Number 741 - 6th September 2014

 

'Tricked' star Ben Hanlin's incredible no wires levitation! Click Here. Ben Hanlin is back with a second series of the award-winning ITV2 show 'Tricked' which is once again destined to wow audiences with magic tricks and crafty pranks. The new series starts later this month. 6.9.14

 

FISM Italy, 6th-11th July 2015. From the organisers: "Dear Magic Friends, It’s a great honour to host the next World Championship of Magic: FISM Italy 2015. FISM, the International Federation of Magic Societies, was founded in 1948 and currently includes about 80 magic clubs and National Federations for a total of about 50,000 registered magicians worldwide. Every three years FISM organizes the World Championships of Magic in a different country. The five previous FISM Competitions were held in Lisbon, the Hague, Stockholm, Beijing, and Blackpool. In 2015 the 26th edition of FISM will be hosted for the first time in Italy. Thanks to the efforts of many people, including the special support of the International Consulting Committee, the beauty of Italy, and the experience gained by our production of the six most recent Masters of Magic Festivals, we are ready to bring you the best FISM ever. I look forward to welcoming all of you to Italy to enjoy the magic experience of a lifetime." Walter Rolfo, President - FISM Italy 2015 www.fismitaly2015.com. 6.9.14

 

Kidology and Ventarama Conventions - this week: Kidology Children's Entertainers Convention and Ventarama Convention for Ventriloquists will both be taking place this week in Wolverhampton. Kidology is on Tuesday 9th September with an event the night before featuring a Children's Entertainer of the Year Competition followed by a Cabaret. The competition features Dan Slater, Sparky Marky, Samuel Leeds, Jamie Jigsaw, Liz the Wizz and Colin Dymond compered by PJ the Showman. The cabaret features top US ventriloquist Mark Wade and Danny Hunt's Amethyst. There are a host of lectures at the convention this year covering a wide range of subjects. Twenty dealers will be on hand with their latest offerings. Venterama takes place on Wednesday 10th September and the hot news there, is that Jimmy Tamley will be coming along. It also features an exhibition of vintage dolls, including Ray Allen's Tich & Quackers, as well as Workshops and Lectures for beginners and experienced ventriloquists, an opening mic spot, and a closing show. Tickets for either convention can be obtained by contacting Alec Powell on 07831 115448 or via www.albionmagiccompany.co.uk. 6.9.14

 

John Lenahan Up Close, one week only, Etcetera Theatre, London: "John Lenahan Up Close - An Evening of Intimate Magic (and Comedy) with a Master. Thousands of people have seen John Lenahan performing his hilarious magic live in comedy clubs around the world and millions have seen him on television - but never before has a small audience been invited to watch John perform the mind blowing intimate magic that previously he has only shown to a select few. John Lenahan has performed around the world as well as in his own television shows for the BBC and ITV including: Stuff the White Rabbit, Secrets of Magic, Hoaxbusters and Red Dwarf. John infamously was the first person in 85 years to be expelled from The Magic Circle but this year the Magic Circle relented and reinstated the rogue magi. Up Close will be performed in London's most intimate theatre, the Etcetera, and by its nature, will be restricted to a small audience - booking is essential. September 9th to 14th at 7.30pm (6.30pm on Sunday) £12. Etcetera Theatre, 265 Camden High Street, London NW1 7BU (Map) www.etceteratheatre.com telephone 020 7482 4857. Please note that packs of magicians will be turned away at the door. All magicians must be accompanied by at least one lay person." 6.9.14

 

Morgan & West: A Grand Adventure. Morgan & West are off on a tour of the UK this Autumn with their show, A Grand Adventure. Gadzooks! Time travelling Victorian magicians Morgan & West have lost the secrets to all of their tricks and by hell or high water intend to get them back. Join the dashing duo in a thrilling adventure show filled to the brim with magic as they cross continents, meddle with miscreants and sneak into secret societies. Can Morgan & West catch the crooks, recover their quarry and confound the crowds with their clever conjuring? Find out in… Morgan & West: A Grand Adventure! More details can be found at www.morganandwest.co.uk/live-dates also see What's On. 6.9.14

 

Wayne Dobson takes the Ice Bucket Challenge Click Here. 6.9.14

 

Peak Magic Festival, Saturday 13th September. "The Peak Magic Festival takes place on 13th September between 11am and 6pm. This new celebration of magic aims to bring together some of the country's best magical and mystery acts to perform live in the Peak District. Free entertainment suitable for all ages will be provided throughout the day that is guaranteed to provoke wonderful feelings of awe, astonishment and laughter. In the dedicated close-up area, a variety of experts at the card table and sleight of hand masters will ensure you see the impossible happen inches away from your eyes. Street magicians will provide entertainment guaranteed to capture your attention and create a lasting impression. Free juggling and balloon workshops for children, the world's only Giant Flea Circus and close-up magicians will keep the younger children entertained. Gala Stage Shows: Tickets are also available for two incredible Gala Stage Shows taking place in the renewed Old Station Building Community Space. Some of the country's leading magicians, mind readers and comedy mystery performers will be providing entertainment that you will be speaking about years from now. Tickets are just £5.00 and £3.00 for concessions. To book and for more info Click Here. If you think you would enjoy seeing live magic then please come along and support this new festival! The event is free except for the stage shows at 1pm and 6pm. Venue: Peak Shopping Village, Chatsworth Road, Rowsley, Derbyshire DE4 2JE (Map)." 6.9.14

 

Mirror, mirror on the wall... The Mirror asks its readers: "Who is the best TV magician? From Dynamo to David Blaine vote now" Click Here. 6.9.14

 

Terry Herbert is looking forward to meeting many of his friends at the forthcoming British Ring Convention in Bournemouth from the 24th - 28th September. He will be presenting a special lecture on the Thursday morning entitled Children's Magic Past and Present and together with Mel Harvey will be guesting on 'The Sooty Show' on the Saturday morning. He will also be having a stand in the Dealers' Hall, where he promises there will be some fantastic bargains! 6.9.14

 

British Magical Society, welcoming new members. Membership Secretary Jay Adkins writes: If you are a magician, or interested in the art of magic, you should consider joining the British Magical Society. For information, contact Jay Adkins, Membership Secretary, membership@britishmagicalsociety.co.uk. Anyone wishing to join will be required to fill out an application form, along with their first year's subs and a one-off joining fee. Applicants will be interviewed and, if accepted, are usually considered as Candidates in the first instance. Within a few months, Candidates will be required to present an audition act for consideration for full membership. Some lectures coming up include Alex Pandrea and Axel Hecklau. Meetings are each Tuesday night from 7.30pm (except the first in each month) at the Selly Oak Ex-Servicemen's Club, 8 Selly Hill Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham. 6.9.14

 

Catch up with the cast of Champions of Magic as they prepare for their autumn tour, Click Here. 6.9.14

 

Magicseen Issue 58 September 2014. From the publishers: Chris Dugdale is a busy man. He has performed for royalty on many occasions, has entertained A-list celebrities, performed at major corporate functions, plus he has had his own West End and Edinburgh Fringe one-man shows. Given how busy he is we are delighted he found time to chat to us and to appear on our cover. As well as Chris we also interview Ben Hart, fresh from his own Fringe success, top Greek performer Perseus Arkomanis, French smoothie David Stone and In The Phonebox we encounter the highly versatile Danielle Clements. Children's entertainers are well catered for in our latest issue with Puppet Masters, in which John Kimmons and Colin Dymond give great advice about using puppets in your shows, as well as with articles by Ian Adair and Jack Stephens. If you are finding promoting your shows these days a bit of a complicated business, we offer you plenty of sound advice in Attention Seekers, while in Pros and Cons we reflect on which is better, a palm-and-load card to wallet or a no-palm version. Add to this two close up effects explained in The Masterclass, live show and product reviews, news, letters and more, and you can see we are getting the new magic season off to a strong start. You can get your copy now via 1 or 2 year printed or download subs, or via individual issue purchase from www.magicseen.co.uk. 6.9.14

 

Wayne Dobson Lecture - Bexley Magic Society. David Klass writes: It is with great pleasure and excitement that the Bexley Magic Society is delighted to announce a lecture by the brilliant Wayne Dobson! Wayne will be assisted by his great friend Michael Sullivan, for what promises to be an amazing evening of magic and laughs. Venue: Bexley Club for the Disabled, Barton Close, Bexleyheath, Kent DA6 8JP (Map). September 17th. Doors open at 7.30pm for an 8pm start. Visiting magicians are very welcome, for a minimal £10 fee. www.bexleymagic.org.uk. 6.9.14

 

Merlins of Wakefield will be at the Kidology Convention in Wolverhampton on Tuesday 9th September, and write: This is a great convention for children's entertainers, with lots of lectures, workshops and specialist dealers. We have several new items that we will be demonstrating, along with our regular line of Tora Magic and other great props. If you have never been before, contact the organiser Albion Magic for ticket details. If you are going and need anything from us, contact us by 3pm on Monday 8th September and we will bring it for you – telephone 01924 339933 or email merlins@btconnect.com. www.merlinswakefield.com. 6.9.14

 

Manchester Circle of Magicians welcome Alex Pandrea on Monday 8th September at the Salford Masonic Hall. There will be the usual 7.30pm slot followed by the lecture at 8pm. www.manchestercircleofmagicians.co.uk. Mike Hinde. 6.9.14

 

Oliver Tabor East Coast Magic Collective Lecture: The East Coast Magic Collective are thrilled to host a lecture from the multi award winning Oliver Tabor. With his extensive knowledge of manipulation, visual stage magic, direction and production of a stage act and commercial close-up magic, Oliver promises there will be something for everyone in his updated and improved lecture for 2014. 7pm on Wednesday 10th September at Kings Wine Bar, King Street, Great Yarmouth. The ECMC welcome members and guests (£10 on the door) to this event and more details can be found on the Facebook page, or email enquiries to ecmagiccollective@live.com. Paul Henri. 6.9.14

 

Alex Pandrea lectures at The Surrey Society of Magicians on 11th September. Adam Mosley writes: Alex Pandrea is known throughout the magic community for his high level of skill with a pack of cards. He is considered a master of sleights such as the Pass, Anti-Faro, Diagonal Palm Shift, and more. His work has been praised by top pros such as Chris Kenner, Richard Kaufman, Dani DaOrtiz, and many others. In addition to his card work Alex has also created a lot of original material with coins, straws, pens, matches and more. As the founder and CEO of The Blue Crown, Alex has brought several of his own stunning effects to the market. In his 3-part lecture, Alex will teach tips on classic card moves, plus many original sleights and effects. Alex will share the method and also his philosophies and theories on performing, together with his minimalist approach to routining. All attendees will also receive 5 free video downloads via email after the lecture! Free for members. Visiting magicians are welcome for a £10 entrance fee. The lecture takes place in Bookham, Surrey at 8pm. For full details email Adam Mosley info@surreymagic.org.uk. 6.9.14

 

Magic Car Boot Sale - tomorrow in West Bromwich. Now in its 21st year the next Magic Car Boot Sale will take place on Sunday 7th September at The Masonic Hall, Edward Street, West Bromwich B70 8NT (Map). From the organisers: With 20 stalls you never know what is going to turn up. Dorothy Emerson, widow of Jack Emerson, will be selling his effects; tricks from Alan Warner, Supreme, Magitrix, Jack Hughes, Terry and Norma and Davenports. Top kids entertainer Zoobee is having a major clear out and there are bound to be some real bargains up for grabs. Hot breakfasts available. Admission is just £4 and it starts at 9.30am. 6.9.14

 

Shawn Farquhar Southend Lecture, Friday 19th September. Janice Gilroy writes: The Southend Sorcerers & Mid Essex Magical Society would like to invite you to join them on Friday 19th September at 7.30pm for a lecture with the outstanding magician Shawn Farquhar! Shawn, with an incredible number of international awards and a career that has allowed him to perform in over 36 countries and onboard some of the world's largest and most luxurious cruise ships will be lecturing at the Southend venue. He has lectured and performed for most of the major magic events in the world including the national conventions of the IBM, SAM, World Magic Seminar and Blackpool and has offered effects on the market which have revolutionised magic! Don’t miss this opportunity to spend some time with a FISM Grand Prix world champion and the only magician in history to win IBM’s most coveted awards in both Stage and Sleight of Hand. Join us at the Toby Carvery, Prince Avenue, Southend on Sea SS2 6RL (Map) on Friday 19th September. There is a £5.00 entrance fee for non-members payable on the evening - we look forward to welcoming you to our club! If you require any further information please feel free to contact Janice Gilroy, Southend Sorcerers, Secretary via gilroys01245@sky.com. 6.9.14

 

An Evening with Potty Paul Henri & George T. Monke. "To raise money for Christian Aid, Potty Paul Henri is hosting and appearing in a variety show at St. George's Theatre in Great Yarmouth on Thursday 11th September. The show contains magic, music, comedy and ventriloquism, and a few surprises too, not to mention a monkey! Featuring award winning acts Steve Majes 'the tricky twister' and Oliver Tabor and live music from boyband sensation 'The Anyone's' plus a little assistance from the legend that is Mike Wallis. The evening should prove to be fun, raise money for Christian Aid. Be there for this unique event of true variety! Tickets are only £7.50 and the show is suitable for a family audience, Click Here to book." 6.9.14

 

Trade Show Magic - the brand new information ebook from Mark Leveridge Magic. Mark writes: For years I have been helping companies both large and small to achieve enhanced success at trade shows and exhibitions, and I have done this using magic in a slightly different way from the norm. In this detailed 29 page E-Book I explain my approach and give full details of everything that you need to know in order to emulate my success. Working a business event is very different from performing at social functions, and there are important things that you need to understand and get exactly right if you want to be a success. This E-Book will go through all you need to know, including how to get work, how to use your magic to achieve your clients' aims, what guidelines to use for fees plus much more. Trade show work is not for everyone or for those of a nervous disposition (!), but the clear, detailed information provided in the Trade Show Magic E-Book will give you every chance to assess whether you can make a success of it. This is volume 2 in the Professional Worker Series of E-Books, and is available as a download right now from www.markleveridge.co.uk. 6.9.14

 

Ekaterina Dobrokhotova performs 'Layers'. Lyn Davies writes: If you want to see the trick that blew Penn Jillette's mind on Wizard Wars (mentioned last week, since when SyFy has removed the clip from their website) here is the same trick in a different setting (but without the smoke!): YouTube. The magician is Ekaterina Dobrokhotova from Canada. It's always good to see a female magician, especially one as skilful and inventive as Ekaterina. This is 'Layers'... 6.9.14

 

Modern Mystic League Centenary Auction. Allan Clarke writes: The Modern Mystic League steps into it's ninth month of a great Centenary Year. On 7th September we will be holding our special Centenary Auction. Auctioneer Trevor Dawson will be picking, cajoling and generally gavelling his way through a huge number of lots containing a massive range of magic props. Visiting Magicians £3 on the door. Viewing from 1pm sale begins 2pm. Don't miss it! St Silas Parish Centre, Preston New Road, Blackburn BB2 6PS (Map. Full details can be found at www.memel.org.uk." 6.9.14

 

Houdini. The first in a two-part US drama following the life of Harry Houdini will be shown tomorrow evening at 9pm on Channel 4 (see TV Magic). His 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. Starring Adrien Brody, Kristen Connolly and Evan Jones. 6.9.14

 

Liverpool Magic Circle's Mersey Dee competition takes place on 10th September at Longmoor Social Club, Longmoor Lane, Liverpool L9 9EN (Map). All visitors welcome. www.liverpoolmagiccircle.co.uk. 6.9.14

 

Magic with a Punch. Tony James of Tony James Punch & Judy died unexpectedly on Sunday 31st August in Heaton Stockport aged 73. A magician since the age of 9, he is well known within the magic community, many of whom will recall meeting up at the Blackpool Magic Conventions. Tony started his mature entertainment career as a comedy magician in the clubs of the North West of England. He then went to work for Pontins in Majorca where he also entertained children. That’s where he met Billy McComb and they formed a lifelong friendship. Bill told him to concentrate on children's entertainment. He ran the largest touring P&J show travelling throughout the UK and Ireland. For many years he also worked in Germany at armed forces events. His funeral is on Thursday September 18th at 3.15pm at Stockport Crematorium. His family extends an invitation to anyone in magic that knew him. Helen Thomas. 6.9.14

 

"Magician and comedian Pete Firman opens his latest tour in Salford" Click Here • "50 Patrons of Variety to commit to give £10k each for three years" Click Here • "'I want to be the next David Blaine'" Click Here"Dynamo: ‘Paul Daniels stayed on TV too long... and ruined the magic’" Click Here • "Top UK magician Dynamo says South Bank magic man Paul Daniels 'one of the world's best'" Click Here • "Dynamo: Impressing Jay Z, stunning stoners and why my show is ending" Click Here"Inside the Houdini-Industrial Complex: The surprising, secret influence of the great escape artist" Click Here"Adrien Brody portrays Harry Houdini in History Channel miniseries: 'He was an inspiration'" Click Here • "Got to believe in magic" Click Here"Watch Dynamo perform a different kind of skateboard trick on Slipknot's DJ" Click Here • Jonathan Royle's recent Order of the Magi lecture is reviewed by Stephen Manford this week, Click Here • "Who makes time for magic? These kids do" Click Here • "Con artist tricks: Nicholas Johnson reveals secrets in Chasing the Ace" Click Here • "Dynamo Denies Cheat Claims After Shard Stunt" Click HereThat's all for another week. Your UK magic news is always welcome, see you next week, Duncan. 6.9.14

 

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