Number 780 - 6th June 2015
The Raven Has Landed!
Watching Jamie Raven's live performance in front of millions of viewers in the
Britain's Got Talent finals last Sunday evening was a brilliant experience.
Here, after nine long years of BGT, was one of the nicest guys in British magic
performing magic at its very best - live in the Final! The routining (that
cleverly referenced the original audition and semi-final), the staging, and
Jamie's easy manner was simply perfect. The judges reactions: jaw dropping. And what was also so nice was the way
that Jamie's appearance 'charged up' the whole magic community via social media, reminding us
all just why we got into magic in the first place. Huge congratulations to Jamie
Raven, Magic Director Russ Stevens and everyone in Jamie's team, on such a stunning
success - just pipped at the post into second place. "You have made me believe in
Magic!" Simon Cowell. Watch Jamie's final on
You Tube
and hear all about his adventure in this week's edition of Richard Young's
Magicians Podcast.
6.6.15
A
picture's worth a thousand words. When Russ Stevens asked me, back in
September last year, if I could recommend a close-up/stand-up magician that he
could perhaps work with for the upcoming series of Britain's Got Talent, it was Jamie
Raven's name that instantly sprang to mind. I guess I've seen thousands of
magician's publicity shots over the years, but this particular photo of Jamie always stuck
in my mind. So,
too, did Jamie, even though we'd only met a few times. I went ahead and suggested just
Jamie Raven to Russ. Now look what's happened! The last time I tipped a magician
to Russ it was a young silent manipulator called James More... I'm beginning to think that
perhaps I
should make a career change and become a talent spotter instead! Duncan Trillo.
6.6.15
Meanwhile,
here's what's happening in the States, AGT wise, with the brilliant Piff the
Magic Dragon:
"'Piff The Magic Dragon' Brings The House Down With His Magic Act" Click Here.
"'America's Got Talent' Season 10 Spoilers: The Best And Worst Auditions From
The 2015 Premiere"
Click Here.
"Best audition we have ever seen!" 89.7 Bay's posting reaches millions in just
24 hours
Click Here.
6.6.15
Derren
Brown Miracle: Palace Theatre London. The multi-award winning acknowledged
master of psychological illusion is back in the West End with a brand new
one-man show, Derren Brown: Miracle. Having confessed that performing
live on stage gives him the greatest pleasure, Derren is, once again, looking
forward to the challenge that comes with being acknowledged as one of the
world's most renowned live performers; a dark manipulator of magic and mind
control. This will be Derren's seventh show since 2003. Since then he has toured
every year and been watched by an estimated audience of over one and a half
million people. He has won two prestigious Olivier Awards, for Something
Wicked This Way Comes (2006) and Svengali (2012). His last show,
Infamous, was universally acclaimed by critics and audience alike. Written
by Derren Brown, Andy Nyman and Andrew O’Connor and directed by Andy Nyman and
Andrew O’Connor. This production is not suitable for children under 12 years of
age [or chippy magicians].
11th November 2015 to 16th January 2016.
"Dazzling. Thought-provoking and captivating" Daily Telegraph
"The brilliance of this master magician is no illusion" The Times
Book online or call 0844 482 9676. Tickets from £16.25 - £79.25
www.nimaxtheatres.com/palace-theatre/derren_brown_miracle
For current nationwide tour dates see What's On. 6.6.15
The Deception Convention is just a week
away! On Sunday 14th June Geraint Clarke, Alan Rorrison, Kieron Johnson and Jon Allen
will lecture
alongside over a dozen dealers in the stunning Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool.
After-show tickets are now sold out, but daytime tickets are available
from www.deceptionconvention.co.uk at £20
in advance, or £25 on the door. See
you there!
Jonti Sparrow.
6.6.15
Magical
Bones, Ali Cook and Luis de Matos to join Jamie Allan, Chris Cox, Jonathan
Goodwin, Ben Hart and Katherine Mills in Impossible 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. 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. 24th July - 29th August: Book via
www.impossiblelive.com.
Ali Cook can also be seen playing Spud McMellon in Kajaki. The film is being
released in the UK on DVD on Monday and is already number one on the iTunes
download chart and has been nominated for a BAFTA
www.kajakimovie.com.
6.6.15
Pete
Firman: Super Duper. Phil McIntyre Entertainments in association with Corrie
McGuire for Electric Talent presents Pete Firman: Super Duper at this
year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe: Prepare to be amazed as the UK’s most
spellbinding performer Pete Firman returns to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with
his brand new show Super Duper from 5th – 30th August. Pete’s latest show
promises to have audiences laughing and scratching their heads in equal measure
and inevitably leave you asking ‘how on earth did he do that?’ Pete dazzles
audiences with his astounding illusions and even more astonishing wit – magic
and comedy have never been so well matched. Pete’s impressive list of tricks is
second only to his long list of credits, having starred in BBC1's prime-time
Saturday night programme The Magicians. His skill for fusing magic and
comedy has made him one of the most in demand magicians working on British
television, writing and performing in magic shows such as Monkey Magic
(Channel 5), Dirty Tricks, Derren Brown's 3D Magic Spectacular
(Channel 4) and The Secret World of Magic (Sky One). Pete has performed
in the UK and internationally, including shows at the Just For Laughs
Festival in Montreal, which is by invitation only. He has toured the UK with
five solo theatre shows, most recently Trickster in 2014. This year will be
Pete’s ninth consecutive year at the Edinburgh Fringe at the Pleasance Courtyard
from the 5th – 30th August. See
www.petefirman.co.uk.
6.6.15
Magic
legend, Roberto Giobbi coming to Belfast MagiCon 2016. Convention
organisers, Nicola Cunningham and Caolan McBride together with The Ulster
Society of Magicians will be the hosting the next Irish Brotherhood of
Magicians, Ring 85, Irish Magic Convention 2016. They are delighted to tell you
all that Belfast's headliner for the weekend will be none other than Roberto
Giobbi, who will be performing, lecturing and providing many other little
surprises that weekend for conventioneers. Over the course of the Bank holiday
weekend, Friday 29th April, Saturday 30th April and Sunday 1st May 2016, they
will host a range of local and top international acts in which, hopefully, will
result in an exciting and intimate convention, held in the heart of Belfast's
most happening district, the Cathedral Quarter. There will be lecturers,
dealers, performances from world class circus acts too, plus public shows on
Friday and Saturday, and a Gala showcase on the Sunday evening. Keep up to
date at
www.belfastmagicconvention2016.webs.com and, or get live updates via email
too by signing up to our free mailing list by sending us your email to
belfastmagicconvention2016@gmail.com. Hope to see you there, Nicola
Cunningham. (Photo by Zakary Belamy).
6.6.15
Welcome
to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe! The greatest show on earth returns in
August, and
this year's programme features over 3,000 events. Magician Peter McLanachan has
kindly once again compiled a list of everything magic-related (many thanks
Pete!). See What's On.
6.6.15
Michael
Dardant lectures at The Surrey Society of Magicians on 11th June.
Michael’s lecture entitled 'Bitten by a Wizard' covers the principles used in
Michael's winning acts. Recent awards (over 20 1st Place Awards in two years)
include:
2014 4F Convention MVP Award;
2015 FISM Qualifier in Close-up Magic;
2014 IBM Close-up 1st Place winner;
2014 Quebec Festival de Magie 1st Place Micro Magic;
2014 Quebec Festival de Magie Grand Champion.
Members are free and visiting magicians are welcome for a £10 entrance fee, the
lecture takes place in Leatherhead, Surrey at 8pm. For full details
contact Adam Mosley
info@surreymagic.org.uk.
6.6.15
Manchester Circle
of Magicians Auction.
A Jumbo Magic Auction is being held by Manchester Circle of Magicians on Monday
15th June at Salford Masonic Hall, Hemsley House, 41 The Crescent, Salford,
Manchester M5 4PE (Map). Doors
open at 5.30pm. Viewing is from 6pm. Auction
commences at 6.30pm. With Star Auctioneers Mike Shepherd and Derek Lever. Members
admitted free of charge, non members pay £3.00.
Bargains galore, including books, kids magic, stage magic, close-up and
DVDs, many without any reserve.
6.6.15
Announcing
the new Mark Leveridge Magic Academy. Starting this September, Mark Leveridge
will be offering monthly 4 hour sessions of hands-on workshops, lectures and
tuition at a new magic training room sited in the grounds of the home of Mark
Leveridge Magic in Exeter, Devon. The sessions will cover a wide range of magic
interest and topics and will offer valuable help, training and instruction for
entertainers of all standards and experience. Numbers at each session will be
limited to single figures to ensure that everyone who attends receives the best
attention and attendees will go away with new skills learnt and practised and
with new knowledge to take their magic to the next level. The sessions will take
place normally on the second Saturday of each month from 11.30am - 3.30pm, and
details of the first three sessions taking place in September, October and
November are available on the Academy page of the Mark Leveridge Magic website.
To book one of the limited number of places now, or for more information, please
go to www.markleveridge.co.uk/mlmacademy.php.
6.6.15
Mentalism & Mind Reading Revealed
- a two-day workshop with Paul Draper. From the organisers: "Las Vegas Headline Mentalist and Mind Reader is teaching his, first ever 2 day,
tell-all, reveal-all-secrets intensive workshop in the UK this June. Limited
places... Sign up now. 20th, 21st June 2015. Las Vegas Headline Mentalist Paul Draper, will be
coming to the UK to teach you how to do what he does all over the world. He is
one of the hardest working mentalists and magicians we know. An anthropologist,
magician and mentalist all in one, Paul has traveled the globe performing,
lecturing and spreading his knowledge of these arts, even having had the honor
of performing at the world famous Magic Castle. Paul has appeared on TV on
several occasions and won the Merlin Award in 2014 for Best Corporate Performer.
Paul will be performing and explaining pieces of both magic and mentalism. He
will also be discussing the limitations of mentalism, how to create a character
and much more.
We welcome you as we step inside the mind of Paul Draper!" "Paul Draper has the educated wit and humor of Ricky Jay, the wisdom and
authority of a young Eugene Burger, the energy and enthusiasm of Tim Conover,
and a lot of Las Vegas experience that takes years to learn!" Jeff McBride.
For more information visit
www.ukhypnosisacademy.com.
6.6.15
Leamington
and Warwick Magic Society Day of Magic.
Mark Traversoni writes: The Leamington and Warwick
Magic Society Day of Magic is just a over week away (16th and 17th of June). The
lectures booked are Harry Robson, Liam Montier, Wayne Fox, Morgan and West and
Stuart 'Stu Di Doo' Hodgson. As well as the lectures we have over 20 dealers
attending. Tickets are priced at £25 which includes free parking, breakfast for
early arrivals, lunch and weather permitting an evening BBQ. In the evening we
have the Midlands Champion of Champions Close-up Competition. See
lawms.wordpress.com/day-of-magic for full details.
6.6.15
This weekend is your last chance to register for The Magic History
Gathering at The Magic Circle which takes place on Saturday 13th June. An
excellent buffet lunch is included in the price, so registration must take place
well before the event in order that the caterers will know the numbers. There are five speakers from Britain and Germany and a demonstration of
gems from The Magic Circle museum. Details of the talks can be seen in
What's
On.
There will also be a sale of dozens of duplicate books from The Magic Circle
library. These are of particular interest to collectors. An exhibition of many
posters that you
have probably never seen before will be on display in the Devant room.
The cost of the day is only £40 including lunch. Contact Bob Loomis on
bobloomis@themagiccircle.co.uk immediately to reserve your place and be part of
this friendly event. Peter Lane.
6.6.15
Now You See It
returns this evening at
7.35pm on BBC 1.
"Fast-paced entertainment series voiced by Mel Giedroyc, featuring the
best and worst of magic and other incredible performers from around the
world." See TV Magic.
6.6.15
Blackpool Magicians' Club.
Derek Lever writes: Blackpool Magicians' Club are now entering their Summer
Recess and there will
be no meetings during June and July. Alterations to the new premises are
proceeding at a good pace and will be ready later this year.
At the recent Annual General Meeting all the Executive Officers were re-elected
along with Alan Horne and Chris Stickland as Committee members and David Wilson
as Executive Webmaster. David Plant was elected President for a second term and
Mike Shepherd was appointed President Elect.
Executive Registration Officer Arthur Casson has now opened the Registration
Desk and can be contacted at arthurcasson@aol.com.
The BMC website is www.blackpoolmagic.com.
6.6.15
Paul
Marlow Lecture - Bolton Magicians' Club. Paul Goodman writes: Paul Marlow is a professional entertainer
going by the stage moniker of Taz, which is
particularly apt as his shows are a whirlwind that have literally taken him all
over the world. He became professional just before turning 20 and spent his
formative years on board North Sea ferries; in just 6 shorts years he performed over 2000
shows. In the 15 years that followed he’s become one of the country's busiest
children’s entertainers. He performs for all age groups mixing magic, circus
skills, party dances and games to keep children and their parents entertained
from birthday parties to product launches and corporate fun days. Now you can
benefit from over 20 years of Taz’s experience in an all-new lecture covering
everything you’ll need to know if you want to be the best entertainer you can
be. Doors open at 8.30pm on Wednesday 10th June 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.tazentertainment.co.uk.
6.6.15
The
Gathering, Great Yarmouth. Stephen Bolam writes: Our next gathering will be
at 7.30pm on 7th July, 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. If anyone wants go come along, please email
thegathering@mail.com or phone Kyle
on 07510 933734 for further information.
6.6.15
Vincent Hedan's
2016 lecture tour now booking.
Steve Gore writes: Vincent Hedan is a magician from France and is touring the UK in June 2016. He
recently appeared at the Bristol Day of Magic but apart from that he is
relatively unseen in the UK. Now is the time to book him for your club. Email
tours@stevegore.co.uk.
The first half of this 2-hour lecture is about card magic, illustrated by
various effects: easy to do, with big impact and maximum involvement of the
audience.
The second half puts cards aside and focuses on effects that can be performed
either as close-up or stage magic. With original, simple and direct methods,
Vincent presents unusual effects. Wine tasting, pseudo memory, and his ultimate
“Babel” book test.
The lecture is of course entirely done in English and all the written material
is available in English as well. “Vincent Hedan has some powerful magic the world should see and know about.”
Obie O'Brien, 4F Founder & President. “New heights of impossibility.” Francis Menotti.
6.6.15
There’s
a lot happening at Merlins of Wakefield! Firstly, we are at several
conventions including on Sunday 14th June the Peterborough Day of Magic, where Mark Lee
will be giving his brand new lecture. Wednesday 17th June sees us at The Leamington
Day of Magic and on Sunday 5th July we will be attending The Ferrybridge Day
of Magic.
We are also holding an Adult Magic Class on Sunday 19th July, which is a great way to improve your magic whatever your ability. Our brand new website is almost ready, and will be launched during June. We are incorporating several new effects, ideas and features to make the overall experience of buying and browsing more ‘magical’. Finally, our latest magic ‘Preview’ for June/July is now available, and is free! You can have the 16 page hard copy posted to you, or have a PDF copy emailed. For more information on any of the above items, contact merlins@btconnect.com or call 01924 339933. www.merlinswakefield.com. 6.6.15
The Ghost Guide of Stratford upon Avon meets The Bizarre Guide of Bath:
"During a tour of the West country Mel Harvey called in to Bath to
witness Noel Britten's Bizarre Comedy walk.
No history and not far to walk, but an hour and a half of comedy, magic
and audience participation.
On the night Mel went there were visitors from all over England, Germany,
Ireland and the States. Mel and Noel are pictured here with 'Stewart' the
Houdini style rabbit
(you had to be there).
Stewart's part of the walk is too good to give away so you will just
have to book and go on the walk.
It takes place every night at 8pm from outside The Huntsman Arms, next to the
Abbey. You won't be disappointed."
6.6.15
The
Northern Magic Circle President's Day will be held on Sunday 28th June,
starting at 1.30pm at Ripon Museums. It will be great to be returning to the
Ripon Liberty Gaol where Danny Hunt, President of the Northern Magic Circle,
recreated a Houdini style prison escape and broke out of the cell a few years
ago.
This is going to be a day full of fun for everyone!
Limited tickets (£5 each) available, book by emailing
info@amethystmagic.com.
6.6.15
Effectus
is the new lecture from Marcus Bailey MMC.
Steve Gore writes: It's an ideal
lecture to fill those gaps in your clubs schedule.
Please make contact with Marcus directly to discuss dates and fees etc.
mbaileymagic@yahoo.com.
Marcus Bailey has been performing in one guise or another for 25 years. This has
included performing in a band, singer/songwriter, comedian, martial artist,
acting, and now a Magician for the past nine years. Also during these last seven
years he has become a teacher of The Performing Arts teaching in the F.E. Sector
and Secondary Schools.
During this time not only did magic take predominance in his life, but also the
art of performing took a new turn in his search for better performance skills
and he began looking into the Psychology of Performing, Practice. He feels that
a lot of people in the entertainment industry need to be made aware of more
strategies to improve ones performance in any discipline.
Although there are no magic effects to be taught, there are ideas on how to
improve performance, plus the opportunity for peer feedback on ‘Performance’
only, from any one wishing to participate.
www.marcusbaileymagic.com.
6.6.15
Davenport's
Magic Kingdom; all year long in Norfolk. At the heart of magical entertainment since 1898,
the Davenport family welcomes you to one of the largest collections of magic
memorabilia in the world. Join us for the Witches to Wonder timeline exhibition,
live magic demonstrations, fun photo opportunities, children’s activities and
much more. A live 30-minute magic show is included in your admission. Visit the
Ace to Eat Café for a range of delicious snacks, light lunches and cakes. The
Magic Emporium offers a fine selection of items for the budding conjuror or
professional entertainer. There is always something magical happening at
Davenport’s Magic Kingdom. We look forward to your visit!
www.davenportsmagickingdom.co.uk.
6.6.15
Derek
Lever presents "What the dealers manufactured" at the Manchester Circle of
Magicians on Monday 8th June. A fascinating collection of ingenious props,
and a
veritable history lesson from a true magical historian. Featuring one of the best collections of magical equipment. More information from
www.manchestercircleofmagicians.co.uk or
email mike.hinde@ntlworld.com. Miike Hinde.
6.6.15
Ben Cardall lecture, Rus Andrews lecture - Stourbridge, West Midlands.
Steven Palmer writes: We are a new venture organising lectures in the UK, the official page is
www.s2promotions.co.uk. Our first lecturer is Ben Cardall, fresh from his
"Sherlockian" DVD set. That will be held on Friday 19th June and full details can
be found at
www.s2promotions.co.uk/#!ben-cardall/c22ur.
The following month we have Rus Andrews lecturing on Friday 31st July, full details of
which can be found here:
www.s2promotions.co.uk/#!rus-andrews/c22qn.
The venue is The House Of Magic, 80 Brook Street, Stourbridge, West Midlands DY8
3XB (Map).
6.6.15
Paul Gordon Card Magic Lecture
can be seen at
Facebook's Magic Clips get-together in Yateley on Monday 8th and on Sunday 14th at
the Peterborough Day of Magic. Contact Paul Gordon via
www.paulgordon.net
for information. "The lecture is fun fast paced and full of workers."
Alakazam Magic have recently filmed a new DVD box set with Paul containing 40 tricks from his Gold Dust Trilogy books. Watch this space for
further information.
6.6.15
The
Fylde Mystics held their annual close-up competition last Tuesday in front
of a large and appreciative audience. With eight competitors there was no
shortage of magic with the judges declaring it to have been a tight
competition, and all competitors congratulated on the standard of performance.
After deliberation the results were as follows: 1st Place, Harry Moulding
(pictured, receiving the trophy from past president of the Modern Mystic League
Donald Monk. Photo courtesy of Allan Clarke), 2nd Place, Allan Clarke, 3rd
Place, Connor Stokes; and the award for best card trick going to Ken Ashburn.
For a more thorough review visit
www.fyldemystics.co.uk. Alan Mylecraine.
6.6.15
Top Secret Magic Day,
7th June, Milton Keynes: Cancelled. Organiser Gary Young writes: "I
am sorry to say unfortunately I have to cancel the event. This is due to
not enough registrants. I wouldn't even break even, and will lose
thousands. So, I have to cut my losses, and cancel the event. The line
up was great and it is a pity the response wasn't as great as other
events I have organised and, as you can imagine, I am very disappointed
and upset that this is the case. However, I am going to hold the event
again next year and will advertise earlier. There were quite a few
people saying that they wanted to come, and couldn't make it as they
were already booked etc., so earlier advertising will make it easier to
plan ahead. Thank you for those who were going to support the event and
to the acts and dealers for their support, and also Dave Brown for the
excellent website. A big thank also to Jay Fortune and Mark James for
their help. The Top Secret Magic Day will return." Gary Young
gary@topsecretmagicday.co.uk.
6.6.15
"Watch
Dynamo in action in Nottingham's Old Market Square"
Click Here • "Paul Daniels announces Barnsley date"
Click Here • "Compared to Dynamo and four yeses from BGT judges -
Luca Gallone tells of his time on hit show"
Click Here • "Illusionist Darcy Oake on life after Britain's Got
Talent"
Click Here • "Magicians still casting spells across Canada and the
world"
Click Here • "Interview: It's a Kind of Magic for Derren Brown"
Click Here • "Magician DMC's mind reading magic for Virgin Atlantic"
Click Here • "Review: James Freedman –
Man Of Steal, Trafalgar Studios 1"
Click Here • "Watch Britain's Got Talent magician Darcy Oake perform
a trick for Heraldscotland"
Click Here • "Interview: Dynamo on his grandad, close-up magic and
his debut UK tour"
Click Here • "Paul Daniels announces intimate new magic dinner show"
Click Here •
And finally "Japanese balloon art hits new heights"
Click Here • It's been a great week for magic, with lots more on the
horizon. See you next week, Duncan.
6.6.15