Number 812 - 16th January 2016
The
South Tyneside International Magic Festival Convention, held at the Customs
House, South Shields on the North East coast, returns with three days of
lectures, workshops and performances from Friday March 11th. American sleight of
hand artist, John Carney, who has won more Magic Castle awards than any other
act, is among those set to speak at the popular event, which is open exclusively
to professional magicians and enthusiasts from around the world. Other stars due
to deliver practical and informative lectures as part of the programme, include
close-up magicians Peter Clifford and Michael Vincent, Andi Gladwin, who
performed at President Obama’s inauguration, mind reader Chris Rawlins,
high-energy, Florida-based humourist Chad Long, Belgium’s man of mystery Rafael,
and professional ‘cheat,’ R Paul Wilson, star of BBC's The Real Hustle. Paul
Megram, who has decades of experience in family magic thanks to his award
winning shows combining side splitting fun and magical mayhem, will also be
lecturing and will appear in a special children’s show as his alter ego, Colonel
Custard. Along with Paul’s performance, delegates at the 13th annual convention
will also receive access to an exclusive Late Late Show, starring Danny Buckler
and Phil Butler, plus two International Gala Shows, which are open to the
general public.
Other highlights at the event, organised by South Tyneside Council and magician
John Archer, include a dealer’s showcase and a comedy magic forum. "We’ve made a
conscious effort to cover as many magical disciplines as possible in this year’s
lectures" said John. "I’m confident that these interesting and informative
sessions, used alongside our close-up workshops, forums and optional
masterclasses, will give delegates the chance to learn more than ever before...
it should also be a fun weekend too!" Tickets (£65) are available now by
contacting Karri Prinn on 0191 4554031 or emailing
karri.prinn@southtyneside.gov.uk. 11th - 13th March 2016. For more
information visit
www.southtyneside.gov.uk/magicfestival.
16.1.16
Masters
of Magic. One night only. Saturday 27th February. Starring Jeff McBride,
Eugene Burger and Lawrence Hass. An incredible family magic show featuring
stunning illusions, comedy and fun. Don’t miss this chance to see the Mystery
School at work in their only three-man public show on their UK Tour! Tickets:
All seats £20 (plus booking fee). Special Family Deal: (2 x adults, 2 x children
ages 7+) £60 (plus booking fee). 100% of ticket sales go to animal conservation
charities: FOPWP and WHF. Venue: The Marquee, Paradise Wildlife Park, White
Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire EN10 7QA (Map).
Doors: 7pm. Bar facilities. Event finishes at 11pm. Free parking on-site.
Masters of Magic is a ‘Magic Moments’ show produced and organised by Jay Fortune
and Kenny Roberts. Tickets available here:
www.masters-of-magic.eventbrite.co.uk.
16.1.16
So
that's how he does it! Dynamo is seen here with a freshly purchased bag of
goodies from Merlins of Wakefield. Merlins write: "We have known Dynamo since we started trading, and he was one of our very first
customers. Nowadays, he is a well known celebrity but still calls in when he is
in the area to have a chat and stock up on his magic. We have watched him grow
over the years to become the best known magician in the UK, and even worldwide,
and it’s a privilege to call him a friend. We are sure there are even greater
things to come from him, as he never stops working to create new magic effects."
16.1.16
21st
Birthday Celebrations.
On Sunday 15th May 2016, Merlin's will be celebrating their 21 years as magic
dealers by holding a One Day Magic Celebration. The day will consist of lectures,
workshops, side-shows and finish with a Gala Magic Show in the evening. All to
be held at Wakefield's newly refurbished Unity House which has excellent
facilities including a café, bar, parking and is just a 2 minute walk from
Westgate railway station.
To register your interest email merlins@btconnect.com and they
will send you further details, by the end of January 2016.
www.merlinswakefield.com.
16.1.16
The Northern Magic Circle
Convention once again returns to the beautiful town of
Harrogate in North Yorkshire, for its 60th annual convention (9th, 10th April
2016). Danny Hunt writes: Located in the town centre the convention take place in the
town's beautiful Victorian theatre.
This year's convention will feature some of the brightest stars in magic!
Including the manipulative magic of Oliver Tabor, time travelling
illusionists Morgan & West and The Magic Circle's Young Magicians of the Year
Destiny.
As well as star-studded lectures from Andi Gladwin, Paul Stone, Morgan & West
and Luke Jermay.
There is a fantastic Children's Show and Gala Show with some of magic's biggest
stars! £55 for members £65 non members. More acts to be announced soon so keep an eye on magic press for details or book
online at
www.northernmagiccircle.org.uk.
16.1.16
'Derren
Brown:
Pushed to the Edge' is being repeated on 4Seven this evening:
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.
"How my lovely moral sister-in-law became a Derren Brown 'killer': Family describe their shock at watching her convinced to 'murder'" Click Here.
"Derren Brown, Pushed to the Edge: viewers paranoid over ‘green dot and high-pitched noises’ during TV special" Click Here.
"Derren Brown review: Shock, awe, sausage rolls - and a hard-hitting final message" Click Here.
"Was Derren Brown's show a push too far?" Click Here.
"Shocking ‘murder’ televised" Click Here.
"Derren Brown under fire for trick involving public 'pushing man off a roof'" Click Here.
"'He's gone too far' Derren Brown's Pushed To The Edge slammed as 'cruel' by viewers" Click Here.
"Making a murderer with Derren Brown" Click Here.
"Derren Brown’s Pushed To The Edge labelled ‘cruel’ and ‘unethical’ by viewers" Click Here. 16.1.16
Steve
Beam October 2016 lecture tour now booking. Tony Griffith writes: Steve
Beam’s lecture tour, which had to be cancelled last year, has now been arranged
to take place later this year between 3rd – 22nd October. Steve Beam is the
author of the very popular hardbound ten set Semi Automatic Card Tricks series,
The Trapdoor magazine (now available in three hardbound volumes), plus numerous
other publications. He is without doubt one of the most entertaining card
magicians around. Steve writes: "It has been seven years since my fourth tour of
the UK. Rumour has it that the roadways have recovered from my previous visits,
and that some UK pedestrians are actually excited about the opportunity for
another exhilarating game of dodge-car. Personally, I’m looking forward to
renewing old friendships, sessioning with new friends, and sharing the latest in
practical card (and other) magic. I have made many friends in the UK since my
first tour in 1996. I have not only kept in touch with these friends over the
last twenty years, but also I have used dozens of their effects in my books –
sometimes even with credit to them. Those who have attended my previous lectures
will appreciate that I am now virtually fluent in the English language." Clubs
interested in booking Steve’s lecture should contact Tony Griffith: 01275 835463
tony@tonygriffith.co.uk for more
details. Early booking is advised.
16.1.16
The
Magicians' Podcast with Richard Young makes a very welcome return on Friday,
22nd January. The first of the new series will be a double bill featuring
Richard's stage partner Sam Strange and Canadian illusionist Darcy Oake. Listen
to both (from Friday) and catch up with previous editions at
magicianspodcast.podbean.com. Also see
www.facebook.com/MagiciansPodcast and iTunes,
Click Here.
16.1.16
Giggio
once again sponsors The Magicians' Podcast. That catchy jingle is back!
Giggio is the best (and most user-friendly) booking management system available
for professional entertainers. It allows your clients to view and confirm their
bookings online, generates contracts, invoices, tracks payments, calculates
mileage and much more. See how it will transform your business here
Click Here, then take your
free 30 day trial at
www.giggio.co.uk.
16.1.16
Loud, bombastic,
overbearing... and that's just Donald Trump. Penn Jillette competes on 'The
Celebrity Apprentice USA' on Friday 22nd January
on BBC 1 (first shown in the USA a few years ago). "Donald Trump presents the American version of the
business-based competition, with celebrity contenders playing for their chosen
charities. The starting line-up includes magician Penn Jillette. The candidates
will be assessed and eliminated by Donald Trump, with help from daughter Ivanka
and son Don Jr." See
TV Magic.
16.1.16
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.
16.1.16
Chris
North's brand new lecture 'Surviving Half a Century in Magic' is now taking
bookings for the year ahead. "Chris delivered a fascinating lecture about
his 50 year career in the world of magic and really showed us how the trends
have changed and how he changed with them. It was a great presentation featuring
slide shows, clips and stories from the heyday of variety entertainment. I have
known Chris for a number of years but was taken aback by just how much he has
done and achieved along this journey." To read the full review from Steve Majes,
Click
Here. For lecture details and to book, visit the
Lecturers page.
16.1.16
The
Undateables, Monday 18th
January, Channel 4. "Five years ago, 23-year-old footballer George
had a near fatal car accident that left him paralysed from the chest
down. George now wants a girlfriend, but since his accident he's been
too nervous to ask anyone out. Will his charm win the heart of Nathalie?
Magician David from Essex, who has a learning disability, has never had
a relationship and says he finds social situations awkward. How will his
meeting with Claire go? Bethany from Leicestershire meets plenty of boys
at her local theatre group but says she doesn't imagine any of them
would ever fancy her. The 20 year old, who has Downs syndrome, wants to
experience love - will her date with Bradley provide a taste of real
romance?" See TV Magic
for details.
16.1.16
Peter McLanachan will be presenting a lecture
for Paisley Magic Circle this Thursday evening,
21st January, at their usual meeting place: St Ninian's Church Hall, Blackstoun
Road, Paisley, Renfrewshire PA3 1NR (Map). The first half of the lecture will be a mix
of effects that can be performed with a regular deck of cards while the second
half will be a discussion of one of Peter's favourite effects which he has used
to close performances for the last 15 years, the Deck Vanish. The lecture starts
at 7.30pm and entry for non-members is £5.
www.paisleymagiccircle.co.uk.
16.1.16
The Radio 2 Arts Show with Nihal, Friday 22nd January on BBC Radio Two.
Nihal sits in for Claudia Winkleman and talks to magician Dynamo. Plus
Robbie Collin with film news, television producer Jane Fallon and the
Rocky Horror Show on tour. See
TV Magic for details.
16.1.16
The
January Mark Leveridge Podcast: If you receive an enquiry for a booking and
you can't make the date, do you pass the enquiry on to a magical colleague? And
if you do, would you expect a commission or cut of the fee received by the other
magician? This is one of the topics that I discuss in the latest Podcast which
is free for you to download or listen to online. Other subjects covered in this
issue are: creativity and how to maintain it over many years; I reflect on the
very healthy state of live magic performance currently in the UK; looking back
at 2015 can help you to effectively plan 2016; dealing with charity show
requests; the complex web of marketing opportunities that confront everyone who
seeks to promote their shows these days; the new beginner magic events at the
MLM Academy. A new edition of the 30 minute Podcast is published on the 1st day
of every month and you can access this latest edition and any of the back issues
right now from
www.markleveridge.podbean.com or from
www.markleveridge.co.uk/podcast.php.
16.1.16
MindFX are proud to announce the release of Recreation:
"Recreation brings a
totally new approach to the ACAAN plot. Designed specifically for casual
performances you will be able to recreate the ACAAN effect with the greatest of
ease. A genuinely thought of card and number, and the spectator does all of the
dealing and revealing. Recreation comes with three additional bonus ACAAN
routines and best of all, this is currently listed at an introductory price of
£5.99
www.mindfx.co.uk.
16.1.16
Peter
Antoniou - 'Psychic' Comedian at Dave's Leicester Comedy Festival: Direct
from London's West End to
Dave's Leicester
Comedy Festival. If you could ask a psychic a question what would it be? A
clue about your past, present, future? Your love life or just what colour is
your underwear? Think of your question and Psychic Comedian Peter Antoniou will
read it from your mind and provide an answer. Stand-up comedy meets mind
reading. Thursday 18th February at 8pm. Tickets: £8 (£6). Upstairs @ The
Western, 70 Western Road, Leicester LE3 0GA (Map).
www.upstairsatthewestern.com.
16.1.16
Manchester
Circle of Magicians Jumbo Magic Auction. From the organisers: Monday 18th
January at Salford Masonic Hall, Hemsley House, 41 The Crescent, Salford, Near
Manchester M5 4PE (Map).
Auction commences at 6.30pm. Doors open 5.30pm with viewing from 6pm. Door
charge £3.00, free for members. Star Auctioneers Mike Shepherd and Derek Lever.
Hundreds of items for sale without reserve including books, DVDs, kids props,
close up magic, stage apparatus etc. Further information from Derek Lever:
d.lever1@sky.com.
16.1.16
Luis Otero's
lecture tour is now underway... "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 on 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." See
What's
On for details..
16.1.16
Steve
and Tricia Blake email to say they'd like to meet up with other magic acts
cruising in the Caribbean at the moment (they are currently on the 5 star MS
Insignia for Oceania cruises for 6 months). Contact via
www.steveandtriciablake.com.
16.1.16
The
Gathering 'Magician of the Year' Competition. From the organisers: The
Gathering Magician of the Year 2016 is here. We have an amazing line up
featuring: Steve Kovarez, Paul Henri, Jack Brister, Jake Ace, Robert Rathbone,
Josh Pickering, Jeff Drayton (from BGT), Steve Majes, Ed Crafer and David
Wrighting. The evening is being compered by the amazing Brian Clarke. February
2nd at the St George Hotel, Great Yarmouth Nr30 3JH
www.st-georgehotel.co.uk starting at 7.30 pm. Entry is free so come along
and enjoy a fun filled evening. For further information regarding the event
email Kyle at thegathering@mail.com
or telephone 07510 933734.
16.1.16
Home
Counties Magical Society's next meeting is at 8pm on Thursday 21st January
at Maiden Place Community Centre, Maiden Place, Kilnsea Drive, Earley, Reading
RG6 3HE (Map)
and will feature a lecture by Oliver Graham (see
www.magic247.co.uk).
Visiting magicians welcome for a door charge of £10. For more info visit
www.hcms.org.uk.
16.1.16
Freddie
Davies Performance Masterclass. From the organisers: The Art of the Stage
Performer - Secrets of Presenting Yourself to an Audience - How can I present
myself at my best? - Ever wonder why your act doesn’t go as well as it should? -
You realise that your act needs improving but you aren’t sure what or how to
change, or why! - Your act goes well but you know it could and should be better,
but where do I learn this stuff? - Why aren’t you getting the applause you know
you should be getting? If you’ve pondered any of these questions, you are in
luck, because now is your golden opportunity to find at least some of the
answers. Freddie Davies comes from a showbiz family, grew up in the Variety era,
the forties and the fifties, and has enormous knowledge of his craft from both
sides of the footlights. Two decades as a nationally known comedian and even
three more as a director, producer and agent. Freddie's masterclass will cover
the tips, techniques, strategies and tactics known by the old pros on presenting
themselves to best advantage, and these secrets are practically unknown to
today's magicians, comedians and stand-up performers. Thursday 11th February at
the Three Minute Theatre, Oldham Street, Manchester at 7.30pm with an interview
at 3pm. Tickets £40. Further details:
facebook.com/events/622268617912237.
16.1.16
The
House Magicians Magic School, Bristol, Easter 2016. Mark Bennett, a magician
for over 23 years and a member of The Magic Circle, will be teaching you all the
aspects of magic from history to presentation to sleight of hand, giving all the
apprentices great confidence and new skills. Each half day course is £55 per
child (aged 10-15). We do advise that the apprentices bring there own snacks due
to dietary requirements, however the school will provide a full range of fruit
juices throughout the course. The class will include the teaching of 3-4 magic
tricks, after which the apprentices will be given the opportunity to perform in
front of their fellow magicians and family to show how they have improved. A DVD
with a value of £15 will also be given to each magician and all props will be
theirs to keep. For full details visit
www.smokeandmirrorsbar.co.uk.
16.1.16
"Ricky
Jay and the Met Conjure Big Magic in Miniature"
Click Here • "The Illusionists breaks box office records at the
Shaftesbury Theatre"
Click Here • "Sad goodbye to 'gentleman magician' formerly from
Pembury in Tunbridge Wells"
Click Here • "Magician Dynamo adds a fifth show to his Metro Radio
Arena run"
Click Here • "Ta-Da: Magician's Trick Brings 3D Images to Your
Phone"
Click Here • "Win three pairs of tickets to see Dynamo"
Click Here • "Ascot magician Jamie Raven wows players at Leicester
City ahead of FA Cup clash"
Click Here • "Houdini & Doyle: trailer and synopsis for ITV’s new
drama"
Click Here • "John Dee: the man who spoke to angels"
Click Here • "Interviewing Criss Angel: Magician says demand led him
to create 'The Supernaturalists,' bring them to State Theatre"
Click Here • "Kelly Hoppen and Dynamo's unique interior design
collaboration is totally magic"
Click Here • Your UK magic news and reviews always welcomed, see you
next week, Duncan.
16.1.16