Number 789 - 8th August 2015

Channel 4 commissions Objective's hypnotic TX pilot 'Look Into My Eyes'. Channel 4 Formats have commissioned a comedic prank show from Objective Productions that follows the incredible talents of 21 year old magician and hypnotist Archie Manners. Hypnosis has the power to release latent abilities, unlock frustrations, cure addiction and remove chronic pain. Much better than that it can also be harnessed to make people do very funny things. This warm and devilishly funny pilot episode will showcase Archie’s extraordinary skills to twist the minds of young Brits so they act in extraordinary ways; like hypnotise total strangers to only tell the truth on a first date; or cure peoples fear of heights through hypnosis, and to prove it’s worked, bring them out of their trance at the top of a mountain… on a high wire! Sometimes Archie’s team of helpful actors are in on it, sometimes those they interact with have no idea what’s going on, but the fun will all be captured for viewers at home through a series of pranks and stunts filmed both overtly and using hidden cameras. The TX pilot, commissioned by Head of Formats Dom Bird and Formats Commissioning Editor Danny Carvalho, will air later this year. It is Executive Produced by Paul Gilheany and Andrew Newman for Objective Productions. 8.8.15

Win the opportunity to learn with the Masters! Magic Moments Month, a charitable fund-raising initiative. August 30th - September 30th 2015. From the organisers: McBride's Magic & Mystery School will donate 2 Full Award Tuitions (value $795 per award) for a 3-day McBride Master Class in Las Vegas! To win one of these amazing experiences please create a Magic Moment of your own. Creating a Magic Moment is as easy as 1, 2, 3...

1. Select your charity and plan an event with them (this is simple as most charities have fund-raising staff who will be delighted to help you 2. Create your event and put your plan into action. 3. Document your experience and gather press clips, maximum of two photos and amount raised through your Magic Moments and how it impacted your local community. Once done simply email magicmoments@live.co.uk.

The intention of Magic Moments Month is to raise awareness, smiles, interest and funds for your favourite charity or cause. Events may be live magic shows, internet broadcasts, videos, strolling magic, gift magic or just about anything that raises awareness for your charity or cause (and your profile as a magician). For further information please visit our webpage sponsored by MagicWeek: www.magicweek.co.uk/magic_moments. Terms & Conditions: The judges are the faculty of McBride’s Magic & Mystery School who will consider the content, reach and effectiveness of your project. Your Magic Moment must be within the month from August 30th - September 30th 2015. All submissions must be sent in by October 15th and must only be sent to magicmoments@live.co.uk. The 2 winners will be announced on Monday November 2nd 2015, at 7pm (PST) on www.mcbridemagic.tv. The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 8.8.15

Conjuring at the Court, London, 27th August. Conjuring at the Court on Thursday 27th August features a terrific line-up full of variety! TV’s Max Somerset turns magic into theatre; there's magical hilarity from the ebullient Andy Clockwise; Bharat Patel fills the stage with colour, magic, illusions, and the music of India; and there’s the astonishing magic of Matthew Le Mottee. With compere Russell Levinson. There’s a bar at the back of the room so you can have a drink while enjoying the magic; seats are comfortable and have a good view of the stage! Come early and enjoy a dinner from the pub’s varied menu. The show starts at 8pm and runs to 10pm with an interval at Drayton Court, 2 The Avenue, West Ealing, London W13 8PH (Map). Tickets £11 in advance, or £12 on the night from www.conjuringatthecourt.com. 8.8.15

This Is Not A Magic Show. Edinburgh: Forget everything you know about magic and magicians. Now remember it all again. This Is Not A Magic Show is a performance of and about sleight of hand magic: its invisible mechanics, its clichés, and what it tells us about live theatre and make-believe. In a conversational yet crafted approach, Vincent Gambini presents astonishing close-up magic that invites us to question how enchantment and wonder are produced within a theatrical situation. Possibly the first of its kind, Vincent Gambini's This Is Not A Magic Show is part performance-lecture, part deconstructed showbiz, and part magic tricks that leave you, like, omg. Vincent Gambini is an award winning sleight of hand magician based in London. He gained entry to the Magic Circle by writing a thesis called Deconstucting Magic which, as a title, perfectly describes what he does. In his spare time he writes and makes performances under the pseudonym Augusto Corrieri. Book free tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com. Venue: Forest Fringe, 17th-30th August. Out of the Blue Drill Hall, Dalmeny Street, Edinburgh EH6 8RG. All events are free (donations gladly accepted). www.forestfringe.co.uk www.vincentgambini.com. 8.8.15

MagicCasts is the easiest way to learn magic online through high quality videos taking you through a series of tricks outlined in easy to understand courses. For only $9/mo - and your first 14 days free - MagicCasts will help anyone become a magician. Visit www.magiccasts.com today! 8.8.15

Luis Otero January 2016 lecture tour now booking. Steve Gore writes: I have just been contacted by Luis Otero to find a few selected clubs to host his amazing lecture. Please advise ASAP! He is available in the first 2-3 weeks of January 2016. Joshua Jay wrote: "Venezuela's Luis Otero is one of the best and cleverest magicians from Latin America. With numerous national and international television credits to his name, Luis is renowned for his elegant, unusual card work. He is a FISM Jury member, a Magic Castle favorite, a Fechter's Invitee, and he has been published in every major magic magazine. Luis is rarely seen outside Latin America, and this is his first tour of the UK." Luis Otero's lecture is a treasure trove of magic, moves, and philosophy for the close-up magician. What's exciting about hosting a lecturer from this part of the world is that he brings with him a new style of magic and presentation, and an entirely original philosophy of card magic. The magic is beautiful, intelligent and unusual in construction. Tricks that appeal to the beginner will be taught, as well as more advanced and challenging material. Email tours@stevegore.co.uk for details. 8.8.15

Steve Beam May-June 2016 lecture tour now booking. Tony Griffith will be organising a lecture tour for Steve Beam www.stevebeam.com in 2016 (3rd May – 10th June), and writes: This will be Steve’s fifth lecture tour of these islands. Each of the previous tours have been a great success. Steve will be travelling on a systematic route around the country; from London along the M4 to the West Country, then north on the M5/M6 to Scotland and then back to London on the A1(M)/M1 network As he travels he will be popping off the motorway system to take in lectures and on the way is hoping to be able to pop over to Ireland for a few days to lecture there.

Due to the systematic nature of his route it may not always be possible to accommodate a club on their usual club night, although every effort will be made to do so. Steve Beam is certainly one of the top card magicians in the world, and definitely one of the most entertaining. His humour and professionalism comes across very strongly. Steve is the author of numerous publications, notably 'The Semi Automatic Card Trick' series. The first eight volumes of this tremendous collection of great card magic are shortly to be joined by volumes 9 and 10. Previously Steve was the editor of The Trap Door magazine, which is now available in three superb bound volumes. Clubs wishing to book Steve’s lecture should email tony@tonygriffith.co.uk or call 01275 835463. Early booking is advised as the previous four tours have sold out very quickly. 8.8.15

Kyle Marlett September 2016 lecture tour now booking. Steve Gore writes: Kyle Marlett is coming to a city near you! In his first ever UK/European tour, acclaimed performer, creator, and consultant Kyle Marlett will present his latest and most exciting material for the very first time. You will learn effects with cards, coins, notes, matches, books, and more. You will see mentalism, close-up magic, and parlour effects. Kyle Marlett is one of the finest and hardest working magicians in the industry. His effects are performed all over the world. He has conceived, designed and implemented some of the most memorable illusions in Las Vegas, on Broadway’s highest-grossing magic show, in London’s West End, and in movies and on television. It’s no wonder this rising star was recently voted one of the “Most Interesting People in Las Vegas” by Seven Magazine. He is available in September 2016 for your club. Email tours@stevegore.co.uk. "I could watch you for hours!" Penn Jillette. "You are the future!" Criss Angel. "Kyle is a creative wonder!" Andrew Mayne. "Young, talented and wise beyond his years!" Gregory Wilson. See www.youtube.com, www.youtube.com, www.kylemarlett.tv. 8.8.15

The Magicians' Podcast this week features Alan Hudson in another excellent edition. Listen to these Podcasts and catch up with previous ones at magicianspodcast.podbean.com also see www.facebook.com/MagiciansPodcast. "Magic critics: Don't get up to your usual tricks" Click Here. 8.8.15

Luke Jermay Lecture - International Magic, London, Tuesday 11th August. "Imagine yourself empowered to read minds! Specifically, in detail with no stooges, cold reading, preshow work or props? A demonstration so perfect it has even the most skeptical audience member scratching their head and so simple to perform it requires nothing more than you and a room full of spectators you want to destroy? Imagine this man sharing with you secrets that have remained secret before that night. Imagine no more. There is a man who can teach you how to demonstrate these remarkable things and many more. The Edinburgh Evening News reviewed Luke Jermay’s one man show ‘Sixth Sense’ with 5 Stars calling him ‘utterly astonishing in the extreme’ the Times Newspaper said; ‘My jaw dropped repeatedly... Jermay puts us in a state where we can wonder whether life has more possibilities than we thought it did an hour before.’ Luke promises an amazing blend of original and powerful mentalism. His live lecture focuses entirely on the mind reading demonstrations he performs for the paying public all supported by the insight and theory you need to perform these demonstrations of telepathy and hypnosis for real audiences. This is an event not to be missed." The Luke Jermay Lecture, Tuesday 11th August, 7.30pm to 10pm at Casa Italiana, 2nd Floor, 136 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1R 5DL (Map). Just opposite the International Magic shop. £15 per person. As usual, tickets are on the door but advance reservation is essential by emailing martin@internationalmagic.com. www.internationalmagic.com. 8.8.15

Ventarama, the one day convention for ventriloquists, or those wishing to take it up, will be held at the Slade Rooms in Wolverhampton on Wednesday 9th September 2015. This year top vents taking part are Steve Hewlett, along with Andy Greaves, John Kimmons, David Tomkins and Shane West. Talks, workshops and a clinic, puppet dealers, an open mic competition and a show will all be packed into this unique and very special day. Organised by Shane West and Albion Magic the cost is £35 which includes lunch. Tickets are in short supply but still available from www.albionmagiccompany.co.uk or by calling Alec Powell on 07831 115448. 8.8.15

Extra date for MLM Academy announced: The first session offered in the new Mark Leveridge Magic Academy is called Brushing Up On Card Counts, featuring a hands-on workshop in which Mark Leveridge will deliver tuition on four of the classic card counts (Elmsley, Hamman, Jordan and Gemini) as well as teaching three routines using them. There are now no more places available for the 12th September launch date, and so a second date of 19th September has also been added. So if you would like to come to the brand new MLM Training Room in Exeter in order to get properly up to speed with classic card counts you can still do so by booking now for this second date in September. The MLM Academy offers small group sessions which amount to almost personal tuition with Mark Leveridge, and a different topic will be offered each month. On October 10th, for instance, you can come to The Business Magician, which is a lecture on how to get work with businesses in your local area and how to effectively manage bookings for trade shows and exhibitions, while on November 14th in a session entitled Coin Magic Blitz, you can enjoy learning and working on four great close-up coin routines. Exeter is straightforward to reach by train or car, so head down to the West Country and enjoy taking part in some excellent magic sessions at the MLM Academy. For more information and to book visit www.markleveridge.co.uk/mlmacademy.php. 8.8.15

Close-up Magic at The Magic Circle - London. Friday 14th August. This event showcases some of the best close-up magicians available and audiences get to meet the performers and experience the magic in the intimate setting of the headquarters of the world-famous The Magic Circle in London, often taking part themselves. An amazing collection of close-up magicians presenting superlative magic right before your very eyes. Seeing is believing. Doors open 7pm, event starts at 7.30pm and finishes at 9.30pm. Tickets £19.50 plus fee via www.seetickets.com. Venue: The Magic Circle headquarters, 12 Stephenson Way, Euston, London NW1 2HD (Map). Further details: www.themagiccircle.co.uk/public-events. Although all shows are of a universal nature and young enthusiasts are welcomed, 80 minutes of close-up magic is not usually recommended for those under 12. 8.8.15

Beautiful Magicians Club are really proud to announce after performing for Virgin Trains and Kendal Calling Festival last weekend, Beautiful Magicians Club will be holding court nightly at Forgotten Fields this weekend. Working a two hour show each night alongside Razorlight, De la Soul and Basement Jaxx. The show features, from BBC'S The Sorcerer's Apprentice, Max Somerset, regurgitator extraordinaire Kieron Johnson, and Covent Garden and London cabaret scene prodigy Jack Beavis. Hosted (just about) by 'The Peoples Magician' himself Magic Sam. Some remaining tickets available from the website www.forgottenfields.co.uk. If you want to get involved visit facebook.com/beautifulmagiciansclub?fref=ts "just drop us a message as we are growing rapidly - hopefully see you in the fields!" 8.8.15

The Twins FX are part of the creative team behind Hamlet at the Barbican this month. The show, with Benedict Cumberbatch in the title role, has already been dubbed "the most in-demand theatre show of all time" by the Standard. Directed by Lyndsey Turner (Posh, Chimerica) and produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, the Barbican presents an exclusive twelve-week run of this compelling new production. Hamlet tells the story of a country arming itself for war as a family tears itself apart. Forced to avenge his father’s death but paralysed by the task ahead, Hamlet rages against the impossibility of his predicament, threatening both his sanity and the security of the state. www.thetwinsfx.com. 8.8.15

WAM's Close Up Magician of the Year 2015. Samantha Uren writes: Watford Association of Magicians hosted its annual Close Up Competition back in June. The EJ Crook Close Up Competition Award went to Gary Schiffman, who also won the Technical Award. Second Place went to Steve Rowe and third to Lee Bell. Congratulations to all participants who contributed to what was a fantastic evening enjoyed by a full audience. With special thanks to Chris Garside (organiser) and Wayne Fox (host). www.wamclub.co.uk. 8.8.15

Terry Seabrooke Award For Comedy. On August 4th, Carl Charlesworth was awarded the Terry Seabrooke Award For Comedy by Watford Association of Magicians. In 2010, Carl, and Dave Allen also won the Tom Harris Cup for Comedy, at the British Ring IBM convention, with their comedy magic and illusion act. Carl said: "I’m just as proud to have received the award from Watford Association of Magicians, as I was from the IBM. Watford Association of Magicians is a well-known and respected club, with many talented performers, and it’s an honour to be a member." www.theukmagician.com. 8.8.15

The Comedy Magic of Johnny Geddes by Ian Adair. Just published: Johnny was a great friend of the author, and over decades he became a leading comedy performer and children's entertainer. He was also a theatrical agent, a Joke & Magic shop owner in Dundee, and had his own television series in the 1970s. As an originator, numerous effects of his have been marketed by leading dealers, with 2,000 trick items published in magic magazines of his day. This 182 page book, illustrated throughout with drawings and photos, contains comedy material for all types of performers: comedy magicians, comperes, children's entertainers, clowns, ventriloquists, mentalists, or any entertainer seeking comedy material for their programmes. There are over 40 brilliant kids' effects described - even ideas on games for the 'full-party' entertainer. The author has gone out of his way to upgrade some of the old material so it is suitable for modern-day audiences. The book comes with a free JG bookmark and signed copies are available. Contact Ian Adair magicianadair@hotmail.co.uk for further details and to order. 8.8.15

Magic Show & Frozen Singalong: Come and join Friend's of TinyLife on Saturday 12th September for an afternoon of fun and entertainment with a Magic Show & Frozen Singalong at Belvoir Players Amateur Theatre, Belfast BT8 7FR. With Special Guest magician/illusionist and Member of the Magic Circle Paul Ormonde and Frozen fairytale singing princesses Elsa & Anna. plus a guest appearance from the one and only Olaf. Tickets £7.50 each: www.magicandfrozensingalong.eventbrite.co.uk. 8.8.15

"Harry Houdini’s forgotten Edinburgh escapades" Click Here • "On this day: Harry Houdini survives water coffin" Click Here • "Meet the women changing the face of magic" Click Here • "Review: Impossible conjures up thrilling family entertainment" Click Here • "Review: Impossible, Noel Coward Theatre" Click Here • The Unbelievable-ness of the Believable, writes Elliott Hodges, Click here • "Master magician Jan Rouven plans to be on the Las Vegas Strip for years to come" Click Here • "That one time England recruited a magician to trick Hitler" Click Here • "Magician Dirk Arthur and his big cats return to the Las Vegas stage" Click Here • "10 questions with magician Mat Franco, ‘AGT’ winner and new Linq headliner" Click Here • "How Magician William Woodfield Made the Impossible Missions Force Dangerous" Click Here • "Impossible seeks Magicians, Illusionists and Daredevils for 2016" Click Here • Your UK magic news is always welcomed - see you next week, Duncan. 8.8.15

© www.magicweek.co.uk