Number 655 - 12th January 2013
The
President of The Magic Circle has announced three promotions to Member of The
Inner Magic Circle with Gold Star this week.
Arturo Brachetti. The Italian magician, most famous for his quick-change
repertoire, has toured the world with his epic productions including The Man
with 1000 Faces - which sold more than 1.5 million tickets - and Change in
London’s West End for which he was nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award. He is
currently touring in Ciak Si Gira! a homage to the world of cinema. Arturo was
recently knighted by the French government receiving “The Order de Arts et des
Lettres” for his significant contribution to the enrichment of the French
cultural inheritance. Arturo is Events' Director for FISM 2015.
John van der Put. John won The Magic Circle Close-Up Competition in 2011 and
shot to international fame as Piff The Magic Dragon after appearing on ITV’s
prime-time series Penn and Teller: Fool Us, which went viral with more than 8
million views on YouTube. In 2012 he was seen live on stage by more people than
any other UK magician, appearing with Mumford & Sons on their British Tour.
Other 2012 appearances included a run at Sydney Opera House and a show with The
Muppets at Radio City Music Hall in New York. 2013 includes seasons in London,
Edinburgh and Australia.
Will Houstoun. Will is the current editor of The Magic Circle’s journal, The
Magic Circular, the longest continuously running conjuring magazine. Will burst
onto the international magic scene when he became the youngest ever person to
win First Prize in The European Magic Championships. Will is currently studying
for a PhD based on the Victorian author of magic books, Professor Hoffmann, and recently acted as a consultant on the Martin Scorsese film Hugo.
Jack Delvin MIMC, The Magic Circle’s President said: “I am delighted to call
three Members to the highest degree in our Society. They each have a unique
talent within the magic arts and I’m sure our Membership will join me in
congratulating each of them”.
www.themagiccircle.co.uk.
12.1.13
Beat
the Wand is back! "Beat the Wand is a variety talent show performed by
Blackpool Convention attendees. A show for the people by the people! Juggling,
Escapology, Contortian, Geek Magic, Bizarre, Occult, Mind Reading,
Ventriloquism, World record attempts... and of course Magic; all welcome but
remember the audience is 99.9% magicians so whatever the act, it will need a
novel twist or presentation to capture the audience's interest. Last year's
winner was Richard Whymark, a comedy impressionist with a magical flavour, so
get your thinking caps on!" If you'd like to enter email
beatthewand@hotmail.co.uk for
more info. And if you haven't registered for the convention yet hurry!
www.blackpoolmagic.com.
12.1.13
First
Mexborough Magic Day, South Yorkshire, Sunday 7th April. From the organisers: "Welcome to the
first Mexborough Magic Day at the Corner Pocket, Mexborough. There will be a
morning of dealers and competitions and in the evening a magic show open to the
public. Tickets are on sale now for £11 [see
www.mexboroughmagicday.co.uk] which is a bargain for the fantastic line up
of lecturers and dealers we have! All proceeds are going to the Cerebral Palsy
Charity. Our line up is: Marc Oberon, World Champion of Parlour Magic FISM 2009;
Chris Rawlins, lecturing items from his new book 'Roulette'; and John Turner,
professional street performer and kids magician lecturing about busking,
restaurant magic and wedding shows. And a selection of Magic Dealers too. Join
us at
facebook.com/groups/MexboroughMagicDay. If you'd like any more information
email me (Wiz Spencer) at
wizspencer@btinternet.com. More news will be added in the coming weeks. We
look forward to seeing you." Wiz Spencer, Dean Brunt and John Turner.
Venue: Corner
Pocket Snooker Club, Bank Street, Mexborough, South Yorkshire S64 9QD (Map)
www.mexboroughmagicday.co.uk.
12.1.13
Conjuring
at the Court, London. From the organisers: The next show on Thursday 31st
January features the funny and deceptive Terry Herbert; Nicholas Einhorn,
admired by fellow-magicians for his dynamic, powerful miracles; The original,
subtle and amusing conjuring of Rob James; A rare visit to the UK by Italian
wonderworker Luca Volpe; Hosted by myself with a magical touch. The show is in
the lovely function room of the Drayton Court, 2 The Avenue, West Ealing W13 8PH
(Map).
Doors open 7.30pm and the show starts at 8pm. Parking is free after 6.30pm. Come
early to enjoy dinner in one of the bars or the lovely dining room. We’ve
revamped the website, so it’s even easier to book tickets now from
www.conjuringatthecourt.com. Russell Levinson.
12.1.13
The
Magic Show - Nottingham. On Friday 8th February some of the country’s best
magicians will come together to present “The Magic Show” a tribute held in
memory of Allen Tipton who sadly died last November. The show organised by
Freddie Wilkinson will be a great night full of magic, illusion and comedy, with
all profits going to the charity
When You Wish
Upon A Star. Freddie Wilkinson writes “I’m amazed and truly grateful that so
many busy performers said yes, and have kindly donated their time and talent; it
just goes to show how well loved and respected Allen was. Special thanks must go
to Mark Roberts for not only agreeing to perform but for also being there for me
to bounce ideas off of, suggesting such a brilliant charity, and listening to me
grumble and moan now and again!” The amazing line-up includes – FISM winner Marc
Oberon, international illusionists Andrew Van Buren & Allyson, IBM winner James
Parker, Mark Roberts, Neil Haywood, Steven Garrison, Liam A. Black, Freddie
Wilkinson, Roy Bond and Anthony Chan. Even the Stage Manager for the night is a
IBM winner – James Smith. The show will be held at the
Bonington Theatre,
Arnold Leisure Centre, High Street, Arnold, Nottingham NG5 7EE (Map)
Show time 7.30pm; doors open 7pm. Tickets are £10.00 and available from the box
office on 0115 9670114.
12.1.13
Magic Night at Madame JoJo's London, Friday
February 1st. Starring Oliver Meech, Alan Hudson, Richard Pinner, Abi Collins as
Terrylene Tetracycline, Mat Ricardo and MC Neil Henry. Magic Night at Madame
JoJo's; Doors open 7pm, Show starts at 7.45pm; Tickets £12 including entry to
Good Foot. Show ticket plus dinner: £25 Tickets:
www.wegottickets.co.uk
and www.lastminute.com.
Madame JoJo’s, 8-10 Brewer Street, London W1F 0SE (Map)
020 734 3040 www.magicnight.co.uk.
12.1.13
Merlins
of Wakefield Magic Seminar: Merlins of Wakefield are holding a Magic Seminar
for adults on Sunday January 27th from 10am to 4pm at their shop in Wakefield.
The day is aimed magicians from beginners to intermediate, but would also be
useful for anyone wishing to improve their magic skills. This is a fun day, and
includes performing and presentation techniques, patter, structuring, magic pack
and various magic effects. Lunch is included as well, at the discounted price of
just £65.00. Places are limited and must be booked and paid for in advance by
contacting Merlins on 01924 339933 or via
www.merlinswakefield.com.
12.1.13
MagicTrickSupermarket.co.uk
- brand new, just launched, Zane's MagicTrickSupermarket.co.uk: "The shop is
very user friendly with a really cool design and offers a choice of over 10,000
magic products and has some special features including a really quick
'Trick/Product Finder' and a fantastic video watching experience second to none!
Zane invites magicians to sign up to the free newsletter found on the home page
for special deals and discounts in the future. Go to
www.magictricksupermarket.co.uk."
12.1.13
Fergus
Flanagan will be appearing on Blue Peter this week to promote the brand new
series of 'Help! My Supply Teacher is Still Magic' which airs on CBBC on Tuesday
15th January at 6.15pm (see TV
Magic). This time around the tricks and reactions are even bigger and
better!
12.1.13
South Tyneside International Magic Convention 2013.
Friday 8th to Sunday 10th March 2013. Key Performers: Scott Land (USA),
Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee (UK), Sylvester the Jester (USA), John Archer
(UK), Tom Binns AKA Ian D Montford (UK), Peter Turner (UK), Rob James (UK),
Charlie Frye & Co (USA), Gaston (Germany), Graham P Jolley (UK), Brian Sefton
(UK) and Dani DaOrtiz (Spain). Tickets for the South Tyneside International
Magic Festival’s three day convention are £65 each and are available by emailing
events@southtyneside.gov.uk or
by calling 0191 4247987. More details about the festival’s public events,
including the individual Gala Shows, can also be found at
www.southtyneside.info/magic.
12.1.13
News
from Harry Robson Magic: Well it's a new year and a new start. Harry Robson
is launching a new web shop as of now! The new site is full of Harry's current
products and feature all his latest releases. The concept for the shop is
"Worker's Only"…which doesn't mean you need to be a professional working
magician to use it, but what you will find there are only workable effects.
Effects that can be used by professionals and amateurs alike. There will be no
elaborate 'one time only' effects and nothing that Harry would not use himself.
As one of the country's busiest working magicians, Harry knows what he is
talking about and he wants to let you in on the secret… join us now at
www.harryrobsonmagicshop.com.
12.1.13
Michael
Jordan's High Jinx Magic and Illusion Show. "Michael returns for a second
summer season at the Horseshoe with a whole new show. This fast paced mix of
Magic, Illusion, Escapology, Juggling, Music and Dance. This hit show from last
year is back for more nights and matinees with new illusions, awesome magic and
a few surprises. Whether your 6 or 106 you are sure to enjoy this fast paced
wicked variety show for all the Family". "Unmissable" Blackpool Gazette.
May to November throughout the summer. See
www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/shows for specific dates and to book. Box
Office 0781 222 9090. The Horseshoe, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Ocean Boulevard,
Blackpool.
www.highjinxmagic.com.
12.1.13
Wizard
Radio: "Wizard Radio launched in 2010. It now has a
brand new magic radio show featuring Magic Circle award-winning magician
Edward Hilsum, and magician Harry De Cruz. It proved to be a massive hit on its
opening broadcast (January 6th) as the boys chatted to a wide audience on a variety of magic
topics; allowing the public to take an inside look into
the crazy world of magicians (without revealing any secrets!). On Saturday January
19th Uri Geller will be featuring on the show in an exclusive
interview. Geller’s career as an entertainer has spanned almost four decades,
with TV shows and appearances in many different countries. Catch the new show
every Saturday from 3pm to 5pm at
www.wizardradio.co.uk"
12.1.13
The
TwinsFX, are having one of their busiest winter seasons ever, planning and
manufacturing special effects for over 35 pantomimes and musicals across the
country and even breaking
box office records. "2012 has been an
amazing year for brand new effects at The Twins FX, including an 8 metre tall
animatronic sliverback gorilla ['Little Ernie' helps Theatre Royal set new Panto
record
Click Here], a 12m long animatronic snake and a brand new flying effect
called the Revolver." Press:
“...spectacularly staged by The Twins FX” The Stage;
“...a magic carpet special effect that has to be seen to be believed and even then
you don't believe it?” 5 STARS whatonstage.com; “...spectacular effects from the Twins FX”
The Stage; “...terrific special effects” Independent. See
www.thetwinsfx.com or
www.qdosentertainmentpantomimes.co.uk
"Giant Gorilla Invades Theatre Royal" video
Click
Here.
12.1.13
Michael
Jordan's High Jinx Magic and Illusion Show, Easter Special. "Michael returns
for a second Easter season at the Horseshoe with a whole new show. This fast
paced mix of Magic, Illusion, Escapology, Juggling, Music and Dance. This hit
show from last year is back for more nights and matinees with new illusions,
awesome magic and a few surprises. Whether your 6 or 106 you are sure to enjoy
this fast paced wicked variety show for all the Family". "Unmissable"
Blackpool Gazette. Friday 29th March, Saturday 30th March, Sunday 31st March
and Monday 1st April. Shows at 3pm and 7.45pm (no evening show on 30th March).
See
www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/shows to book. Box Office 0781 222 9090. The
Horseshoe, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Ocean Boulevard, Blackpool.
www.highjinxmagic.com.
12.1.13
Michael
Jordan's High Jinx Magic and Illusion Show, with guest Russ Brown. Two of
the hit Blackpool shows of the summer join forces to be part of the 2013 Showzam
Festival. "This exciting wicked family variety show is sure to have everyone on
the of their seats as Michael is joined by Blackpool's very own Russ Brown and
the 'Creatures of the Blackpool Lagoon' in a fast-paced mix of family fun and
entertainment." Friday 15th to Wednesday 20th February at 7.45pm. See
www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/shows to book. Box Office
0781 222 9090. The Horseshoe, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Ocean Boulevard,
Blackpool.
www.highjinxmagic.com.
12.1.13
The
much anticipated Les Misérables from Cameron Mackintosh and Working
Title was released in the UK yesterday. The film which has already received rave
reviews and several Golden Globe and Oscar nominations features Sasha Baron
Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter as the thieving innkeepers Monsieur & Madame
Thénardier. In the Frost Fair scene, James Arnott (photo) provided a Punch and
Judy style sequence with puppet characters of the Thénardiers. Both actors were
taught pickpocket skills by specialist consultant
James Freedman who
also choreographed the pickpocket sequences. The musical is unique in that all
of the vocal performances were captured live on set, rather than pre-recorded,
which has produced some beautiful, naturalistic performances. To watch the
trailer
Click Here.
12.1.13
Magic
Car Boot Sale, Sunday 3rd February 2013. Now in its 20th year the next Magic
Car Boot Sale takes place at The Masonic Hall, Edward Street, West Bromwich B70
8NT (Map).
From 9.30am, admission £4. Over 20 stalls, with few stall spaces available. For
information contact Alec Powell on 07831 115448.
12.1.13
Max
Somerset Lecture - Northamptonshire Magicians Club. Club President, David
Miller writes: We are delighted to be hosting a lecture with Max Somerset, star
of Max Magic and The Sorcerer's Apprentice at 8pm on Tuesday 22nd
January at The Yeoman of England, 31 High Street, Wootton, Northampton NN4 6LP (Map).
Visiting magicians are welcome to come and share this rare opportunity with us
for £8. For full contact details and our future programme please visit:
www.northamptonshiremagicians.com.
12.1.13
Anthony
Owen, double BAFTA winning producer and Executive Producer of television
magic shows, has written 'Okay, Let's Shoot the Magician' a book of essays on
the art of television magic. Geoffrey Durham (star of Countdown and
The Best of Magic) said: "Anthony Owen knows more about television magic
than any other producer working in the UK. This beautiful book talks practical
sense from beginning to end. Every magician should read it, from TV stars to
people doing card tricks on YouTube. It's a little gem." The print edition is
available exclusively from TVMagic.co.uk and a digital edition, which also
includes audio, is available from the Apple iBookstore. More information about
both editions from
www.tvmagic.co.uk.
12.1.13
Every
two years The Magic Circle holds its 'Young Magician of the Year' competition,
inviting young people between the ages of 14 and 18 to compete for one of
magic's most prestigious titles. The closing date for entry is 31st January;
heats take place on March 10th, with the Finals on April 7th. Competitors have
to present a stage act, suitable for family entertainment, lasting between eight
and twelve minutes. They are judged on their technique, general ability,
presentation, originality, appearance, personality and the routining and magical
content of their act. The winner holds the title "The Young Magician of the
Year", is awarded the Derrick Speight Trophy, admission to full Membership of
The Magic Circle at the age of eighteen, all-paid for four years. The
Competition has kick-started careers in entertainment for many, including such
names as Johnny Hart, Russ Stevens, Richard Cadell, Andrew O’Connor, Dominic
Wood and more recently Michael Jordan, currently gearing up for a full season in
Blackpool. For more information and an application form email the Competition
Secretary Dr. C. M. Colley, M.I.M.C.
michaelcolley@themagiccircle.co.uk.
12.1.13
Magician
John Carey lectures for The Watford Association of Magicians this Tuesday.
Andy Clockwise writes: On Tuesday 15th January, Magician John Carey will be
presenting his Close-Up Magic lecture at The Watford Association of Magicians
performing and explaining visual, interactive and direct magic with high impact.
A student of the late Kevin Reay, John has released several DVDs over the past
few years, "Carey On", "24 Seven" and "Handle With Carey" along with several
ebooks. This promises to be a great lecture - if you would like to come along,
please contact WAM club Secretary
juliecarpenter@themagiccircle.co.uk for more information. Prompt 8pm start,
£10 temporary WAM membership payable for non-members.
12.1.13
Ollie Mealing's
series of six magic videos is now complete,
Click
Here to watch.
15.12.12
Trix
in the Stix 2013 is now sold out! From the organisers: This is a convention for children's
entertainers being held in Shropshire on Monday and Tuesday May 20th and 21st.
Full details are on the website:
www.practical-magic.com. There were 200 places
available, but these have now been snapped up. Accordingly, we are opening a
Waiting List in case anybody has to drop out. The Waiting List will be run on a
first-come-first-served basis, so, if you're still hoping to attend, the sooner
you get on it, the better! Please contact Practical Magic at
info@practical-magic.com or by phoning 01691 690789.
12.1.13
Italian
mentalist Luca Volpe tours the UK with his lecture 'In my Mind' shortly. The
lecture focuses on the presentation of stage and close-up routines from his
professional repertoire. After the great success this lecture had during the
recent tour of North Europe, Luca is looking forward to lecturing for various
clubs around the UK. See What's On
for dates.
In March Luca Volpe will return to Italy for a mentalism seminar at the
Unicorn in Rome. Then in April he'll be cruising again. "Luca Volpe & Rebecca
'Cruising with the Stars'"
Click Here.
12.1.13
Etienne Pradier Lecture - London Society of Magicians.
"The next Lecture at The London Society of Magicians will be Etienne Pradier on
Tuesday 12th February at 7pm. Uniquely skilled, creative, charismatic and
immensely entertaining, Etienne Pradier is now one of the UK's most successful
London based magicians. He recently appeared on Penn & Teller's 'Fool Us' show where he
did just that! After only 3 years as a member
of the 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. During this lecture Etienne will reveal his complete working
professional repertoire and share with us the lessons he has learned from more
than twenty years of professional experience, plus much more! Venue: Davenports
Magic Shop, 7 Charing Cross Underground Arcade, The Strand, London WC2N 4HZ.
Start Time 7pm. Visitors welcome, pay on door £12, free for members. This lecture is
in high demand, please reserve a place by emailing the LSM Secretary Mark
Saltissi lsmmagic@hotmail.co.uk. Our
website is
www.lsmmagic.magicandweb.com".
12.1.13
Perth
Magic Circle extend an open invitation to any magician to visit the club on
Wednesday 23rd January. Adrian Harris writes: We are starting off 2013 with
a visit from the current President of the Scottish Association of Magical
Societies, Alan Duncan, who will be revealing details of the 2013 Convention
later in the Spring. Alan will also lecture and give a demonstration of some of
the magic that he supplies to magicians around the country. It will be a fun and
relaxed evening with no business (hooray!). Entry will be completely free (who
said the Scots are not generous?) and the meeting starts at 7.30pm in the usual
venue, Perth & District Ex-Servicemens Club, Brown Street, Perth. Further
information can be had from the club secretary,
adrian.harris@blueyonder.co.uk."
12.1.13
Britain
Does Variety 2013. A nationwide talent competition for all variety acts.
Britain Does Variety is returning for a third year in 2013. If you'd like to be
part of it then book your audition now. In 2011 and 2012, acts from around
Britain auditioned in front of a panel of industry judges to compete for a place
in one of the Britain Does Variety regional shows which took place in some of
Britain's best theatres with each show staged and managed by an experienced,
professional team. Visit
www.britain-does-variety.co.uk for full details.
12.1.13
"David Copperfield's guide to finding your own private
island"
Click Here • "Magician dresses up as car seat to prank fast food
drive-thru workers in viral hit"
Click Here • "Magician Bill Chaudet dies at 91"
Click Here • "Minding his Business: An ‘adventure’ of ‘reading
people’s thoughts’; The Amazing Kreskin coming to Shuler Theater"
Click Here • "Nothing To Hide, Helmed by Neil Patrick Harris,
Extends Again Through February 3 at Geffen Playhouse"
Click Here • That's it for this week. Your UK magic news is always
welcomed, have a magic week, Duncan.
12.1.13