Number 610 - 3rd March 2012
Hans
Klok - The Houdini Experience. "Earlier this month I got to sit down with
master illusionist, his words not mine, Hans Klok for a little chat about his
new show The Houdini Experience. I am an award winning (and highly
modest) mind-reader who can't read minds, whose always loved magic, but
illusions, just haven't excited me. Has Hans managed to change that with his
first London show? You know what? I think he has..." Chris Cox (the award
winning mind-reader who can't read minds) reviews The Houdini Experience
this week,
Click Here. The Houdini Experience starring Hans Klok runs at
Sadler's Wells Peacock Theatre until the 25th March 2012. "Hans Klok gets a
thumbs up from Paul Daniels"
Click Here. "Kate Moss fan of The One Show"
Click Here. "Hans Klok, Peacock Theatre - review"
Click Here. "Review: Hans Klok’s The Houdini Experience @ Peacock Theatre"
Click Here. "Hans Klok and Company's 'The Houdini Experience', Peacock
Theatre, review"
Click Here. "The Houdini Experience"
Click Here.
3.3.12
Genii’s
75th Anniversary Birthday Bash. Genii, The Conjurors’ Magazine, is 75 years
old, and is having a convention to celebrate. Genii’s 75th Anniversary Birthday
Bash, will take place on October 4, 5, and 6 2012 (Thursday midday through
Saturday night) in Orlando at The Florida Hotel and Conference Center. Already
booked (in no particular order): Roberto Giobbi, Tom Stone, David Ben, Jim
Steinmeyer, John Carney, Eric Mead, Max Maven, Yumi, Jonathan Pendragon, Scott Land, Jon Racherbaumer, Eugene Burger, Charlie Frye and
Company, Kisuk Lee, Paul Wilson, Jonathan Levit, Rob Zabrecky, Alba, Alex Ramon,
and Special Guest Dr. Sawa. With more artists to be announced. Registrations are
$350. Visit
www.geniiconvention.com to register, or call the Genii office (in the
States) on 301-652-5800 or email
genii@geniimagazine.com. The convention hotel is just six miles from Orlando
International Airport, 10 minutes from Universal Studios (home of The
Wizardling World of Harry Potter), and 20 minutes from Walt Disney World.
All registrants will receive a swag bag full of over $200 worth of magic tricks,
DVDs, and more!
3.3.12
Illusionology
The Secret Science of Magic is a sumptuous treasure trove of a book
aimed at 8-14 year olds (I imagine) although adults will find it equally
engaging. Every page is magical in itself, with special compartments revealing
magic secrets, interwoven with instructions for tricks that the reader can
learn, and even some special props including magic playing cards, 'pop-up'
illusions and other specially produced tricks.
From the publishers: "Purportedly written in 1915 by one of America's top
scientists, William Schafer, the book is an expose of the tricks of the masters
for new initiates of the Illusionists' Guild. As well as revealing inside info
about many famous tricks - levitating a lady, making things disappear and
mind-reading, among others - and providing instructions, it gives explanations
of the science that makes the magic possible."
Author Emily Hawkins is a highly experienced
writer and editor who also wrote the New-York-Times bestseller Oceanology.
Providing a raft of magical knowledge is ‘The Deceptionist’, or ‘Sav’ to his
friends. A magician to the stars and member of The Magic Circle, he is
immortalised in the book demonstrating optical illusions. He can make you doubt
your own eyesight with amazing feats of close-up magic!
The artwork by David Wyatt is simply wonderful. Illusionology was published on March 1st and is currently
available from Amazon.co.uk for just £10.99 in hardback
Click Here. For more information visit
www.ologyworld.com. Sav
The Deceptionist will be performing magic from the book at
Waterstones, Finchley Road, London on Saturday 10th March from 11am and from
3pm at the new Foyles in Westfield Stratford City, London.
3.3.12
9th
South Tyneside International Magic Festival - just days away! Convention booker Martin
Duffy has once again come up with a veritable feast of magical names:
David Regal (USA) David Regal is a television writer, creator of effects
for magicians, and two-time Academy of Magical Arts Lecturer of the
Year. Rob Torres (USA) For the past two
decades Rob Torres has travelled to over 45 countries performing in
theatres, circuses, varieties, galas, TV and film. His performances at
the Budapest, Moscow and Monte Carlo circus festivals have all won him
awards, but more than that, laughter! Levent (USA) Levent started out at a very
young age performing throughout his native New York City. At the age of
17 he was awarded 1st prize for Stage Magic at the International
Brotherhood of Magicians’ National Convention and hasn't looked back
since. Christian Schenk (Germany) Christian
believes that in 2004 a client’s trade show themed “IT’s Magic” brought
him back into magic as he printed his first deck of playing cards. What
he thought was just a new hobby turned out to be the most serious (and
fun) part of his life. Mat Ricardo (UK) One of the UK's most
in-demand comedy variety performers, Mat Ricardo has spent the last 25
years touring the world with his unique, astonishing and hilarious act.
Reviving the almost-lost art of the gentleman juggler, Mat blends
dazzling feats of dexterity and balance with the wit and timing of a
skilled stand-up comedian (look out for his current TV commercial
Click Here) High Jinx (UK) High Jinx (Michael Jordan and
Tamsyn Sear) are professional variety entertainers, their acts are a
thrilling mix of Magic, Illusion, Escapology and Circus skills delivered
in a way that will leave you amazed, puzzled even scared but above all
entertained. Michael was the 2009 Magic Circle "Young Magician of the
Year”. Archini and Smith (UK) John Archer (the
first magician to fool Penn & Teller!) and Mike Smith formed this double
act back in 1995 when they won the "Alistair Wand" in the International
Brotherhood of Magicians stage competition. The act was subsequently
performed at many magical society dinners and conventions all over the
country.
Ricky McLeod (UK) For the past 19 years the popular showman has been
adding a touch of magic to thousands of children's and family events.
The Scottish Association of Magical Societies have crowned him
'Children's Entertainer of the Year' on four occasions, while he has
also twice received the 'Murray Wand for Showmanship'. Friday 9th to Sunday 11th March.
Click Here to register.
3.3.12
Conjuring
at the Court – Thursday 29th March 2012. From the organisers: "Celebrity
compere Michael Barrymore leads a terrific line-up with mind-reader Marc Paul,
comedy double-act Young and Strange (as seen on Fool Us), Christian Lee [photo]
– the king of comedy magic (Time Out), and the hilarious Irish juggler Michael
Pearse. Doors open 7.30pm and show starts 8pm. Tickets still just £10 from
www.conjuringatthecourt.com. Why not get there early to enjoy a great dinner
and reserve a seat for the show! It’s just 12 minutes from Central London by
overground rail from Paddington to West Ealing, and the pub is just 2 minutes
walk from the station. Drayton Court, 2 The Avenue, West Ealing W13 8PH."
3.3.12
Max
Somerset To Premiere New ‘Signature’ Show At The Magic Circle. Carlton
Comedy Award winning celebrity magician Max Somerset will be premiering his new
Signature Tricks one-man show on March 16th and 17th at The Magic Circle
theatre in London. The shows follow his sell-out performance last year at the
theatre and are part of The Magic Circle’s current Season of Winter Wizardry.
Directed by Paul Roffman, Signature Tricks is a whimsical account of
Max’s life from humble beginnings in Bampton to the grandeur of the Magic Circle
stage, as told in a heady mix of magic, music, mind reading and comedy. It is
also a unique insight into the quintessentially English performer’s unusual and
anarchic take on life, which has endeared him to the hearts of fans not only in
the UK but also around the world. Paul Daniels was his inspiration to become a
magician after Max watched him perform a trick in which Paul appeared to push
four coins through a table top. Music was the other interest of young Maximilian
and to try and further his musical aspirations his uncle bought him a Hammond
organ when was he was just eleven-years-old. The gift ignited a passion for jazz
and be-bop and eventually Max went to Trinity College, London, to study music.
On graduating with a Bachelors and Masters degree he embarked on a career as a
music teacher while performing magic shows at clubs in and around London in his
spare time. However, he soon realised that magic was his first love and
after being accepted into The Magic Circle, he went on to achieve international
celebrity status through hit TV shows such as Max Magic, Undercover
Magic and Sorcerer’s Apprentice and through being a very highly
sought after live performer. Max is currently resident magician at the
prestigious Dover Street Arts Club in London’s Mayfair. Maximilian Somerset’s
Signature Tricks, March 16th and 17th, The Magic Circle Theatre, 12
Stephenson Way, London NW1 2HD. Tickets cost £22.00 each and can be purchased on
0871 220 0260 (calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras) or online via
www.seetickets.com.
3.3.12
This
dragon's on fire... Piff wins slot on Secret Policeman's Ball. "Piff the
Magic Dragon is about to get his 15 seconds of fame after winning a competition
to appear at the Secret Policeman’s Ball in New York on Sunday..." Read the full
story with video in Chortle
Click Here.
3.3.12
Rules of Engagement - Uh-Oh It's Magic. "Audrey tries to bond with Jeff's softball buddy Brenda, who has agreed to be their surrogate, but puts her foot in it by revealing the surrogacy plans to Brenda's new girlfriend Becky, who wasn't aware of them. Russell takes his date Jessica to a magic show, only to see the magician make her disappear and not return. Desperate to prove his DIY skills to Jennifer, Adam knocks himself out trying to install a new shower fitting. Illusionist Criss Angel guest stars." 8.30pm on Thursday 15th March on E4, see TV Magic. 3.3.12
News
from The Twins: "The Twin have been in Italy for the past two weeks working
with Dan and Dean from fashion house Dsquared2, at Milan’s Fashion Week. 'We
really wanted to present our new collection in a very different way, rather than
in the showroom or on the catwalk. It’s Milan Fashion Week so we wanted to bring
some magic and mystery to our new collection,' said the brand’s founder and
designer, Dan Caten. Dan, together with his twin brother Dean and The Twins,
Europe's Hottest illusionists, entertained guests with a performance of tricks,
effects and illusions. Dsquared2 collections have conquered a worldwide
audience... 'Dean and Dan are known for their lavish show productions and fun,
tongue-in-cheek themes, but this time, they really outdid themselves'
GlamUK.co.uk. 'Stunning show' Time Out, Milan Check out
www.theillusionists.com
or www.dsquared2.com".
3.3.12
Food
for Thought by Wayne Dobson: "You have 16 cards; each with a different food
item displayed on them – this is your shopping list. The spectator mixes up the
cards. The spectator then chooses one of the cards. This is done twice. You are
then able to tell the spectator which two cards they have chosen without having
to look at the cards. Very impressive! This is a great effect. You can adapt the
patter to suit whatever theme, using food items, you wish. The cards are printed
with a food item on one side and the receipt for all of the 16 food items on the
reverse. You can talk about how you purchased these 16 items, but had to return
two items due to them being out of date, or of poor quality. The spectator
chooses two items, at random, and then you reveal which two items were chosen by
the spectator. As a bonus, you can then reveal that you knew the total that was
paid for these two items. As a ‘kicker’, that is just simply genius. Very easy
to perform." For more info, to watch a video, and to order visit
www.waynedobson.co.uk.
3.3.12
Last
call for the Glasgow Dealer Night being hosted by Mark Leveridge Magic and
featuring a full display of MLM and Magicseen products offered at specially
reduced prices. The venue is the Glasgow Pond Hotel and the date is Monday 12th
March. The evening gives plenty of time for attendees to browse the displays and
to ask for dems of items of particular interest, but there is also a mini
lecture by Mark featuring 3 routines not published or revealed before, and a 30
minute dealer dem. Previous Dealer Nights in Bristol, Birmingham, Newbury,
Nottingham, Northampton and Winchester have proved great fun and very
successful, so Mark hopes for a similar great time north of the border. Anyone
interested in attending is recommended to pre-book as then they will receive a
Voucher worth the entry price to put towards purchases on the evening, thus
making admittance free for those who commit ahead of time. For more details and
for online bookings go to
www.markleveridge.co.uk/DealerNights.php.
3.3.12
Marc
Paul: Practical Mentalism - Wessex Magical Association. Marc Paul's latest
lecture delivers very strong effects and exceptionally good advice to mentalists
or would-be mentalists. Tuesday 13th March at 8pm. £5 at the door for
non-members of the WMA. Wessex Magical Association, Bourne Valley Centre, 56
Herbert Avenue, Poole, Dorset BH12 4EE (Map)
www.marcpaul.com
www.wmagic.co.uk.
3.3.12
Death Defying Acts...
"The year is 1926, and Houdini is a household name. Isolated
by fame and drowning in regret over having not been present to hear his
mother's last words, Houdini announces that he will pay $10,000 to
anyone who can prove spiritual contact with his deceased mother. But in
his determination to prove that there is life after death, he becomes
the target of countless charlatans, scam artists, and self-proclaimed
spiritualists... Starring Guy Pearce, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Timothy
Spall." 4.25pm on Sunday 4th March on BBC 2, see
TV Magic.
3.3.12
Angelo
Carbone - London Lecture. Mike Sullivan emails: "For one night only! Angelo
Carbone will lecture at the South London Magic Society on Friday 9th March. Not
to be missed. This man is considered one of the most prolific inventors in
magic. With a string of magic tricks as long as Mr Tickles Arm, Angelo has
continually contributed to none other than Tenyo Magic. This is a lecture not to
missed! As always, we meet at the United Reform Church, Cobden Road, South
Norwood, London SE25 5NX (Map).
8pm - 10pm. Guests are welcome at £10.00."
3.3.12
Romany
- Diva of Magic. "Tettenhall Division of Girlguiding UK are delighted to
announce that Romany - Diva of Magic is headlining their Jubilee Variety Show.
This show is part of their jubilee celebrations taking place on Saturday 26th
May, at the Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton. We are interested in hearing from other
variety acts who may be available to showcase their talents. For more
information please contact Amy Majhu
amymajhu@hotmail.com".
3.3.12
Steve
Evans - Pentacle Club. Alan Maskell writes: This year's Pentacle Club
Lecture takes place on Tuesday 6th March and we are delighted to announce it
will be given by the one and only Steve Evans - magic bloke and compere
extraordinaire. The lecture starts at 8pm, (doors open from 7.40pm), at St
Laurence's School, Arbury Road, Cambridge CB4 2JX (Map)
and visiting magicians are welcome to join us for the ridiculously low charge of
£5 for non-Pentacle Club members.
3.3.12
An
Intimate Evening of Magic & Mystery. Ed Hilsum writes: "I'm producing a show on behalf of the
UCL Union Magic Society at The Garage Theatre, Euston from 7-9th March.
Featuring a variety of performers, the show will include everything from
close-up magic to stage illusions! Show starts at 7.30pm, Tickets just £3. Full
details here:
www.facebook.com/#!/events/304418826267955".
3.3.12
Oliver
Graham Lecture - The Watford Association of Magicians. Oliver Graham (aka
'Magic Olly') who has been performing children's, close-up and cabaret magic for
25 years, 15 years as a full time professional, will be presenting his new
lecture at The Watford Association of Magicians at 8pm on Tuesday 6th March.
Olly will be drawing on his experiences as a resident entertainer at Centre
Parcs, Elvedon, where he performs close-up magic for all ages in a restaurant
setting. As well as sharing some "killer" effects, Olly promises to show you how
you can adapt whatever you do to a very varied audience using humour and
technique. Add to this Olly's unique stacked deck "Ranstacked" and his latest
creation "Alcatraz" and we're guaranteed another great evening at WAM. Julie
Carpenter. Visitors welcome, £10 on the door. To attend contact the club
secretary, Julie Carpenter
juliecarpenter@themagiccircle.co.uk
www.olivergraham.co.uk.
3.3.12
Paul
Gordon's Card Capers Day of Magic. Even if you are not a card magician,
there is a lot to be learned (and much fun to be had) at Paul Gordon's Card
Capers Day of Magic on Sunday 15th April (9.30am - 6pm). "Only £35 for a full
day of tuition, fun, good friends, performance, stories and much magic. Here's
what they say 'Paul held some fifty people enthralled as he demonstrated some
items from his books. In situations like this, his command is phenomenal. With
his showmanship and personality he makes card tricks entertaining and
meaningful. He has them hanging onto his every word not just for a few minutes
but for an hour or so!" Walt Lees (Abra). See
www.paulgordon.net/cardcapers.html for more info, reviews and a video. Only
8 tickets remain. Advance booking only."
3.3.12
International
News: Saint-Vincent Magic Convention XI. April 19th to 22nd, Italy. Marzia
Giacoia writes: "This year we will have incredible artists including Jeff
McBride, René Lavand, The Great Tomsoni, Juan Tamariz, Xavier Mortimer, Dean
Gunnarson, Fielding West, Eric Jones, Danny Cole, Andrew Mayne, Mark Mason, Dani
DaOrtiz and Fred Cie Poc. Our program is packed full:
12 lectures, 5 Gala Shows, 2 International Contests, 8 Workshops, the escape day,
street-magic shows, parties and after-nights. This convention is one of the most
fun to attend in the world!" For information email
news@mastersofmagic.it or call
+393480011257 or visit
www.mastersofmagic.it. Andrea Marietta, Masters of Magic. 3.3.12
Magic
Night, Madame JoJo's - London. Friday 16th March. "Mad March Magic
Night with crazed clowns, dexterous deeds, tricky riddle solving, big
bangs and blind magic using other people’s eyes. Alan Hudson will be
second-guessing you as he predicts your movements with balloons, and
Harrison Richards solves impossible puzzles whilst standing on one leg.
Christian Lee dices with danger using spikes and his hands. Chris Lynam
throws water, confetti and himself at the audience in a fit of comic
madness and Matt Hennem will make the impossible seem attainable with a
most beautiful display of dexterity with physical objects. All
proceedings compered by Tommy Cooperesque Christian Lee." Friday 16th March. Doors open 7pm show starts at 7.45pm. Tickets £12 including entry to
'Good Foot'. Show ticket plus dinner: £24.00. Tickets:
www.ticketweb.co.uk
www.lastminute.com
or Ticket Web on 08444 77 1000. Madame JoJo’s, 8-10 Brewer Street,
London W1F 0SE (Map)
020 734 3040
www.magicnight.co.uk. 3.3.12
Wayne
Goodman will be presenting his lecture "Thoughts in my Head" at the Ipswich
Society of Magic on Monday 5th March 2012. For details visit
www.ipswichmagicalsociety.co.uk.
3.3.12
Andy
Clockwise Close-up. "The brilliant Andy Clockwise will be giving a lecture
on Close-up Magic to the Cotswold Magical Society on Wednesday March 21st
(7.30pm for 8pm) at the Hucclecote Community Centre, Hucclecote Road, Gloucester
GL3 3RT (Map).
Visiting magicians are welcome for a fee of £5, payable on the night. For
further details contact Barry Woods on 01242 862024
www.cotswoldmagic.co.uk.
3.3.12
Ilford
Magical Society Close-up Competition. "On Wednesday 29th February The Ilford
Magical Society held their Close Up Competition. Seven members took part in a
close fought battle but the judges, chaired by Roy March MIMC, finally declared
Ian Smith to be the winner for 2012. Congratulations to Ian and all who took
part." Paul Clancy.
3.3.12
The
Van Buren Show. Andrew Pearson writes: It was good to see my dear
friend Andrew Van Buren & Allyson with the Van Buren Show at the Showzam Event
this year. The show started with Allyson making an appearance from a curtained
cabinet, then the vanishing radio. and Andrew performing PT Selbit's Thru the
Eye of the Needle by pulling Allyson from a beer barrel sealed with steel bars
in to a barrel sealed with a solid manhole cover. Next there was a young lady
spinning hula hoops. Andrew then returned riding a large unicycle, followed by
juggling and plate spinning next he preformed Houdini's Metamorphosis illusion,
then with some young children he preformed the jumbo rising cards.. The show
finished with Andrew producing flowers from a empty large container followed by
umbrellas being produced. Thank you again Andrew & Allyson for another fantastic
show and some great magic." Andrew Pearson MMC IBM.
3.3.12
Care
& Share Balloon Fun Day - Bishops Stortford. Graham Lee writes: “Care & Share” Balloon Fun day on Wednesday 14th March
at Bishops Stortford Football Club. The day will run form 10am - 5pm with three
lectures throughout the day, the beginners class will start at approx 10.15am
and will last for a minimum of an hour.
There will also be a fun friendly competition for everyone to enter to win some
balloons and the day is sponsored by Qualatex balloons.
For more info and booking details see
www.qualatexballoons.co.uk.
3.3.12
An Evening of Magical Entertainment, Saturday 3rd March, Kenilworth. "A fun and entertaining evening of magic for all of the family starring three great talents from the Young Magicians Club of the world famous Magic Circle. Richard Stubbs, Elizabeth Rogan and Fletcher Ransberry perform in aid of the Samaritan's Purse International Relief Child and Family Support. Compere for the evening is David Taylor, Member of the Magic Circle. Tickets £5.00 on the door. Showtime 7pm. Kenilworth Sports and Social Club, Upper Rosemary Hill, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 2PA (Map). 3.3.12
Duane Laflin Lecture Tour. Reg Heasley emails "I still have one date available for Duane's lecture tour: Friday 16th November 2012. Preferably in the Southern/London region. Reg Heasley Tel. 01642 278896." 3.3.12
"TV magician Paul Daniels cancels Falmouth date" Click Here • "Ray Presto dies at 74" Click Here • "Richard Branson crowned most influential Briton on Twitter" [Derren at 9th] Click Here • "Mind games and showmanship ensures Derren’s Svengali is a sell out" Click Here • "Harlow magician scoops top entertainer award" Click Here • "Dynamo pain over death of ‘Grandpa’" Click Here • "Flamingo headliner Nathan Burton’s ‘unforgettable’ trip to China" Click Here • "Magicians doing the vanishing act?" Click Here • "Cuffley man gives magic touch to RSC" Click Here • "Hugo and the magic of film trickery" Click Here • And so another week disappears forever... see you next week, Duncan. 3.3.12