Number 802 - 7th November 2015

Derren Brown to return to Channel 4 with 'The Push'. Multi-award winning Derren Brown will return to our screens in January 2016 with a brand new one-off psychological experiment, 'Derren Brown: The Push'. In the groundbreaking special for Channel 4, Derren Brown exposes the psychological secrets of obedience and social compliance - lifting the lid on the terrifying truth that, when confronted with authority, our natural instinct is to unflinchingly obey without question. To such an extent that even the most moral people can be made to commit the most horrendous acts, simply because they are told to do so.

Derren Brown said: "I'm truly excited to be back on Channel 4, especially as this project is the first to be produced by my new company, Vaudeville Productions. The world of social compliance is a deeply fascinating one and hopefully we will take the viewer on a journey that will be disturbing and entertaining in equal measure." Derren Brown: The Push is commissioned by Liam Humphreys, Channel 4’s Head Of Entertainment and Factual Entertainment, and Entertainment Editor, Sarah Lazenby. The Executive Producers for Vaudeville Productions are Derren Brown, Andrew O'Connor and Martin Dance. The Series Producer is Martin Turner.

Derren Brown Miracle: Palace Theatre, London. The multi-award winning acknowledged master of psychological illusion is back in the West End from Wednesday 11th November with 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. See What's On for tour dates. Also see www.derrenbrown.co.uk. 7.11.15

Jamie Raven Live on Stage - June/July 2016 tour dates, now booking. Jamie Raven burst onto an unsuspecting world during the 2015 series of Britain’s Got Talent. His magic amazed audiences and even made Simon Cowell exclaim, “I now actually believe in magic!”

16th June - St David Hall, Cardiff - www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk
17th June - Dorking Halls, Dorking - www.dorkinghalls.co.uk
18th June - De Montfort Hall, Leicester - www.demontforthall.co.uk
19th June - The Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury - www.atgtickets.com
21st June - Theatre Royal, Norwich - www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk
22nd June - Derngate Theatre, Northampton - www.royalandderngate.co.uk
23rd June - Swan Theatre, Wycombe - www.wycombeswan.co.uk
24th June - Alban Arena, St Albans - www.alban-arena.co.uk
25th June - New Wimbledon Theatre, Wimbledon - www.atgtickets.com
26th June - Corn Exchange, Kings Lynn - www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk
27th June - Beck Theatre, Hayes - www.becktheatre.org.uk
28th June - Wyvern Theatre, Swindon - www.swindontheatres.co.uk
29th June - Mercury Theatre, Colchester - www.mercurytheatre.co.uk
30th June - The Anvil, Basingstoke - www.anvilarts.org.uk
1st July - Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone - www.atgtickets.com
2nd July - Tyne Theatre, Newcastle - www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk
3rd July - Cliffs Pavilion, Southend-On-Sea - www.southendtheatres.org.uk
4th July - Grand Opera House, York - www.atgtickets.com

"FA Cup: Salford City feel the 'magic' ahead of first-round tie" Click Here.

"Hayden Thomas interviews The Illusionists' Jamie Raven" Click Here. 7.11.15

Dynamo, review: Mind-boggling master of levitation delights in a down-to-earth evening. "Dynamo is probably the least flashy magician ever to fill a major venue. Certainly the least flashy to fill a major venue night after night, as he is currently doing in Hammersmith with his Seeing Is Believing show. Standing on-stage in his hoodie and trainers, the unassuming Bradford-bred illusionist looked as if he had just stepped out of the stalls. Until, that is, he let his fingers do the talking..." To read the full 4 star review by Bruce Dessau in the Evening Standard, Click Here. 7.11.15

West End Magic - Leicester Square Theatre, London, this afternoon. From the organisers: West End Magic this November features some incredible entertainment and magic with some very special guests. Introducing the award winning Richard McDougal and consultant on The Derren Brown show, performing his incredibly clever tricks combined with physical comedy. Juggler Florian Brooks will also be starring; juggling and throwing objects that should not be juggled or thrown. But when you’re this good, well why not? Award winning Oliver Tabor will be performing his incredible illusions, a master manipulator Oliver makes cards, doves and violins appear as if from thin air. This graceful and visually stunning physical performer is truly original and is one of the UK's top illusionists, regularly headlining at Magic Circle shows. All compered by comedy magician Christian Lee. Suitable for all the family and for ages 8+. November 7th 2015 at 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. 7.11.15

Tom Crosbie's Cube Master Workshops. You will learn everything there is to know about magic with the Rubik's cube. Tom Crosbie will be performing and teaching everything you need to know. You'll walk away with a cabaret act, a close-up walkaround show, or a new stage magic piece. You'll learn everything from the methods and how to perform them, to the maths and the history behind the cube. The first two hours will be dedicated to learning how to solve the cube in its entirety. No prior knowledge needed. A 'speed cube' is essential. These can be ordered in advance. £25 per person for this all day workshop.

8th November, Edinburgh: 28 York Place, Edinburgh EH1 3EP 11am-5pm
15th November, Bristol: Smoke & Mirrors Pub, 8 Denmark Street, Bristol BS1 5DQ 12noon-6pm
22nd November, York: University of York Physics Dept., Heslington, York YO10 5DD 12noon-6pm

For more info and to book Click Here. 7.11.15

Fifty Shades of Gold, Wayne Dobson. Fifty Shades of Gold is an A6 pocket sized booklet containing 50 stagecraft secrets that will take your stage performance to the next level and beyond...! "Wayne shares the real secrets to performing. Simply excellent" Andy Nyman. "Pure Gold!" Michael Vine. Pre-order today via www.waynedobson.co.uk. 7.11.15

John Archer - live at the South Chatham Arts Cafe. Nathan Ward writs: John is regarded by many to be one of the UK's top comedy magicians. A rare performer who combines both strong comedy and strong magic into a very entertaining act. He will be performing live at the South Chatham Arts Cafe where you can come and relax, meet up with friends over refreshments and enjoy a top quality act. Sunday 6th December 6.30pm till 8pm. Admission is free (no need to book) but a Pay What You Want scheme is in place. Venue: St William's Church, Walderslade Village, Kent ME5 9LR (Map). Website: www.facebook.com/southchathamarts. 7.11.15

Holmes & Houdini: The Case of the Mystified Magician. Magic, Deception and Spiritualism. A unique challenge for the world's greatest consulting detective. Do the spirits of the dead return? That’s the question facing Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson in this new short story by David Britland featuring Arthur Conan Doyle’s most famous creation. Holmes & Watson face an unusual challenge when an unexpected visitor to their Baker Street home asks whether they believe that the dead can talk to the living. The mystery deepens when the identity of their guest becomes known. Reputations are at stake. It’s a story of trickery and deception that begins on a sunny day and climaxes in the dark of the séance room. Visit cardopolis.blogspot.co.uk for ordering details. You can find this short story as a Kindle book on Amazon. 7.11.15

Manchester Circle of Magicians are holding a Jumbo Magic Auction on Monday 9th November at the Salford Masonic Hall, Hemsley House, 41 The Crescent, Salford, Near Manchester M5 4PE (Map). Doors open at 5.30pm. Viewing from 6pm. Auction commences at 6.30pm. Star Auctioneers Mike Shepherd and Derek Lever. This is the final Auction of 2015 and it promises to be a humdinger with entries by Noel Britten, Quentin Reynolds and Michael Diamond. Your chance to obtain some bargain magic in time for your Christmas shows. Door charge for non-members £3.00. Members free of charge. Further details from Derek Lever: d.lever1@sky.com. 7.11.15

Free magic gifts from Mark Leveridge Magic. Mark writes: Let's face it, I'm not below offering a little bribe from time to time (!), and so in November I am giving you the chance to receive £50 worth of free magic. Simply join E-Club Pro, my online magic club and information resource, no later than midnight on 30th November 2015, and when you complete 3 months of unbroken membership I will send you a free magic gift worth £20. Then when you complete 6 months, I will mail you a further gift worth £30. I'm doing this because I really want you to give E-Club Pro a proper try, as with over 500 pages of online content, it is a seriously important and helpful resource that will provide you with so much support and fun no matter what level of interest you have for magic. Every month all 10 sections of the E-Club Pro members' only web pages are updated, which means there is always something new to enjoy, and a 6 month period is a reasonable amount of time for you to really get to grips with it and to get the most from it. We currently have members based all over the world ranging from teenage beginners to full time pros, and you can rest assured that the video information is backed by the knowledge I have gained over the last 34 years as a full time pro. There is no set membership period, so you can stay for as long as you wish. For more information and to sign up please go to www.markleveridge.co.uk/eclubpro.php. 7.11.15

Noel Qualter lectures at The Surrey Society of Magicians on 12th November. "Noel is a professional magician and magic consultant for Objective Productions, advising on shows such as Help My Supply Teacher is Magic, Now You See It and Killer Magic. In his almost 15 years as a professional magician he's performed several stints at The Magic Castle in Hollywood. He's been awarded The Magic Circle Originality prize for the last two years (2014 and 2015) and was placed second in The Magic Circle Close up Magician of the Year 2015. He has released several products to the magic community including Alarmed and iDeck. In this lecture he will share his inventive close-up magic which has a strong focus on quirky humour. From classic magic plots to wildly original premises, there is something for all fans of close-up magic. The lecture is about 50/50 card to non-card magic." Members are free and visiting magicians are welcome for a £10 entrance fee. The lecture takes place in East Horsley, Surrey at 8pm. For full details contact Adam Mosley info@surreymagic.org.uk. 7.11.15

Minimalistica by John Carey: "In this exciting new volume from UK card magician John Carey, creator of the now legendary handbook of practical close-up card magic Crafted With Carey, are over 60 new pieces of punchy doable magic for your edification and pleasure. Fifty one items with cards from John himself, covering a wide range of plots and all streamlined for maximum effect with minimum effort. We have the great pleasure of having some friend's contributions too, with powerful card magic from Tom Dobrowolski, Patrick Redford, David Gemmell, Shaun McCree, J.K.Hartman, Paul Gordon, Pablo Amira and Ben Blau, and introducing a special section of world-class work by underground creator Shannon Clark." For more information and to pre-order at a special rate visit www.minimalistica.co.uk. 7.11.15

Wakefield's wizards. Twenty years ago, two Wakefield tricksters, Phil Peters and Mark Lee, recognised a gap in the market for selling props and teaching materials to magicians. Starting out with a small stall at an indoor market, they have grown to run a permanent store in the heart of Wakefield. The business has serviced famous names like Dynamo, who has been purchasing equipment from them since he was a child. Although the business is very well established, it is looking to reach an even bigger audience. As of today, Phil and Mark will see their small business advertised on primetime television across the nation.

In October, the pair entered a ‘15 Seconds of Fame’ competition hosted by mobile payments company iZettle where they had to submit a 15 second video to be in with a chance of winning their own television advert. Hundreds of small businesses across the UK entered and with only seven winners, competition was tight. But like all great magicians, Phil and Mark managed to make their business stand-out from the crowd. Here is a link to their submission, Click Here (close X top right).

As winners of the competition, Phil and Mark will see their advert broadcast up and down the country for a week in November. It will be shown on channels such as Sky News, Sky Sports, Comedy Central and more. “Magic is a fairly niche market, and although we have a growing clientele, we are always looking to branch out and find new ways to get our name out there.” said Phil. “iZettle’s ‘15 Seconds of Fame’ was too good an opportunity to miss and having our name on national TV will do wonders for a small local business like ours.” 7.11.15

Merlins of Wakefield will have the new 2016 Tenyo range available to order from Monday 9th November. The four effects for 2016 are Mystery Doghouse, Magical Plunger, Ghost Camera and Future Puzzle. They also have a special offer buy all 4 and you'll be sent them post free (but you need to call them on 01924 339933 to take advantage of this UK only offer). Merlins have now ended their sponsorship of Magicseen Magazine and wish Mark and his team well for the future. There are still a few places left for Mark Lee's lecture on Wednesday 11th November, so get in touch today if you would like to attend: www.merlinswakefield.com. 7.11.15

New Magicseen Sponsors! From the publishers: After two years of being sponsorship partners with Magicseen, Merlins of Wakefield have decided to stand down and give someone else a chance! We are grateful to Merlins for their support over the last 12 issues and we have enjoyed working with them. Now, we are delighted to announce that Magicseen has a new sponsor - Card Shark of Germany. Christian Schenk's well known card based business is a major player on the international magic stage, and we are naturally very pleased that we will be his magazine partner for the foreseeable future. Card Shark are probably best known for their quality range of Phoenix brand poker size cards which have matching gimmicked cards also available, and Magicseen looks forward to a successful association. Our latest issue, which is now out, features comedy performer Mark James on the cover, his pained expression hopefully being more to do with the mousetrap on his hand than the fact that he is on our cover! He is joined inside by illusionist Craig Christian, Matthew Wright and Chris Congreave. In our feature articles we offer you a useful guide to all you need to know about mics and amplifiers, we discover just what it is that makes 12 of magic's most celebrated entertainers so successful, and we 'explain' some magic terms with our tongue planted firmly in our cheek. All this plus the final part of Devant To Dynamo, a feature on Jeff McBride's Mystery School which is celebrating 25 years, loads of our legendary honest product reviews and so much more. Issue 65 is available now from www.magicseen.co.uk. 7.11.15

Sean Heydon lecture: Order of The Magi, Manchester. Geoffrey Newton PRO writes: Sean Heydon will be presenting a lecture at The Order of The Magi in Manchester on Tuesday 10th November commencing at 8pm. Sean’s lecture has been carefully constructed to include high impact magical effects that will appeal to magicians of all abilities and genres. All routines and effects are used in Sean’s professional repertoire on a daily basis. Everything can be easily made up at home, but to make life easy he also has all of the effects made up for you. This means you can start practising and performing straight away! Sean is a busy entertainer with many top level appearances including The Paul O’Grady Show and 'Magic on The Wireless' – a series of interactive mind reading and comedy radio shows. He has also won a ‘Speciality Act of the Year’ award. There is a door charge for visitors. Directions on www.orderofthemagi.org.uk. 7.11.15

London Society of Magicians Close Up Competition. Daniel Young writes: LSM, which meets fortnightly at Davenport's Magic Studio, are holding their annual Close Up Competition (only members can enter) on Tuesday 10th of November. Come down and watch our members battle it out for the trophy, with their magic skills. This is a free evening and an open invitation to bring friends and family along to watch some magic. The doors open at 6.30pm, the competition itself is set to start at 7.30pm. We hope to see some new faces! Davenports Magic Studios, Charing Cross, London www.davenportsmagic.co.uk, London Society of Magicians lsmmagic.magicandweb.com. 7.11.15

Spooky Magic in Perth. Perth Magic Circle write: Spooky Magic was the order of the day last Friday night in Perth city centre when no less than 6 magicians performed. In the 'Tent of Doom', local magicians, Gus McGregor and Adrian Harris were both kept busy throughout the evening with Gus performing some very strong card magic presented in a slightly macabre manner while Adrian performed a set with Houdini as his theme. In addition to presenting the magic, Adrian also presented the "Bodyless Witch" illusion, which looked extremely effective and eerie in the darkness. The 'witches' were volunteers from The Perth Youth Theatre Group. On Saturday night, Gus and Adrian were back in King Edward Street, this time on their own, performing Street Magic. This is the first time, Perth Council has had a Hallowe'en event and from the feedback received, it was a great success, so much so, we have been asked to think ahead to next year! 7.11.15

Steve & Deanna Gore's 'Make Believe Magic' are performing the entire cabaret for the York Society of Magicians annual dinner on Wednesday, 11th November. Steve will perform his show from the Magic Castle in Hollywood and Deanna her Frozen act from the Society of American Magicians convention. www.makebelievemagic.co.uk www.stevegore.co.uk. 7.11.15

Magic & Mirth - London. London's newest monthly stand-up comedy and magic night! 8pm on November 19th 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 comedy magicians: Neil Henry, Victoria Elizabeth and Phil Knoxville. Book online £10, or on the door £15 www.behindburlesque.co.uk/mm. 7.11.15

Newcastle Magic Circle 82nd Annual Dinner. Tony Junior, NMC Secretary writes: Newcastle Magic Circle Proudly present there 82nd Annual Dinner on Saturday 21st November. £37.50 per person includes a three course meal, a flash mob of table magicians, two cabaret shows, and much more to complete a fantastic night out with loads of extras. The venue: Newcastle Racecourse, High Gosforth Park, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 5HP (Map). Doors open 7pm, evening meal will start around 8pm and entertainment will take us up to midnight, followed by a last hour of disco music till 1am. At around 9.30pm the Flash Mob of Table Magicians will go around every table, then at around 10.30pm we have The Zany Multi talented comedian Steve Royle, who tours with Peter Kay's Pheonix Nights, followed by the brilliant International Illusionist, Andrew Green at around 11.30pm (with plenty more in between), all hosted by Tony Junior. Tickets are only available from our club treasurer, Michael Harney. Please contact Michael by email to reserve and pay for tickets, email mpharney2003@yahoo.co.uk also add (cc) my email nmcsecretary@outlook.com when emailing for tickets. www.newcastle-magic-circle.org. 7.11.15

The Magic Isle, a book about magicians who performed on the Isle of Man during the nineteenth century, has just been published. The Magic Isle is a fascinating story of miracles, animal magnetism, ghosts, card sharps and the anti-combustible lady! Author Mike Clague says "I expected to find a small number, but was surprised to find over 80 magicians, the first being Thomas Ingleby in 1805. The stories about their acts are really fascinating. The first 'mind reading' act seen on the island was in 1852, when Professor Barnado Eagle and his daughter caused considerable controversy. John Henry Anderson came to the island on several occasions, but in 1873 he was so rude to an audience member, calling him 'as great a fool as ever I met' that many people rose and left the theatre."

"...a very readable book and an invaluable and important history of conjuring and allied arts in the Isle of Man during the nineteenth century." Professor Edwin A. Dawes
"...it is excellent. I thought that I had a good knowledge of Victorian magicians but he has done an amazing amount of original research and I certainly learnt a lot." Peter Lane, Chief Librarian, The Magic Circle Library.

The illustrated 200 page softback book costs £15 plus £3.50 p&p (UK) and is available directly from the author: mikeclague@me.com 01624 878328. A hardback edition limited to 50 copies will be available from 18th November at £25 plus £4.10 p&p. Postage outside the UK will be at cost.

"'The Magic Isle' new book looks at magicians on the Island during the 19th century" Click Here. 7.11.15

Care & Share Balloon Fun Days, Darlington and Edinburgh. Organiser Graham Lee writes: Darlington Monday 23rd November. Edinburgh Wednesday 25th November. Both days are free to attend, with two balloon workshops during the day and a fun competition to enter as well if you wish. The Darlington day is on from 10am till 5pm and Edinburgh from 10am till 5pm; and then in the bar of the venue from 5pm till 9pm. For more details see www.qualatexballoons.co.uk/balloons/care-share-days. 7.11.15

Mike Sharples' new disappearing act... Geoffrey Newton PRO writes: If I said Lancashire magician Mike Sharples has hit the big time, it may not be strictly true as this 6’ 4”, 48 year old Secretary of The Order of the Magi has just made six stone disappear with WeightWatchers. The organisers are so delighted are that they have made a five page feature on him in their December national slimmer’s magazine. It tells the story of his weight loss, serious illness, family life, and of course his world of magic. Yes he’s Mr December for them so it may be an inspiration to others seeking weight loss to try their system. It certainly worked for me too as a few years ago I lost four stone with WW and have managed to keep it off. 7.11.15

News Deadline reminder. Please submit news by Thursday if possible - absolute deadline 12 noon Friday, no exceptions. DT. 7.11.15

Mick Hanzlik. Royston, Hon. Sec. N.M.C. writes: The Magic world will be saddened to hear of the passing of Mick Hanzlik on Sunday 1 November at Cynthia Spencer Hospice in Northampton. Mick (56, who was a Master Locksmith,) was the inventor of Supalok and Wundalok (amongst others) - effects that have been sold worldwide including to some of the top pros. He was a Magic Circle member and made a significant contribution to the Houdini exhibit at the Magic Circle H.Q. and he was a renowned Houdini expert. He was also a long-standing, popular and valued member and Past President of Northamptonshire Magicians Club. Above all, he was a family man and our condolences go to his wife Gerry and his children, in-laws and grandchildren of whom he was so proud. He will be sadly missed by all. 7.11.15

"Festival pays tribute to Peruvian Richiardi Jr, one of the world's 10 best magicians" Click Here • "Magician Dynamo visits Wexham Park patient who was forced to miss London show" Click Here • "Dynamo Proves That Seeing Is Believing With Mindblowing Show" Click Here • "Edinburgh Festival Fringe and forensic science success Colin Cloud is coming to the Lowry" Click Here • "Dapper Mo turns on the Magic" Click Here • "Tales from the Toolbox: Houdini whodunit: So, did he really do it here?" Click Here • "Criss Angel's 'Believe' show celebrates 7th year anniversary" Click Here • "Burton magician Jack Dent appears on Don't Tell the Bride" Click Here • "Watch teen magician makes a video to raise awareness of male breast cancer" Click Here • "A Conversation with Oz Pearlman" Click Here • "Ghost the Musical: A feast for the senses" Click Here • That's it, have a magic week, Duncan. 7.11.15

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