on Wednesday 13th July at 7pm in their studio above
the shop. This will consist of lock picking and lock opening techniques,
escapes and handcuff methods together with a brief history of Houdini’s
escapology career. There will be a chance to try your hand at lock
picking and escapes and much more.... together with the option to buy
afterwards. Amethyst regularly perform their lecture ‘In the footsteps
of Houdini’ and will take excerpts from this, together with their ever
popular lock picking workshop. This is a hands-on, visual lecture/dealer
dem, with a rare opportunity to learn a new skill. You must book in
advance as places are limited, and there will be no 'on the door'
admission on the night. For more details
Click Here.
www.merlinswakefield.com 7.5.11
The
Northern Magic Circle's Northern Sessions: Part 2 will
take place on Sunday 8th May at the Headway Hotel, Marine Road, East
Promenade, Morecambe LA4 5AW (Map)
The session will include a dealer stand, a talk by Ray Roberts on
Horrace Goldin and world renowned close-up performer Shaun McCree (photo)
will present a lecture and workshop. The event is free for all members
of the Northern Magic Circle or £5.00 on the door for non-members. Visit
www.northernmagiccircle.org.uk for up to date information.
7.5.11
The
Carny Cabaret Show. "An Alternative Variety Show starring Sexy,
Funny & Downright Weird Performers! As Seen in Timeout Magazine’s
Critics Choice for Cabaret. 11th May at Madame JoJo's, 8-10 Brewer
Street, Soho, London. Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 7.30pm. Expect a
Show of Burlesquers Strip-teasing, Magicians Magic-ing, Swords
Swallowing, Glasses Crunching, Strait-Jacket Escaping, Body Contorting,
Fire Body-Burning, Balloon Sculpting, Puppet Controlling, Joke Telling,
Musical Singing, Weird Instrument Playing, Flame Eating, Card Ninja
Throwing, Corset Exploding Performers and More! Hosted & Compered by Mr.
Chris Cross. Visit
www.carnycabaret.com for more info.
7.5.11
Hampshire
based Magician, Steven Brown has become the youngest ever winner of
Portsmouth & District Magic Circle's Close Up Competition. The 16 year
old performed a dazzling card routine to win The Will Ayling Cup, an
award named after one of the founding members of PDMC. The runners-up
were Glen Stone and Peter Pennekett.
www.portsmouthmagic.co.uk.
7.5.11
Star
Wars: The Complete Saga (Episodes I-VI) is being released on Blu-ray
on September 12th in a nine-disc collection featuring hours of
additional behind the scenes footage, restored out-takes and new
documentaries. I know I'm wandering off topic here but I can't help it,
this is Star Wars! To pre-order via Amazon.co.uk (and to take advantage
of Amazon's Pre-order Price Guarantee with free delivery)
Click Here. MagicWeek receives a commission on all Amazon.co.uk
sales generated via a click-through from the MagicWeek website. DT.
7.5.11
Matthew Johnson lectures at the House of Magic UK on Wednesday 18th May, at 7pm. Matthew has performed all over the world with his magic and is now an established actor, author, lecturer and inventor of magic. "When you see magic performances by Matthew Johnson you will see a true master of his craft in action!" The cost is £10 per person. Venue: House of Magic UK, 80 Brook Street, Stourbridge, West Midlands DY8 3XB (Map). Contact stuhouseofmagic@yahoo.co.uk or 01384 373209 for more information. 7.5.11
Simon Si, An Evening of Magic & Comedy "Ladies and Gentleman, Simon Si would like to welcome you to come, watch, enjoy and clap like crazy during his new show. The night of magic, mixed with a dotty sense of humour will be held on the 17th June at the Arnos Manor Hotel, 470 Bath Road, Arnos Vale, Bristol BS4 3HQ (Map). The doors will open at 7.45pm and the feast of entertainment will commence at 8pm, the show will finish at approximately 9.30pm. You can buy tickets on the door, or online at www.wegottickets.com/event/117896 or call 07724 554236. The tickets will cost you only £7. So what are you waiting for? Get your friends and family together and go to watch an incredible show with sleight of hand mixed with good sense humour! You will love it! You will clap like crazy!" 7.5.11
Cliff Lount. Cliff Lount's funeral will take place on Friday 13th May at 10.50am at Nab Wood Crematorium, Bingley Road, Shipley BD18 4BG . Family flowers only; but there will be a collection taken with all proceeds going to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Cliff Lount is remembered by Ian Adair, Click Here. 7.5.11
Geoff
Sutton. It is with much regret to inform you that Geoff Sutton
(GeeJay) passed away on 23rd of April. Geoff was a talented magician and
juggler but it is as a children's entertainer he will be most fondly
remembered. Geoff was a long time member of the Mystic Ring magic club
and in recent years became chairman. As an active member he was always
willing to offer advice to other magicians and share from his great
wealth of experience. Geoff is much loved and will be terribly missed by
everyone who knew him. The funeral takes place on the 16th of May at
Luton Crematorium at 11.15am. Steve Milroy, Secretary, The Mystic Ring.
www.mysticring.co.uk.
7.5.11
"Houdini
exhibit lifts cover on a life of artistry and renown"
Click Here • "Ex-council worker George is now a magician"
Click Here • Jay Scott Berry is
lecturing in the UK - see
What's On • Roger Woods reviews the Marc Oberon and Luke Jermay
lectures given at the NMC convention this week,
Click Here and
Click Here • "Blowing raspberries at mystics"
Click Here • "The Strip Diary, Day Thirty One: Enough Has Been
Written On the Awfulness of Criss Angel, So Here's a Video" [contains
profanity]
Click Here • "Paul Zerdin - the man behind the puppets"
Click Here • "Astonishing Lior Suchard a mentalist not to miss at
the Palms"
Click Here • Thanks for all your news - have a great week, Duncan.
7.5.11