Number 768 - 14th March 2015
Killer Magic, BBC 3's new
magic series launches on Tuesday 24th March.
Dee Christopher, Chris Cox, Jasz Vegas, Damien
O'Brien and Ben Hart compete in themed challenges,
with the least successful illusionist being nominated to try their hand at a
'killer trick' - a death-defying challenge that has killed or injured a past
performer. BBC Radio One presenter Matt Edmondson will narrate. In the opening
episode the magicians combine magic with toys, with the loser
facing being submerged in ice. See
TV Magic.
14.3.15
The
Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year Competition. Tickets are now on sale
for the Final of The Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year Competition which
takes place on Sunday 29th March at 12 Stephenson Way, Euston, London NW1 2HD (Map).
Seven acts are through from the heats, competing for this prestigious title in
The Magic Circle theatre. There is an afternoon show at 3pm, (which isn't
judged), for which tickets are available at £8 and the Final itself, at 6pm,
when the judging takes place and the results are announced. Tickets for the
Final are £15. The judges will be well known names from the magic world,
including former Young Magician of the Year competitors, and the Final will be
compered by a past winner of the title. To book tickets
Click Here. Alan Maskell.
14.3.15
The
International Magic Convention, a staple of the UK magic scene, and central
London's only magic Convention is disappearing.... but not for long! "After 43
years anyone would need a holiday" says Noel Britten, "but like after any
break one always comes back bigger, better and more revitalised - and with that
in mind we can promise a really outstanding event in 2016 with the Convention
dates being November 18th to 20th next year. As always we'll be bringing not
only well established stars of magic but many new faces to the Convention to
join outstanding speciality acts for our Gala Show. Lectures, workshops, one man
shows and the sort of very special events - who can forget David Williamson re
meeting his nemesis 'Murray' (Click Here)
or the myriad of surprises produced in the awarding of the David Berglas
International Magic Award over the last several years - that we've become known
for joining the mix. If there was any year when we were going to take a break it
seems this is an obvious one with three 'intermittent' international Conventions
- FISM, Genii Bash 2 and Magic Live all overlapping this year. An extra year of
planning not only allows us to create something extra special for 2016 but also
update our registration process and other admin areas to make it an all round
easy experience to both register and attend. While we have plans to change in no
way will this affect the very intimate and family feel of this much-loved
Convention, which both through bookings and the annual Close Up Competition has
introduced so many national and international stars of our art to UK magicians
for the very first time. If you would like to join those lucky people to get
first hand news of next year's events alongside the chance to register early and
get prime location seats and access to other special events, please feel free to
email me at noelbritten@talk21.com
and I'll make sure you're kept very much in the loop."
14.3.15
Conjuring
at the Court, London: "There's another cracking night of magic coming up at
Conjuring at the Court. Christian Lee is one of London’s best known comedy magicians, with a terrific
ability to create chaotic fun; Martin Cox’s persona is larger than life - he’s a clever entertainer in demand
all over the world for his magic and comedy; The award-winning Rob James, an
imaginative and original magician who has performed on BBC2, Channel 4, Five and
worldwide on BBC America; Marc Paul is one of the top mind-readers in the country
- a dramatic
entertainer whose skill in psychology and mind control leave the audience
astounded. Hosted by co-producer, the exuberant Stephen Barry. A night of magic, comedy
and entertainment."
26th March. The show starts at 8pm and runs to 10pm with an interval. Drayton Court, 2 The Avenue, West Ealing, London W13
8PH (Map).
Book now on www.conjuringatthecourt.com – tickets still just £10 each.
Now on TripAdvisor so you can read or leave reviews. "The best magic show in London!" Mel Mellers.
14.3.15
Magic Night
at The Shadow Lounge, (opposite former venue Madame JoJo’s) in the heart of
London, starring
Doug Segal,
Oliver Meech,
Delores Deluxe,
Jack Charlie Beavis and
MC Neil Henry. "Magic Night plays with your mind with some stunning mental trickery from Doug
Segal, one of the leading mentalists in the country who is also screamingly
funny. He’ll be making mentalists of us all with his impressive mind
control, whilst Oliver Meech will be stopping water in its tracks and defying
the laws of gravity.
Delores Deluxe will be showing you her impressive tricky proclivities with
bananas and shoes, plus Jack Beavis’s impossibly clever and ridiculous clown
like magic with props that don’t do quite what they should... Neil Henry will MC
the show and perform his impossible magic. Magic Night @The Shadow Lounge.
Friday 3rd April.
Doors open 6.45pm; Show starts at 7.30pm;
Tickets £13.20;
Show ticket plus dinner £27.50; Tickets: www.magicnight.co.uk.
The Shadow Lounge, 5 Brewer Street, London W1F 0RF (Map).
14.3.15
Northern
Magic Circle Convention updates. From the organisers: Two more names have
been added to the line up for this year's Northern Magic Circle Convention.
Andrew Normansell has been well established as an entertainer, magician and
mentalist for over twenty five years, and has performed extensively both in the
UK and abroad. Andrew has authored many books on the subjects of magic and mind
reading and is also well respected as a lecturer and motivational speaker.
Andrew is also the inventor of a number of commercial hits, including Jinx, Club
Sandwich, Zen Coin Collection, Collector's Edition, Hades' Pennies, as well as
DVD Collections, all available worldwide. Shirley Ray is a world class Balloon
Artist and International instructor. Shirley has taught at many balloon
conventions and twisting events around the world and runs her own UK based
business “Balloons by Magic”. Her work has been featured on television and has
also appeared in both the Balloon Magic and Balloon Images magazines. The
Northern Magic Circle Convention is on 11th and 12th April 2015 at Harrogate
Theatre, Oxford Street, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG1 1QF (Map).
Tickets available from
www.northernmagiccircle.org.uk or email
sujayne@live.co.uk Book in advance and save money on your convention
registration!
14.3.15
West End Magic,
Leicester Square Theatre, London, 21st March: "The brilliant West End Magic show returns this March to
Leicester Square Theatre with comedy, magic
and some nail biting stunts.
Ben Hart, star of BBC 3's 'Killer Magic' and smash hit of Edinburgh 2014 brings
his incredible magic to the show, weaving stories with breathtaking 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.
Suitable for all the family and for ages 8+"
March 21st 2015.
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
www.westendmagic.com.
14.3.15
Chris
Hare's Mindboggler lecture at the Coventry Magic Circle. James Cannon
writes: The Coventry Magic Circle are delighted to welcome Chris Hare to our
society on Tuesday 24th March from 8pm - 10pm. Chris is a brilliant mind reader
and entertainer and this promises to be a lecture not to be missed. £10
entrance fee for visiting magicians. Venue: Bentley Road Social Club, Bentley
Road, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV11 5LR (Map)
www.coventrymagiccircle.co.uk.
14.3.15
12th
Top Secret Day of Magic. From the organisers: Mark James has been confirmed
as the final lecturer, who will be lecturing on Cabaret/Comedy and Cruising. He
will also be appearing in the Star Comedy Cabaret and appearing in the Q+A
Forum. Also confirmed: Mel Harvey who will be compering the Star Comedy Cabaret,
and Michael Pearse - the laugh till it hurts Juggler - also appearing in the
Star Comedy Cabaret. Don't miss this great magic-packed day! The website is now
live:
www.topsecretmagicday.co.uk.
14.3.15
New,
from Mark Leveridge Magic: Imagine being able to borrow a 10p coin and
holding it at your fingertips, simply pass a selected card momentarily across
it, and instantly that coin becoming completely invisible. Both hands are empty,
the coin just appears to have melted away. Then showing the card back and front
once more, it is passed across the fingers a second time and immediately the
borrowed coin is back in position and can be returned to its owner. This is the
effect of Mark Leveridge's latest coin release. Called The Invisible Coin it
comes with instructional DVD and the special card required. No sleight of hand
involved, the illusion really is great! Watch a dem at
www.markleveridge.co.uk/invcn.php.
14.3.15
Stay
Cool by Tobias Dostal! "You spend 5 days at a Magic Convention and the thing
you remember most at the end of it is not that new variation of a classic pass -
it’s the guy who produces a pair of sunglasses on his face and yells
‘Whooooooooo! Stay Cool Baby!’ In 'Stay Cool' Tobias Dostal has created the
ultimate opener. A Sunglasses production that instantly establishes you as a
magician, and the sheer unexpected nature of something so absurd breaks any sort
of tension held by spectators instantly. Tobias spends nearly an hour teaching
variation after variation for the Stay Cool production, with inspiration taken
from classic comic legends - everyone from Buster Keaton to Marcel Marceau.
Filmed in the Ellusionist HQ Brooklyn Studio with live performances shot during
the Open-to-the-Public Studio Party, Stay Cool contains everything you need to
absolutely own any room you walk into." Watch the video and find out more, visit
www.magicnevin.com/Stay-Cool-by-Tobias-Dostal.
14.3.15
Marc
Oberon North Western Society of Magicians Lecture. Adam Hudson writes: We
are currently celebrating our centenary year and one of many events we are
holding to mark such an important part of our history is a lecture by Marc
Oberon. The lecture is on Wednesday 18th March at The Lisdoonie Hotel, Abbey
Road (no Beatles but a few zebra crossings) Barrow-in-Furness from 7.30pm -
10pm. Any visiting magicians would be warmly welcomed at the slim charge of £5.
More info: www.barrowmagic.co.uk.
14.3.15
David
Tomkins Lecture - The Anglian Magic Society. Steve Majes writes: The Anglian
Magic Society has "The David Tomkins Lecture" for their next meeting on Tuesday
17th March 2015 - 7.30pm start time. David is an award winning Children's
Ventriloquist and Magician, and will be presenting a colourful, varied and
entertaining lecture with original and creative children's magic. As a
professional ventriloquist, David will include a section on puppets too. Having
turned full-time pro at sixteen David has a wealth of experience and plenty of
entertaining routines to share. David has had great success with his lectures
and has traveled all over the country and presented lectures to The Magic
Circle, The International Brotherhood of Magicians along with the Southport and
The Blackpool Magicians' Conventions. This lecture is a must for the serious
family entertainer! Members £2.00 - Visitors £10.00. Visitors must be introduced
by a full member of the society. The White Horse Inn, The Street, Trowse,
Norwich NR14 8ST (Map).
14.3.15
Magic
& Mayhem - A Night of Magic at The Exchange, Leicester. Phil Knoxville and
An Evening of Mystery Presents: Magic & Mayhem - A Night of Magic at The
Exchange, Leicester, on Thursday 9th April: "Bringing you the UK’s top magic
acts: 'The Hypnotist' Anthony Jacquin (Head Hacking, The Manchurian Approach)
will be bending minds with non-hypnosis hypnosis (no hypnosis required!); ‘The
Detective’ Ben Cardall (Sherlockian) will reveal your inner thoughts and the
contents of your pocket; ‘The Empathist’ Ian Harvey-Stone (The Devil Without)
will read your mind and tickle your funny bones. Compered by ‘The Comedian’ Phil
Knoxville, who promises to make you laugh one minute, then wince and grimace at
his tricks the next. Come join us for a night of Amazing Stunts, Mind Reading,
Stand up Comedy, Close up magic and Magic That Isn’t Sh*t!" For more info visit:
facebook.com/philknoxvillemagic or
facebook.com/aneveningofmysteryuk. Suitable for ages 16+. ‘Magic & Mayhem’,
The Exchange, Cultural Quarter, 50 Rutland Street, Leicester, LE1 1RD (Map).
Doors open at 7.30pm - Free entry!
14.3.15
The Shropshire Magical Society will be hosting a lecture by Cody
S Fisher (USA) on Wednesday 25th March at 7.30pm at the Lord Hill Hotel, Abbey
Foregate, Shrewsbury SY2 6AX (Map). Visiting Magicians are very welcome to attend.
Door charge only £5! Contact Mel Bardsley
mel.bardsley@btinternet.com.
14.3.15
A Laugh
A Minute Lecture - with Harry Robson, now booking. "Harry Robson is one of the UK's busiest and most loved magicians. Over the past
thirty years he has given countless lectures on how to become a better magician,
what tricks to use and how to get bookings. In his lecture he'll also tell some of the funniest
stories he's been part of, along the way.
To book Harry for your club lecture simply visit
www.harryrobsonmagicshop.com/lecture and
watch the video or call
Harry directly to check availability on 07745 905500.
14.3.15
Jamie Allan iMagician
- now on tour. "In this action packed show, audiences will witness
the most incredible illusions ever staged. Using the latest technology,
iMagician includes high powered laser beams, iPads, Twitter, Facebook, and new
for our 2015 show, the mind blowing 'Virtual assistant' a routine which involves
a full scale volumetric hologram. After mesmerising American audiences for 12
years with his fusion of magic and technology, Jamie is now set to launch a
spectacular UK tour - iMagician: The Evolution of Magic." See
What's On for dates or visit
www.magicjamie.com.
14.3.15
Luke
Murray: Mentalist - Canal Cafe Theatre, London: "Be prepared for a
theatrical roller-coaster ride as master magician Luke Murray brings his new
one-man show to London. The Award-Winning Mentalist will provoke, astound,
baffle and amaze. Impossible predictions, devious divination and mesmerising
metal melting are just a selection of what you can expect this psychological
illusionist to display in this new one-hour show. Once a stand-up comedian and
compere, this show will also leave you in hysterics, as Luke Murray combines his
unique brand of comedy and mentalism. ‘I can’t wait to bring my new show to
London’ says Murray, 29. ‘I have been honing my skills since I was 9 years old
and I’m so excited to be finally demonstrating them in such a variety of
different ways. My Job is to astound, and I plan to succeed.’" 16+ Canal Cafe
Theatre, Delamere Terrace, Little Venice, London W2 6ND (Map).
7.30pm on 25th April and 20th May, see
www.canalcafetheatre.com.
14.3.15
Ian
Rowland lectures at the Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians on Wednesday 25th
of March. Sue Oakley writes: Ian has lectured and performed at more or less
every major convention you can name (four times at Blackpool and twice at Magic
Live!), his 'Penguin Live' lecture has a 5 star rating, and he has his own
monthly column in both the Magic Circular and Magic magazine. Ian will be
performing and teaching a wide range of card and mentalism effects, suitable for
stage or close-up, and he promises that even if you don't like the tricks, the
lecture will be good fun. "An evening of sheer fun and enjoyment" Ulster
Society of Magicians. 8pm on Wednesday 25th of March, non-members welcome for a
fee of £5 at ECC Sports & Social Club, Showell Road, Wolverhampton WV10 9LU (Map).
14.3.15
Doc
Eason lecture - Liverpool Magic Circle,
Wednesday 6th May at 7.30pm. Visitors £10, Full Members £5. www.liverpoolmagiccircle.co.uk.
Venue: Longmoor Social Club,
Longmoor Lane, Liverpool L9 9EB (Map).
Richard Smith, secretary.
14.3.15
The
Devil's Staircase by Greg Chapman. AJT Playing Cards write: Following on
from the successful launch of AJT Playing Cards, we are now starting to stock a
number of card guards and card magic books. We received stock of Greg Chapman's
The Devil's Staircase on Monday and by Tuesday evening it had completely sold
out! We are hoping to receive more in the next few weeks and would request
anyone who is interested in this book to email to register their interest. The
cost of the book is £37.00 posted. Please contact
info@ajtplayingcards.co.uk or
visit
www.ajtplayingcards.co.uk.
14.3.15
Wolverhampton
Winner. Sue Oakley writes: On Wednesday 11th March, The Wolverhampton Circle
of Magicians, held their annual close up competition for The Tom Laws Plate. The
competition was of a very high standard, with 7 competitors and the worthy
winner was Paul Pickford.
www.wcm-magic.co.uk.
14.3.15
Variety
Live at Thwaites Empire, Blackburn is reviewed on YouTube by Matt & Tom this
week: "...it was an excellent showcase of some of the country's top working
variety acts and well worth the journey. We've put together a short video
review, Click Here."
14.3.15
David
Ginn's Kids Biz Workshop - Manchester: "Saturday 18th April 10am-3pm,
Milnrow, Greater Manchester. 5 minutes from Jct 21 of the M62 and just 40
minutes by Metro from Manchester Victoria. Find out why this much loved
entertainer's diary is always full. Invaluable advice for any children’s
entertainer. Includes a free booklet and 3 free tricks. Limited places for this
workshop. Book early via www.missionmagic.co.uk." Also see
What's On for magic club
lecture tour dates, April 8th-20th.
14.3.15
Two-day
Balloon Care and Share Day, Leeds. Graham Lee writes: There is another
Two-day Balloon Care and Share Day taking place in Leeds on March 25/26th with
International balloon twister Pieter van Engen coming over from Holland to run
one of the days and Rhian Beynon from the UK. Both days are hands-on lecture
workshops, with a fun competition or two to take part in if you wish, with a few
prizes to win along the way! There is a special offer available if you book for
both days
www.qualatexballoons.co.uk. The
Balloon Chat forum
has many hints and tips on the best pumps, busking bags, pens etc. to use, plus
star interviews with the likes of Buster Balloon, Ken Stillman and David Brenion
all answering questions from the forum members. There are also detailed
instructions in text and photographs on making some of the latest models and
figures in the balloon world.
14.3.15
Allan Clarke lecture - The Cumbrian Magic Circle. Andrew Haggar writes: The Cumbrian Magic Circle meeting this month will be next Tuesday, 17th March when we have a lecture by Allan Clarke. Allen is a member of Fylde Mystics, The Modern Mystics League and for a number of years co-organised the convention for the Northern Magic Circle. As suggested by the title "Modifications & Meanderings", Allan's interest is in adapting routines so that they fit the style and personality of the performer. Details of location etc. on our website www.cumbrianmagiccircle.co.uk. Look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday. As always doors open at 7.30pm for an 8pm start. 14.3.15
Book
a magic lecturer for your club today! Visit the MagicWeek
Lecturers section.
14.3.15
"Derren
Brown brings his new show Miracle to Dartford's Orchard Theatre"
Click Here • Jay Palmer’s bar act and Magic Kettle routine - request for help,
Click Here • Count Arthur Strong does the cups and balls
Click Here • "Magician Paul Daniels joins in glovie-mania"
Click Here • "Magical masters set to debut UK's biggest show"
Click Here • "In pursuit of magic"
Click
Here • "Interview: Penn Jillette"
Click Here • "Troy Von Scheibner talks E4’s Troy: 'I won’t do it
unless it’s perfect'"
Click Here • "Magic on his mind"
Click Here • "Living the dream - Grand Illusionist Cosentino brings
Twisted Reality to Sydney"
Click Here • Gary Jones' recent Farnborough Association of Magical
Entertainers lecture is reviewed by Phil Sweeting this week,
Click Here • "Disney's Frozen is the inspiration for nine-year-old
magician's snow show"
Click Here • "Keith Barry: 'Morgan Freeman demanded me to read his
mind'"
Click Here • That's if for another week - your UK magic news is
always welcome, have a great week, Duncan.
14.3.15