Number 740 - 30th August 2014
Guy
Hollingworth's The Reformation, caused something of a
sensation when it was released on VHS back in '94. Now, twenty years on,
the Hollingworth Collection is being released by Dan & Dave, as
a compendium of original and updated material spanning
The London Collection, Routines, and The Reformation.
Everything has been brought thoroughly up to date with expanded content,
refinements, new material, bonus footage, interviews and more. Each set
boasts eight hours of in-depth footage and an exclusive art deco
pack of commemorative playing cards. Signed and limited to just 1,000
copies, the Hollingworth Collection is available exclusively from
Dan & Dave.
30.8.14
Dynamo:
Magician Impossible series 4. Starts Thursday 4th September on Watch: "The King of Magic returns for the final
series. Dynamo arrives in California and takes us along the Pacific
Highway, mystifying everyone he meets." See
TV Magic. Dynamo was
all over the papers last week, for what appeared to be all the wrong
reasons, but on Thursday morning, he tweeted: "Loving the speculation
about yesterdays #Shard levitation-although things aren't always as they
seem ;) All will be revealed #WIRES #Sept4th." So, either all is
going to plan, or Dynamo and the team are feverishly working their way
out of this one, or it's going to turn out to be world's greatest ever
sucker trick... now that would be magic.
"'You can literally see the wires': Sharp-eyed Londoners point out that magician Dynamo's levitation stunt above the Shard is far from magic" Click Here.
"Dynamo’s latest stunt dangling 1,016ft off the Shard falls flat after fans complain they ‘could see the wires’" Click Here.
"Dynamo's Shard levitation stunt fail as Twitter fans blast 'You can literally see the wires'" Click Here.
"Magician Dynamo's Shard stunt criticised by onlookers who say 'you can literally see the wires'" Click Here.
"Watch: Dynamo admits to using wire for Shard levitation but says 'all will be revealed" Click Here. 30.8.14
Houdini
- the first in a two-part US drama following
the life of Harry Houdini will be shown at 9pm on Sunday 7th September on Channel 4.
"Houdini's ability to escape from handcuffs,
straitjackets, and water tanks is legendary ― breaking the shackles of
his past proved more challenging. Academy Award® winner Adrien Brody and
Kristen Connolly star in 'Houdini' which follows the world-renowned
master of escape's transformation from immigrant into the world's first
superstar. Driven, disciplined, and actively chasing the American Dream,
Houdini constantly pushed his physical limits to accomplish feats of
strength that amazed audiences in an age of spectacle. And though they
saw what he wanted them to see, his reality was more elusive than his
escapes." See
TV Magic.
30.8.14
11
Weeks and counting.... Who will it be this year? One of the magic
world’s most prestigious awards will be presented during The
International Magic Convention in London during the weekend of 14-16
November 2014. With past recipients including Juan Tamariz, David
Copperfield, Lu Chen, Derren Brown and Uri Geller, the presentation has become
one of the highlights of the Convention and helps it make the weekend
many top magician’s number one choice of magical gatherings to attend.
Each year following the presentation of the International Magic Award by
David Berglas, the recipient has agreed to take questions from the
audience, which has resulted in a fascinating hour of anecdotes, newly
revealed facts, a great deal of humour and a fascinating insight into
these great performers lives. Who is the recipient this year? Well
you'll have to be there to find out because, as always, the awarded is kept a
closely guarded secret until the presentation is made. You can be sure that
this will be an event you really don't want to miss. Convention details at
www.internationalmagic.com.
30.8.14
Axel
Hecklau's 'Details: Strong magic, high impact and practical!' UK
Lecture Tour, 2014. With more than 30 years in magic, Axel is a
well-know professional magician in Germany. This lecture (parlour, stage
and close-up) contains no 'B' material; everything is taken from his
active proven repertoire. "Everything about the lecture was
top-notch. His choice of effects showed a lot of variety and great
thought. News-Flash was, of course, what brought most people there and
it certainly met or exceeded everyone‘s expectations, but they weren‘t
expecting all of the other great material. His Center tear routining is
so well thought out. The spoon routine and Cola Cap were the best
solutions to those effects I‘ve seen. One of my personal favorites was
his idea on the One Coin routine and that is going right into my working
repertoire. I could go on and on, but I would encourage all of you to
see Axel Hecklau lecture. You will be entertained and learn a lot."
Marc DeSouza. See
www.axelhecklau.com.
September:
18.9.2014 Bristol at 8pm at The Vassall Centre, Gill Avenue, Fishponds,
Bristol BS16 2QQ
21.9.2014 Southend at 7.30pm at Ekco Social & Sports Club, Thornford
Gardens, Southend On Sea, Essex SS2 6PU
22.9.2014 Ipswich at 7.30pm at Holiday Inn, London Road, Ipswich,
Suffolk IP2 OUA
23.9.2014 Birmingham at 7.30pm at The Selly Oak Ex-Servicemens’ Club, 8
Selly Hill Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham B29 7DL
24.9.2014 Ealing at 8pm at Northfields Community Centre, Northcroft
Road, Ealing, London W13 9SS
25.9.2014 Surrey at 8pm
27.9.2014 Bournemouth at 11.30am at Bournemouth Pavilion, Westover Road,
Bournemouth BH1 2BU
29.9.2014 Portsmouth at 7.30pm at Buckland Community Centre, Malins
Road, Portsmouth PO2 7BL
30.9.2014 Kent at 8pm at CIU Dunton Green Social Club, 159 London Road,
Dunton Green, Kent TN13 2TA
October:
1.10.2014 Leamington at 8pm at Cubbington Club, Windmill Hill,
Cubbington, Nr Leamington Spa CU32 7LN
2.10.2014 Hull at 7.45pm at The Sailmakers Arms, Chandlers’ Court, High
Street, Hull HU1 1NQ
3.10.2014 Aberdeen at 8pm at The Sportsman’s Club, 11 Queens Road,
Aberdeen AB15 4YL
5.10.2014 Buxton at 7.30pm at Buckingham Hotel, No 1 Burlington Road,
Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 9AS
6.10.2014 Manchester at 8pm at Salford Masonic Hall, Hemsley House, 41
The Crescent, Salford M5 4PE
7.10.2014 Blackpool at 8pm at Theatre Club, Rear Of No. 1 Sherbourne
Road, North Shore, Blackpool FY1 2PW
8.10.2014 Wolverhampton at 8pm at The ECC Club, Showell Road,
Wolverhampton WV10 9LU
9.10.2014 Sussex at 8pm at The Hassocks Hotel, Hassocks, West Sussex BN6
8HN.
30.8.14
In
1982 Kate Bush released her fourth album 'The Dreaming' which
featured a track entitled 'Houdini'. The cover (left) depicted Kate as
Harry's wife, Bess, passing Harry a key during a kiss. A 14 year old
Paul Kieve, already a fervent fan of Ms Bush, attended a signing session
in London, and took the chance to give Kate a book on Houdini. Some 32
years later, in January 2014, Paul received a surprise call from Kate to
invite him to work on her first live show in 35 years. In their initial
creative meeting, Kate brought the book along - she had always kept it.
The contents of the live show, which blends Kate's music with theatre,
puppetry, and illusion, was kept top secret until Tuesday night, when it
opened to rave reviews. Her 22 shows at London's Hammersmith Odeon sold
out 77,000 tickets in just 15 minutes. The Independent described 'Before
The Dawn' as "undoubtedly the most ambitious, and genuinely moving,
piece of theatrical pop ever seen on a British stage." Kate has used
magic in her previous concerts, working closely with Simon Drake on her
legendary 1979 'Tour of Life'.
30.8.14
London
Presents: An Evening with Alex Pandrea at the Hippodrome Casino, London.
Friday 12th September 6pm-11pm. "London Presents is proud to host an
evening with Alex Pandrea. Creator of The Blue Crown, incredible
magician and move monkey king. Alex will tip his hand on material that
has never been released or included in his lectures. This special
engagement is open to only fifteen people to keep it an intimate
occasion, and you will get hands-on instruction and guidance in
techniques from one of magic's modern masters. Known for his extreme
skill with a pack of cards, magicians from around the globe have
requested tutorials on Alex's skillful, elegant, and deceptive card
artistry. Don't miss your chance to pick his brain and bring your card
magic to the next level. There is no better environment for an intimate
workshop on sleight-of-hand card magic than the private room in a
casino. Over 18s only." For full details and to buy tickets visit
www.lauralondonmagic.co.uk/LondonPresents.html.
30.8.14
Victor Voitko invites
you to visit his all-new magic shop! "Welcome to our new magic shop
www.magic-voitko.com.
A new shop, new design and new magic products!
Victor Voitko is a professional magician and produces magic props for
fellow professionals.
The majority of products are original, thought up by Victor Voitko.
The methods, effects, technical details are top-level.
We are proud to announce three new products.
The Production Table v.2: Many magicians perform trick Sands of the Desert,
well we offer a great start to this
trick. On an empty table appears a vase with water and three glasses with
colored sand!
Click Here.
Wow Smoke:
The clever little device that can magically produce smoke
Click
Here. Mini Card Fountain:
It is the smallest and thinnest card fountain, for either left or right
hands,
Click Here.
30.8.14
Dead Ringers. Nothing is sacred and no-one is safe on this
sketches and stunts impressions show. Witness a rather unusual recipe
from Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and see Derren Brown hypnotise Piers
Morgan. 2am on Friday 5th September (35 minutes) on Comedy Central
Extra, see TV Magic.
30.8.14
Javelin
by Wayne Dobson. "Wayne Dobson’s Javelin is one seriously clever
deck for the mentalist/mind reader. Whether you are a close-up worker or
stage performer, hobbyist or pro you will love ‘Javelin’. Imagine a
tossed deck that can be examined and shuffled, a tossed deck that works
equally well close-up as it does on stage. A tossed deck that allows you
to name the exact card that each spectator is thinking of!" For more
info and to watch a video visit
www.waynedobson.co.uk (saw this just the other day - and it's
excellent. DT).
30.8.14
Share
A Coke, Magically. Scott Perry writes: Last summer, when Coca-Cola
launched their #Sharecoke campaign I made this short video
YouTube. Coke contacted me, asking for my permission to use the
video and
www.cokezone.co.uk still maintains a relationship with me on
Twitter. Shortly after they expressed interest it was announced that
Dynamo was becoming the new face of Pepsi Max, ending any opportunity I
may have had with Coca-Cola. This year I made a new video
YouTube to showcase the utilisation of magic with their product.
Several magicians around the world have found success on the marketing
scene for various products over the last couple years so we’ll see if
this could be the start of the next advert…
www.spmagic.co.uk.
30.8.14
Andrew
Melia, award winning magician and television greedy guts
extraordinaire, has just finished a pilot for BNN, Vara. The show,
Kreezie ('Crazy'), aired last week in Holland featuring Andrew, together
with Jochem van Nooyen and Luc van Kuppenveld, performing candid camera
style magic, plus some nice illusions and close-up material back in the
studio. You can view the show here
www.npo.nl/tv-lab-kreezie. Also see Andrew's site
www.club-magic.com.
30.8.14
Piperactive
by James Piper. The new 2 DVD Set from RSVPMagic: "Welcome to
'Piperactive' the brand new DVD set from rsvpmagic starring the superb
James Piper. These two DVDs feature some incredibly strong magic using
just a regular deck of cards and some normal coins, from the working act
of James Piper, a rising new star in the magic world. All the tricks can
be done in the hands and are perfect for all working magicians of all
levels." Find out more and watch the trailer at
www.rsvpmagic.com.
30.8.14
Wayne
Goodman Associated Conjurers of East Sussex lecture. Nicky Lewis
writes: The Associated Conjurers of East Sussex are delighted to
announce a members' choice lecture by superb close-up performer Wayne
Goodman from 8pm - 10pm on 10th September. Wayne is responsible for many
of the effects used by the professional table magician and we are
delighted to have him join us for the evening. Visiting magicians are
welcome for £5 on the door. Contact Nicky Lewis Secretary on 01903
532413 for more information. Venue: Thomas A Beckett Church Hall, Cliffe
High Street, Lewes, East Sussex.
www.acesmagic.co.uk.
30.8.14
Pickpocket
extraordinaire Lee Thompson heads off to Paris this September. With
his unique ability to captivate an audience through the subtle technique
of pickpocketing, Lee Thompson has been turning heads (and emptying
pockets) for well over two decades. Still, this virtuoso is much more
than a mere street performer. Having dazzled no less than 3.8 million
fans from all walks of life around the world, he has thousands of live
shows under his belt (along with the odd Rolex or two). Now, Mr.
Thompson has taken the next big step and will soon be performing with
the prestigious
Mugler Follies
in Paris. Having just returned from a massive 18-month global tour,
Mr. Thompson has the skills and the personality to delight as well as
mystify. The Mugler Follies opens on September 18th and Lee will be a
headline act for one year. Always pushing the envelope a bit further,
Lee Thompson will literally give anyone a run for their money and the
occasional wallet or wristwatch too! If you are visiting Paris in the
months ahead and fancy a coffee, chat or croissant, get in touch with
Lee via www.dirtythievingbastard.com.
30.8.14
Dave
Forrest Scottish Conjurers' Association lecture. George Fitzpatrick
writes: The Scottish Conjurers' Association are delighted to announce
that Dave Forrest (www.full52.com)
will be presenting a lecture on Wednesday 3rd September at 7.30pm. Venue
SMPT, 8-10 Balcaress Avenue, Glasgow G12 0QF (Map).
Visitors welcome £10. Dave will be known to many as an inventor of card
effects and as a producer of DVDs, his own and of other artists.
30.8.14
Method
Memorabilia by Steven Palmer: "Method Memorabilia by Steven Palmer
is a collection of ten close-up professional performance pieces of
mentalism. All the routines are direct, logical and have been used
extensively. The routines are simple to perform, leaving the performer
to focus on presentation. No expensive gaffs or gimmicks are required to
perform the material contained in the book and only basic sleight of
hand is needed. Many of these items could have been sold as stand-alone
items, but are collected here in this single of volume of modern
mentalism. The book is 115 pages and perfect bound." Visit
www.thought-reader.com for more information and to order.
30.8.14
Portsmouth
Jumbo Day. Philip Smith writes: The biggest second hand magic sale
in the country is on Sunday November 2nd at the Portsmouth Jumbo Day.
With over 250 buyers and nearly 100 sellers it's a great place to pick
up a bargain and sell all that unused magic in your bottom drawer. This
year's Jumbo Day is even bigger; with lectures from Andi Gladwin, David
Gemmell and Jon Armstrong from the US and a gala show featuring Ben Hart
(from TV's Killer Magic) and Martin Cox. A new innovation for 2014 is
the inter-clubs magic competition with contestants from southern clubs
and the audience voting for the winner. Discounted tickets at only £18
only available until September 30th. More details at
www.jumboday.co.uk.
30.8.14
Leicester
Magic Circle, celebrating 90 years. Glenn Fielding, PR Officer, The
Leicester Magic Circle writes: This year Leicester Magic Circle is 90
years old making us one of the oldest Magic Clubs in the world. We're
celebrating this special year with a great night of magical
entertainment, awards and a superb 3 course dinner. We have fantastic
performances lined up including Jasper Blakeley and James Parker, and
compere Mark Shortland, together
with two walkabout magicians. Along with our great entertainment and
dinner we'll have an auction which will include some fantastic prizes.
We want to share this special night with everyone so it is open to the
general public. Don’t miss out on this great night! Saturday 20th
September 2014 at the Lingdale Golf Club, Leicestershire LE12 8TF.
Tickets are £37. For more info email Barry
secretary@leicestermagiccircle.co.uk.
30.8.14
Marc
Kerstein's MagicWebFX is reviewed by Ian Rowland this week (and
you're going to love it!) "...this is a miraculous ‘think of a card’
effect that is simply magnificent. In fact, if I hadn’t seen this with
my own eyes I wouldn’t have believed it’s possible"
Click
Here.
30.8.14
Massive
Hats for Mental Health. Street Performers and Buskers all over the
world will be performing street shows for charity in honour of Robin
Williams on the 13th September. The initiative, titled Massive Hats for
Mental Health or MH4MH, is designed to raise awareness for mental health
issues – as well as raise money for local and national mental health
charities all over the world. Several performers couldn't wait until the
13th to start and already the initiative has raised over $700, with the
final total expected to be much higher. The death of Robin Williams, a
former busker himself, sent a shockwave through the street performing
community as much as it did the rest of the world. The initiative was
started by Owen Lean, the holder of the world's first degree in street
magic who said “I, like all of you, have been shocked by the death of
Robin Williams, an inspiration, a wonderful comedian, and one of our
own. This is a chance for us to stand united, raise awareness for the
issues that one in four of us suffer from, and do our bit to pay tribute
to one of our busking family.” Performances will be taking place in
London, Dublin, Galway, Vancouver, Toronto, and Chicago to name just a
few places.
facebook.com/events/1449378081990908/.
30.8.14
The
Approach by Jamie D. Grant is reviewed by Phil Sweeting this week,
Click Here • The ‘Paper Magic’ Lecture by Geoffrey Newton is
reviewed by Mike Sharples this week,
Click Here • "Dynamo: ‘Magic makes you feel like a kid again’"
Click Here • "Watch 5 worst magician fails after Dynamo's Shard
levitation stunt"
Click Here • "'Wizard Wars' magicians even manage to surprise judges
Penn & Teller"
Click Here • "David Blaine performs for prisoners"
Click Here • And finally, "How Dogs React to Levitating Wiener"
Click Here •
Your UK magic news is always welcome, thanks to
everyone who contributes. See you next week, Duncan.
30.8.14