Number 724 - 10th May 2014

Become a Member of The Magic Circle.

The Apprentice Scheme: The Magic Circle Apprentice Scheme allows those wishing to join The Magic Circle the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of being a Member as they prepare to take their exam. Apprentices in addition receive mentorship and support to pass their exam. Apprentices are expected to show potential to pass The Magic Circle examination within two years. They are also not entitled to call themselves members or have use of The Magic Circle logo. Who Can Join as an Apprentice? Applicants seeking to join as Apprentices must be over 18 years of age and be proposed by an existing member who has known them for at least one year (many local Magic Clubs contain members of The Magic Circle who will be able to give you advice and may become your sponsors. However, this requirement may be relaxed if the applicant can offer sufficient justification of their suitability for Apprenticeship.) They will then undergo an interview with one of the senior members of The Magic Circle to establish that they have sufficient knowledge and skills.

The Examination Process: The Magic Circle welcomes applications for membership from competent magicians (amateur or professional) from around the world. All such applications will be positively considered. Following receipt of your Application Form, an interview will be arranged by the Examinations Secretary whereby he/she or his/her Deputy will talk to you to ensure that your magic skills are at an appropriate level. The interview will take place at The Magic Circle HQ with an opportunity for you to enjoy an evening at the world's most prestigious magic club, to explore our HQ and to see some examinations taking place. Subject to a successful interview, you will then be invited to do your examination (audition), where you will be judged on your magical technique and presentational skills. You can read/download the 'Guide to Examinations' booklet and the 'Guide to Marking' mark scheme from this page. If your magical interests are more theoretical there is an option for you to submit a thesis rather than a practical demonstration of your magical skills. If you pass that examination, you will be recommended for membership to the ruling Council of The Magic Circle. The final step is for Council to ratify your membership by ballot. This may seem a lengthy process but it is well worth it to be able to claim membership of the world's premier magic club.

Some of the Benefits: Membership of The Magic Circle gives one the right to enjoy the facilities of the finest magic club headquarters in the world. There is the Club Room, with a drinks and refreshments bar, where one can meet and entertain fellow magicians in comfort. The Library houses over 6000 magic books for loan or reference. The Museum holds a fascinating collection of magical artefacts and houses the finest collection of magic posters in the UK, possibly the world. The beautiful Devant Room is the perfect space for showing the latest tricks and moves to one’s peers. The Magic Circle Theatre offers performers and lecturers an ideal environment to complement their work, supported by an expert team of technicians using the latest hi-tech equipment. All members receive the acclaimed full colour monthly magazine, the Magic Circular, which provides news, reviews and articles on history, performers and magical effects for members only. Regular lectures by the world’s finest lecturers, the opportunity to meet and discuss magic with the world’s finest magicians, and the hands-on tuition provided by the ever-popular Summer School, ensure that you will continue to improve your magical ability. As a member you will gain the opportunity to take part in prestigious competitions and attend additional events.

For further details (including a video presentation) visit: www.themagiccircle.co.uk/join-us. (Note: There are six pages of membership information; see links on the left hand side of The Magic Circle's website). 10.5.14

Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee: The 'Back Despite Popular Demand' Tour! Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee are 'Back Despite Popular Demand' later this year as they weave their spell across the country. www.pauldaniels.co.uk/tour-dates.

Sept 18th The Forum, Billingham
Sept 19th The Town Hall, Kidderminster
Sept 20th The Arts Centre, Evesham
Sept 21st The Harlington Centre, Fleet
Sept 24th The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon
Sept 25th Windsor Hall, Blackburn
Sept 26th The Arts Centre, Livingstone Howden
Oct 2nd The Civic Theatre, Rotherham
Oct 3rd The Broadway Theatre, Barking
Oct 4th Chipping Norton Theatre
Oct 5th The Playhouse, Weston-Super-Mare
Oct 8th The Savoy Theatre, Monmouth
Oct 9th The Playhouse, Epsom
Oct 10th Blackfriars Arts Centre, Boston
Oct 15th Millfield Arts Centre, Edmonton
Oct 16th Hazlitt Theatre, Maidstone
Oct 17th The West Cliff Theatre, Clacton
Oct 24th The Lyceum Theatre, Crewe
Oct 25th The Gatehouse Theatre, Stafford
Oct 29th The Playhouse Theatre, Whitley Bay
Oct 31st The Regal Theatre, Tenbury Wells
Nov 2nd Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage
Nov 6th Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl
Nov 7th Palace Theatre, Newark
Nov 8th Camberley Theatre
Nov 12th The Ashcroft Theatre, Croydon
Nov 15th The Mill, Banbury
Nov 21st The Princess Theatre, Hunstanton
Nov 22nd Chequer Mead Arts Centre, East Grinstead. 10.5.14

54th Bristol Day of Magic, tomorrow, Weston Super Mare! Denis Behr visits 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. There are still a few tickets left: www.bristolmagic.co.uk. 10.5.14

Andi Gladwin and Wayne Goodman added to Northern Magic Circle Convention line up for May 17th and 18th in Harrogate. John Russell writes: Andi isn't just a magic nerd. He's a real nerd and you'll get to see exactly why during the convention. His magic uses a combination of sleight of hand and clever technology to create some unique effects. Andi divides his time between being a professional close-up magician, magic creator, co-founder of Vanishing Inc. Magic, best-selling magic author (and Genii columnist) and lecturer. His Master Pushoff and Multiple Revelation Project DVDs were both best sellers and received rave reviews in all major magic journals. In his lecture, he will demonstrate the versatility of this incredible double pushoff technique as well as explaining select effects from his professional close-up and parlour magic repertoire. Wayne Goodman stands out from other magicians due to his fun approach to entertaining, mixed with his amazing sleight-of-hand skills. He will be performing in the close-up gala, hosting a Junior Workshop and no doubt getting involved with the whole weekend. www.northernmagiccircle.org.uk. 10.5.14

"Magicians Penn and Teller celebrate 40 years together" (Video) bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-27326028. "Steve Wright in the Afternoon. Steve chats to singer Anastacia and legendary magicians Penn and Teller" bbc.co.uk/programmes/b042b6vd. "Richard Bacon talks to Penn from Penn and Teller about their working relationship" bbc.co.uk/programmes/b042lgy9. While they were in MediaCity in Salford on Radio 5 Live, Teller performed silently: youtube.com/watch?v=vTn7skf_zOY. "Penn reveals most difficult magic trick" bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01yqn9f. "Penn Jillette of Penn & Teller: 'People claim to do magic shows on TV, and they're lying.'" Click Here. "Dangerous magic stunts blasted by Penn & Teller" Click Here. "Like magic, Teller speaks" Click Here. "’Magic To Do’ Teller on ’The Tempest’" Click Here. See What's On for upcoming UK tour dates. 10.5.14

The Dobson Experience. News from Wayne Dobson: My good friend and colleague Mike Sullivan will be performing some of my pet routines in a one man show at the Barons Court Theatre, London. This is the first time in 25 years that some of these routines have been performed live! I'd like to wish Mike and False Impressions (full show details and tickets can be found at www.falseimpressions.co.uk) the best of luck in what will be the start of something new. Break a leg. 'The Dobson Experience'. Barons Court Theatre, 'The Curtains Up', 28A Comeragh Road, London W14 9HR (Map). 2 minutes walk from either Barons Court (Piccadilly Line) or West Kensington (District Line) tube stations. Saturday 17th May at 8pm, Sunday 18th May at 8pm, Saturday 24th May at 3pm and 8pm, Sunday 25th May at 8pm. Also see What's On. 10.5.14

World-of-Magic.co.uk becomes Tricks.co. "The World of Magic online Magic Shop has a new home! After more than 10 years World of Magic have decided to upgrade its entire online presence. The new look shop can now be found at http://tricks.co and to celebrate the re-launch of the site we are having our very first Sale! As well as offering Loyalty Reward Points for future orders. We still offer free delivery on orders over £30 throughout the UK and many items are also free delivery throughout Europe (weight restrictions apply to non UK addresses). To save 5% on your order simply enter the code WORLDOFMAGIC during the checkout process." 10.5.14

Urban Voodoo Club, Thursday, May 29th, Leeds. After the success of April's sold out show, Urban Voodoo Club returns to The Adelphi in Leeds on May 29th at 7.30pm, for another night of wonder, amazing magic and daredevil feats. Acts already lined up are: Harrison Richards - astonishing mind reading; Tristan Stothard - the man who knows no pain!; Peter Turner - mentalism for the modern world; Phil Knoxville - stand up comedy and twisted magic; Chris Clarke - cool and crafty conjuring. Ticket: £7 advance or £10 on the door www.wegottickets.com/urbanvoodooclub. Venue: The Adelphi, 3-5 Hunslet Road, Leeds LS10 1JQ (Map). www.urbanvoodooclub.co.uk  twitter.com/urbanvoodooclub facebook.com/uvcmagic. 10.5.14

Mark Leveridge Podcast - May 2014: The free monthly 30 minute Podcast is available for listening online or to download and this month it includes, amongst other topics, why it's better to chase show fees rather than show numbers, considers how good you are at juggling the various promotional strands available to us today, invites you to ruminate on how you would cope if your close-up case was lost or stolen, and talks about a magic club organisational format that is starting to become a little more popular. Always interesting and thought provoking, the May 2014 Podcast, along with all the previous editions, is available free from www.markleveridge.co.uk/podcast.php. 10.5.14

The first series of Troy's 'made for TV' style magic show is being repeated, starting this Sunday on E4 (see TV Magic). From the programme makers: "South Londoner Troy may look like an ordinary 24 year old, but don't be fooled by his unassuming manner as he is one of the UK's most impressive magicians. This brand new series enters Troy's world, where he uses everyday objects and situations to baffle and amaze unsuspecting members of the public. With his distinctive blend of close-up magic, studio illusions and spectacular stunts, Troy makes the pulse race and jaws drop as he shakes up the magic world." For those who missed the series first time around, here are two typical examples of Troy's 'magic' www.channel4.com/programmes/troy/videos/all/the-comic-book-shop and www.channel4.com/programmes/troy/videos/all/s1-ep5-the-missing-piece. 10.5.14

Order of the Magi Jumbo Auction. Geoffrey Newton PRO writes: The Order of the Magi (Manchester) are holding a Jumbo Auction on Tuesday 13th May at The New Irish World Heritage Centre, 1 Irish Town Way, Manchester M8 0AE (Map) commencing at 7.30pm prompt but with viewing from 6.30pm. Lot numbers are now available so if you need one please contact Max Townsend Entertainments Officer on 07800 618218 or email max.townsend@stockport.gov.uk. Details are on www.orderofthemagi.org.uk. Door charge £3 for non members. Do come along as there might be the very thing you are looking for. 10.5.14

ADVERTISING FEATURE

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Ferrybridge Day of Magic, Sunday 13th July. Michael Shepherd writes: "Travis Perkins is pleased to announce the date for the 22nd Ferrybridge Day of Magic. Sunday 13th July 2014. With two Lecturettes, the Showette and Dealers and traders, the day looks very promising, and all for £5.00. More news as we approach the day! Venue is The Community Centre, The Square, Ferrybridge, West Yorkshire WF11 8PQ (Map). Doors open 9.45am and the day closes at 5.00pm. Further details will be announced in the coming weeks." Information can be obtained from Michael Shepherd on 01904 709500 or admin@castlemagicalservices.co.uk. 10.5.14

Oliver Meech: When Magic & Science Collide 2.0, Baron's Court, London. Oliver's sell-out smash comes to Baron's Court, London. Expect amazing tricks inspired by astounding science, in a comedy magic show for the QI generation. It's the natural selection! "My jaw hit the floor" BBC. "Could rival Derren Brown" Theatre-Wales.co.uk. "Hilarious" Buxton Fringe. 22 night sell-out run, Edinburgh Fringe 2013. Plus sell-out performances in London, Brighton Fringe, Buxton Fringe, Brighton Science Festival and Green Man Festival. Magic Consultant: Discovery Channel. Performer: London 2012 Olympics. Recommended by Metro and Time Out. Baron's Court Theatre, beneath The Curtains Up pub, London, W14 9HR. Tickets: www.falseimpressions.co.uk/schedule. 10.5.14

Luca Volpe wins Silver Nostradamus Award. Associate of the Inner Magic Circle with Silver Star, Luca Volpe, has been awarded the prestigious Silver Nostradamus Award in the 'Best European Mentalist 2014 Awards'. The competition was held in France at La Grande Garenne à Neuvy-sur-Barangeon. The bronze award was awarded to Javier Luxor from Spain, the silver to Luca Volpe and the Gold to Christian Bishof. The award was presented by the European Order of Mentalists last week. www.oedm.magie-ffap.fr/index.php/nostradamus-d-or. 10.5.14

God versus The Mind Reader. Oxfordshire-based mind reader Mark Cairns is repeating his 2013 Edinburgh Fringe show, God versus The Mind Reader, performing a new and expanded version for a limited run as part of the Oxford Fringe in late May and early June. "I wanted to give southern performers, friends and family who didn't get to see the show in Edinburgh a chance to see it." he said. Mark has spent the last 12 years entertaining corporate audiences up and down the country with his mind reading, but this show takes things in a very different direction. The show is based on Cairns own personal experience: "Four years ago, and completely out of the blue, my wife of 16 years sat me down and told me that she had secretly converted to Islam a few months earlier. The resulting divorce left me wondering how a person who had professed not to have any particular belief could suddenly become convinced of the existence of what I saw as an imaginary being, and such a specific flavour of imaginary being at that. Then it hit me. Who could be better placed than someone who earns his living through making people believe the unbelievable to understand just how someone could believe something that isn't true."

Cairns describes God versus The Mind Reader as a show that examines just what it is that makes the human mind so willing to believe, be it in psychics or gods. "I'm a sceptic myself," says Cairns, "but I set out with the objective of not being confrontational. Instead, the show is designed to examine the sort of psychology I use to create the illusion that I can read minds and then gently draw parallels between that and the psychology of religious belief. After the Edinburgh run, the thing that struck me was the response I got from believers. Obviously atheists enjoyed it, but I was surprised by the amount of interest it got from those of a religious persuasion. While I don't think I won anyone over to my way of thinking, that wasn't really what I set out to do. I just wanted to give people something to think about, and present a perspective on belief that a lot of people never get to see; that of the professional charlatan."

Venue: Old Fire Station, 40 George Street, Oxford OX1 2AQ (Map) 8.25pm-9.25pm on Thursday 29th May, Sunday 1st June, Saturday 7th June. Tickets £7 (£5/6 concessions). Bookings: 01865 305305. Online: www.ticketsoxford.com www.godvsmindreader.com. 10.5.14

Chris Dugdale and Tony Middleton were flown to Florence to entertain the top delegates for IBM Saudia Arabia last week. They performed close-up magic and an after-dinner show to a rapturous reception. The show was held in one of the world's most stunning venues, Castello di Vincigliata, a medieval castle overlooking Florence, where Queen Victoria was once a guest. 10.5.14

Comedy Magic & Illusions: Not So Serious Magicians at Play. Edinburgh Fringe Preview Show. Dave and Carl will be presenting their new comedy magic show for the Watford Association of Magicians July 1st at 8pm. Non-members welcome. £5 door charge. Venue: The Hall, Bricket Wood Social Club, Oak Avenue, Bricket Wood, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL2 3LQ (Map). www.wamclub.co.uk. 10.5.14

MagicMonday Auditions. "MagicMonday will be holding auditions for magicians interested in bringing their magic to London's Leicester Square. We are looking for stand-up/cabaret performers with enough entertaining material to do a 20 minute set. MagicMonday is a platform for exciting and entertaining magic, in the heart of London. Get in touch with today and arrange your audition. Email Andy Reay: andy@magicmonday.co.uk. This week's show features Damian Jennings. Tickets are available in advance from Eventbrite: www.magicmondaylondon.eventbrite.co.uk." 10.5.14

Portsmouth and District Magic Circle's 52nd Jumbo Day. Portsmouth and District Magic Circle will be holding their 52nd Jumbo Day at Buckland Community Centre, Malins Road, Portsmouth on Sunday 2nd November 2014. The day offers lectures, magic performances and the opportunity to buy and sell new and used magic props and DVDs, as well as an evening Gala show. Further details and tickets are available from the PDMC website: www.portsmouthmagic.co.uk/jumboday-paypal.php. Colin Rumford. 10.5.14

Paul Gordon, Sunday Blackburn lecture. If you are going to be in, or near, Blackburn tomorrow, Sunday 11th May, Paul Gordon is lecturing at MEMEL at 2pm. "Paul Gordon's lecture is fun, light-hearted and contains nothing but commercial and entertaining 'worker' card magic. All the magic is from his professional act. Even if you are not into cards, the lecture is full of professional advice and tips." Please see both www.memel.org.uk and www.paulgordon.net for full information. 10.5.14

Bestselling crime writer Peter James celebrates 10th anniversary of Roy Grace series with magician inspired novel. Sunday Times No 1 bestseller Peter James’ new novel, Want You Dead is out on June 2nd and magicians will be pleased to see he has been heavily inspired by the craft. The novel’s villain, Bryce Laurent, is a skilled close-up magician and escapologist with a dark past and a vendetta against his ex-girlfriend. Peter was influenced by a fire officer who he met while researching the novel, Matt Wainwright. The villain in the novel uses close-up magic to ruin the life of his ex-girlfriend, making life difficult for Peter's iconic Detective Roy Grace. It’s a brilliant, fast paced read and is sure to interest all keen magicians. Peter James is the author who finally knocked 50 Shades of Grey of the top spot in 2012 and his Roy Grace series has now sold over 14 million copies worldwide. Want You Dead is published on June 2nd. To pre-order from Amazon.co.uk Click Here. 10.5.14

Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians Champion. On Wednesday 7th May, the Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians, held their annual stage competition, for The Tony Shelley Cup. The evenings magical judges were Lee Thompson and Will Gray, who awarded the trophy to Damon Conlan. Congratulations to Damon on winning a close fought competition of a high standard. Sue Oakley. 10.5.14

The Scottish Conjurers Association President's Night on Wednesday 14th May will feature a lecture by one of Scotland's top magicians, the talented Denis Shields aka Magic Den. The lecture will include magic for kids as well as magic for adults. The Scottish Puppet and Mask Theatre, Balcarres Avenue, Glasgow G12 0QF. Visiting magicians £5. George Fitzpatrick. 10.5.14

The Fylde Mystics. Alan Mylecraine writes: At a recent meeting of The Fylde Mystics, Steve Eastham AIMC was made an Honorary Life Member of the society, which he has served so well, in recognition of his work in the world of magic. Steve is in esteemed company as the other two Honorary Life Members of The Fylde Mystics are Shawn Farquhar and David Williamson. Pictured: Steve Eastham receiving his certificate from Honorary Life Vice President Ken Ashburn. 10.5.14

International News: New president for Swedish Magic Circle. Mentalist and magician Ray Matson has just been elected as the Swedish Magic Circle's new president. The annual general meeting was held on the same weekend as the Swedish Championship in Magic, where Ray also won two third prizes. For more information contact see www.raymatson.com. (Photo by Arto Airaksinen). 10.5.14

‘1000 Londoners’ Films to be released at Vue West End and Piccadilly cinemas from today! Look out for teenage magician Frank amongst the shorts being screened alongside current blockbusters. www.1000londoners.com. 10.5.14

News deadline reminder. Please submit news by Thursday if possible - absolute deadline 12 noon Friday, no exceptions. DT. 10.5.14

New viral phenomenon. Magician Darcy Oake. 20 million views on YouTube Click Here • ""Hardly nailing it! Studio 10 presenter Jessica Rowe prevents co-host Sarah Harris from shooting herself in the face with a nail gun with just seconds to spare" Click Here • "GP magician retires with West End-style farewell" Click Here • David Blaine finds himself in Room 101, at 20 minutes and 50 seconds in [a little bit unfair this one! We've always liked David Blaine here at MagicWeek] Click Here • "Book club: Houdini invented himself: his name, his act and all" Click Here • "Blackmail, sabotage alleged by Branson magician" Click Here • "The Confabulist, by Steven Galloway: Review" Click Here • "Man spends 42 hours making solo record-breaking balloon sculpture of Optimus Prime" Click Here • "Grocery Store Illusion for Next ‘Carbonaro Effect’" Click Here • "Rodd thrilled to be the newest member of ‘The Magic Circle’" Click Here • That's it for another week, thanks to everyone who contributed news, see you next Duncan. 10.5.14

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