Number 643 - 20th October 2012
The
Magic Circle Awards Ceremony 2012. At a glittering ceremony held at
the Headquarters of The Magic Circle in Central London last Saturday,
Jack Delvin, President of The Magic Circle, presented the winners of The
Magic Circle Awards 2012. Darren Tossell reports:
The Maskelyne Award: Given for services to British magic. Winner:
Derren Brown. Derren began his UK television career in December 2000
with a series of specials called Mind Control. Since then, with
remarkable talent and charismatic personality, he has re-imagined,
re-invigorated and re-branded magic. He has repeatedly pushed at the
boundaries of audience expectation and daringly embraced the
controversial.
The Carlton Award: Presented to a performer for outstanding
comedy in magic. Winner: Paul Daniels. Paul Daniels is without doubt one
of the most accomplished magicians in the World, and certainly one of
the most exciting. Add to that a unique comedy style and you have a
complete entertainer and one of the funniest men in show-business.
The David Devant Award: Given to those who have made a
significant contribution in advancing the art of magic or who have given
outstanding service to magic internationally. Winner: Jim Steinmeyer:
Described as one of the greatest magical thinkers of this generation, he
is responsible for popular illusions featured by professional magicians
around the world, and special effects in theatrical shows from Broadway
to Las Vegas. Through his designs and his writing on historical magic,
he's been credited with creating the "defining illusions in contemporary
magic" deceptions featured by Doug Henning, David Copperfield, Siegfried
and Roy, The Pendragons, Kalin & Jinger, Lance Burton and many others.
The Silver Wand: Presented to Mike O'Brien for outstanding
service to The Magic Circle and specifically for 50 Years of
participation in the ‘Meet the Magic Circle’ initiative.
The John Nevil Maskelyne Prize: Given to the winner for
noteworthy contributions to the art or literature of magic. Winner: Andi
Gladwin for writing and publishing a wide range of books including:
52 Memories, a tribute to the phenomenal card magic of Jack Parker
and The Definitive Sankey: a door-stopping trilogy of the magic
of one of the most prolific creators of recent time.
The Cecil Lyle Award: Given to the author of the best trick
published in The Magic Circular: Winner: Walford Taylor for his
version of 'The Matchbox Monte'.
The Hoffmann Memorial Lecture: Awarded to ‘encourage research
into subjects related to the history, theory and practice of magic’:
Winner: David Fung for his essay on ‘the relationship between a trick
and its presentation’.
www.themagiccircle.co.uk.
20.10.12
Derren
Brown: Apocalypse. He survived a game of live Russian roulette,
predicted the lottery numbers, stuck half the viewing audience to their
sofas and taught a member of the public to fly a plane overnight. Now,
acclaimed showman Derren Brown returns with a new two-part special that
is arguably his most audacious stunt yet, as he convinces one person
that the planet has been devastated by a meteor strike and that he is
only one of a handful of survivors in this zombie-ridden land. Will the
chosen one rise to the challenge? The first of two mindbending specials.
Friday, 9pm, Channel 4. See
TV Magic. for details. Derren is a guest on Sunday Brunch at
9.30am this Sunday, see
TV
Magic. Meanwhile Derren Brown: The Experiments is now
available on DVD
Click Here to order. Winner of the BAFTA for Best Entertainment
programme, The Experiments features Derren Brown at his
jaw-dropping best. Unwitting members of the public are taken through
four thrilling sociological experiments like nothing seen before on TV.
20.10.12
The
more you watch, the less you pay! With a sliding scale of prices
which means you could see each show for just £5, the full line-up for
the Festival of Magic evening shows has now been announced. Each
evening, from Monday 12th to 15th November, will feature two excellent
contrasting magic shows at The Bridewell Theatre, Blackfriars, London,
with a range of genres and performing styles to please the most jaded of
magic palates!
Monday - Rob James: Magicana and Morgan & West: Time Travelling
Magicians.
Tuesday - Woody Aragon: Bald Faced Liar (photo) and Oliver Meech: When
Magic and Science Collide.
Wednesday - Chris Cox: Fatal Attraction and Ian Rowland's One Man Show.
Thursday - Javier Jarquin: Card Ninja and Luke Jermay: Psychic Cabaret.
This is a great chance to see some of the top five star rated shows from
the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Melbourne Comedy Festival and Las
Vegas, right in the heart of London. The Bridewell Theatre will also be
hosting the individual day seminars of the Festival of Magic (Monday -
Directions and Showmanship, Tuesday - Cards, Wednesday - Mentalism,
Thursday - Perception & Deception, Friday - Comedy Magic). Full details
of all prices and full line-up for the week that includes Juan Tamariz,
Richard Wiseman, Arthur Benjamin and Anthony Owen amongst many many
others at
www.internationalmagic.com.
20.10.12
Two new performers have been added to
The Session (January 12th & 13th,
Cheltenham). Tony Chang (USA) and Rune Klan (Denmark). Tony's card magic
is so visual, so pure, and so difficult, many people don't believe the
videos of his tricks. And Denmark's Rune Klan is, without doubt, one of the
staple favorites at The Session. He brings his mixture of comedy and
exemplary sleight of hand to every performance, and this year they have
something special planned... Only a small number of tickets remain; see
www.sessionconvention.com.
20.10.12
Tommy
Cooper Jus' Like That! A Life in Jokes and Pictures by John
Fisher will be published on October 25th by Preface Publishing. For the first
time, Tommy Cooper’s biographer, writer and producer, John Fisher,
collects between two covers the cream of the comedian’s personal
archives, with photographs, memorabilia and documents that have never
been seen before. Had Cooper kept a scrapbook, this is what he would
have produced. Souvenirs from his many stage and television triumphs
jostle side by side with candid shots of him at play with his family,
many revealing a side to the man the public never really saw. Here is
the authentic side of Tommy in the forces, the early show business
struggle, the backstage world of his magic, the newspaper coverage of
the most recognisable man in Britain, the crazy japes at home with wife
Gwen, and so much more. This book, with its brilliant colour images and
hilarious text, puts the successive stages of Tommy’s life in full
context. And if you don’t want to follow his life in biographical
detail, just sit back and relax by laughing at the many jokes that crowd
the pages. They tell their own story! This is a large-format (21cm x
29cm) hardback crammed full of Cooper theatrical memorabilia and
never-before-seen private photos. Highly recommended, and great value
too. To pre-order via Amazon.co.uk
Click Here.
20.10.12
Trix
in the Stix. From the organisers:
There are now only 50 tickets left for Trix in the Stix - a new
convention for children's entertainers. Although the convention is 7
months away (May 20th/21st 2013) already 75% of the tickets have been
snapped up, taking the organisers somewhat by surprise. There are two
headline lectures from Terry Herbert and John Kimmons (pictured here,
admiring each other's work!) as well as dealers, Power Presentations, an
informal balloon jam with Graham Lee, Monday night cabaret and a host of
surprises - all for just £25.00. The convention is taking place in the
beautiful Lion Quays Waterside Resort in Shropshire.
For further details and to book your place, please go to
www.practical-magic.com.
20.10.12
Magicians
of Facebook UK Convention - Bromsgrove.
Sunday 21st October
at the Holiday Inn Bromsgrove, in the Midlands. From the organisers: "The day
will feature lectures from Luke Jermay (performance, some effects and a Q+A
session), Stephen Leathwaite (Stephen has produced some great DVDs recently),
Wayne Goodman (one of the funniest workers out there, you may know him from Look
Sharp! He also has some great new effects on the way), and Tom Crosbie (this
young man is a master of memory and the stacked deck, and has just released his
first DVD – Recall). Also, we have some great dealers on board some of which you
will all know!, plus many deals for you with some great competitions! We also
have a fun night the evening before (Saturday). We will have a show with Luke,
Tom and Alex Fisher (Bizarre Magic) and finish off in the bar for a drink and a
jam, this is however very limited. All this is for only £20 for the day. Please
check the link below!"
www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/groups/364280026946237 and
www.mofbukconvention.webs.com.
20.10.12
Merlins
of Wakefield have just received
The Burned Card by Ali Cardabra. This is fantastic effect from his
successful DVD –
An Audience With The Count which has proved really popular, is a
Merlin’s Exclusive and is ideal for walk around or stand-up. They will
also be at the Bolton Day of Magic on Sunday 20th Oct, so if you want
anything taking, call them today on 01924 339933 before 4pm.
www.merlinswakefield.com.
20.10.12
4thought.tv
asks: 'Can the dead talk to us?'. "Paul Zenon is a magician,
presenter and sceptic. Paul says some mediums are charlatans who take
advantage of vulnerable people through psychological manipulation and
standard mind-reading techniques."
7.55pm on Thursday 1st November on Channel 4. See
TV Magic.
20.10.12
The
Magic Circle Dealers Day 2012, Saturday 27th October, London. The
annual Magic Circle Dealers Day will once again take place at the Royal
National Hotel, just off Russell Square: "This year sees another fine
gathering of dealers with everything from basic consumables to some of
the most innovative effects on the market available to view, try and
buy. Come along, meet your friends, session and discuss magic in the
cafe or bar, stock up on your equipment or be tempted by the latest
miracle." Doors will be open from 10am to 4.30pm and entry is free to
members of The Magic Circle and the Young Magicians Club on production
of their membership cards, or £5 for non members. Royal National Hotel,
Bedford Way, London WC1H 0DG (Map)
20.10.12
Pointless
Celebrities. Alexander Armstrong and co-host Richard Osman present a
'variety' celebrity special of the quiz that tests the depths of your
general knowledge. These celebrities try to come up with the answers
that no-one else could think of. Featuring Cannon and Ball, Hale and
Pace, Keith Harris and Orville, Bobby Davro and Kenny Lynch, with a
special appearance by Paul Daniels. Pointless Celebrities, 5.40pm on
Saturday 27th October on BBC 1. See
TV Magic.
20.10.12
David
Hemingway Lecture. Tuesday 23rd October, London: "A free invitation
to a new-style event, 'The Magic Fly on the Wall'. It’s not Piers
Morgan! It’s not Parkinson! It’s much more magical! It’s a
no-holds-barred TV-style in-depth interview to be filmed live for DVD
before an invited audience in London for International Magic. Donald
Bevan, magic’s most experienced journalist and former long-time editor
of Goodliffe’s Abracadabra the world's longest running weekly magic
magazine, will talk to and question performer, illusion designer, TV
consultant, and writer David Hemingway. For over 50 years David observed
the Magic World, earning the reputation as ‘magic’s most devastating and
outrageous critic’. Be there and enjoy ‘live’ the completely uncut
version! Tuesday October 23rd at 5.30pm. This event will be followed at
8pm (same venue) by David Hemingway’s 'Working With Genius'. An
all-trick lecture featuring commercial items from the acclaimed books
Working with Genius and companion volume Stand-up Magic Routined. Both
re-issued and available exclusively from International Magic. Positively
the final opportunity to see this acclaimed lecture which played 50
magic clubs, including The Magic Circle and other major venues.
'David talks with a casual authority borne out of many years experience
- you know instinctively that he's been there, seen it and done it!'
- Paul Stone, Las Vegas producer. Although the event is free - places
are limited. You must reserve in advance by emailing
martin@internationalmagic.com. State whether you will attend the
Interview and Lecture or just the Lecture. Venue - Casa Italiana; 2nd
floor, 136 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1R 5DL (Map).
20.10.12
Mandy
Muden lectures for the BMS in Birmingham: "Magicians who work the
Comedy Clubs are a rarity, as are female Magicians. Two reasons why you
will want to see Mandy Muden described as 'Alison Steadman playing a
beauty consultant doing Tommy Cooper style magic but without the fez',
this is definitely another evening not to be missed. The date is Tuesday
23rd October at Selly Oak Ex Serviceman’s Club, Selly Oak, Birmingham
B29 7DL (Map).
Non-members are invited to attend for a modest £5 fee. Time: 7.30pm. See
www.britishmagicalsociety.co.uk for details.
20.10.12
Magic
Rocks... Last Monday Chris Dugdale supported Queen's Roger Taylor
and the Who's Roger Daltrey in front of a packed audience of 1,500 in
Gothenburg. Having been spotted earlier this year in Edinburgh, Chris
was asked to perform a 40 minute set combining the best of his Edinburgh
show and his West End shows. "This was without doubt one of the best
gigs of my career. It was amazing to support such real legends."
said
Chris. Mark Boulton head of marketing said that Chris Dugdale's
performance was "simply awesome". Photo: L to R Chris Dugdale, Roger
Daltrey, Matt Hall, Roger Taylor and Tony Middleton.
www.thinkofacard.com.
20.10.12
Guinness
World Record Attempt! "MagicFest, in association with Royal Blind
Charity, is attempting to smash the World Record for the Biggest Ever
Magic Lesson! Here in Edinburgh, in the grounds of Fettes College, over
1500 people are getting together to learn a magic trick as part of the
annual 'Glow in the Park' event on the 27th October. Artistic Director
of the Magic Festival, Kevin McMahon, invited to give the lesson said:
'I'm very excited to be taking part in such a historic event. MagicFest
loves to share the fascinating world of magic with as many people as
possible, and this event will have over 1500 people at it! I really hope
that we smash the world record and every one comes away with something
amazing they can show their friends and family afterwards.' Kevin will
be joined by Magic School Head teacher Gary James, Comedy Magic Sketch
group the Colour Ham and magician Ricky McLeod." More info:
www.magicfest.co.uk (Unfortunately the event has now reached total
capacity and no more tickets are available. The next MagicFest will run
from 28th June to 6th July 2013.
20.10.12
Turn
your old magic props in to cash!
"Since 1963, Portsmouth Jumbo Day has been
the place to sell unwanted Magic Props. If you have anything that you
would like to sell and would like to be paid in cash (instead of PayPal)
can come along to this year’s event on Sunday 4th November at Buckland
Community Centre, Malins Road, Buckland, Portsmouth PO2 7BL (Map).
Be sure to get there early as the tables will be available on a
first-come, first-served, basis. As well as second-hand sellers, there
will be ‘big name’ Magic Dealers with their latest effects, Workshops,
Presentations, Close Up Sessions, a Gala Show, and the Star Lecture by
David Stone. It will be a day packed with magic and costs just £19 per
person, or £10 for under 16’s. Doors open at 9am." Visit
www.jumboday.co.uk for more
information.
20.10.12
Dave Forrest will be presenting his lecture for the Derby Magic Circle
on Wednesday, 24th October, at Breadsall Village Hall, Derby DE21 5LF (Map).
Dave is a full time professional magician and inventor of magic effects.
He is acknowledged as an innovative and creative magical thinker. Releases to date (see
www.full52.com) have won him fans in
all corners of the magical world and helped him establish a formidable
and well-deserved reputation. Dave’s lecture consists of some close-up
card magic (though it's generally visual and 'unusual' rather than 'pick
a card/three rows of seven') type stuff. He'll also demonstrate some
mentalism routines that are suitable for both close-up and parlour.
Visiting magicians are very welcome, there is a small fee of £8 payable
on the night. Please contact our secretary Allan Humphries on 01889 590
975 prior to attending. For more information about our programme for the
remainder of the year visit
www.derbymagiccircle.com. Paul Sharp.
20.10.12
Michael Jordan's High Jinx Magic & Illusion Show - Blackpool. Philip Partridge writes: Twenty-one years old and headlining your own extended Summer Season in Blackpool. Who? Michael Jordan of High Jinx. If you have not seen the show, it is fabulous, but you don’t have long left to enjoy it (take in the Blackpool lights at the same time!). It is honed to perfection as a result of tremendous hard work. High Jinx are at the Horseshoe, every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday until November 2nd at 7.45pm, with matinee shows (shorter) on the 24th, 25th, 26th, and 31st October, and 1st and 2nd November at 3pm. It’s a Family Variety Magic Show not to be missed. We attended on a cold Wednesday evening, but it was a packed house. I watched families lap up this fast-paced variety show, boys and girls aspiring to the talents of Michael Jordan & Tamsyn Sear. Not only do you see Michael’s magical skills, there’s illusion, escapology, fire eating and his great circus skills. High Jinx will be back for Showzam and with a brand new show for their Summer Season at the Horseshoe in 2013. Congratulations to Michael, Tamsyn and their team flying the flag for British Magic. 20.10.12
Magicbox are pleased to announce the fantastic "Precognition 365" is now
back in stock and ready for immediate dispatch. After receiving critical acclaim,
and selling-out at FISM, this beautifully packaged diary effect is here! If you missed out first time round, now is the
time to get your hands on this fooling, five-phased, diary revelation.
To read more about each of the phases, and the benefits of this version
over some of the other diary effects on the market, simply
Click Here.
20.10.12
The Northamptonshire Magicians' Club
witnessed a little magic history in the making on Monday 15th October when local children's
magician Steve Dimmer won their Children's Entertainer of the Year award for
the 10th time.
Performing before a lively bunch of Rainbows, Brownies and Guides Steve
performed three routines; giant buttons that magically became
threaded together, separate Lego bricks that assembled themselves into a
tower and a cutting a Barbie in half without touching her and then
mending her again routine!
The children then voted for their favourite magician. It was a fiercely
fought competition with six well-established magicians vying for the
title. Steve later said: "It was a pleasure to perform to and be judged
by the people that matter - the audience. I have a great job; making
children happy!" Steve is the only member of the NMC to win every one of their competitions. "A 10th gong for popular Northampton
magician"
Click Here.
www.stevethemagician.co.uk.
20.10.12
Lee
Thompson lectures at The Surrey Society of Magicians on October 25th:
"Lee Thompson has been performing professionally for over 27 years whilst
keeping a low profile on the magic circuit and, up until recently,
avoiding conventions and magic clubs. In 2007 Lee was head hunted by the
world renowned Cirque Du Soleil to headline in their sell-out show
Kooza. Performing to over 1.8 million people in over five languages and
refusing to use any form of stooge or pre-show work, Lee has gained a
reputation as one of the best, dependable, solid and downright
entertaining theatrical pickpockets in the world.
Lee Thompson will be presenting a series of rare lectures over the next
couple of months before returning to Cirque Du Soleil for a world tour
as 'The Pickpocket'.
This unique masterclass on theatrical pickpocketing focuses on two key
areas: an in-depth look at the techniques, misdirection and stagecraft
of theatrical pickpockets and getting hired by Cirque Du Soleil. Also
featured, 'Sticky Fingers: The Any Time Anywhere Pickpocket', a
professional routine which is the perfect introduction for any magician
who wants to add a dipping routine to their act. 'Sticky Fingers: The Any Time Anywhere Pickpocket Routine'
lecture notes are available from
www.leethompson.com.
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
contact Adam Mosley:
info@surreymagic.org.uk.
20.10.12
Steve
Evans & Friends. There is now and always has been, a natural
crossover of membership between the British Magical Society and the
Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians. One of the most active of these
members is Steve Evans, who is now (it would appear) the first person to
simultaneously hold all 4 of the major competition trophies across both
societies:
BMS Parlour Magic Competition;
WCM Close-up Competition;
WCM Stage Competition, and now, as of last Tuesday night, the BMS Close-up
Competition.
The other trophy in the picture is the IBM Compere of the Year award, something that Steve was given at this year’s British ring convention
and is very proud of. And both societies are very proud of Steve's
achievements in the past 12 months.
Steve's next performance as a compere, on Wednesday 24th
October, will be at the Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians, when he will be
staging a Magic Show "Steve Evans & Friends". This will feature
four first
class surprise acts, plus Steve as compere. The show starts at 8pm at the
West End Working Men's Club, Merridale Street West, Wolverhampton WV3
0RW (Map). All magicians, plus friends and family are welcome to come along.
Sue Oakley.
20.10.12
Baker's
Birthday Bake. Last
Sunday (14th October) magician and producer, Stephen Baker, celebrated
his birthday at a party in Soho House, London. As a long time fan of
Robert-Houdin and automata, Stephen commissioned his friend, renowned
magic artist Annabel de Vetten-Peterson, to create “something special”
for the occasion, something that his guests would hopefully remember for years to
come. For inspiration Annabel visited John Gaughan’s studio in Los
Angeles and observed Houdin’s original Orange Tree Illusion and the
blueprints of this masterpiece.
What Annabel eventually created for Stephen’s party is shown here and,
for the avoidance of doubt, is neither a replica or actual orange tree,
but a three and a half foot high sponge Birthday Cake! Everything on the
table is edible including the handkerchief, butterflies, vanished ring
and planter box, which is a chocolate sponge cake. The orange “cakelets”
(baked with real orange essence) could be plucked from the tree and
handed out to guests.
For those unfamiliar with the Orange Tree illusion you can watch a video
of a working replica:
Click Here.
www.bakermagic.co.uk
www.annabeldevetten.co.uk.
20.10.12
Dominick
Zwolinski was asked to perform at the cast and crew party for
Kick Ass 2 last weekend. The movie is currently in production at
Pinewood Studios. Dominick wowed Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Clark Duke and
Olga Kurkulina amongst others with his close-up magic and was pleased to
perform for, and meet, Jim Carrey, whose reaction to the magic was "burn
him - he's a witch!"
20.10.12
Final
'Care and Share Balloon Day' for 2012. Graham Lee writes: The last Care and
Share Balloon Day for 2012 is a two day super event
taking place in Sutton, Surrey on Thursday 1st November and Friday 2nd November.
The Thursday has three balloon lectures and a 30 minute Hoola Hoop
workshop. Friday is dedicated to Ed Chee who is coming over from
America to run the full day with four star-studded workshops throughout
the day. There is also a balloon competition running on both days. Just
bring a sculpture with you on either day to enter, there's a £50 prize to be
won.
For more details check out the balloon forum thread about the event
www.balloonchat.co.uk.
To book for either or both days, visit
www.qualatexballoons.co.uk.
20.10.12
Ray Silver. After a long illness, performer, demonstrator and dealer, Ray Silver has passed away. I first met Ray when she assisted her father Jack Silver behind his stand 'Qualitrix' at my first S.A.M.S. convention in 1955. The firm specialized in the manufacture of quality props made in gleaming Perspex. She was a very accomplished performer and as a demonstrator, was second to none. Attending further annual S.A.M.S. events, conventioneers could clearly see her friendship with Edwin Hooper of The Supreme Magic Company was blossoming, and the couple later married. Ray assisted Edwin Hooper during the early years of the Supreme business. The couple later got divorced and Ray returned to Edinburgh, launching her own magic dealing company Sil-Ray Magic. She later returned to North Devon, living in the quaint village of Appledore, finally moving to Leeds where her daughter Shirley Ray resides. She leaves behind her a son, Michael (Hooper) and daughter Shirley Ray. Ian Adair. 20.10.12
Al
Smith reviews Peter Duffie's The Card Activist this week,
Click Here • "The Big Reveal. David Copperfield on illusions, far-flung homes, and
rope tricks (gone wrong)."
Click Here • "Weeklong magic fest to begin today"
Click Here • "Magician Steve’s big trick goes global"
Click Here • "Magician's family will make TV show fun"
Click Here • "Magician suffering from curse in run-up to latest
Jewish demon show"
Click Here • "Win Dynamo: Magician Impossible Series 2 on
Blu-ray available to own 22nd October"
Click Here • "Strip Scribbles: ‘Illusionists,’ with Jeff McBride,
Kevin James, heads to L.V."
Click Here • That's all for this week, have a magic week, Duncan.
20.10.12