Number 746 - 11th October 2014
The
membership of The Magic Circle elected a new President, Vice President and
Secretary last week, with the results being announced at their Annual
General Meeting held at the Society’s Headquarters on Monday 6th. The new
officers are:
President
Scott Penrose MIMC. Scott is the former Vice President of the Society, winner of
the first Magic Circle Stage Magician of the Year competition, a professional
magician, a member of the board of The Centre for the Magic Arts and a
consultant on many films and theatre productions. “I am very humbled to have
been elected President of the Club I look forward to serving the membership to
the very best of my ability. In our 109 year history, I’m the 13th President,
lucky for some I hope!”
Vice President
Richard Pinner MIMC. Richard was the winner of the 2014 Magic Circle Stage
Magician of the Year competition, is a former winner of the Magic Circle
Close-up Magician of the Year competition, and also a professional magician and
magic consultant on numerous stage and TV shows. “I am very proud to have
been elected Vice President and will look forward to what will be a very
exciting year ahead for our Club".
Secretary
Megan Knowles Bacon MMC is the first woman to hold an officer position in The
Magic Circle’s history. A recent university graduate she said “I am
extremely excited and honoured to have been elected Secretary. I cannot thank
the membership enough for giving me this exciting opportunity”.
Officers and members of Council serve for twelve months with the maximum term
for President of the Society set at five years. To find out more about The Magic
Circle, and for membership information, visit
www.themagiccircle.co.uk.
11.10.14
Derren
Brown and Martin Freeman Stand Up to Cancer,
10pm on Friday 17th October on Channel 4. Sherlock stars and husband and wife team
Martin Freeman and Amanda Abbington have their minds blown by Derren
Brown in this exclusive stunt especially for Stand Up to Cancer. Plus:
Jack Whitehall Is Feeling Nuts. Jack Whitehall is on hand to raise
awareness of testicular cancer with a very special sketch from Men
Behaving Badly boys Martin Clunes and Neil Morrissey. And more
celebrities step forward to audition in front of Andy Murray and Richard
Ayoade as they try to get the lead roles in Andy Murray: The Movie.
Celebrity auditionees include Ed Sheeran, Pharrell Williams, Gordon
Ramsay, Michael Sheen, Rory McIIroy, Sir Terry Wogan, Tim Henman, Dara
O'Briain, Andy Serkis, Cesc Fabregas, Jimmy Carr and Britney Spears. Also
look out for Dynamo on the same evening, but at a different time.
11.10.14
More
names announced for The London Festival of Magic at The Bridewell Theatre,
Bride Lane, London EC4Y 8EQ from November 10th to 16th: "To an already packed
programme (see
www.internationalmagic.com for line up so far) we're delighted that on the
Monday (Mentalism theme) we've added BAFTA Award winning Anthony Owen
and Chris Cox (Edinburgh Festival favourite) with a conversation on the
parameters and difficulties of presenting Mentalism on TV and making it
believable. On Tuesday Jon Armstrong joins the line up for the Card Day. In
April 2007, after being nominated for the last two years, Jon Armstrong was
named Close up Magician of the Year by The Academy of Magical Arts and has been
nominated four times as of 2009. Jon will now also be speaking on the Thursday
(Screen and Stage Magic) on how to make card effects big enough to play on
stage. Furthermore on Thursday, with the theme of Stage and Screen Magic, we've
added Russ Stevens (photo) who will talk about his advisory role in Britain's Got Talent
with both James More and Darcy Oake. If you're even considering an appearance
on this type of programme, Russ's talk will provide invaluable information on
how not to come out of the experience badly... as so many have. This year
America's Got Talent was won by a magician - if that is anything to go by this
might be the year to enter! Also on the Thursday, Nigel Mead has been added to
the line up. Nigel has numerous TV credits under his belt both on screen (Faking
It, Freaky and Under Pressure) but also behind the screens as magical advisor on
"Getting Tricky" and currently "Tricked". It really is a spectacular line up of
talent each day of the week with the above names joining other magic luminaries
as Jim Steinmeyer, Mike Caveney, Tom Mullica, Bob Sheets, Doc Eason, Tina
Lenert, Jonathan Pendragon, Karl Hein, Henry Evans and many many more. If you're
working over the weekend and are going to miss the convention itself, these
Festival Days allow an unprecedented ability to improve your magical knowledge
no matter what your personal tastes in magic are." Noel Britten, Talent
Coordinator for the Festival and Convention.
11.10.14
Mark
Shortland 'The Fourteen Minutes Past 8 Show!' 21st and 22nd November at
7.45pm at The Playhouse Theatre, 115 Clare Street, Northampton NN1 3JA (Map).
Adults £8.50, Children £6.00, Family £25.00 in advance. Online Box Office:
www.markshortlandcloseup.co.uk. "Your performance was brilliant, so funny
and full of life" - Teller. "One of my favourite acts" - Jonathan
Ross.
11.10.14
Bristol
Day of Magic 2015. Ozzy Dee writes: "Bristol Day of Magic are pleased to announce that the 2014 Micro Magic
European Winner Mario Lopez will be performing at the 2015 Day of Magic. More names
will be announced in a couple of weeks. To be the first to hear and be in with a
chance of the special offers please visit the Bristol Day of Magic facebook
page."
11.10.14
"This
Magician's Trick Will Disappear From YouTube Thanks to Court Ruling. Teller
not only wins an injunction against a Belgian magician, but also a lot of money"
Click Here.
11.10.14
Manchester gets its very own magic shop!
"MagicWorld.co.uk has been based in Manchester for years, but has only ever been online,
until now.
MagicWorld and Print By Magic which offers a bespoke Bicycle Card Printing
Service in-house has secured its first true premises and identity just 8 short
minutes from Manchester Town Centre. Here you can browse our huge selection of
magic, see it demonstrated and even print your Bicycle Playing Cards in-store
(no printing on the open day however!).
The official opening event is being held between 10am and 4pm on Saturday 18th
October 2014… that's next Saturday!
There will be complimentary drinks and perhaps even canapés!
To join in the fun simply set your Sat Nav to: 677 Manchester Road, M34 2NA (Map).
There is no easy parking unfortunately, but tons of road parking just at the
back.
Alternatively if you plan to travel by bus the 201 and I’m sure others travel
down the A57 (Hyde Road) regularly and are very quick. If you require any
further details simply call 07989 568 304
or visit
www.magicworld.co.uk for more info."
11.10.14
Jon
Allen lectures for the Nottingham Guild of Magicians on Thursday 16th
October at The Guild of Magicians, The Arts Centre, Ponds Hill Lane, Arnold,
Nottingham NG5 8DR (Map);
6.45pm for a 7.30pm start.
www.thenottinghamguildofmagicians.co.uk
www.close-upmagician.com.
11.10.14
Bargains!
Bargains! Bargains! Manchester Circle of Magicians Jumbo Magic Auction on
Monday 13th October at Salford Masonic Hall, Hemsley House, 41 The Crescent,
Salford, Near Manchester M5 4PE (Map). Doors open 5.45pm; Viewing 6pm;
Auction commences at 6.30pm with Star Auctioneers Mike Shepherd and Derek Lever.
Members free of charge. Non-members pay £3.00. For further details contact Derek
Lever: d.lever1@sky.com.
11.10.14
Franklin
West Lothian Magic Circle Lecture. Craig Williamson writes: West Lothian Magic Circle are hosting a lecture by Franklin the Mind
Magician entitled 'Beyond the Veil' at 7.30pm on
Thursday 23rd October.
Franklin will demonstrate what he does full time for a living, at receptions,
in close-up and cabaret, for grown up audiences.
Homing Society Social Club,
Oakbank Road, East Calder
EH53 0BT (Map).
Guests £10.
www.wlmc.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk.
11.10.14
The British Magical Society presents a Tribute to Aldo Colombini
on Tuesday, 21st October:
"Chair: Paul Cadley. Members will (or should) need little telling that when Paul
does a Tribute Evening it is
good! Sadly Aldo is no longer with us, but leaves a legacy of valuable
contributions in the form of tricks, books, magazine articles and, above all, a
great personality. This will be an instructive and entertaining evening to
enjoy.
Non-members and visitors are invited to attend.
Time and venue: 7.30pm, Selly Oak Ex Serviceman’s Club, Selly Oak, Birmingham
B29 7DL (Map) see
www.britishmagicalsociety.co.uk for details.
11.10.14
Tyler Erickson
International Magic Lecture: "Tyler previously lectured for us in 2011 - it was a huge success, resulting in
many of those who attended often asking if we could get him back for more. Tyler is known and respected among magicians as a great performer and
teacher of close-up magic. Tyler's performances are world class and in this all
new lecture, you'll not only pick up tips to improve your own magic,
but also see some excellent, beautifully created, baffling routines.
Tyler is known to be secretive and doesn’t have videos on YouTube and other such
sites. He has an old-school mindset and prefers to be seen live. While this may
suggest a lack of ability on his part, he offers his personal guarantee that it
will be worth it! "Rarely do I meet a magic teacher with the technical skills that Tyler
possesses. His comprehensive knowledge of magic history and his ability to
perform and teach are astonishing." Jeff McBride. Tyler can be found on
his website
www.tylerteach.com. Tuesday 21st October, 7.30pm to 10pm at Casa Italiana, 2nd Floor, 136 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1R 5DL (just
opposite our Magic Shop).
£15 per person.
As usual, tickets are on the door
but advance reservation is essential, by emailing
martin@internationalmagic.com."
11.10.14
Mark
Leveridge October Podcast: "After last month's Podcast Special we return
this month to the more regular format with a range of things for discussion.
This time I reveal one of the topics discussed by the Cumbrian Conjurers
Collective group following the recent get together, I wonder why magicians in
films are cast in such stereotypical ways, and for fun I give an example of what
a magic dealer's advert might sound like if it was on a commercial radio
station. I also give opinions on dealing with spectators who claim they know how
you are performing your tricks, reflect on Tom Wright's latest DVD and more. The
Mark Leveridge Podcast is available now from
www.markleveridge.co.uk/podcast.php and is free to download or listen to
online."
11.10.14
Objective
makes magic with Pickpocket.
Objective Productions is joining up with Pickpocket - the Magic division of
Soho-based talent agency Money – in a new collaboration.
The initiative will see Objective’s unprecedented experience in magic TV
production and talent married to Pickpocket’s expertise in management and
creating talent brands.
In addition to each company’s existing presence, the venture will provide a
platform for the mutual growth, management and promotion of both established and
emerging magic talent in the marketplace.
“We are very excited to be embarking on this dynamic new relationship,” comments
Objective Productions’ Managing Director, Paul Sandler. “Our years of experience
developing the best British talent in magic with Objective Talent Management
perfectly complements Pickpocket’s expertise in identifying young performers and
turning them into cutting edge multi-platform brands.”
Dana Malmstrom, Director of Pickpocket, adds: "We have
huge respect for Objective, which is literally the original home of Magic in the
UK, and we look forward to bringing Pickpocket's strategic expertise to the
talent that they represent."
Objective’s prolific magic output includes all of Derren Brown’s multi
award-winning shows for Channel 4; Breaking Magic; The Incredible Mr. Goodwin;
Help! My Supply Teacher is Magic; The Magic of Science; Killer Magic, and
Katherine Mills: Mind Games, the brand-new series currently airing on UKTV’s
Watch.
Objective Talent Management’s clients include Katherine Mills, Pete Firman,
Morgan & West and James Went.
Pickpocket is part of Money Group Entertainment (MGE) which owns Money - the
talent agency which represents Nick Grimshaw, Troy Von Scheibner, Lisa Snowdon
and Zane Lowe amongst others.
11.10.14
Dave Allen and Carl Charlesworth
are through to the next round of the Montreux Comedy Festival contest, and are
now looking ahead, aiming at the final: "We are up against comedy from all over
the English speaking world, and are very lucky to be selected into the top 60.
You can vote and see our winning entry at
www.dailymotion.com/contest."
11.10.14
Magicians Wanted.
BBC TV write: The BBC children’s
development team are holding auditions in Leeds, London and Bristol to find new
presenters for a not-for-broadcast TV pilot aimed at 5-7 year olds. We are
looking for talent from all backgrounds – you do not need to have previous
presenting experience. However you will need a can-do attitude, be natural
around children and be able to think on your feet. Our presenters will visit
locations to find out how things work, take part in fun studio challenges and
introduce our viewers to skills and activities they might want to try at home.
We are particularly interested in people with a skill or area of expertise that
will engage people from diverse backgrounds. We want to see things that will
make a 7 year old go 'wow!' whether that's the ability to demonstrate a football
trick shot, break down some Bhangra dance moves or amaze with close up magic. If
you are interested please email
childrensdevelopment@bbc.co.uk by midnight on Sunday 12th October 2014.
Please write ‘Audition’ in the subject header and include your name, phone
number and up to 100 words explaining how you would be suitable for the project.
Our production team will use this information to create a shortlist and may wish
to call you for a telephone conversation as part of that process. We will then
invite successful candidates to audition in Leeds, London or Bristol. Auditions
will be in late October 2014.
11.10.14
Tony
Griffith has two lecture dates coming up, first for the for the Cumbrian
Magic Circle on Tuesday 21st October and then for the Modern Mystic League on
Wednesday 22nd October.
Although most of the material in Tony’s lecture will be taken from his recent
publications: Reflections, Further Reflections, Final Reflections, Ultimate
Reflections and The Essence the need to own the books is not
required in order to understand the lecture. Everything is explained in minute
detail and those attending will have all the necessary information should they
wish to avail themselves of the routines. See
What's On for details. Also
see
www.tonygriffith.co.uk/publications.htm.
11.10.14
Table
Top Sale & Mini Auction - Perth Magic Circle. Adrian Harris writes: The
annual Table Top Sale and Mini Auction is on Wednesday night, 15th October in
Perth Ex-Servicemens Club commencing 7.30pm.
This year the event will be held in the main function room so there will be more
space available for sellers to display their items.
There is still some table space available and this can be booked in advance at the
low cost of £5.00, or take a chance on the night and pay £10.00. Entry to
non-sellers is £3 payable at the door which includes a free raffle ticket. We
extend a warm welcome to all magicians; come and seek out a bargain (there will
be plenty!), have a leisurely cheap drink from the bar and join in the banter.
For more information email
adrian.harris@blueyonder.co.uk
or phone 01738 628985.
11.10.14
3rd
European Close-up Magic Symposium, 21st, 22nd, 23rd November 2014,
Milano, Italy. From the organisers: "The most exclusive and original
convention in Europe dedicated strictly to the art of close-up magic!
This event has attracted the best close-up magic artists from all over
the world to Milan, each year since 2010. A two day convention:
performances from big stars in magic, free private sessions with your
favorite artists, international close-up competition, and a lot more!
Free tables are still available at the dealer area, please contact us
for availability. The winner of the competition will get an invitation
to the 4F (Fechter's Finger Flicking Frolic). Congratulations to Mario
Lopez, new close up champion at the European FISM 2014! Mario will be
one of the artists at the Symposium! For more
information visit more information visit
www.closeupmagicsymposium.com
and www.facebook.com/MagicSymposium.
11.10.14
Following a sell-out tour as part of Maths Week Ireland 2013, magician Andrew Jeffrey will once again be visiting the Emerald
Isle with his 'Magic of Maths' show between 10th and 20th October 2014 (seen
here last year at the massive
Helix theatre in Dublin). Andrew will be performing as part of
the tour. Visit www.mathsweek.ie for more details or to book.
11.10.14
Opportunity for indoor performance in Biggar, South Lanarkshire, 5th and 6th November 2014. Emma Dolphin, of "The Craich at..." writes: As part of a wider event, 'The Craich at...' are searching for illusionists, magicians and any act that involves controlling people's perceptions to create an 'effect', who wish to participate in a busking-like event to practise and promote their craft. There are a wide variety of slots ranging from ten minutes to an hours performance. Each performer is encouraged to collect tips, sell any produce (DVDs, literature etc) or distribute information and leaflets. The only requirement from 'The Craich at...' is that the performer takes some time to explain some of the psychology and how it relates to the 'control' exercised over an audience. This can be a thirty second explanation or a twenty minute talk. The method of demonstration is up to you! For further information or to book your slot, please email thecraich@gmail.com or call us on 0156974454 and ask for Emma. Venue: The Llamas Larder, 35 High Street, Biggar ML12 6DA. 11.10.14
The next meeting of the Carmarthen Magic Society is on Monday, October 13th, at the Y Glyndwr pub on Queen Street. Organiser Nick Brunger can be contacted on 01267 290216 or email nick@thespookymagiccompany.co.uk for more information. (Do make contact if you didn't hear back recently, as Nick mislaid some people's details.) 11.10.14
"Welcome
to Colon, Magic Capital of the World"
Click Here • The Wizard Behind the Wizards"
Click Here • "Ben Hanlin 'ruined magic' for his family"
Click Here • "Paul Daniels, Touring. Expertly executed magic tricks
with old-school humour"
Click Here • "Dynamo: It's Kinda Magic" (magic parody video, contains
profanity)
Click Here • 'Correct' by Alan Astra is reviewed by Jack Stephens
this week,
Click
Here • "Las Vegas magician starts fundraising campaign to help a
homeless veteran who fell on hard times get off the streets and back on
his feet"
Click Here • "Comedy magician records DVD"
Click Here • "Ben Hanlin dishes dirt on Kim Kardashian, Joey Essex,
Peter Andre"
Click Here • "Magician Escapes Houdini’s Death-Defying Straight
Jacket Stunt Above San Francisco"
Click Here • "Magicians cast their spell in Illusionists 2.0"
Click Here • "Master Magician Dirk Arthur Celebrates Return of Big
Cats to The Strip with New Show 'Dirk Arthur’s Wild Illusions!' at
Riviera Hotel & Casino"
Click Here • "Abracadabra: Houdini’s grave to get a facelift"
Click Here • Busy week. Your UK magic news is always welcome -
thanks to all contributors. See you next week,
Duncan.
11.10.14