Number 580 - 6th August 2011

The Magic Circle is delighted to announce the winner of the 50th Anniversary “Young Magician of the Year” competition is Ben Proos, a talented 17 year old from Blackburn, Lancashire. Ben fought off tough competition with a fast moving act featuring a dazzling array of billiard ball and card manipulations, parasol productions and an amazing routine with sunglasses that appeared and vanished in a flash! The Magic Circle President Jack Delvin said “Ben has magically manipulated his way to the title Young Magician of the Year 2011 and a great career awaits”. After the awards, Ben said "I'm speechless! It was the most amazing, overwhelming and terrifying experiences of my life but also one of the most rewarding. I'm deeply honoured to win this prestigious award competing against some truly formidable competition." The prize includes four years’ membership of The Magic Circle when reaching 18, a selection of gifts from Davenports Magic Shop and the prestigious Derrick Speight Trophy. Runner-up was James Wilson (16) with his ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ inspired act featuring floating skulls, a classic linking rings presentation and sword swallowing stunt. Third place went to Sonny Pennington (16) who won over the audience with his sharp-witted comedy magic routine that included a superfast Magic Square routine. www.themagiccircle.co.uk. "Lancashire teenager crowned Young Magician of the Year" Click Here. "East Lancashire teenager wins Young Magician of the Year title" Click Here 6.8.11

The reviews are in for Ghost The Musical following its West End opening, and Paul Kieve's work as effects designer has come out pretty much on top...

"I was absolutely enchanted by the magic of Ghost. Simply sensational. Stupendous!" Dame Judi Dench

"The best single argument for putting this film on stage is Paul Kieve's special effects. Sam puts his hand through a door, Sam disappears into thin air, characters rise up and leave their bodies when they die.. a high concept show becomes credible." Dominic Maxwell, The Times ****

"Paul Kieve, who created the illusions, and Sharon D Clarke, playing the phoney psychic .. are two of the secret weapons of British theatre, and steal the show with their contributions - the first by stealth, the second with sass." Mark Shenton, The Stage

"..the appeal lies in Matthew Warchus's super-slick production and Paul Kieve's illusions, which use the latest technology to zoom bodies through solid doors.. and a plethora of other amazing special effects. These set a new industry standard and should win awards." Robert Gore-Langton, Mail On Sunday

Currently booking until 13th October 2012. Piccadilly Theatre, Denman Street, London W1D 7DY, Monday – Saturday at 7.30pm, Thursday & Saturday matinees at 2.30pm, Extra matinee on Tuesday 25 October at 2.30pm, Extra Christmas 2011 & Olympic 2012 performances to be confirmed, Box Office 0844 871 7618, Ticket prices £25 - £67.50 via www.ghostthemusical.com. 6.8.11

"'Penn & Teller: Fool Us' fizzles out with a whimper" Paul Millar, writing for Digital Spy, Sunday, July 31st Click Here. "Magician impresses Penn and Teller on ITV show" Click Here. To watch the video referred to in that article Click Here and listen to the explanations by Penn & Teller, including the full disclosure of a very clever 'random number/selection' force that would, of course, under normal circumstances not even be questioned by an audience. I do think the performer's choice of routine was wrong for this particular show, as there were too many opportunities for Penn & Teller to tear into it, however the gratuitous explanations weren't nice. You can see even Teller cringe as Penn blasts out methods at full volume, in a rather obnoxious, know-it-all way. This isn't what magic is supposed to be about.

Penn's "look at me" tirade is the equivalent of someone revealing the end of a movie, just as you stand in line waiting to go in. Working out how magic is done is a part of magic, and fun on an individual level (i.e. to oneself inside one's head, or chatting with friends after a show), but fails dismally when done en masse. It is no surprise that television audiences lost interest in Penn & Teller: Fool Us.

On the plus side Jonathan Ross was the perfect host throughout the series, and it did allow some excellent magic acts to be seen on terrestrial television. Meanwhile... "Conversations with Penn & Teller: 35 Years of Magic and Bulls%±t" is now booking at the IndigO2, London, on 7th and 8th December 2011. Tickets £30.25 - £37.00, Click Here. If 0.1% of the 3,000,000 people who watched Penn & Teller: Fool Us book tickets then it will sell out. So, it will sell out, but someone please tell Penn it's really nothing to shout about. (DT). 6.8.11

Conjuring at the Court, London. "We’re delighted to present Max Somerset as our headliner for the next show on Thursday 25th August. Max has a hilarious, eccentric style of magic incorporating his considerable talent at the piano. He’s had many appearances on TV including his own series on Sky One, and last weekend his new one-man show at the Magic Circle sold out weeks in advance. Max will be joined by mind-reader Doug Segal (you may have caught him on TV as he appeared on the BBC 1 New Year’s Evening show); Herbie Adams, a very funny magician in the Tommy Cooper style; Hugh Nightingale a charming performer who’s regularly chosen for top corporate and cabaret performances, and compère, the ebullient, extrovert and ever-imaginative Stephen Barry. Venue: Drayton Court, 2 The Avenue, West Ealing, London W13 8PH (Map). Doors open at 7.30pm, the show starts at 8pm." More info and tickets: www.conjuringatthecourt.com. 6.8.11

The Symposium is back (for one final day). "Mark Leveridge is pleased to announce that on Sunday 8th January 2012 at the Redwood Hotel and Country Club, Bristol, one final British Close Up Magic Symposium will be taking place. The event is the finale to the 'Celebrate With Mark' promotional period and it will be the 10th such event Mark and his team have organised. The previous Symposium took place back in 2005 and for the 16 years of its existence, the Symposium set the benchmark for close-up conventions. Now there’s a chance for Symposium regulars to come along one final time, while for those who have not been before, it’s an opportunity to experience at first hand what the Symposium is all about. There will be 3 top lectures, 2 close-up gala shows, a discussion forum and a special Symposium finale. The event will take place in a comfortable tiered seating area, affording everyone a good view, but there will also be cameras to bring you detailed close-up shots where required All catering for the day is included in the registration price and so you will receive tea/coffee and pastries on arrival, a good quality 2 course cooked meal with a glass of wine at lunchtime, and a high tea late afternoon. There will be no dealers and so in the breaks everyone can relax, mix and mingle, and session on the close-up mats provided. It’s going to be a day to remember! Already on the bill are Boris Wild, Wayne Fox, Dave Forrest and Mark Leveridge. Full details of the rest of the line up will be announced as details become available but you can book your numbered seat now by going to www.markleveridge.co.uk. Don’t miss this one-off opportunity - make sure to be at the 10th Symposium!" 6.8.11

The Young Magicians - The History of a Competition by C. Michael Colley was published on Sunday 31st July the date of last week's competition. This is a unique history of The Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year Competition, produced in celebration of its 50th Anniversary. Johnny Hart won the first Competition in 1961 and there have been many notable winners since. This large book has 245 A4 pages and over 270 illustrations, many in colour and contains accounts of each of the 25 competitions from 1961 to 2009 (plus a brief note on 2011) and contributions from over 100 Winners, Finalists and Competitors. The price of this unique book is £30 / $50 plus £5 p&p in the UK. Overseas postage & packing is £15 / $25 (or £7.50 / $12.50 in Europe). Cheques (Sterling only) payable to C. M. Colley may be sent to Dr. C. M. Colley, The Hollies, Oak Street, Lechlade, Glostershire GL7 3AX, UK or payment may be sent via PayPal to Michael Colley cmcolley@tiscali.co.uk. UK purchasers may prefer to remit by BACS - contact Michael Colley for details. 6.8.11

The Magic Circle Heritage Auction. Wednesday 31st August. Featuring approximately 180 choice lots, including: Chung Ling Soo posters and ephemera, Alexander Herrmann playbill, David Devant memorabilia, Antiquarian books, Vintage props, Ephemera of many great names including Dante, Horace Goldin, The Great Lafayette, Harry Houdini, Adelaide Herrmann, The Maskelynes, Cardini, Harry Kellar and Alexander Herrmann, Uncommon and unusual props from various estates, Autographs, Items from Patrick Page and Derrick Speight estates. At The Magic Circle's London HQ, 12 Stephenson Way, London NW1 2HD. Viewing from 10.30am – 1pm. Auction 2pm. Auctioneer: Trevor Dawson, FRICS. Auction Manager: Tim Reed, AIMC. Illustrated catalogues UK £7. International £10. Order Line: Tel: +44 (0)20 7387 2222 Visa & MasterCard accepted. Absentee bids will be accepted. See catalogue for terms and conditions. Catalogues available by post from The Magic Circle, 12 Stephenson Way, London NW1 2HD, England. Any enquiries pertaining to the auction itself (excluding absentee bids and catalogue purchases) to be directed, via email, to Tim Reed AIMC via timreedmagic@aol.com. 6.8.11

Win the Royal Box for the Palladium Magic Show. This competition is to win the use of the Royal Box for up to 4 people at Palladium Magic on Monday 19th September with full hospitality including invitations to the After Show VIP & Cast Reception. To enter the competition, send a text (sms) message with the word MAGIC followed by your answer to 84424 from your mobile phone. The cost is £1.50 and the Charity, MagiCares, will receive at least 90% of every entry. You can enter as many times as you like! The funds raised will help us to donate 1,000 tickets to local London Cancer Charities, Children’s Hospices, and other deserving Charities for their patients, families, carers and nurses. Here’s the question you need to answer to win this fantastic prize: "Who is the famous Royal lady who usually sits in the Royal Box at the London Palladium?" A. ? All entries must be received by Midnight on 11th September 2011. Full competition Terms & Conditions can be found at www.palladiummagicshow.com. Paul Stone writes: "'We are working hard to achieve our goal of donating 1,000 tickets to Charity for this unique show, and we are asking magicians across the UK to not only please support this MagiCaresTM initiative and enter the competition but to ask, pester, and persuade as many of their family, friends and colleagues to do so too! The prize is totally unique and cannot be bought, and by entering, you will also be helping us to make a real difference to the lives of many people suffering hardship and ill health." 6.8.11

British Ring Convention update: Recent additions to the programme include top Irish magician Pat Fallon who will compère the opening show, and illusionist Chris De Rosa who'll be performing on the same show. Other additions are Michael Carr, as compère, for the Late Night Gala Show. The convention brochure is nearing completion and the deadline for all copy is Monday 15th August 2011. Copy/advertising should be sent to pro@britishring.org.uk. Convention details appear on www.magicconvention.co.uk and we will also keep you up-to-date here on MagicWeek. Southport Convention, September 22nd to 25th 2011. 6.8.11

Midlands Magic Day - 3 weeks away. From the organisers: "Make a date in your Diary for the Midlands Magic Day on Sunday 28th August 2011 at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull near Birmingham. Details can be found on www.magicday.co.uk. There are four star lectures – David Jones, Paul Gordon, Michael Vincent and Marc Oberon and our Dealers Area already has over 20 different stalls, offering a wide variety of magic and products and we still have a small number of stalls available for hire. Tickets are available either individually for the lectures and Dealers area, or as a Gold Pass at £20 for MagicWeek readers which will give access for all the lectures and the Dealers Area throughout the day – see www.magicday.co.uk/club to book your tickets. We are also using this special day to raise funds for the local Acorns Children's Hospice, it should be a day to remember." 6.8.11

Top magician Etienne Pradier fooled Penn & Teller last week, and heads off to Las Vegas later this year to appear as a guest on their show. Visit Etienne's new online magic shop at www.magic-product.co.uk. 6.8.11

Rameses - The Forgotten Star by Chris Woodward is reviewed this week, Click Here. 30.7.11

WarpedMagic.co.uk - Sale Extended! "Due to overwhelming demand, WarpedMagic.co.uk have extended their massive Summer Sale until the 20th August 2011. All our items have been reduced from between 5% and 50% - have a look at www.warpedmagic.co.uk. We pride ourselves on our customer service and aim to dispatch all items to you within 24 hours. 6.8.11

Magician wanted for music video! Ebony Maitland emails: "I am producing a low budget music video to be shot in the East End on Tuesday 16th August and we need a magician / performer to be in the background playing cards, doing tricks or performing the Cups & Balls. They would need to have a street attitude, lots of character; basically not shy. I have £50.00 to offer for the day with meals provided." For more information email: ebony@streetlightfilms.co.uk. 6.8.11

Lance Burton can be seen on 'American Restoration' at 9.30pm on Monday 8th August on History (Sky 529). "Tyler gets a tough business lesson when he struggles to restore a 1930s' Eco-Tyre Meter to budget. Lance Burton will be featured as the team tries to restore some of his property that has been damaged in a storm." 6.8.11

New book introduces readers to art of vocal stagecraft: ventriloquism. "A Complete Guide to Ventriloquism: Principles, Practice and Performance" by Naveen Srinivasan Sridhar contains all that readers need to know to begin practicing today. Written by an experienced veteran in the field, the guide features a preface by legendary magician duo Siegfried and Roy. Readers will find chapters covering the full range of knowledge needed to practice as a ventriloquist, from breathing technique to writing dialogue to handling crowd interaction. They will learn how to interact with performance organizers and to use varying stage conditions to greatest effect. Featuring illustrations, step-by-step exercises, guidelines and checklists, the book is targeted at readers at all levels of experience. For more information visit www.ventriloquism-book.com. 6.8.11

As President of The Society of World Deaf Magicians, Johnny Fantastica will attend the 20th Anniversary of MagicLive in Las Vegas from 10th August. During his stay Johnny will perform in charity shows for underprivileged Deaf Children's Education at Planet Hollywood and Springville. Johnny has also been invited to meet and visit David Copperfield's private Magic Museum. 6.8.11

Illusions Magic Bar Bristol: "Illusions is pleased to say we have made it to year 4 and we wondered how could we top last year? Well I think we have done it, we have Piff the Magic Dragon! The night will commence at 7pm on Thursday 8th September and will go on through the early hours, with magic from John Van der Put and a Stage show form Piff the Magic Dragon. Tickets are on sale now and please book early as last year we sold out and we had a lot of sad faces and a lot of people watching from outside. And of course we will supply you with a glass of champagne to help us toast our 4th Birthday. Please visit www.illusionsmagicbar.co.uk to find out more or call us on 0117 9093405." 6.8.11

Frank Zheng - Jump: "The superb new DVD from Frank Zheng. We at RSVP are extremely lucky to have been able to capture this magic on DVD as Frank is from Shanghai, China and managing to get this project shot was probably our hardest ever task! The DVD features seven routines, including the amazing Balloon Burst effect that everyone is talking about. Imagine borrowing any balloon and then bursting it without touching it (your hands can be examined before and after the effect). This is bound to be used by working magicians everywhere. Also featured are some stunning routines using both coins and cards; material that Frank uses every night in his professional work." Watch the trailer at www.rsvpmagic.com. 6.8.11

Buy 1, get 2 free! Not one but three lectures will be taking place at the Riviera Circle of Magicians on August 17th! Lecturing are the 2009/10 and 11 Mentalism winner Jay Williams, 2010 Close-Up Winner Chris Tennant, and IBM Close-Up Champion Zac Stone. The evening will include a mix of mentalism, close-up and hypnotism. Preston Conservative Club in Torbay, non members welcome (only £5). Contact secretary Chris Tennant chris@tennantmagic.co.uk for details. 6.8.11

Baxter in Blackpool. Canada’s master of psychological illusion, Tom Baxter, will be lecturing at Blackpool Magicians’ Club on Thursday, 25th August. Although his background is as a magician and illusionist Tom now presents ‘Thought Control’ in which he manipulates the thoughts and imaginations of his audience. He is a professional mentalist who has performed all over the world and is the author of the highly acclaimed works ‘The Nail Writer Anthology’, ‘Twenty Tips for Séance Workers’ and ‘The Open Prediction Project’. Tom Baxter’s lecture is open to all members and associates of Blackpool Magicians’ Club at their headquarters to the rear of 1 Sherbourne Road, North Shore, Blackpool, Lancashire FY1 2PW (Map). Doors open at 6.30pm. 6.8.11

3D Realization by Mark Southworth... "3D Realization is a different take on an 8 ball production with a kicker ending." Visit www.magictao.co.uk for details and to watch the video. 6.8.11

Sensation - The Ultimate Variety Show, update. Richard Griffin writes: I can now reveal some of the acts appearing are, comedy magician Neal Austin, comedy ventriloquist Steve Hewlett, soul singer Paul Emmanuel, comedy juggler Goronwy Thom, vocal impressionist Petrina Johnson, one man two voices Martin Milnes, comedian Rikki Jay, comedy impressionist Gary T Thompson, pipe drummers Lee Lawson and Iain withers, multi award winning magician Richard Griffin, instrumentalist Katlyn Carr, comedy act Richard Gauntlett with a few more to follow. Over a dozen acts in one of the largest variety shows in the UK. Tickets £13.50 - £17.50 at The Harlow Playhouse, Essex. Saturday 22nd October 2011. Book now at www.playhouseharlow.com or call the box office on 01279 431945. 6.8.11

Paul Roberts is now working his second season, performing close-up, street style magic at Lightwater Valley Theme Park entertaining people as they queue for various rides situated around the park. Visit the Lightwater Valley Facebook page for opening times and some videos of Paul's performances. www.paulrobertsmagic.com. 6.8.11

The Cornish Magical Society. "The Cornish Magical Society is now in its 51st year and are looking to boost membership numbers. If you live in the South West and are interested in magic and would like to meet others with the same interest then why not join our society? Visit our website www.cornishmagicalsociety.co.uk or contact Paul Scott on 01726 851823 or email paulpsmagic@tiscali.co.uk. We recently held our 50th Annual Dinner and guest of honour was one of our two surviving founder members, Peter Penwarden who travelled from Wales to be with us. We ended a superb night with the incredible cabaret of Paul Stockman who must rate amongst the top acts in this country and was a fitting end to a memorable evening." 6.8.11

The latest free 'Taster' issue of Magicseen is now available from the Magicseen website, and it contains two of the main articles from the current issue (No.39, July '11). The first is on cover star Yann Frisch, the young Frenchman who has brought a completely new meaning to a cup and ball routine, and the other on wild man of magic, Chris Cross - read it at your peril! Other contents in the PDF includes news, some sample reviews, information on the Midlands Day of Magic and the latest Club Land feature. The Magicseen Taster is a great way to experience a little of what Magicseen has to offer, and it can be downloaded now from www.magicseen.co.uk. 6.8.11

In Search of the Miraculous: An Evening of Philosophical Illusion, at 8.30pm on September 19th at the Leicester Square Theatre. In our nine-to-five rational world it seems more and more people are feeling an increasing need to experience something beyond it, an experience of mystery and wonder. James Parker is an award-winning magician who has created a unique style of magic coined philosophical illusion. His show ‘In Search of the Miraculous; An Evening of Philosophical Illusion’ points to that timeless sense of mystery and wonder, such as when we look up at the stars, hear a beautiful piece of music or see something that is just unknowable. In Search of the Miraculous goes beyond tricking, reading and influencing the mind, it will send you to a place that is beyond it, a place that is simply unknowable, perhaps just for a moment; a moment that is beyond our rational world. So be prepared to go beyond the illusion and explore the mystery that is here and now. www.leicestersquaretheatre.ticketsolve.com. 6.8.11

Magic, Mystery and a Little Bit of Strange. Rob Chapman, Shropshire's favourite magician brings you an evening of magic and hypnotism for all ages at 8pm on 23rd September. Tickets are available by contacting the Hand Hotel on 01691 773472. Venue: The Hand Hotel, Church Street, Chirk, Wrexham LL14 5EY (Map). www.walkwithwonder.co.uk. 6.8.11

The Great Kovari Lecture - Essex. The Great Kovari lectures for The Frinton Magic Triangle on Thursday 11th August (see Review). Visitors welcome, admission £5.00. The meeting is held at Soken House, The Triangle Shopping Centre, Frinton-on-Sea, Essex CO13 0AU (Map) starting at 7.30pm. There is plenty of Free Parking. Further details from Club Secretary: Keith Norman 01206 543969 or email frintonmagictriangle@hotmail.co.uk. 6.8.11

September Magic - National Fairground Archive at the University of Sheffield. "The National Fairground Archive at the University of Sheffield are having an open day to promote the magic and illusion resources within the Archive. The event will be on Tuesday 20th September from 10-4. As part of the day we hope to have a team of magicians performing for the students during intro week to engage them in the art and encourage them to visit the archive to learn more. We are looking for volunteers, so if you are in the area and are able to spare some time showing your skills, then please get in contact with either Jane Donaldson j.donaldson@sheffield.ac.uk or Angela Greenwood a.r.greenwood@sheffield.ac.uk. More information about the National Fairground Archive can be found at www.sheffield.ac.uk/nfa. 6.8.11

News from Jonathan Royle: "Mind Magician & Hypnotist Takes A Trance on Gay Venues. Controversial television and media Psychological Entertainer Jonathan Royle can be seen performing live in two rare public shows during August. On Sunday 14th his one man show is at "Guys At Dolls" in Burnley and on Friday 26th August his double act with Harrizon The Hypnotist is headlining at Manchester Gay Pride's opening night events. Full details Click Here." 6.8.11

Phillip Northfield presents Paradox at 7.30pm on September 2nd. "Paradox is a mind reading show like no other, involving members of the audience, and mental feats that defy explanation. Blindfolded Rubik's Cube, Psychic Feats, an amazing demonstration of memory, and a finale which is literally beyond description. And that's not even half of it! You'll have to see the rest for yourself!" Tickets are £5 available from 07855 563534, or can be held for you on the door by emailing northfield.phillip@googlemail.com Venue: The Hive, 5 Belmont, Town Centre, Shrewsbury, Shropshire." 6.8.11

Baby Ryan James. Baby Ryan James was born on Monday 25th July at 10.41am, weighing 6lb 14oz to proud parents Sarah and David Lewis (aka illusion act 'Kryptic'). Sarah is now known as Scruff the Kidz Entertainer and The Anti-Bullying Magician. Congratulations to all three! 6.8.11

"Edinburgh Festival 2011: the biggest ever Fringe opens. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe opens today, with a bigger line-up than ever." Click Here • "Seyfried And Ruffalo May Create Magic In Now You See Me" Click Here • "Sooty: I’m Soo sorry" Click Here, and Click Here and Click Here! • "Famous in Germany, magician tries his luck in Vegas" Click Here • "Magicians gather in Colon for annual Abbott's Magic Get-Together" Click Here • "Blindfolded driver draws attention to MagiCelebration in Colon" Click Here • "Amanda Seyfried for Now You See Me?" Click Here • "I caught a gang of thieves as they got up to their old tricks" Click Here • "Magician to perform tricks for 72-hours straight" Click Here • Hugo Trailer Click Here (yes, that is Sacha Baron Cohen), more info Click Here • "Derren Brown lands hot air balloon in Christchurch Meadows" Click Here • Many thanks for all your news items, please note the early deadline of 12 midnight Tuesday for next week's issue. See you next week, Duncan. 6.8.11

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