Number 749 - 1st November 2014
Derren Brown
is Alan Carr's special guest on Friday 7th November, on Channel 4. Derren
will be chatting to MagicWeek favourite Alan Carr about his brand new 2015 live
tour, Derren Brown Miracle. Also on the
show, ventriloquist Nina Conti and
comedian and TV presenter Sue Perkins. See
TV Magic.
1.11.14
More
Dates Added Nationwide - Dynamo Live Tour 2015: "Dynamo has quickly established himself
as one of the world's most known and most loved magicians - he's walked on
water, levitated above the Shard, walked down the LA Times Building, predicted
the World Cup outcome and taken a trip on the side of a bus but now Dynamo faces
his biggest challenge to date as the renowned street magician will take to the
stage as he embarks on his first ever live tour. Dynamo will delight fans who,
for the first time, will have the opportunity to see his magic skills up close
and personal in what promises to be a spectacular and unique live stage
production. Dynamo said of his new venture, 'After four series of Magician
Impossible I was ready for a new challenge and for a long time I have wanted to
take my show to the stage. I am hoping that like I did for magic on TV, I can
reinvent the live magic show and produce something fans have never seen before.
This is something I have been working towards for the last 20 years and I can't
wait to amaze audiences with what I have in store for them.'" The tour will
open at Manchester’s O2 Apollo on October 6th 2015.
Original Dates:
October 6th-11th Manchester O2 Apollo
October 13th-18th Manchester O2 Apollo
October 22nd-November 1st London Eventim Apollo
November 3rd-5th London Eventim Apollo
New Dates:
November 6th-8th London Eventim Apollo
November 20th-23rd Glasgow Clyde Auditorium
November 25th-29th Edinburgh Playhouse
December 2nd-6th Nottingham Capital FM Arena
December 9th-14th Birmingham Barclaycard Arena
December 16th-20th Leeds First Direct Arena
See www.dynamomagician.com to book.
1.11.14
Oktobre,
UK Premiere. Three bizarre and enigmatic characters - acrobat, trapezist, and
neurotic magician - flirt with mystery and disaster at the maddest tea party
since Alice visited Wonderland. As if from another dimension, from a David Lynch
or Tim Burton movie, their humour and magic are black. Where truth hides behind
a veil of bluff and deception, who can say what's real or not? Set in velvety
darkness shot through with brilliant red, Oktobre will leave you bewitched and
delighted. A winner at the prestigious Jeunes Talents Cirque/Circus Next awards
in 2013, Oktobre features three of France's top young circus-theatre talents
including YouTube sensation Yann Frisch, named 'World Champion of Magic' at the
2012 International Federation of Magic Societies convention held in Blackpool.
The director is Florent Bergal, whose Popcorn Machine for My! Laika was a
popular hit at LIMF2013. Friday 23rd January 7.45pm, Saturday 24th January
7.45pm (including after-show discussion), Sunday 25th January 3pm. Venue:
Southbank Centre's Purcell Room, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX (Map).
www.mimelondon.com/oktobre2015.html.
1.11.14
The
Young Magicians Club, which is a youth initiative of The Magic Circle, held
their annual convention J-Day last weekend. The Celebrity Guest was Luis de
Matos who gave an hour long inspiring presentation conducted by Darren Martin.
Two Star Lectures were given by Henry Evans and Wayne Fox. Prizes were announced
at the Awards Ceremony and presented by President Scott Penrose. The winner of
the Mark Leveridge Close-Up Cup was Tom Elderfield with Samuel Hinch in second
place and Stephen Friend in third. The winner of the Alakazam Home Counties
Stage Trophy was David Hardman who also won the Pete McCahon Originality Award
and the Kaymar Komedy Kup, with Dean Leavy coming second and Joe Oyelade third.
The brand new Marvin Rising Star Award went to Troy (photo) who made a very
appreciated surprise appearance to collect the trophy donated by Marvin Berglas.
The YMC Member of the Year Award went to Callum McClure who also won the Fox
Technical Ability Award for his close-up act. The very full day ended with the
Gala Show which featured Justin Monehan, Henry Evans, Oliver Tabor and The Magic
Circle Stage Magician of the Year Richard Pinner. All twelve of the competition
finalists went on to perform their acts to Magic Circle members at their club
night, the following day. It was a fantastic J-Day... don't miss it next year!
For membership details visit
www.youngmagiciansclub.com.
1.11.14
Charles
Dickens Magician by Ian Keable. Ian Keable's latest book Charles Dickens
Magician: Conjuring in Life, Letters and Literature is a fascinating insight
into how Dickens became a conjurer, the contemporary magicians he saw and his own
repertoire. This is a must for collectors and magic historians, but it should
also be of interest to magicians generally. For instance both the tricks that
Dickens did himself, and those he reported on seeing professional magicians of
the day perform, are extensively detailed. The book is available either in hard
back with a dust jacket (£25 + p&p) or soft cover (£10 + p &p). It can be
purchased from
www.iankeable.co.uk. Geoff Tibbs reviews Charles Dickens Magician
this week,
Click Here.
1.11.14
The
London Festival of Magic App. Full timings, lecture titles and artist
details for The London Festival of Magic (November 10-14) are now available on
Zwoor -a handy app that can be downloaded to most tablets, iPads and phones via
www.zwoor.com/mobileapp.
Once it's loaded just type in the Meeting Code LFOM2014 and revel in the amazing
line up for these specially themed days. Each day, which can be booked
separately, is chock-a-block with performances, presentations, interviews and
lectures. No matter what your particular interest in magic is, there will be
something here for you. The Thursday (Stage and Screen Magic) extends to 9pm,
but on Monday to Wednesday you also have the option to sit back and watch two
fantastic magic shows in the same venue in the evening (www.falseimpressions.co.uk/london-festival-of-magic).
Festival day tickets are available directly from International Magic, 89
Clerkenwell Road, London EC1R 5BX or visit
www.internationalmagic.com.
1.11.14
Bairn
- The Brain Children of Ken Dyne. Ken Dyne's Bairn Mentalism Book features
41 routines for mentalists performing close-up, parlor and on stage; taken from
Ken Dyne's professional working repertoire: "I've been working on this book for
literally 3 years. It contains pretty much every complete routine that I have
created and performed since my very first mentalism release back in 2005. A lot
can happen in 9 years, especially when your clients keep expecting you to turn
up each year with a new show. Inside Bairn you will find material I've
used at corporate events, at public shows in theatres, castles and restaurants,
and for the first time I'm including all my informal, social, close-up pieces
too. 41+ effects suitable for stand-up and close-up, and a bunch of stories from
my career over the past 12+ years performing mentalism professionally around the
world under all kinds of conditions. The book is presented in a hard-hitting,
entertaining way that is not for the easily offended. All professionally
illustrated and laid out by Phill Smith. Bairn will shock you! Available
in paperback or limited edition hardback."
www.mentalunderground.com.
1.11.14
James
More is seen here with two magic fans, backstage in Newbury on Wednesday
evening, following a brilliant sold-out performance of his live 'Theatre of
Illusion' show, produced and directed by Russ Stevens. James' easy, relaxed stage
manner when he is simply chatting to his audience, contrasts so well with the
high energy and showmanship that he puts into his full-scale illusion sequences.
His latest illusion 'Solo', where he melts through a solid sheet of steel, drew
audible gasps and 'turned heads of horror' from the row in front of us, and his
signature 'Table of Death' escape
www.youtube.com caused the audience to combust into a spontaneous standing
ovation. It was a great night. DT.
1.11.14
The
Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year Competition 2015.
The time has arrived for you to apply to enter the
Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year Competition 2015.
The Competition is open to all young people who will be 14 but will not have
reached the age of 18 by 1st January 2015. You must present a Stage Magic act,
suitable for family audiences, lasting 8 to 12 minutes. You could be the winner and receive full Membership of
The Magic Circle when you
reach the age of 18, with 4 years Membership Fees paid, plus the Irving
Schneider Travelling Scholarship to attend a Magic Workshop in the U.S.A. That’s
a really worthwhile prize!
All you need to do (apart from preparing a great act) is to fill in the Entry
Form which can be found on the Young Magicians section of The Magic Circle
website:
www.themagiccircle.co.uk/young-magicians.
The Form contains all the information and rules, but just to get you moving
quickly the Heats will be held on 15th February 2015 with the Final on 29th
March. Most importantly, the closing date is 8th January 2015.
If you have any queries contact the Competition Secretary, Dr. Michael
Colley
michaelcolley@themagiccircle.co.uk.
1.11.14
Storyville.
Exposed: Magicians, Psychics and Frauds,
9pm on Sunday 2nd November on BBC 4. From the programme makers: "Documentary
chronicling magician James Randi's debunkings of faith healers, fortune
tellers and psychics. 'The Amazing' Randi has been wowing audiences with
his illusions, escapes and sleight of hand for over 50 years. When he
began seeing his cherished art form co-opted by all manner of con
artists, he made it his mission to expose the simple tricks charlatans
have borrowed from magicians to swindle the masses. The film documents
his rivalry with famed spoon-bender Uri Geller, whom Randi eventually
foiled on a high-profile television appearance. Another target was
evangelist Peter Popoff, whose tent-show miracles and audience
mind-reading were exposed as chicanery when Randi revealed a recording
of Popoff's wife feeding him information through a radio-transmitter
earpiece. In telling Randi's strange, funny and fascinating life story,
the film shows how we are all vulnerable to deception - even, in a
surprising twist, Randi himself." See
TV Magic.
1.11.14
The
Magicians' Podcast with Richard Young. Richard Young has just started
producing a free podcast for magicians, appropriately called 'The Magicians' Podcast'
in which he'll present "Informal interviews with the biggest names in magic"
every Friday. Guests to date include:
Paul Martin,
Pete Wardell,
Dave Bonsall and
Fay Presto. The Magicians' Podcast is available via iTunes
Click Here or Podbean
Click Here,
and is sure to be a great success.
1.11.14
Tommy
on Titchmarsh. Afternoon chat and music with Alan
Titchmarsh featuring a
tribute to celebrated comedian and magician Tommy Cooper. The Alan Titchmarsh
Show, 3pm on Thursday 6th November on
ITV. See
TV Magic.
1.11.14
Today
is the 7th annual Magic Moments Day. Each year the dedicated MM team grows,
with more and more magicians taking part to raise awareness, smiles and money
for charities. Updates will follow on our
Magic Moments page,
here on MagicWeek!
1.11.14
Champions
of Magic - live on stage at the Watford Colosseum this evening. "Join our award winning team of tricksters, swindlers and cheats for a
spectacular night of mystery you'll be trying to work out for a very
long time to come.
Audiences will witness mastery of card manipulation, death defying
stunts, mind boggling sleight of hand and spectacular illusions from
some of the foremost performers in magic including:
Young & Strange - Grand Illusionists;
Fay Presto - Queen of Close-up;
Alex McAleer - Master Mind Reader;
Edward Hilsum - Magic’s Latest Sensation.
Champions of Magic includes world class, award winning entertainers
performing everything from stage-filling illusions to magic right in the
palm of a spectator's hands. Along with a live video feed, fiery
pyrotechnics and stunning lighting, the show is an immersive experience
in the art of magic.
November Tour Dates:
Saturday 1st Watford Colosseum 08450 753993
Sunday 2nd Kings Lynn Corn Exchange 01553 764864
Thursday 6th Leicester De Montfort Hall 01162 333111
Saturday 8th Crawley The Hawth 01293 553636
Sunday 9th Swindon Wyvern Theatre 01793 524481
Friday 21st Hornchurch Queen’s Theatre 01708 443333
More information on the tour can be found at www.championsofmagic.co.uk. 1.11.14
The Fylde Mystics are
delighted to present John Carey, with his latest magic lecture entitled
'Crafted with Carey'.
Alan Mylecraine writes: In the last five years John Carey has become internationally
respected for his thoughts and work on card magic and his ability to streamline
effects without diluting the impact. Having put out 5 best-selling DVDs with
RSVPMagic, John is in demand both at home and abroad to lecture and hold
workshops. He promises something for all skill levels, with a wide variety of
powerful and practical card and close-up magic taught. The meeting will be held
on Tuesday 4th November at the South Shore Lawn Tennis Club, Midgeland
Road, Blackpool FY4 5HZ (Map) at 8pm with a £5 on the door
charge for visiting magicians. For more details visit
www.fyldemystics.co.uk or
contact Alan Mylecraine info@fyldemystics.co.uk.
1.11.14
The Portsmouth Jumbo Day
takes place tomorrow, Sunday 2nd November and this year it'll be the biggest
ever with lectures and performances from Andi Gladwin, Jon Armstrong, Ben Hart,
Martin Cox, David Gemmell, James Piper and Dave Loosley. Plus the largest
second-hand magic sale in the country, Merv Cole’s magic auction, Bob Hamilton’s
magic videos and the Southern Magician of the Year competition, it's an absolute
bargain at only £22. Doors open at 9am at Bucklands Community Centre, PO2 7BL (Map).
Philip Smith.
1.11.14
The Ulster Society of Magicians is pleased to announce that Jon Armstrong
will be lecturing in Northern Ireland on Sunday 9th November. The lecture will
commence at 2.30pm for a 3.00pm start in the Ramada Plaza, Shaw's Bridge,
Belfast. Admission is £10. For further details, contact Secretary, George
Bleeks, on 07860 115611 or email george.bleeks@ntlworld.com.
1.11.14
Peter Antoniou - Happy Medium. Award-winning Psychic Comedian, Peter Antoniou
is bring his all-new
mind reading show to the Mimetic Festival! Simply focus on a question about
anything and he'll read the question from your mind and provide an answer. It
doesn't matter if it's about your past, present, future, or your love life, anything goes in this fully interactive and improvised
comedy show. Prepare to have your frontal lobe fondled and funny bone tickled,
and ask, is your mind safe? "His ad libs are fast and sharp; a balance between humour and astonishment"
The
Scotsman. Thursday 20th November at 7pm. Venue: The Vaults, Leake Street, London SE1 7NN (Map).
Tickets:
£10 (£8.50 concessions).
Box Office:
Click Here.
1.11.14
Derren
Brown: Infamous the DVD is now available for pre-order from Amazon.co.uk.
This title will be released on November 24th. "BAFTA-Award winning magician and psychological illusionist Derren Brown performs
his latest stageshow, recorded live at the Grand Theatre in Leeds. The
performance, which mixes humour with inventiveness and intelligence, sees Derren
use his skills to encourage audience members to take control of their lives." To
pre-order
Click Here.
1.11.14
John
Carey Magic Tao Lecture, 11th November, Birmingham. MagicTao write: We are
pleased to announce the first lecture to be held at the Tao on the 11th November
2014; the very knowledgeable and skilled card magician John Carey. John is
internationally respected for his creativity and streamlined approach to sleight
of hand card magic. His five, critically acclaimed DVDs have proven extremely
popular with magicians around the world. John promises that you will go away
from this lecture with powerful and practical commercial card magic. Doors open
at 7.30pm for some chat and refreshments, before the lecture starts at 8pm.
Everyone is welcome. The entrance fee is £10.00. You also get a £2.50 discount
on any purchases with John or MagicTao on the night. The number of places is
limited -
Click Here for venue details and to reserve your place.
1.11.14
Paul
Derek - The Birdman of Magic, one-off London show. Lee Hathaway writes: "If
you missed Blackpool this year, you'll probably have heard about the legendary
bird man Mr Paul Derek. Back by popular demand, Paul Derek is appearing in a
special one off show in London on the afternoon of 30th November! This is
seriously not to be missed! Tickets available from
www.eventbrite.co.uk."
1.11.14
David J. Marks - Another Night of Magic & Comedy. After David's sell out one-man show from last year he is back in a
new venue with lots of new ideas.
Ticket price includes a cheese board and soft drinks; feel free to bring along
your own alcohol and glasses will be provided. Doors open at 7pm. Seating
will be first come first served on the night, however for bookings of 8 people
you can have the choice of reserving a table. Comments from last year's show: "We loved the show. It was fantastic, the whole evening was brilliant; the
cheese board and the fact that we could bring a bottle, it was such a nice
relaxed atmosphere. You're very talented David"
"Everyone really awed at the show, they were all talking about it long into the
evening." "Brilliant night David, My party really enjoyed it..."
Saturday 29th November at 7.30pm at Kirton Church Hall, 21 Church Lane, Kirton, Suffolk IP10 0PT
(Map)
www.davidjmarks.co.uk.
1.11.14
Magicians Wanted: Ashley Turner writes: "Due to an increase in restaurant residencies I am looking for Magicians in Luton, Northampton, Huntingdon areas, for occasional restaurant work. Please drop me an email info@thetrixta.com. Thanks, Ash." 1.11.14
'The Cointreau Magic Experience' with Dafedas B.
"Remy Cointreau offers some visual prestidigitation with your cocktail, every Tuesday evening at Brasserie Gustave. Come and enjoy the
'Cointreau Magic
Experience' with Dafedas B's cutting edge close-up magic. Coins, cards, thimbles...
and
whatever you put into his hands!
www.brasserie-gustave.com
www.dafedasb.com.
1.11.14
Enterteasement: Comedy
- Magic - Burlesque, Glasgow. Enterteasement is a monthly comedy, magic and
burlesque show based in Glasgow, this month starring well known American street
magician Todd Various. Three "As Seen On TV" comedians, and two International burlesque performers.
Saturday and Sunday, November 8th and 9th, 8pm - 10.30pm.
Tickets:
Saturday £14,
Sunday £10,
Book via www.enterteasement.com.
Venue: The Admiral Bar, 72 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G27 DA (Map).
1.11.14
Terry
Herbert
Bexley Magic Society Lecture. Roy Marsh writes:
Bexley Magic Society is very pleased to announce that the one and only Terry
Herbert will be delivering his latest lecture at our next meeting on Wednesday
November 5th. Terry will be presenting the lecture that went down a storm at the
recent IBM British Ring Convention in Bournemouth.
Entitled, 'Children's Magic - Past and Present' it is not only funny, but
educational. In the second half of the evening, Terry will have a question and answer session, not
just about his talk, but about children's magic in general.
There will be a £5.00 charge for non-members (visiting magicians only please).
8pm start. Doors open 7.30pm. Visit
www.bexleymagic.uk.org for map details.
1.11.14
The Cornish Magical Society present the Paul Stockman Lecture on Sunday
16th November at 3pm at Carnon Downs Village Hall, Tregye Road, Carnon Downs,
Truro, Cornwall TR3 6JQ (Map).
Visiting magicians £5. Not to be missed. Paul Scott.
1.11.14
Saturn
Magic Dealer Dem: Coventry Magic Circle. James Cannon writes: The Coventry
Magic Circle are delighted to welcome Mark
Traversoni's Saturn Magic to our society. Mark will be holding a Dealer Dem.
Mark is a brilliant professional magician. Free entry to all magicians. Food
will be laid on. We have a licensed bar for refreshments. This will be a very
relaxed evening. It will be a great evening to meet and greet other magicians
from other societies. Saturn Magic has the very latest magic on the market.
The evening will start at 8pm on Tuesday 4th November.
Venue: The Bentley Road Social Club,
Bentley Road, Nuneaton CV11 5LR (Map).
Contact James Cannon jcannon15@sky.com,
telephone 02476 545704
www.coventrymagiccircle.co.uk.
1.11.14
The
North West Magical Close Up Competition. Mike Hinde writes: Manchester
Circle of Magicians hosted the North West Magical Close Up competition in front
of an audience of sixty last week, and presented a fabulous show featuring eight
top magicians battling for superb trophies and the opportunity for a prestigious
award to put on their business cards. Any of the eight were worthy of winning a
close up competition but on the night third prize went to Dave Hutchinson (2014
President) for a mad cap and zany selection of very funny effects and stunts
with excellent audience management and a sound track for every effect. Second
prize (and best card trick) went to Douglas Tilston who has stayed as a member
despite moving 'darn sarth'. Always elegant and silky smooth, with a collection
of classic effects beautifully performed. First prize went to Clive Mansfield
(aka Clive Chaos) who brought the house down with his performance as a Welsh
magician who (dare I say it) was a bit of a dimwit and did the most simple of
tricks. But was the funniest act ever to be seen in a close-up competition.
Trust me, his nan would have been proud. The prize for "best Welsh magician" was
not awarded this year as the judges felt that nobody reached the required
standard, but Clive came runner up.
1.11.14
MagicWeek
celebrates its 750th edition next Saturday. That's a MagicWeek every Saturday
since 1st July 2000, well, apart from a couple of late issues a few years ago when
Icelandic volcanic eruptions left me stranded on the other side of the world with ash on my face, so to speak, but that's another
story... What would be nice, is, if this week, you could
Tweet/Facebook (or similar) a
quick "www.magicweek.co.uk
is 750 weeks old on Saturday 8th November!" or something like that. That would
be nice. Thank you. Duncan.
1.11.14
"Our Magic: Documentary about magic, by
magicians"
Click Here and
Click Here • "Joshua Jay teaches life lessons through magic"
Click Here • "Paul Daniels has tetanus jab after bite from stage
rabbit"
Click Here • "Magician Paul Daniels turns down offer of stuffed
rabbit for stage show"
Click Here • 'The Modern Mystic League Workshop: Tony Griffith' is
reviewed by Roger Woods this week,
Click
Here • "A Magician Among the Spirits: The Improbable Friendship of
Harry Houdini & Sir Arthur Conan Doyle"
Click Here • "Peter Andre tricked by magician Ben Hanlin: watch the
jaw-dropping video"
Click Here • "Derren Brown: Paintings and Photographs"
Click Here • And finally, "Why are we so scared of clowns?"
Click Here • See you next week, Duncan.
1.11.14