Number 754 - 6th December 2014
Psycho
at the Museum of London. If you are interested in magic history, there is a
rare opportunity to see J N Maskelyne's whist-playing automaton, Psycho. He is
on display in the Sherlock Holmes exhibition at the Museum of London until 12
April 2015. Psycho had his first public performance at the Egyptian Hall in
1875, and he took London by storm. Such was his fame that he was the subject of
a Punch cartoon in 1876. He was in the Egyptian Hall show for a total of seven
years in the 1870s and 1880s. Later on, in 1910, J N Maskelyne revived Psycho
for a short time at St George s Hall. It is the 1910 Psycho that you will see at
the Museum of London. He is in a wall case near the end of the exhibition, and
there are mirrors in the case so that you can see all round him (though his
mechanism is hidden by his clothes). Details of the Sherlock Holmes exhibition
are on the Museum of London website,
www.museumoflondon.org.uk.
6.12.14
The
Deception Convention 2015. From the organisers: Deception Convention returns to
Liverpool in June after a fantastic first year, attended by well over 100
delegates. As well as our now infamous 'after show party', we will be hosting 4
fantastic lectures (names coming soon) as well as a bustling dealer's hall and,
new for 2015, 2 'hands on' workshops. For more information or to book tickets,
visit
www.deceptionconvention.co.uk.
6.12.14
Bristol
Day of Magic have added more international names to an already impressive
line up of talent set to appear at their convention next year: "Tom Stone and
Michael Dardant will join Joseph Barry, Amethyst, Mario Lopez,
Vincent Hedan and Russ Brown. With lectures, close-up sessions, workshops and
the ever popular gala show in a proper theatre setting. All this plus over 25
dealers. Sunday 10th May 2015. Tickets are now on sale via:
www.bristoldayofmagic.com. If you are a dealer and would like to attend the
UK's largest one day convention with over 400 attendees please get in touch asap
to secure your place as spaces are limited."
6.12.14
Conjuring
at the Court, Saturday 27th December - London. "Witness the impossible with
magic and comedy at Conjuring at the Court, London’s longest-running monthly
magic show. The Christmas show features the legendary street performer Gazzo –
you’ll see his act copied around the world, but he’s the original! Billy Kidd
wowed the Court in her first performance – she’s a lively, engaging performer of
strong magic. Then there’s the hilarious magic and ventriloquism of John
Kimmons, and the classic magic of Scott Penrose, an entrancing performance full
of colour, music and mystery that will leave you stunned. Compered by genial
co-producer, Russell Levinson. The show starts at 8pm and runs to 10pm with an
interval. It’s in the lovely function room of the Drayton Court, 2 The Avenue, West Ealing,
London W13 8PH (Map).
There is a bar at the back of the room so you can have a drink while enjoying
the magic. Seats are comfortable and all have a good view of the stage. Just 12
minutes from Central London: take the West Ealing train from Paddington and the
pub is 2 minutes walk from the station. Come early and enjoy a dinner from the
pub’s varied menu, and enjoy a drink from the bar while enjoying a great night
of entertainment and mystery. Don’t miss a real Christmas treat for you, your
family and friends. Book now! Tickets still only £10 from
www.conjuringatthecourt.com.".
6.12.14
Just
Like That! The Tommy Cooper Show - Museum of Comedy, London.
Tommy
Cooper was a true comic genius. His impeccable timing, love of slapstick
and quick-fire gags made him an international star. Complete with his
trademark fez and a plethora of misfiring magic, the man was an
undisputed icon of live entertainment. Commemorating 30 years since his
death, this all-encapsulating show of magic, music and mirth is the
perfect celebration of arguably Britain's top comedian of all time. Also
featuring live musical accompaniment, this is a laugh-a-minute
extravaganza that comedy fans of all ages simply can't miss - just like
that! “John Hewer really captures - and bottles - the essence of Tommy
Cooper." – Louth Leader. “A remarkably faithful performance from the talented
Hewer... full of inspired
lunacy and deep, belly laughs" Time Out. “If you fancy a trip down memory lane, then it's money, ticket, ticket,
money…Just Like That.” Chortle. Supported by The Tommy Cooper Estate and Vicky
Cooper. Museum of Comedy, The Undercroft, St George’s Church, Bloomsbury
Way, London WC1A 2SR. Booking to January 24th 2015:
ticketsolve.com.
6.12.14
Children’s
Christmas Magic Show, Saturday 27th December - London. "A fabulous
children's magic show for Christmas! From the producers of Conjuring at the
Court, this is their sixth annual Christmas Magic Show for children. Brilliant
entertainer John Kimmons will give your children a marvellous afternoon of magic
and ventriloquism with colourful, cheeky puppets. John is hilarious, one of the
top children’s entertainers in the UK; an award-winning performer offering fun
and mystery for adults and children alike. And there’s master magician Scott
Penrose, President of the Magic Circle, returning to the Christmas Show with an
amazing performance that has been seen around the world, a feast of visual
amazement that will have you and your children open-mouthed in wonder. Doors
open at 2pm, the show starts at 2.30pm and runs to 4pm with an interval. All
children to be accompanied by an adult please. The show is at the Drayton Court,
2 The Avenue, West Ealing, London W13 8PH (Map).
It's always very popular, so to be sure of tickets, book now!"
www.conjuringatthecourt.com.
6.12.14
"Derren
Brown’s tricks of the eye. Helen Lewis meets the illusionist and secret
portrait painter."
Click Here.
6.12.14
TV's 50 Greatest
Magic Tricks is being repeated on Saturday 13th December on Channel 5. "A countdown of the greatest TV magic tricks
of all time. From the astonishing set pieces of Penn and Teller to the
mindbending of Derren Brown and the street magic of David Blaine, be
prepared to be amazed and mystified. Contributions come from magic's
greatest stars, including Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee, Dynamo, Penn and Teller, and magic fans Joe Pasquale, Stephen
Mulhern, and Dick and Dom." See
TV Magic. (Also look
out for Stephen Mulhern on The Royal Variety Performance on Monday 8th
December at 7.30pm on ITV).
6.12.14
The
Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year Competition 2015. The organisers
write: Time is running short 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! The competition is open worldwide.
If you're outside the UK, entries for the heats may be made on DVD etc. Please
enquire for details. 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.
6.12.14
Lots
of News from MagicNevin.com! We have recently re-launched a new look website
which is running much faster and is now mobile and tablet friendly. We also are
now stocking a wide range of products by Dave Powell
Click
Here, Jerry O’Connell
Click
Here and Invisible Threads T-Shirts
Click
Here. All products that can be added to your cart are in stock and we ship
same or next working day. We are also pleased to announce that Ellusionist have
selected our Phoenix Flash Paper brand to use with their new PYRO device and
refills are available directly from us. Finally we have a range of puzzles,
clothing and other gifts
Click
Here aimed at magicians this Christmas!
www.magicnevin.com.
6.12.14
The
Mark Leveridge Podcast is now on Podbean! Mark Leveridge writes: Starting
with the latest Podcast, December 2014, my monthly Podcast can not only be found
on my website but also on Podbean
www.markleveridge.podbean.com. If you take the time to catch this month's
episode you'll find that, amongst other things, I chat about getting ready for
the Christmas show rush, why it is important to track where show enquiries come
from, what is it that makes some tricks so memorable to lay people compared to
others and how to ensure that the tables you get to last, at a big dinner
function, don't feel ignored or left out! The Podcast is half an hour of opinion
and chat that is the perfect antidote to the December rush, so pull up a chair
and pop over to Podbean or if you prefer, catch it on my website at
www.markleveridge.co.uk/podcast.php.
6.12.14
Christmas
Magic at the Barn - this weekend in Rochford.
Saturday 6th, and Sunday 7th December. A
unique evening of magic to start the festive season offering close-up wizardry
presented at tables followed by a stage show featuring magic, mystery and
comedy. The main show features the dove magic of Brian and Audrey Miller, the
multi-award winning Oliver Tabor, international gentleman juggler Mat Ricardo on
Saturday and the deadly and hilarious Card Ninja on Sunday, all skillfully held
together with magic and comedy by compere by Adrian Fox, plus a whole host of
close-up magicians throughout the evening within the warm, intimate and
enchanting atmosphere of a 17th century barn theatre. The ticket price includes
a free glass of mulled wine for adults and soft drink for children, plus a mince
pie. Drinks are served on admission and other refreshments are available to
purchase including wine and beer. Showtimes Sunday 6th at 7pm, Sunday 7th at
6pm. Magic at the Barn, Sutton Hall, Shopland Road, Rochford, Essex SS4 1LH (Map).
Tickets only £12.50. Book tickets online:
www.eventbrite.co.uk. Ticket line 01702 543242.
6.12.14
3Sixty
by Wayne Dobson: A video trailer has now been added to the website.
"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."
www.waynedobson.co.uk.
6.12.14
Punk
Magician 'G' campaigns for the Living Wage. After viewing his “Punk Magik”
YouTube Channel renegade magician G was approached by ShareAction and Citizens
UK to consult and produce a video for their Stop Scrooging campaign – asking
retailers to pay a fairer wage. G went into stores and captured hidden camera
footage showing him magically changing the price tags to highlight that stores
like John Lewis, M&S and Tesco aren’t paying the living wage. The clip can be
found here:
YouTube,
also see
www.stopscrooging.org and
www.youtube.com/punkmagik. To follow G: @magicshoulder.
6.12.14
Urban Voodoo Club - Sunday, December 14th at 7.30pm in Leeds:
"Fed up with Xmas tunes and mulled wine? Then step into our voodoo festive
bonanza, and enjoy twisted magic that will would make a reindeer run a mile.
A night of wonder, amazing magic and daredevil feats. Treat yourself to a slice
of awe from the most incredible magicians, mind readers and more.
Always harboured a sneaking suspicion that the magic you see on TV is faked?
Then watch incredible performers right in front of your eye at Leeds' only
regular night of magic. Don't forget to pick your jaw up off the floor.
December's line-up features the mental prowess of Chris Rawlins, stunning
sleight of hand from Tom Crosbie, trickery and profanity from Lawrence Turner,
and cool and crafty conjuring from Chris Clarke.
Go on, stick a pin in that Santa voodoo doll..." Tickets are £10 in advance from
www.wegottickets.com/urbanvoodooclub or £12 on
the door.
Venue: 51% Bourbon, 11-15 Hirst's Yard, Leeds LS1 6NJ (Map).
www.urbanvoodooclub.co.uk.
6.12.14
The
Secret World of Charles Dickens. Mirth, Marvels and the Mysterious, with Ian
Keable. Jack Stephens writes: Not many magicians know this, but the great
English writer Charles Dickens was also a conjurer. Ian has combined these two
facts and presented a most fascinating evening of Victorian magic. There were
puns and jokes a-plenty, all delivered in that dry style that Ian possesses. Of
course David Copperfield got a mention! The show was divided in two, with the
first half featuring Ian’s own take on some of the Victorian magic that Dickens
himself performed. The audience were most impressed as a candle disappeared and
turned into a silk, a borrowed watch was discovered in a nest of boxes, water
turned into wine, a cake was baked in a top hat, bottles multiplied and a knot
jumped about on a piece of rope. In the second half the audience enjoyed the
chair tipping ‘experiment’, an impressive book test and I could not believe the
rising card effect! (Yes of course, we all know how these are done, but for a
lay audience this was truly pure magic) The world of Victorian conjuring came to
life on this damp foggy evening on 29 November in the village hall of Oaksey,
near Malmesbury, in Wiltshire.
www.iankeable.co.uk.
6.12.14
Merlins
of Wakefield's final ‘Preview’ for 2014 is now available. Packed with over
70 great effects and offers, the Preview is free. If you'd like a printed copy,
just email your name and address to
merlins@btconnect.com or if you’d prefer a PDF,
Click Here. Their new Tenyo 2015 stock is now running very low. For delivery
before Christmas, contact them asap!
www.merlinswakefield.com.
6.12.14
Ye
Olde Magic Mag, issue one: "Issue one of Ye Olde Magic Mag, the first
digital magazine on magic history and on the business of collecting magic
memorabilia, is now out. Published by Marco Pusterla, issue one is an 18 page
PDF with articles on an obscure Italian magician from the 18th century and his
surviving playbill; the full calendar of all the performances of Robert-Houdin
in the British Isles; two competing magicians unwittingly sharing the same
poster; a review of recent magic auctions, and more. For information and to
download the magazine:
www.yeoldemagicmag.com."
6.12.14
The
Newcastle Magic Circle Programme for 2015. Tony Junior, NMC Secretary,
writes: The Newcastle Magic Circle Programme for 2015 is looking somewhat tip
top! Non-Members interested in joining, or other magic club members who are in
the area and would like to attend one of our evenings below, can contact myself,
by email, for more details on fees. Tony Junior,
nmcsecretary@outlook.com
Newcastle Magic Circle 2015 Programme
Monday 26th January: Wayne Goodman Lecture
Monday 23rd February: Members Evening, Golden Nuggets Night
Monday 9th March: Cody Fisher Lecture
Monday 30th March: Alan Shaxon Lecture
Monday 27th April: AGM
Wednesday 6th May: Peter Eggink Lecture
Tuesday 26th May: Ken Nedy Lecture
Monday 29th June: Scott Creasey Lecture
Monday 27th July: Bob White Wand Competition
Tuesday 25th August: Lennox Shield Competition
Thursday 27th August: Members Social Night (tbc)
Monday 28th September: Members Stage Competition
Monday 26th October: Ryan Schultz Lecture
Saturday 21st November: Annual Dinner
Monday 30th November: Golden Nuggets Night
www.newcastle-magic-circle.org HQ: Neville Hall, Westgate Road, Newcastle
upon Tyne NE1 1SY.
6.12.14
Parkinson: The
Interviews, Tommy Cooper and Frankie Howerd is being repeated on Wednesday 17th December on BBC 4. Tommy Cooper and Frankie Howerd. Michael
Parkinson introduces a recut of two interviews he did with Frankie
Howerd during the Parkinson show series and a Christmas interview with
Tommy Cooper. Frankie Howerd wanted everything scripted, resulting in an
unprompted and unrehearsed interview whilst Tommy Cooper managed to run
rings around a delighted Parkinson. Includes clips from Up Pompeii, The
Main Attraction and The Bob Monkhouse Show. See
TV Magic.
6.12.14
Perth
Magic Circle Social Evening. Adrian Harris writes: Perth Magicians are
having a Social Evening in The Perth Ex-Servicemen's Club this Wednesday 10th
December and it looks like being yet another sell out for the club. The audience
will be 98% lay people which is great news for those performing as there is a
better reaction to the magic and comedy. A hot buffet supper is included in the
ticket price of £6.00 and the bar will be available to everyone. Guest acts
appearing include Ex-Perth member Neil Stirton who will present his close-up set
which he performed earlier in the year at The Magic Castle in L.A. Also
appearing is a good friend of the Perth club, Alex Proctor from Glasgow
following a very successful appearance at last year's event. With less than one
week to go, there are fewer than 10 tickets left so visiting magicians are
advised to apply now as there will be none available at the door this year.
Call 01738 628985 or email
adrian.harris@blueyonder.co.uk.
6.12.14
The Surrey Society of Magicians
Annual Stage
Competition. Adam Mosley writes: It was a great turn out as usual (on
Thursday, 27th November) -a big thank you to all the
competitors, judges and guests and to our compere and time keeper.
Congratulations to Colin Peters who not only won the competition, but did the
double by also picking up the Bernard Weller Comedy Award (voted for by members), which is being presented to him in the photo by our magical judge on
the night, Michael Carr.
www.surreymagic.org.uk.
6.12.14
"Famous
Magician Dynamo and Fiat Partner Up for the Launch of the 500x Model"
Click Here • "Thief Hypnotizes Shopkeeper, Then Robs Him"
Click Here • "Reality Magic: Seeing is believing, or fainting"
Click Here • "Magicians stage new effort to restore and maintain
Harry Houdini's vandalized NYC gravesite"
Click Here • "Review Roundup: The Illusionists - Witness the
Impossible Opens on Broadway - All the Reviews!"
Click Here • "Gadget lets you shoot fire from the palm of your hand
like a badass superhero"
Click Here • "Magic Babe Ning: No more magic"
Click Here • "Prankster at work"
Click Here
• "Professional magician, Rob James, puts cardboard smartphones into
people's pockets while they are unaware in Dover town centre"
Click Here
• "Gloucestershire magician proud to pick up glittering wedding award"
Click Here • And finally... "The case of the vanishing magic hats"
Click Here • That's it for another week. Your UK magic news is
always welcomed. Have a good weekend, Duncan.
6.12.14