Number 632 - 4th August 2012

 

International Magic are thrilled to announce that Simon Drake will be giving his first-ever live lecture at their annual Convention at The Mermaid Theatre, London, November 16th-18th. Simon has been at the forefront of magic developments for over twenty years, from his creation and starring role in the ground-breaking TV series 'The Secret Cabaret' where his dark Grand Guignol presentations stood out dramatically from typical magic shows, to the creation of his own venue The House of Magic, where audiences are fully immersed in an evening of enchanting magic and original illusions, set in his fantasy world of mystery and intrigue. Noel Britten, who co-organises the Convention said "His full-time involvement with this unique, magical venue has kept Simon below the magical radar for the last few years. If you do not know of his work I'd suggest you check out some of his beautifully macabre routines he performed with Iron Maiden Click Here and his more classy, timeless work Click Here. Alongside his lecture where Simon will be tipping some of the secrets of his signature effects, he will also be performing a short special guest spot in the Gala Show. Two more reasons, as if appearances by Juan Tamariz, Eric Mead, Jeff McBride and Joanie Spina weren't enough, that will make this weekend unmissable!" www.internationalmagic.com. 4.8.12

 

Conjuring at the Court, London. Thursday 30th August 2012. The show features Max Somerset, star of TV series Max Magic, Undercover Magic, and the Sorceror’s Apprentice. Max combines music with magic to create a memorable, funny, and dramatic performance. With the comedy magic of Alan Hudson, fabulous ventriloquist Steve Hewlett, and top mindreader Marc Paul. Compered by co-producer Stephen Barry Doors open 7.30pm and the show starts at 8pm. Or come early to make an evening of it with dinner in the pub. It’s just 12 minutes from Central London by overground rail from Paddington to West Ealing, and the pub is 2 minutes walk from the station. The Drayton Court, 2 The Avenue, West Ealing W13 8PH (Map). Tickets £10 from www.conjuringatthecourt.com. 4.8.12

 

EMC. Phase One complete... phase two begins! The third online Essential Magic Conference (27th, 28th, 29th July) was another huge success. I only managed to dip my toes into the magical water 'live' a couple of times during the weekend, but will catch up over the next few weeks I'm sure, as all the sessions can now be seen online. Thank you Luis de Matos, Marco Tempest and David Britland for once again raising the bar and allowing magic to evolve. The UK contingent of David Berglas, David Britland, Derren Brown, Debbie McGee, Dynamo, Graham Jolley, Guy Hollingworth, Paul Daniels and Richard Wiseman delivered with style and if they had been awarding medals would have scooped up a few, but it's the fact that this is an international event that makes it so compulsive. Now here's the magic part: it's still not too late to register and receive full access to the recently recorded broadcasts and also a full set of 8 DVDs featuring the complete EMC2012 (these discs are sent out at a later date). The cost of registration is 75 Euros (US $99.00) www.essentialmagicconference.com. MagicWeek was delighted to once again be an EMC Media Partner. Phase One (the Trilogy) is over, now work on Phase Two (which will add a major twist!) begins. DT 4.8.12

 

Derren Brown Svengali. Limited West End run - final week! Derren's groundbreaking live show Svengali is back in the West End for a limited run at the Novello Theatre, London for July 12th. "A baffling, bamboozling and beautifully bewitching display of devilry. When it comes to eye-popping illusions Brown is the only game in town" Evening Standard. 28 performances only. Be prepared for a theatrical roller-coaster ride as the acknowledged master of psychological illusion gives audiences another opportunity to see this Olivier-winning sensation. Svengali will reside at the Novello Theatre from 12th July - 11th August. This is the last chance to see the sell-out live show that has mesmerized the nation! Age recommendation: 12+ Box Office: www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk Also see www.derrenbrown.co.uk. Comedian and actor Chris Addison talks to Derren Brown on Radio 4 on Friday 10th, and then Derren talks to comedian and musician Tim Minchin on the 17th in 'Chain Reaction' - see TV Magic. 4.8.12

 

Spirit Sideshow, Sussex. Peter Campbell-Wells is to present a one-off preview performance of his 'Spirit Sideshow' in the Sussex village of Hurstpierpoint, prior to its launch at the Edinburgh Fringe. Pete has redesigned the show since Brighton Fringe, to take advantage of the larger stage and more formal layout offered at Edinburgh's counting house, and the Hurst preview will be the first performance of 'Spirit Sideshow' in its new form. The core narrative and effects remain the same, but the experience as a whole promises to be bigger and more immersive. 4th August at 8pm. Tickets are on sale now from the show's website www.spiritsideshow.co.uk and from the Players Theatre box office on the night. Venue: Players Theatre, 147 High Street, Hurstpierpoint, Hassocks, West Sussex BN6 9PU (Map). 4.8.12

 

Dark Deco Deck: "RSVP presents The Dark Deco, the first custom deck in their new range of quality playing cards. This deck has been custom designed from the ground up and made for us by The United States Playing Card Company on their famous Bicycle Card Stock. With Air Cushioned finish, they are simply beautiful to use and perfect for all magicians and collectors. Each custom designed deck comes with 56 cards and includes two jokers (one with a hidden prediction printed on its face), a double backer and one blank facer, allowing magicians to incorporate this deck into their usual routines. This deck handles as good as it looks and will be something you'll be proud to use time and time again. Please note: This deck is a limited edition and numbers are restricted." To order visit www.rsvpmagic.com. 4.8.12

 

The pitfalls of performing magic tricks to your family and friends: "It's a cruel trick of nature.. Those that need the most practice and experience have the least opportunity to receive it. Those pesky professional magicians, they have hordes of new people to show their magic tricks to every night. Not only that, but they get paid to do it! What about those of us that are starting out, or simply prefer to treat magic as a hobby? How are we supposed to get better if we don't have access to an ever changing audience to sharpen our classic pass's on? The answer... our family and friends..." Find out more and download the free ebook from The Merchant of Magic. 4.8.12

 

The South Downs Magicians were featured in a two-page article in 'Sussex Living' to mark the club's 30th anniversary last week. The article includes background information about how the club started and interviews with co-founder Tony Hoare, current president Robin Carr and the society's secretary Paul Bromley. The magazine sent a reporter along to the club's July meeting and the write-up includes his complimentary remarks about the performances he saw: Click Here (and type '68' over the '1'). www.southdownsmagicians.co.uk. 4.8.12

 

Become a children's entertainer! "Are you interested in learning how to become a children's entertainer? Then August might be a good time to invest in Magic Mike's training system! Check out the website for information about a special August prize draw. www.thekidsmagician.com/become-a-childrens-entertainer". 4.8.12

 

John Derris: The Ultimate KISS Lecture. "John Derris's KISS Lecture (Keep It Simple Stupid!) has been seen during the last three years in over 50 magic clubs in the UK and Europe. It's a system acknowledged as a breakthrough to better magic presentation, better bookings and better fees and it took him to engagements in over 14 countries! This was followed by the success of his acclaimed and now out-of-print book 'KISS', both here and in the USA. We have invited John to give what is in his words 'the last Ultimate KISS Lecture/presentation' on Wednesday 22nd August. John has kindly added items from his personal programme to this lecture including his famed goldfish bowl production. The lecture will include performing tips passed on over the years from many of his friends in magic which have included Al Koran, Dai Vernon, Pat Page and Alex Elmsley. This is not a lecture on specialised technique. It is a presentation on selling yourself and your magic and it's based on a simple premise: People pay you for what they see, not what you do. Payment on the door at £15 per lecture but you must reserve a place in advance, please email via www.internationalmagic.com to book." Venue: Casa Italiana, 2nd floor, 136 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1R 5DL (Map). 4.8.12

 

Ed Fringe, in the spotlight: Simon South "Magician and International Performer (well, England to Scotland and back again) brings his amazing one-man show to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for the first time! Combining comedy, magic and thrilling stunts, this is one show you will not want to miss! Simon's show runs from the 4th till the 13th August at the Hudson Bar on Hope Street, and starts at 9pm. www.simonsouth.co.uk." Also see What's On for Ed Fringe listings. 4.8.12

 

Tales from the Darker Side. Nick Brunger takes his own brand of mentalism to the Arundel Festival with two performances at the town's ancient Jailhouse. The show will be his usual mix of dark and Gothic magic combining psychological illusion, mind-manipulation and spooky storytelling. Hear the terrifying tale of Arundel's most notorious murder, discover the secrets held by ancient photographs. Not suitable for persons under 14 or those of a nervous disposition. 20th & 21st August 2012 at 8pm. Tickets: £9.00 for members and £10.00 for non-members. Booking via the Arundel Jailhouse website or by phone on 01903 889 821. Arundel Jailhouse, The Undercroft, Arundel Town Hall, Maltravers Street, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9AP (Map) www.arundeljailhouse.co.uk. 4.8.12

 

Oliver Meech: When Magic and Science Collide, Windsor and London. Hot on the heels of sell-out shows at the Brighton Fringe and Oxford Fringe, magic boffin Oliver Meech returns to meddle with forces we barely understand. Expect amazing tricks inspired by astounding science, in a comedy magic show for the QI generation. "Funny, endearing, impressive showmanship" ThreeWeeks, "...real gasps of awe" Broadway Baby. Windsor: Tuesday 7th August, The Firestation Arts Centre, 7pm (1 hour), £5 (£3). Tickets: www.firestationartscentre.com. London: Thursday 9th August and Wednesday 15th August, 8.30pm (1 hour), Royal Vauxhall Tavern, Laughing Horse @ The Hobgoblin, £7. Tickets: www.hotaugustfringe.com. www.magicmeech.com. 4.8.12

 

Edward Hilsum was part of the Opening Ceremony celebrations at the Olympic Park on Friday 27th July, performing for the main sponsors and Olympic Committee. "It was a fantastic experience, and they've already invited me back! I'm also going to be performing in the Athlete's Village throughout the games to keep them entertained!" said Ed. www.edwardhilsum.com. 4.8.12

 

Sunday Night Magic Show at The Wellington in Walton on Thames. This Sunday 5th August sees Paul Andrews perform an intimate, exclusive Sunday Night Magic Show at The Wellington in Walton on Thames. Places are limited for this close-up show and available in advance at the bar for £4. Paul will be performing some of his favourite routines and some of his own creations. 4.8.12

 

Illusionary: An Evening of Magic and Illusion: "Gatling Magic presents in association with Venue Cymru Fundraisers the first ever Illusionary: An Evening of Magic and Illusion. A fabulous family show, with astounding close up magic and a superb stage show. Featuring two award winning magic acts, including High Jinx, as seen on ITV’s Penn and Teller’s Fool Us, and the high-paced, colourful and exciting magic of Elemental, as well as a selection of close-up magicians. Saturday, September 1st, at 7.30pm. Tickets on sale now. Adults £10 Concessions £7.50 Family £32.50 www.venuecymru.co.uk/whats-on". 4.8.12

 

"Dynamo: I’ll conjure up Team GB gold" Click Here • "Card Magic: Magicians Exploit Our Psychological Biases To Amaze Us, Study Shows" Click Here • "Davao to host conference of Asian magicians in September" Click Here • "Magician brought in to entertain Olympic rail passengers" Click Here • "Fil-Canadian magician lives his dream" Click Here • "Walk of Fame honor a moving moment for magician" Click Here • "Crystal Cruises Brings Magic Aboard with Magician Rich Bloch" Click Here • "Edinburgh Fringe Comedy: 10 Questions With Danny Buckler" Click Here • "Some men just have that magic touch" Click Here • Your UK magic news is always welcomed - see you next week, Duncan. 4.8.12

 

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