Number 742 - 13th September 2014
Richard
Pinner is
The
Magic Circle Stage Magician of the Year 2014. Playing to a sold-out
theatre audience at The Magic Circle's beautiful HQ in the heart London
last weekend, six stage magic acts competed for the prestigious title
'Magic Circle Stage Magician of the Year' in this biennial competition.
Richard's act started
with a surprise, went in to a fluid and very magical rope routine that he
is rapidly becoming famous for, featured his own off the wall 'Card in Banana'
(what else, where else?!) and closed to strong applause with a never-ending classic of
magic, the five-card repeat. Edward Hilsum was placed second with an act
that included some stunning dove productions
and Oliver Tabor
third, with his highly original magical/musical act. Many
congratulations to all three winners. Photo: President Jack Delvin,
presenting the award.
www.themagiccircle.co.uk.
13.9.14
The
Session (January 10th and 11th, Cheltenham) has just announced that
Spanish magic legend Juan Tamariz will be making a rare UK appearance.
He will present a one-man show and lecture and will join Asi Wind,
Michael Weber, Roberto Giobbi, Daniel Madison, Luke Jermay, Andi
Gladwin, Joshua Jay, Peter Clifford and more for a weekend packed full
of close-up magic and mentalism. Juan Tamariz, Michael Weber and Roberto
Giobbi will also be holding private workshops for a small number of
attendees. Seating is very limited so be sure to secure your space now
via
www.sessionconvention.com.
13.9.14
Richard
Wiseman will appear at The Festival of Magic
in London on Thursday, November 13th. The theme of the day is Magic: Stage and
Screen, and Richard's talk will focus on the making of viral videos.
With millions of hits for his regular postings on YouTube there can be
no one better to offer super-informative tips on how you too could do
the same. Social media has helped propel many of the most recent stars
of magic; Cyril Takayama, Dynamo and Lu Chen to mention just three. It's
provided a brand new way to establish yourself, and keep your face
literally in the frame. If you know of Richard's work, and always laugh
out loud funny presentations, you'll know this is an opportunity not to
miss. If you haven't seen his work
Click
Here! Tickets for the day, which also includes talks and
presentations by Jim Steinmeyer, Jonathan Pendragon, Frankie Glass,
Master Payne and many others are just £45. But remember book for other
days of the festival - Monday: Mentalism, Tuesday: Card Magic,
Wednesday: Magic History Day and Friday: Bar and Close Up Magic and the
price reduces the more days you book for. Single day £45, Two day pass
£65, Three days £80, Four days £90 and Five days £95. Book tickets
through
www.internationalmagic.com or at the International Magic shop itself
at 89 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1R 5BX.
13.9.14
Ben
Earl: Show. Meryl Hoffman Management in association with Live Nation
proudly present Ben Earl ‘Show’, Leicester Square Theatre, London,
Tuesday 23rd - Friday 26th September. Ben Earl is back, with a magical
mind-blowing show, simply and aptly called 'Show', at London's Leicester
Square Theatre. Master of deception and former Ministry of Defence
adviser, Ben Earl, is not your traditional magician. Using his
background in psychology, Ben not only performs mind-blowing sleight of
hand and illusion, but seeks to break down the barrier between audience
and performer, provoking us to ask not 'How?' but 'Why?'. Setting aside
magic's tropes and conventions, Ben urges us to peer beyond what is in
front of our very eyes and deconstruct not only magic's deceptions, but
our own willingness to be deceived. A truly abstract approach to the art
form, Ben Earl's show will change your perception of magic and quite
possibly, the way you view the world. Leicester Square Theatre. 9pm,
Tuesday 23rd-Friday 26th September. Box Office: 08448 733433
www.livenation.co.uk.
13.9.14
Derren Brown Infamous:
Monday 22nd September, on Channel 4. The
Bafta and RTS-winning Derren Brown returns to Channel 4 with his
extraordinary, acclaimed sell-out stage show Infamous. Featuring his
singularly inventive, intelligent mix of thought-provoking, compelling
entertainment that leaves his audiences enthralled and enlightened in
equal measure, Derren is captured live on stage at the Grand Theatre,
Leeds during his Olivier-nominated tour. The Times described the show as
"a thrilling evening in which Brown offers us the gorgeous idea that
we can take control of our own lives while also ensuring that we remain
putty in his hands". Directed by Andy Nyman. See
TV Magic.
13.9.14
Marvelous
Matthew Wright has just returned from competing in the "Champion of
Champions Close-up Magic Competition" which took place last weekend at
the 2nd China Beijing International Magic Carnival and brought back with
him the second prize trophy. The line-up for this invitation-only
competition included three FISM World Champions, three MacMillan
International Champions, plus winners from FISM Asia and The Magic
Circle. 2006 FISM Grand Prix winner Rick Merrill was the eventual
winner, and Matthew in second, says he was more than happy with his
silver award. "This was by far the strongest competition line-up I have
ever been involved with so to even be invited to compete was a great
honour; there is no shame coming second to a legend like Rick!" Matthew
will be back in the UK for November and December for lectures or Society
Christmas dinners.
13.9.14
Alan
Shaxon - The Sophisticated Sorcerer. The Life and Magic of an
International Magician. From the publishers: Scott Penrose and
Stephen Short have completed this book, which Alan had started before he
sadly passed away in 2012. Alan's life and career has been augmented by
Stephen with many photographs and anecdotes from family and friends.
Scott has updated and added clear and detailed illustrations to Alan's
effects, including trademark effects such as The Hydrostatic Glass,
Ultimate Nudist Deck and Aerial Fishing, which Alan kept secret from
magicians during his career. Confabulation, which Alan created, is also
explained in print for the very first time. In total there are more than
25 effects and routines from Alan's repertoire. This book will be a
wonderful addition to magician's libraries who entertain with close-up,
stage, cabaret or children's entertainment. The book will be available
from the end of September and we are offering a special pre-publication
price of £30 plus p&p. Regular price (from 30th September 2014) £35 plus
p&p. Exclusive signed, limited edition of only 100 copies £100 plus p&p.
Scott and Steve will be presenting a lecture based on the book to magic
societies around the UK. If you would like to book the lecture for your
society please contact us at
steve@alanshaxonbook.com
www.alanshaxonbook.com.
13.9.14
Magic:
Unleashed 2014 - York.
US magician Alex Pandrea is the star lecturer at this year's Magic
Unleashed One Day Convention at the Priory Centre, York, on Sunday 21st
September, which will also feature new lectures from
Chris Congreave and Wayne Goodman.
Dealers include MAPro Magic, Mission Magic, Magic Tao, Magic World,
Macrow Magic plus lecturers tables.
Registration for the convention is £15 for adults and £10 for 16
and under. Group discounts are available. Book online at
www.magic-unleashed.co.uk.
From the organisers:
"Alex Pandrea is considered a master of sleights by top magicians such as
Chris Kenner, Richard Kaufman and Dani DaOrtiz. As the 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 not only share the
method, but also his philosophies and theories on performing, and his minimalist approach to routining.
All attendees will also receive 5 free video downloads via email after
the lecture.
The two other lecturers are our very own Chris Congreave and Wayne
Goodman.
Wayne Goodman's last release 'The Definitive Guide to Restaurant Magic' sold over 1000 copies in less than
30 days and Chris Congreave is one of the UK's top close-up magicians, has
lectured at The Magic Circle and has released some of his original ideas to the magic community. We're delighted to have Chris
with us."
Magic Unleashed is organised by York magicians Martin Hunt of
www.mapromagic.co.uk and Mark Foster of
www.missionmagic.co.uk.
Venue: York Priory Centre, 15 Priory Street, York YO1 6ET (Map).
For more information visit
www.magic-unleashed.co.uk.
13.9.14
Introducing MatrixMagic.co.uk: "Following 18 years of performing
magic as a hobby, and generally being a huge magic fan myself, I have
decided to create a 'one stop shop' site where other magic enthusiasts
could visit to learn new tips and ideas and buy some of the very best
tricks and illusions on the market at very competitive prices. Here at
www.matrixmagic.co.uk we supply a range of high quality magic
tricks, books, DVDs and other accessories, so whether you are just
starting out, or are a seasoned professional, I am sure we have
something to suit everyone. Our website is always kept updated so you
can always be assured of a speedy delivery time on which ever product
you order. Please feel free to have a browse around the site and if you
have any questions please just drop me a message using the 'contact us'
tab and I will get back to you as quickly as I can." Ian Veillette,
Matrix Magic.
www.matrixmagic.co.uk (Right now one of their hottest products is
Psypher:
Click Here).
13.9.14
Magic
Night at Madame
JoJo's - London, on
Friday, October 3rd... "Tall stories, strange illusions and tricky
couples. We’ll be taking you to the realms of fantasy in this show with
Ben Hart’s tricky yet compulsive stories as he weaves fantastical magic
with narrative. The Duo Bogof prove that just because you are divorced
it doesn’t mean you can’t still create magic together – using a camera,
a silver screen and some mind boggling tricks. Pete Heat will show you
the colour of his pants but only when you have dreamed about them first
whilst Stephen Barry has an unusual effect on objects that is almost
superhuman. All expertly compered by mentalist sorcerer Magic Neil (or
Neil Henry as he more commonly known to the utility companies)." Magic Night at Madame JoJo's. Doors open 7.00pm.
Show starts at 7.45pm. Tickets £12 including entry to Good Foot. £14
OTD. Show
ticket plus dinner: £27.
Madame JoJo's,
8-10 Brewer Street,
London W1F 0SE (Map).
Tickets and more info:
www.magicnight.co.uk.
13.9.14
Conjuring
at the Court, London, Thursday 25th September. From the organisers:
Witness the impossible at a show that will be amusing, baffling, funny –
and above all, magical! Michael Vincent - the UK’s top sleight of hand
magician; relax and enjoy timeless classics of mystery in the hands of a
master performer. Mark Shortland (photo) – one of the top stand-up and
cabaret magicians in the UK, performing all over the world including the
top cruise lines. He’s won prize after prize for his entertaining comedy
magic; British Magical Comedy Champion, British Magical Grand Prix
champion, British Ring International Brotherhood of Magicians Stage
Magician of the Year, he’s a regular performer at the world famous Magic
Castle in Hollywood – and now he’s reached the pinnacle by appearing at
Conjuring at the Court. Harrison Richards – The Perceptionist – with his
dry northern humour, is venturing down south to demonstrate his uncanny
ability to read people’s minds. Pat Fallon - one of our favourites at
the Court; an Irish magician with an international reputation and over
80 TV appearances to his credit. Enjoy the miracles and the blarney of
this wonderful entertainer. Compered by Russell Levinson, it’s going to
be an entertaining and memorable evening in the Conjuring at the Court
tradition. The show is in the lovely function room of the Drayton Court,
2 The Avenue, West Ealing, London W13 8PH (Map).
Doors open 7.30pm and the show starts at 8pm. Tickets still just £10
from
www.conjuringatthecourt.com.
13.9.14
Alex Pandrea is nearing the end of
a
very well received UK lecture tour before heading over to mainland Europe.
The lecture has something for everyone, from very commercial and easy to
perform effects to
more technical card work which he has become famous for. As the 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 not only share
the method, but also his philosophies and theories on performing, and
his minimalist approach to routining. All attendees will also receive 5
free video downloads via email after the lecture.
15/9/14 Leicester Magic Circle -
www.leicestermagiccircle.co.uk.
16/9/14 British Magical Society - non-members welcome, £5 door charge, 7.30pm
at Selly Oak Ex Serviceman’s Club, Selly Oak,
Birmingham B29 7DL see
www.britishmagicalsociety.co.uk for details.
18/9/14 Home Counties Magic Society - 8pm, visiting magicians welcome
for a door charge of £10. See
www.hcms.org.uk.
20/9/14 York, Magic Unleashed Convention - workshop
www.magic-unleashed.co.uk.
21/9/14 York, Magic Unleashed Convention - convention
www.magic-unleashed.co.uk.
22/9/14 Newcastle Magic Circle - Nevilles Hall, Westgate Road, Newcastle
Upon Tyne, NE1 1SY – easy to get to by Rail, Metro and plenty of free
roadside parking. To watch this fantastic lecture at our fantastic
venue, please contact Tony Junior
nmcsecretary@outlook.com.
Entry: free to NMC members, £5.00 for NMC Partner, £10 for magic club
members and £15.00 for non-magic club members.
13.9.14
Oliver
Meech at The Pentacle Club: "Magicians are welcome to come along to
The Pentacle Club on Tuesday, 16th September, when we host an evening
with Oliver Meech 'Plotting Away'. Described by Genii Magazine as
“wildly creative”, Oliver loves developing tricks with new plots and in
this fun and informative lecture you’ll learn a range of tricks,
designed to be original yet practical. It includes close-up magic,
parlour/stage magic and even a trick for kids shows, so there's
something for everyone. There will also be a mini-workshop teaching a
powerful creativity technique that makes it easy to come up with new
tricks of your own. Oliver has written the critically-acclaimed books
The Plot Thickens, Plot Twists and Drawn In and his
work has been compared to Paul Harris and Jay Sankey. The Pentacle Club
meets at St Laurence's School, Arbury Road, Cambridge CB4 2JX (Map)
and the lecture starts at 7.45pm. There is a charge of £10 for
non-members.
www.pentacleclub.com. Alan Maskell.
13.9.14
Anglian
Magic Society Paul Gordon Lecture. The award winning Paul Gordon
will be presenting his new lecture at the Anglian Magic Society on
Tuesday 16th September at 7.30pm at The White Horse Inn, The Street,
Trowse, Norwich NR14 8ST (Map).
This world touring lecture is not to be missed as Paul is well known for
his mind blowing card effects (and not all of them require complicated
sleights and moves!). There will be something for everyone presented in a
fun and informative style. Members £2.00 / Visitors £10.00
www.facebook.com/TheAnglianMagicSociety. Steve Majes, acting
secretary of the Anglian Magic Society.
13.9.14
RSVPMagic
presents 'Be A Magician': The ultimate after-sales tool for every
working magician. Imagine having your own DVD custom designed by us at
RSVPMagic, shot in high definition, with top quality graphics and music.
We’ll design a unique DVD where your name and contact details are on the
actual footage itself. Yes, that’s right. On the actual DVD! Each of the
DVD pages will also feature your name and you’ll also be sent a custom
designed DVD case and label. Featuring 16 easy-to-do tricks, seemingly
performed by you, 'Be A Magician' is a product that makes money and
sells you long after your show is over. Best of all, you’ll own
the copyright to your own unique DVD that we create for you, so that you
can duplicate and sell as many as you like. Costing you pennies. Imagine
the profit. Available from:
www.rsvpmagic.com. Trailer:
Click Here. Sample Footage:
Click Here.
13.9.14
The
Order of the Magi are holding their annual stage and comedy
competition on Tuesday 16th September at 8pm at their usual venue, The Irish
World Heritage Centre, in Cheetham Hill, Manchester. This is an open
night so visitors are welcome without charge. There are two cups; one
for the outright winner and the other for comedy. The latter was
presented by the family of the late Ralph Matthew in his memory (photo).
Many will remember Ralph for his ‘drunk’ act but maybe more so for his
origami skills and the number of booklets he wrote on the subject.
President Dave Magee looks forward to welcoming members and guests on
this occasion. Geoffrey Newton PRO.
13.9.14
The
Mark Leveridge September Podcast. Mark writes: This month the free
Podcast is a specially extended edition in which I talk about the 10
biggest lessons that I've learned in magic over a lifetime of
involvement. It's amazing how much great stuff you pick up along the way
if you keep your eyes and ears open, and in this Podcast I have chatted
about the 'truths' that I have come to realise and how they have
affected the way I approach my magic. We all have different influences
and experiences in magic, but hopefully it will be interesting for you
to see what you think of my biggest lessons and to perhaps learn a bit
from them. The Podcast is available free either to listen to online or
to download now from
www.markleveridge.co.uk/podcast.php.
13.9.14
The
Montreux Comedy Festival 2014 invites entries. The Montreux Comedy
Festival celebrates its 25th Anniversary this year, and launches new
international company based in London. Grégoire Furrer, CEO of Montreux
Comedy Int, and founder of Montreux Comedy has joined forces with Andrew
Eborn (photo), President of Octopus TV, to launch Montreux Comedy Ltd,
with Chloée Coqterre as production manager. The London-based company
will support Montreux Comedy’s international development and the
international contest launched in 2013. Andrew Eborn has also been
invited to be Chairman of the global board of the Montreux Comedy
Festival to assist with international development. Chloée Coqterre joins
the company as production manager. The Festival has also entered into a
long-term agreement with Octopus TV, the leading edge cloud based video
management and delivery platform. Andrew is keen to get as many
comedy magicians entering as possible. Finalists will be invited to
Montreux to perform at the Festival. For entry details visit
www.montreuxcomedy.ch.
13.9.14
Sunday
Night at the Palladium. The fondly remembered entertainment classic
returns with the first of six brand new shows hosted by some of the UK's
best-loved comics and entertainers and featuring big stars from across
the globe. The first show is hosted by TV presenter and all-round
entertainer (and magician) Stephen Mulhern, with performances from
global superstar Bryan Adams, girl band Little Mix, singer Alfie Boe,
stand-up comedian Alan Davies, hilarious French-Canadian speciality act
Les Beaux Freres and, from America, the amazing quick change act David
and Dania. See TV Magic
for details. "TV preview- Palladium is back for Sunday viewers"
Click Here.
13.9.14
Enterteasement:
Comedy Magic Burlesque - Glasgow, Saturday, September 13th, 8pm - 10.30pm.
Enterteasement is a monthly Comedy Magic Burlesque show in the heart of Glasgow.
This month's show features one of Holland's favourite magicians Fritz (with a z)
Also featuring three 'As Seen On TV' comedians and burlesque from New York,
London and Glasgow. Tickets £14 via
www.enterteasement.com.
Venue: Admiral Bar, 72 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 7DA (Map).
13.9.14
Andy
Clockwise returns as host and compere for this month's 'Magicians at
the Half Moon' on Friday 26th September. This month's acts include the
return by popular demand of comedy magician Ian Manly and one of only a
handful of magicians to have ever fooled Penn & Teller, the very
tall and very talented Lee Hathaway. As per usual, doors open at 7.30pm
at the Half Moon, 31 North Street, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23
2LD (Map).
Entry is £10 on the door, or to reserve a seat call 01279 659562. For
further information visit
www.halfmoonmagic.co.uk.
13.9.14
Paul
Gordon's 'worker' card magic lecture now booking for 2015. Paul
Gordon's 'worker' card magic lecture for 2015 is now available to book.
See the Lecturers page
and the new promo video,
Click Here.
"The lecture is fun, fast paced and full of powerful commercial (and
doable) card magic." Boris Wild said, "A fantastic lecture. Funny, fast,
killer card magic."
13.9.14
John
Styles is back on the road with a series of Music Hall shows performing
his magic and Chelsea Pensioner acts.
Venues include The Ashcroft Theatre (Croydon), Wilton's Music Hall, The
Garrick Club, The Players Theatre and The City Varieties, Leeds. As he is celebrating a landmark birthday this month the British Puppet
and Model Theatre Guild are also featuring highlights from his career in
their journal 'The Puppet Master'.
13.9.14
Pat
Fallon will be releasing two easy to perform, but very strong
close–up card routines at the forthcoming
IBM
convention in Bournemouth 24th-28th of September. Both effects ‘The
Duplicator Card’ and ‘Back in the Box’ can be performed using regular
decks, plus that little extra something of course, but require no
difficult moves, or sleight of hand. These routines have been part of
Pat's close-up set for many years, so have been extensively tried and
tested under normal working conditions. In addition to having his
Emerald Magic stand in the dealers' hall, at this year’s event Pat will
perform on the opening show on Wednesday, the ‘Afternoon with Patrick
Page’ event on Friday and the International close-up show on Saturday.
www.patfallonmagic.com.
13.9.14
Fred
Van Buren (pictured with his wife Connie Greta) has been awarded the
Circus Lifetime Achievement Award by the Circus Friends Association in
recognition of his lifetime of inventing, building and performing
illusions in the round and putting magic well and truly into the circus
ring. Amongst his creations he is most known for his unique Vanishing
Motorbike and Rider surrounded, all of which are still featured around
the world in his son Andrew Van Buren's shows.
13.9.14
The
Mersey Dee Trophy. Richard Smith writes: The Mersey Dee Trophy took
place on Wednesday 10th September between Mahatma Magic Circle, North
Wales Magic Circle, Chester Guild of Magicians and the Liverpool Magic
Circle, who also hosted it. The magicians taking part were Rick and
Carol Tynan, Keith Wells and Frank Kearns (Mahatma); Steve Ashcroft,
Dave Baker and Dean Raymond (Nothing Wales); Scott Prior, Steve Cooil
and Simon South (Chester); and John Parry, Dave Hooper and PJ
(Liverpool). The winning Magic Circle was Liverpool and overall
entertainer PJ. A good night was had by all and the real winner was
magic and the bonding of Magic Circles. Southport Magic Circle will be
part of future Mersey Dee competitions and it was agreed by all Magic
Circles that when visiting each other's Circles for lectures they will
be charged at the same rate as members of the Circle they are visiting
adding to a great comradeship between them.
13.9.14
Adrian
Sullivan Perth Magic Circle Lecture. Adrian Sullivan is making the
trip North to the heart of Scotland in order to present his acclaimed
lecture for the Perth Magic Circle this Wednesday, 17th September. This
date was deliberately chosen in order that he does not need to produce a
passport at the Border (he may need to after the 18th!). The lecture
will be held in the Perth Ex-Service Men's Club in Brown Street
commencing at 7.30pm prompt. As well as giving his lecture, Adrian will
be showing and demonstrating some of his latest effects which he will
have for sale. It promises to be a good night with plenty of magic and
banter and the Perth Club extends a warm invitation to other magicians
to join us on the night. Entry, like Adrian's magic, is a bargain at
£5.00, Payable at the door. See you there! Adrian Harris.
13.9.14
Mel
Moore 1933-2014. Mel Moore is remembered by Ian Fraser
Click Here.
13.9.14
News
Deadline reminder. Please submit news by Thursday if possible - absolute
deadline 12 noon Friday, no exceptions. DT.
13.9.14
"One Direction team up with Dynamo for Four tour -
and will conjure up something breathtaking"
Click Here •
"11 photos of David Blaine surprise street performance for PH less
fortunate"
Click Here •
"David Blaine shows off his magic to TV viewers"
Click Here •
"Magic in the Moonlight movie: Exclusive stills of Woody Allen's new film
starring Colin Firth"
Click Here •
"Penn Jillette And "Wizard Wars" Magicians Explain How Magic Works And Why
It's Still Relevant"
Click Here •
"Who's on I'm A Celebrity 2014 line up? Early rumoured celebrities round
up"
Click Here •
"Not So Serious Magicians At Play The Edinburgh Fringe 2014"
Click Here •
"Magician reveals tricks, gets standing ovation on 'Showtime'"
Click Here •
"Magician Paul Daniels and wife Debbie McGee on their marriage"
Click Here •
"Watch: David Blaine dazzles Sixto Brillantes"
Click Here •
"Blaine game"
Click Here •
Steve Dimmer's recent Anglian Magic Society lecture is
reviewed by Steve Majes,
Click Here •
"Jewel Aich, more than a magician"
Click Here •
"20 photos: David Blaine stuns PH audience in 'Real or Magic' show"
Click Here •
And finally... "Golfer or magician? Rory Mcllroy hits tee shot into fan's
pocket"
Click Here •
Many thanks for your news submissions this week, see you next week, Duncan.
13.9.14