Number 631 - 28th July 2012
Eric
Mead makes his London debut later this year at the International
Magic Convention (November 16th, 17th 18th). Eric will be lecturing and
also performing in the Close Up Gala. Considered one of magic's most
celebrated 'thinkers', Eric has a wealth of experience in many fields of
magic from bar magic, to a period working in comedy clubs, to his
present work as one of America's busiest corporate mentalists. His first
major book, Tangled Web, was praised for its many routines covering
bar magic, close-up magic, strolling, mentalism and stage work. But it
is the chapters that include seven instructive essays and two chapters
devoted to work with a memorized deck and a systematic approach to
Vernon's "Trick That Cannot Be Explained" that show his real in-depth
thinking. With both Eric and Juan Tamariz booked for the Convention
there's going to be a "stack" of things to talk about and see!
www.internationalmagic.com.
28.7.12
The Essential Magic Conference is
on this weekend (day 2 and 3). Day 1 got off to an excellent start. See
33+
Magicians over 3 Days. The Essential Magic Conference is the world’s first
digital conference for magic and magicians. Watch it this weekend 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 right now and treat yourself to a weekend
of fine live magic and discussion:
www.essentialmagicconference.com.
28.7.12
Ed
Fringe, in the spotlight: Bullet Catch by Rob Drummond. "Drummond's
conjuring skills are genuine and very impressive but his ability to make
a profound philosophical meditation into a hugely entertaining magic
show is cleverer still because it is so subtly done." ****The Herald.
Roll up, roll up. The Arches makes its return to the Edinburgh
Festival Fringe to present the most daring, death defying show on earth,
Bullet Catch by Rob Drummond, which will open at the Traverse Theatre,
Edinburgh from Friday 3rd – Sunday 26th August 2012. A stunt so
dangerous Houdini refused to attempt it, the Bullet Catch has claimed
the lives of at least twelve illusionists, assistants and spectators
since its conception in 1613. The show follows the life and death
onstage of famed bullet catcher, William Henderson, who tragically died
100 years ago performing the trick. Now, with a little help from his
audience, modern day marvel William Wonder presents a unique theatrical
magic show featuring storytelling, mind reading, levitation, games of
chance and, if you're brave enough to stay for it, the most notorious
finale in show business. See
www.traverse.co.uk
for more information, and
What's On for Ed Fringe magic listings.
28.7.12
Magic
Marketing Masterclass: "Any performer who is interested in making
2013 a great year for paid show bookings should attend the Magic
Marketing Masterclass which will be taking place at the Hilton Newbury
Centre Hotel on Tuesday 9th October 2012. Organised by Mark Leveridge
Magic, this is a day dedicated to helping those who are serious about
improving their show promotion techniques and who also want to learn the
best ways to convert enquiries into paid bookings. This exclusive
one-off event will provide sessions on the following topic areas. 1.
Social Media - in which expert Julia Bramble will unpick the truth from
the hype and explain how magicians can effectively tap into the power of
social networking. 2. Strategic Marketing - Bob Yelland will present his
highly praised talk on how to develop a winning Marketing Strategy and
Communication approach using advertising, the web and email. 3. Enquiry
Conversion - promotion is useless unless you can convert enough of the
resultant enquiries, and so Mark Leveridge will reveal a killer idea
which has given him a 10 fold increase in his show conversion rate. The
Magic Marketing Masterclass will be an absorbing day full of practical
advice to help any type of performer, whether they be close up, cabaret
or children's workers, to beat the recession and develop a successful
marketing plan that will help to produce more paid shows. To apply for
one of the limited places available, and to watch an information video
containing further details, go to
www.markleveridge.co.uk/masterclass.php".
28.7.12
Magicseen
Taster Issue 15 is now out and available as a free download. Editor
Mark Leveridge writes: Based on
the current full issue (issue 45 July 12), Taster Issue 15 contains the
full article on cover personality Ian D Montfort, has our interview with
young German rising star Florian Zimmer, plus contains Eoin Smith's look
at the rise of designer decks, a peek into a week in the life of Magic
Dealership Merlins and a selection of the reviews published in the main
issue. Then from our back catalogue we offer an interesting feature on
Women In Magic with interviews and information about some of the top
female acts working currently. Taster Issue 15 is a great way to get a
flavour of what Magicseen has to offer and a copy can be yours as a free
download now from www.magicseen.co.uk.
28.7.12
The
Edinburgh International Magic Festival is delighted to announce they
will once again bring the world’s most amazing magic acts to Edinburgh from 28th June - 5th
July 2013. For an overview of this year's festival, which just ended
Click Here.
28.7.12
A
Care & Share Balloon Party Day. Graham Lee writes: A
Care & Share Balloon Party Day will be taking place in Halesowen,
Birmingham on Wednesday 12th September, which is the day after the Kidology
children’s magic convention that is taking place in Wolverhampton, so
you may be able to attend both events. The party day will have a basic
balloon lecture, some fun competitions if you would like to join in and
a surprise or two along the way. A buffet lunch is also supplied at this
annual get together to celebrate the art of balloon modelling. There is
more info on the balloon forum,
www.balloonchat.co.uk. Booking details:
www.qualatexballoons.co.uk.
28.7.12
Shaun
McCree Lecture - Bolton Magician's Club. James Hodgkiss writes: Bolton Magician's Club host Shaun McCree,
multi award winning magician and acknowledged as one of the pioneers in
introducing close-up magic into the UK. Shaun will be presenting his
lecture entitled 'Commercial Close-up' at Bolton Magicians' Club on
Wednesday 1st August at 8.30pm. The venue is the Doffcocker Inn, Chorley
Old Road, Bolton BL1 5QD (Map). Visiting magicians from other societies
are most welcome. There will be an entrance fee of £5.00. For directions
to the Doffcocker Inn please visit
www.boltonmagic.co.uk or telephone
James Hodgkiss on 01204 522651.
28.7.12
David
Forrest "Close Up Magic... Outside the Box". Paul Cadley,
President,
British Magical Society writes:
Full time professional magician and inventor of magic effects,
Dave is acknowledged as an innovative and creative magical thinker as
well as being proprietor of Full 52 Productions.
As a finale to its Summer Season the British Magical Society is
pleased to present a lecture by Dave Forrest in Birmingham.
The date is Tuesday 31st July (7.30pm) at Selly Oak Ex Serviceman’s Club, Selly
Oak, Birmingham B29 7DL (Map).
Visit www.britishmagicalsociety.co.uk for details.
28.7.12
Wizard School Bristol:
In less than 3 weeks, Magic Mike, The Kids Magician, will be opening the
doors to Wizard School. Comprising 2 weeks of magic classes for children
in Bristol, Mike is looking forward to introducing children in Bristol
to the art of magic, mystery and illusion. There are still spaces left,
so if you are around the Bristol area and have children who would like
to attend, further details can be found at
www.thekidsmagician.com/wizard-school.
28.7.12
News
from Twins FX: "The
Twins FX are creating special effects in new production shows at
Halikarnas, the legendary club of Bodrum, Turkey. Halikarnas holds its
place as one of the best clubs in the World, but now with a brand new
design, a new concept, cutting edge sound, lighting systems and visual
special effects, the legend is strengthened. The shows are tailor made
for Halikarnas, introducing an entertainment style unparalleled in
Turkey. Behind these fantastic shows are some brilliant names of the
creative world: the Halikarnas shows are directed by Gary Lloyd and
Arthur Gourounlian, the best directors / choreographers of the global
showbiz world. The Twins FX provided the very best in visual special
effects for Halikarnas and look forward to the forthcoming season. Check
out www.halikarnas.com or
www.thetwinsfx.com."
28.7.12
Magician
bamboozles HRH Prince Charles! Last Tuesday
North East based magician Chris Cross entertained HRH Price Charles, performing a selection of
magic tricks which were very well received… "It was brilliant to have
entertained yet another member of the British Monarchy. HRH Prince
Charles was a good team player and he thoroughly enjoyed the tricks,
jokes and banter. I knew he liked magic so it was great when we got to
share a few tricks and laughs together - I’m becoming something of a
Royal Entertainer now!" said Chris. And Prince Charles quipped ''You're such a
professional... highly amusing!"
Previously Chris has entertained HRH Prince Harry and The Prince of
Bahrain. www.chris-cross.co.uk.
28.7.12
Iain
Moran is presenting his “Greatest Hits” lecture for Sheffield Circle
of Magicians on Thursday 2nd of August. The lecture is free for members
and £10 for guests and visitors. The event starts at 7.30pm at Magick
Enterprises, 82 Broad Street, Sheffield S2 5TG (Map).
www.sheffieldcircleofmagicians.org.
28.7.12
London
magician and street performer Owen Lean will be performing next week
in the Ottawa Buskers Festival. Also performing contortionist Bendy Em,
and Chinese Pole performer Reuben Dot Dot.
28.7.12
Kevin Cunliffe Product Catalogue. Kevin Cunliffe writes: "Kevin Cunliffe Entertainments now has the new 2012 product catalogue available, featuring the greatly anticipated effect 'Cognition- The act of knowing'. You can request a free copy by contacting via email kevincunliffe@hotmail.co.uk a PDF copy will be digitally sent to you. Alternatively you can see the online version at www.kevincunliffe.co.uk." 28.7.12
"Daddymo Magician Improbable" Click Here • "Student's gameshow tipped to be US hit" Click Here • "Dynamo: Magician Impossible – TV review" Click Here • "Vanni Pulé spends year as magicians’ president" Click Here • "Do you believe? Young magician already making his mark in the entertainment world" Click Here • "Magic Castle appears on Crystal Cruises" Click Here • "Magician to the Stars Lior Suchard's Amazing Feats" Click Here • "Making magic: Greenwich teen has plenty of tricks up his sleeve" Click Here • "Abbott's Magic Get-Together to celebrate 75 years of illusionary entertainment" Click Here • Young magician James Samuel has set himself the task of reviewing magic products over the summer holidays on his new blog: jamessamuelmagicianb.blogspot.co.uk • "The search is on for the nation's most entertaining young people" Click Here • "Kuwaiti illusionist claims to make car vanish in desert" Click Here • And finally, not magic, but interesting, "Do good things come to those who wait?" Click Here • That's it for another week, your UK magic news is always welcome, see you next week, Duncan. 28.7.12