Number 819 - 5th March 2016
Houdini
and Doyle, Sunday 13th March, ITV. Stephen Mangan plays Sir
Arthur Conan Doyle alongside Michael Weston as Harry Houdini, two of the
most fascinating and iconic characters of the early 20th century:
real-life friends, real-life adversaries, real-life crime solvers.
Harry Houdini: master magician, escape artist, born penniless and now
the highest paid performer in the world and he wants everyone to know
it. He refuses to believe in the paranormal. As a professional magician
and master of illusion he knows there’s nothing supernatural about
magic. To him, everything unexplained is a trick, a gimmick, or a fraud.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is the creator of the greatest detective of all
time - Sherlock Holmes - but is also a passionate believer in the
paranormal. Because, having lost someone very close to him, he
desperately wants to find a way of communicating with them.
This fundamental difference between the two men leads to conflict... and
humour... and competition. High-minded competition in the pursuit of the
truth and ridiculous petty competition because they’re... guys. But
despite all this, they need each other. Doyle needs Houdini because he
is gullible. Houdini needs Doyle because he is wrong. What can we
believe? What should we believe? Is cynicism to be admired or is it what
makes us human? Is reason the antithesis of hope? The series starts on
Sunday 13th March, on ITV, and then moves to ITV Encore. Stephen Mangan is Alan Carr's guest on
Thursday 10th March on Channel 4. See
TV Magic.
5.3.16
The
Magicians' Podcast this week is "The Bonanza Special - direct from Las Vegas
issue" with Piff The Magic Dragon! A few years ago
John van der Put was a jobbing magician, now has his own
show at The Flamingo on The Strip in Las Vegas. This interview with Richard Young
looks at his extraordinary journey. Listen
to this podcast and catch up with previous editions at
magicianspodcast.podbean.com. Also see
www.facebook.com/MagiciansPodcast.
5.3.16
Tenyoism
by Richard Kaufman is reviewed by Quentin Reynolds this week. "At its core Tenyoism is two large and heavy volumes covering almost 1400 pages
printed in full colour on museum quality paper covering every trick produced by
Tenyo from the early 1960’s to 2014. While working instructions are not included
with every trick, many alternate handlings are and most of these are as ingenious
as the original..." Two volumes, 4 DVDs and three Tenyo Tricks. To read
Quentin's full Five Star review
Click Here.
5.3.16
Dangerman:
The Incredible Mr Goodwin. Jonathan Goodwin is a man who combines
the skills of Houdini and Superman. He is the new breed of escapologist
and a professional danger-man, putting himself in the most extreme
situations and dodging death every time. Share the tension and
excitement as he attempts spectacular feats of out-of-this-world
bravery, agility and physical strength. The new series starts on Dave on
Friday 11th March at 9pm. See
TV Magic.
5.3.16
Derren Brown's Ghost Train
opens on Friday May 6th.
Derren Brown’s Ghost Train, which can only be found at Thorpe Park Resort, is a
head-spinning train journey of between 10-15 minutes, the like of which guests
will never have taken before; providing a heady mixture of exhilarating live
action sequences, 4D special effects, grand-scale illusions, next generation
technology, and physical transit. No place for spectators, guests will play a
major part in the action which will leave them questioning where perception ends
and reality begins.
Thorpe Park Resort’s biggest and most ambitious investment to date, Derren
Brown’s Ghost Train takes theme park attractions to a whole new level, promising
to derail guests’ minds with a series of multi-sensory experiences. Like its
inventor, this is a smart ride that also has 12 multiple knee-shaking journeys
and two endings - so not only will no two ‘rides’ on board Derren Brown’s Ghost
Train be the same but every journey will provoke an intense response and
reaction in each individual ‘passenger.’ So whilst guests may share the journey
with others, the experience will be an individual one – and every journey, every
sensation and every fear will be quite unique.
Derren Brown said: "Visitors can look forward to experiencing a heady and heart stopping combination of next generation technology, grand illusion, special effects and live action that will completely rewrite the rules of what a theme park attraction can deliver. I firmly believe that this kind of multi-sensory, mind blowing attraction represents a glimpse of what the future holds for theme parks the world over." For more information visit www.thorpepark.com. 23.1.16
Blackpool Magic Festival
photos have now been added to last week's review. Once again
Daniel Eden of Eden Photography (telephone 07759 828822,
www.eden-photography.co.uk) has done a wonderful job in capturing the
atmosphere of the convention (thanks Dan!).
Click Here.
5.3.16
South
Tyneside International Magic Festival (11th -
13th March) is very different in feel to many conventions. Being small (with usually around 150 registrants) it's
very informal and relaxed. Registrants get lots of chances to interact
during the lectures and events, and to spend time with the acts.
This year's stellar line-up includes, from the USA John Carney and Chad Long,
from Belgium Rafael with his great comedy act.
From Sweden Malin Nilsson and from Germany Alana.
UK comedy juggler Steve Rawlings, crazy antics from Men in Coats, a
Children's Show and Lecture from Paul Megram, and stand up comedy moments from Danny Buckler and Phil Butler.
And some of the best magic performers in the UK to perform and lecture: Paul Wilson, Michael Vincent, Will Houstoun, Ken Nedy, Peter
Clifford and John Archer. Two gala shows, a close-up gala, late night comedy, lectures, workshops, a
comedy magic panel, fun history from a Magical Doctor, and lots of
socialising! See
www.southtyneside.gov.uk/magicfestival.
5.3.16
Kane
& Abel's April Fools Fool Fest. Comedy country conjurors Kane & Abel
have washed down their wellies and descended on London for a celebration
of the pranksters’ holiday – April Fools’ Day. Join the twin-brother duo
for a mouth-watering smorgasbord of comedy, magic and silly stunts
guaranteed to blow your pants off! Don’t miss your chance to experience
what has made Kane & Abel a popular attraction at the Edinburgh Festival
Fringe (“Funny, enduring … brilliant fun.”/ “Pick of the Fringe.”),
Glastonbury Festival (“People like you make this festival.”).
Friday 1st April at 9.30pm at the Etcetera Theatre, 265 Camden High
Street, London NW1 7BU (Map).
To book tickets
Click Here.
5.3.16
Life
Hacks Hoax. A brand new series with magician Ben Hart for BBC Three.
Magician Ben Hart has a handy life hack to repair a smashed egg - but is
it all an illusion?
YouTube. A new
one will be appearing on YouTube and the BBC Three website every
Thursday. Produced by Head of Magic Anthony Owen at Second Star
Productions, part of the Objective Media Group.
5.3.16
Magic
Auction,
Modern Mystic League, Blackburn.
This
Sunday, 6th March, The Modern Mystic League, Blackburn, will be
auctioning the effects of Mo Howarth and books from the library of Bryce
Lea at St Silas Parish Centre, Preston New Road, Blackburn BB2 6PS (Map).
Star auctioneers Brian Berry and Trevor Dawson. Auction begins at 2pm
with viewing from 1pm. Refreshments will be included and admission is
free... as long as you buy something! Brian Lead (Chairman/Concert
Secretary).
5.3.16
Conjuring
at the Court, London, Thursday 31st March. From the organisers:
Another fabulous evening from London’s longest-running monthly magic
show, Conjuring at the Court. It’s a celebration of 70 years of the
Zodiac Magical Society with four Zodiac members on stage – all wonderful
professional magicians. There’s the strong magic of Richard Pinner,
vice-president of the Magic Circle. Carl Pettman is a very funny
performer, combining magic with a dry wit. Bharat Patel startles
audiences – including magicians - with his direct, powerful mysteries
and mind-reading. Steve Rawlings is a hilarious juggler who brought the
house down at the Bristol convention with his comic antics. Compere is
the lively co-producer Stephen Barry. The show starts at 8pm and runs to
10pm. Drayton Court, 2 The Avenue, West Ealing, London W13 8PH (Map).
Come early to enjoy dinner from the pub’s great menu. There’s an elegant
Victorian dining room as well as the spacious bars. Wi-fi is available
throughout the pub. The Drayton Court is just 12 minutes from Central
London: take the West Ealing train from Paddington and the pub is 2
minutes walk from the station. Parking is free from 6.30pm.
www.conjuringatthecourt.com.
5.3.16
The
Big Night Out Wakefield, Thursday 10th March at 7pm at Wakefield
Warehouse 23, 23 Smyth Street, Wakefield WF1 1FD (Map).
Starring
Michael Jordan from Hi-Jinx, John Danbury (compere) and Antonio Zip
(comedy mime act) as well as three fabulous singers. This is a charity
event. Tickets are just £10 in advance or £12 on the door. For tickets:
Click Here.
5.3.16
Magic
Sam's Beautiful Magicians' Club. London's regular sell-out Comedy,
Cabaret and Magic night comes to... Chorley Little Theatre on Easter
Saturday, March 26th. Hosted by The Peoples Magician, Chorley's own
Magic Sam. Featuring Paul Dabek - 'Superb Showman' (Time Out) 'Dabek
will have you in the palm of his hand. 5 stars' (Broadway Baby).
Gruesome Twosome - Internationally published alt models. Expect fire,
sparks and sexiness. Kieron the Mighty - Consultant to worldwide
television magicians (including you know who!) This act will have you
gagging for more! Jack Charlie Beavis - Young, Welsh wizard with
hilarious comedy and unbelievable juggling, who performs over 1000 shows
a year. George Firehorse - The happiest man on earth brings insanity
from Belfast, with a teleporting raccoon and a Monkey of truth! £10.00 +
£1.00 Booking fee. Little Theatre, Dole Lane, Chorley PR7 2RL (Map).
www.wegottickets.com.
5.3.16
New
Magic Show to open at Disneyland Paris. After this being kept top
secret for over a year, a new permanent magic show is to open at
Disneyland Paris, which will play 5 times a day with a projected minimum
5 year run. The show that it is replacing clocked-up 27,000
performances! The magic has been created by Paul Kieve, with lighting by
frequent collaborator Tim Lutkin (Dynamo Fiat launch, Matilda, Ghost,
Dynamo's tour.). The show is a collaboration between the Imagineering
team in California and the team at Paris Disneyland. It’s one of the
initiatives for the park revamp in time for its upcoming 25th
anniversary. To find out more
Click Here.
5.3.16
The
Classic Leveridge Range. Mark Leveridge writes: "Last year I
launched the Classic Leveridge Range in which there will be occasional
re-releases of popular products which have not been available from me
for some years. In 2015 Ultimate Jumbo Stretch was released and now
another great favourite is being made available again, an excellent card
matrix effect called Jumpers. Designed as a close up presentation
effect, this matrix is very clean in handling and has a terrific and
unexpected surprise finish. The method has been streamlined from the
original in order to make the ending even more open. Quantities of
Jumpers will be limited and when the current batch is gone it may not be
possible to get any further supplies. So, go to
www.markleveridge.co.uk/ju.php and watch the dem and if you like
what you see, get your order in quickly to avoid disappointment."
5.3.16
Now
That's What I Call Magic is returning to the Q Ball, St Martin's,
Basildon, Essex SS14 1DJ (Map)
for the Easter Holidays on 2nd April at 8.30pm. Featuring The Great
Alprendo, Richard Graham and the award winning Oliver Tabor. Tickets are
£10 for adults and £3 for children. The last one sold out. Reserve your
tickets by emailing
taylor412514@blueyonder.co.uk.
5.3.16
John
Palfreyman lectures at The Surrey Society of Magicians on 10th March.
In "Over 80 years of being a Magical Nut" John will talk about his
progression through the world of magic. It starts with the first trick
he ever saw when he was 6 years old through to his journey as performer,
inventor, consultant, dealer and author, right up to the present day.
Through the talk he'll perform many tricks that have been in his adult
and children's shows, together with items of his own invention with many
personal anecdotes. The evening will include a number of items for sale:
Lecture Notes, Tricks and a book for Children's Entertainers. 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.
5.3.16
John
Carney Workshop - Manchester. Martin Allcock writes: From Los Angeles
to Manchester via South Shields. Master Magician John Carney is coming to
Manchester for a one-off exclusive workshop session. John Carney is widely
acknowledged by his peers as one of the finest sleight of hand performers in the
world, with awards and accolades worldwide. Hollywood's Magic Castle have
awarded Carney more awards than anyone in their history, as well as the Academy
of Magical Arts prestigious Performing Masters Fellowship. Television
appearances include Late Show with David Letterman and the Jerry Seinfeld HBO
Special. He has performed in theatres throughout the world, as well as casinos
in Atlantic City, Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas.
John often incorporates different characters, from
silly to sentimental, into his performances, creating a complete theatrical
experience. He is a tireless creator of original material, and has shared many
of his ideas, techniques and presentations in several books and instructional
videos of advanced sleight of hand. He has lectured extensively throughout the
world, and his books Magic by Design, Carneycopia, and The Book of Secrets are
considered modern classics in instruction of the art form.
This is a rare opportunity for you to pick the brains of one of magic's greatest
sleight of hand practitioners in a friendly and supportive environment. Got a
routine you're working on or a sleight you're struggling with? This is your
opportunity to ask specific questions, get coaching on your performance, and
learn strategies for personal advancement. The workshop will be held from 6pm on
Tuesday 15th March in Salford (very close to the MCM HQ) and will last for
around 4 hours. The cost is £60 per person. Places are strictly limited to a
maximum of 14 people. Contact Martin Allcock:
martin@magical-entertainment.co.uk 07880 380984.
Close-up
Magic at The Magic Circle - London.
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! Friday 8th April and Friday 6th May. Doors open 7pm, event starts at 7.30pm and finishes at 9.30pm.
Tickets £19.75 plus transaction fee from
www.themagiccircle.co.uk/public-events or
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 is not usually recommended for those under 10. No refunds will
be issued for under 10s.
5.3.16
Steve Beam’s lecture tour in October is almost
fully booked. Tony Griffith emails: He will be
lecturing for the following clubs: Surrey Society of Magicians, Medway
Magical Society, Devon Magic Circle, Bath Circle of Magicians, Magicians
of Man, Fylde Mystics, Perth Magic Circle, Hull Magicians' Club,
Shropshire Magic Society, Home Counties Magic Society. There are vacancies for two more lectures. One on Saturday/Sunday
15/16th October in the North/North East of England, and one on Tuesday
18th October in South Yorkshire/Lancashire/North Midlands, en
route from Hull to Shrewsbury.
Interested clubs please contact Tony Griffith 01275 835463
tony@tonygriffith.co.uk.
5.3.16
Leicester
Magician Abz wins Scoot Headline Award for his magic. Abz competed
against more than 500 other nominees in the Awards. Presentations will
be made at a glittering ceremony in St Martin in the Fields, Trafalgar
Square, London on April 25th. Abz has been performing close-up magic for
over 10 years now. His client list includes singers, actors and also
boxer Amir Khan.
www.headlineawards.co.uk
www.abzmagician.com.
5.3.16
Enterteasement:
Comedy Magic Burlesque - Glasgow, Friday & Saturday,
March 11th & 12th, 8pm - 10.30pm. "Enterteasement is Glasgow's Comedy Magic
Burlesque show. They proudly boast a 4.7 star average customer review and have a
reputation for selling out. This month accompanying a full line-up of 'As Seen
On TV' Comedians is one of Scotland's most highly rated comedy magicians Chris
Dinwoodie aka Woody." BGT. Tickets £14 via
www.enterteasement.com.
Venue: Admiral Bar, 72 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 7DA (Map).
5.3.16
Planning
your programme of events for your club? Visit the MagicWeek
Lecturers page!
5.3.16
"Irene
Larsen, Magic Castle Co-Founder, Dies at 79"
Click Here.
5.3.16
"Just
like that! Tommy Cooper to be honoured with London blue plaque"
Click Here •
"Street magician performs clever trick, but can you spot how he did it?"
Click Here •
"Magician Dynamo On How Crohn's Disease And Childhood Bullies Drove Him
To Achieve The Impossible"
Click Here • "Dynamo’s 2016 tour kicks off in Belfast! Dates &
tickets"
Click Here •
"Vlasta Dalibor, puppeteer - obituary"
Click Here •
"Review: Dynamo at Echo Arena"
Click Here •
"Derren Brown returns to Swansea with the 'brain-blowingly brilliant'
Miracle"
Click Here •
"Inside the mind of miracle man Derren Brown"
Click Here •
"Watch the moment magician makes Plymouth landmark vanish"
Click Here •
'An Evening With Dee Riley' is reviewed by Steve Majes this week,
Click Here •
That's it for another week, many thanks for all your news submissions,
see you next week, Duncan.
5.3.16