Number 570 - 28th May 2011
British
Ring Convention line-up almost complete... The line-up of
performers, dealers, guests and lecturers for this year's convention
being held at the Southport Theatre and Convention Centre (pictured) is
truly international. First from the USA come Michael Finney, IBM
International Stage Contest Champion Jason Andrews, and Joe M. Turner.
From Canada there is FISM Grand Prix Close Up Winner 2009 Shawn Farquhar
and also Wes Zaharuk. Closer to home there’s the very talented Rafael
from Belgium, Jordan Gomez from France, Vittorio Marino form Italy,
broadcaster, lecturer and author Tony Brook from Portugal, RTE TV
personality Aonghus McAnnaly from Ireland, and the Gentleman Juggler
Jeton from Germany. Vanni Pulé from Malta - who will by then have been
installed as the International President of the IBM will also be joining
us at our 75th convention. From our own shores the line up continues
with, on the children’s show, family favourite Richard Cadell and Sooty,
and also at this event Safire presenting illusions and their magic light
puppet act. Another children’s favourite here is David Tomkins (who will
also be lecturing on this subject). Paul Joyce appears on this show as
well. The ‘burlesque’ magic of Romany has recently been added to the
list of top names appearing at this convention. Well known illusionists
Amethyst and Guy Barrett and funny men Mel Mellers and Mark James also
bring their own style to this terrific line up for Southport. As you
will have noted there are a number of our members appearing for the
British Ring not to mention those who work so hard behind the scenes to
bring the whole thing together. Nearly all of the committee are also in
The Magic Circle including of course the top man himself Keith Cooper
MIMC a former treasurer of The Magic Circle. The convention runs from
22nd – 25th September and details are on
www.magicconvention.co.uk. Geoffrey Newton PRO.
28.5.11
Britain’s
Got Talent illusionists are determined to bring magic back: "David
and Karen vow to blow everybody’s mind with their next BGT magic moment.
Physical grand illusionists David and Karen continue to dream big as
they work towards a possible semi-final performance, saying a change in
public perception about magic would be 'mission accomplished.' The duo
discarded the tired magic clichés and stripped their performance of all
lycra, over-the-top make-up and the traditional format of magician and
assistant and modernised the art form with thrilling effects as they
received a standing ovation from the BGT crowd..." To read the full
story in STV (with video)
Click Here. Full act (video),
Click Here. "David and Karen on Daybreak"
Click Here.
www.davidpenn.co.uk.
28.5.11
Magic Night at Madame JoJo’s - London,
Friday 17th June. Magic night brings you the mad, the bad and the
dangerous with mind reading, music predictions and eye spinning
trickery! Starring John Lenahan, Alan Hudson, Dr Brown and Arron
Sparks, all expertly compered by conjuror Neil Henry who will be sawing
an audience member in half. Magic Night, a contemporary cabaret and
magic show now in its sixth year, continues to be one of the best and
funniest cabaret nights on the circuit - with incredible and cutting
edge magic acts and some of the best variety in town.. "Outstanding magic and variety show" Time
Out. 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.
28.5.11
The
Essential Magic Conference - just the ticket. EMC 2011, 7th, 8th,
9th July, 33 of the
world's finest magicians, giving 16 hours of lectures, presentations and
performances over 3 days. You can register online for the conference now
for $90 (approximately £55). The Pass is a scratch card which has a
special code that gives you access to the online conference.
Registration includes: 3 days of live broadcasts; Ability to participate
in the conference with the exclusive EMC chat facility. Comment on the
events, chat with other members, ask questions of the Speakers; Access
to EMC Exclusive David Copperfield Interview & Virtual Tour;
Participation in all EMC Competitions; On-demand access to the EMC
online archive. All of the broadcasts anytime you want for one year;
Free DVD set containing videos all the conference events plus bonus
materials. These are sent out post free to anywhere in the world.
Contact your favorite dealer or register now for EMC2011 and join in the
magic event of the year:
www.essentialmagicconference.com.
28.5.11
The
Flying Karamazov Brothers Land in London! Take four entertainers who
are musicians, comedians, acrobats, dancers, jugglers and philosophers.
Add kilts, moustaches, musical instruments, two thousand cardboard
boxes, tutus, topical satire and the ability to juggle anything. The
Flying Karamazov Brothers. They don't fly, they're not Russian and
they’re not brothers. But they are the funniest, most thought-provoking,
kilt-wearing, clever idiots in town. For a strictly limited run be
entranced by the wit, comedy and virtuoso skills of these world renowned
maverick masters of new-vaudeville.
Special Sneaky Previews Offer! Be the first to see The Flying
Karamazov Brothers with this reduced price for the Sneaky Previews.
Three performances only. Spread the word, just £10! Tickets usually up
to £39.50. Subject to availability. Offer valid on Thursday 9th 7.30pm,
Friday 10th 5.30pm & 8pm. Landing in the Vaudeville Theatre from 9th
June. For more information and booking details, call the Box Office on
0844 412 4663 or book online at
www.fkb.com.
28.5.11
Travis
Perkins Assembly - Ferrybridge Day of Magic. Travis Perkins is
pleased to announce the date for the 19th Ferrybridge Day of Magic,
Sunday 3rd July 2011: "With two Lecturettes, Dealers and traders, the 27
minute Workshopette, the Showette and contracts permitting a Magical
Question Time session, the day looks promising, and all for £4.00.
Already booked is Steve Evans with his splendid ‘Stuff You Can Use’
lecturette. Along with Steve in the Showette will be the ‘Sophisticated
Sorcery’ of The Great Powell. This year's Workshopette is ‘Cups and
Balls The Watson Way’ with Brian Watson. Venue is The Community Centre,
The Square, Ferrybridge, West Yorkshire. WF11 8PQ (Map).
Doors open 9.45am. Day closes at 5.00pm. Further details will be
announced in the coming weeks. Information can be obtained from Travis
Perkins travisperkinsuk@aol.com
or telephone Michael Shepherd on 01904 709500."
28.5.11
"Become
a Children's Entertainer" Bristol-based children's entertainer
'Magic Mike' has launched his all-new training system created
specifically for anyone thinking of becoming a children's entertainer.
Says Mike, "This 3 DVD set has been designed with the complete beginner
in mind and includes my 45-minute Magic FUN Show live, in front of a
real party audience, as well as a full explanation of the entire show.
It is ideal if you are interested in becoming a children's entertainer
but aren't sure where to start!" He adds, "If you're a full-time
professional, this is definitely NOT for you, it is aimed specifically
at beginners!" For more information, including a 3-minute preview video,
visit
www.thekidsmagician.com/entertainer-trainer.
28.5.11
Illusions
Magic Bar - guest magic slots for one to two weeks. Illusions Magic
Bar, Bristol, email: "Illusions Magic Bar the UK's only Magic Bar is
opening its doors to guest magicians who have the ability to perform for
5 hours a night and have at least 3-4 hours of material. This is not for
the beginner; we are looking for magicians who want to expand their
repertoires. So far this year we have had Fritz Alkemade from the
Netherlands who on appearing here has secured jobs that have had the
client fly him over to the UK for a private party, the owner of
Illusions Magic Bar & Lounge in the USA has had a guest spot and loved
it so much he is coming back, and we are also hoping to secure Alex
Rangel, who held residency in The Tower Magic Bar and Restaurant that
was home to Eric Mead and Doc Eason. And of course, Matthew Wright,
current holder of the International Close-up Magician competition, used
our boards to hone his act. If you are interested in performing at
Illusions we will pay a weekly fee and cover accommodation. Please
contact Mark via email only on
mark@illusionsmagicbar.co.uk".
28.5.11
Alakazam
are having a 'Save your VAT' weekend this bank holiday weekend - so
that's 20% off everything! Offer ends 9am Tuesday morning. To benefit
from the discount just enter the code 'novat' at the checkout. This sale
is for website sales only.
www.alakazam.co.uk.
28.5.11
Congratulations
to Russell Wells, winner of 2011
Cardiff
Magical Society's Cabaret Competition. Being presented with The
Taffy Trophy, Russell remarked "it's great to finally get my hands on
this after coming runner-up for last two years!" Russell performed a mix
of magic and circus skills with a blindfold knife juggling finale.
www.pick-n-mix.co.uk.
28.5.11
Magicseen
Taster Issue #8. From Magicseen: "The latest in our sampler issues
is now ready to download and it contains some of the material from the
current full issue (no.38 May 11) as well as a feature item from our
archives. First, from the current main issue, we offer you the full
article on John Bannon, card magic guru and one of the favourite
magicians amongst us in the Magicseen office. Then there is Magic In The
Netherlands, an overview of the magic scene in the country which brought
you such famous names as Tommy Wonder, Fred Kaps and Richard Ross. From
the current issue's Masterclass section we include one of the
Masterclass effects for you to learn as well as the news and letters
pages and a selection of some of the product reviews. Finally, from our
back issues, we give you ACAAN, a major feature in which we discuss with
a number of experts, namely Max Maven, Ian Rowland, Marc Paul and Paul
Gordon, the classic Any Card At Any Number plot. All this is included in
the FREE Taster Issue #8 download which is ready and waiting for you now
at
www.magicseen.co.uk."
28.5.11
Wessex
Magical Association presents Jay Scott Berry's latest lecture “The
Delicate Sound of Wonder” on Tuesday June 14th. "For this new
presentation, Jay will offer a number of new effects and ideas, all
designed to be visually stunning yet technically practical. In addition,
he will explain the workings and handling of many of his time-tested
gimmicks, all with up-to-date methods. This is a return visit for Jay,
who was a star lecturer and Gala Show performer at the Wessex’s One Day
Convention in Bournemouth last month. Whether you are a beginner or
expert, performing close-up or stage, Jay's magic will surely amaze,
amuse and inspire." The evening starts at 7.30pm for 8pm and visiting
magicians are especially welcome for a nominal £5 fee. The venue is the
Bourne Valley Community Association, 56 Herbert Avenue, Poole, Dorset
BH12 4EE (Map).
More info from Alan Chitty, WMA Publicity Officer on 01202 883474 or
achitty@tiscali.co.uk.The
Wessex Magical Association attracts members from Dorset, Hampshire,
Wiltshire and beyond
www.wmagic.co.uk.
28.5.11
Top
New York magician Asi Wind will be lecturing at The Magic Circle on
Tuesday 31st May at 7.30pm [and we've heard he really is very, very
good]. Members and members' magic guests only.
www.asiwind.com.
28.5.11
Cirque
Du Lass Competition 2011, Manchester. "The team at the Lass
O'Gowrie, Manchester, are on the hunt for fantastic variety talent for
the Cirque Du Lass Competition 2011! Held at the Lass O'Gowrie, 36
Charles Street, Manchester, 8-10 acts will have up to 7 minutes to
compete in one of the our heats, which are 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th
June, for a place in the grand final on Saturday 9th July to win
fantastic prizes and the crown of Cirque Du Lass Champion 2011. Cirque
Du Lass is part of both the Not Part of Festival and Lassfest
2011. We are still open for entries! Acts wanting to take part
should send any video links, photos or links to online galleries, and an
act description to
cirquedulass@gmail.com. Please note that we have already started
allocating places. There is no entry fee or fee of any kind to take
part."
28.5.11
Penn
& Teller: Fool Us returns to the our screens on Saturday 18th June
(TBC). Filmed at The Fountain Studios the new series is currently in
post production, with plans for the magical duo to return with a
Christmas Special, with Jonathan Ross, looking back at how the winners
got on in Las Vegas.
28.5.11
Magic
Show. The Amazing Simon Sparkles and The Magnificent Johno will
bring a touch of magic to the Cynon Valley in June. The pair have teamed
up to stage a Family Magic, Illusion & Fun Show followed by a feature
film, the Spiderwick Chronicles, at The Penrhiwceiber Institute Hall
near Mountain Ash, Cynon Valley on Saturday 25th June at 3.30pm. The
inspiration came from Simon Sparkles who said: “I live in Barry, and
sadly I’ve witnessed local groups within my own area working tirelessly
to try and encourage the Vale of Glamorgan Council to re-open our cinema
– but to no avail, so I just felt any support I could offer a similar
project to succeed would be a great idea” Further information: Michelle
Davies - Penrhiwceiber Strategy Group 01443 479734 or 07717 114878.
Tickets are available from the Hall.
www.kids-magic-show.co.uk
www.johnosmagic.co.uk.
28.5.11
Plymouth
Magic Circle presents the Ollie Mealing Lecture on Thursday June 9th
at 7pm at Tothill Community Centre, St Judes, Plymouth. "Ollie Mealing,
one of Britain’s best young card magicians is presenting his first ever
lecture here at the Plymouth Magic Circle. Ollie works all over England
and has been a resident magician at “Illusions” magic bar in Bristol and
currently has two DVDs out, Skip Switch and Card
Constructions. Price, non members £5. Ollie Mealing has a passion
for playing cards that knows no bounds - his incredible enthusiasm will
benefit you!"
28.5.11
Paul
Voodini lecture, Liverpool, Thursday 2nd June at 8pm prompt. Paul
describes himself as a mentalist. However for the past 10 years he has
worked almost exclusively within the "shut eye" paranormal industry. He
has worked closely with some of the UK's best known celebrity mediums
and has been taught "from the horse's mouth" the techniques and tricks
of the trade employed by this most secretive industry. Paul now presents
this invaluable information to the magic and mentalist community for
their entertainment and education, in the hope that the techniques he
presents can be utilised within a magic environment. Venue: The Crown
Inn, Leyfield Road L12 9HA
www.liverpoolmagiccircle.co.uk.
28.5.11
The
Great Simpsina, 8.30pm on Tuesday 31st May on Sky1.
"Lisa becomes an apprentice to the Great Raymondo. Guest starring Martin
Landau, Jack McBrayer and a trio of magicians, including David
Copperfield." See TV Magic.
28.5.11
Paul
Daniels puts The Lovely Debbie McGee up for auction... "I had her
fitted with an electric motor and batteries. Since that time she has
NEVER let me down"
Click Here • "Israeli stuntman breaks David Blaine's pole record"
Click Here [all that effort to remind us that David Blaine did it
first!] • "Copperfield always thinking about his show's next big thing"
Click Here • "Escape to the Skirball and get to know the man behind
the magician"
Click Here • "Magic Show - Magic Exposed"
Click Here • Enjoy the bank holiday weekend - see you next week, Duncan.
28.5.11