Number 592 - 29th October 2011
Tommy
Cooper's Secret Joke Files - compiled by John Fisher. For the first
time the secret joke archives of the legendary comedian are
opened up for all to enjoy. Relive the laughter with jokes on every
subject from 'A for Absent-minded' to 'Z for Zoo'. Part of an ongoing
series of books celebrating the Cooper legacy,
Tommy Cooper's Secret Joke Files follows hot on the heels of John
Fisher's bestselling
The Tommy Cooper Joke Book and
Tommy Cooper's Mirth, Magic and Mischief. Just published (just like
that), hardcover, 176 pages, and crammed full of hundreds of jokes...
"She was so beautiful, when I took her home in a taxi, I could hardly
keep my eye on the meter". Order from Amazon.co.uk today and enjoy 48%
off the published price.
Click Here. Tommy Cooper's Secret Joke Files also includes a
fascinating look at the painstaking process Tommy Cooper used to
catalogue and index his material, and the fine tuning that turned an
original thought, written down as a few random lines, into a brilliant
one-liner. The perfect Christmas present and highly recommended. DT.
(MagicWeek receives a commission on all Amazon.co.uk sales generated via
a click-through from MagicWeek.)
29.10.11
Truly
International... In just three weeks time on Saturday on November 19th, 17 competitors from 12 countries
(including Japan, Canada, USA, France, Spain, Sweden, Russia, Denmark
and Italy) will compete for the Kevin Reay Trophy along with a £1,000 cash
in the International Close Up Competition at The Mermaid
Theatre (photo) London. This event forms just part of the packed
International Magic Convention weekend which includes lectures, close-up shows,
a full evening Gala Show and the presentation of The David Berglas
International Magic Award. Celebrating 40 years,
the Convention is at the end of a week when the MacMillan family will also
produce their very first Festival of Magic at the Bridewell Theatre. For
full details of all the seminars, shows and events in both these
talent-packed fixtures visit
www.internationalmagic.com.
29.10.11
Houdini
The Musical... "85 Years since he last amazed audiences, the
greatest magician the world has ever known is back. Houdini The
Musical is coming to London's West End in 2012. Featuring over
sixteen of the most spectacular illusions ever staged..." More next
week.
29.10.11
The
Untold Tommy Cooper. Channel 4's Head of Comedy Shane Allen has
commissioned Gogglebox Entertainment (a joint venture with Sony Pictures
Television) and Noel Gay Television to produce a one-off special
presenting the untold life of British national treasure, comedian and
magician Tommy Cooper which is due for transmission late 2011. The
ninety minute special will draw on previously unheard audio and unseen
archive footage from Cooper's personal and professional life as well as
never performed before material and details from the meticulous diaries
of his life-long manager Miff Ferrie. It will also feature a wide
variety of contributors from those who tried desperately to save his
life the night he collapsed on stage to some of his most famous and
unexpected fans. Gogglebox's Mat Steiner said "The discovery of this
archive offers up new insights into Cooper's fascinating 35 year
relationship with his manager and also how, in latter years, Cooper the
family man and Cooper the legendary entertainer actually began to meld
into one."
29.10.11
Brad
Manuel UK Lectures. Sean Lobban writes: Australian Comedy Magician, Brad Manuel is dropping in to
the South of England for a flying visit and lecturing at a few Magic
Clubs while he's here. You can see him at Portsmouth Jumbo Day on Sunday
November 6th, Medway Magical Society on Tuesday November 8th, Surrey
Society of Magicians on Thursday 10th November and Northampton Magicians
Club on Friday 11th November. Try to catch him while you can.
Contact clubs for more details.
www.bradmanuel.com.
29.10.11
Deception with Keith
Barry on Quest.
"Reading people, implanting thoughts, predicting behaviour and hacking
into the subconscious may sound like science fiction, but one man does
it - and will show you how. World-renowned mentalist Keith Barry delves
into the mysteries of the mind, revealing how ordinary people can better
harness their own abilities in Deception With Keith Barry. These skills
have been seen on the stage in Vegas, but rarely have they been applied
to the real world. In a variety of scenarios, from the everyday, such as
turning the table on the car salesmen and showing what really happens
when people buy and sell; to the extreme, when Barry turns his
attentions to the cold war, in a series of mind experiments, which see
him attempt mass hypnosis, program ordinary people to be spies and even
create a sleeper agent, this fascinating series will have viewers on the
edge of their seats."
9pm on Thursday 3rd November on Quest. See
TV Magic.
29.10.11
Essential Classics
with Rob Cowan. From 9am on Tuesday 1st November on
BBC Radio Three. At 10.30am The Essential Classics guest is
psychological illusionist Derren Brown, who introduces a piece played by
a favourite performer and one that reminds him of a particular place. See
TV Magic for radio and
TV listings.
29.10.11
"Just
a cup... this is not a Chop Cup!" New, from the ever inventive mind
of Axel Hecklau: "This is a different method with much more flexibility;
No hitting the table necessary; Everything can be examined without
switches; More flexibility and confidence feeling for the performer;
The routine has a instant reset - perfect for walk around magic; 360°
full angle proof; Magic in the hands of a spectator; This is a piece for
the working performer." Sounds good to me! Find out more and watch the
video at
www.axelhecklau-shop.com.
29.10.11
Portsmouth
& District Magic Circle Jumbo Day - next Sunday.
The line up for the 48th Annual Portsmouth Jumbo Day is now complete.
The day starts at 9am with The Sale, featuring many new and second-hand
dealers. Throughout the day there will be Merv Cole's 'Legendary'
Auction, Bob Hamilton's films, two workshops featuring Coins and then
Mentalism, a presentation about Tarot, and Close-up Sessions with four
magicians. This year's Star Lecture will be by Australian Comedy
Magician, Brad
Manuel. Brad will only be in the UK for a few days, so this
is a great opportunity to see him. The day ends with the Gala Show,
which stars, Brad Manuel, John Kimmons, High Jinx, Neil Kelso and The
Vox Brothers. All this for just £19.00 per person at the door. A real
bargain! www.jumboday.co.uk
Venue: Buckland Community Centre, Malins Road, Buckland, Portsmouth PO2
7BL (Map).
29.10.11
Magicseen
November issue out now! Mark Leveridge writes: "Magicseen
Issue 41 for November 2011 is a 'cracker' of an issue. The 'guys' on the
top of the bonfire are Brynolf and Ljung from Sweden, who have
'rocketed' to prominence thanks to their award winning act. Alongside
them we also have Peter Eggink from Holland and our very own (although
we have tried repeatedly to disown him!), Graham Jolley, while Shawn
Farquhar gives us the story of how the 'Catherine wheel' of fortune
turned beautifully in his favour on the day he fooled Penn and Teller.
So what else 'sparkles' in the latest issue? Well, we invite you to join
us as we take a cross eyed squint at invisible thread, and that bright
'candle' of excellence Graham Lee provides much good information on
balloon modelling in It Ain't All Magic. In fact the November issue
really is a veritable box of fireworks with its 14 product reviews,
reports on three live shows from across the UK, with its Masterclass
trick to learn and Club Land featuring the Bristol Society of Magic, and
with Graham Hey's Comedy page alongside letters, news and more. So get
your copy now from www.magicseen.co.uk
and start your month off with a 'bang'!"
29.10.11
Magical
Cabaret Show - Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Alloway.
Gold star member of The Magic Circle Paul Nardini will perform close-up
magic during pre show drinks followed by his one hour cabaret show at
the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum this evening,
Saturday 29th October, at 7.30pm. Tickets
£12.
Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Murdoch’s Lone, Alloway KA7 4PQ (Map)
www.paulnardini.com.
29.10.11
Acting,
Lying And Enjoying It. Ian Rowland writes: "I have produced some
lecture notes entitled 'Acting, Lying And Enjoying It'. They are based
on the material I used in my lectures in 2011, including my lectures at
the 'Magic LIVE' Convention in Las Vegas and at the Magic Circle. 48
pages with lots of photos. Cards, mentalism and laughs. I am giving
these lecture notes away free but using them to encourage magicians to
give money to good causes..." For more details visit
www.ianrowland.com/FreeNotes.
29.10.11
Theatr
Colwyn and Panto Launch. Theatr Colwyn was officially re-opened
after a year of renovation work by former Monty Python member Terry
Jones who cut the red ribbon on the theatre's steps at a ceremony
attended by officials, town councilors, comedian Phil Jupitus and this
year's Pantomime Producers and Illusionists Stuart and Jayne Loughland.
Terry Jones, who was born in Colwyn Bay, drew on his family's links to
the theatre, including those of his grandfather, who was conductor for
the Colwyn Bay Operatic Society and had led a production of Pirates of
Penzance at the venue, in which his mother had performed. Panto
directors Stuart and Jayne Loughland who are playing Dame Tilly Trott
and Fairy Blossom were joined by fellow stars Neill Scullard who plays
the Evil Mr. Creeper, Marc Whincup as Squire Crumble, and Libby Edwards
as Jill and Steve Bloor who takes the title role of Jack in Jack and
the Beanstalk which runs from December 17th-31st (See
What's On). Jack and
the Beanstalk holds as special place in the history of Theatr Colwyn. It
was first performed at the venue back in 1909, before the building was
closed for renovation – which included the installation of electric
lights!
29.10.11
The Magic of Showbiz -
A lecture for The Order of The Magi by Jonathan
Royle. "Controversial Hypnotist - Psychic Entertainer and Magician
Jonathan Royle presents his unique lecture for The Order of The Magi at
7.30pm on Tuesday, 22nd November. During the evening he will reveal Publicity, Marketing and Success
Secrets and will also teach
Hypnosis, NLP, Magic and Mentalism techniques that you won't learn
anywhere else!" To book visit
www.orderofthemagi.org.uk.
Venue: The Order of the Magi, Irish World Heritage Centre, Queens Road,
Manchester M8 8UF (Map).
29.10.11
Eric Jones Lectures
for the Bath Circle of Magicians at
8.30pm on Thursday 3rd November. An award winning performer, Eric’s magic has
been showcased at the world famous Magic Castle, CA, and NYC’s Monday
Night Magic, the longest running magic show in New York. As an author,
creator, and lecturer, Eric fits sharing some of his pet tricks with
countless magicians across the country, including The World Magic
Seminar, Nevada, into his busy schedule. Venue:
St Mary’s Church Hall, Saltford, Near Bath BS31 3EL (Map)
Visitors from local clubs welcome (£10 door charge). Enquiries/directions call Simon Lane 01225 313551
www.bathcircleofmagicians.com. Eric Jones on YouTube
Click Here.
29.10.11
Sam
Fitton – North West Close Up Magic Champion 2011.
On Monday 24th October 23 year old professional magician Sam Fitton was
awarded the title ‘North West Close Up Magic Champion’ after
winning the annual competition held at Manchester Circle of Magicians.
His first ever competition, Sam competed against seven other magicians in a
bid to win the top prize. “I’m absolutely thrilled to have been
presented with this award,” Sam said, “it is an absolute honour.”
www.samfitton.com.
29.10.11
Poz
lectures at The Frinton Magic Triangle, Soken House, The Triangle
Shopping Centre, Frinton on Sea CO13 0AU (Map)
at 7.30pm on Thursday 10th November. Guests welcome, admission £5.00. Long
regarded as one of the
country's top children’s entertainers. Keith Norman
Hon. Secretary, Frinton Magic Triangle.
29.10.11
Steve Faulkner will
be the star lecturer at Blackpool Magicians' Club on
Tuesday, 8th November. Steve has been a full-time professional magician
for the last ten years, and has worked as a street performer since 1996.
Specialising in both close-up and stage magic, Steve is one of the few
who manage to blend humour and entertainment with a high level of skill
and dexterity. With strict criteria (that every routine he performs has
to be entertaining for the lay person) all of Steve’s material is
memorable, easy to follow and rewarding to learn. He truly believes that
we can all learn anything if we approach it in the right way and is
proof that someone who is naturally cack-handed can learn the most
difficult sleights, and become an accomplished performer with the right
attitude.
Steve’s recent book, Go Do, explores his thoughts on keeping motivated
whilst achieving your full potential and he will be sharing his methods
on this in the lecture. The lecture will appeal to all levels, from
beginners to move-monkeys and, because of Steve’s disappointment with
many lectures he has attended it promises to be a truly entertaining
event. Peter Eldin.
www.blackpoolmagic.com.
29.10.11
Young
& Strange, An Evening of Magic, Comedy and Illusion. On Friday 4th
November at The Mill Arts Centre, Banbury at 7.30pm. A spectacular, fast
paced and engaging magic comedy and illusion show, performed by double
act “Young and Strange”. This show features state of the art stage
illusions and intimate sleight of hand magic effects never seen before
at The Mill. The show is entwined with a comedy thread with the emphasis
being pure entertainment. Young & Strange were recently featured
performers on ITV1's; Penn and Teller; Fool Us. Tickets £14 from
The Mill Arts Centre, Spiceball Park, Banbury, Oxfordshire OX16 5QE
(Map)
Box Office 01295 279002.
www.youngandstrange.co.uk.
29.10.11
Kidbiz Live Lecture! David Ginn,
London, Friday, November 11th at 7pm. The Kidbiz Live Lecture!, Davdi Ginn's
only UK lecture this year, contains 95% new material. Admission £10 (includes
free DVD for the first 40 people to book. Just
tell Bob Pamplin that you are going and they will put you on the free DVD list). London Society of Magicians,
Davenports Magic Studio,
7 Charing Cross Underground Arcade, The Strand,
London
WC2N 4HZ www.lsmmagic.co.uk.
Contact
Bob Pamplin 07831 274263 or 020 8504 0979 or email
tickets@lsmmagic.co.uk.
29.10.11
Cheltenham's
only live magic show, "An Evening of Deception", is back for an extended
run in 2012: "The show returns to The Everyman Theatre from February
22nd-25th 2012. Compère Steve Knibbs will once again be joined by
Gloucestershire magician Andi Gladwin; with more performers yet to be
announced. The show completely sold out its last
two runs as it brings live magic back to the birthplace of J N
Maskeleyne." For updates follow the team on twitter @eodeception, join
their new Facebook page
Click Here or sign up to their mailing list
Click Here Finally, and more
importantly, to book tickets
Click Here.
29.10.11
John Carey Lecture at Ilford Magical Society,
26th November 2011, reported by
Bryan Porter.
Members of Ilford Magical Society enjoyed a lecture given by John
(Handle with) Carey last Wednesday and what a great lecture it was. John
shared around sixteen or so effects from his professional repertoire
working with coins, cards, banknotes and Paracetamol tablets - carefully
and clearly explaining the finer points of the handling of each effect.
All present were able to take something away from the lecture. In
addition to explaining his effects John also answered many questions and
gave valuable tips based on his experience working with a lay
audience. Highly recommended. Bryan Porter, President, Ilford
Magical Society
www.ilfordmagic.com.
29.10.11
Brian Lord, stalwart of the Leicester Magic Circle, celebrates his 80th
birthday on November 7th with a night devoted to old tricks including a
rare antique magic prop; followed by items from his
speaking engagements.
www.leicestermagiccircle.co.uk.
29.10.11
Magician
and Mind Reader David Gemmell plays the evil
BlackHeart in Jack and the Beanstalk at Cwm
Rhymney Comprehensive School, Blackwood, Newport this evening. David has been a member of
FADAMS for about 6 months and enjoys helping the cast in their projects
www.gemmellmagic.co.uk.
29.10.11
Richard Osterlind's Grismer Lock. Steve Cook emails: "The newly-released Richard Osterlind DVDs feature Richard's 'Grismer Lock' routine (Performance only). The 'Grismer Lock' is exclusively available from myself. New stock is due in about a week. Very limited supplies! Only a small number released each year, in compliance with (the late) Ray Grismer's wishes to keep it very exclusive. Contact me for an update on supplies, plus price and delivery details etc, on this mechanical masterpiece - the world's most exclusive magical lock! Thanks. steve.cook243@ntlworld.com." 29.10.11
Jim Reilly MIMC correction. Andrew Van Buren emails: "In the October issue of The Magic Circular is the announcement that New Zealand based magician Jim Reilly MIMC with gold star has died aged 83. We this morning (Friday) received a call from a very distraught and very alive Jim Reilly asking if I could make some sense of this and sort this mistake out for him. Jim is alive and very well." Andrew Van Buren www.vanburen.org.uk. 29.10.11
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trick to a good magic show. Master magician Greg Frewin says it's all
about theatre, illusion and good old-fashioned entertainment"
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it"
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Fairfield"
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Click Here •
Body magic
Click Here • Lots happening both
live and on
TV at the moment. Many
thanks for all your news items, see you next week, Duncan.
29.10.11