Number 748 - 25th October 2014
Last
Saturday's award presentations at The Magic Circle Awards 2014 were as
follows:
The Devant, for services to International Magic
David Copperfield MIMC - one of the greatest illusionists of all time, he’s the
first living illusionist to be honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of
Fame. He was knighted by the French government. He, along with Steven Spielberg,
Martin Scorsese and Colin Powell, received the Living Legend award from the
United States Library of Congress now adds ‘The Devant’ to his collection of
honours. Seen here accepting the award via a live video link to Las Vegas.
The Maskelyne, for services to British Magic
George Kovari MIMC - one of the world’s leading magicians, ‘The Great Kovari'
has many television appearances under his hat, has also acted as magic advisor
for films, television and theatre and is known for supplying a number of
original creations, manufactured in his own workshop, to professional magicians
around the world.
The John Nevil Maskelyne Prize, presented for noteworthy contributions to the art or literature of magic
Roberto Giobbi - author of ‘Card College’ Volumes 1 - 5, this landmark course sets the groundwork for magicians. His choice of material is impeccable, featuring not only original effects and handlings of his own, but tricks and routines by world-masters as well and the series has been acclaimed by magicians worldwide.
The Carlton Award for Comedy
Mark Shortland MIMC. A previous winner of "The Ken Dodd Award" for best comedy
magic, Mark engages audiences with a mixture of prestidigitation, visual gags
and audience participation. His winning personality and unique brand of comedy
are blended with an individual style of magic, in an act that will keep you on
the edge of your seat.
Other presentations included Silver Wands for services to The Magic Circle, to
Dr Terry Wright MIMC,
David Hibberd
MIMC
and Dr Michael Colley MIMC and The Cecil Lyle Award, for best magic trick
published in the Magic Circular, to Chris Wardle MIMC. Winners are selected from
nominations from Members of The Magic Circle overseen by a panel of judges that
include The President and Secretary of The Magic Circle. The full list of
previous winners and further details of each award can be found at
www.themagiccircle.co.uk/about-the-club/awards.
25.10.14
An
Evening with Michael Vincent - Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians. This new
lecture for 2014/15 is Michael's heartfelt tribute to his friend and mentor Alan
Alan. This will be a conversation on taking our magic to the next level and
achieving personal mastery in the craft of magic. Michael will feature many
classic routines from his repertoire which features many of the lessons passed
onto him by Alan Alan and Slydini. This conversation will look at the steps we
magicians can take to make the magic we already do even better. Mastery is about
self-discovery, living with our material, refining, finessing and testing in
front of our audience. The steps to achieving mastery in any field require
passion, dedication and a commitment to performance excellence. The intention of
Michael's lecture is to inspire magicians to look at the tricks they already
perform and ask, "How can I make this effect better, how can I transform this
effect and make it play big for a large audience?" The lecture starts at 8pm on
Wednesday 5th November. Visiting magicians welcome for a fee of £5.00. Venue:
ECC Sports and Social Club, Showell Road, Wolverhampton WV10 9LU (Map).
Contact President, Sue Oakley
sueoakley61@gmail.com. www.wcm-magic.co.uk.
25.10.14
Wayne
Dobson: The Definitive Collection Lecture. Eddie Young writes: Wayne Dobson
has kindly agreed to give a special lecture, plus, I clamped his wheelchair and
made an offer to taste real beer, until he agreed to visit the home of the product
you love or hate (Marmite) and the Brewing capital of the UK. Wayne is visiting
Burton on Trent for a charity night lecture and he’s bringing Mike Sullivan.
Wayne has recently completed one-off lectures with standing ovations. Please
note Wayne is not visiting any other societies in the Midlands region. The
lecture will be on Thursday 27th November. Doors open at 7pm and the lecture
runs from 7.30pm - 10.30pm. Refreshments available. Venue: National Brewery
Centre, Horninglow Street, Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire DE14 1NG (Map).
Tickets will be £15 on the door or order online at just £10 and guarantee a
seat as spaces are limited (see
www.phatmagic.net). All profits will be going to further research into
Multiple Sclerosis.
25.10.14
Magic
Night at Madame JoJo's - London.
Friday, November 21st: " Psychic comedians, money from thin air,
dangerous knife routines and huskily sung tunes by the ukulele toting Lady
Carol. Michael Vadini (photo) will be on the Magic Night stage producing water
from nowhere and making money appear and disappear, whilst AJ will be
endangering life, limb and the front row, with sharp implements in ways no sane
person should ever be allowed to do! Meanwhile Peter Antoniou will sneak into
your head and make psychic phenomena look entirely plausible. It would be scary
if he wasn't quite so hilarious, and the beautiful Lady Carol will rework some
classic tunes with her smoke and whiskey drenched voice and a ukulele. The Tommy
Cooperesque Christian Lee will compere and also perform the best hand stab
routine around." 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.
25.10.14
The
International Magic Close Up Competition has been won by some of magic's top
names including Woody Aragon, Gary Kurtz, Shoot Ogawa, Pit Hartling and Michael
Vincent. The prestige of the Award always brings out top new close-up talent,
and the £1000 cash prize doesn't hurt, but every three years the Competition,
when it precedes the following summer's FISM Convention seems to bring out a
particularly high standard. Many performers see it as a 'warm up' for FISM, and
certainly past winners of the Award have used it to create a buzz before
competing at FISM. Performers such as Carl Cloutier, Lennart Green, Shawn
Farquhar, Martin Eisle and Marc Oberon all used it as a stepping stone to great
success at FISM walking away as the World Champion in their field.
Certainly the field in this year's competition is as international as ever, with
only one British entrant. The other 11 artists coming from Spain, Hong Kong,
Sweden, Austria and Russia. Will it be a chance to see a preview of next year's
FISM World Champion of Magic? Only time will tell, but it promises to be a
highly entertaining and mind boggling three hours as the competitors appear
before a highly regarded panel of international judges. Noel Britten, Convention
and Festival Booker.
Full details of exactly what lectures and performances are due to take place on
each day of the Convention can be seen here
www.internationalmagic.com/convention-info.shtml and Festival of Magic info
(November 10th-14th) can be seen here
www.internationalmagic.com/product-london-festival-of-magic.html.
25.10.14
"The
art of the illusionist. Britain’s Got Talent illusionist James More chats to
Jasmin Hayward about playing with fire"
Click Here. On Monday 27th October, James can be seen live on stage at the Harrogate Royal
Hall
www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk, and on Wednesday 29th October, at the Newbury Corn
Exchange
www.cornexchangenew.com, in his own one-man show 'Theatre of
Illusion'. See What's On for
details.
25.10.14
Dan
Sperry, David Kaplan and Tony Frebourg added to FISM 2015 lineup: "Dan
Sperry (photo), also known as 'the Anti-Conjuror', has become a social media
phenomenon with over 20 million hits on YouTube and hundreds of thousands of
loyal online followers. David Kaplan has for over 25 years thrilled audiences
internationally with his innovative performances. He combines Illusion, music,
juggling and deadpan comedy in his hilarious vaudeville style show. Tony
Frebourg is a 10 times World Champion of Diabolos, and has 8 different World
Records. He has been with Cirque du Soleil for the past six years." See
www.fismitaly2015.com.
25.10.14
PropDog
are very pleased and honoured to announce that on the 16th October, they became
the proud new owners of the Jerry O'Connell leather magicians' goods business.
PropDog will continue to produce the full range of Jerry's excellent quality
leather goods in exactly the same way ensuring the same high standards are
maintained and PropDog also hope to produce some new lines in the near future.
All wholesale enquiries should now be directed to PropDog Ltd and no longer to
Jerry O'Connell. The full range of Jerry's products can be found here:
www.propdog.co.uk/jerry-o-connell-london.
25.10.14
The
Order of the Magi (Manchester) are holding a Jumbo Auction on Tuesday 4th
November at The Irish World Heritage Centre, 1 Irish Town Way, Manchester M8 0AE
(Map)
at 7.30pm prompt, with viewing from 6.30pm. Lot numbers are now available from
Max Townsend, Entertainments Officer on 07527 387146 or email
max.townsend@stockport.gov.uk.
Details are on
www.orderofthemagi.org.uk. Door charge £3 for non members. Do come along as
you may find the very thing you are looking for. Geoffrey Newton PRO.
25.10.14
The
Magic Circle Dealers' Day, London - today!
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.
25.10.14
"Magician
James Anthony shares tricks of the trade at his new shop in Denton [Manchester]"
Click Here. Also see
www.magicworld.co.uk.
25.10.14
Merlins
of Wakefield will be stocking the
Tenyo 2015 range of Magic in November. If you are wanting any for Christmas,
please contact them to reserve yours. The 2015 effects are
Magic Butterfly,
Security Lock,
The Alchemist and
The Great Escape. Order all 4 and get a free
Magic Pop Up and free postage (UK only). Tel 01924 339933 or email
merlins@btconnect.com to place your
order.
25.10.14
Magic
Moments 2014, Saturday 1st November. What do Jeff McBride, Oliver Tabor,
Richard Leigh, Chris Cox, Matthew Stirling, Graham Hey, Tim Osler, Faye Smith,
The Casablancas, Vox Magique, Jay Fortune, Mike Sullivan, David Major, George
Parker and many others all have in common? Next Saturday they’ll be performing
for Magic Moments, which is now in its 7th year! There’s still time to take part
in your own small way, or large for that matter, and raise smiles, awareness and
even cash for causes and charities close to your heart. Visit our page here on
MagicWeek Click Here
to find out more. Magic Moments 2014, Saturday 1st November. Jay Fortune.
25.10.14
'The
Genie in a Bottle Trick' by Zane: "Zane's Magic Shop have just released a
brand new magic trick called 'The Genie in a Bottle Trick' by Zane. This is a
very commercial, charming and entertaining routine, that would even impress
Aladdin and is now available to buy! An ideal trick to perform over the
Christmas season! You can watch Zane performing it on the product page at Zane's
Magic Shop:
www.zanesmagicshop.com. The product is only £16.99 and comes with easy to
follow instructions with a great routine and props!"
25.10.14
WOW!
This Show is Magic. "The last performance of WOW! This Show is Magic 2014
featuring Doctor Bondini and JezO will take place at 2.30pm on 2nd November at
the Harlow Playhouse, Essex. Don’t miss out! Tickets can be bought from the
Harlow Playhouse website
www.playhouseharlow.com or call the box office on 01279 431945. For more
information about the show and to see what else we get up to, please go to
www.creatingtheimpossible.co.uk."
25.10.14
Blackpool's
High Jinx Magic & Illusion Show. Philip Partridge writes: 'High Jinx' (seen
last week) was a fabulous Magic & Illusion Show fronted by the excellent Michael
Jordan and ably assisted by his fiancée Tamsyn Sear. Now on their third
Blackpool season, the show had great pace, was well choreographed and costumed,
and had a modern sound track and lighting, including lasers. I spotted two
brand-new illusions being premiered. Michael is also a very talented juggler.
The family audience lapped it up. Magic is in safe hands with this couple
inspiring young holidaymakers. You’ve only got until Sunday November 2nd to
catch the High Jinx Show at The Horseshoe, Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
25.10.14
The
Scottish Conjurers Association are delighted to be hosting a lecture by
diabolical clever magician Karl Hein on Sunday evening 9th November. "Of all the
new faces I've met in the past 15 years, Karl Hein stands out as being one of
the few magicians that I just know will be a huge success. It is rare for a
magician to not only understand technique, but also entertainment and business.
I feel comfortable booking Karl anytime and anywhere. I highly recommend his
lecture!" Bill Malone. Venue: The SMPC 8-10 Balcarres Avenue, Kelvindale,
Glasgow G12 0QF (Map).
Starting at 7.30pm. Cost to visiting magicians £10 payable at the door.
www.scamagic.org. Geo
Fitzpatrick.
25.10.14
Fortune
Reading with Tarot Cards - a Complete Practical and Ethical Guide. Sometimes
an artiste is looking for something new, to add a bit of variety, but without
embarking on a huge career change. Close-up magician and musician Paul Hurst
discovered such a strand with tarot readings; often so that in the weddings and
functions he had arranged and at which he was performing, the proceedings had to
be halted while he provided the guests with readings! In his book, 'Fortune
Reading with Tarot Cards', Hurst outlines to the newcomer the principles behind
giving tarot readings for entertainment, and as a (now retired) business guru,
gives advice on placing the activity on a sound business footing. Available from
www.amazon.co.uk.
25.10.14
Four
Beasts Playing Cards by SiShou Playing Cards. Nurul Alam writes: "This is a
deck for collectors, poker players, playing card enthusiasts and magicians
alike. The project is currently on Kickstarter and has already met its funding
goal. The theme is of the Four Beasts, mythical ancient Chinese creatures, who
would protect and serve the illustrative Golden Dragon. You can read more on the
project here:
www.kickstarter.com. The playing cards have a two way marking system,
perfect for the magician in you and consist of 52 custom playing cards plus 2
Jokers. Also included in the deck a magicians gaff card. The deck will be
printed by Legends Playing Card Company, owned by Hong Kong Magician, Lawrence
Sullivan. If you've never used kickstarter before, there's a helpful guide on
the SiShou project page to guide you.
25.10.14
The
Wizards of Kent - November 16th: "The Wizards return to The Sarah Thorne
Theatre, Broadstairs due to popular demand. Professional magicians once again
present a mind blowing show of close-up and cabaret magic. It will be an
unforgettable show of amazing magic, comprising an hour of close-up magic split
between the four Wizards and a 45 minute cabaret show. Amusing, funny, baffling,
the show will appeal to all ages. The Wizards will perform the close-up magic at
4 different tables so the audience is really 'hands-on' and after 15 minutes the
audience gets to see the next performer. Who are the Wizards? Kent based
professional magicians Phil Tilston, Mike Davis, Andy Paul (all members of The
Magic Circle) and Douglas Tilston, past winner of The North West Close Up
Championships and 2009 Junior British Close Up Magic Champion. The show is at
The Sarah Thorne Theatre, Broadstairs at 3pm on November 16th. Tickets cost £8
in advance or £10 on the door and are available from
www.sarahthorne-theatrecompany.co.uk. Tel: 01843 863701."
25.10.14
North
West Close-Up Championships. Mike Hinde writes: Prestigious prestidigitators
compete in the North West Close-Up Championships on Monday 27th October at the
Manchester Circle of Magicians. The evening is 'open' and non-members and
non-magicians are very welcome to come and watch some of the finest close-uppers
for free, yes free. Doors open 7pm and the competition starts at 8pm in the
Salford Masonic Hall. More details:
www.manchestercircleofmagicians.co.uk.
25.10.14
J-Day
at The Magic Circle. Kevin Doig writes: "The Young Magicians Club is part of
the youth initiative of The Magic Circle. This Sunday (26th October) they are
holding their annual convention J-Day at The Magic Circle Headquarters. The
celebrity guest this year is Luis de Matos who is coming to the UK just for the
convention. The international star lecturer is Henry Evans and the UK star
lecturer, Wayne Fox. The Gala Show features Justin Monehan, Henry Evans, Oliver
Tabor and The Magic Circle Stage Magician of the Year Richard Pinner. The Award
Ceremony will have Scott Penrose presenting the awards which will include the
brand new 'Marvin' YMC Rising Star Award sponsored by Marvin Berglas. There are
also the usual close-up and stage competitions as well as a selection of
dealers. The convention is open only to members of YMC and is now completely
sold out." For membership details visit
www.youngmagiciansclub.com.
25.10.14
Edinburgh
Magic Circle are proud to present a lecture by Messrs Morgan and West, the
world's finest time travelling Victorian magic act on Monday 3rd November. The
set of three lectures have been presented at conventions and clubs across the
world (including The Session, Shenanigans, MagiFest and the International
Festival of Magic in London). They are on two-person mentalism, character, and
turning an act into a theatrical experience. We welcome you all to come and join
us for what should be a memorable lecture at our headquarters, Myreside
Pavilion, The Watsonian Club, 79 Myreside Road, Edinburgh EH10 5DB (Map)
at 7.45pm. Entry is £10 for non members. Ian Buchan Secretary EMC.
www.edinburghmagiccircle.com.
25.10.14
The
North Western Society of Magicians host a lecture by Steve Gore on Wednesday
29th October at the Lisdoonie Hotel, Barrow-in-Furness. 7.45pm start. Visiting
magicians welcome for a £5 donation. "The lecture will include lots of his
original effects such as ‘Trick Photography’, which MagicWeek called 'Close-up
Trick of the Year' and 'Visions from Vegas', an ingenious mentalism effect.
Everyone who has seen and purchased this effect has said that they haven't seen
a book test, or indeed any effect, using this method. There are effects for
Mentalism, Stage, Stand up, Close up and kids too, so there’s something for
everyone. The majority of his effects are also easy to master, allowing you to
focus on the presentation." Roger Heath, North Western Society of Magicians.
25.10.14
For
magician and public speaker Paul Craven, it was a privilege to be asked to
perform some ‘tricks of the mind’ at a small breakfast gathering at the Savoy
Hotel in London recently. The group included England cricketer Kevin Pietersen
who was taking time off his busy schedule promoting his autobiography, and
former Australian rugby international Michael Lynagh. “It was lovely to
demonstrate to KP how the brain does and doesn’t always work,” laughed Paul,
“and I am constantly aware of how lucky we are as magicians that our
participants’ reactions speak louder than our words…"
25.10.14
Congratulations
to Michael Late on being awarded Tony Hassin's "International Magicians
Society Merlin Award" for "Best Stage Magic, Austria". The presentation was made
in Austria on October 9th. Michael creates his own fun magic, that includes a
number of brand new illusions. See
www.michael-late.com.
25.10.14
Highlands
based Magician Clive Grewcock (Golspie, Sutherland) has been short-listed in
the prestigious Scottish VOWS Awards which recognise companies within the
wedding industry in Scotland who provide excellence in customer service. Clive
is 1 of 10 in the running, under the 'Musician and Entertainer' category, with
businesses nominated from across Scotland. The winners in all the categories
will be announced at the awards ceremony and dinner held at the Hilton hotel,
Glasgow on the 24th of November which also marks 10 years of the VOWS Awards. Of
the nomination Clive commented, "this is indeed an honour and I am thrilled that
couples for whom I have entertained with my magic during their wedding
receptions have put my name forward." Clive provides entertainment across
Scotland for celebrations, corporate clients and family audiences.
www.vowsawards.co.uk/index/2014-shortlist.
25.10.14
Lubor
Fiedler is remembered by Ian Adair,
Click Here.
25.10.14
"Interview
with magician Pete Firman ahead of his two shows in Northamptonshire"
Click Here • "Po-faced anchors 'ruin TV', says veteran magician Paul
Daniels"
Click Here •
"Talented 12-year-old magician Billy Finch to appear at charity magic
show in Banstead"
Click Here • "Paul Daniels gets lost in Allington after performing
at Hazlitt Theatre, in Earl Street, Maidstone, before getting Kent
Police escort to hotel"
Click Here • "Solihull magician Ben Halin tricks Kim Kardashian, The
Vamps and Gary Barlow"
Click Here • "Watch magician Dynamo swallow a needle in daring trick
especially for Mirror Celebs"
Click Here • "Paul Gordon on 'Latest TV'"
Click Here • "NHS Lambeth conjures up funds for young magician"
Click Here • "Martin Gardner, puzzle master extraordinaire"
Click Here • "Magician David Caserta reveals new 'Haunted Illusions'
trick, impressing 'America's Got Talent' judges"
Click Here • "Abracadabra with James Harrington!"
Click Here • "Stand Up To Cancer: Derren Brown freaks out Martin
Freeman with mind reading trick"
Click Here • "Learn to amaze your friends at School of magic"
Click Here • And finally, not magic, but it caught my eye,
Click
Here • Many thanks for your news submissions this week. See
you next week, Duncan.
25.10.14