Number 618 - 28th April 2012
Paul
Daniels and Debbie McGee to headline British Ring IBM Convention. Geoffrey
Newton PRO writes: You'll like this, quite a lot! The IBM British Ring is
delighted to announce that Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee will headline the
Convention Gala Show on Saturday 29th September 2012 at the Britannia Theatre in
Great Yarmouth. The show compered by John Styles will also include Roy
Davenport, Craig Christian, Richard Griffin and Steve Hewlett. The convention
runs from 26th – 30th September and further details and registration facilities
are on
www.magicconvention.co.uk. ("Paul Daniels carries on conjuring"
Click Here. The British Ring President’s Dinner, held last Saturday at the
Hilton, Stanstead, is reviewed by Michael Bailey this week,
Click Here)
28.4.12
Edinburgh
International magic Festival 29th June - 6th July. Catch the Magic! "Edinburgh
International Magic Festival is a new addition to the programme of Edinburgh
Festivals now in its third year. It is a unique event, designed to bring back to
the stage amazing, live, magic shows, which are rarely available for the general
public these days, and let audiences rediscover the seldom experienced states of
awe and wonderment. This year we have brought to Edinburgh magic to set your
heart fluttering! Come see beautiful imagery, stunning special effects and
engrossing stories live on stage, that make 3D movies seem flat and
conventional. Last year we were delighted to be listed in the Sunday Times as
one of the top family days out in the UK. This year we welcome performers from
France, Germany, Portugal, Australia, Italy, New Zealand, Ukraine and around the
UK with stunning skills and talents that will totally take your breath away."
Kevin McMahon, Artistic Director. For full programme information for the 2012
Festival Click
Here.
28.4.12
Three
more for EMC 2012: "Graham Jolley. Graham is one of Britain’s top mentalists
and one of the magicians who fooled Penn & Teller on their British television
series. Known for his razor sharp wit and rapid-fire mind reading, Graham is one
of the UK’s top comedy performers. His inspirations are Al Koran and Chan
Canasta and he brings a uniquely entertaining style to this genre of magic.
Yigal Mesika. Levitation, animation and telekinesis are Yigal’s specialty and
over the years he has created some unusual tools and gimmicks that enable
magicians to make these dream effects a reality. He is the creator of Spider
Pen, Tarantula, Electric Touch and many other ideas that have found their way
into the working performer’s repertoire. See the inventive Yigal live at
EMC2012. Tom Stone. Sweden’s Tom Stone is highly regarded for his creative
insight into the art of magic. His popular articles in Genii magazine brought
Tom’s thinking to a wider audience. His best-selling books, Vortex and
Maelstrom, have cemented Tom’s reputation as one of contemporary magic’s most
innovative thinkers. Be at EMC2012 to meet a true original in the world of
magic." Find out more at
www.essentialmagicconference.com.
28.4.12
Ghost
the Musical premiered on Broadway last Monday, next year it opens in
Melbourne and right now it's on here in London too... Britain's Paul Kieve is
the man behind the illusion in this incredible production...
"...add Paul Kieve’s work as an illusionist, and
the audience is given a generous serving of “how did they do that” moments. The
technical side of the show is so advanced that it’s easy to take normal
theatrical details for granted .. as brilliant a spectacle as anything you’re
likely to see on Broadway this season." stageandcinema.com
"With spectacular illusions by Paul Kieve, which include the famous
walking-through-doors sequence, as well as some how-did-they-do-it body switches
and realistically-designed subway scenes, the physical production is a wonder in
and of itself." Exeunt Magazine
"It's the slickest, most visually appealing musical since the one about a spider
dude. It all comes together – computers, dancers, projections and illusions by
Paul Kieve – thrillingly in two subway scenes between Sam and a subterranean
ghost, who later turns out to be an angry deranged rapper in the mold of Eminem.
Those sequences are eye-poppingly brilliant. Overall, it's an ambitious,
carefully orchestrated work that raises the bar on technological innovation. In
London, 'Ghost The Musical' has become a hit. How will a Broadway audience
likely respond? Ditto." huffingtonpost.com
A feature of the show and just a hint of the magic
in it was shown on NBC:
Click
Here
"Crossing Over in Form and Dimension" New York Times:
Click Here
"David Copperfield Enjoys a Magical Evening at Ghost" Click Here. 28.4.12
Arqiva
British Academy Television Awards. The Television Awards celebrate the very
best TV broadcast on British screens across the year. The wide range of award
categories from news and current affairs to drama and comedy always ensures an
eclectic range of winners. The Awards in 2012 will take place on Sunday 27th May
at Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre in London. Derren Brown: The
Experiments has been nominated for a BAFTA in the 'Entertainment Programme'
category alongside Celebrity Juice, Harry Hill’s TV Burp, and
Michael McIntyre’s Christmas Comedy Roadshow,
Click Here.
"Derren Brown: the illuminating illusionist"
Click Here.
28.4.12
Tiffany’s Hotel – Blackpool. Tiffany’s Hotel are now taking bookings from magicians attending the FISM Convention in July: "Tiffany’s is one of Blackpool’s leading hotels and the ideal base for you to visit Blackpool’s many attractions. We are here to cater for all your needs. The Hotel is situated less than a quarter of a mile from North Pier on the fashionable North Promenade, just enough distance away from the hustle and bustle of the town’s throbbing nightlife, yet within easy walking distance of the town centre, Winter Gardens, and theatres. Tiffany’s is staging a magic event of their own too, Andrew Miles presents ‘The Supreme Magic Archive’ on Sunday 8th July at 4.30pm, Wednesday 11th July at 5pm and Friday 13th July at 5pm with free entry to residents of the hotel." See What's On listing for full details. For reservations and more information visit: www.tiffanyshotel.co.uk/homepage.html or call 01253 313414 to book. 28.4.12
The
Berglas Effects - First Edition sold out! The last few first edition copies
of 'The Berglas Effects' were snapped up last week, but the good news is that a
second edition is on its way. Apart from a few minor typographical corrections
it will be exactly the same as the first; including a 3 DVD set. Delivery is
expected in May/June.
Price: £99.00 including delivery in the UK -
Click
Here to reserve a copy, and also to request having your copy signed by David Berglas.
21.4.12
The
Trilby Deck. "More than a deck of cards, the Trilby Deck is a whole gaffed
deck system that allows unparalleled freedom in performance. Imagine a deck that
is... A Svengali Deck - but improved. New displays, fair fans and spreads.
Within the action of a single cut, separate the deck into key cards and regular
cards. No need to rotate the deck before flicking through to show a change.
Learn the handling, and then learn killer tricks and applications. A Stripper
Deck - but improved. Forget the classic 'hindu shuffle' style handlings - this
works with the much more natural overhand style. Learn how to use the Stripper
deck to your maximum advantage - even having a spectator remove and replace a
card while the deck is held by somebody else! Learn the handlings and killer
applications, including a self working and dynamite version of the classic 'Play
it Straight' Triumph by John Bannon. And a Colour Changing Deck - but improved!
Brainwave effects, full routines and more. Start with a red deck, turn half
blue. Cause the halves to transpose, then all turn blue. Then have the deck
examined. First published by Joe Stuthard in 1949, the Trilby Deck has been
lurking in the Kaymar Magic vaults for more than half a century. Now, Liam
Montier takes you through this ultimate gaff deck system in extensive detail,
bringing you the tools to forge your own unique and truly astonishing Trilby
Deck routine. Proudly presented by Big Blind Media, Kaymar Magic, and Liam
Montier." Set contains two decks of special Bicycle cards and a full length DVD,
more from:
www.bigblindmedia.com.
28.4.12
Tea
with a Magician. Every Wednesday at 7pm. A weekly magic show for the whole
family in the heart of the West End. You are cordially invited to join us for
'Tea with a Magician' a spectacular, amusing and incredible magic show presented
by multi-award winning magician Paul Brown. Produced and directed by Richard
Leigh. Davenports Magic Theatre, Davenports, 7 Charing Cross Underground Arcade,
Strand, London, WC2N 4HZ. Tickets: £12.00, Concessions £10.00. Family Ticket,
minimum of 4 people at £8 each. Each performance is one hour and fifteen
minutes. Box Office 020 7836 0408 or False Impressions box office 01264 310661.
Or book on line at
www.falseimpressions.co.uk. See
What's On for dates.
28.4.12
Jay
Fortune's Magick and Mayhem. Will you laugh in the face of death? A dark
comedy and magic show for adults only. It's a virtual certainty that you have
never seen magic quite like the comical and slightly disturbing tricks seen in
Jay Fortune's Magick and Mayhem show. Featuring close-up magic combining horror,
comedy, dark themes of life and death and a few twisted pieces for those who
like something a little different. Not for those however, of a nervous
disposition or those who are easily offended. Written by Jay Fortune. Produced
and directed by Richard Leigh. Presented by Dee Riley. Finish work, have a
drink, and start your Thursday night out in a very unusual way. A dark magic
show for adults only in the world famous Davenports venue. October - December,
every Thursday at 7pm. Davenports Magic Theatre, Davenports, 7 Charing Cross
Underground Arcade, Strand, London, WC2N 4HZ. Tickets: £12.00, Concessions
£10.00. Group rate, minimum of 4 people at £8.00 each. Each performance is one
hour and fifteen minutes. Box Office 020 7836 0408 or False Impressions box
office 01264 310661. Or book on line at
www.falseimpressions.co.uk. See
What's On for dates.
28.4.12
Curious
Tales & Other Mysteries is Ian J Lea's intimate, one-hour Close Up Magic Show
which mixes sleight of hand, storytelling and special feats from a by-gone era.
"Have your Sunday lunch, then come on over to the Black Swan to enjoy an early
evening show and be back home with your feet up before you know it. Where: The
Black Swan, York. When: 29th April, at 7pm. Tickets: Ticket cost will be by
voluntary donation. Seats for this show will be very limited, so please reserve
your seats by emailing
clayfishproductions@live.co.uk."
www.facebook.com/ModernConjuring.
28.4.12
Tim
Shoesmith lectures at the Leamington and Warwick Magic Society on Wednesday
2nd May. Visitors are welcome for a £10 guest fee which includes a buffet. The
meeting starts 7.30pm for an 8pm start at Cubbington Sports & Social Club,
Windmill Hill, Cubbington, Leamington Spa CV32 7LN (Map).
www.magicsociety.co.uk.
Email Mark Traversoni
mark@themagiczone.co.uk to attend.
28.4.12
Magical
Madhouse. "After last year's sell out summer show award winning children's
entertainer Tom Rolfe is back in his brand new fun filled family show with
something for everyone! Juggling, unicycling, magic, and puppetry from the
hilarious Spinach the dog and Daisy the rabbit, not forgetting mind boggling
crazy twisting balloon modelling! A show not to be missed this summer holiday!"
Friday 3rd August. Saltburn Community Theatre Albion Terrace, Saltburn. 1pm &
3.30pm. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. Tickets £4.00 each, groups of 5+
£3.50 each. To book call 01642 490129 or 07745 283 265 or email
wow.unicycle@gmail.com.
28.4.12
The
Surrey Society of Magicians Close-up Competition. John Field reports: "The
Surrey Society of Magicians held its annual Close-up Magic competition on 26th
April. Unusually this year all of the competitors were past winners of the
competition. Needless to say the standard was very high and any one of the
competitors could have taken the award. The Society's competitions are decided
on the most entertaining magical act (after all that is what we should be doing
with our magic) and the judges comprise two lay people and one magical judge.
This year Alan Shaxon was the magical judge and was pleased to announce the
winner as James Fortune. It seems that in the eyes of laymen at least sponge
bunnies prevail!!" Rafael Benatar lectures at The Surrey Society of Magicians on
1st May, see What's On. Also
see www.surreymagic.co.uk.
28.4.12
A
varied week for John Styles. Last Saturday, he compered the cabaret for The
British Ring President’s Dinner Stansted Hilton, On Sunday he performed Punch &
Judy for a St. George's Day London Marathon celebration, on Monday, with his
help, Punch & Judy appeared in BBC's "EastEnders", on Thursday, it was
'Conjuring at the Court', on Friday, John performed his 'Old Soldier' act for
The Worshipful Company of Stationers, in the City of London, and then on
Saturday, close-up magic at The Garrick Club! He is also engaged to feature in
the forthcoming opening ceremony for Punch's 350th Birthday celebration in
Covent Garden on 13th May... "Oh! Yes he is....."
28.4.12
Mario
Morris at the Pentacle Club. On Tuesday 1st May
The Pentacle Club is hosting an evening with showman and entertainer
Mario Morris, to
which visiting magicians are invited. Mario is a magician, busker, and family
entertainer who was voted The People's Choice -"Variety performer of the Year"
here in 2010 and there is something here for everyone who is interested in
entertaining audiences. The lecture takes place at St Laurence's school, Arbury
Road, Cambridge CB4 2JX (Map).
Doors open at 7.40pm with the lecture starting at 8pm. There is a charge of £5
to non-members. Alan Maskell. "Working with Mario was a great pleasure. He has
years of experience, and, more importantly, knows how to communicate this
experience to students of the art. Patience and professionalism combine to
create an excellent learning environment. We look forward to continuing our
classes and including Mario in our programs." Jeff McBride, McBride's Magic and
Mystery School, Las Vegas.
28.4.12
Andy
Nyman - Abigail's Party. After a sell out run at the prestigious
Menier Chocolate
Factory, 'Abigail's Party' is transferring to the West End. Jill Halfpenny
and Andy Nyman star as Beverly and Laurence in this major revival of Mike
Leigh's hilarious play. The show is running at the Wyndham's Theatre from May
15th - September 1st. This limited run is destined to sell out, so book fast if
you want to get a ticket.
www.menierchocolatefactory.com .
28.4.12
Catch
Ali Cook appearing alongside Bob Hoskins and Jenny Agutter in Outside Bet.
Set against the privatisation of The Print Works in the 1980's the film follows
a group of friends who decide to invest their life savings on a racehorse. Ali
plays the character Stevie, a painter and decorator suffering from "painters
block". The film is released in cinemas across the UK on 27th April. Watch the
trailer here:
www.cineworld.co.uk.
28.4.12
International
News: Houdini's Recorded Voice - Have You Heard It All? Arthur Moses writes:
Recorded onto an Edison wax cylinder in 1914 the once elusive Houdini's voice
can now be easily found and listened to on the Internet. What you hear is
Houdini's voice, however what you hear is nothing that he said! In utilizing
acquisitions from my collection combined with additional research brings the
real past into light. I believe this to be a game-changer! Stay with me here...
Houdini's voice as we know it, is not what we know it to be at all... I have
been a collector and historian of Houdini memorabilia for over 30 years with
over 4400 items in my collection and would classify my specific book and
periodical library as the largest single Houdini literary resource base in the
world. I am the author of two Houdini books, over two dozen articles, and have
lectured in the US, Canada, and England.
While made up of several thousand books and magazines, along with hundreds of
other pieces of ephemera, my collection also consists of autographs, photos,
posters, challenges, pitchbooks, his silent movie memorabilia, his handcuffs,
his wallet, one of his straitjackets (which has been on loan for over two years
as part of the touring four city museum exhibition of "Houdini Art and Magic"),
his spiritualism lecture glass lantern slides, and even the collector prized
monogrammed pajama pocket that he passed away in. I have also provided a private
collection appraisal for David Copperfield. I will be presenting my landmark
lecture, "Houdini's Recorded Voice - Have You Heard It All?", at the annual
Magic Collector's Association Convention where I will play, compare, and draw
conclusions of the actual recordings he did make.
Convention Details: 43rd Magic Collectors Association Weekend, The Westin O'Hare Hotel, 6100 North River Road, Chicago, IL 60018, USA, May 10th, 11th 12th, Arthur Moses talk Friday, 11th at 9pm at the Westin O'Hare Amphitheater. To see Arthur's collection amazing collection on video Click Here. Also See myspace.com/video/harryhoudiniew. 28.4.12
David
Tomkins lecture - Cotswold Magical Society. David's performances are built
around his own exclusive puppet routines and magical creations. He was recently
a UK prize winner at the Intercontinental Children's Entertainer Championships
in Blackpool. We meet at Hucclecote Community Centre, Hucclecote Road,
Gloucester, GL3 3RT (Map).
We will be delighted to welcome members from other societies to join us for
David's lecture - at the small cost of £5 payable on the door. Wednesday, May
2nd at 7.30pm for 8pm. Barry Woods.
www.cotswoldmagic.co.uk.
28.4.12
Tickets
for Chris Hare's Mindboggler Show at The Brighton Fringe Festival are now
available. Venue: The Temple Bar, Western Road, Brighton BN1 2AD (Map).
Dates: Thursday 10th, 17th and 24th May. Tickets £6 each available from:
www.lovefringe.com also see
www.mindboggler.co.uk.
28.4.12
Young
13 year old magician Lewis Fuller had a busy week, the week before last. On
Wednesday night the 18th performed at the House of Commons to VIPs and MPs,
really enjoying himself. At the end of the evening he was presented with a new
magic case full of tricks from BACTA, and on Friday night he performed live to
over 4 million people on the One Show with Chris Evans. Lewis emails: "I wasn't
nervous and I really enjoyed myself. I performed in the green room to one of the
managers and she booked me for her wedding in London in a few weeks time." Chris
Evans said he was very confident and skilful.
www.lewisfuller.co.uk.
28.4.12
You
can help advance scientific research in magic and be paid £15 for it! Robert
Teszka is running a study on expertise in magic and needs magicians of every
level to come to his lab at Brunel University. It takes no more than 30 minutes:
you watch a few videos and answer some interview questions. If you'd like more
information, email rob.teszka@gmail.com
or phone 07513092321.
28.4.12
Jester
At The Castle. Michael Gee presents... Jester At The Castle, a new monthly
magic show, the first of which will take place on Thursday 3rd May starring Andy
Clockwise, Martin Cox, Dean Maudsley, Max Somerset and host Michael Gee. Doors
8pm for 8.30pm at The Castle Rocks, 452 Finchley Road, London NW11 8GD (Map).
Tickets £10 each: 07970 525083.
28.4.12
Modern
Mystic League (Blackburn). Brian Lead reports: It was a full house for our
April meeting, in anticipation of an audience with David Hemingway. Members
turned up who we hadn’t seen for ages, accompanied by guests from other
Societies and a smattering of ladies just to make things a bit more ‘normal’.
This was to be the Northern version of the lecture originally given under the
Ron MacMillan banner in London, and after this would be seen no more. Based on
David’s book Comedy Pro-file, the talk took us on a whistle-stop tour of the
fundamentals of comedy with specific reference to the presentation of magic.
Leading by example, David presented a number of routines and situations before
analysing their quality, so the event proved highly entertaining for everyone.
He imparted many invaluable nuggets of advice, culled from many pros over many
years. Everything was referenced to the originators, and the point was made that
we can learn from colleagues in every branch of the world of entertainment.
Those who missed the talk will just have to make do with the accompanying book,
which sold like . . . well, like a book of magical fun which had formed the
basis of a splendid afternoon.
28.4.12
Egg,
Sausage & Peas. "After a hugely successful opening night, the reviews are in
for Jonathan Royle's Unique and Bizarre Comedy Psychic style show E.S.P. Tickets
have also now gone on sale for the May 30th show at The Three Minute Theatre in
Manchester. For the next week grab tickets with a 50% discount (saving £5) by
entering the discount code mayeggs at the checkout. Full details along with
video clips from the show can be seen at:
http://tinyurl.com/86d246v".
28.4.12
Terry
Machin Close-up lecture at The Magic Triangle on Sunday 20th May at 7.30pm.
Thorrington Village Hall, Salmons Lane, Thorrington CO7 8HQ (Map).
Visiting Magicians just £5.00. The Magic Triangle invites magicians to learn
close-up magic from the world of entertaining a lay audience from a very busy
full-time professional.
www.themagictriangle.co.uk
www.trmagic.btinternet.co.uk.
28.4.12
Magician
Steve Evans was interviewed on the Stephen Nolan Show last week at
1' 32" [a friend emailed in this link]
Click Here • "Teen magician will take a Risk"
Click Here • "Magician Murray building brand, including new
residency at Tropicana"
Click Here • "Magician makes fame disappear on purpose"
Click Here • "Top Magician Visits Island"
Click Here • "Young Magicians to stage a show"
Click Here • "‘Harry Houdini’ brings death-defying thrills to Miami"
Click Here • "The tricky business of magic and copyrights"
Click Here • "A Look at How I Met Your Mother Finale 'The Magician’s
Code'"
Click Here • "Variety all the way at the Civic"
Click Here • Have a magic week, Duncan.
28.4.12