Number 702 - 7th December 2013
Derren
Brown: The Great Art Robbery. Friday 13th December on Channel 4. Master illusionist and showman Derren
Brown plans to pull off the perfect crime. He’s bet renowned art collector Ivan
Massow that he can steal a painting from right under his nose. In true Derren
style, he will tell Ivan exactly which painting he plans to target – a work by
Turner-nominated British brothers Jake and Dinos Chapman no less – as well as
what time the theft will happen. He’ll even give him a photograph of the person
that’s going to take it. In order to pull off the theft Derren recruits a crew.
But he’s not going to use career criminals or skilled cat burglars. He’s going
to use members of society that tend to slip by unnoticed. He’s going to use old
age pensioners. Over a series of uplifting tests and training missions viewers
will see Derren teach his senior citizens the core skills needed to pull off the
gallery theft, how to move together in perfect synchronicity and with perfect
timing, how to deceive a security guard who will be expecting the theft and how
to hold their nerve when they’re most under pressure. This builds to an
edge-of-seat finale: The attempt of the team to steal the painting under
impossible conditions. See TV
Magic. The trickery behind Derren Brown's promo photos for this new one-off
special, The Great Art Robbery, has been revealed in an exclusive new
video for Digital Spy,
Click Here.
7.12.13
Doctor
Dynamo. [Picture and story from the Telegraph & Argus] "Dynamo receives
honorary degree at Bradford University Ceremony. Bradford's Dynamo is now a
doctor after Bradford University ceremony today (Wednesday 4th December). The
31-year-old, who grew up as Steven Frayne on Bradford’s Delph Hill estate, could
never have imagined he would end up standing in front of a group of academics at
his home city university, giving a speech urging them to believe in magic..." To
read the full story (with video) in the Telegraph & Argus
Click Here. "Read Dynamo's honorary graduation speech to Bradford University
in full"
Click Here.
7.12.13
Penn
& Teller bring Vegas show to the UK. Penn & Teller will be returning to the
UK next year bringing their latest Vegas show to audiences in Manchester,
Birmingham, and London writes Ian Westhead in
ATVToday:
"The production will be starting in Manchester before switching to Birmingham
and then finally arriving in London for a mammoth 5 nights at the Eventim Apollo
Hammersmith. These shows are part of the legendary team’s first ever UK tour.
Previous visits to the UK have seen the duo host their own ITV series, and
several telly guest spots, however now audiences can see live the action of Penn
& Teller’s classic magic tricks performed amid their unique brand of humour and
audience participation. Organisers say that no show will be the same and that
the audience will never know what will happen on the night. For years Penn &
Teller have defied labels – and at times physics and good taste – by redefining
the genre of magic and inventing their own very distinct niche in comedy. With
sold out runs on Broadway, world tours, Emmy-winning TV specials and hundreds of
outrageous appearances on everything from The Royal Variety Performance and
Friends to The Simpsons." Tour dates: Friday June 13th Palace Theatre
Manchester; Sunday June 15th Alexandra Theatre Birmingham; Friday 18th to Sunday
22nd Hammersmith Apollo, London. Tickets:
www.ticketmaster.co.uk.
7.12.13
The
Happenings: "An extraordinary new, epic-scale show from the award-winning
makers of Derren Brown. The Happenings makes the unbelievable, believable,
following a series of unexplained phenomenon and mysterious events." Series
starts on Monday 9th December. See
TV Magic. Also see
www.watch.uktv.co.uk. "Check out the grossest ever magic trick from The
Happenings"
Click Here. "Magicians Barry and Stuart perform disgusting eye-popping
needle trick ahead of discussing their new show The Happenings"
Click Here. "Bristol harbour alien revealed as stunt by Watch ahead of 'The
Happenings'"
Click Here. "Do you believe in magic? The Happenings' Barry and Stuart
perform stomach-churning tricks"
Click Here.
7.12.13
The
British Ring Convention 2014, 24th-28th September, Bournemouth. Geoffrey
Newton PRO writes: Organisers have been
working hard and have pleasure in announcing that the following artistes are now
booked: Fielding West (photo - USA), Jeton (Germany), Hans Davis
(Belgium), Kyla Lingley (Canada), Celtic Storm (Ireland) and from
the UK: Tensai, Daniel Dean and Co, Terry Herbert, Martyn James, Mel Harvey, Paul Stone,
Michael Carr, Nicholas Lee, Richard Cadell & Sooty, and The Amazing Morgan. An
excellent line up I’m sure you will agree. Look out for further announcements as
information comes to hand. Members’ registration for the convention is £120
(Beaulieu Day Trip, Dinner, and Sooty Show extra) until 31st January 2014. See
www.magicconvention.co.uk for further details.
7.12.13
Bristol
Day of Magic. Ozzy Dee writes: Next year's Bristol Day of Magic will take
place on Sunday 11th May 2014 (put it in your diary!). Denis Behr
visits the the UK for the first time in three years, presenting an exclusive lecture,
performance and workshop. The highly regarded author of Handcrafted Card Magic, he
was awarded Most Valued Participant by the 250 attendees at the legendary
Fechters gathering in 2012. He is a charming and technically superb performer,
with regular, card-only, one-man shows in Munich. His lecture reveals a modest,
highly intelligent, approach to miracle creation; if you are serious about card
magic you need to be there.
The Bristol Day of Magic is the UK's largest one-day convention offering a great
atmosphere,
encouraging informal interaction with performers, near perfect close-up viewing
conditions and in-depth discussion in small workshops, making this an ideal setting to
witness Denis Behr and other great names in.
www.bristolmagic.co.uk.
7.12.13
Dynamo
Revealed. Radio 1 DJ and TV presenter Zane Lowe takes
Dynamo back to his roots, uncovering the story of how he went from being
bullied on a housing estate in Bradford to becoming a globally
successful magician.
Filmed in front of an intimate audience of fans, family and friends,
Dynamo shares his personal story and reveals never seen before footage
from his early days.
Dynamo said: "I am really looking forward to sitting down with Zane. Through watching
my shows my fans have gained some knowledge of my life story, but this
is going to be a real opportunity to delve deeper and for viewers to
find out what inspired me to take up magic and hear about the trials and
tribulations I encountered along the way." 9pm on Thursday 19th December Watch. See
TV
Magic.
7.12.13
The
BBC's 'Magic' series continues on Watch at
11pm on Tuesday 10th December with programme five Dangerous Magic - The legacy of Houdini.
Even other escapologists think that American Robert Gallup is mad. He's
famous for performing the Death Dive 18,000 feet above the Mojave Desert.
He was handcuffed, chained inside a mailbag which was in turn put inside a
locked metal cell which was then pushed out of an airplane. A parachute
was on the outside of the cell so Gallup had to free himself, pick the
cell's lock, grab the parachute and open it in 45 seconds – while he and
the cell were falling at 120 mph. The idea for the stunt came when Gallup
was trying to think what sort of death defying escape Houdini would
attempt if he was alive today!
In this show Robert Gallup (photo) performs an escape that he designed
specially for the programme and that has never been seen before. High
above the banks of the Thames he's strait-jacketed inside a Blaine like
Perspex box. But this is no feat of endurance – the floor of the box has
been fitted with a hair trigger and unless Robert Gallup escapes in time
he'll be sent hurtling down to be impaled on a rack of blazing spears! See
TV
Magic.
7.12.13
Instantly
calculate any day of the week in 2014! For example, what day does
19th February 2014 fall on? Answer: Wednesday! One of our listed lecturers,
Chris Hare The Mind Boggler, (see
Lecturers)
has devised a system that allows you to instantly calculate any day of
the week in 2014. Chris would like to share his system with MagicWeek
readers (treat it as an early Christmas present) - simply email him with
the subject heading 'Speed Dating 2014' and
he'll send you the method. Also Chris him know your magical interests and
any magic club that you're a member of too.
chris@mindboggler.co.uk
www.mindboggler.co.uk.
7.12.13
Conjuring at the Court,
London. From the organisers: Conjuring at the Court on Friday 27th
December on features the witty and amazing Ian Keable; the
mind-bending cool manipulation of Dafedas B; the hilarious magic and
ventriloquism of John Kimmons; and the classic magic of Scott Penrose (photo), an
entrancing performance full of colour, music and mystery. Compered by lively and
funny co-producer, magician Stephen Barry. It’s going to be a super night of
magical entertainment. The show starts at 8pm and will run to about 10pm with an interval. Still only
£10! Why not come early and enjoy a dinner from the pub’s varied menu!
The show is in the lovely function room of the Drayton Court, 2 The Avenue, West
Ealing, London W13 8PH (Map). There is a bar at the back of the room so you can have a drink
while enjoying the magic. Seats are comfortable and all have a good view of the
stage. Just 12 minutes from Central London.
The Christmas shows always fill up quickly, so please don’t leave it too late to
book. Tickets available at
www.conjuringatthecourt.com.
7.12.13
Taurus
Magic Supply have reorganised their website, and write: "Auntie Anne has been beavering
away and the site is now much easier to read and to locate what you are looking
for. Items manufactured by Alan Warner, Collectors Workshop, Jack Hughes and
hundreds of other dealers are all listed at bargain prices and you can now pay
via PayPal. Over the next few weeks another 100 substantial magic props will be
added to the site. Thank you for all your enquiries about the Robert Harbin book
and the giant size Rice, Orange and Checkers, but these have now been sold."
Visit www.taurusmagic.net
today!
7.12.13
Dobson's
done it again! Buy Wayne Dobson's latest DVD ‘Look No Hands’ at a 20%
discount (normal price £20 – discounted price £16) and you'll also receive free
PDF versions of WD40, Look No Hands and Special Effects
(normal retail £37). Limited offer! Visit
www.waynedobson.co.uk
today!
7.12.13
Children’s Magic Show,
London. From the organisers:
Professional children’s entertainer John Kimmons will give your children a
marvellous afternoon of magic and ventriloquism with colourful, cheeky puppets.
John is one of the top children’s entertainers in the UK, a hilarious,
award-winning performer offering fun and mystery for adults and children alike.
As a special bonus, master magician Scott Penrose returns to the Christmas show with
an amazing performance that has been seen around the world, a feast of visual
amazement.
The show starts at 2.30pm on Friday 27th December and will run to about 4pm with an interval. £6
children, £8 adults (16+). All children to be accompanied by an adult please.
The show is in the lovely function room of the Drayton Court, 2 The Avenue, West
Ealing, London W13 8PH (Map). Refreshments are available in the room. Seats are comfortable
and all have a good view of the stage. Just 12 minutes from Central London. Tickets available at
www.conjuringatthecourt.com.
7.12.13
"Harry
Handcuff Houdini". More on the upcoming Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Magic Auction
that we featured last week: A Magical Auction of Ephemera at Dreweatts &
Bloomsbury Auctions. "Handcuffs and other props belonging to one of the world’s
most famous illusionists and escape artists, Harry Houdini, are among a
selection of 260 lots of conjuring books, prints, memorabilia, decorative
objects and apparatus in Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Auctions Bibliophile sale on
Thursday 12th December. Known at the beginning of his career as 'Harry Handcuff
Houdini', the Hungarian-American escape artist prepared the pictured handcuffs
specially to ensure a fool-proof escape. Houdini would normally use unprepared
apparatus, so the rare pair was probably for use in his particularly risky
Chinese Water Torture, or other underwater acts. They are accompanied by a typed
letter from magician Billy McComb, detailing how he acquired them. McComb
explains how he found them amongst a large collection of rusty props purchased
from the widow of Houdini’s brother, Theo Hardeen. Better known as ‘Dash’
Houdini’s brother was his stage partner before his wife, Wilhelmina Beatrice
‘Bess’ Rahner, replaced him in the 1890s. Whilst restoring the cuffs, McComb
discovered they had been modified by Houdini. Such examples are rare survivors
from the escape artist’s acts. This pair and letter are together estimated at
£2,000-3,000. See
Lot 47
and Click
Here to see the complete sale catalogue. "Secret behind Houdini's famous
escapes unlocked"
Click Here.
7.12.13
Sean Heydon will be making a guest appearance on the Soccer AM Christmas
special. The show will be aired for the first time on Christmas Day on Sky One.
For information about more TV shows Sean will be soon appearing on see
www.facebook.com/alternativemagician
or follow him on Twitter @seanheydon.
7.12.13
John
Styles is currently playing to packed houses in Brick Lane Music Hall's
glittering Christmas Show. John was recently pleased to learn that his picture
appears, representing the Punch & Judy fraternity, in the 2013 Guinness Book of
Records.
7.12.13
Typhoon
Haiyan Appeal. Four Magicians from The Magic Circle joined forces last week
to raise money for those affected by Typhoon Haiyan. Tom Whitestone, Simon
Rosselli (Amigo’s Magic) Owen Reid (Foxy the Funky Genie) Roberto Forzoni
(Forzoni) all gave their time to appear in the South London Variety Show. The
show was held together by Toby Warren (another magician – aka Tricky Toby). The
event sold out and food was provided in the interval by some wonderful Filipino
ladies. Tom did some classics of Magic with Torn and Restored Newspaper and
Linking Rings, Foxy the Funky Genie did his hilarious Ventriloquism routine and
Roberto finished off the show with some mind reading – which left the audience
asking a lot of questions! A great time was had by all and over £2,000 was
raised. Many thanks to all those that got involved. Simon Rosselli.
7.12.13
Canadian Magician, Ben Train, visits the UK for a short lecture tour in January. Using material from his critically acclaimed book, magic downloads, and numerous magazine contributions, Ben will help you discover strong magic that’s not just fun to watch, but fun to perform as well! There’s something in this lecture for everyone, from material you’ll need to practice to tricks so easy you’ll be able to do them before you leave your seat. You’ll learn magic that happens in your audience’s hands, read three people’s minds… instantly and with no sleight of hand, and discover new principles that will give you the tools to create your own powerful routines. Equally important, Ben will be talking about the theories behind the magic. Not only will you learn how to better connect with people, and create interesting, meaningful routines, but you’ll learn how proper structure can make your magic better and your job easier. He will be lecturing for Manchester Circle of Magicians on Monday 13th, Blackpool Magicians' Club on Tuesday 14th, Leicester Magic Circle on Monday 20th and The British Magical Society on Tuesday 21st. If you would like him to lecture for your club, email Sean Lobban mistertall@mistertall.co.uk. 7.12.13
"Magician
David Copperfield Has Trademarked 'DC' Comics"
Click Here • "Madonna Announces David Blaine as Guest Curator for
'Art for Freedom' in December"
Click Here • The Cromer Christmas Show is reviewed by Steve Medler
this week,
Click Here • Stunning Mentalism - Interview with Marc Spelmann
Click Here • "Magical rabbit has a talent for miracle escapes"
Click Here • "Magic Scott hopes to have big brands under his spell"
Click Here • "So You Want to Know Magicians' Secrets? It All Happens
in Your Own Mind"
Click Here • "Teen magician premiers new tricks"
Click Here • "Deaf illusionist with a magical message"
Click Here • "This anamorphic optical illusion is the most
mind-bending thing you'll see today"
Click Here •
Thanks to all who send in UK magic news. See you next week,
Duncan.
7.12.13