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 Here •
That's all for another week. Your UK magic news is
always welcome, see you next week, Duncan.
6.9.14