Number 591 - 22nd October 2011
The
Magic Circle Awards, 2011. Presentations were made at the Awards
Dinner in London, on Thursday 13th October.
The David Devant Award - Awarded to those who have made a significant
contribution in advancing the art of magic or who have given outstanding
service to magic internationally to David Berglas MIMC.
The Maskelyne Award - Awarded for services to British magic to John
Styles MIMC.
The Carlton Award - Given to a performer for outstanding comedy in magic
to Max Somerset MIMC.
The Silver Wand - given for services to The Magic Circle to Matt Field
MIMC.
The J.N.Maskelyne for Literature - For major contribution to art or
literature in magic to William Kalush AIMC.
The Cecil Lyle - Given to the author of the best trick published in The
Magic Circular in the past year to Mike O’Brien MIMC.
Hoffmann Memorial Lecture Award to Raj Rattan.
(Photo: John Styles MIMC and David Berglas MIMC).
"Sidcup magician shocked to win magic award" Click Here. 22.10.11
The
Magicians returns to BBC television for a second series in the New
Year, as reported in MagicWeek a couple of weeks ago, but this time
it'll be fronted by Scottish born Darren McMullen, who will be making
his primetime British debut following great success in Australia. Magic
duo Barry & Stuart are back, together with MagicWeek tipped Pete Firman
(photo) and World Champion of Magic Jason Latimer. The 2012 series will
be extended to six 75-minute programmes (ouch) which will transmit live
– the first time a magic series has been transmitted live on the BBC in
over 30 years. This time around it would be nice if the producers put
the performers first, the magic second, the obligatory 'c' lebrities
third, and didn't close the show each week with a magic stunt performed
by the act that the studio audience has just voted "least liked". (DT).
22.10.11
The
Session 2012. Next year's surprise Guest of Honour is... Chris
Kenner. From the organisers: "We are happy to announce The Session
2012 (Cheltenham, January 14-15 2012) surprise guest as the incredible
Chris Kenner. His impact on close-up magic is present in nearly every
modern magician's repertoire, and his impact on stage magic has changed
magic forever. The creator of classics like "Three Fly," "Sybil" and a
whole style in which to perform, he later became chief consultant for
David Copperfield, helping devise material that has changed magic on a
global scale. This is Mr. Kenner's first and only scheduled European
convention appearance. Don't miss history in the making! Chris will be
joining Wayne Houchin (USA), Dani DaOrtiz (Spain), Kainoa Harbottle
(USA), Michael Vincent (UK), Joshua Jay (USA), Andi Gladwin (UK) and a
whole host of other UK and international performers." Well over half the
tickets have already gone, so this convention will definitively sell out
before the end of 2011. Book ahead of time for this one-off opportunity
to see Chris Kenner live in Europe!
www.sessionconvention.com.
22.10.11
Mentalism
Day at the Festival of Magic, London. Update from the organisers:
Unfortunately Paul Stockman has had to withdraw from the Mentalism Day
of the Festival of Magic in central London next month (November 16th)
but we are thrilled to announce that Chris Cox (5 Edinburgh Fringe
Shows, 3 UK Tours and 'one of the most exciting entertainers in Britain'
The Guardian) has stepped in and will be making his first ever
lecture/appearance at a magic event. He will be joining Andy Nyman, Luke
Jermay and Mark Elsdon for a full day of talks, explanations and
discussion all revolving around the most rapidly expanding genre of
magic today. Tickets and details available for not only this day but all
the other full day seminars in the week can be found at
www.internationalmagic.com/pages/festival.html
Following the sell out of Max Maven’s One Man Show, the performance of our Magic & Variety Gala on Saturday 19th November has now sold out too, however, there are currently still some tickets left for the same show on Sunday 20th November and also tickets for all the other events at the Convention weekend www.internationalmagic.com/pages/convention.html. The convention rate hotel rooms are also selling quickly at the Crowne Plaza Blackfriars, but as an alternative we have arranged a very good rate for the convention weekend with Thistle Barbican (1.4 miles). Contact them directly with booking code INTE181111 on groupsadmin.citybarbican@thistle.co.uk. 22.10.11
The
Disappearing Act is a short film that was produced on a tiny budget
by avid film maker and magician Ren Thackham featuring magic from Alan
Hudson and Lee Hathaway, starring Cole Parker, Hal Cruttenden, Noel
Faulkner, Gemma Leader, Ren Thackham, Gareth Berliner, Chris Henry, Rich
Wilson, David Smith and Segarra. Not for the squeamish (or unfaithful!)
Click Here. Written, directed and edited by Ren Thackham, from whom
I'm sure we will see more (DT).
22.10.11
The
Dare. Darryl Rose MIMC is the magical advisor and 'mentor' for BBC
One’s new primetime entertainment pilot, The Dare. Two weeks ago
he was given a member of the public to take on a trained professional
"at their own game". The newbie had to attempt to convince the audience
and Claudia Winkleman that they have been doing their act for years...
Magic Circle member Ben Hart was the professional, and Max Somerset MIMC
made a cameo appearance explaining to the audience what to look out for!
Other challenges include a daredevil motorbike stunt, an incredible silk
aerial showdown, roller skate dancers and performing as a rock
legend.... Date to be announced in the new year.
www.darrylrose.com.
22.10.11
A
Magical Variety Show, Nottingham. Sunday 23rd October. "See some of the
country's best magic acts in an evening of live magic and spellbinding audience
participation. Featuring John Archer and Graham P Jolley the men who fooled Penn
and Teller on Penn & Teller: Fool Us, dance troupe The Mazeppa Cossacks,
international escapologists and illusionists Amethyst and one of Britain s
funniest comedians Billy Pearce. The Nottingham Guild of Magicians are committed
to the art of variety theatre. They have produced shows at various venues in
Nottingham for over 15 years and now present their first show at the Nottingham
Playhouse." Sunday 23rd October at 7pm Nottingham Playhouse, Wellington Circus,
Nottingham NG1 5AF (Map).
Tickets (£15 or £12.50 Concessions) can be booked online at
www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk or from the Box Office on 01159 419419 or
Andrew on 07966 494095.
22.10.11
The
Puppet Hut - all set for world domination! With less than a year
since its launch in January 2011 online puppet store 'The Puppet Hut' is
fast becoming a much loved name in the world of magic and entertainment:
"Puppets are massively popular at the moment and our characters are
simply incredible at pulling in bookings... we now have our characters
deployed all around the world and people are reporting huge successes.
You need one in your show!" comments Jamie Clark, founder of the
business. "Our range is growing fast and we deal with some of the
world's very best puppet makers and creators, including Axtell
Creations. If you aren't already considering a puppet in your act then
you really should be! See our website, find your perfect partner and
most importantly don't miss out on the possibility of reeling in extra
bookings with Christmas just around the corner." Visit
www.thepuppethut.com today!
22.10.11
Bradford
Magic Circle presents A Family Magic Show at Cleckheaton Town Hall,
on Friday 28th October at 7.30pm. Artists include Steve Gore & Deanna,
Mark Waddington, Mark Kelly and Stevie B and many others. Tickets are £6
for adults and £4 for children from Kirklees ticket office: 01484 223200
www.kirklees.gov.uk/townhalls.
22.10.11
BigBlindMedia
TV goes live. News from BigBlindMedia: "BigBlindMedia, the UK based
magic production company, has launched a new free magic television
service. Every fortnight a new show will be uploaded to our YouTube
account and each show will teach you a free magic routine from creators
in the BBM stable (John Bannon, David Solomon, Greg Wilson, Cameron
Franics, Alan Rorrison etc). There will also be interviews,
behind-the-scenes footage, great competitions, reviews, demos of new
magic products and some magic tomfoolery. Episode 1 features Liam
Montier's awesome 'Litterbug' routine, a demo of Joshua Jay's new
'Prism' effect, Andi Gladwin ranting, top glamour model India Reynolds
popping in, chat about the Karnival Deck Playing Card range and plenty
more." To watch the show
Click Here and click 'subscribe' on the BigBlindMedia YouTube page
to get the next show, free, in two weeks
www.youtube.com/bigblindmedia.
22.10.11
Magic
Night at Madame JoJo’s, London
Friday, 4th November. "Magic
Night defies gravity, with weightless orbs, a house of flying cards and
birds that change into music! The brilliant Morgan and West, the time
travelling, Victorian conjurors, hit the Magic Night stage replete with
Victorian beards to test their mental powers and pit their magical wits
against the audience, whilst the Ninja of the Cards is back with his
flying, slicing cards and Oliver Tabor dexterously changes birds to
violins and back again in an eye spinning routine. Matt Hennem makes the
impossible look entirely feasible with moon walking, break dancing and a
floating orb. Pete Antoniou will look into your head, and all will be
emceed by the Tommy Cooperesque Christian Lee." 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.
22.10.11
Julian
James and Michael Vincent have returned to the Jermyn Street Theatre
for a run of their "Late Night Magic" show, staged by Richard Leigh of
False Impressions. "Don't miss this Exquisite Evening of Mystery, Magic,
Mental Machinations, Dazzling Sleight of Hand and Outlandish Theatrical
Playfulness that will leave you slightly dazed, but all the more
captivated!" The next two dates are 4th and 11th November. Tickets via
www.ticketweb.co.uk .
22.10.11
Close-up
Magic Master to lecture in Blackpool. In America the close-up magic
of Eric Jones has become legendary. Eric is an award winning performer,
author, creator and lecturer who has performed all over the world. In
his lecture at the headquarters of Blackpool Magicians' Club on Tuesday,
1st November he will be explaining some of his pet effects using coins
and cards, creating magic that looks like real magic. These effects are
from his own working repertoire which, he says, are not as hard as they
look. Eric’s teaching style makes learning new techniques both fun and
easy. His DVDs have been highly acclaimed and Members and Associates of
Blackpool Magicians' Club now have the chance to see the maestro in
action. Peter Eldin
www.blackpoolmagic.com.
22.10.11
North West Dealers Day and Magic Mart
- Today!
The Order of The Magic (Manchester) are presenting the North West
Dealers Day and Magic Mart on Saturday 22nd October at the Irish World
Heritage Centre, Manchester M8 8UF (Map).
Here is an opportunity for magic dealers and individuals to take a stand
for the sale of goods. Tables are available at £10 for 1.8 metres of
space (6 feet) or 3.6 metres (12 feet) for £15. The event takes place
from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Entry fee for buyers is £3 and includes
admission to a lecture on bar flairing by Anthony Heaton. This will be
in a separate room so as not to interrupt the flow of trading. Details
are on
www.orderofthemagi.org.uk or email
pro@orderofthemagi.org.uk
for an application form. There will be strictly no stalls allotted on
the day. This is the first time The Magi has combined their Dealers
Day and Magic Mart on the same occasion in the hope it brings the best
of both worlds for everyone. There is ample free car parking,
refreshments, bar and a great shopping centre next door! The raffle
prize is two tickets for The Magi Annual Dinner and Cabaret to be held
on Saturday 24th March 2012. This is a four course meal and cabaret,
featuring High Jinx, Brian Sefton and Mark James. The face value of
these tickets is at least £60! Geoffrey Newton PRO.
22.10.11
Ali
Cook can be seen on French TV's Le Plus Grand Cabaret du Monde
(France2) this evening (Saturday 22nd). For those with cable the show
will be repeated on TV5 the following week.
www.france2.fr. Ali can also currently be seen on Dark Matters:
Twisted but True on the Science Discovery channel
www.discovery.com.
22.10.11
Vegas
Magic Theatre. Paul Stone emails: "I'm delighted to announce the
launch of the Vegas Magic Theatre
(TM)
at the Gold Coast Hotel & Casino on November 3rd. This intimate Cabaret
style Show can be seen every Thursday at 7pm, Friday at 7pm, Saturday at
5pm & 7.30pm and Sunday at 7pm. Vegas Magic Theatre will present a
different show every week. The show will feature Magic, Comedy,
Illusions, Mindreading, Escapology and much more! Ticket prices are
excellent too at just $14.95. The Vegas Magic Lounge
(TM)
will offer Pre-Show Close-up Magic, Bar Magic, Music and a few other
surprises for an hour before Showtime. Artists already booked to appear
include Fielding West, Jeff Hobson, Dimmare, Graham P. Jolley, Keith
Fields, Jay Alexander, Farrell Dillon, Jason Andrews, Andrew
Goldenhersh, and Scott Land. Magicians or Variety performers due to work
the Magic Castle or with plans to be in Las Vegas in the next 6 months
and who would like to be considered to appear at Vegas Magic Theatre
should contact
producer@vegasmagictheatre.com."
22.10.11
Mark
Shortland will be performing his '11 Minutes Past Eight Show' on the
Friday 4th November at The Players Theatre, Penrith. This is his first
one-man theatre show and looks to be a sell-out with just a few tickets
currently remaining. Mark is then performing at The North Western
Society of Magicians Annual dinner on Saturday, and premiering his new
lecture on Sunday, 6th November.
www.markshortland.com.
22.10.11
Ian
Souch's Mentalism show Reality Vaccine plays at the Hen and Chickens
Theatre, Highbury and Islington, London for two nights on the 17th and
18th of November at 9.30pm. Tickets £8.50, Box office 02077 042001 or
via
www.unrestictedview.co.uk or visit Reality Vaccine's facebook
page:
www.facebook.com/realityvaccine. "'Ian Performs feats so impressive
they make him appear psychic." Three Weeks Ed Fringe 2010. "Walk
through the door into a very different way of thinking... it's a must
see!" On The Fringe Paper Camden Fringe Review.
22.10.11
The
Magic Circle Dealers Day - Saturday 29th
October, at the Royal National Hotel, Bedford Way, London WC1H 0DG (Map).
The annual Magic Circle Dealers Day will once again take place at the
Royal National Hotel, just off Russell Square. This year sees another
fine gathering of dealers with everything from basic consumables to some
of the most innovative effects on the market available to view, try and
buy. Come along, meet your friends, session and discuss magic in the
cafe or bar, stock up on your magic equipment or be tempted by the
latest miracle. 10am to 4.30pm. Entry is free for members on production
of their membership card and £5 for non-members. To be followed by
'Close-up Magic at The Magic Circle' in the evening - see
What's On.
22.10.11.
Warped
Magic are pleased to announce the arrival of a brand new trick
direct from the USA 'Sure Shot' by Scott Alexander: "Produce a real shot
glass full of liquid from anywhere under impossible conditions. Includes
shot glass, gimmick and instruction sheet. See the video at
www.warpedmagic.co.uk."
22.10.11
Eric
Jones Lecture and Andi Gladwin at the Winchester Magical Society.
"For those who may have missed Eric Jones on his current tour in the UK
there is still a chance to see him at The Winchester Magical Society on
Wednesday 26th October at 8pm. Visiting Magicians are welcome to attend
at a door charge of only £5.00! This is an extra lecture to what already
has been a great programme so far this year. Coming up next month on
Thursday 3rd November we have Andi Gladwin lecturing and again visiting
magicians are most welcome to that lecture as well. For more information
on how to find us and the society please visit
www.winchestermagic.com." Rob Gaffney.
22.10.11
PMB
Productions present Delusions of Time with dance artist Paula
Templeman and Illusionist Doctor Bondini . A fusion of dance and
illusion, a journey of fantasy and reality through the ages on Wednesday
26th October at 7.30pm at Brentwood Theatre, 15 Shenfield Road,
Brentwood, Essex CM15 8AG. Box office 01277 200305
www.brentwood-theatre.org, on Thursday 3rd November at 7.30pm at the
Nottingham Arts Theatre
www.nottingham-theatre.co.uk and on 12th November at 7.30pm at the
Comberton Arts and Leisure Centre. Box office 01223 264444
www.combertonleisure.com.
22.10.11
10th
British Close Up Magic Symposium update. From organiser Mark
Leveridge: Wayne Fox will be presenting his Outfoxed lecture at the 10th
British Close Up Magic Symposium which takes place on Sunday 8th January
2012 at the Redwood Hotel and Country Club, Bristol. This is the
acclaimed lecture which he has presented at a number of magic clubs
around the UK but he will also be adding one or two fresh ideas not
included before as a special treat for Symposium attendees. There's just
over 1 week left to take advantage of the £10 registration fee discount
(it finishes on 31st October), and also to use the three stage Payment
Plan which allows you to spread the cost over three months. For more
information and to register please go to
www.markleveridge.co.uk/symp10.php.
22.10.11
Hull
Magicians’ Circle has challenged Danny Hunt with a Houdini style escape
attempt to celebrate the anniversary of Harry Houdini’s first
appearance in Hull at the Palace Theatre in 1911. Danny will be
challenged with handcuffs that he has not seen before and the Hull
Magicians are planning a surprise that will really test his skills!
of Danny. The escape attempt will be made in the courtyard of Hull
Magicians’ Circle’s meeting place, the Sailmakers Arms in Hull’s High
Street on Thursday 27th October at 7.30pm and will be followed by a
fascinating, illustrated talk by Danny and Annette on the life and
escapades of Harry Houdini the world famous escapologist and Danny’s
escapes.
Harry Houdini made five appearances at Hull’s Palace Theatre, on Anlaby
Road, the last in 1920. There was a tradition of Hull audiences issuing
challenges to him; a firm of joiners dared him to escape after being
nailed into a packing case they had made, Houdini leapt in chains into
the Humber from Corporation Pier watched by thousands and a firm of sail
makers sewed him into a canvas bag from which he successfully escaped.
“It is apt that this modern recreation is taking place at the Sailmakers
Arms, we will be quite close to the pier he dived off”, said Jon
Marshall, “Handcuff Harry died on Halloween eighty-five years ago and
I’m sure his spirit will be with on this night!”. Admission is free of
charge, guests are invited to watch the escape attempt but places for
the talk are limited and those who would like to attend should email
secretary@hullmc.org.uk to
reserve a place.
www.hullmc.org.uk
www.amethyst-illusions.com. Jon Marshall.
22.10.11
Current
IBM Close-Up Magic Champion Matthew Wright will be premiering his
new lecture 'The Unusual Suspect' at the Fylde Mystics on Tuesday 1st
November at 8pm. Matt is a working professional and the evening promises
to pack in a lot of magic. Visiting magicians welcome, £5.00 door
charge, strictly on a first come first served basis. The Fylde Mystics
meet at the South Shore Lawn Tennis Club, Midgeland Road, Blackpool,
Lancashire FY4 5HZ (Map).
More info: Alan Mylecraine
info@fyldemystics.co.uk or visit
www.fyldemystics.co.uk.
22.10.11
Congratulations
to the Bexley Magic Society Challenge Trophy winner David Klass (www.klassymagic.co.uk)
who challenged Edward Hilsum to perform five effects in mentalism,
close-up, rope, children's, and card categories. His was one of the best
performances seen at the club for a long time, and was a well deserved
winner against the really talented and up coming magician Edward Hilsum.
David is a busy performer in the South East. Roberto Forzoni.
22.10.11
Mel's
Magic. Following on from winning the annual close-up competition at
The Leamington and Warwick Society earlier this year Mel Harvey was
placed first in the stage competition as well on Thursday evening. This
is the third time Mel has won the Leamington Stage competition. His new
act was part of a comedy package which Mel will be touring with, in
theatres, in the New Year. Mel thanked the judges and the other
competitors, Matt Redmond, Keith Krackers and big Dave Taylor along with
the audience for their support. Mel's wife Nicky came in for a special
mention too as during rehearsals at home she is constantly being asked
"Is this funny?!"
22.10.11
The Magic Theatre Company email: "The Magic Theatre Company uses magic as a vehicle in education to motivate and inspire young people. We have a series of educational magic shows which have been developed in conjunction with various local authorities and government agency. Earlier this year we launched our Educational Partnership Programme within the UK, and now we work with six magicians around the country. We now need more magicians to cope with the demand, that has been generated by our national marketing campaigns. We are looking for magicians who are used to working with children, want to work Monday to Friday (9.30am to 3.00pm) in the education sector . This is a joint venture not a franchise; there is no start up fees or costs to pay. We supply you with all promotional and marketing material. All you have to do is introduce yourself to local schools with in your area. For more information contact Eugene Matthias email: info@themagicclub.com." 22.10.11
"From
Butlins to Britain's Got Talent: Why Stephen Mulhern will always be a
Redcoat at heart"
Click Here • "Magician Paul Daniels promises classic tricks and gags
at Radlett show"
Click Here • Jack Stephens reviews The Complete Works by Wolfgang
Riebe Ph.D this week,
Click Here • The Gimmick MagiZette is now available from
www.lybrary.com • That's it for another week - your UK magic news is
always welcome, see you next week, Duncan.
22.10.11