Number 810 - 2nd January 2016
Derren
Brown:
Pushed to the Edge. Tuesday 12th January on Channel 4.
Psychological illusionist Derren Brown returns to our screens with Pushed to the Edge; his most
ambitious experiment to date. He aims to persuade an unwitting member of the
public to push another person off a roof, seemingly to their death. Brown is
investigating the powers of social compliance: how authority, peer pressure or
ideology can be used to make people carry out horrific acts. His subject is
Chris Kingston, a 29 year-old member of the public who is unaware he's being
filmed or manipulated at a distance. The setting is the gala launch night of a
fictitious new charity called Push. Brown has recruited Hollywood special
effects artists, stunt coordinators and a troupe of 70 actors to stage this
carefully choreographed experiment. See
TV Magic.
2.1.16
The Session and The Event take place this week!
Rune Klan, Michael Weber and Danny Buckler have all been added to the line up.
They'll join a host of magic stars including Max Maven, Helder Guimarães, David
Berglas, Gabi Pareras and many more in Heathrow, London, for a three day
learning experience like no other in magic. With less than ten tickets
remaining, this is your last chance to attend! Register at
www.sessionconvention.com.
2.1.16
Additional
dates added to Champions of Magic spring tour. Additional shows have now
been added to the Spring 2016 Champions of Magic tour: "This year’s show
includes new tricks, is a bigger production, and most importantly has more
pyrotechnics!" Tour dates now include:
26th March – Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells
28th March – Opera House, Buxton
29th March – Charter Theatre, Preston
30th March – Grand Theatre, Lancaster
31st March – Britannia Theatre, Chatham
1st April – Theatre Royal, Lincoln
2nd April – The Castle, Wellingborough
3rd April – The Lowry, Salford Quays (2 shows)
4th April – Swan Theatre, High Wycombe
5th April – Lighthouse Theatre, Poole
6th April – Forum Theatre, Billingham
7th April – Courtyard Arts, Hereford
8th April – Civic Theatre, Chelmsford
9th April – GLive, Guildford
10th April – Marina Theatre, Lowestoft
Visit
www.championsofmagic.co.uk for full details. Further 2016 dates to be
announced shortly.
2.1.16
56th Bristol Day of Magic,
update. Organiser Paul MacLeavy writes: After many years of
successfully holding the Bristol Day of Magic at Weston Super Mare we
have lost our home of the Winter Gardens, due to the North Somerset
Council selling off the venue to the local Weston Technical College. The
college have ambitious plans for renovation and refurbishment of the
Winter Gardens, starting in January, and we have been told that the
venue is no longer available for hire. We are very disappointed about
this situation, but it is something that we have no control over, and we
have been forced to look for a new venue. There was nowhere suitable in
Weston Super Mare, and neither could any suitable venue be found in
Bristol itself. We have therefore opted to use a venue 10 miles outside
of Bristol, an Academy of Performing Arts linked to Nailsea School. The
modern performance area (theatre) has a seating limit of 250, so this
means that we can only accept 250 registrations for our Day, whereas in
the past we have regularly had between four and five hundred attendants.
When we reach the 250 mark we will have to close registrations as we
will have reached our capacity. This is the situation for our 2016 Day,
it is not ideal, and we will have to consider further options for future
Bristol Days. However, we intend to maintain the high reputation, and
high standard of magic, that the Bristol Day is known for. More details nearer the time. See
www.bristolmagic.co.uk.
2.1.16
Magic
Book Auction, from the collection of Jerry Sadowitz. 26th January 2016, London.
From International Magic: We have a few lectures lined up for this year but we
are starting off with something a little different! Our good friend Jerry
Sadowitz has arranged to auction part of his personal collection of magic books.
Together with Douglas Cameron, Jerry will be hosting a one-off magic book
auction at the Casa Italiana, 136 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1R 5DL (Map)
just across the road from our shop in Clerkenwell, London on the 26th January.
"Some great and rare close up magic books will be auctioned by two of magic's
biggest numpties! Expect incompetence, frivolity, and high prices! Strictly cash
only." Jerry Sadowitz. Event Details: Tuesday 26th January. Viewing 7pm. Auction
begins 7.30pm. Admission £5 per person.
www.internationalmagic.com.
2.1.16
Life
of Illusion starring Ed Masters and Company - tour of Ireland: "Ed Masters,
Ireland’s biggest illusionist, is taking his jaw-dropping new show 'Life of
Illusion' on tour in the emerald island. Juxtaposing traditional sleight of hand
magic and big box illusions with mind-boggling predictions and cutting edge
escape stunts, this family-friendly show is bound to thrill and amaze audiences
of all ages!" For February/March tour dates and showreel video see
www.edmastersmagic.com.
2.1.16
Chris
North is giving a talk on his 50 years in magic for 'The Gathering' at the
St. George Hotel, Great Yarmouth, on Thursday January 7th at 7.30pm
www.st-georgehotel.co.uk. All welcome. For full details visit
www.tg-thegathering.tk.
2.1.16
Luis
Otero lecture, Exonian Magic Society, Devon. Ozzy Dee writes: The Exonian Magic Society will be hosting Luis Otero form Venezuela on
14th January 2016. Please note we are meeting at a different venue which is
Heavitree Social Club, 2 East Wonford Hill, Heavitree, Exeter EX1 3BS (Map).
Visiting
magicians: £10.
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.
www.exonianmagicalsociety.co.uk.
2.1.16
Woody
Allen's
Magic in the Moonlight
is being repeated on Wednesday 6th January: "A renowned illusionist out to expose charlatans and tricksters finds his
views tested when he meets a seemingly genuine clairvoyant." Starring Colin Firth, Emma Stone
and Marcia Gay Harden. See
TV Magic.
2.1.16
Watford
Association of Magicians Children's Entertainer of the Year Competition. On
Tuesday 29th December, the children of Bricket Wood were treated to an afternoon
of magical entertainment at the annual Watford Association of Magicians
Children's Entertainer of the Year Competition. All of the children voted for
their favourite act and the winner was announced as Paul Megram (Colonel
Custard). Lee Bell (Mr Belldini) was awarded with second place and Julie
Carpenter (Auntie Julie) third. A special thank you to all competitors who
contributed to a wonderful afternoon: Dov Citron (Captain Calamity) who
compered, organisers Krisgar & Sam, and everybody who helped to make the event a
success.
www.magiccastle.co.uk
www.wamclub.co.uk (Photo: Julie Carpenter, John Duckett, Paul Megram, Steve
Benton, Paul Freedman, Lee Bell, Father Christmas & Dov Citron.)
2.1.16
How to join The Magic Circle!
If you’ve always wanted to be a part of The Magic Circle, the world’s premier
magical society, then a visit to their website will give you all the information you need.
If you’re ready to join straight away you can check out how the process works,
what you need to do and what you can expect and if you’re interested in their
Apprentice Scheme or The Young Magicians' Club then you’ve gone to the right place
as well. See
www.themagiccircle.co.uk/join-us.
2.1.16
Paul Gordon will be lecturing at the Cornish Magical Society, Carnon Downs
Village Hall, Carnon Downs, Nr Truro, Cornwall at 3pm on Sunday 10th January.
Visiting magicians welcome. £5 charge. Contact Paul Scott 07747 122 659 or
paul@paul-scott.org.
2.1.16
Lecture/dem
by Gary James & “Tricky” Ricky McLeod. Ian Black writes: Forth Valley Magic Circle are proud to present
a lecture/dem by Gary James &
“Tricky” Ricky McLeod.
Gary & Ricky are well-known and popular members of the magic community in
Scotland. Full-time professionals for over 17 years, their work covers the full
spectrum: Entertaining children and families through to corporate clients. Their
work takes them all over the UK and between them have won numerous awards during
their career. Ricky is Past president of S.A.M.S and Gary has recently been made
AIMC with Silver Star by The Magic Circle in London. Sometime ago, Gary created
the Pro-Show Magic company and has recently designed and created a unique range
of leather props and wallets new to the market. Blackpool 2016 sees them bring
out a joint selection of new effects, some of which they have been using for the
past 15 years in their shows with great success.
In 2012, Gary & Ricky’s lecture ‘A Mix of Tricks’ was well received at its first
full outing and has now been presented all over the UK. The lecture covers a
wide range of magic: Close-Up, Stand-Up, a mixture of ideas for presentation and
patter, with new ideas for old tricks and something for family entertainers too,
so there should really be something for everyone to take away. And of course,
they will also be discussing (and demonstrating) some of their newest products.
This will be a unique opportunity to see them for the first time before the big
launch at Blackpool. Gary & Ricky are looking forward to seeing old friends and
making new ones at the FVMC and will be offering great discounts on the range of
magic products on the night.
Monday 11th January, 7.30pm start. £5 for non members.
Station Hotel, Foundry Loan, Larbert, FK5 4AW (Map).
For further details email Ian Black
secretary@forthvalleymagic.co.uk.
2.1.16
In the Psychiatrist's
Chair: Uri Geller. Saturday 9th January, on BBC Radio 4 Extra. "Spoon-bending TV illusionist Uri Geller reflects on his unusual life
with Professor Anthony Clare." This radio show was produced 20 years
ago. See TV Magic for
details.
2.1.16
MagicNevin update:
Helen, Max and Jack would like to say a huge thank you for the kind
messages and support they have received following the devastating
incident that so tragically claimed the life of 17 year old Tom (Jack’s
twin) on December 21st. Due to the event which has also completely
destroyed their business and their home there will be a delay in dealing
with any outstanding enquiries and correspondence, they would ask for
your understanding and patience at this difficult time.
2.1.16
"James
More: A look back at the British magician's year in 2015"
Click Here • "Op-Ed: British magician Jamie Raven had best magic
audition in 2015"
Click Here • "'Above and Beyond' Magician Visits David Copperfield
in Las Vegas"
Click Here • "Magician stuns audiences in unique show"
Click Here • "Devon magician ready to teach you the tricks of the
trade"
Click Here • "Why Derren Brown wants to take your mind on a
rollercoaster ride"
Click Here • "'Supernaturalists' bring mind-blowing magic to
Foxwoods"
Click Here • "Illusionist Ricky Jay and Critic Michael Kimmelman to
Discuss Matthias Buchinger at the Met Museum, 1/21"
Click Here • "6 optical illusions that will bend your mind"
Click Here • "Interview: Magician Jeff McBride talks plans for 2016,
Mat Franco"
Click Here • That's it for the first of the new year... let's hope
it's a good one. Your UK magic news is always welcomed. See you next
week, Duncan.
2.1.16