Number 728 - 7th June 2014
Penn
& Teller's UK Tour starts on Friday! Penn & Teller return to the UK 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." See
What's On for tour dates.
7.6.14
Magic
at the Barn, 10th Anniversary Spectacular. Saturday 12th and Sunday
13th July at 7.30pm, Rochford, Essex. An amazing family friendly weekend
of magic, variety, comedy and festivities to celebrate 10 years of the
event. The main show features ventriloquist Steve Hewlett (previous
Britain's Got Talent finalist), international illusionist Richard
Griffin, multi-award winning magician Oliver Tabor, Acrobatic Daredevil
AJ James and London's 'King of Comedy Magic' Christian Lee. A free entry
open air festival from 3pm will be presenting entertainment including
death defying and dangerous Guinness World Record attempts from straight
jackets and handcuffs by escapologist Stuart Burrell plus free
close-up/parlour magic shows, jugglers, street magicians and dance
shows. An outside fair will feature miniature steam train rides, a bouncy
castle, shooting ranges, swing boats, face painting and stalls offering
side show games, food and drink plus much more! The weekend of magic is
supporting local Havens and Little Havens charities. Tickets only £15
adult, £10 children and £40 family ticket (2 + 2). Ticketline: 0843 515
9400
www.magicatthebarn.co.uk. The Barns, Sutton Hall, Shopland Road,
Rochford, Essex SS4 1LH (Map).
7.6.14
Magic
on the Fringe... The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the largest arts
festival in the world, taking place every August in Scotland’s capital
city. As in recent years there's a diverse range of magic on offer this
year; see What's On
for our magic listings, compiled for MagicWeek by Peter McLanachan (www.thecardman.co.uk).
7.6.14
Conjuring
at the Court, 5th Birthday Show, Thursday 26th June. "A fabulous
night of entertaining magic for Conjuring at the Court’s 5th Birthday
show – and of course a cake! Mel Mellers is one of the funniest
performers in British magic today. You can catch a glimpse of him
apparently chopping off a spectator’s wrist on our website’s showreel.
Jon Allen is a top professional magician, with an inventive mind and
original tricks, presented with wit and flair. Thom Peterson is the
magical Superhero! As The Amazing Guy, he has carved out a personal and
highly entertaining approach to magic and performance. Mike O’Brien’s
dry wit is a scream – but he’s also a wonderful performer of the
classics of magic with an artistry that makes them fresh, baffling, and
entertaining. Compered by the exuberant Stephen Barry, dressed to kill.
Come and enjoy a night of great magic and help us celebrate our first
five years. Drayton Court, 2 The Avenue, West Ealing, London W13 8PH (Map).
Doors open 7.30pm and the show starts at 8pm. Tickets £10 from
www.conjuringatthecourt.com." Russell Levinson.
7.6.14
Trix
in the Stix 2015 - a convention for children's entertainers. From
the organisers: The 2015 convention was launched last Thursday with 240
places. It is almost sold out. The convention takes place on Monday 18th
May and Tuesday 19th May 2015 at the Lion Quays Waterside Resort near
Oswestry, Shropshire with lectures on children's entertainment from Mel
Mellers and Mike Bent. Just added - after a sensational appearance this
year which earned him a well-deserved standing ovation - the
extraordinary Buster Balloon, immediately back by very popular demand!
As soon as all the tickets have sold out, we will be operating our
Waiting List and the sooner you get on the list, the greater your chance
of securing a place. For the latest on the ticket situation, please go
to:
www.practical-magic.com.
7.6.14
Peter
Samelson & The House Magicians: Smoke & Mirrors, 8 Denmark Street,
Bristol BS1 5DQ (Map),
7.30pm - 10pm on Friday 20th June: "Peter Samelson insists he doesn't do
magic, he only helps people to see it. He is an
illusionist/entertainer/philosopher, blending simplicity and
sophistication. Christened 'the soft-spoken conceptualist of sorcery' by
the New York Times, Peter Samelson has performed atop the Great Wall of
China, in the jungles of Bali and theaters of Bermuda, for the jet set
of Paris and fishermen mending their nets in Cartagena. He has been
featured on every major network and the PBS special 'The Art of Magic.'
Peter designs magic for Broadway and created three Off-Broadway shows of
his own. You are in for an amazing, bright, touching and ultimately
awesome evening of magic." Peter will be also be lecturing at clubs
across the country, starting on June 9th at the Portsmouth & District
Magic Circle and ending on Thursday 26th June at the Sussex Magic Circle
- see What's On.
7.6.14
Britain's
Got Talent Final - live, tonight, 7pm on ITV.
"Winnipeg magician Darcy Oake has 'risky' piece for 'Britain's Got Talent' finale" Click Here
"Dynamo backs Darcy Oake to win as he promises ‘risky’ surprise for Britain’s Got Talent final!" Click Here
"Britain's Got Talent 2014 final: Darcy Oake could die with new trick" Click Here. 7.6.14
Deception Convention,
Liverpool, tomorrow,
Sunday 8th June, at the
Adelphi Hotel. Main Event: 10am - 7pm, pay on the door
(note: the After
Show party is now sold out).
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.
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.
The Leamington Day of Magic,
Wednesday 18th June. Mark Traversoni writes: The Leamington Day of
Magic is now just over a week away, taking place on Wednesday 18th June
at the Cubbington Sports and Social Club, Windmill Hill, Cubbington,
Leamington Spa CV32 7LN (Map).
The main lectures have been booked and include Peter Eggink, Tom Crosbie,
Noel Qualter (photo) and Jimmy Carlo. If children's magic is not for you
then when
Jimmy’s lecture is on there will be lecture from Alain The Story Teller
for those who like magic from the darker side!
Tickets are priced at £25 which includes breakfast for early arrivals,
lunch and weather permitting, an evening BBQ. In the evening we have the
Midlands Champion of Champions Close-up Competition.
Full details can be found on the club's website:
Click
Here.
7.6.14
Mind2Magic
The Colour of Thought. Mind2Magic is the website of professional
magician John Vincent. Originally set up to promote his ground breaking
book, 'The Art of Suggestion and Influence: Practical Applications for
Magicians and Mind Readers'. Over the years John has released several
items for the magic community, mostly focusing on Mentalism effects.
John’s new effect is
The Colour of
Thought. As well as being a full-time magician John is also an NLP
Trainer, hypnotist, writer and speaker and is currently involved in a
huge worldwide consciousness project. Watch the video demo and order it
here:
www.mind2magic.com/New. John has also arrange a couple of free gifts
for you. 'At The Beach' and 'Visual Memory Distortion' - you can
download them via
www.mind2magic.com/Gift.
7.6.14
The
Order of the Magi (Manchester) is holding their annual close-up
competition on Tuesday 10th June at the Irish World Heritage Centre, 1
Irish Town Way, Manchester M8 0AE (Map)
commencing at 8pm. It is an open night so visitors are welcome
without charge. Directions are on
www.orderofthemagi.org.uk. This is always an interesting evening for
the society and often generates a fair sized audience of both magicians
and non-magicians. If you are in the area and want a free night out do
come and join us and the beer is at reasonable prices too! Geoffrey
Newton PRO.
7.6.14
Riviera
Fringe Festival: "Your chance to get spotted and become a name in
the entertainment world. One of our judges at Support Me! is the
Executive Producer for nine Royal Variety Performances, four Children's
Royal Variety Performances and The BAFTA Television Awards! Register
your talent today at
www.rivierafringe.co.uk/support-me. Support Me! is a major talent
search with amazing opportunities including the chance to support
leading names like Milton Jones, Lee Nelson and Craig Campbell at this
year’s Riviera Fringe Festival July 5th-12th. Plus, being seen by
industry experts. Open to all ages and abilities."
7.6.14
International
Award. A selected group gathered to celebrate a prestigious award
presentation at the Park Hotel in Barnstaple, Devon on Monday 2nd June.
Ian Adair M.I.M.C. was awarded a gold medal and diploma from the Israeli
Magical Society, twinned with Dr Dhotel (Paris), and was bestowed
Presidents of Honour of both societies. Etpan Ayalon journeyed from
Israel to present Ian with the awards for his 50 years of service to
magicians and magic. He thanked Ian for his continuous achievements as a
prolific magical originator, author, lecturer and in particular, his 36
year partnership with Edwin Hooper at The Supreme Magic Company.
Following a casual finger buffet, magical entertainment was presented by
Eytan who scored heavily with his quick-fire Chapeau act, resulting in
over twenty six different hats being formed from a circle of felt. Ben
Allen, a young magician from Ilfracombe performed a series of stunning
card effects, and Ian closed the programme with some of his best loved
close-up magic, including the Hades Examined Finger Chopper. National
and local press were there to record the event. Ian said "It was a super
evening and one I shall remember for the rest of my life. I was thrilled
to receive this great honour." "Barnstaple magician Ian Adair honoured
with lifetime award."
Click Here.
7.6.14
Trevor
Liley Pentacle Club lecture. On Tuesday 10th June Trevor Liley
lectures at The Pentacle Club with 'The Things I Love to Do & Do to
Live' - a lecture that includes close-up magic and trade show
performance, and a look at material, routining etc. As many will know,
Trevor has a wealth of knowledge in these areas and this is a rare
opportunity to gain from his experience. The Pentacle Club meets at St Laurence's
School, Arbury Road, Cambridge CB4 2JX (Map).
Visiting magicians are welcome; there is a charge of £10 for
non-members. Alan Maskell.
7.6.14
East
Coast Magic Collective, open Auction. From the organisers: The East
Coast Magic Collective next meet on Wednesday 11th June and will be
holding an auction of magic props, books, original DVDs & gimmicks.
Everyone is welcome, £2 entry and if you have any items to auction bring
them along with a list, including brief descriptions, plus two extra
copies, and they'll be included. We hope to see lots of magi there! Paul
Henri will be the auctioneer and promises a fun and busy evening! See
our Facebook page for more details:
Click Here.
7.6.14
Brand
new from Mark Leveridge Magic: "Mark Leveridge writes: Just
released, a new walkabout close-up effect called The Leveridge Beverage
(yeah, the title was too obvious to pass up really!). As the title
suggests, it's a routine featuring drinks you might buy at a bar, and it
comes with a set of nicely produced cards with which you will soon be
able to royally entertain anyone at the drop of a hat. The DVD
instructions explain a total of 5 different presentation variations, and
technically, the trick is almost self working. What's not to like? If
you work drinks receptions, or dinners, or you are simply looking for
something novel and fun to carry around with you for those unexpected
'impromptu' moments, The Leveridge Beverage will fit the bill. This
effect is the first one for nearly three years to work its way straight
into my own personal working repertoire - I now take it and use it every
time I perform at a suitable commercial event. If it's good enough for
me, I would like to think that it is good enough for you! For more
details and to watch a dem of one of the routines online, go to
www.markleveridge.co.uk/lb.php.
7.6.14
Key
Mysteries is a unique study into the use of Keys in magick and
mystery entertainment. Hardbound with 286 pages it features essays on
the historical and symbolic concepts of keys in magic, plus feature
contributions by over 30 highly respected performers on presentation
approaches and many routines - both seminal and new. Contributors
include David Berglas, Eugene Burger, Bruce Bernstein, Kenton Knepper,
Docc Hilford, Marc Salem, Jeff McBride, Roni Shachnaey, Christian
Chelman, E.Raymond Carlyle, Professor BC, Robert E. Neale, Bob Fitch, Ed
Solomon, Luca Volpe, Dale Hildebrandt, Lary Kuehn, Barrie Richardson,
Paul Prater, Simon Drake, Daniele Nigris, Leslie Melville, Paul Voodini,
Alan Jones, Jim Magus, Barry Cooper, Ariel Frailich, Master Payne and
Mark Fishman. Foreword by Ed Solomon. Author / Editor Steve Drury.
Contents preview
Click Here. To order
Click Here.
7.6.14
Last
Monday Mel Harvey met up with BAFTA Award winning actor and
Caretaker for Harry Potter, David Bradley. Mel is an official volunteer
at the Shakespeare Hospice in Stratford upon Avon and David is one of
their supporters. Both Mel and David met with Prince Charles who was at
The Hospice to unveil the plaque for the opening of the new wing that
will now admit young people with life threatening illnesses. Mel
performed his comedy close-up magic for the children during the Prince's
visit and entertained the staff and patients at the tea party that
followed."
www.melharvey.com.
7.6.14
"An
only-in-Vegas moment: Shania Twain, Piff the Magic Dragon and Mr.
Piffles onstage at Caesars"
Click Here • "Ventriloquist and entertainer Victor Khoo dies of
cancer"
Click Here • "Illusionist in nostalgic trip to film tricks inside
the former cinema for TV show"
Click Here • "Michael Carbonaro: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know"
Click Here • "West End Live reveals Spielgeltent stars [Andy Nyman]"
Click Here • "Magician Paul Daniels in sling again"
Click Here • "Interview: Derren Brown brings Infamous to Swansea"
Click Here • "'Dude's crazy': Daredevil kicks off summer of stunts
in Times Square"
Click Here • Best of luck to Darcy Oake tonight... that's it for
another week, your UK magic news is always welcomed. See you next week, Duncan.
7.6.14