Number 602 - 7th January 2012

Blackpool Convention 2012. Artistes booked to date: Pete Hartley - UK, Yoo Hyun Min - Korea, Park Eung Kyoung - Korea, Yu Ho Jin - Korea, Charlie Frye & Co - USA, Chris Hart - USA, John Martin - UK, Compagnie Poc - France, Ken Dodd - UK, Wayne Dobson - UK, Christian Farla - Netherlands, David Ginn - USA, Garrett Thomas - USA, Dave Windle - UK, Do Ki Moon - Korea, Lee Hun - Korea, Jimmy Tamley - UK, Dirk Losander - USA, Richard Forget - Canada, Jean Garin - France, Sebastian Nicolas - Germany, Les Chapeaux Blancs - France, Lumina - UK, Michael Weber - USA, Ponta The Smith - Japan, Yuji Jasuda - Korea, Kim Tae Won - Korea, Ha Won Geon - Korea, Danny Cole - USA, Andost - USA, Jason Latimer - USA (photo), Aaron Crow - Belgium, Marc Metral - France, Amethyst - UK, Terry Herbert - UK, Axel Hecklau - Germany, David Roth - USA. For the full provisional programme for this mammoth event Click Here, and to book visit www.blackpoolmagic.com 17th, 18th, 19th February 2012. 7.1.12

The Session is just days away and five new performers have been added to the line up! Christian Engblom (photo, Finland), Justin Flom (USA), Eric Richardson (USA), Liam Montier (UK) and Mark Elsdon (UK) join the already jam-packed line-up, which includes incredible magicians from all over the world. With performers such as Chris Kenner (USA), Dani DaOrtiz (Spain), Kainoa Harbottle (USA) all making their first ever UK convention appearances, this is a convention not to be missed. Trouble is only six tickets remain before The Session is sold out once again... Book now! www.sessionconvention.com. 7.1.12

Best of British. Magicseen Publications is pleased the announce the imminent release of a major new book. Entitled Best of British, the book is designed to be a showcase for the creative talent of performers from the UK. With well over 20 top contributors, including Wayne Dobson, Peter Duffie, Geoffrey Durham, Paul Gordon, Simon Lovell, Shaun McCree, Marc Paul, Scott Penrose, Mark Shortland, Paul Stockman and many more, this publication will appeal to anyone who values the creative output of British magicians. The magic covered includes close-up, stage and mentalism. The book will be officially launched at the Blackpool Convention on Friday 17th February 2012, but interested parties can pre-order the title right now and in doing so receive a special CD featuring ebook versions of two of Magicseen Publications' other titles, David Copperfield - A Magic Life and Andrew Normansell's The Man Who Would Be King. Neither of these titles is normally supplied in ebook format, but anyone who orders Best of British before midnight on Wednesday 15th February 2012 will be entitled to a copy! Pre-order a copy of Best of British now from www.magicseen.co.uk for mail order dispatch on Tuesday 21st February 2012, or choose to save the P&P and elect to collect your copy (together with your free CD) at the Magicseen stand at the Blackpool Convention. 7.1.12

Paul Zenon's no apprentice. To date Paul is the only Countdown Dictionary Corner guest to have appeared alongside all five Countdown presenters, and on Monday Paul will join new presenter Nick (The Apprentice) Hewer for a five-day run, daily at 3.10pm on Channel 4 (see TV Magic). On January 12th Paul's a special guest live on stage in La Soirée at the Roundhouse, London, and from 19th to the 22nd he can be seen appearing at the Vegas Magic Theatre at the Gold Coast, Las Vegas. www.paulzenon.com. 7.1.12

South Tyneside is set to be enveloped in all things magic for the ninth year running as magicians and magic enthusiasts from around the globe descend on the borough for the return of the hugely popular International Magic Festival (Friday 9th March to Sunday 11th March). The three day event, supported by MagicBox, will include a variety of workshops, lectures and masterclasses featuring leading magicians from around the globe. Event organisers South Tyneside Council and magician Martin Duffy, former President of the Newcastle Magic Circle, have already secured an amazing line up of international acts, including Americans David Regal, Rob Torres and Levent and European performers Christian Schenk (Card Shark), Archini & Smith, Mat Ricardo, High Jinx and Ricky McLeod. The Magic Convention registration is £65. This includes: All lectures; Close-up sessions and Gala Shows, plus access to the exclusive Midnight Show on Friday 9th. To register contact South Tyneside Events Team on 0191 424 7987 or email events@southtyneside.gov.uk or Click Here for more information. 7.1.12

Hugh Jackman to star in Houdini musical on Broadway. "Actor Hugh Jackman has signed up to play Harry Houdini on Broadway in a new musical about the famed illusionist. 'In many ways I've been preparing for this role my whole life,' said the 43-year-old star of X-Men and Real Steel. The musical, to be written by West Wing creator Aaron Sorkin, will open in New York in 2013 or 2014..." To read the full story from the BBC Click Here. 7.1.12

The new series of BBC 1's The Magicians starts today... "The Magicians returns with a show-stopping live format and viewer vote. Presented by Darren McMullen, the first show of six sees magicians Barry and Stuart paired with stars of Outnumbered, Tyger Drew-Honey and Daniel Roche; World Champion of Magic, Latimer, with Strictly Come Dancing's Flavia Cacace; and comedy magician Pete Firman is joined by Coronation Street and Boyzone's Keith Duffy. With more daring, dangerous and mind-blowing magic than ever before, each act performs four tricks - and two are live, so anything could happen. The first show includes a jaw-dropping escape, a spectacular laser routine and an astonishing live stage illusion. Once all three acts have performed, viewers get to vote for their favourite, with the losing team having to face a terrifying live forfeit. Who will it be?" 6.35pm on Saturday 7th January (1 hour 15 minutes) on BBC 1 TV Magic. 7.1.12

Derren Brown launches Twitter competition after hitting a million followers... "Derren Brown has always liked doing things a little differently, so it’s no surprise that he’s designed an elaborate competition to celebrate the fact that he has just reached a million followers on Twitter." To read the full story in the Mirror Click Here [Did you spot the little alien in a jar of formaldehyde on the table behind Derren's left shoulder in the video?]. 7.1.12

Mark Shortland - The 12 Minutes past Eight Show, London, Friday 20th January at 7.30pm. "From The Orleans Casino and Hotel, Las Vegas to The World Economic Forum, Davos; from The Magic Castle, Hollywood to The Grand Opera House, Blackpool, Mark Shortland has entertained audiences around the world with his unique style of magic and comedy. Mark is one of the UK's leading comedy magicians and has spent the last few years performing on luxury cruise ships all around the world. Most recently you will have seen Mark performing on the ITV1 Saturday night TV show Penn and Teller: Fool Us! hosted by Jonathan Ross. Now The British Magical Grand Prix Champion is taking his one-man show The 12 Minutes past Eight Show to the stage in the UK. This show is the result of 15 years hard work in the entertainment business. A fun packed family show that will have you laughing, clapping, cheering and gasping (but that’s because we have turned the air conditioning off!). So come and enjoy an evening of mirth, mystery and mind reading as Mark takes you into his weird world of magic and comedy." Tickets: £12 advance (£10 conc) or £15 on the door. Arcola Theatre, Ashwin Street, London E3 3DL (Map). Box Office 0207 503 1646 www.arcolatheatre.com. 7.1.12

Conjuring at the Court will open in 2012, on January 26th, with a wonderful lineup featuring Stephen Barry, your compere for the night; Rob James, an original, entertaining magician with many international and TV credits (The Magic Castle, Hollywood; the House of Commons; BBC2; Channel 4 and many more); Wave, a young European performer and finalist at FISM; Miss Ballooniverse brings her unique combination of balloons and stand-up comedy; Mel Mellers, an internationally acclaimed comedy magician with an acid wit. Venue: Drayton Court, 2 The Avenue, West Ealing, London W13 8PH (Map). Doors open at 7.30pm and the show starts at 8pm. The show sold out last month with standing room only for the last few arrivals, so don’t leave it too late to book. Tickets from www.conjuringatthecourt.com. 7.1.12

The Magic Trek 2012. In May 2009, a group of South Coast Magicians walked from Portsmouth to London for a sponsored event called The Magic Trek. The route included magic clubs and societies in Southampton, Winchester, Basingstoke, Reading and Windsor, finishing at The Magic Circle, a distance of approximately 106 miles. Together, the magicians raised over £6,000 for The Anthony Nolan Trust. On Wednesday 16th May 2012, The Magic Trek will start from Portsmouth again. The 2012 Magic Trek will visit Bognor Regis, Shoreham on Sea, The Associated Conjurors of East Sussex in Lewes, East Grinstead, The South London Magic Society in South Norwood and will finish at The Magic Circle in London on Monday 21st May. The total distance will be approximately 112 miles. As before, the magicians will be raising money for The Anthony Nolan Trust www.anthonynolan.org. Magicians from all over the UK are invited to join the group to take part, either for a day or two, or the whole walk. If you are interested and would like more information email Sean Lobban sean@magictrek.org.uk and to keep up to date with the latest news visit www.facebook.com/The2012MagicTrek. To watch a video of 2009's event Click Here. 7.1.12

Menu of Miracles, Birmingham, Tuesday January 10th. Professional restaurant magician James Prince presents his 'Menu of Miracles' lecture at the British Magical Society, Birmingham at 7.30pm. Visit www.britishmagicalsociety.co.uk for details, and visit the MagicWeek Lecturers page for details of James's lecture - and to book it for your club! 7.1.12

Marcelo Insua ‘Stress Free Magic’ Lecture Tour 2012. The 'Stress Free Magic' lecture covers theory, thinking and tips for coin, card and reel magic - without the stress! Marcelo has been a professional magician for 20 years and owns 'Bar Magico' the only magic bar theatre in South America. Tour dates: Tuesday 14th February Forth Valley Magic Circle; Monday 20th February Leicester Magic Circle; Tuesday 21st February Medway Magical Society; Wednesday 22nd February Zodiac Magical Society; Thursday 23rd February Surrey Society of Magicians; Sunday 26th February High Peaks Magicians Society; Wednesday 29th February Newcastle Magic Circle; Thursday 1st March Darlington Magic Circle. For more information contact tour organiser Sean Lobban mistertall@mistertall.co.uk. 7.1.12

Pat Fallon Lecture - now taking bookings. Pat Fallon will be lecturing in the UK in May and still has a number of free dates available - email info@patfallonmagic.com for details. Pat Fallon has been a professional magician since 1987 and is without doubt the Irish magician with an international reputation. Since 1995 he has lectured in Ireland, England, Italy, America, Belgium and Australia and has performed and lectured at most of the major UK conventions including Blackpool, The IBM, Bristol, SAMS, South Shields, J Day, Leeds, Top Secret Day of Magic, Kidology and twice at The Magic Circle. For full details about pat's lecture visit the MagicWeek Lecturers Page and also visit www.patfallonmagic.com. 7.1.12

Did you know that a listing on CorporateMagicians.com automatically includes a free listing on Magician-UK.co.uk, the local directory of UK magicians? At just £60 per year the two sites together represent a great way to let potential bookers know all about your services as a magician. CorporateMagicians.com was established in 2001, and Magician-UK.co.uk in 2009. The application form to appear on both sites is linked from the contact page on CorporateMagicans.com [From the makers of MagicWeek]. 7.1.12

Terry Seabrooke Celebration Evening at The Magic Circle. "On Monday the 9th of January The Magic Circle is holding an evening to celebrate the life and career of Terry Seabrooke. Hilda and the family will be there along with a number of distinguished guests and a very talented cast of performers. Steve Evans has agreed to be our MC so we know we are in for a treat. Non members should consult Julie Carpenter at juliecarpenter@themagiccircle.co.uk before travelling. If you want to know exactly what we've got planned you will have to buy a programme!" Julie Carpenter. 7.1.12

Ray Kosby London Lecture. On Wednesday 18th January, Ray Kosby (one of the world’s most creative close-up magicians) is presenting his lecture in London for International Magic. His original and often offbeat effects and methods are both stunning and baffling. Just one of the routines, for which Ray is probably best known, is ‘Raise Rise’. This is a visual ambitious card sequence where the signed card is left protruding at the bottom of the deck, when all of a sudden it jumps to the middle and then to the top of the deck! An amazing version of a classic effect. The skill level of the lecture ranges from intermediate to advanced and contains both card and coin routines. The lecture is being held at the usual venue - 2nd floor at 'Casa Italiana', 136 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1R 5DL (Map) and starts 7.30pm (finishes approx 9.45pm). Entrance is £15 on the door however all those who wish to attend should contact Martin on 020 7405 7324 or email martin@internationalmagic.com beforehand. 7.1.12

Luke Jermay Lecture - Portsmouth & District Magic Circle. Professional mentalist and consultant, Luke Jermay will be lecturing at Portsmouth & District Magic Circle on Monday 9th January at 7.30pm. Luke is the author of 7 Deceptions, Building Blocks, 3510, Building Blocks Extended and the performer on the DVDs Skullduggery, EI, Seeing with the Fingertips and Colorblind. Non PDMC magicians welcome (£8 admission). Venue: Portsmouth & District Magic Circle, Buckland Community Centre, Malins Road, Buckland, Portsmouth PO2 7BL (Map). See: www.thementalistlive.com and www.portsmouthmagic.co.uk. 7.1.12

Peter McLanachan will be presenting a new lecture for Paisley Magic Circle on Thursday 19th January. The lecture features effects from his  containing effects from his 'The Difficult Second Album' PDF lecture notes, which will be available from his website from next week. The lecture will mainly concentrate on card effects that can be done when performing for groups in walkaround situation, especially if you want to get more than one card selected. There will also be a handling of the famed 'Any Card At Any Number' that can be done with any borrowed deck. This lecture will be the first time that Peter will be teaching a number of these items in any setting and will take place at Paisley Magic Circle's regular meeting place at St Ninian's Church Halls, 81-83 Blackstoun Road, Paisley, PA3 1NR (Map), starting at 7.30pm. Entry to the lecture for non-members will be £10. For more details contact Peter Mullan, Secretary of Paisley Magic Circle pgmullan@hotmail.com, and also visit www.thecardman.co.uk and www.paisleymagiccircle.co.uk. 7.1.12

The Essence is Tony Griffith’s new book, due for release on 10th January 2012. At his recent 'At Home' session in November, Tony celebrated 25 years as a professional magician following a career in teaching. The Essence is a 138 page comb bound book containing a collection of the best commercial routines from his Reflections quartet of books and contains 33 tricks and 140 illustrations. Add to this articles and anecdotes with a Foreword by Steve Beam and you have a magic compilation of some of the best routines that have served Tony well during the last 25 years. Tony will shortly be taking his 'At Home' day long event out on the road. The Essence costs £20 plus £3 p & p. Contact Tony tony@tonygriffith.co.uk or 13 Church Road, Norton Malreward, Bristol BS39 4EX for ordering details. 7.1.12

Manchester Circle of Magicians hold their Annual General Meeting on Monday 9th January at 8pm when Adrian Sullivan will be installed as President. This will be followed by a Giant Dealer Demonstration by Michael Shepherd, Brian Berry, Harry Robson and Adrian Sullivan. Non members can attend the Dealer Demonstration. Further information from d.lever1@sky.com or ring Derek Lever on 01253 810113. 7.1.12

Ian Souch is bringing his Mentalism show Reality Vaccine to Reading on January 27th at the SouthStreet Arts Centre, Reading. Box office: 01189 960 6060 www.readingarts.com facebook.com/realityvaccine Tickets £8.50 (there may be a booking fee). Time: Close-up Magic in the bar at 7pm, the show starts at 8pm. "Ian performs feats so impressive he appears psychic" 3 Weeks Edinburgh Fringe Review. "Walk through the door into a very different way of thinking... it's a must see!" onthefringepapaer Camden Fringe Review. 7.1.12

Care & Share' balloon fun days. News from organiser Graham Lee: "There are two 'Care & Share' balloon fun days coming up for the early part of 2012. The first in Banstead, Surrey, on Friday 20th January and the second in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire on Wednesday 14th March. Both days will run from 10am to 5pm with the usual fun of a 'Care & Share' day featuring three balloon lecture/workshops throughout the day and possibly a mystery lecturer. The basic class will start at 10.15am sharp so that we have time to fit in all the other organised fun planned for the rest of the day." For more details and to book visit www.qualatexballoons.co.uk. 7.1.12

MagicWeek Lecturers page. Let the magic world know about your lecture via the MagicWeek Lecturers Page. Email the Newsdesk (address below) for rates. 7.1.12

Etienne Pradier will be in Las Vegas next week performing live on stage in The Penn & Teller show www.frenchmagician.co.uk • "Does anyone know how to build Piff the Magic Dragon's Tacular?" Click Here • Jack & the Beanstalk with Safire is reviewed by Michael Carr this week, Click Here • "2 magicians approach court demanding art status for magic" Click Here • "Christian magician's show presents truth and illusion" Click Here • "Magician hopes China likes talent" Click Here • "Marco Tempest makes open-source magic for the 21st century" Click Here • "Bringing back that old magic feeling" Click Here • Your UK magic news is always welcome, see you next week, Duncan. 7.1.12

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