Number 594 - 12th November 2011
The
40th International Magic Convention kicks off at 7.30pm on Friday 18th
November. From the organisers: The 40th International Magic
Convention kicks off at 7.30pm on Friday 18th November with the first
ever European appearance of Harry Anderson when he not only performs his
one man show, 'Tipping The Hat' but then dissects the whole show with
trick explanations and analysis in the lecture that follows it. The
whole weekend contains many such firsts and surprises with two
previously unannounced acts in the Gala Show, the awarding of The David
Berglas International Magic Award to its mystery recipient, and a
'never-to-be-repeated' moment with David Williamson - you won't want to
miss it! On Saturday 19th November at 10am the following cast of
international competitors will “let the contest begin” for the 28th
International Close Up Magic Competition & Kevin Reay Trophy: 1 Ludovic
Julliot (France); 2 James Piper (Wales); 3 Benoit Dulche (France); 4
PIPO (Spain); 5 Claes Danell (Sweden); 6 Andost (USA); 7 Javi Sánchez
(Spain); 8 Paul Sommersguter (Austria); 9 Hayashi (Germany); 10 Trabuk
(Italy); 11 Alexander Popov (Russia); 12 Hector Mancha (Spain); 13 Hide
(Japan); 14 Woody Aragón (Spain;) 15 René Jensen (Denmark); 16 Lord
Lucan aka Magic Paul (UK). Judged by the International Panel comprising;
Gerrit Brengman, Domenico Dante, Andy Nyman, Curtis Kam, Joan Caesar,
Larry Hass, Tonny van Rhee, Jackie McClements and Obie O’Brien. Tickets
still available from
www.internationalmagic.com.
12.11.11
Ed
Alonzo, Christian Farla, Charlie Frye & Co., Axel Hecklau, Jimmy Tamley,
Michael Weber, Amethyst... They'll all be there... how about you?
Blackpool Convention 2012 - Friday 17th, Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th
February 2012. Registrations:
www.blackpoolmagic.com.
12.11.11
A
Christmas Carol, and the conjuror. Christmas is a time for telling
ghost stories and enjoying magic. Charles Dickens summoned up the best
seasonal spooks and he was also a gifted amateur magician. Writer and
broadcaster Brian Sibley evokes literary illusions from some of
Dickens's best loved stories while David Weeks of The Magic Circle
presents interludes of bewildering bafflement out of the Victorian
conjuror's box of tricks. Suitable for all aged 8 and above. Friday 9th
& Saturday 10th December at the Conference Centre, British Library,
London. Price: £7.50 / £5 concessions. More info:
www.bl.uk/whatson.
12.11.11
Ian
Keable: Funny Tricks ...a one man comedy magic show - New Dates. "In
Funny Tricks Ian Keable, a recent recipient of the prestigious Magic
Circle Comedy Award, illustrates the techniques he uses to mystify his
audience. Is the hand quicker than the eye, is it all done with mirrors
or does everything disappear up the sleeve? Ian performs a multitude of
different tricks demonstrating these secrets, ranging from sleight of
hand to reading minds - and all performed with laughs galore. Whether
you want to learn some of the magician’s innermost secrets, or be
thoroughly entertained by bewildering and hilarious magic, Funny Tricks
is not to be missed." Dave Jones reviews a recent performance this week,
Click Here, and two new dates have just been added: The Cut, Suffolk
on Friday 25th November and Abbey Theatre, Hertfordshire on Saturday 3rd
December - see What's On
for details.
12.11.11
Rafael
Benatar UK Lecture Tour 2012. Tony Griffith is organising a string
of dates for Rafael Benatar in April 2012 (See
What's On). Rafael
Benatar’s lecture consists of card magic for the table as well as for
the stage, including original sleights and routines from his working
repertoire, including some previously unreleased material. He will also
teach magic with silks and explain his theoretical approach to magic
through his cups and balls routine. The lecture includes invaluable
advice on misdirection, timing, wording, and practice, which you can
readily apply to the magic you already do. "His thinking is superb
and his card handling is exquisite." Michael Close in Magic
magazine. "A master of timing." Ascanio. Any clubs interested in
filling one of the following vacant dates, April 13th, 14th, 16th, 28th
or 29th should contact Tony Griffith on 01275 835463 or email
tony@tonygriffith.co.uk
(Ideally clubs should be geographically located en route). Dates and
clubs booked so far: April 11th The Associated Wizards of the South
Southampton; 12th Bristol Society of Magic; 15th Acorn Magic Society
Herefordshire; 17th British Magical Society Birmingham; 18th
Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians; 19th The Mercian Mystics
Stoke-On-Trent; 20th Liverpool Magic Circle; 21st & 22nd Magicians of
Mann Isle of Mann; 23rd Manchester Circle of Magicians; 24th Blackpool
Magician’s Club; 25th Newcastle-upon-Tyne Magic Circle; 26th York Circle
of Magicians; 27th Northampton Magician’s Club; 30th The Magic Circle
London; May 1st Surrey Society of Magicians.
12.11.11
Hans
Klok - clocked. Klok found himself in the dock last week... "Dutch
illusionist nicked tricks"
www.rnw.nl. "Dutch Court Fines Magician Over Act"
Click Here. Hans Klok will be bringing his illusion show to London
in February/March next year, minus a head-dropping hand-through-body
routine no doubt. More show details when we have them (DT).
12.11.11
Close-up
at The Magic Circle. Tickets are now on sale for the next 'Close-up
at The Magic Circle' evening which takes place on Friday November 25th
at 7.30pm. Four veritable prestidigitators will be on hand to provide
the entertainment: The winner of the 2011 Cecil Lyle Award, Mike O'Brien
MIMC, former Magic Circle Close-Up Magician of the Year Richard Pinner
MIMC, Robert Pound AIMC (photo) and Paul Roffman AIMC. Tickets are £10
for Members and Friends of The Magic Circle and £15 for non-members with
proceeds going to the Centre for the Magic Arts. Early booking is
strongly recommended following last month's sell-out night. To book,
visit
www.themagiccircle.co.uk.
12.11.11
Jumbo
Magic Auction - Manchester Circle of Magicians. The Manchester
Circle of Magicians are holding a Jumbo Magic Auction on Monday 28th
November at Salford Masonic Hall, Hemsley House, 41 The Crescent,
Salford, Manchester M5 4PE (Map).
Doors open 5.30pm with viewing from 6pm. The auction starts 6.30pm with
star auctioneers Mike Shepherd and Derek Lever. Door charge of £3.00 for
non-members. Hundreds of items to be sold including quality books,
apparatus, DVDs etc. Private bar. Credit card facilities available to
approved persons. Further details from Derek Lever
d.lever1@sky.com or 01253 810113.
12.11.11
Young
& Strange, An Evening of Magic, Comedy and Illusion. "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." This
show will be hosted by Alan Hudson. Thursday 17th November at The
Queen's Hall Theatre, Waterloo Road, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3JD (Map).
To book
Click Here
www.youngandstrange.co.uk.
12.11.11
John
Carey in Blackpool. John Carey will be lecturing at Blackpool
Magicians’ Club on Thursday, 24th November. John specialises in magic
that is direct, visual and interactive. He does not go for effects that
involve long set-ups or dead time and this shows in his work as he
performs apparent miracles with cards and coins. John had a reputation
as one of the top ‘underground’ magicians but friends have persuaded him
to come ‘above ground’ to pass on his ideas and techniques to others. He
likes all forms of magic but sleight of hand with regular ungaffed
objects is closest to his heart. This does not mean that his effects are
full of finger breaking moves for they also contain subtleties that any
competent magician can master. Even if you are not into close-up his
approach to misdirection, timing and routining are worthy of every
magician’s attention. Peter Eldin
www.blackpoolmagic.com.
12.11.11
Ian
Manley wins the Gil Leaney Shield. In a hard fought competition,
Ian’s smooth professional comedy magic won the day at the Watford
Association of Magician’s 2011 Stage Competition. David Milne was placed
second, and Michael Gee third.
12.11.11
Mister
Tango to lecture in the UK! Tango Magic owner, Marcelo Insua, will
be presenting his ‘Stress Free Magic’ lecture at magic clubs and
societies in the UK in 2012. The 'Stress Free Magic' lecture covers
theory, thinking and tips for coin, card and reel magic - without stress!
Marcelo has been a professional magician for 20 years and owns 'Bar
Magico' the only magic bar theatre in South America. Three years ago he
invented a new gaffed coin (Tango Ultimate Coin) which allows you to
perform the most difficult coin magic with just a few minutes of
practice. He will be touring after the 2012 Blackpool Magic Convention.
If you would like him to lecture at your club, contact tour organiser
Sean Lobban:
mistertall@mistertall.co.uk.
12.11.11
Paul
Gordon Lecture now booking. Paul Gordon has an "all new" lecture on
"worker card magic" which is available for booking. See the
Lecturers page for full
details. Paul Gordon's Copwaked, a jumbo card trick for mini-cabaret,
big tables in restaurants, trade shows and conventions has just been
released, see
www.paulgordon.net/shop.html.
12.11.11
The
Order of The Magi (Manchester) held their annual Cabaret and Comedy
competition on Tuesday where 6 contestants battled it out in an
interesting night of varied magical styles. Entertainments Officer Max
Townsend conducted the event that gave both the magical and lay judges
much to deliberate over in making their decision. The overall winner was
Brian Berry (photo) from Preston and the comedy Cup went to Dave
(Plummie the Wacky Clown) Magee. The next meeting of The Magi is on
Tuesday 22nd November when Hypnotist and Psychic Entertainer Jonathon
Royle will present a lecture on Hypnotism and NLP. This will also
include sections on publicity, marketing, success secrets, and mentalism
techniques. Venue details are on
www.orderofthemagi.org.uk. There will be a door charge for non
members. Geoffrey Newton PRO.
12.11.11
Magic
“Olympics” at WAM. "This fun evening is being led by Alan Browne, an
actor and magician. It is a relaxed opportunity, for as many people as
they like, to perform magic with a catch or twist. It has its origins in
theatrical improvisation, but it’s totally geared to magic. The purpose
is to stimulate creativity, but it’s also an opportunity to learn to
cope with some of the more unusual situations that performance can throw
up. No expert technique is required, just a willingness to try something
new. 8pm Tuesday 15th November 2011 at the Watford Association of
Magicians, Bricket Wood Social Club, Oak Avenue, Bricket Wood,
Hertfordshire AL2 3LQ (Map).
£10 for non WAM members."
12.11.11
Chris
Harding has been awarded the title "Best Wedding Entertainment" at the
Kent Wedding Awards 2011. The awards ceremony took place on Thursday
3rd November at Ashford International Hotel in front of a 320 strong
audience of nominees and wedding professionals. "Wedding magic has
always been one of my most favourite areas to work in and I perform at a
countless number of receptions every year. They are always fun and
exciting, so to receive an award for my work in this area is a great
honour and also testament as to how popular it is." Said Chris. Chris
Harding is a full-time professional magician. He also works for Alakazam
Magic, as well as being a member of the performing team at Simon Drake's
House of Magic in London
www.chris-harding.co.uk.
12.11.11
Steve
Gore is presenting his lecture “Ramblings from a suspender… of
disbelief” for the British Magical Society on Tuesday 15th November, at
7.30pm. The lecture, which received great reviews from the Modern Mystic
League and Huddersfield Circle of Magicians, includes lots of his
original effects, including ‘Trick
Photography’ (MagicWeek's 'Close-up
Trick of the Year'). It’s not all close-up though, there are effects
for stage, parlour and kids too, and everyone who attends will receive a
free copy of Steve's lecture notes.
www.stevegore.co.uk.
The Selly Oak Ex-Servicemen’s Club, 8 Selly Hill Road, Selly Oak,
Birmingham B29 7DL (Map).
£5 door charge for non-members.
12.11.11
Roberto
Forzoni: An Evening of Mystery. Roberto Forzoni presented his
first-ever one man show 'An Evening of Mystery' last Friday at the Hob
Theatre to a packed house. Roberto will tour local theatres over the next 4
months. The evening consists of two 45 minute sets of mentalism and mind
reading. Email
roberto@forzonimagic.com for details.
12.11.11
South
Downs Magicians are celebrating their first 'father and son' members.
James Gibson, aged 19, has just joined the club and his father, Jonathan
Cann, is a past president of the society. Both Jonathan and James
appeared in a fund-raising magic show staged by the South Downs
Magicians on Saturday 22nd October at Handcross Parish Hall in West
Sussex where the club meets. Jonathan was the compère for the first half
of the show and James was one of the stage performers with his juggling,
Diabolo and Devil Stick. The club has four husband and wife couples
among its 40 members but Jonathan and James are the first father and son
to join the club. Paul Bromley, Secretary, South Downs Magicians,
www.southdownsmagicians.co.uk.
12.11.11
Production runners for Magic TV and theatre projects wanted! "Plastic Thumb Productions are looking for a production runners to work on various high profile magic TV and theatre projects over the next 18 months. The successful candidate must live in London, be over 18, have a good all round knowledge of magic, ideally some experience working in TV and be free to start work around 21st November. Email CV etc to paul@plasticthumbproductions.com." 12.11.11
Celebrity magician tells how granddad's tricks saved him from child bullies" Click Here • "Derren Brown's Experiments: have you been entranced?" Click Here • "Strip performer began honing blend of magic and gymnastics as child" Click Here • "TV: Penn & Teller" Click Here • "Money From Magic Training Course with Tony Strange" is reviewed by Jack Stephens this week, Click Here • Derren Brown is planning to take a theatre show to New York towards the end of 2012, we'll bring you details when we have them (let it be based on the brilliant 'Something Wicked' show) • "Find a sense of wonder with Masters of Illusion" Click Here • "The mind reader who can't read minds" Click Here • I'm working on the roof of the new MagicWeek office this weekend, so if there's no MagicWeek next week it's because I fell off. Your UK magic news is always welcome, have a good weekend, Duncan. 12.11.11