Number 766 - 28th February 2015
James
Freedman: Man of Steal. A brilliant exciting new show is coming to the
Chocolate Factory, London, for 6 performances only! James Freedman: Man of
Steal. Persuader, showman, thief… James Freedman will steal a whole lot more
than you might expect. One member of the audience will lose the most valuable
thing possible - it could be you! Funny and fast-fingered, his unique and
extraordinary show exposes how the bad guys really work, sharing a life-time
spent studying hustlers, street criminals and con-men.
Hailed a genius in his field by Derren Brown, stealth-crime expert James
Freedman is the only man to have picked the pockets of the Mayor of London, the
Chancellor and the Governor of the Bank of England. No wonder then that his
hands have been insured for £1 million. You can’t afford not to see this show…
Booking opens on Monday 2nd March. Tickets from just £19.50. 12th, 13th, 19th,
20th, 26th, 27th April. Menier Chocolate Factory, 53 Southwark Street, London
SE1 1RU.
www.menierchocolatefactory.com.
28.2.15
International
Illusionist Christian Farla prepares for Blackpool summer season. "See the magic act who even wowed Copperfield.
International illusionist Christian Farla will be casting his spell over
audiences at the Pleasure Beach [Blackpool] this summer.
The Dutch magician has announced a full summer season of daily shows combining
magic and variety at the theme park’s Horseshoe bar, opening on Friday, July 3.
He’ll be making a return to the resort after appearing at last weekend’s
Blackpool Magic Festival at the Winter Gardens." To read the full story in the
Blackpool Gazette
Click Here. For show dates see
What's On.
28.2.15
An
Evening of Deception, Cheltenham - it's back! "Gloucestershire’s only contemporary magic show,
'An Evening of Deception', is
back at the Everyman Studio for 2015. Now in its sixth year, the show has always
sold out and this year looks like being no exception.
Headlining is the fabulous Peter Clifford (photo) fresh from his own sell-out
show at the Tobacco Factory in Bristol. Peter was part of the original creative
team for Derren Brown’s TV shows and co-created and directed Derren’s first UK
tour and West-end run. He has worked as a magical advisor for many theatre
productions and is also an accomplished actor. Last year he played the lead role
of the Cheltenham Victorian magician, JN Maskelyne, in 'The Mysterious
Gentleman'. Peter’s magic is classy, sublime and mindblowing! Joining Peter will
be Magician and Mindreader Kieron Kirkland who will bring his unique blend of
technology and magic to An Evening of Deception. Prepare to be amazed by his all
knowing lie detecting robotic monkey and the world's first (and only) brain
controlling headbands!
Also on the bill will be Gloucestershire’s very own Andi Gladwin. Andi, from
Newent, is one of the organisers of the show and one of the highest regarded and
talented magicians around the world. 'An Evening of Deception' will be compered by magic fan Steve Knibbs, from BBC
Points West, who promises a few tricks too!"
More details and updates can be found on the show’s Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/aneveningofdeception.
'An Evening of Deception' runs from 18th - 21st March at The Everyman Theatre
Studio. Box Office 01242 572573 or via
www.everymantheatre.org.uk.
28.2.15
West End Magic,
Leicester Square Theatre London, 21st March: "The brilliant West End Magic show returns this March to
the
Leicester Square Theatre with comedy, magic
and some nail biting stunts.
Ben Hart, star of BBC 3 “Killer Magic” and a smash hit in Edinburgh 2014 brings
his incredible magic to the show, weaving stories with breath-taking tricks that
are mesmerising.
We have the nail biting, sweat inducing AJ, with his super sharpened knives,
endangering his limbs and the front row in acts of sheer entertaining madness.
Multi award winning magician Oliver Tabor will perform his extraordinary
illusions, where objects change form and shape in a dazzling display of magic
that might leave you wondering whether reality really can be bent and
manipulated in this man's hands.
Neil Henry, mentalist and magician will compere the evening."
Suitable for all the family and for ages 8+. The Leicester Square Theatre,
6 Leicester Place, London WC2H 7BX (Map);
Doors 3pm;
Show 3.30pm;
Tickets £15 full price, £10 children, £40 family ticket for four.
www.leicestersquaretheatre.com.
28.2.15
Crafted
With Carey is released! Magicseen Publications would like to thank everyone
who has helped to make the launch of John Carey's new 200 page hard backed book
such a great success. John spent some of his time at the Blackpool Convention
last weekend on the Magicseen stand demming items from the book which enabled
people to see how wonderfully practical the nearly 70 routines contained in the
book really are. When so much card magic can be difficult for the average card
enthusiast to get to grips with, it makes a pleasant change to find a book that
has such accessible material in it. Crafted With Carey is now in stock
and ready to be despatched, so if you are into interesting, fun card magic, then
place your order now at
www.magicseen.co.uk. And while you're placing your order, why not get your
copy of the March Magicicseen Magazine, our special 10 year anniversary issue.
With its new design, new type of paper and entertaining and informative content,
it's a must-read for anyone interested in magic.
28.2.15
The
Magicians' Podcast this week features John Archer. Listen to this Podcast
and catch up with previous ones at
magicianspodcast.podbean.com. Also see
www.facebook.com/MagiciansPodcast and iTunes,
Click Here.
28.2.15
Amethyst
Magic present An Evening of Magic and Illusion in aid of Liverpool Hope
University's Global Hope Project, at the Capstone Theatre, Liverpool L6 1HP (Map),
on Friday 6th March at 7.30pm. The Global Hope Project gives students and staff
an opportunity to act as global citizens by engaging with issues of social
justice and participating in projects in countries as diverse as India, Malawi,
Sri Lanka, Uganda and Brazil.
Danny and Stephanie (Amethyst) are helping raise money to send one of their
dancers to Sri Lanka where she will have the opportunity to help make a
difference in young children's lives.
Tickets available on the night, are: adults £6 children/students £4.
For more information visit
www.amethystmagic.com or
www.hope.ac.uk/globalhope.
28.2.15
British
Children's Entertainer National Champion 2015: "Last Saturday at the 63rd
Annual Blackpool Magic Convention held at the Winter Gardens Blackpool Mr Stix
and sidekick Peanut (Stuart Mc Dowell and his dad Ronnie McDowell) took to the
stage in the competition and were crowned British Children's Entertainer National
Champion 2015. The winning act was fast-paced from the start, featuring a
mutilated umbrella routine, vanishing giant die, and the flattening and
restoration of a real guinea pig! The whole act was interlaced with comedy
throughout, making it one to remember."
www.mrstix.com.
28.2.15
Gary
Jones lecture: 9th March, Farnborough and 15th March, Cornwall. Gary Jones lectures at the Farnborough Association of Magical Entertainers
on March 9th. Gary
is well known as the inventor of many commercial close-up magic effects and is a
busy magical entertainer. There will be something for everyone at this
entertaining and informative lecture. Visiting magicians welcome, £5 on the
door. The lecture starts at 8pm and doors open at 7.45pm. St Mark's Church Hall,
Farnborough, Guildford Road East, Farnborough GU14 6TU (Map).
www.fame-magic.co.uk.
Philip Sweeting. On March 15th Gary, lectures at The Cornish Magical Society at
3pm at Carnon Downs Village Hall, Carnon Downs, Cornwall. Visiting magicians £5.
Contact Paul Scott on 07747 122659 for more details.
28.2.15
Dynamo
and Dobson, seen here at the Blackpool Convention last week. Dynamo's got a
copy of the new DVD 'Early Dobson Vol 1. A selection of Wayne Dobson's Classic
TV performances revealed' in his hand - now available from
www.waynedobson.co.uk.
28.2.15
Martin Cox
has just returned from a very successful lecture and show tour of the USA,
and would Like to thank Scott Wells, Geoff Williams and Stephen Bargatze for
their hospitality. Also, working with David Stone was a pleasure writes Martin.
You'll be able to
listen to Martin on Scott Wells' The Magic Word podcast shortly. For lecture
booking details contact Martin via
www.comedyofmagic.co.uk.
28.2.15
Marvelous Matthew Wright
Wins!
The British Magical Championships made a welcome return to the Blackpool Magic Convention
last weekend, and Marvelous Matthew Wright was the winner.
The win means that Matthew is now the only magician in history to have won all
four major British close-up competitions, having previously been crowned The Magic Circle
Close-up Magician of the Year, the IBM British Ring Close-up Champion and Ron
MacMillan's International Close Up Magician of the Year. "It's a great honour to have won the British Magical Championships"
said
Matthew. "I remember watching the competition as a kid and have always wanted to
take part. To win it is a great bonus!"
Matthew now sets off to Spain to open his own Magic Theatre show in the Costa
Del Sol, but before he does will be performing his only UK lecture of the year in
Grimbsy, on Monday evening.
28.2.15
The
Wobbly Wands: "‘The Wobbly Wands’ - an online social group for LGBT magicians
has just been launched on Facebook, and we already have magicians from Britain,
Spain, Holland and The United States as members. It’s a free, fun and friendly
place for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered magicians and those
interested in magic to hang out and sometimes arrange social events at
conventions etc. For obvious reasons, it’s a private group, but if you’d like to
join, send an email to:
wobblywands@gmail.com and we’ll invite you to the group."
28.2.15
Paragon. Mike
Sullivan writes: Wayne Dobson's trick, 3Sixty, is being discontinued. Jon Allen
is collaborating with him to produce Paragon, the biggest hit in the
dealers' room at the Blackpool convention. Current, 3Sixty owners can convert
3Sixty
into Paragon by going to the exclusive YouTube channel for the upgrade. While
the first run of Paragon is nearly sold out, the next batch will be ready in a
couple of months. To see a short clip of Paragon
Click Here.
28.2.15
The
Tim Bat Trick Show at The Old Courtroom. Part of the Brighton Festival.
Sunday 10th May and Sunday 17th May. Gentleman juggler and unwitting clown Tim
Bat performs his impressive repertoire of amazing tricks with aplomb. But when
the props get the upper hand, frantic hilarity ensues. There’s plenty for adults
to enjoy and the kids have a really good laugh, egging Tim on to ever greater
heights of silliness! Audience participation and hilarity guaranteed. “Highly
recommended for kids and adults alike” (The Argus) “Still the must-see
children’s show of Brighton Fringe” (Fringe Review). More info:
www.brightonfringe.org.
28.2.15
Gary
Dunn lectures at The Cotswold Magical Society on Wednesday,
March 4th. "Gary is one of the most exciting children’s entertainers in the country and has
great ideas and plenty of gags, but don’t be put off by thinking this is a
lecture for children’s entertainers, Gary is equally at home entertaining an
adult or family audience.
This lecture is a must for anybody who wants to entertain!
The lecture takes place at The Hucclecote Community Centre, Hucclecote Road ,
Gloucester GL3 3RT (Map).
Doors open at 7.30pm and there's a £5 charge for
visiting magicians." www.garydunn.com
www.cotswoldmagic.org.
28.2.15
Michael
J Fitch is a special guest on
Justin's House (CBeebies) this morning at 11am (also available on
iPlayer later on).
www.michaeljfitch.co.uk.
28.2.15
Chan Canasta, Dynamo,
Graham Jolley and Alan Davies, together on The One Show. Catch up via
iPlayer [11:30 in]
Click Here.
28.2.15
Professor Solomon's
Lives of the Conjurers, Volume Two, features the lives of Cardini,
Malini, Blackstone, Dunninger, and other masters of deception.
151 pages. Illustrated.
Free download from
www.professorsolomon.com
also see
www.youtube.com/user/profsolomon/videos.
28.2.15
Iain
Moran Lecture - Bolton Magicians' Club. Paul Goodman writes: Iain Moran is a
leading UK magician performing close-up magic worldwide for over 20 years.
Iain's lecture will feature a combination of routines from his working
repertoire including card tricks from the Ultimate Self-working Card Tricks DVD,
which Iain was heavily involved with. 8.30pm on Wednesday 4th March 2015 at The
Doffcocker Inn, Chorley Old Road, Bolton BL1 5QD (Map).
Visiting magicians from other societies are most welcome. There will be an
entrance fee of £5.00 for non-members. For directions to the Doffcocker Inn
visit
www.boltonmagic.co.uk or telephone Paul Goodman on 07889 676003.
www.iainmoran.com.
28.2.15
The 54th Annual Dinner of the Cornish Magical Society takes place on
Saturday 21st March at the Membley Hall Hotel, Falmouth, with Star Cabaret Martin Daniels.
Tickets £25, from Paul Scott on 07747 122 659.
28.2.15
Hickory
Dickory Dock – Ian Adair.
Ian Adair has spent a lifetime in magic dealing. At the age of 15 he ran two
magic dealing firms from his home in Kilmarnock, but it was when he left
Scotland in 1959 to join Edwin Hooper at the Supreme Magic Company that a
constant flow of his marketed items kept appearing,
including his best-selling children's routine 'Dressing Doll', which reached 5,000 sales.
This week Ian celebrates his 1,300th marketed effect, with the launch of a
brand new children's effect 'Hickory Dickory Dock', manufactured and sold by
Practical Magic. The firm has already marketed a great number of Ian's
children's effects, and his latest was featured on the Practical Magic stand at the
recent Blackpool convention. Visit
www.practical-magic.com for more info and to order.
28.2.15
Congratulations
to Dov Citron (Captain Calamity), winner of the Watford Association of
Magicians 'Children’s Entertainer of the Year Competition' which took place back
in December 2014. Well done Julie Carpenter (Auntie Julie) who was a close
runner-up. The afternoon was organised and compered by Christopher Garside
(Krisgar). Huge thanks go to everyone involved who helped make this event a
great success. Even the real Father Christmas couldn’t resist a visit. See more
of Dov Citron at
www.madhousekids.com. Christopher Garside.
28.2.15
Blackpool Festival Children's Competition 2016. Derek Lever writes: Do not try to enter by telephone, it will not be accepted. You need to send an e.mail to d.lever1@sky.com along with a 10 minute showcase of your performance in front of an audience of children. You can send a video by mail to Derek Lever, 32, Pilling Lane, Preesall, Wyre. FY6 OEU. 28.2.15
Last
week's 63rd Blackpool Magicians' Convention is reviewed by Steve
Majes this week,
Click Here • "MORE
introduces you to Magician Jeff McBride's Wonderground"
Click Here • "See how Illusionist Alex Chinneck turns a Vauxhall
Corsa upside down"
Click Here • "One of the most elaborate shows"
Click Here • "Casinos: Hard Rock has a young act up its sleeve"
Click Here • "Meet the Illusionists!"
Click Here • "Watch: Britain's Got Talent star Darcy Oake shows off
tricks at Coronation Street set"
Click Here • "A unique collaboration brings Harry Houdini’s story to
life"
Click Here • "Seven magicians do the impossible in 'The
Illusionists'"
Click Here • "Brewing Some Magic"
Click Here • "Young performers given opportunity to take part in
professional Blackburn variety show"
Click Here • "Horizons benefit spotlights success stories"
Click Here • "Jay Owenhouse: 'Dare to Believe'"
Click Here • "Roll up, roll up to savour a dazzling Dutch display as
circus comes to Stevenage"
Click Here • "Magic and literature, together at the Chan Centre"
Click Here • "Optical illusion: Dress colour debate goes global"
Click Here • Your UK magic news is always welcomed - have a good
week, Duncan.
28.2.15