Number 747 - 18th October 2014
Paul
Daniels and Debbie McGee: The 'Back Despite Popular Demand' Tour.
Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee are 'Back Despite Popular Demand' right
now as they weave their spell across the land; see
www.pauldaniels.co.uk/tour-dates.
"Paul Daniels: 'How I saved money by living in a hotel'"
Click Here. "Paul Daniels: 'I wasn't even a millionaire when I met
Debbie McGee'"
Click Here.
18.10.14
Magic
Night at Madame
JoJo's - London. Friday, November 7th: "With double-crossing mind readers,
Rubik's Cube trickery, juggling madness and iconic appearances (using
paint!). It's tricks for the mind in this show with Chris Cox from BBC
3's Killer Magic, befriending and influencing you so that he can read
your minds and casually announce your thoughts to the world. Harrison
Richards will use your eyes and an eye mask in order to solve a Rubik's
Cube. He may even stand on one leg whilst doing this. Juggling supremo
and utter gentleman, Matt Riccardo, throws, spins and juggles objects
that absolutely should not be thrown, spun or juggled. All expertly
compered by Neil Henry, one of Magic Night's resident mighty sorcerers." Magic Night at Madame JoJo's. Doors open 7.00pm.
Show starts at 7.45pm. Tickets £13.20 including entry to Good Foot. Show
ticket plus dinner: £27.50.
Madame JoJo's,
8-10 Brewer Street,
London W1F 0SE (Map).
Tickets and more info:
www.magicnight.co.uk.
18.10.14
The
Magic Circle Dealers' Day + Lectures, London. Saturday 25th October 2014.
Royal National Hotel (Galleon Suite), Bedford Street, Russell Square, London
WC1H 0DG (Map).
10am - 5pm. Free entry to Members of The Magic Circle (and YMC members). More
than 20 dealers booked. It will be a great day to meet and greet magicians and
buy the latest magic. £5 entry to non-members. As an added bonus, the day will
be followed by two star lectures in the Royal National’s Alexandria Suite. From
4.30pm – 6pm, the legendary Fay Presto will lecture on commercial close-up and,
from 6.30pm – 8pm, the mind-blowing Kieron Lefever will lecture on his own brand
of innovative magic. £10 entry charge for members and non-members.
www.themagiccircle.co.uk.
18.10.14
The
Victorian Conjuror - An Extraordinary Performance of Amazing Magic and Unusual
Phenomena! Magician and illusionist Chris North is a specialist in devising
magic themed shows. In a career spanning 47 years his successes include: Magic
Affair (magic floorshow), Gerry Hatrick plus Support! (comedy illusion show),
Nightfright (horror illusion show), TrickStars (comedy illusion show), Rock
Magic (rock illusion show) and Mindforce (mentalism show). Once again he has hit
the spot with his new show - The Victorian Conjuror. The presentation is set in
the late 1800s and seamlessly blends visual magic with unusual phenomena and
audience interaction with plenty to smile about! The show runs up to 60 minutes
and is totally self-contained with stage set, sound system and computer
controlled lighting to enhance and create the right atmosphere to enjoy this
snapshot of Victorian entertainment. For further information visit
www.thevictorianconjuror.co.uk.
18.10.14
The
Berglas Effects. Just 8 copies of The Berglas Effects will be available from
the International Magic stand at the
International Magic Convention (November 14th, 15th, 16th). David Berglas
will be there in person on Sunday 16th to sign copies, which are priced at £90.
Copies can also be ordered for those not attending the convention (in which case
a signed bookmark will be included), priced at £99 to include delivery. Contact
www.internationalmagic.com for details.
"This is a wonderful, wonderful book, as well as one that resonates with me very
much personally. I feel a slight voyeuristic guilt being allowed in as much as
this, into his hidden world, but also the joy of seeing so lucidly before me
what seems now to be the ONLY way to present card material. Where the performer
is all and there's no card 'plot' to follow along with. This is a unique delight
to be reading." Derren Brown. Written by magic’s most experienced author
Richard Kaufman. Foreword by Juan Tamariz. Afterword by Max Maven. Includes 3
feature-packed DVDs. This title is now nearly sold out.
18.10.14
Sprezzatura
Show, London. "After selling out the first show, Jake is bringing
Sprezzatura back to the Charlotte Street Hotel in November! The clock strikes
8pm. Within the sumptuous screening room at the Charlotte Street hotel, a bijou
audience will have their minds read, senses manipulated and experience some of
the most astonishing feats of modern magic. Enter the world of Sprezzatura, and
witness previously unseen miracles. Marvel at the strange setting in which
nothing is quite as it seems. Like a great mystery novel, the plot will unfold
over the course of the evening to end with a final revelation so startling, it
will have to be seen to be believed." Saturday 8th November at 7.30pm at The
Charlotte Street Hotel, 15-17 Charlotte Street, London W1T 1RJ (Map)
www.sprezzaturashow.com.
18.10.14
Magic
Tao's Weekly Magazine. Magic Tao's new weekly video magic magazine is now in
full swing. Episode 4 includes: "'The Once Over' - Costas and Chris' take on new
tricks. This week it's 'Octopalm' Anti Gravity Gel and 'Go Change' by N2G and
Leo Xing. 'Q&A' asks 'Are card tricks boring?'. Future episodes will take a
question from someone in the magic community and answer that question - it could
be you if you send in your question by completing the comments box under the
video. 'Blast from the Past' - a look back at an old trick, lest we forget, some
of the old magic tricks are still relevant today. This week it's 'Gobsmacked' by
Costas Damianou dusted off. Plus other 'Bits and Bobs' and 'Tao News' every
week." Magic Tao's Weekly Magazine is Costas and Chris's view of the magic
world, visit
www.magictao.co.uk.
18.10.14
3Sixty
by Wayne Dobson: "3Sixty is a revolutionary card to box effect. A
perfect ending to your ambitious card routine. A small clear Perspex box
with a folded card inside has been on display either on the table or in
the spectators hand throughout your favourite card routine. A freely
chosen signed card has disappeared from the deck, nowhere to be found;
there is only one place it can be! You ask the spectator to remove the
lid from the box and the folded card within is removed and found to be
the spectators signed card. Everything can now be fully examined!
'The best card in box ever!' Chris Dugdale. Pre-order at a special now, limited
supplies, estimated release date: end of November 2014."
www.waynedobson.co.uk.
18.10.14
Trevor
Duffy visits the UK next year, with his 'Negotiating the Barriers' lecture tour,
from 7th - 30th September 2015: "Trevor is an award-winning comedy magician and
innovator of magic, residing in South Africa; a full-time professional
entertainer for private parties and corporate events, as well as having worked
at one of Johannesburg’s top restaurants for 11 years. Trevor has developed a
unique blend of comedy and magic, as can be seen in his new lecture,
'Negotiating the Barriers'. His magic encompasses close-up and platform shows,
and includes tricks with coins, thin cards, banknotes and special innovations
with clothing and playing cards. In this lecture, Trevor also shares valuable
ideas based on his fascinating and sometimes tough, performing experiences. The
second half of this lecture incorporates more magic as well as insights and
methods for keeping oneself motivated and positive. Trevor also shares his
unique method of practice. With Trevor Duffy, you are assured of a very
professional, entertaining and informative evening, guaranteed to motivate any
magician who wishes to make better of his or her career." If your club is
interested in booking Trevor's lecture contact Mark Traversoni on 07882 825748.
18.10.14
Introducing
Ye Olde Magic Mag: A new digital magazine on magic history and magic
collecting has just been launched.
Ye Olde Magic Mag is
the first magazine on this subject that is completely digital, collecting
stories of smaller magic events or performers, while keeping a watchful eye on
the thriving market of magic collecting. Editor of the magazine is noted magic
historian and collector, Marco Pusterla M.M.C. The subjects covered in the
magazine will be magic stories that have fallen into the cracks of history, the
small events that nobody has considered important to record, but that still are
a part of the vast tapestry of our magical heritage. Issue Zero of the magazine,
a sampler of the format and material, is available free from
www.yeoldemagicmag.com
with articles covering Robert-Houdin in England; a review of recent magic
auctions; a presentation of the Roxy Award for Research on Magic History; the
source of an anecdote about Houdini, and more. The magazine is in PDF format and
it has been especially designed to be read on tablets, smartphones and
computers. For hard-core collectors, a print version is also available. If you
are interested in the history of magic, or if you are a magic collector, then
this one's for you!
www.yeoldemagicmag.com.
18.10.14
Trick
or Treat? Why not have both and treat yourself to a night of comedy and
magic at this month's 'Magicians at the Half Moon' on Halloween itself, Friday
31st October. Starring Martin Cox and Dean Maudsley, ready to entertain you with
a spooky twist. As per usual, doors open at 7.30pm and the show kicks off at 8pm
at the Half Moon, 31 North Street, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23 2LD (Map).
Entry is £10 and you can reserve yours by calling Martin on 01279 659562 or
paying on the door. More information can be found at
www.halfmoonmagic.co.uk.
Andy Clockwise.
18.10.14
The
Twins FX are part of the creative team behind the UK tour of Barnum, a
Cameron Mackintosh / Michael Harrison presentation of the exhilarating musical.
Barnum follows the irrepressible imagination and dreams of Phineas T Barnum,
America’s Greatest Showman. The story of his life and his marriage to Chairy
reveals a couple who looked at the world from opposite sides of the spectrum,
and also reveals that Chairy was the practical one who made Barnum’s dreams come
true. We follow the legendary showman’s life as he lit up the world with colour,
warmth and excitement, finally teaming up with J A Bailey to create Barnum and
Bailey’s Circus – the Greatest Show on Earth. "Barnum is a big, sharp, witty,
breathtaking and emotional show" The Observer, starring: Brian Conley (Oliver!,
Hairspray, Jolson) and Linzi Hateley (Mary Poppins, Mamma Mia!, Chicago, Les
Misérables). The tour is non-stop around the UK and continues until August 2015.
See www.barnummusical.com.
18.10.14
Two
World Records confirmed. Guinness World Records has confirmed that Southend
Sorcerers and United Kingdom Escape Artists member Stuart Burrell has
successfully set two verified records, bringing his lifetime total of records
set to 10. “I can honestly say that even after all the attempts, all the
training, all the setbacks and injuries, these were the hardest. I was up
against targets set by two very proficient and highly professional Escape
Artists and to even come close, let alone be faster, is amazing. I am humbled to
be able to claim these and it is as much a result of the support we, as
performers, still get at club level and the education and training through the
UKEA, that has led to me setting these. I also need to thank Oliver Tabor, the
organiser of Magic at the Barn, for letting me perform and set these at his
event.” Stuart said shortly after receiving confirmation. The two records were
Fastest Escape from Prisoner Transport Irons, and, Fastest Handcuff Escape
whilst Blindfolded. Both records were set at the Magic At The Barn event at
Sutton Hall, Rochford, Essex, UK, on 13 July 2014.
www.guinnessworldrecords.com.
18.10.14
Not
So Serious Magicians At Play. Prince Darius writes: What a surprise to watch
and enjoy a magic show titled 'Not So Serious Magicians At Play' at Leighton
Buzzard Library Theatre on Friday 10th October starring Carl & Dave. The comedy
magic and illusion act performed by Carl & Dave was fast paced; combining
incredible Illusions with comedy twists. Carl & Dave’s presentation of the
illusions was very original and the banter between the two was highly amusing.
They translated/twisted standard illusions into something one cannot imagine and
took it all to a different level featuring The Zig Zag, Find the Lady, Man Trap,
Box of Doom, The Card Sword and many more. The impossible made possible! They
had the audience with them all the way and they enjoyed every minute of it,
wanting more. What an excellent evening. It was a highly professional show with
excellent selection of music and dress changes and one can see that audience are
witnessing something different and unusual in a magic show. It was George Kovari
who phoned to say would I like to see a show. I recommend you not to miss this
highly charged show if it comes your way. You will not regret it!
18.10.14
Henry Evans'
UK Lecture Tour, now underway. "Henry has travelled the globe since being placed
first in Close-up Card Magic at FISM in 2000. He has amazed both laymen
and magicians with his devious mind, producing miracles with cards,
silks and coins, all with his own particular twist. If you have already
attended one of his previous lectures you'll know why he has achieved
such success. If you have never seen him lecturing before, you are
invited to peek into his original world of magic. From clever uses of
gaffes, to effects with nothing other than a borrowed deck of cards,
Henry’s approach to magic is something not to miss." See
What's On for October
and November tour dates.
18.10.14
Two-day
'Care & Share' Balloon Spectacular, Sutton, Surrey. From the organisers:
"With two international balloon artistes, 'The Macaroni Girls' Brenda and Petra
from Holland, who possibly invented the craze that is the balloon hair band.
Come along and join in the fun of two full days of balloon workshops with some
competitions as well. If you would like details about joining the Balloon
Artistes Guild then please email Graham Lee
grahamleesmagic@blueyonder.co.uk as you can then attend up to 10 days for
the one inclusive price and also receive 3 DVDs from the star lecture days that
are filmed for club members. Two-day 'Care & Share' Balloon Spectacular, Sutton,
Surrey, Tuesday and Wednesday, 21st and 22nd October." More info:
www.qualatexballoons.co.uk.
18.10.14
Internationally
known Deaf Magician Johnny Fantastica (aka Johnny Gapp) will be performing
his brand new 'Phantom Mind' show next week at theatres in Napperville,
Illinois, USA. The following week he will attend the World Deaf Magicians
Convention in Chicago, with delegates travelling from 11 different countries to
be there. Johnny will also be performing during the week in competitions, shows
and workshops and will take part in special shows at a local children's deaf
school. Johnny has been President of the World Deaf Magicians for fifteen years
and will be retiring in Chicago where he has been nominated to become the
Honorary Life President of the World Deaf Magicians. He will perform The Phantom
Mind ("a strong mentalist show") on his return to the UK and welcomes enquiries
for convention appearances, stage shows and dinners. to:
johngapp@fantastica.freeserve.co.uk.
18.10.14
Margaret
Mayne, Ian Adair and Steve Short: Margaret Mayne, sister of the late Edwin
Hooper, founder of The Supreme Magic Company, Devon met up with Ian Adair and
Steve Short recently. Margaret, now in her eighties, worked at the firm for more
than thirty years. She also accompanied Edwin when he was President of The
British Ring and is still an active member of British Ring 25. Steve Short made
a special visit to meet both at the Seagate Hotel, Appledore for lunch, having
journeyed from Bournemouth following the recent British Ring convention, where
he and Scott Penrose were promoting their new book, 'Alan Shaxon - The
Sophisticated Sorcerer.
18.10.14
Chris
Cross received the title 'Best Wedding Entertainment in the North East' at
the UK Wedding Industry Awards 2014 last week. Also, the 'The North of England
Wedding Awards' have awarded him the 'Outstanding Customer Service Award' 2014
and Belle Bridal presented him an award for 'Best Wedding Fair Exhibitor 2014'
too - all in the space of just a few months! Follow Chris Cross on Twitter
@TheChrisCross.
18.10.14
Cruise ship headliner act for sale. Wayne Slater (El Loco) writes: I have not performed the show since suffering a heart attack whilst on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship 18 months ago, and I have no intention of doing so again. I don’t want to just mothball the act that has a successful and proven track record with cruise line companies. I have had contact with my previous management company who represented the act. He is willing to audition anyone who buys the act and if successful would be willing to represent them in finding work on cruise ships throughout the world. Please serious enquiries only. elloco@hotmail.co.uk. 18.10.14
Searching for members or ex-members of the Three Counties Magical Society. Nicky Lewis writes: We have been given a presentation shield for this club and wonder if there is anyone out there who can shed any light on this club or perhaps knows of someone who holds an archive for them. Please get in touch and we can pass this on to the relevant holder. The last winner of this shield appears to have been Robin Toft in 1990. Anyone who can help can contact Nicky or Martin Lewis on 01903 532413 or email thisismagic@msn.com. Grateful thanks as we want to get this back to its rightful owner or owners. 18.10.14
Captivating
Cardistry Wizards, Singapore
Click Here • Epic Pen Spinning
Click Here • "David Blaine-style mind-reading by Ilfracombe magician
amazes London crowds"
Click Here • "MO-FLY by Moritz Mueller"
Click Here • "Dynamo labelled a demon child at school"
Click Here • Ian Rowland's recent USM lecture is reviewed by Sam
Blair this week,
Click Here • "From The Illusionist to Big: 5 films being rebooted
for TV that we really don’t need"
Click Here • "Warden at jail where David Blaine performed magic act
is fired"
Click Here (See: "David Blaine puts on magic show for dangerous
inmates"
Click Here) • "Martin Freeman Gets the Giggles During Card Trick
with Illusionist Derren Brown"
Click Here • Your UK magic news is always welcomed. See you next
week, Duncan.
18.10.14