Number 648 - 24th November 2012

 

Ben Earl: Deception is the title of a new four-part magic series, to be screened by Channel 4 in 2013. Ben recently enjoyed television success with two appearances on Penn & Teller: Fool Us, but this time around will have the opportunity to delve deeper into the deck in each one-hour show. All will have a different theme, closing with a large challenge or stunt every week. 24.11.12

 

The 41st International Magic Convention. "There’s something special about the MacMillan family’s International Magic convention which takes place each November in London. There’s a warmth and a buzz that was very much in evidence at this year’s Ron’s Day, as it is called, after the convention founder, the late Ron Macmillan. This was the 41st year of the event which was held on 16, 17 and 18 November at the wonderful Mermaid Theatre complex, conveniently located across the street from the Blackfriars rail and underground stations. More than 600 magicians attended the events, with about an equal number of lay audience members joining them for the two performances of the gala show..." Read Matthew Field's full report, with photos by Arto Airaksinen this week, Click Here. Roberto Forzoni reviews all five days of The London Festival of Magic Click Here. Photo: Close-up Competition winner, from Switzerland, Pierrric, with The Kevin Reay Trophy and £1,000 cash (think of all the Toblerone!). (Photo by Arto Airaksinen, used with thanks). 24.11.12

 

David Meade drives himself up the wall... "15,000 shoppers turned out to see David perform a most astonishing feat in the middle of Belfast’s busy Victoria Square mall. Levitating 60 feet from the solid concrete floor below, his record breaking and world beating stunt caused mayhem, and as the story spread through the city every media outlet scrambled to cover the event. Within three hours David’s website had nearly 10,000 hits, over 2000 images had been posted to twitter, and in 24 hours one single image reached 1.1 million views on Reddit and other social media sites. He’s received media requests from almost 20 countries, and is considering taking the stunt internationally..." To read the full story Click Here. 24.11.12

 

Paul Zenon's back for another week's run on Countdown starting on Monday 3rd December. Nick Hewer and Rachel Riley host, as contestants race against the clock to pit their wits against vowels, consonants and numbers. Daily at 2.40pm on Channel 4. See TV Magic. 24.11.12

 

Illusions Magic Bar New Year's Eve Fancy Dress 'Magician & Magician's Assistant' Party: "Let's make 2013 a magic year! To get you started Illusions is giving you the chance to be the magician or magician's assistant for the night! Doors open at 8pm and Live Magic will be on throughout the evening together with Live Music with Steve Williams singing us into the New Year, with the Disco Party continuing until 4am." Illusions Magic Bar, 2 Byron Place, Bristol BS8 1JT (Map). For more info and to book Click Here. 24.11.12

 

4 from Alakazam for Christmas... Michael Vincent: The Quest For Mastery (photo); Array By Baz Taylor; Myth By Mark Gray and The Birthday Detector By Chris Hare, four brand new products from www.alakazam.co.uk in time for Christmas! 24.11.12

 

In Search of the Miraculous! An Evening of Philosophical Illusion: "In Search of the Miraculous is a great and mysterious evening of philosophical illusion at the Leicester Square Theatre, exploring time, space and beyond. James Parker's attraction is highlighted by some of the industry's most prestigious awards, including: British Junior Magical Champion, Guild of Magician's Close Up Champion, Winner of the International Brotherhood of Magicians Theo Speaker Cup for the Most Entertaining Act, Double winner of the International Brotherhood Magicians Dittia Shield for Highly Skilled Stage Magic. James has toured performing at many prominent events and shows, including The Magic Circle's most highly esteemed event of the year, their annual Christmas show. His vision of magic is to combine the perfect balance of classical and contemporary performance in order to invoke that timeless sense of mystery and wonder." 7.30pm on Monday December 3rd, at The Lounge, Leicester Square Theatre, 6 Leicester Place, London WC2H 7BX (Map). 24.11.12

 

Vanish Magic Magazine was launched via the internet in April 2012 by magician and editor Paul Romhany. Published every two months, issue 5 for December/January is just around the corner. Vanish is a free downloadable magazine, crammed full of articles, magic business tips, tricks, reviews, and news. Contributing magicians from around the world include Eugene Burger, Kennedy, Bizzarro, Wayne Rogers, Richard Webster, TC Tahoe, Luca Volpe, Steve Spill, Nick Lewin, Lee Alex, JC Sum & Magic 'Babe' Ning and Danny Archer to name a few. In just the short space of time since Vanish appeared (pun intended) it has really taken off, being enjoyed by thousands of magicians worldwide. Exciting news for next year is that there will be a subscription version, which will offer video, chat forums, and more, for just US $2.50 per issue. To download your free copy simply visit www.vanishmagazine.com - the next issue will be out in early December. 24.11.12

 

Award winning magician Danny Jewell tops the bill at The Order of the Magi Christmas Party on Tuesday 11th December at The Irish World Heritage Centre, 10 Queens Road, Manchester M8 8UF (Map). Compere for the evening is comedy magician (and Secretary of the society) Mike Sharples, who will also introduce top vocalist Karl Seth. Before all this though is an hour or so of games and prizes together with a hotpot supper. Visitors are welcome at a charge of only £6. Tickets available from pro@orderofthemagi.org.uk or 0161 969 8222. A vegetarian option is available and the cut-off date for tickets is 4th December. Oh by the way there might even also a visit from Santa with a little something for everyone! Geoffrey Newton PRO. 24.11.12

 

PaulHarrisPresents.co.uk are pleased to announce the exclusive UK release of Haunted 2.0 by Mark Traversoni & Peter Eggink: "Order your copy now to ensure you can freak them out for your Christmas parties! Available now from www.paulharrispresents.co.uk." 24.11.12

 

A Professional's Repertoire. On Tuesday 4th December, full time magician Ian Keable will be presenting his "A Professional's Repertoire" lecture at The Watford Association of Magicians at 8pm.. In his lecture Ian performs and explains several tricks from his professional repertoire and also talks about other aspects of cabaret magic including how to be funny, how to choose material and how to deal with hecklers. Ian guarantees a thoroughly enjoyable evening. If you'd like to come along, please contact WAM's club secretary juliecarpenter@themagiccircle.co.uk for more information. Andy Clockwise. 24.11.12

 

The Illusioneer. "At The Illusioneer Theatre & Studio, through the 'Tardis' that is the Showroom and Booking Office, we present Magic and Illusion in our own Little Theatre and Studio space. Shows, courses, fun events and private hire, see what's on at www.theillusioneer.co.uk." 24.11.12

 

The Surrey Society of Magicians Stage Magic Competition. The Surrey Society of Magicians held their annual Stage Magic Competition on Thursday 22nd November. The overall winner was James Fortune MIMC who “did the double” as he also won the Surrey Society of Magicians Close Up Magic Competition earlier this year. The runners-up were Theo Theodoris and Kelly Cummins whose professional stage name is Jelly Kelly. Kelly (pictured with the winner James Fortune) also won the Bernard Weller Comedy Award which is voted for by the Members. The judging panel consisted of lay persons Mr Allen and Mrs Mosley and magical judge Michael Pearce. The competition is judged for both entertainment and magical content. www.surreymagic.org.uk. 24.11.12

 

Pimp your Dummy. "Can your slot-jaw or latex doll look left and right or even blink? Many ventriloquists use soft puppets that cannot move their eyes. Dolls with the ability to move their eyes, have a rod or pole. These dolls cannot bow their head or crumple their nose as opposed to soft puppets. This feature allows for more gestures. Several ventriloquists swear by soft puppets and sadly lack eye and lash movement. Others favour eye and lash movement... it was my objective to create a mechanism, that lies in the head above the jaw, above the ventriloquists hand." Lex Schoppi. Visit www.quickchange.de/lex-schoppi-magic to find out all about 'Pimp your Dummy'. 24.11.12

 

Magic in Fife. Liam Black is the resident magic consultant for the "On at Fife" Christmas shows, Hansel and Gretel and Sleeping Beauty the Pantomime. Guaranteed to be fun for all the family Sleeping Beauty features a witch that transforms a single pink flower into a blizzard of pink petals which cascade over the heads of the audience and Hansel and Gretel includes a scene in which it snows from the witches hands and the roof of the Carnegie Hall. 24.11.12

 

Jon Allen lecture - Leamington and Warwick Magic Society. Jon Allen is lectures at the Leamington and Warwick Magic Society on Wednesday 28th November. Visitors are welcome for a £10 fee which includes a buffet. The meeting starts 7.30pm, lecture at 8pm, at Cubbington Sports & Social Club, Windmill Hill, Cubbington, Leamington Spa CV32 7LN (Map). Contact Mark Traversoni mark@themagiczone.co.uk to attend and see the club website for details of other upcoming lectures www.magicsociety.co.uk. 24.11.12

 

Presidential Citation, 'For their contribution to the furtherance and promotion of Magic in the world of entertainment. At their annual dinner joint Presidents of The North Wales Magic Circle, Stuart and Jayne Loughland, where honored by the presence of the International President of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, John Pye. The International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM), is the world's largest organisation for magicians and boasts nearly 15,000 members worldwide. With over 300 local groups, called Rings, in more than 73 countries, the IBM is enjoyed by amateur and professional magicians, magical enthusiasts, and collectors of magical apparatus throughout the world. During the evening Stuart and Jayne (aka 'Safire Illusionists') were presented by John Pye with a Presidential Citation 'For their contribution to the furtherance and promotion of Magic in the world of entertainment.' This was gratefully received by Stuart and Jayne, who will be appearing this Christmas in Aladdin at Theatr Colwyn, North Wales, from 22nd December until the 5th January. www.magic-of-safire.co.uk www.britishring.org.uk. 24.11.12

 

North Wales Magic Circle News. On Saturday the 17th November 2012 The North Wales Magic Circle held their Annual Dinner. Russ Roberts of Invisible Inc Magic was made President of The North Wales Magic Circle after taking over the role from Stuart and Jayne Loughland (Safire). The NWMC, formed in 1942, is in its 70th year. Russ said "I am honoured to receive the Presidency from Stuart and Jayne, I have known them for many years now and it was a privilege to have them pass on the post to myself, the dinner was a great success with a fantastic cabaret show. I would like to congratulate Stuart and Jayne who were awarded, on the night, The IBM Presidential Citation for their contributions to the furtherance and promotion of magic in the world of entertainment by Mr John Pye, IBM International President. Congratulations also to Nick Marshall of Marshall Magic on winning this year's Close-up competition, Dave Baker on winning the Mentalism competition and Janet Newman-Carty on winning the Derek Lawrence wand for her contributions to the Griffin magazine. Let's hope this year is just as successful." www.nwalesmagic.co.uk. 24.11.12

 

World Prematurity Day. Last Saturday was World Prematurity Day, a special day that helps raise awareness of the 15 Million babies born prematurely around the world every year (60,000 in the UK). To celebrate, the Neonatal Unit at St Helier Hospital, in Carshalton, Surrey, held a special reception and Surrey based magician Theo was presented an award by Matthew Hopkins the Chief Executive of Epsom & St Helier NHS Trust for raising over £20,000 after his daughter Elena was born 10 weeks early weighing 2 lbs. For the full write-up visit: www.magictheo.com. 24.11.12

 

The MagicWeek Bookshop page features some of the very best magic books and DVDs that have been available via Amazon over the years. MagicWeek receives a small commission on all sales (not just books and DVDs) that start via a click from this page: MagicWeek Book Shop. 24.11.12

 

Planning next year's programme of events for your club? Visit the MagicWeek Lecturers page! 24.11.12

 

"007 stuntman blows magicians’ cover" Click Here (for more info visit www.thecardsharkshow.com) • "'Now You See Me': New Trailer For Magician Movie" Click Here • "Street magician seeks lost wages from employer" Click Here • "Meeting one of world’s leading magicians, Aladin" Click Here • "'Recycling lunacy' as jobsworths ban magician from Manston Road tip" Click Here • "Stars have a magic time thanks to Askam magician" Click Here • Had a great time at Ron's Day on Sunday; next year's convention takes place on the 15th, 16th and 17th November, Click Here. Your UK magic news is always welcome - see you next week, Duncan. 24.11.12

 

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