Number 614 - 31st March 2012
Fay
Presto MIMC - Magic Circle Close-up Magician of the Year 2012. The Magic
Circle Press Office reports: This year’s competition for the Devano Trophy, and
the title of The Magic Circle Close-up Magician of the Year 2012, was a very
close fought battle between eight top magicians. Held in The Devant Room at The
Magic Circle’s Headquarters, the deserving and popular winner was Fay Presto
MIMC who made the room sparkle when she came on to perform her unique,
restaurant themed act. The act featured a
recreation of a life-size restaurant table, complete with champagne, black-tie
waiter and background ‘atmosphere’ effects! Fay raced through her signature
effects including her famous bottle through table routine, ‘brainwave’
prediction and floating banknote much to the obvious delight of the invited
‘lay’ audience at The Magic Circle. Fay Presto said at the post awards
reception, "Winning the award was delightful, however I was deeply touched by
the wave of appreciation I received from my peers as my name was called out in
The Magic Circle Theatre. A huge thank you to all the judges and the audience."
Second place went to James Freedman MIMC, and third to new member Rob James MMC.
The Originality Prize was awarded to Steve Price AIMC for an act themed around
impossible objects.
Marvin Berglas MIMC, Nick Einhorn MIMC, Wayne Dobson MIMC judged, together with three members of the public. The Magic Circle Close-Up Magician of the Year competition was founded in 1967 and previous winners include on three occasions Michael Vincent MIMC, the late Ali Bongo MIMC and John van der Put AIMC. For more information about the awards and The Magic Circle, visit www.themagiccircle.co.uk. 31.3.12
The Essential Magic Conference is back on the 27th, 28th and 29th of July
for the third and final event in the Essential Magic Conference Trilogy. 33
Magicians, 3 Days of Magic. The Essential Magic Conference is the world’s first
digital conference for magic and magicians. Watch live via the internet. Watch
all sessions online and on demand for one year, and also receive an 8 DVD Box
set of all the sessions once the conference is over (mailed post free
worldwide). Register for the EMC2012 and get a 25% discount on all Essential
Magic Collection products. This includes the highly praised DVDs of Dani
DaOrtiz, Lennart Green, René Lavand and many other great magicians. Register
before May 31st for the Essential Magic Conference to receive your 25% Discount.
Every Early Bird Member will be automatically entered into a Prize Draw
featuring $1,000 in prizes sponsored by Murphy’s Magic Supplies. Register before
31st May for free entry. Speakers for 2012 will be announced shortly. The
Conference package is US $99 or EUR €75.
www.essentialmagicconference.com. MagicWeek is delighted to once again be an EMC Media
Partner in this, their final year.
31.3.12
The
David Berglas Award 2012. The last two weeks have been quite a time for
Anthony Owen. On Tuesday 20th March he received a Royal Television Society
Award as one of the producers of the Derren Brown series "The Experiments", and
on Saturday, 24th March he attended the British Magical Society dinner in
Birmingham to receive their top honour 'The David Berglas Award' presented by
David Berglas himself.
Formed in Birmingham in 1905, The British Magical Society is the oldest magical society in Europe. The first President was David Devant, who was also the first President of The Magic Circle. This Trophy is awarded annually to a British magician 'For services to magic in general or performing ability.' The previous recipients of this Award have been Peter Warlock, Paul Daniels, John Fisher, Ali Bongo, Alan Shaxon, Pat Page, Roy Johnson, Ron MacMillan, David Berglas, Donald Bevan, Wayne Dobson, Jeffery Atkins, Derek Lever, Edwin Dawes, Elizabeth Warlock, Geoffrey Durham, Alex Elmsley, Paul Kieve, Mark Raffles, Terry Herbert, Roy Walton, Bob Hamilton, and in 2011, Derren Brown. This years' recipient was Anthony Owen, who was delighted to receive the award from David Berglas himself. This was the 25th year that David Berglas has presented the award, which can only go to a British magician as opposed to 'The David Berglas International Award', which he presents annually at the International Magic Convention in London. 31.3.12
The
Edinburgh International Magic Festival is once again bringing cutting edge
magical theatre to the masses. Last year’s festival received rave reviews and
brought live magic to more than 5,000 people. This year’s festival programme
officially launches at the end of April offering mix of Classic Magic, Close-up
Magic and Mind Reading. In response to last year’s sell-out Magic & Variety Gala
Opening night, there will be an afternoon Gala preview, giving you the
opportunity to see many of the world’s finest magicians for just £10. MagicFest,
Managing Director, Svetlana McMahon said, “We believe magic is at its best when
seen live on stage with your own eyes, and ticket sales show the public agree.
Half of the evening tickets for the Magic & Variety Gala Opening night on 29th
June have now gone, which is a tremendous achievement considering we have yet to
announce the line-up.” MagicFest, Artistic Director, Kevin McMahon added, “Magic
is the dream that any impossible challenge can be overcome. MagicFest aims to
inspire the audience in every show and to spotlight the Art of Magic like no
other event on a national scale.” Immerse yourself in the extraordinary world of
mystery and illusion from the 29th June – 6th July. Be amazed, see things
differently and “unbelieve it” at the Edinburgh International Magic Festival
2012. Visit
www.magicfest.co.uk for full details. (Photo: 'Magic School' - one of the
special events that together form the Edinburgh International Magic Festival).
31.3.12
Mat
Ricardo's London Varieties returns to the Bethnal Green Workingmen's Club.
Award winning cabaret performer Mat Ricardo hosts another unique night of
variety and comedy on April 12th. Featuring... Straight from his Royal Variety
Performance 'The Boy With Tape On His Face'; The Time-Travelling magicians who
fooled Penn & Teller Morgan & West; The astonishing shadowgraphy of Paul Dabek;
And in performance and in conversation... The King of Light Entertainment Lenny
Beige. Plus, a whole new routine from Mat Ricardo, more archive variety footage,
surprises, and Mat Ricardo, Josephine Shaker and Laurie Hagen will lead a mass
cabaret all-stars tap dance! Bethnal Green Workingmen's Club, 42-46 Pollard Row,
London E2 6NB (Map)
on Thursday April 12th, Doors 7pm, Show 8pm, Tickets are available to buy in
advance, for £10,
Click Here.
More information:
matricardo.blogspot.co.uk. Mat Ricardo at The Magic Circle
Click Here.
31.3.12
Magic UnCorked:
April 27th to 29th. Magic UnCorked The Irish Magic Convention 2012, will take place in
Cork City over the weekend of April 27th to 29th: "Sponsored by SoHo Bar and
Restaurant, this unique event will attract magicians from all across Ireland,
the UK, and beyond, for a fun filled weekend of magic and
entertainment.
The convention itself will take place in the Ambassador Hotel, Military Hill.
Our guest lecturers include some of the best in the business, from multi award
winners to TV consultants. (Photo: Helder Guimarães, one of the best card
magicians in the world. Originally from Portugal, and now based in the US,
Helder has won numerous awards, the most prestigious of which was being crowned
World Champion of Magic in 2006!)" To read the full article which offers a
complete overview of the convention
Click
Here.
www.magicuncorked.com.
31.3.12
Sean
Alexander - The Confusionist: "Sean Alexander's brand new grand illusion
show, featuring some of the most stunning illusions ever to be seen in the
region. Starring Sean Alexander - The Confusionist. The show opens on Saturday
31st March at Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park in Lowestoft, Suffolk and is the
main feature of 5 brand new attractions at the park this year. The trailer for
the show can be seen at YouTube and
further information and ticket details can be found at
www.seanalexandermagic.com and
www.pleasurewoodhills.com."
31.3.12
Conjuring
at the Court – Thursday 26th April: "A fabulous variety evening with Punch and Judy for grown-ups by John Styles, comedy
illusionists Carl & Dave, and the spectacular manipulation of FISM winner Roy
Davenport. Doors open 7.30pm and show starts at 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, London W13 8PH
(Map)."
31.3.12
Harry
Robson lectures at The Order of The Magi (Manchester) on Tuesday 10th April
at 8pm. Directions to the venue are on
www.orderofthemagi.org.uk. Harry has lectured over 100 times during the past
10 years for more than 30 societies in both the UK and Europe. Aimed at magical
societies, the lecture is in two halves; performance and explanation, with a
short break. At the end of the evening Harry will be happy to hold a workshop
for half an hour with the members of the society so people can put in to
practice some of Harry's effects. Harry's working commercial effects are for
sale at the end of the evening. Door charge for non members. Geoffrey Newton
PRO. (Also see
www.harryrobsonmagic.co.uk).
31.3.12
Alex
Crow: The Miracle of the Mind. Alex Crow presents his full evening show at
The Brickhouse from 3rd April - 5th May, Tuesday - Saturday, except April 10th,
17th and 24th. Visit
www.thebrickhouse.co.uk for full details.
31.3.12
Jon
van der Put (Piff the Magic Dragon!) lectures at the Winchester Magic Society
on Thursday, 5th April. As we went to press details of the lecture were unknown,
but you can be sure it will be an excellent evening full of fresh original
magic. Members are free and visiting
magicians are welcome for a £5 entrance fee. The lecture takes place in Badgers
Farm Community Centre at 8pm for full details contact Philip Smith:
philipksmith@themagiccircle.co.uk
www.winchestermagic.com.
31.3.12
Paul
Gordon's Card Capers Day of Magic - Newcastle. "Card Capers comes to
Newcastle! Card Capers is a full day of powerful magic, lecturing, tuition,
performance, advice/tips, stories and lots of fun from professional card
magician, Paul Gordon. It's a fast-paced jam-packed day. See the webpage for
reviews, video clips etc." Only £40 for the day; advance booking only. Sunday
16th September 2012 at 9.30am to 6pm. Venue: The Centurion Bar, Newcastle
Central Station, Neville Street, Newcastle NE1 5DG (Map)
www.paulgordon.net/cardcapers.html.
31.3.12
Luca
Volpe Lecture - North Wales Magic Circle. Mark Thorold writes: The North
Wales Magic Circle is very proud and excited to announce that Luca Volpe ,top
Italian magician will be guest lecturer on Tuesday 3rd of April at the new
Prestatyn HQ. He will be presenting new material from his upcoming 'In My Mind
2' DVD and generally aiming to confuse and blow his audiences minds.
Further information can be found at the
North Wales Magic Circle
website.
31.3.12
Mark
James: Comedy & Conjuring, Salford, April 1st. Mark's new one-man show
'Comedy & Conjuring', featuring lots of new material can be seen at The
Kings Arms, Salford, M3 6AN on Sunday April 1st. "The show combines a mixture of
comedy, magic, visual gags, audience participation and awkward moments." The
venue does not allow children. Tomorrow, Sunday 1st April at 9pm. Tickets, £6 on
the door. Any questions email
livemagician@live.co.uk.
31.3.12
Confessions
of Real Mindreaders... The Live Interview: "Submit your questions and learn
from John in a totally new way on 12th April. John Will Talk About: 1. Scripting
and editing. This is something very close to John’s heart, and is something that
is not given enough attention by most performers. This was first discussed
briefly at The Session convention, where it was received very well by
all. This is a very rare opportunity to get inside the mind of one of the
world’s most entertaining comedy performers. 2. John’s unique approach to
Visa Cabaret, which takes it away from knowing which pocket they put stuff
in. 3. His real-time Q&A approach that he’s using with the Mind Buster
pad."
Click Here for details.
31.3.12
Magic
Noir an Evening of Comedy Magic Entertainment with Paul Abbey, Mandy Farrell
and Martin Cox on Saturday 7th April at Furneux Pelham Village Hall, Furneux
Pelham, Hertfordshire SG19 0LL. With a Bar. Doors at 7.30pm Box Office 01279
659562 Prices £12.00 on door, Advance £10.00, Concessions £9.00.
31.3.12
American
Magician, Joe Monti will be lecturing in the UK in September 2012. Sean
Lobban writes: Joe’s lecture promises to be a “not to be missed” event. It will
be a special experience because of the tremendous amount of ground that it will
cover. National TV, Multi Million Dollar Live Las Vegas Shows, Close-up, Stage,
Parlour, Children's shows, Cruise Ships, Private shows, Trade Shows, Inventing
(Joe has two patents) and the list goes on. Joe Monti has been a TV producer for
3 solid years as well as a TV contestant on a massively successful Invention
Show during primetime US TV (14 million viewers) coming in 2nd place to a
million dollars (winning $50,000). This lecture is loaded with more information
than you’ll be able to sit still for. Joe Monti’s approach is fresh, honest and
cuts to the point. Real world information and a lot of practical card, coin and
miscellaneous handlings that have been underground for years. No one snoozes at
this lecture. Watch, participate, ask questions, etc. It’s all here. For those
who want to really bust knuckles Joe also has a 4 hour intensive workshop for
the advanced coin and card men/woman that takes handlings with objects and real
world stage and close-up psychology to a skyscraper level of skill and
entertainment. If you would like Joe to lecture at your club or would like to
host a workshop, contact tour organiser, Sean Lobban:
mistertall@mistertall.co.uk
(See What's On for September
dates booked to date).
31.3.12
The
Order of the Magi annual dinner. Geoffrey Newton PRO writes: The Order of
the Magi annual dinner took place on Saturday 24th March 2012, where 70 members
and guests joined President Mike Sharples, his lady Nicky (left) together with
IBM British Ring President Brian Miller and his lady Audrey at the Irish World
Heritage Centre in Manchester. After a four course tasty meal of generous
portions President Brian proposed a toast to the Magi with humorous reflections
on life. The cabaret featured the comedy magic of Mark James who also acted as
compere introducing Brian Sefton who presented his well known dove act and High
Jinx with comedy and illusions. All acts were well received by a very
appreciative audience. The first meeting of the new session is on Tuesday 10th
April when Harry Robson will be lecturing. Directions are on
www.orderofthemagi.org.uk. Door charge for non members.
31.3.12
Pete
Firman discusses his new tour Jiggery Pokery, BBC1's The Magicians,
his favourite magic trick and his life at university in this exclusive interview
with magician and journalist Laurence Gibbons:
Part 1;
Part 2;
Part 3;
Part 4. See What's On for
current tour dates.
31.3.12
Magic
Night, Madame JoJo's - London. "Magic Night floats like a butterfly and
stings like sharp citric fruit with slicing cards, vanishing birds,
musical instruments, Euro trash magic and some interesting fruit! Is it
a bird is it a violin? No, it’s both, as Oliver Tabor produces seamless
illusions at Magic Night whilst Card Ninja makes an ordinary deck of
cards slice and fly through the air in Ninja like feats that would make
a crouching tiger and hidden dragon stand and applaud. Dave Loosly (or
Magic Dave as he’s known in the trade) has tricky moments with fruit
whilst Tricity Vogue strums her ukulele and Tony Garrulo, the Euro trash
trickster, does things to his body to make you crease. All expertly
presided over by mental trickster Magic Neil (or Neil Henry as he is
more commonly known to utility companies.)" Friday 20th April. 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.
31.3.12
The Associated Wizards of the South One-day Convention -
Sunday April 22nd. At Crossfield Hall, Romsey, Hampshire SO51 8GL (Map).
Lee Smith, Scott Penrose and Wayne Fox all lecture, and the evening show will
star Scott Penrose, Phill Smith, Mel Mellers, Matt Baker and Jason
Steel. The day also includes magic dealers, workshops and close-up sessions.
Advance registration will open in a few weeks time at £20, or £22.50 on the
door. For an extra £10 you can become an associate member and attend club nights
and lectures throughout the year. Doors open at 9.30am.
www.awsmagic.co.uk.
31.3.12
The
Surrey Society of Magicians 21st Anniversary. John Field reports: "The
Surrey Society of Magicians celebrated its 21st Anniversary in style last
Saturday with its annual dinner at the Bookham Grange Hotel. All of the usual
festivities took place with an outstanding cabaret from acts Beastro and Mr
Eerius. The largely lay audience also enjoyed table hopping from the members. To
celebrate the occasion, four of the founder members attending were presented
with a specially iced birthday cake. They can be seen in the picture and are
Tony Peach, Colin Peters, Steve Day and John Field. Geoff Pescud assisted by
Collin Richardson organised the event."
31.3.12
News from The Twins: "The Twins FX are once again creating magical
special effects in the touring production of "All the Fun of the Fair" with
David Essex. The hit musical All the Fun of the Fair has toured nationally
following a record breaking West End season at the Garrick Theatre where it was
nominated for Best New West End Musical 2010 by 'What's On Stage'. David Essex
and Boogie Nights creator Jon Conway invite you to a roller coaster ride of a
musical, underscored by a helter- skelter of David Essex hits and album
favourites. The show is on its final few venues after a very successful tour -
catch it while you can at Sheffield, Eastbourne and Wolverhampton and see a
flying motorbike soar over the heads of the audience, courtesy of The Twins FX!
Check out
www.allthefunofthefairmusical.com or
www.thetwinsfx.com."
31.3.12
Wilton's
Magic Show. "Katherine Rhodes returns with a pinch of audience
participation, some classic tricks and some new experiments. Watch out as she
will surprise even the most sceptical amongst you. As well as floating Wilton's
Artist Director, and cutting our office staff in half, Katherine has acted as a
magical advisor and designer on many projects including producing singer Marc
Almond from an empty coffin. We first fell in love with her in 2010 when she
performed here as a guest artist. Engaging and performed with just the right
amount of humour, this show is appropriate for any age. 4th April 2012 at
7.30pm. Full Price £10, Children £5. Book via:
www.wiltons.org.uk Call: 0207 702 2789. Wilton's Music Hall, Graces Alley,
London E1 8JB (Map).
31.3.12
Roy
Zaltsman's Unpublished Magic Tutorials Project is growing fast. Over 1,200
magicians and mentalists from all over the world now receive free video clips
with a magic tutorial by top-notch magicians such as Aaron Fisher, Joshua Jay,
Thom Peterson, Flip Hallema, Manuel Muerte and Gregory Wilson. To join sign-up
here:
www.telepathy.co.il/unpublished.
31.3.12
Owen
Lean won the London Society of Magicians stage competition last Tuesday
evening. Also competing were Bob Pamplin, Ray Frost, Megan Rose Thomas and Mike
Wysockyj www.roadmage.com.
31.3.12
Founder
of famed magic show dies. "Cesareo Pelaez, the charismatic Cuban who escaped
his native country and created the world's longest-running stage magic show in a
renovated Beverly theater, died Saturday of congestive heart failure. He was
79." By Paul Leighton, staff writer The Eagle Tribune
Click Here. "Cesareo R. Pelaez, psych prof, magician ‘Marco the Magi,’ 79"
Click Here. "Pelaez's creation brought new life to tired downtown"
Click Here.
31.3.12
Many
Congratulation Russ and Bernice... Russ Stevens proposed live on
stage at the Blackpool Convention in front of thousands, now here they are
just a few weeks later... married in Las Vegas!
Click Here •
"Magicians set for Spa return"
Click Here • "Britain’s 'worst magician' won’t be stopped by Cowell"
Click Here • "Scots magician Ryan Davidson stuns with brilliant
balloon street magic"
Click Here •
"Taiwanese to receive 'Magician of the Year' award in U.S."
Click Here • "Weekender: Hans Klok, 43, magician. 'Everyone wishes
they could fly or disappear, and I am able to do that'"
Click Here • "A kind of magic"
Click Here • "Why Magicians Are a Scientist’s Best Friend"
Click Here • 'Egg, Sausage & Peas' is reviewed by Ben Hughes this
week,
Click Here • "Keen to magic up some new blood"
Click Here • "Booking the cooks"
Click Here • "'Godfather' actor, magician Tony Giorgio dies, 88"
Click Here • "For his next trick... Paul Daniels knows how to make
wife Debbie appear - she comes running to a high-pitched whistle"
Click Here • Many thanks for your UK magic news, always welcomed.
See you next week, Duncan.
31.3.12