Number 717 - 22nd March 2014

 

David Blaine interview: "There is a very big idea that I am going to do in London for the first time ever," he says. "It’s a very simple idea, but it will be the best thing I have ever done. The most exciting. I know that it will drive me and I will push myself in a way I never would if it was not in front of me." This will happen in a football stadium in London in late 2016. "I have another decade before something goes wrong." David Blaine has starved and stabbed himself, almost drowned, and fallen from great heights - all for our entertainment. Does the modern-day Houdini have a death wish? The first time I meet David Blaine he is weird. Really weird. Zoned out, distracted or high on something, I can’t tell. It’s a private dinner in an upstairs room at a London hotel and he enters without small talk. Dressed all in black with a black baseball cap, the American illusionist is big, bulky and intimidating... To read the full article by Cole Moreton in The Telegraph Click Here. Photo © MagicWeek 12th October 2003. 22.3.14

 

Marvin Berglas receives top honour at The 2014 British Magical Society Awards. The award, for 'Outstanding Contribution to Magic' was presented to Marvin by his father, David Berglas (himself a previous recipient), as the award is named after him, which made it a particularly poignant and special occasion for both of them last Saturday in Birmingham. Marvin is the 26th recipient, in this, coincidently, the 26th year of his hugely successful Marvin’s Magic business, which now distributes magic in 64 countries worldwide. It puts Marvin’s name amongst British Magic folklore, alongside many renowned magicians. In his acceptance speech Marvin said how proud he was to have encouraged literally millions of young magicians and made a point to say it was a team effort, thanking all those that have helped along the way, especially the Marvin's Magic team at the company HQ, and all their demonstrators past and present. On April 7th Marvin will interview his father, David Berglas, at a special evening live on stage at The Magic Circle in London. The interview will be titled 'The Berglas Touch'. www.marvinsmagic.com www.marvinberglas.com. 22.3.14

 

"Damien O’Brien discusses new BBC Three Magic competition, Killer Magic. In the ever growing interest surrounding magic and illusion BBC Three is bringing us a new competition, featuring five up and coming magicians all with a different style, who will compete with each other performing a series of tasks and tricks incorporating a different theme each week. Having to use their wits and poker faces, each magician will then have to score their competitors tricks out of ten, with the contestant with the lowest mark each week having to undertake a ‘killer trick’ – a notorious illusion or magic trick that has jeopardised the lives of those who have tried to perform it throughout history..." To read the full article by Anna Howell in Unreality Primetime Click Here. "Matt Edmondson has signed up to voice BBC Three's new competition Killer Magic" Click Here. The first show will be screened on Tuesday April 1st (see TV Magic) and the rest of the series later in the year. 22.3.14

 

Northern Magic Circle Convention, Harrogate, 17th and 18th May. From the organisers: This year's convention is set to be a great one! We are, of course, returning to Harrogate, something for which people have been asking for some time. We have managed to secure the Harrogate Theatre, a fantastic venue, situated right in the heart of Harrogate town centre, just metres from some fantastic shops and eateries. Here are some of the star acts and lectures that you will see at this year's Convention: John Archer, a Stand-Up Comedy Magician with a penchant for the visual pun. He has won 'The Magic Circle Stage Magician of the Year', and was the first magician to fool Penn and Teller on their hit ITV series; Noel Qualter, a full time professional close-up magician who has performed his snappy sleight of hand and Jedi mind reading tricks all over the UK; Danny Hunt and Stephanie Clarke are Amethyst Escapologist and Illusionists. They have performed in some of the world's most prestigious venues; Michael Jordan, whose profile in the world of entertainment has been growing rapidly since 2007 when at only 16 he was awarded the British Ring Shield for most entertaining act, going on to win the legendary Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year title in 2009; and James Went, who uses his astounding ability at both sleight of hand and mind reading to create a personalised experience that regularly blows the minds of his audiences. The registration desk is now open for both on-line and paper-based registrations. See www.northernmagiccircle.org.uk for more information and to book. Venue: Harrogate Theatre, 6 Oxford Street, Harrogate HG1 1QF (Map). 22.3.14

 

The Deception Convention, Liverpool, is fast approaching! The day will feature lectures from BBC3's 'Killer Magic' star Dee Christopher and Daniel Chard, Wayne Goodman, Gary Jones and Chris Congreave, plus a dealers' hall featuring Flat Cap Productions, The 1914, Magic Tao and more. A handful of tickets are still available for our after-show party, including an open mic competition, and performances from Wayne Goodman, The Wizards of Odd and Discovery Channel's new show 'The Mind Control Freaks' star Lewis Le Val. Deception Convention, Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool. Sunday 8th June. Main Event 10am - 7pm. After Show (18+) 8.30pm - Late. These tickets are in short supply - when they are gone they are gone! For more information and ticket sales, visit www.deceptionconvention.co.uk. Jonti Sparrow, Convention Organiser. 22.3.14

 

The Bristol Day of Magic. Only 10 weeks to go to the largest one day magic convention in the UK, The Bristol Day of Magic. Starring Gaëtan Bloom, Denis Behr, Ian Rowland, Paul Romhany, Magic Olly, Neal Austin and Daniel Dean. Expect lectures, close up sessions, workshops, a theatre show and many magic dealers. For more information see www.bristoldayofmagic.com. (Early Bird tickets only available for a few more weeks). 22.3.14

 

The Card Shark Show - London. Now in its second year. Every Friday evening from now until May 30th. "One of the world's foremost Magicians and close up magic star Steve Truglia amazes London's West End Audiences with classic card tricks, cheats and scams in this unique and interactive multimedia show, with film, images, music and live camera action, to bring close up magic to every audience member. Having passed the notoriously rigorous performance exam for The Magic Circle, Steve sought out long ago hidden secrets within the Magic Circle's incredible library, to further study these dark arts. In earlier life Steve's time with UK Special Forces taught him the use of psychological operations to defeat an adversary; skills which are also used by gambling cheats and con artists to this day. Steve has now been awarded the highest degree within the Magic Circle, attainable by examination, that of Associate of the Inner Magic Circle, (AIMC); he is one of only 300 people in the world to hold this distinction." See What's On for more details, discount code, and times. 22.3.14

 

International News: Magical Theatre Restaurant and Magicians Guild in Sydney, Australia. Tucked away in Sydney’s exclusive suburb of Paddington, The Magician’s Cabaret is an old-world style Theatre Restaurant themed with magic memorabilia and an inviting 1930s proscenium arch stage that offers classic cabaret acts of song, dance, comedy and magic as you enjoy a four-course candle lit dinner. Alongside it The Magicians Guild is an enigmatic, members-only magic club for magicians and enthusiasts alike. Find out more, see: La Fortuna, a magicians tale... Click Here. 22.3.14

 

Andi Gladwin October UK Lecture Tour. Steve Gore writes: "I am delighted to announce that Andi Gladwin, co-founder of Vanishing Inc and The Session is doing a short two week lecture tour of the UK. If you haven't seen his lecture then now is your chance. He was the only British close-up magician to perform in Washington, DC for President Obama's 2013 Inauguration. Here is some info about him on Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andi_Gladwin. His lecture will include: An introduction to the Master Pushoff; A decent helping of close-up tricks from his professional performances; A 10-minute stand up routine that fits in a small folder, yet fills a stage; A brief talk with some new and interesting thoughts on marketing for magicians. He is available the last two weeks of October 2014. Please contact me directly on this one, as it's a set-date tour. tours@stevegore.co.uk". 22.3.14

 

The Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians held their annual Close-up Competition on Wednesday, 12th March. The new holder of the Tom Laws Plate is Max Jacklin. The competition was very strong this year with seven excellent competitors. Our next competition is The Tony Shelley Cup for stage magic on 7th May, all visitors welcome. For details email sueoakley61@gmail.com. Sue Oakley. 22.3.14

 

The TwinsFX have helped break box office records for Robin Cousins’ ICE. Olympic champion and head judge on ITV’s Dancing on Ice, Robin Cousins has hand-picked the greatest ice skaters from around the globe to bring his incredible new production to life. Dynamic and atmospheric Robin Cousins’ ICE will draw you into its unique world, where world class skaters glide, soar, flip and fly in a truly theatrical setting. ICE features a powerful soundtrack of original music and reworked modern classics designed to delight and enthrall. The TwinsFX were brought in to add some ‘wow’ moments to the show, including the puzzling appearance of a skater. The show is touring the UK until the end of May. See www.robincousinsice.com and www.thetwinsfx.com. 22.3.14

 

Ravi Mayar lecture now booking. Steve Gore writes: "Ravi Mayar presents his new 'No Card tricks!' lecture. It will include effects which are organic and done with everyday items and also performance tips, for example: 'personality vs skill'... (make them remember who you are not just what you have done) and  'Invest in your imagination'. His lecture will also touch upon basic pickpocketing for magicians (using magic to get close to assist with the dip) and his approach to hypnotism if required. Ravi Mayar is a Canadian/British full time Magician, Pickpocket and Hypnotist. His DVD Collision Vol 1 was a 2013 Blackpool Release and Collision Vol 2 was a 2014 Blackpool Release. He co-anchored the following artist's DVD projects: Lee Smith's 'The Step System' and 'iPhone 10', and James Brown's 'Professional Opportunist' both produced by RSVP and he was featured in Anthony Jacquin's Hypnosis DVD 'The Trilby Connection'. Contact Ravi directly ravimayar@hotmail.com with your preferred lecture date." Also see www.mayarmagic.com. 22.3.14

 

A Casa da Magia. The voice of Luis de Matos debuts in the magical animated tale "A Casa da Magia", now playing in cinemas across Portugal. Click Here. 22.3.14

 

Magicians at the Half Moon, Bishop's Stortford: "If it's not already in your diary, put it in there now! The last Friday of every month is Magicians at the Half Moon, and on Friday 28th March Andy Clockwise is back to host the evening with another two brilliant magicians. Past winner of the International Brotherhood of Magicians British Close-Up Magical Championships and Close-Up Magician of the Year competitions, Sean Carpenter will be making his MATHM debut performing magic with a contagious sense of fun, and topping the bill is three-times winner of The Magic Circle Close-Up Magician of the Year competition, Michael Vincent. Once again, it promises to be another magic packed evening at the Half Moon, 31 North Street, Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23 2LD (Map). Space is limited at the Half Moon so it is always best to reserve your seats in advance by dropping an email to Martin at martin@comedyofmagic.co.uk or giving him a call on 01279 659562. The entry price is still £10 per person. Doors open 7.30pm, and the show starts at 8pm. For more information see www.halfmoonmagic.co.uk." 22.3.14

 

Classic magic books as poster art. Richard Gerrish writes: I’ve just launched a magic related crowd funding project on Kickstarter. I’ve designed three posters using images and text from ‘Expert at the Card Table’, ‘Modern Coin Magic’ and ‘Practical Mental Magic’. More info and details can be found at www.kickstarter.com. 22.3.14

 

Bristol Gospel Magic Workshop, Saturday 29th March. Mark Foster of Mission Magic writes: "Make sure you don't miss the one day Gospel Magic Workshop with Paul Morley and myself on Saturday 29th March in Bristol. 10am to 3pm. We'll be sharing the 7 principles of great gospel magic, tips and ideas on how to develop and structure your own Gospel Magic routines and 6 fun fab gospel magic routines you can do. Key Note Speaker Paul Morley will be sharing his 35 years experience of Gospel Magic which has taken him around the world - including villages in rural India. As Paul invented many of the classics of Gospel Magic you're in good hands! As well as coffee and chocolate digestives you will also get a free booklet, ‘So You Want to be A Gospel Magician’, access to the Pop Up Magic Shop and a 10% discount on anything bought on the day! It always is an entertaining and educational day. And at only £25 per delegate it's also great value for money. Places are limited, so grab the last few tickets. To book call Mark Foster on 07446 780241 or Click Here." 22.3.14

 

Jamie Allan: iMagician. I saw Jamie Allan's live theatre show iMagician last Saturday at the G Live theatre in Guildford. This hugely impressive, essentially one-man show, featured Jamie performing close-up magic (on the big screen), illusions, mind reading, comedy, card productions... together with cutting edge magic involving the live use of Facebook, multiple iPads, lasers, holograms and more! Jamie's fusion of classic magic and the very latest technology really worked and his easy manner meant that he instantly connected with his audience. At the end of the evening the packed theatre rewarded him with a standing ovation. Do see this show next time it tours, it's excellent. www.magicjamie.com. DT. 22.3.14

 

"Master of the Mind: Derren Brown" Click Here • "Derren Brown: Master of illusion leaves spellbound audience with their jaws on the floor" Click Here • "Video: Magician on a mission to cut food waste" Click Here • "Penn Jillette’s kids Moxie CrimeFighter and Zolten laugh at ‘god’" Click Here • "Super illusionist coming to Cohan Center" Click Here • "Now you see me…" Click Here • "Stephen Mulhern is busiest man on TV" Click Here • "Bill Gates picks his 13 favorite TED talks" Click Here • "Wonderful Subway Ad Shows a Woman's Hair Blowing Around Whenever a Train Arrives" Click Here • And finally, "Documentary 'Tim's Vermeer' demystifies a masterpiece" Click Here • That's it for another week, I'm off to see a lecture by Bruce McCandless today, which should be fascinating. McCandless was the first ever astronaut to make an untethered spacewalk. See you next week, Duncan. 22.3.14

 

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