Number 679 - 29th June 2013
Catch
the Magic at the Edinburgh International Magic Festival right now! Once
again The Magic and Variety Gala Show, at the beautiful Royal Lyceum Theatre,
welcomes the finest award-winning magicians from across Europe and as far afield
as Australia. Portuguese duo, Ta Na Manga, Frenchman Jerome Helfenstein, Spain’s
Charlie Mag and last year’s ‘War of the Wizards’ winner from Australia Tony
Roberts, join the UK’s Morgan & West, Piff The Magic Dragon and comperes for the
night The Colour Ham. Festival highlights include: The Great Lafayette Award; a
new patron’s programme allowing magic lovers to get even closer to the festival;
Magic School for budding wizards and wizardesses; a delicious three course Magic
Dinner at The Royal Scots Club; and The Secret Room at Lauriston Castle where
audiences travel back in time to a world of clandestine laboratories and hidden
passages. Immerse yourself in the surreal magical world between fact and fiction
and have fun at the fourth Edinburgh International Magic Festival! 28th June -
5th July. To view the full programme and book tickets visit
www.magicfest.co.uk.
"Edinburgh International Magic Festival: David Berglas on the stunts that
inspired a generation of illusionists"
Click Here (the David Berglas interview is now sold out we understand).
29.6.13
Paul
Daniels: The First Farewell Tour. "In the world of magic, no one has enjoyed
more success than Paul Daniels. From the moment he burst onto our screens, his
magic shows topped the ratings. He is undoubtedly the most successful TV
magician of the 20th century, and has become a true legend. Come and see Paul in
his brand new show, 'The First Farewell Tour. From Legend To Leg End!'
with the lovely Debbie McGee, performing some of his best known tricks along
with a few never before seen in public..." The tour starts at the Darlington
Civic Theatre on September 6th, and ends on December 19th at the Playhouse,
Norwich. See What's On for
more info and to book. Also see
www.pauldaniels.co.uk/tour-dates.
29.6.13
42nd
International Magic Weekend. Registration has now opened for the 42nd
International Magic Weekend (affectionately known as "Ron's" after the founder
of the event, Ron MacMillan). The Convention (November 16th, 17th, 18th) starts
on the Friday night with a show and a lecture and continues throughout the
weekend with its famous close-up competition, lectures from a myriad of
international star names, superb close-up and stage gala shows made up of top
international acts and the awarding of the David Berglas International Award to
a surprise recipient.
A number of specially themed days will run in the
lead up to the Convention, under the umbrella of 'The London Festival of Magic'.
Each day has its own magic theme and delves deeper into it than the time
constraints of just the weekend would allow. These are really unmissable days,
as the stars of the Convention have more time to develop ideas and effects in a
number of presentations. Each session finishes with a Q&A that really gets down
to the nitty-gritty.
For the last three years an extra event has been held at the Bridewell Theatre
on the Saturday Night with a one man show by Rene Lavand in 2010, Max Maven in
2011 and Juan Tamariz in 2012. This year the Saturday Night Extra ticket will
include not only access to another top notch show at The Bridewell but also
entry to An Evening of Bar Magic to be held at the beautiful Press House
Wine Bar directly next to the Bridewell Theatre, where you will have a chance to
see some astounding international close-up performers deliver their own brand of
inimitable magic in real life performing conditions, behind, in front of and all
around the bar area!
Tickets as always are available from
www.internationalmagic.com with a wide range of options to suit your needs.
You don't like stage magic? Just take a day ticket and miss the Gala Show. You
have a booking on the Saturday? Take the two day registration and attend on the
Friday and Sunday... if Mentalism or Close-up is your thing, sign up for the
specially themed day just on that topic. There are bargains to be had as the
more events and days you sign up for, the greater the reductions!
29.6.13
The
Illusionists: Witness the Impossible launched in January 2012 with a
sell-out season at Sydney Opera House reaching an audience of 31,000 in nine
days, followed by a Mexico City eight-day season with an audience of 42,000. Now
they are heading to the UK. The hand-picked cast of internationally renowned
illusionists together create a blockbuster stage show featuring a stunning mix
of their most outrageous and unbelievable optical illusions including
nail-biting Russian roulette, jaw-dropping acts of levitation, mind-reading,
disappearance and escapes. This show sees the magicians take their cue from the
showmanship of the great illusionists of the past – such as Houdini - and
combine it with contemporary sets, costume design, technology and live band Z,
to create a spell-binding family-friendly blockbuster. Tuesday 27th September:
Blackpool Opera House; Wednesday 28th September: Edinburgh Festival Theatre;
Wednesday 2nd October: Nottingham Royal Concert Hall; Friday 4th + 5th October:
Manchester Apollo; Tuesday 8th October: Wolverhampton Civic Hall; Friday 11th +
12th October: London Hammersmith Apollo. See
What's On for more info or
visit
www.theillusionistslive.com.
29.6.13
Paul
Zerdin: No Strings. "With 3 million plus YouTube hits, Paul Zerdin has taken
ventriloquism to new heights. It won't be long before his unsuspecting audience
notice that it's not just the puppets he's controlling!" ***** (Scotsman).
'Brilliant' (Evening Standard). Following previous total sell-out, critically
acclaimed seasons (Edinburgh 2009 and 2010), Paul returns with a dazzlingly
funny brand new show that will ensure that you never ever think of ventriloquism
in the same way. Paul Zerdin: No Strings Ed Fringe (Gilded Balloon
Teviot) from July 31st - August 25th (see
What's On for listings) and
then in London's West End, for one night only at The Lyric Theatre on Shaftsbury
Avenue on Monday 9th September at 7.30pm
www.nimaxtheatres.com/lyric-theatre.
www.paulzerdin.com.
29.6.13
Waiting for Hitchcock. A Theatrical Magic Show with Robert Jägerhorn.
South Hill Park, Bracknell. July 4th at 8pm
Breathtaking news from the world of entertainment – Alfred Hitchcock’s
long-lost first silent film Number 8 has just been found! The discovery
of this thrilling spy story was made by magician Robert Jägerhorn and he
is the one who will present this worldwide sensation to you, in his own
way. Due to some unexpected events, Robert Jägerhorn is forced to
present the story without the film. Quite a challenge! This is what you
are going to experience: irresistible magic and brilliant comedy,
creating an unforgettable evening of magic and laughter!
Director: Neil Hardwick,
Concept and manuscript: Neil Hardwick and Robert Jägerhorn.
Running time approximately 70 minutes.
Suitable for 16+ years. "A charming, light and playful hour, bubbling with mimicry of silent
movies, chaplinesque slapstick, excitement and magical disappearances." Helsingin Sanomat -the leading daily
newspaper in Finland. Venue: South Hill Park Arts Centre, Ringmead,
Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 7PA (Map).
More information:
www.waitingforhitchcock.com and
www.southhillpark.org.uk.
29.6.13
Northampton's
David Penn wins Britain Does Variety 2013: "David Penn, an illusionist from
Northampton has won the grand finals of Britain Does Variety 2013.
Following eight regional semi finals, the grand final of Britain Does Variety
2013 was held on Saturday night at the Palace Theatre in Watford. The
competition was judged by an impressive line up of judges with a wealth of
industry experience across a variety of disciplines. Head Judge was Giles
Cooper, the executive producer of The Royal Variety Performance. Other
competitors included Dancers, Singers, Jugglers, Mime Artistes and Beatboxers,
but it was David Penn, the theatrical grand illusionist from Northampton who
took first place. David performed three large scale illusions in his act
including an incredible, modern version of the ‘Sawing A Lady In Half’ effect
using clear boxes! 'It was certainly a career highlight. To win such a well
respected competition in the entertainment industry is truly an honor.' David
said after receiving the trophy and a cheque for one thousand pounds. Judge Jack
Applebaum said: 'The standard was very high indeed but David Penn was just
incredible! Where has this guy been hiding?'
www.britain-does-variety.co.uk
www.davidpenn.co.uk.
29.6.13
Diamond
Jim Tyler tours the UK this September. A busy professional magician from
Texas, Jim has produced many original effects and published books and DVDs
including the Collateral DVD, the Bamboozlers series and 'Close up Magic
Secrets', which received the following review... "Diamond Jim Tyler is a
working pro, and this book is testament to that. A true pick and mix of tried
and tested tricks suited for close up and stand up. Cards, coins, cups, business
cards, levitations, cutlery bending, its all here all wrapped up in commercial
presentations. If I ever want to learn a new effect that I know will play well
to spectators instantly, I pick up this book and always find a winner.
Also, for its price the content is amazing value for money." This will be
his first visit since 2008 and will feature material from his latest book,
‘Bamboozlers 3’"
www.diamond-jim.com. For a complete list of tour dates see
What's On.
29.6.13
IBM
British Ring Buxton Convention. Geoffrey Newton PRO writes: "IBM British
Ring Members are reminded that this weekend is the last chance to register for
the 2013 convention in Buxton (4th – 8th September) before the price goes up.
The current rate is £125 and from Monday (1st July) it increases to £140. Non
members can register for £180 and this includes a one year membership of the
society. Registration can be made on
www.magicconvention.co.uk where you can also find information on artistes,
dealers, hotels, competitions, a ladies event and the full programme.
Alternatively if you email
pro@britishring.org.uk or telephone 0161 969 8222 then a registration form
can be sent to you."
29.6.13
Marvin's
Magic were seen in front of tens of thousands at a special stage in
Trafalgar Square at West End Live last weekend. The special event showcased West
End musicals and main attractions. Marvin Berglas was on stage interviewing The
Deputy Leader of Westminster Council and showed him a more magical way to boost
the West End economy and then introduced Justin Monehen who performed the
Marvin's Magic Freaky Body Illusions act. Photo: Marvin's Magic on the main
stage
www.marvinsmagic.com/blog.
29.6.13
Will
Houstoun Lecture - South Downs Magicians, July 3rd. Will Houstoun presents
his lecture 'Out With The New, In With The Old' at the South Downs Magicians on
Wednesday July 3rd at 8pm. Will describes his lecture as "a reaction to the
tendency within the magic community to focus on the 'latest and greatest'". In
the lecture Will looks backwards to previously unpublished material from the
eighteenth and nineteenth centuries for inspiration to create effects that are
as powerful today as any modern creation. This lecture comes highly recommended
- what better way to spend a Wednesday evening? Visiting magicians are welcome,
with a cost of £5.00. See the club website for venue information:
www.southdownsmagicians.co.uk. Rob Sharp.
29.6.13
International
News: Nordic Magic Convention - Magiske Timer, 18th - 20th August, 2013.
Starring FISM Asia Manipulation Champion Lee Hun, FISM Champion Shawn Farquhar,
Alex Conradi, Gay Ljungberg, Alexx Alexxander, Runer Carlson, Mikael Hedne and
Lord Cristian. 18th - 20th August onboard the Color Magic Cruise Ship.
Registration for one person is about £120 (1098 NOK), and half that per person
if sharing the same cabin, either way representing excellent value. Food and
drink is in addition. The cruise ship MS Color Magic, sails from Oslo on
Sunday 18th August, sets off for a day in Kiel Germany on the 19th, and arrives
back in Oslo Norway at 10am on the 20th. For more information and to register
visit www.magisketimer.no.
29.6.13
FISM
World Card Magic Champion Jan Logemann. Steve Gore writes: FISM World Card
Magic Champion Jan Logemann enjoyed the UK so much during his recent visit that
he's coming back in October. As his tour was very last minute, only a few lucky
clubs got to host his lecture. We had him at my home club in Bradford and it was
superb. His new available dates are 16th October to 1st November 2013. He is
traveling by VW Campervan, so no accommodation is needed, his fee is therefore
at a great price. Please contact me
magic@stevegore.co.uk asap to secure your preferred date. Here is a quick
promo video, although it’s in German, he does speak fluent English!
vimeo.com/60868038. (Click
Here to read a recent review by Allan Clarke).
29.6.13
"How
does he do it? Magician Dynamo stuns onlookers as he levitates from the roof of
a London bus"
Click Here. "Illusionist Dynamo tells the Daily Star of his Hollywood
dreams"
Click Here.
29.6.13
Magic Night at Madame JoJo's - London,
19th July. "...tricks with food,
juggling knives, mentalists and broken eggs – sounds like a Kitchen Nightmare,
but this is Magic Night with tricksters and no cooks in sight. Rob James (photo) looks
into your head to see what’s in there and then controls you like a puppet. Mad
trickster scientist Oliver Meech will magic a mass trick for everyone and this
time you influence the trick – power to the people! He will also be stopping
water in its tracks and reversing time. We will be playing with eggs in untoward
ways with Lee Hathaway, and AJ James will endanger himself, his limbs, and the
front row with some serious blades. All expertly compered by Tommy Cooperesque
Christian Lee."
Magic Night at Madame JoJo's. Friday July 19th. Doors open 7.00pm. Show starts at 7.45pm. Tickets £12 including entry to
Good Foot. £14 on the door. Show ticket plus dinner: £25. Tickets:
www.wegottickets.co.uk Madame
JoJo's, 8-10 Brewer Street, London W1F 0SE 020 734 3040
www.magicnight.co.uk.
29.6.13
Merlin
Magical Society Magic Boot Sale, Thursday 4th July. During the evening the
club will also be auctioning the effects of the late Stan Blaney, who was one of
their members for many years. Free entry for all and only £5 for a table if you
wish to sell. Doors open at 6.30pm, ends 9.30pm: Little Heath Parish Hall,
Thornton Road, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire EN6 1JF (Map).
More info:
www.merlinmagicalsociety.co.uk.
29.6.13
Magicseen
Issue 51. From the publishers: Magicseen Issue 51 for July 2013 is ready and
on its way to subscribers and it makes a perfect holiday companion if you are
going away in the near future. Pride of place on the cover goes this time to the
highly creative and renowned Kevin James, and he is kept in good company with
Luca Volpe, Fritz Alkemade, Bob Swadling, Paul Zenon, The Twins and Thomas
Blacke! Wow, celebrity overload! Morgan and West return with the second part of
their excellent series on how to create a performing character, Chris Congreave
gives some sage advice about how to make the most of those lucky breaks that we
all get occasionally when performing, and if you ever wondered how top
innovative magicians manage to come up with so many great ideas, well Jay
Sankey, Dave Forrest and Ian Adair tell you how they do it. All this plus Jay
Fortune chats to Tobias Beckwith, manager of Jeff McBride and Marco Tempest,
about the agent and manager business, we start a new discussion piece called
Pros and Cons in which we take contrary views on certain magical topics, and of
course we have products reviews, news and letters as usual. So make your summer
magical by getting hold of your copy of Magicseen by way of printed copy or
download right now from
www.magicseen.co.uk.
29.6.13
Séance.
An interactive illusion - The European Tour. Séance is a theatre event
combining illusions and audience participation. It draws on the tradition of
Victorian Séances and the Spiritualism movement. You will experience a séance
where you'll have to remind yourself: "What you're seeing is just a show".
London July 1st, 2nd and 8th at 9.30pm at the Pub on the Park, London Fields, 19
Martello Street, London E8 3PE (Map).
Dublin July 12th and 13th; Vienna August 7th; Innsbruck August 13th. Tickets are
very limited and can only be booked in advance via
www.philippmagos.com/news.html.
29.6.13
Oliver
Meech Collides Magic and Science at Buxton Fringe. Following his performance
at the London Festival of Magic, Magic Boffin Oliver Meech brings his hit
Magic-meets-Science show to Buxton Fringe from 5th-7th July. Oliver meddles with
forces we barely understand in a comedy magic show for the QI generation.
Amazing tricks inspired by astounding science. It's the Natural Selection! ****
'Funny, endearing, impressive showmanship' ThreeWeeks. 'Real gasps of
awe' BroadwayBaby.com. Sell out performances: Brighton Fringe, Oxford
Fringe, Green Man Festival. Recommended: Metro, Time Out. 5th &
7th July, 7pm. 6th July 2.30pm. Tickets and info:
bit.ly/meechbux13.
29.6.13
"Magictales"
Two by Leslie Melville. "For countless generations, man has told stories not
just to entertain or pass the time but also to inspire, teach and pass on
information to future generations. The fables of Aesop and the parables of Jesus
resonate with us because they relate directly to the human condition. In olden
times good storytellers were held in high regard. In old Ireland, the
Seanachaidh, (Gaelic for storyteller), regaled all with tales of ancient lore,
brave deeds and great warriors. Sadly with the advent of movies, radio and TV,
this great tradition has almost died out. But not quite..." "Magictales" Two
by Leslie Melville is reviewed by Quentin Reynolds this week,
Click Here.
29.6.13
Steve
Gore presents his “Ramblings from a suspender… of disbelief” lecture for ACE
Magicians, Grimsby
www.grimsbymagiccircle.webs.com on Monday 1st July at 8pm at the Jubilee
Inn, 350 St Nicholas Drive, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire DN37 9RD (Map)
and for the Shropshire Magical Society
www.shropshiremagicalsociety.co.uk on Wednesday 3rd July at 7.45pm. His
lecture, which received great reviews last month for the York Society of
Magicians and Darlington Magic Circle, includes lots of his original effects,
including “Trick Photography”, and “Visions from Vegas” It includes close-up,
stage, mentalism and children's magic too, so there’s something for everyone;
and everyone who attends will receive a free PDF copy of his lecture notes.
www.stevegore.co.uk.
29.6.13
Associated
Conjurers of East Sussex 21st Birthday. Nicky Lewis writes: We enjoyed an
amazing night of fun, memories and magic in Lewes recently at the 21st Birthday
of the Associated Conjurers of East Sussex. Around 30 members (old and new),
family, friends and guests joined in with the celebration. A special cake had
been commissioned by long term member Stan Reynolds for the evening and there
was magic a-plenty with four potential members performing their auditions on the
night. All were duly accepted with open arms to join the Society. A great
evening, with great friends and great food. For more information on how to join
this thriving Society, contact Nicky Lewis (Secretary) on 01903 532413 or visit
www.acesmagic.co.uk.
29.6.13
"How
does he do that? Derren Brown displays his truly incredible skills in
new show Infamous"
Click Here • "Derren Brown: Infamous, Palace Theatre"
Click Here • "Derren Brown: Saying I could hypnotise people out of
being gay was a joke"
Click Here • "Fright time on castle tours"
Click Here • "ITV Studios Conjuring Up Magic Show for ITV2"
Click Here • "Get ready for psychological illusionist Luke Jermay"
Click Here • "The house in London that is a 3D illusion"
Click
Here • The 10th Leamington & Warwick Day of Magic is reviewed by
Elizabeth Warlock this week,
Click Here • "Houdini and the History of Magic"
Click Here • "History of magic, and a trick, BBC World News"
Click Here • "Adele enjoys David Blaine magic"
Click Here • "David Copperfield, Alex Trebek, Ashley Jones, Dr. Lisa
Masterson at Sugar Factory"
Click Here • "Magician Ali to fool north audiences"
Click Here • "Trick and treat! Magician Luke in Scottish Sun visit"
Click Here • "Malaysian magician to perform in London"
Click Here • "Jesse Eisenberg talks about putting on the magic in
‘Now You See Me’"
Click Here • That's it for another week! Many thanks for your news
submissions, see you next week, Duncan.
22.6.13