Number
807 - 12th December 2015
Paul
Zenon in Linking Rings, Jermyn Street Theatre, London. A theatrical coming
of age for TV man of magic: ‘Houdini’s right-hand man deals with the death of
his boss. A half century later, a Blackpool joke shop proprietor takes on a
wide-eyed young protégé. Linking Rings is an affectionate look at a misspent
youth and unsung heroes; a touching true tale of interlocking lives. Not a magic
show – magical nonetheless.’
TV Street Magic pioneer and Channel 4 Countdown favourite Paul Zenon is set to
amaze audiences using a different set of theatrical skills in Linking Rings, his
one-man West End debut. With a rich and varied career spanning three decades,
Paul Zenon is perhaps best known as one of the world’s leading comedy magicians,
with performances in around 40 countries in both solo shows and as a regular
cast member in productions such as the Olivier Award-winning La Clique and La
Soirée.
Over the years, Paul has pushed himself consistently to explore new avenues –
from performer to pundit, presenter to paranormal sceptic and author to actor.
His career started as a real-life sorcerer’s apprentice in a seaside magic shop,
prior to his first television break courtesy of the ITV talent show New Faces.
Paul fronted the Children’s BBC series Tricky Business and Tricks n Tracks in
the early 90s and since then he has appeared on dozens of TV programmes across
many genres, including five one-man Street Magic specials on Channel 4 and ITV1
and around a hundred appearances as special guest in Countdown’s Dictionary
Corner. He is a Gold Star Member of the Inner Magic Circle, and last October
received the prestigious Carlton Award for Comedy.
Partly autobiographical, Linking Rings is Paul’s first self-penned theatre
piece, marking another exciting change of direction and also a return to acting.
The show received much critical acclaim at the 2015 Brighton and Edinburgh
Fringe Festivals, including 5 star reviews from the Edinburgh Evening News, The
List and Fringe Review. Its London debut will take place at the Jermyn Street
Theatre in January 2016.
Paul says: “Linking Rings is a piece that I’ve wanted to do for many years,
inspired by my fascination with Houdini and the parallels between his right-hand
man Jim Collins and my own lifelong friend and mentor; a back-room wizard from
Blackpool named Bill Thompson. Without a shadow of a doubt, this is by far the
most heartfelt and honest show I’ve ever performed.”
Running Time: 75 minutes (no interval). Suitable for age 14+. 25th - 30th
January 2016. Show Times: Monday to Saturday 8pm, Saturday Matinee 4pm. For more
info and to book visit
www.jermynstreettheatre.co.uk also see
facebook.com/paulzenonlinkingrings.
12.12.15
Morgan
& West: Parlour Tricks, Wilton’s Music Hall, London. 19th – 23rd January
2016. Time-travelling, Victorian magic duo Morgan & West have decided it’s high
time that they return to their roots with a run of critically acclaimed Parlour
Tricks at Wilton’s Music Hall - a venue which, just like these dashing chaps, is
the oldest remaining example of its kind.
If you’ve been lucky enough to see Morgan & West before then you'll know to
expect a thoroughly entertaining, utterly baffling and endlessly enthralling
evening. Absolutely chock full of brain bursting illusion and impossibility,
conjuring, mind reading and a little bit of time travel, Morgan & West promise
to astound and amuse with their grandest, most audacious and perplexing show to
date.
Morgan & West have been performing their unique magic shows across the UK and
around the world, including sell-out shows at the Edinburgh Fringe, Perth Fringe
World, Adelaide Fringe where they were nominated for ‘Best Family Show’ and
Buxton Fringe where they were awarded ‘Best Comedy Show’. They have also
appeared on Penn and Teller’s Fool Us (ITV) and The Slammer (CBBC). Wilton’s Music Hall, 1 Graces Alley, London E1 8JB
(Map). Tuesday 19th, Wednesday 20th, Thursday 21st & Saturday 23rd January 2016.
7.30pm - 9pm. Tickets: £8 - £15. Box Office: 020 7702 2789
www.wiltons.org.uk
www.morganandwest.co.uk.
12.12.15
Sprezzatura: A Modern Magic Experience - Live!
Saturday 19th December in London: The clock strikes 8pm. Within the sumptuous screening room at the
Charlotte Street hotel, an audience will have their minds read, senses
manipulated and experience some of the most astonishing feats of modern magic.
Enter the world of Sprezzatura and witness previously unseen miracles. Marvel
at the strange setting in which nothing is quite as it seems. Like a great
mystery novel, the plot will unfold over the course of the evening to end with a
final revelation so startling, it will have to be seen to be believed.
So many people see magic on television and don't believe it, now they have the
chance to witness the miracles, up close and live, before their very eyes! The Charlotte Street Hotel, 15-17 Charlotte Street, London W1T 1RJ (Map).
Website:
www.sprezzaturashow.com.
12.12.15
New Year's Eve Comedy Magic Special. The House Magicians and
Smoke & Mirrors have a perfect way to see in the New Year. This New Year's Eve,
enjoy a 2 hour comedy magic show, Prosecco on arrival, plus another to celebrate
2016 at midnight and some tasty canapés throughout the night. Seating is limited
for the show so don't think too long about getting your tickets.
If you wish to bring in the new year Pub style don't worry, we have that covered
as well. Show tickets are priced at £30 but if you wish to just come down and
enjoy the Pub then entrance to the bar is free! See
www.smokeandmirrorsbar.co.uk.
12.12.15
The Magic Circle Christmas Show,
London.
Tickets are now on sale for this year's Christmas Show at The Magic Circle. This
is always a popular event and the highlight of many people's magical calendar.
Visitors have a chance to explore the headquarters, visit The Magic Circle
Museum and mix and mingle with some top magicians before entering the intimate
Magic Circle Theatre for a show of wonder. Every year sells out so it is
advisable to book early. Ideal for ages 5 and above. The balcony is not suitable
for children under 8. All performances will be at The Magic Circle, 12
Stephenson Way, Euston, London NW1 2HD.
Tuesday 22 December (2.30pm and 7pm)
Wednesday 23 December (2.30pm and 7pm)
Sunday 27 December (2.30pm and 7pm)
Monday 28 December (2.30pm and 7pm)
Tuesday 29 December (2.30pm and 7pm)
Wednesday 30 December (2.30pm and 7pm)
Saturday 2 January 2016 (2.30pm and 7pm)
Sunday 3 January (2.30pm)
Tickets cost £34 (stalls) and £30 (circle/balcony) plus £2.50 transaction fee
from www.seetickets.com
or
www.themagiccircle.co.uk/public-events.
12.12.15
Troy: Cyber Hijack, Tuesday 15th December on E4. "With a series of large-scale stunts, unexpected pranks and
surprise demonstrations, magician Troy reveals in this one-off show just what
can go wrong on social media and online. From viruses to selfies to secure
passwords, Troy pulls out all the stops to make over-sharers, social media
addicts and careless data users realise that security really does matter - with
hilarious and eye-opening results. In London's Piccadilly Circus, Troy makes
some supposedly internet savvy individuals gape as he goes password busting. An
innocent temp gets more than she bargained for when she unwittingly downloads a
virus. Serial selfie fanatics become the face of an unappealing product. And
look out jobseekers - see what happens when a potential employer trawls your
social media. Finally, an over-sharer's most personal photographs and
information provoke Troy's most audacious stunt of them all." See
TV Magic.
12.12.15
Science
or Magic? YouTube Video Series: Jake Banfield has recently teamed up with Your Life to film a 4-part series of
YouTube videos called Science or Magic? In the first episode, Jake puts the laws
of physics to the test by hitting the public with a series of astonishing
balancing acts. Your Life is a three year government campaign to help
young people in the UK build the skills needed to succeed in the current
competitive global economy, specifically to promote careers in maths and
physics. Your Life wanted something cool, that would capture young people’s
imaginations, magic seemed like the perfect choice, all done with a scientific
twist! YouTube also
see www.jakebanfield.com.
12.12.15
Destiny...
It's your choice by Axel Hecklau is reviewed by MagicWeek this week. It's another fine routine for the stand-up magician
from Axel Hecklau.
Click Here
to read the full review.
12.12.15
'When Wizards Walked This Earth' is a new project from mind-reader, magician,
and novelist Paul Voodini. In 1905 Harry Houdini engaged in a battle of wits
(and fists!) with Bradford escapologist Carl Mysto. This little-known encounter
forms part of the folklore of Bradford theatres, and it is Paul's hope that his
book on the subject will bring this dramatic piece of magic history to a wider
audience. The project is being crowd-funded on Indiegogo
Click
Here.
12.12.15
Magic
Moments Update. Our first month-long Magic Moments was a magical success with
many magicians raising funds and smiles for charity. We’re still collecting info
and will have a final total added to our Magic Moments page soon. Magicians
involved during the month in no particular order were: Jimmy Carlo, Kenny Roberts,
Richard Leigh, Wayne Fox, Tim Osler, Jeff McBride, Larry Hass, Mark Bennett and
the entire team at Smoke & Mirrors Bar, Anne George, George Parker, Paul Wade,
Mike Sullivan, Jay Fortune and many more. Events took place in the UK, Europe,
Japan and the USA. Thanks to everyone involved! We’ve also had enquiries about
magicians staging Magic Moments events outside of the dedicated month chosen
this year, so the organisers are looking at ideas to make the initiative more
encompassing as a magical fundraising initiative. Magic Moments Team.
12.12.15
Mark
Leveridge Magic's E-Video Newsletter: Magic for less than the price of a cup
of coffee! Mark Leveridge Magic's E-Video Newsletter is a magazine style online
video presentation that is released on the 1st of each month. The programme is a
lively mix of magic, tips, advice and fun, and access to a single issue costs
less than the price of a hot drink. The December issue starts with a Christmassy
video clip of Mark in a way that you will not have seen him before, and then
moves on to offer the following: The Teach In - learn an easy yet baffling
prediction effect suitable for a close up or parlour show; Wrinkles - The
Leveridge Beverage gets a completely new routine; It Could Only Happen Live -
Mark tells the story of a trade show that nearly took a turn for the worst; Web
Offer Bundle - a look is taken at the two products that make up the December
online offer; 60 Seconds To Success - targeted advice about how performers can
protect themselves when working; Mark's Bookshelf - the story behind a classic
book by Jean Hugard taken from Mark's library. To get access to the December
E-Video Newsletter, or to take out a 1 year sub to receive the next 12 issues,
go to
www.markleveridge.co.uk/evn.php where you can also watch a quick trailer..
12.12.15
Merry
Christmas from Zane's Magic Shop: "Zane's Magic Shop would like to thank all
MagicWeek readers and customers and wish you all a Magical Merry Christmas. We
have just added a number of brand new, top notch magic tricks/products from the
US to our 'New Tricks' category page. Ideal for Xmas presents! Here's a link to
this page
www.zanesmagicshop.com/shop/new_tricks.html
(Photo: Zane with Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee at his stand).'
12.12.15
Magicseen,
January 2016. From the publishers: The January Magicseen is almost here.
Issue 66 of the UK's only independent magazine has just gone to print and so
will be sent out hopefully just before Christmas. The latest issue is chock full
of lively, interesting features, including articles on cover star Kostya Kimlet,
plus Sean Goodman, Steve Shufton, Boris Wild, Richard Herring and Oliver Tabor.
We also discuss what magicians might want to think about when deciding on
performance clothing, we get feedback from a dozen children's entertainers on
what for them makes up the best, or the worst, of Christmas bookings, and we get
Tom Wright to explain his unique way of performing close up at tables. There's a
comedy article to give you a grin, ex-boxer Mike Tyson reveals what he knows
about magic, our reviewers take a critical look at the latest marketed products,
the Masterclass offers you three routines to try out, Pros and Cons takes a look
at whether it is worth entering magic competitions and there are news items and
letters too. So if your sub is up for renewal - contact Magicseen now to make
sure you don't miss out. If you don't currently take Magicseen, sign up for a 1
or 2 year printed copy or download sub today at
www.magicseen.co.uk/subscribe.html, or if you would like to give a Magicseen
subscription to your favourite magician as a Xmas gift, why not buy one of our
new Subscription Gift Cards,
Click
Here. Magicseen, the perfect Xmas stocking filler!
12.12.15
Piff
the Magic Dragon:
"America's Got Talent was a huge hit over the summer, and it made a star out of an unlikely performer..." Click Here.
"Audiences are eating up Piff the Magic Dragon at Flamingo" Click Here.
"Piff the Magic Dragon: A man in a dragon costume and a Chihuahua create magic" Click Here. 12.12.15
Magic
Touch Appeal. Jonathan Lucia-Wright (JJ) writes:
For those of you who don't know me my name is JJ and I have been performing and
adapting magic for visually impaired people for the last 10 years. I dabble in magic,
but I'm no Dynamo! What I do is adapt magic and perform it in such a way that it can be
appreciated by someone who is Deafblind - both Deaf and Blind. I have been touring for
Sense for the last year or so with my assistant Jimmy,
who is deafblind.
My aim is to bring magic to everyone, and in return we get a smile. Rather than be the magician who is unsure of disabled people, and scared to
approach, we are the opposite.
Our magic is for them, and we adapt it in whatever way we can to make it
accessible. We are currently on the look out for any donations of magic tricks:
old, new, broken - unwanted! We are in desperate need of new equipment, and we also wish to expand our
repertoire!
Thank you for taking time to read this
if you feel you can help in anyway please drop me a message.
extremeclowning@hotmail.co.uk.
Facebook
www.extremeclowning.co.uk.
12.12.15
News
deadlines. Reminder: Please let us have all News/What's On submissions by Thursday
whenever possible. Final deadline 12 noon Friday, no exceptions.
12.12.15
"Benedict
Cumberbatch to star in Second World War drama The War Magician"
Click Here • "Out of sight: Dynamo brings his magic to Belfast"
Click Here • "The Illusionists: They managed to read my mind and
blow my mind at the same time"
Click Here • "Theatre review: The Illusionists 1903 at the Canberra
Theatre"
Click Here • "Local illusionist strives to keep the magic alive"
Click Here • "Dynamo goes back to his Bradford roots for his first
live stage show"
Click Here • "Interview: Criss Angel talks Foxwoods and The
Paramount shows"
Click Here • "Chester magician Paul Dabek to perform live at St
Mary's Creative Space"
Click Here • "Magician Darcy Oake prepares for London's New Year's
Day Parade 2016"
Click Here •
"Burlesque legend Dusty Summers - the first nude magician in Las Vegas -
visits Canberra"
Click Here • "Swedish magician at the Bangkok Street Show"
Click Here • "Gleaning Investment Wisdom From a Magician Turned
Skeptic"
Click Here • That's about it for this week, your UK magic news is
always welcomed, see you next week, Duncan.
12.12.15