Number 624 - 9th June 2012
Juan
Tamariz and Jeff McBride are the first two headliners to be announced who
will be appearing at The International Magic Convention at The Mermaid Theatre
in central London later this year. The 41st Convention (known affectionately as
'Ron’s Day' after its founder Ron MacMillan) will run from the 16th to the 18th
of November, and will continue its long-standing reputation for presenting some
of the best known names in magic, along with underground stars and emerging new
talent.
Juan Tamariz will be lecturing and performing
within the Convention and will also be presenting his One Man Show on the
Saturday Night, as an extra event. This show will be held at The Bridewell
Theatre and continues the Convention’s desire to showcase some of the world’s
greatest performers, in a solo show environment. We know that the audience this
year will experience the same sort of theatrical and memorable event as those
who have attended Rene Lavand and Max Maven’s shows in previous years. Tickets
to this show will be sold separately to the main Convention and will act as an
alternative to the Gala Show on the Saturday (but don’t worry if you want to see
the Gala Show it will be repeated as always on the Sunday night too - Martin
MacMillan, who runs the Convention, has always been keen that Conventioneers get
the chance to see all the events of the weekend and not have to make choices
between one event over another).
Jeff McBride, another universally recognised figure in the world of magic, will
also be appearing over the weekend not only as a lecturer but with some of his
modern day classics in the Gala Show. More headline names will be announced over
the next few weeks, together with full details of the Festival of Magic
(November 12th – 16th).
The Festival runs at the Bridewell Theatre in the week leading up to the
Convention, with each day being themed around a particular aspect of magic
allowing real in-depth analysis of themes, performance and technique. The
Festival ran for the first time last year and was an unqualified success in
allowing magicians to spend more time with some of the stars of the Convention,
on more ‘niche’ elements than the general Convention allows. “Last year's
Convention celebrated the 40th annual Convention and we pulled out all the
stops, with people saying it was one of our best ever. We set the bar high and
look forward to reaching it again this year.” Noel Britten, Convention Event
Coordinator.
www.internationalmagic.com.
9.6.12
Noel
Britten, Lords of Strut, Richard McDougall, Mat Ricardo... Plus, a very
special interview guest from the golden age of variety and more rare archive
variety footage. It can only Mat Ricardo's London Varieties, at Bethnal
Green Working Men's Club on June 14th, doors 7pm, show 8pm, Tickets £10
www.wegottickets.com More info:
matricardo.blogspot.co.uk. "Guaranteed entertainment!"
ThisIsCabaret.com. "Ehilarating! You have to go!" ToMaxTalks.com. "East
London variety show returns Jun 14"
Click Here.
9.6.12
Young
Magician Competition. A new competition for UK young magicians has been
announced by Rotary International - it will run alongside their national
competitions for young artists, chefs, musicians etc., as part of their New
Generations initiative promoted through schools. For the first year it will be
held just in Lancashire and Cumbria as a pilot, but should expand to a regional
and national competition next year. The project is the brainchild of Rotarian
Sue Hind and magician Shaun McCree and is open to young magicians aged between
11-17 regardless of any magic club membership - there are two age groups and
both close-up and stage performances are eligible. Entry will be via a 3-5
minute DVD which should be sponsored by their local Rotary club - Rotarians will
begin promoting the competition shortly in their own local schools, scouts and
so on - look out for the poster! Prizes have been kindly sponsored by
Kaymar Magic and
Magicseen magazine,
and interested young magicians can contact Sue Hind at
s1ueh@aol.com or Shaun McCree at
shaun@mccree.co.uk for further
information, or to download a copy of the rules
Click Here.
9.6.12
Richard
Leigh's Festival of Magic, Barons Court Theatre, London, 19th July - 25th August
2012. To celebrate 10 years of producing magic and illusion shows in London,
Richard Leigh is staging a 'Festival of Magic' which will run for six weeks at
The Barons Court Theatre. See
What's On for show details and dates.
9.6.12
Is
your magic act worth £1,000? The IBM British Ring are looking for entrants
for the British Ring Shield (Stage) and Zina Bennett Trophy (Close Up)
competitions in their forthcoming convention to be held in Great Yarmouth (26th
- 30th September). The cash prizes in both competitions are first £1,000, second
£500 and third £250 together with certificates. Other prizes that may be also
awarded include 'The Tom Harris Cup' for Comedy, 'The Dittia Shield' for
manipulation and the 'Conventioneers Trophy' for originality in the stage
competition, and in the close-up the 'Rovi Trophy' for skill with playing cards.
Conditions of entry are on
www.magicconvention.co.uk where you can also find details of artistes
appearing and registration details for the convention. Geoffrey Newton PRO.
9.6.12
"Awards
week in New York and onstage magic" Congratulations to Paul Kieve, joint
Drama Desk Award winner and the first illusionist to receive this award in its
57 year history. "...talking of Kieve and Ghost, I finally caught up with the
Broadway edition of this London import here earlier last night, and his
contribution is literally amazing. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen magic effects
used to such thrilling theatrical effect in the theatre before; or to actually
serve a story as they do here, instead of being an end in itself." To read the
full story
Click Here.
9.6.12
Wayne
Dobson's Exchange, the trick that they were all talking about at the
Blackpool Convention back in February is now available for pre-order. "One
the simplest and funniest routines I have ever done, Wayne Dobson is a genius."
Joe Pasquale. "Here is yet another great routine from Wayne. I hope this one
doesn't get noticed. I want to keep it for myself. This is great!" Jeff
Hobson. "'Wayne'S EXchange' has it all! Drama, comedy, mystery, surprise and
yes sex!" Jeff McBride. Find out more and watch the video at
www.waynedobson.co.uk.
9.6.12
Dude
that’s Cool Magic: "Dude That’s Cool Magic, is one of the United Kingdom and
Ireland's leading suppliers of Magic Tricks and equipment and has been trading
for over 7 years. Our online
Magic Shop, has a wide range of DVDs Tricks and Props suitable for all ages
and skill levels. So, if you’re an amateur magician looking to perform to
friends and family or a professional performer who’s hunting for the next big
illusion,
www.dudethatscoolmagic.co.uk is certainly the place to start looking.
Contact us on 01635 876565 or email
sales@dudethatscoolmagic.co.uk".
9.6.12
Steve
Evans BMS Lecture. Paul Cadley, President, British Magical Society writes:
Steve Evans the one and only Magicbloke (who also does balloons) will be
presenting his “Diamond Jubilee lecture” at the BMS Birmingham on Tuesday 12th
June 2012. Steve is ‘one of us’, a BMS member, an all round entertainer much in
demand as compere, lecturer and performer. Steve has a wild sense of humour and
is bound to produce something unusual, be there to find out what. 7.30pm Selly
Oak Ex Serviceman’s Club, Selly Oak, Birmingham B29 7DL (Map). See
www.britishmagicalsociety.co.uk for details.
9.6.12
Michael
Vincent Lecture: "Cotswold Magical Society is delighted to announce that we
are to have a lecture from the fabulous Michael Vincent on Wednesday July 4, -
7.30 for 8pm. Non-members are invited to attend for a modest fee of £5. Venue:
The Hucclecote, Community Centre, Hucclecote Road, Gloucester GL3 3RT (Map)
www.cotswoldmagic.co.uk.
9.6.12
Three
from Alakazam... Random, Captiv3 and Wayne's Exchange are now available for
pre-order from Alakazam: "Peter Nardi’s Random feels totally organic and shows
you can truly control apparent random actions. Your spectator makes numerous
'random' choices (with a deck of cards) yet you clearly and unbelievably predict
their actions every step of the way." Captiv 3: "Imagine taking the cap from one
bottle and penetrating it through another sealed bottle, While its in your
spectators hand. They see the cap sink to the bottom of the sealed bottle."
Wayne Dobson's Exchange: "Once in a while an effect comes alone with a
presentation so funny in its own right that all you have to do it perform it and
you’re guaranteed laughs..." For more info and to pre-order visit:
www.alakazam.co.uk.
9.6.12
PaulHarrisPresents.co.uk
- Free Trick! Mark Traversoni writes: Paul Harris Presents.co.uk are
offering a free trick to anyone signing up for a new account (no purchase
necessary). The effect is my Bill in Egg method which I use in all my cabaret or
close-up shows. This is an easy to do method and the bill is actually in the egg
at the end of your routine. To obtain a free copy go to
www.paulharrispresents.co.uk and click on new account at the top of page,
enter your details and access to the trick will be emailed to you.
9.6.12
Blackpool
Magicians Club have booked Franklin, the International Mindreader with his
new lecture "Beyond The Veil" for Tuesday 12th June (replacing Roger Curzon).
The lecture commences at 8pm in the Blackpool Magicians Theatre Club. The
lecture reveals Franklin's closely guarded secret mentalism techniques. Members
and associates only.
www.blackpoolmagic.com.
9.6.12
Mark
Elsdon's Equivoque Workshop, Saturday June 16th in central London. There is
just one place still available for this intensive day of expert tuition. For
testimonials, full details of the day's agenda and booking, visit:
elsdon.blogspot.co.uk.
9.6.12
Paul
Voodini live in York! On Saturday 16th June, Paul Voodini will be performing
an intimate show in York for just 25 guests. Expect a unique combination of
mind-reading, the paranormal, and mentalism! Tickets are priced at just £9 with
discounts being available for multiple purchases. Full details and tickets can
be obtained from
www.readerofminds.co.uk.
9.6.12
Chris Hare Lecture - London Society of Magicians.
London Society of Magicians would like to invite you to Chris Hare's Live
Lecture! The Lecture will be held on Tuesday 26th June at 7pm at Davenports Magic
Studio, 7 Charing Cross Underground Arcade, The Strand, London WC2N 4HZ (Map) Lecture
is free for members. Visitors are very welcome, there is a small fee of £10
payable on the night.
Chris Hare is the creator of Birthday Detector and the author of Sensational
Memory and has recently released two new effects "Where in the World?" and
"Where Next?"
He presents an entertaining and informative lecture of approximately 2 hours
(plus) in duration.
The powerful mental effects in the lecture can be performed using everyday items
and require 'know-how' as opposed to any sort of physical manipulation
skill. During the lecture he also teaches people how to increase their memory
more than perhaps they could ever possibly imagine!
Visit
www.lsmmagic.magicandweb.com or email
lsmmagic@hotmail.co.uk for further information.
Mark Saltissi.
9.6.12
Etienne
Pradier lectures at The Surrey Society of Magicians on June 14th. "Born in
France, Etienne became fascinated by magic at an early age and rapidly made a
name for himself as a truly gifted close-up magician that was assured to be
'going somewhere.' And he did … twice! He moved to England and achieved
international recognition as one of the world’s finest close-up table magicians.
After only 3 years as a member of the elite Magic Circle, he was invited to take
membership of The Inner Magic Circle, with Gold Star, in recognition of his
excellence as a professional magician. Uniquely skilled, creative, charismatic
and immensely entertaining, Etienne Pradier is now one of the UK’s most
successful London based magicians." Members are free and visiting magicians are
welcome for a £10 entrance fee, the lecture takes place in Bookham, Surrey at
8pm for full details email Adam Mosley
addmoses@blueyonder.co.uk.
9.6.12
The
Leamington Day of Magic on Wednesday 20th June is now just over a week away.
Lectures on the day include Pete Wardell, Richard Pinner and David Tomkins, and
there is a good range of dealers. Entrance is only £21 for the full day
including, breakfast lunch and a BBQ weather permitting. You can order your
tickets on-line and find full details at
www.lawms.wordpress.com/day-of-magic. Mark Traversoni.
9.6.12
Steve
Gore is presenting his popular lecture “Ramblings from a suspender… of disbelief”
for the Chester Guild of Magicians on Monday 11th June at 8pm. His lecture which
received great reviews at the Modern Mystic League, Blackpool Magician Club and
British Magical Society includes lots of his original effects, including ‘Trick
Photography’, which MagicWeek called “Close up Trick of the Year in 2010”
YouTube.
It’s not all close up though, there are effects for stage, parlour and
children's entertainers too, so there really is something for everyone. Everyone
who attends will receive a free copy of his PDF lecture notes. Visiting
magicians welcome; £10 door charge. The Bull & Stirrup (Upstairs), 8 Upper
Northgate Street, Chester CH1 4EE (Map)
www.stevegore.co.uk
www.makebelievemagic.co.uk.
9.6.12
The
Home Counties Magical Society: "Marc Oberon, James Prince, Paul Gordon and
Chris Congreave, are just a few of the name lecturing this year at The Home
Counties Magic Society based in Reading, Berkshire. Anyone interested in joining
please visit our website
www.hcms.org.uk" Andrew Lewis.
9.6.12
Owen
Lean has been entertaining the stars of the literary world all week at The
Hay Festival. Tonight (Saturday) he'll be finishing his time there performing at
the festival's 25th Birthday Party at Clyro Court alongside Radio 1 DJ Rob da
Bank.
9.6.12
It's
Magic! A fun-filled magic show for all the family, staged by the Young
Magicians of Mann. 7pm - 8.15pm on Friday 15th June. All tickets £4 from Laxey
Chemist, New Road, Laxey. Venue: The Institute, New Road, Laxey, Isle of Man IM4
7BD. www.laxeywmi.org.
Organised by the Young Magicians of Mann.
9.6.12
UKC
Magic Society Wins First Award. Megan Knowles-Bacon writes: The University
of Kent Canterbury’s Magic Society recently won ‘Best New Society’ in the Kent
Union awards. The society has only been running since September, but already has
quite a name for itself around the university. Their achievements this year
which helped them win the award include producing their own very successful
stage show (featuring several members’ debut performances), securing a grant
enabling them to subsidise a trip to The Magic Circle, and raising over £180 for
Kent Air Ambulance Trust (KAAT). With a bigger committee ready to work hard, and
plans for the next show already underway, next year promises to be even more
successful. Photo (L to R) May Watson, Emma Durrant, Megan Knowles-Bacon (VP),
Kalysha Howard (Secretary), Simon Smith (President), Matt Medland, Anthony Dixon
and Lee Palmer.
9.6.12
Magic!
A family magic show to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Young Magicians of
Mann. 7pm on Friday 14th September. Tickets from £14, concessions £8. Tickets
from the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal in Douglas,
www.villagaiety.com or
tel. 01624 600555. Venue: Gaiety Theatre, Harris Promenade, Douglas, Isle of Man
IM1 2XP
www.villagaiety.com/eventinfo. Organised by the Young Magicians of Mann.
9.6.12
Looking
for a magic lecturer? Visit the MagicWeek
Lecturers page.
9.6.12
Best of Peter Duffie Volume 4 is reviewed by Al Smith this week, Click Here • "Showbiz: Grandma and I" Click Here • "Rule-breaking magicians Barry and Stuart head to Glee" Click Here • "Magician Arrested in Series of Brooklyn Bank Robberies" Click Here • "Seeing is believing" Click Here • "7 Things You Didn’t Know About David Copperfield, Courtesy of Reddit" Click Here • "Pete’s magic touch is sure to pull in crowds" Click Here • "Star turnout for Murray Sawchuck at Tropicana dazzles like his magic" Click Here • "Jonathan Creek is back this Christmas – for a one-off episode" Click Here • "Phil Lord and Chris Miller Slated to Adapt 'Carter Beats the Devil' Now" Click Here • "I want to see Indian rope trick" Click Here • "Try The McGurk Effect! - Horizon: Is Seeing Believing?" Click Here • From June 1st: "15-Year-Old Buried Alive By His Awesome Parents" Click Here • Your UK magic news is always welcome. Please let us have it by Thursday to guarantee inclusion. Absolute final deadline for all submissions: 12 noon Friday. See you next week, Duncan. 9.6.12