Number 690 - 14th September 2013
Alexis
Conran travels across America following in the footsteps of
history’s greatest hustlers in Channel 5's Hustling America. He
wants to see if his skills in deception and magic will allow him to pull
off the hardest cons of all: so-called proposition bets, wagers that are
almost impossible to win unless you know the cunning secret behind them.
These bets were originally used to con people out of their money – but
for Alexis it’s not about the cash. He’s on a personal mission to
measure himself against the greatest hustlers in the country where these
ideas were invented. The first in the series last Monday
Click Here (or watch the repeat on Sunday or Monday) saw Alexis
tracing the roots of Titanic Thompson, the man thought to have been the
most skilled and devious hustler of all. Along the way Alexis proves to
be something of a charmer himself, hustling car rental deals, fancy hats
and luxury accommodation in a good humoured show that really
entertained. This week he'll be in Las Vegas... look out! (DT) See
TV Magic for details.
"The man who hustled Al Capone"
Click Here.
14.9.13
Houdini.
Houdini, a sharply written, dramatic,
darkly comic new play about two of the greatest performers the world has
ever known – the Houdini Brothers: stuntmen, illusionists, magicians –
premiered at Stoke on Trent Repertory Theatre on September 9th
and will tour the UK and Ireland throughout September and October.
Featuring a dynamic script, sharply drawn characters and breathtaking
live stunts, ‘Houdini’ was written by BAFTA award-winning actor
(‘Risen’) and filmmaker Stuart Brennan. Theatre Giant’s creative
director Peter Snee will direct the production with a creative dream
team that includes film and TV production designer Danny Rogers, costume
designer Fraz Roughton, sound designer Daffyd Gough, and composer Tord
Brudevoll. To be the greatest, you have to be prepared
to sacrifice everything. Harry Houdini was the greatest performer who
ever lived, but fame and fortune do not come free. For his brother Theo
and his wife Bess, the price may have been too high. This intricate look
inside the gripping life story of Houdini explores the devastation that
is reaped by ambition, love and jealousy. Witness the birth of a star.
Marvel at his death-defying feats. Prepare to be amazed. Discover the
legend. Believe in the magic. "Houdini"
Click Here; "Theatre review: Houdini"
Click Here; "The great story of Houdini on stage"
Click Here. Also see
www.houdinitheplay.com and
What's On for tour
dates.
14.9.13
The
UK's only dedicated close-up convention, The Session, is back! Acts
booked so far include Bebel (photo), John Guastaferro, Joe Barry and
John Carey, with plenty more to be announced, including a surprise guest
of honour. The Session is hosted by Andi Gladwin and Joshua Jay
and has sold out in advance for the past seven years. 2014 will be no
different. January 11th & 12th, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. Book your
tickets now at
www.sessionconvention.com.
14.9.13
Following
in the footsteps... "Rene Lavand, Max Maven and Juan Tamariz have
all presented their respective one man shows on the Saturday night of
The International Magic Convention. Those are pretty big shoes to fill
when it came to deciding who we were going to ask to come this year, but
I'm very glad to say that those shoes have been filled, tightly at that,
with John Carney presenting his one man show for the first time in the
UK. An outstanding technician, a charismatic performer and a true link
to the past as a voracious student of Dai Vernon, Charlie Miller and
Faucett Ross, John is the only person to receive all awards at The Magic
Castle in each performing category (and most of them more than once!).
With such an outstanding reputation and extensive repertoire The
Bridewell Theatre will be the perfect size to accommodate both his close
up and parlour routines, and yes, Mr Mysto will be making an appearance
too. For those unaware, Mr Mysto is John's wonderful character magician
- a small time magician with delusions of grandeur and hysterically poor
manners who seems to have no ability to stop those thoughts we've all
had when performing, from coming out his mouth. To make the evening even
more magic-packed than the last few years tickets for this event also
cover a Session of Bar Magic with Dani DaOrtiz, Christian Engblom,
Miguel Gea, Peter Woerde, Florian Severin, Brendan Rodrigues and many
others in a nearby wine bar. Joint tickets for both events can be
ordered at
www.internationalmagic.com/category-convention-tickets.html and
would be a great evening to bring your friends and family to, to see the
epitome of what close up magic can be, but hurry as seating is limited.
John Carney will also be lecturing on the Thursday (14th) at the Card
and Coin Day of the Festival of Magic with a lecture not to be missed
(he's won The Magic Castle Lecturer of the Year multiple times too!). If
you are unaware of his work check out his effortless skill at
vimeo.com/9354200
and reviews of his teaching abilities on previous MagicWeek pages:
Click Here;
Here;
and
Here. Unmissable events. We look forward to seeing you there!" Noel
Britten, Convention Event Coordinator.
14.9.13
West
End Magic, Leicester Square Theatre, 22nd September: "West End Magic
returns to the Leicester Square Theatre on Sunday September 22nd with a
family friendly show bringing you some of the most exciting names in
magic and variety in the UK. This show will feature illusion, mind
magic, clever switches, dangerous knife juggling, comedy magic and some
very Tommy Cooperesque compering. Oliver Tabor, award winning magician
performs his extraordinary illusions, where objects change form and
shape in his hands. Oliver made history by winning the top 4 awards for
stage magic at the International Brotherhood of Magicians British Ring
convention in Buxton last week, these prestigious awards have never been
won all at once in the same competition. Morgan and West, the time
travelling Victorian magicians, move people from place to place in
unpredictable and unbelievable ways whilst Mat Riccardo, comedy Juggler
extraordinaire, juggles, throws and plays with objects that ought not to
be juggled, thrown or, under any circumstance, played with! Mat will
also be pulling a cloth from a fully laden table and replacing it and
nothing will move! Christian Lee will compere all proceedings and will
perform the best hand stab routine seen around." September 22nd, Doors
3pm, Show 4pm, Tickets: £15 full price, £10 children, £40 family ticket
for four. The Leicester Square Theatre, 6 Leicester Place, London WC2H
7BX (Map).
14.9.13
Magic Night at Madame JoJo's - London. "Magic Night on October 4th features celluloid magic, quick changes, manipulation that is beyond imagination and bread tricks! The Duo Bogof return with specially created film tricks just for Magic Night, taking you on a journey through film trickery that bends reality, making the audience disappear and characters appear and all performed with in their inimitable style that barely conceals their hatred towards each other. Josephine Shaker will hot hoof her way through the show with a quick change routine and Pete Heat will perform bread tricks and ask you to imagine him undressed. Ben Hart, Edinburgh 2013 sensation will be asking you to suspend disbelief as he manipulates reality in ways that will make you doubt he is human. All ably compered by Christian Lee." Magic Night at Madame JoJo's. Friday October 4th. 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. 14.9.13
IBM
British Ring Convention, competition results and report.
Geoffrey Newton writes: The IBM British Ring Convention held in
Buxton last week had the following competition winners. The winner of
the British Ring Shield was Oliver Tabor who also took the Dittia Shield
for manipulation and the Originality trophy. Placed second was Edward
Hilsum and third Atmosfear. The dealers’ trophy went to Practical Magic
and winning the Ali Bongo Micro Marathon was Bharet Patel.
In the Zina Bennett Close up Competition the winner was Steve Faulkner,
second: Matthew Le Motte, third: Craig Petty. The Rovi Shield for the
best work with playing cards went to Dave Forrest. For an overview on
the convention
Click Here. The 2014
convention is to be in Bournemouth from 24th – 28th September. Details
will appear on
www.magicconvention.co.uk.
14.9.13
Magicians of Facebook Convention 2013. Jon Randall writes: "Convention 2013, 19th-20th October at the Holiday Inn, Bromsgrove. Featuring Fay Presto, Peter Turner, Lee Hathaway, Harry Robson, Kieron Johnson and a Star Lecture by Wayne Dobson. 2 workshops, 5 Lectures, 1 Competition, 10 Dealers. This convention has doubled from last year in every way. On Saturday, you have the option to learn from Fay Presto and Peter Turner in extended 2 hour workshops. Take part in the competition to win a performance contract, flights and accommodation at the House of Illusion, Salou. All the Sunday lecturers are 'Real Workers' in their respective field. Wayne Dobson will be recreating his recent Magic Live lecture with extra surprises. Lee Hathaway will tell you what you need to know about performing in the real world. Harry Robson has performed under diverse conditions - but is never fazed. Learn how he does it. To top it all off - Peter Turner gives a farewell lecture before jetting off to Spain! Not before an evening party to send him off in style. With credentials like that you need to be there! Tickets £20 (Sunday convention only) to £75 for everything!" More information: www.facebook.com/groups/124980224319780 and https://clients.zwoor.com/event/index/code/MOFBUK13. 14.9.13
Luke
Jermay - Sixth Sense, Luke's one-man show, plays the
Milton Theatre at the University of Huddersfield on Friday October 4th:
"You’ll be amazed at Jermay’s incredible powers - he knows your past,
present and future; sometimes
better than you do. From your favourite schoolteacher, childhood pet
even the colour of your
underwear, Jermay impossibly knows all, sees all and tells (almost) all
in an expert display of
telepathy developed to amazing razor sharp accuracy. His astonishing
live performances caused the
US media to hail him as ‘The Real Mentalist’ as he does the things that
fictional mind reader Patrick
Jane only pretends to do on the CBS drama ‘The Mentalist.’
For one unique experiment, Jermay requires the use of personal
photographs. Bring along a
treasured family photo, a picture of you and your friends on holiday -
whatever- and get to take
part!"
Friday 4th October,
Milton Theatre, The University of Huddersfield.
Tickets £8.00 / £5.00 Email: miltonboxoffice@hud.ac.uk.
14.9.13
Wayne
Houchin Lecture - The Fylde Mystics. Alan Mylecraine writes: The Fylde Mystics are pleased to announce
that in keeping with only booking world class lecturers, on Wednesday 9th
October they will be hosting a lecture from Wayne Houchin. The lecture
will commence at 8pm at the South Shore Lawn Tennis Club, Midgeland
Road, Blackpool FY4 5HZ (Map), visiting magicians welcome, £5.00 on the door.
Genii Magazine calls Wayne Houchin, "One of the hottest magicians on the
planet!" He has released some of the most popular magic effects of the
past decade, headlined at the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood and
Le Double Fond in Paris, and stars in the Discovery Channel's Breaking
Magic: The Magic of Science. He has astonished audiences in more than 30
countries and he co-founded the popular website Theory11.
For more details visit
www.fyldemystics.co.uk."
14.9.13
Illusions
Magic Bar 'Bar Magician of the Year'. "Illusions Magic Bar staged
our first ever 'Bar Magician of the Year' last week, and we were
delighted with the response to the competition. 8 entrants competed to
win the trophy and £200 cash, from Wales, Holland and of course good old
Bristol. The competition was close and the winner was 6 year veteran of
Illusions Richard Newman with Fritz Alkemade coming second. Illusions
was very pleased with all the entrants that performed and we look
forward to next year. Once again congratulations to Richard." Mark
Bennett, Director, Illusions Magic Bar
www.illusionsmagicbar.co.uk.
14.9.13
Conjuring
at the Court, Thursday 26th September. "Conjuring at the Court
features the welcome return of award-winning, Pete Wardell, former Magic
Circle Stage Magician of the Year, who stunned the audience at his last
visit. Michael Vadini’s elegant Continental act is sheer perfection
blending classic sleight of hand and humour. We’re delighted to present
the talented mind-reader Dean Maudsley, and the very funny American
performer, Geoff Williams (photo). Compere is the doubly talented stage
manager and magician Alan Green. The show is in the lovely function room
of the Drayton Court, 2 The Avenue, West Ealing, London W13 8PH (Map).
Doors open 7.30pm and the show starts at 8pm. 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. Parking is free after
6.30pm. Come early to enjoy dinner in one of the bars or the lovely
dining room, or, if it’s sunny, what may be the largest beer garden in
London! Do book early to make sure of a place; tickets still just £10
from
www.conjuringatthecourt.com."
14.9.13
Magic
Moments 13: This time next week (Saturday 21st September) magicians
and more will be raising smiles and money for Cash 4 Kids, who support
children who are disabled, disadvantaged or suffering from abuse or
neglect. The event takes place at Paradise Wildlife Park in
Hertfordshire, in association with Magic 105.4, Box of Awesome and
Marvin's Magic School and features appearances by Jamie & Anna from
Nickelodeon, costume characters, celebrities and magicians galore! With
over 3,000 tickets available from Magic 105.4 there's going to be tons
of fun, loads of magic and plenty of goodwill. It's still not too late
to come and assist, or stage your own Magic Moment. Details and contact
information can be found on our
Magic Moments
page. Let the countdown to Magic Moments 13 begin… Jay Fortune.
14.9.13
Lifting the Veil of Ignorance. Imagine combining The Da Vinci Code, The Dead Poets Society and The Paper Chase... In this new one-man show, Todd Landman probes deep questions about how we know what we know through a variety of mesmerising and inexplicable feats, combined with a mirthful style of presentation that is guaranteed to entertain. Projecting himself into the shared ‘community of human minds’, the Academic Magician explores a variety of themes and perennial questions that are just as important today as they were when first raised by ancient philosophers. Thursday 17th October at Wivnhoe House Hotel, Colchester. For more details see: www.todd-landman.com/magic/lifting-the-veil-of-ignorance. 14.9.13
Diamond Jim Tyler
-
lecture
tour and live shows: "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, it's 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, whenever I pick up this book I 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. See
What's On for lecture dates. Diamond Jim Tyler can also be seen live at
Smoke & Mirrors, with support from Wayne Goodman, at 8pm on September 20th and
21st. "Live Magic Shows at The UK's Only Magic Theatre Pub presents, Diamond Jim
Tyler direct from the USA. His show will have you gasping for air! Don't miss
this opportunity to see JT as the last time he was in the UK was back in 2008.
Book Now and don't be disappointed." Tickets from £7 (NUS & NHS), £12 standard.
Save £8 on Table Deals available see website for details. Smoke & Mirrors, 8
Denmark Street, Bristol BS1 5GQ (Map)
www.smokeandmirrorsbar.co.uk/buy-tickets.html.
14.9.13
Days
of Wine and Magic. John Derris's new book Days of Wine and
Magic is hot off the press! About which world-famed magician Roy Walton
has said "Readers of this book are in for a treat. I recommend it highly." 40
chapters. Over 100 photographs. 90 pages. A virtual scrapbook of
magic since the early days of Elmsley, Avis, Koran, Walton, Robinson,
Page, Bernard, Danson, Derris and others who used to meet in a Greek
cafe in Vernon Place, London, to the present day in a wine bar called
Champagne Charlies. A stylish publication that is a treasure trove of
ideas, routines and presentations from some of magic's most creative
minds. Close-up, stage or mentalism, you'll find some outstanding magic
in this new book that you will use. From your favourite dealer or order a
signed copy direct from John Derris, Hockleys House, Lindenfield,
Chislehurst, Kent BR7 5RG for £25.00 post free.
14.9.13
Annual
Table Top Sale and Mini Auction, Perth. Adrian Harris writes:
The annual Table Top Sale and mini Auction will be held on Wednesday
16th October in the Perth Ex-Service Men's Club, Brown St., Perth
commencing at 7.30pm. This is one of the highlights of the club's year
because it brings together magicians from other clubs around Scotland
and there is always much banter and laughter to be heard! As in previous
years, tables will be allocated on a strictly "first come, first served"
basis and will be free, although a £5 charge will be made to sellers
arriving on the night who have not booked! Items for auction may be
entered on the night with reserve prices and again this will be
undertaken free with no commission being taken by the club. There will
be a £2 entry charge payable at the door on the night and again this is
a bargain because it includes a ticket for a free raffle. Because of the
popularity of the event in the past, sellers are advised to book a table
early by contacting the Secretary, Adrian Harris by email
adrian.harris@blueyonder.co.uk or telephone 01738 628985.
14.9.13
Keith
Bennett Lecture, Northamptonshire Magicians Club, Tuesday 17th
September at 8pm at The Yeoman of England, High Street, Wootton NN4 6LP
(Map).
David Miller writes: The lecture is on misdirection, with the various
points demonstrated with practical effects. Visiting magicians welcome,
just turn up on the night, £8 for non-members
www.northamptonshiremagicians.com.
14.9.13
Book
a magic lecturer for your club today! Visit the MagicWeek
Lecturers section.
14.9.13
Peter Quinsee. My good friend, magic dealer, Peter Quinsee
of 'Camtrix' (his firm based in Cambridge) has sadly passed away at the
age of eighty. He had been ill in recent years and died of cancer.
Peter commenced his magic dealing career in the 1960's when he operated
the firm 'Premier Magic' (again based in Cambridge) with his partner,
Leslie Beecroft. Later, he launched Camtrix and continued to manufacture
superb wooden props right to the end of his life.
Peter was a craftsman and designer, originating many exclusive effects
which he displayed annually on his dealer stands at the British Ring
conventions. He also specialised in manufacturing 'specials', those
'one-offs', including apparatus for entire acts.
A soft-spoken man, Peter was always most helpful to his customers and
any newcomers seeking advice on all aspects of magic. He will be sadly
missed, the magic fraternity losing yet another fine maker of magic.
Ian Adair.
14.9.13
Peter Quinsee. I am sorry to report
the recent passing of Peter Quinsee on Sunday 1st September, following a
short stay in hospital. Not one to court the limelight Peter will be
remembered by many magicians as the man behind the Camtryx stand at
conventions. Although he stocked and sold many items through his
dealership, those who knew Peter will know that he made and manufactured
bigger props for other dealers too, in particular Supreme where his
well-made items such as the large wooden drawer boxes and the rainbow
house were always in demand. A real craftsman, Peter served his
engineering apprenticeship here in Cambridge, (alongside my father, with
whom he developed a magical double act and remained firm friends), and
was later to run his own small engineering firm alongside the magic
business. He was a talented man with a vast knowledge of magic and will
be sadly missed by his many friends here and abroad. His funeral, will
take place at 2.15pm on Tuesday 17th September in the West Chapel of the
Cambridge Crematorium, just north of Cambridge on the A14. No flowers
please but donations can be made to Cancer Research UK.
Alan Maskell.
14.9.13
"Uri
Geller mystified by letterbox on Thames Sonning Bridge"
Click Here • Marc Oberon's recent lecture for the South Staffordshire
Society of Magicians is reviewed by Ian Brennan this week,
Click
Here • "Watch Star Trek Teleportation. To celebrate the release of
Star Trek Into Darkness, illusionist Scott Penrose wows shoppers"
Click Here • "UKTV shrugs off its reliance on Dave and repeats and tries to
lure the young"
Click Here • "God versus The Mind Reader"
Click Here • "Illusionist Ali Cook bringing tour to Tonbridge"
Click Here • And finally, "Santiago's red light jugglers"
Click Here
(as seen in person by Keith Fields, thanks Keith!) • Your UK magic news is
welcomed as ever, see you next week, Duncan.
14.9.13