Number 775 - 2nd May 2015
Impossible - set to thrill audiences in London's
West End this summer! From the show's producers: Impossible, the biggest
magic show in decades, is set to thrill audiences in London's West End this
summer at the Noël Coward Theatre. The show will feature the very best magicians
and tricksters from around the world, fusing dazzling grand stage illusions,
up-close-and-personal magic, cutting-edge technological tricks and death-defying
escapology in a fast-paced, breath-taking spectacular for every generation.
Celebrating its global premiere this July in London, where Harry Houdini and the
superstars of illusion stunned Victorian audiences on stage, Impossible will
re-establish the UK capital as the epicenter of innovation and spectacle,
hosting the greatest magic show on Earth. Directed by Anthony Owen, the
multi-award winning producer and magic consultant behind Channel 4's Derren
Brown, Impossible brings eight world-leading performers together live
on-stage for the very first time. Featuring a stunning range of magical
artistry, from astonishing acts of epic proportions to dumbfounding up-close
sleight of hand, be ready to be mesmerized and baffled by these incredible
illusionists.
The confirmed line-up includes: modern-day Houdini, daredevil and TV
escapologist Jonathan Goodwin; mind-blowing mind-reader Chris Cox; psychological
trickster Katherine Mills; boundary breaking magician Ben Hart and spell-binding
digital marvel Jamie Allan, with more acts still to be announced.
24th July - 29th August: Book via
www.impossiblelive.com.
2.5.15
Bill
Abbott to appear at the 12th Top Secret Magic Day. Organiser Gary Young
writes: It is a great pleasure to announce Bill Abbott is making an exclusive
appearance at The 12th Top Secret Magic Day on Sunday 7th June 2015. He will be
Guest of Honour, lecturing, performing in the Comedy Gala, and will be on the
Q+A Panel with the Stars. Bill is one of the most commercial magicians you are
likely to see. He is in constant demand all over the world. He will join Mark
James, Jasper Blakeley, Steve Dimmer, Paul Gordon, Mel Harvey and Michael Pearse
in the highly anticipated return of the event. Full details at
www.topsecretmagicday.co.uk. Tickets are selling so fast it is vital if you
want to attend to book your place now! It is highly unlikely there will be any
tickets available on the day.
2.5.15
Just
one week to go to The Bristol Day of Magic on Sunday 10th May. Two more
performers joining the day are Joseph Barry (photo) and Michael Dardant. Joseph
Barry is a professional close-up magician and sleight of hand artist based in
Staffordshire. Joe was involved in the world of gambling and now uses his skills
to entertain and astonish. He has performed at both The Session and the
International Magic Convention. Michael Dardant is a top award-wining magician
from New Orleans, specialising in sleight of hand magic, pickpocketing and
juggling. To see this year's full line-up visit
www.bristoldayofmagic.com.
2.5.15
Three
more acts join the FISM Italy cast. From the organisers:
Michael Carbonaro.
Michael Carbonaro (photo) is an actor, magician, comedian and improv artist. Most known
for his original hidden camera magic series, “The Carbonaro Effect”, Michael
hosts and performs shows of comedy, magic and other bizarre acts at various
clubs around the US. Michael is an OutFest Best Actor Award Winner, as well as
three time nominee for an Academy of Magical Arts 'Magician of the Year' award.
David Stone. David
Stone was born in Eaubonne, France. At 19, a chance encounter with a school friend
allowed him to discover the art of magic and of card manipulation. At 23, he won
the Diavol Grand Prix (French championships of magic). At 24, he won the Gold
Dove (close-up category) award at the European Championships of Magic organized
in France. The same year, David won the Close-up Grand Prix of South America in
Las Tunas, Cuba. Alberto Giorgi & Laura. Illusionists Alberto Giorgi & Laura are among the most appealing
examples in the European panorama of magic. Their inimitable style, which
perfectly combines both tradition and modernity, will lead you into their
fascinating world. Their uniqueness has led them to win the most coveted prizes
on the international scene. The most significant ones are the prestigious
“Mandrake d’or” won in Paris in 2008 and the second place at Shanghai’s 2009
magic festival. FISM July 6th-11th, Rimini, Italy:
www.fismitaly2015.com.
2.5.15
Dutch
magician Peter
Eggink lectures across the UK this month. Peter's name is well known
in the field of magic, being synonymous with both the performance of
magic and the creation of some of the most amazing magical effects.
Peter’s creations are performed by magicians around the globe including
Dynamo and David Blaine. With over 20 years experience, Peter knows the
“real secrets” of being a successful magician and shares them with
magicians in his new lecture, which covers subjects such as personality,
presentation, people skills and how to become successful as an artist.
For tour dates see What's
On.
2.5.15
Magic
on Broadway: Magic makes its way to Didcot’s Broadway this May with the
fantastic upcoming show ‘Magic on Broadway’, an evening of spectacular
illusions, lively comedy and mind-bending mentalism from four of the country’s
finest Magic Circle Magicians. Featuring: Your compère for the evening’s tricks
and treats, International Magician and Associate of the Inner Magic Circle Carl
Pettman; Straight from his full house at Magician’s Live at the Hartlington
Theatre, Ed the Magician; Multi-faceted and massively talented hypnotist,
inventor, memory man and mentalist Chris Hare; The Magic Circle Stage Magician
of the Year Richard Pinner. Don’t miss the experience of an amazing evening with
these star magical performers and their head-spinning, award-winning acts. Book
your tickets now for ‘Magic on Broadway’ at the Didcot Civic Centre Hall. Friday
May 29th at 8pm. Blink and you’ll miss it! Didcot Civic Hall, Britwell Road,
Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 7JN (Map).
Box Office 01235 512436. Free parking. Doors: 7.00pm, Show: 8pm, Bar: 7pm.
Tickets: £12 on the door, £10 in advance. Seating: Theatre. Suggested age: 14+
as there may be mild adult language.
2.5.15
Magic
Nevin's 'Wish List' and 'Gift Registry' feature - now live. Magic Nevin
write: Earlier this year we promised some great new features on
www.magicnevin.com.
Following the introduction of Loyalty Points I am now pleased to announce
testing has finished on our next feature: 'Wish List & Gift Registry'. Logged-in
customers can now add items to a 'Wish List' or any number of 'Gift Registries'
to keep track of wanted items. Links to the gift registries can be emailed to
other people making sure everyone knows exactly what you want for your Birthday,
etc., and they can buy the item directly from the link without needing to have
an account with us! For full details see
www.magicnevin.com.
2.5.15
Ravi
Mayer Sheffield Circle of Magicians Lecture. Andy Cooper, Secretary,
Sheffield Circle of Magicians writes: Sheffield Circle of Magicians warmly
invite you to join us for a lecture by Ravi Mayer on Thursday 7th May. The
lecture is free to Members and £10 to non members (all welcome, pay on the
door). It will begin at 7.30 pm at the Magic Lounge, 82 Broad Street, Sheffield
S2 5TG (Map).
www.sheffieldcircleofmagicians.org.
2.5.15
May
Day Bank Holiday Weekend Sale at the Card Collection: "Great discounts, up
to 20% off basket checkout totals. It's going to be a rainy cold weekend so
visit
www.cards4magic.co.uk, get a bargain and brighten up your weekend!"
2.5.15
The
Order of the Magi Jumbo Auction. Geoffrey Newton PRO writes: The Order of
the Magi (Manchester) are holding a Jumbo Auction on Tuesday 12th May 2015 at
The Irish World Heritage Centre, 1 Irish Town Way, Manchester M8 0AE (Map)
commencing at 7.30pm prompt but with viewing from 6.30pm. Lot numbers are now
available so if you need one please contact Secretary Mike Sharplers on 0161 287
7865 or 07748 833666, email
secretary@orderofthemagi.org.uk. Details are on
www.orderofthemagi.org.uk. Door charge £3 for non members. Do come along as
you might find the very thing you are looking for. The Magi had a lecture from
Alan Astra on 28th April and a report can be found under
Reviews
this week.
2.5.15
IBM
British Ring news. For the past 86 years the IBM British Ring has published
a magazine called the Budget and for 20 of those years it has been edited by
Stephen Tucker who has now decided to stand down after such long loyal service.
We live in changing times and the so the society decided it was time for
rebranding. Earlier this year the members were invited to suggest a new name for
the Budget and the list received was very comprehensive. The council eventually
decided on Key Ring submitted by Dennis Patten. The new editor is Geoffrey
Newton who has been a member for nearly 50 years and already serves as PRO and
Advertising Manager to the British Ring. The first edition of Key Ring is now in
circulation and the editor can be contacted via
keyringeditor@britishring.org.uk. Membership details can be found on
www.britishring.org.uk
and convention details are on
www.magicconvention.co.uk. John Pye Executive Secretary.
2.5.15
Magic
Sundays with Magic Malka, Bristol. Description: On the 2nd and 4th Sunday
of every month The Three Tuns pub are hosting free close-up magic shows with
Magic Malka, plus guest magicians from 6pm to 10pm. "Magic Malka takes a step
away from the stage show act and brings magic straight to your table. Grab a
seat, sample the pubs diverse selection of craft beers and locally made spirits
and ciders and wait to be entertained! A world class act of close-up and parlour
magic. Are you ready to gamble with the devil?" Venue: The Three Tuns, 78 St
Georges Road, Bristol BS1 5UR (Map)
www.the3tuns.com 0117 907
0689. Also see
www.magicmalka.com.
2.5.15
Paul
Gordon, Devon Magic Circle lecture. A last minute addition to Paul Gordon's
busy lecturing schedule is a visit to the Devon Magic Circle on Wednesday 13th
May. Paul will be lecturing on his 'worker' brand of commercial card magic, from
his best-selling Gold Dust Trilogy. See
www.devonmagiccircle.co.uk for venue information and
www.paulgordon.net for reviews by Boris Wild and others and for a promo
video of Paul Gordon at work. A fun jam-packed fast-paced lecture for cardmen
and non-cardmen alike is promised. Early bird notice: Paul Gordon's Card Capers
Day of Magic is on Sunday 4th October. Now in its fifteenth year, it always
sells out, so book early:
www.paulgordon.net.
2.5.15
Magic
& Mirth - London. London's newest monthly stand-up comedy and magic
night! 8pm on June 4th at
The Star of Kings, 126
York Way, Kings Cross, London.
An evening of stand up comedy and live stage magic. Hosted by cabaret magician
Dee Riley and featuring some of London's finest comedians and magicians including other acts such as Fay Presto, Andy Clockwise and Siegffried Loew.
Show £10, show and meal £18. To book
Click Here.
2.5.15
Hot
on the heels of their performances at the FFFF Magic Convention in Batavia, New
York, Darryl Rose (www.darrylrose.com),
Mandy Farrell and Simon Lane performed in New York at the latest monthly magic
show, The Parlor of
Mystery to a sold out theatre crowd. All three, together with American host
and creator of the show Mike Maione, put on a show entitled ’The British are
Coming’. Mike Maione said, "Our three Brits amazed our audience, and they all
left saying it was one of the funniest magic shows they have seen! We welcome
them back to Long Island whenever they are in New York! All magicians are more
than welcome to come along to visit us.".
2.5.15
The
Gathering, Great Yarmouth. Stephen Bolam writes: Our next gathering will be
on 5th May, at the St. George Hotel, Great Yarmouth. The aim of the social
evenings is to allow magicians to meet and socialise, and exchange ideas, in a
relaxed atmosphere. Entrance is free and refreshments are available including a
small buffet. If anyone wants go come along, please email
thegathering@mail.com or phone Kyle
on 07510933734 for further information.
2.5.15
Alan
Shaxon – The Sophisticated Sorcerer. Based on their excellent book Alan
Shaxon – The Sophisticated Sorcerer, a double lecture was presented by
Stephen Short and Scott Penrose (President of The Magic Circle) at the April
meeting of The Modern Mystic League (Blackburn & District Society of Magicians)
last week. Stephen spent the first half telling us in an entertaining and
humorous way about the life and career of Alan Shaxon using many photographs,
video clips and lots of stories and anecdotes. Scott presented the second half
and explained eight of Alan’s signature effects including Aerial Fishing, The
Ultimate Nudist Deck, Confabulation (explained fully in print in the book for
the first time), Headline Prediction, The Captain’s Card Trick and The Card in
Whisky Bottle (a Robert Harbin item passed on to Alan when he inherited Harbin’s
items). This was an excellent afternoon and a fine tribute to the late Alan
Shaxon whom we remember fondly at The Modern Mystic League as he and Anne were
guests of honour at our Annual Banquet in 2005; the year of the Centenary of The
Magic Circle during the period when Alan was President. The book is highly
recommended as is this wonderful lecture (details are available at
www.alanshaxonbook.com).
Roger Woods. President The Modern Mystic League.
2.5.15
Lothar Malmberg writes: I will be performing and lecturing at Whitby's Doomsday VI, and am looking for clubs interested in booking my lecture on Bizarre Magic, as well as a host or two in Scotland, for two people to tour your wonderful and magical country ucmagic.ca@gmail.com. 2.5.15
Carmarthen Magic Circle's Uncertain Future. Nick Brunger writes: One year since the first meeting, Carmarthen's Magic Circle may disband because of lack of interest. Although the first meeting was well attended only a few locals continued to come to the monthly meetings until a hard core of only three were attending. We would love to carry on, but we do need some more members. It's not that we don't get on, but we've grown a little tired of discussing our own selection of tricks and effects with each other and need a bit of fresh inspiration. If you are interested in joining the group please call 01267 290819 or email nick@thespookymagiccompany.co.uk. 2.5.15
"Magician asks for Ace of Spades tattoo. Ends up with inking looking nothing like the Ace of Spades" Click Here • "Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee at Hull Magicians' Circle to honour Eddie Dawes, 89" Click Here • "Criss Angel to unveil Supernaturalists at Foxwoods" Click Here • "Derren Brown's mind-bending six nights in Leicester" Click Here • "'The Illusionists' combines seven master magicians" Click Here • "72 Hours Inside the Eye-Popping World of Cardistry" Click Here • The 'Vagabond Pickpocketing Course' is reviewed this week by Prof Jon Holt, Click Here • "Magician: The Astonishing Life and Work of Orson Welles" Click Here • "Magician Brian Miller wows Ryan and Teresa" Click Here • "World-class illusionists Champions of Magic comes to Winchester this weekend" Click Here • "'Merchants of Doubt' is a documentary of disgrace" Click Here • "Orville Ventriloquist Keith Harris Dies" Click Here • "Spell Bound" Click Here • "He can’t make Baltimore’s problems disappear –but magician David Blaine lightened the mood" Click Here • "David Meade performs gravity-defying stunt in Belfast" Click Here • That's all for another week... many thanks for all your news as always. See you next week, Duncan. 2.5.15