Number
821 - 19th March 2016
Paul
Daniels (6th April 1938 - 17th March 2016). Paul Daniels started out performing in working men's clubs where he
honed his quick-witted ad-libs and brilliant magic routines to
perfection. He made his TV debut on ITV's talent show Opportunity
Knocks, but it was really his three appearances on The Wheeltappers and
Shunters Social Club
YouTube in 1975 and 1976 that shot him to fame nationwide. This led on to him ultimately
having his own BBC series The Paul Daniels Magic Show, which ran
for 15 years; dominating the British magic scene throughout the 80s and
early 90s. He also enjoyed great success in London's West End, starring
in his own show It's Magic at the Prince of Wales Theatre, from December
1980 to February 1982, and was by then working with his future wife, Debbie
McGee. Debbie, a trained ballet dancer, had first worked with Paul on his summer
season in Great Yarmouth in 1979.
My personal memories of early Paul Daniels and the super-talent that he was will always remain vivid. I was lucky enough to have seen him live, in what I consider to be his best performing period, and natural habitat, when he appeared at a night club in Bournemouth on September 9th, 1975. I'd seen him on TV on The Wheeltappers and Shunters Social Club and also on the BBC magic series For My Next Trick which ran in the summer of 1975, so couldn't wait to actually see his full club act live.
I went with school friend John Rogers and kept the flyer, on the left, as a souvenir. Daniels was incredible! He must have done about 40 minutes. From memory he performed the Chop Cup (that should read his Chop Cup, as no other magician ever came close), borrowed Banknote in Walnut, in Egg, in Lemon, Electric Chairs and more. There was a real underlying charm and playfulness and sense of fun throughout his whole performance, combined with cheeky one-liners and, at that time, just the right level of confidence and command... you knew you were watching the very best. He had an instant ad-lib for everything, everyone, and every situation, and his comic timing was perfect. His magic timing was perfect. His choice of magic was perfect. He was simply brilliant! A bit like a band's first album, I think those early years were pretty much unsurpassable.
Little did I know that 30 years on I'd be appearing, with my wife Keiko, on his show, The Paul Daniels Show: Encore! - a special one-off gala that John Fisher had produced as part of The Magic Circle Centenary Celebration Convention held in London in July 2005. Paul Daniels was once again very much on form and it was a great night.
Back in the early '70s David Nixon said of Paul Daniels "Definitely destined for super stardom" and so he was. I was always amazed by his never-ending zeal, not just for magic, but for life itself. I'm sure the whole magic community would like to pass on their love to Debbie and family. Duncan Trillo. 19.3.16
Just some of the Press:
"'Our life was full of laughter until the last 48 hours when he slipped into sleep': Paul Daniels's tearful wife Debbie McGee reveals he spent his final days eating his favourite Magnum ice creams and singing Beatles songs" www.dailymail.co.uk.
"Steve Allen's Touching Tribute To Paul Daniels" www.lbc.co.uk.
"Paul Daniels' best clips, from the Iron Maiden to disappearing elephants" www.theguardian.com.
"Paul Daniels: David Copperfield pays tribute to the late magician" www.express.co.uk.
"Paul Daniels: Debbie McGee says their
lives were full of laughter"
www.bbc.co.uk.
"Dynamo: Paul Daniels was 'first working class magician' to make it and
a 'master'"
www.bbc.co.uk.
"TV magician Paul Daniels dies aged 77"
www.itv.com.
"Paul Daniels – an accomplished trickster
who was not hiding anything from the public"
www.theguardian.com.
"Dynamo: 'Paul Daniels was the godfather of magic'"
www.bigissue.com.
"Other magicians did tricks – Paul Daniels performed magic"
www.theguardian.com.
"Paul Daniels: Middlesbrough Circle of Magicians tell how he never
forgot his roots"
www.gazettelive.co.uk.
19.3.16
Chris
Cross announces a Paul Daniels Charity Magic Show. From the
organisers: Just before the legendary magician and showman passed away,
Daniels set-up his own
charity page to raise money towards Brain Tumour Research.Org and
three other charities, aiming to raise a total of £100,000. This final
charitable gesture to help bring smiles to people's faces will be part
of his legacy. On Thursday 19th May Chris Cross had booked Paul Daniels
& The Lovely Debbie McGee to perform at his Quayside Cabaret Club at
Prima Pizza Pasta in Newcastle City Centre, but that sadly got cancelled
due to Paul's battle against cancer. Just nine months ago, Paul Daniels,
Debbie McGee and Chris Cross performed to a Sold Out audience in the
same venue. We are still putting on a show on that date, as a tribute to
Paul Daniels. Chris said ''It's such a sad time at the moment and my
thoughts are especially with Debbie, Martin, Gary and Paul Jnr. I will
treasure the memories of performing alongside one of my heroes last year
at my Cabaret Club. Putting on a show to raise some money for his
charity is the least I can do.
The evening will be compered by fellow magician John Archer. John was a
member of the Middlesbrough Circle of Magicians with Daniels in the
early days and has performed with him on numerous occasions around the
country. More acts are being confirmed for the evening, which promises
to be a magical evening of comedy and trickery, with a few Paul Daniels
stories too!
Tickets cost £25 and the price includes a three-course meal, with all profits being donated to Paul's www.gofundme.com/pauldanielsmagic charity page. Thursday 19th May 2016, 7pm-11pm at The Quayside Cabaret Club, Prima Pizza Pasta, The Side, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. For tickets email info@chris-cross.co.uk. See the Facebook Magic Show Tribute Event page facebook.com/events/515506545300863 and Paul's GoFundMe Charity Page www.gofundme.com/pauldanielsmagic. 19.3.16
Champions
of Magic UK Tour 2016 - it all starts on Saturday! Starring: Young & Strange, Fay Presto, Alex
the Mind Reader and Edward Hilsum. From the producers: Join 5 of the World’s top
illusionists for a spectacular night of mystery that’ll keep you guessing for a
long time to come. With over 16 million online views between them, the cast
includes international award winners presenting incredible mind reading,
stunning close-up magic and daring large-scale illusions. Witness the
impossible, including disappearances, teleportation and a heart stopping finale
that sees one performer walk through the spinning steel blades of a giant
industrial fan, all presented with lighting and pyrotechnics to rival the
biggest arena productions. “World-class illusionists... you will have to
go to see what happens” Jersey Evening Post. “Spectacular family show... take a seat and
prepare to be astounded, astonished and amazed” Heart FM.
See What's On or
www.championsofmagic.co.uk for full details. 19.3.16
Houdini's
Magic Bar set to open in the South East of England in May. Houdini’s
Magic Bar, a place to relax, unwind and be entertained. A little bit
quirky and a lot magical! Houdini’s, situated in the heart of the
Dickensian, seaside town of Broadstairs is set to open in May. Houdini’s
will delight you with magic, performed as you sample some of the best
cocktails and drinks around. Houdini’s magicians will astound you with
their bar tricks and cocktail routines. Revel in the quirky interior
that lends more mystery to your evening. Houdini’s is bursting with
intrigue... enjoy a game or two with your companions, solve some of our
puzzles, read up on the latest one-liners or dabble in a bit of magic
yourself. Houdini’s delights from the moment you arrive, warmly welcomed
you are invited to sit back, soak up the atmosphere and experience good
times with a nod to the nostalgic. For more info visit us on our
Facebook page:
facebook.com/houdinismagicbar.
19.3.16
The
Northern Magic Circle are delighted to announce the return of the
one and only John Archer to their convention at the Harrogate Theatre
(April 9th & 10th). Having fooled Penn and Teller, and toured the UK
with Tim Vine, John Archer's comedy and magic will take you on a
rollercoaster ride of idiotic visual gags and baffling trickery. This
year's convention will also include a gala show hosted by the amazing
Wayne Goodman featuring the shadow magic of Two Minds Combined, the
manipulative magic of Oliver Tabor, the 1920s themed magic of Katie
Trickett, 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 will also be a fantastic Children's Show with some of the UK's
best children's entertainers. Tickets are £55 for members £65 non
members and can be booked online at
www.northernmagiccircle.org.uk.
19.3.16
The
56th Annual Bristol Day of Magic. Where can you see Richard Griffin,
Matt Pang, Dave Jones, Paul Stone, Mark James, Megan Knowles-Bacon, Dave
Bonsall, Paul Ray, The White Magic Show, and more, in a day packed full
of magic and entertainment? At the 56th Annual Bristol Day of Magic on
Sunday 8th May 2016. For more information and to book go to
www.bristoldayofmagic.com. Paul MacLeavy.
19.3.16
Monday
Morning Magic. A very special event for the school holidays,
designed to give families a sneak peek inside The Magic Circle. You'll
meet magicians who will show you wondrous sleight of hand, curators who
will recount stories about The Magic Circle Collection, and have a
chance to explore the headquarters of this world famous magic club.
Ideal for families with children aged 8 and above. Children must be
accompanied by an adult. Monday 4th April. Doors open 11am. Event starts
at 11.30am and lasts about two hours. Family ticket: A group of four
(must include at least one child and one adult) £50 - no booking fee.
Single tickets: £18.50 plus booking fee. The Magic Circle headquarters,
12 Stephenson Way, Euston, London NW1 2HD (Map).
www.themagiccircle.co.uk/public-events.
19.3.16
Beautiful
Magicians' Club, London's regular sell-out Comedy, Cabaret and Magic
Night comes to Chorley: Hosted by The Peoples Magician, Chorley's own
Magic Sam. Featuring Andrew Birtwell (comedy, mind reading, escapology,
and magic!), Gruesome Twosome, internationally published alt models.
Expect fire, sparks and sexiness!), Kieron the Mighty (consultant to
worldwide television magicians - this act will have you gagging for
more!), Jack Charlie Beavis (young, Welsh wizard with hilarious comedy
and unbelievable juggling skills), George Firehorse (the happiest man on
earth brings insanity from Belfast, with a teleporting raccoon and a
monkey of truth!). Saturday 26th March at 7.30pm. Ages 12+ Full price
£13.50 Concessions £10. Little Theatre, Dole Lane,
Chorley PR7 2RL (Map).
See
www.chorleylittletheatre.com.
19.3.16
Michael
Weber Lecture, International Magic, London. From the organisers: We
are delighted to welcome back Michael Weber (the award winning author of
the impromptu magic book, Life Savers) from the USA. This will be on
this Tuesday, 22nd March. Michael will be sharing some of his newest,
original and baffling magic with ordinary objects, plus two special
pieces of mentalism that we know will amaze and intrigue you. Doors open
7pm, lecture starts at 7.30pm. Admission £15 per person. Venue: Casa
Italiana, 136 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1R 5DL (Map).
www.internationalmagic.com.
19.3.16
The
Mark Leveridge Magic E-Video Newsletter. From the producers: Every
month, for the last 6 years or so, Mark Leveridge has produced a half
hour online 'magazine style' video presentation. It includes tricks,
ideas, news of offers, advice and fun, and access costs an almost
negligible amount! There are two options for sign up - you can either
simply buy access to the current issue, or you can take out a 1 year sub
which will not only reduce the per edition cost even further, but will
guarantee that you receive automatically the latest E-Video Newsletter as
soon as it is released on the 1st of each month. The E-Video Newsletter
is an entertaining and instructive online video presentation, so go and
take a quick look at the current edition trailer, which you will find at
www.markleveridge.co.uk/evn.php and then get yourself signed up
soon. P.S. Want to get it free? Well, members of Mark Leveridge's E-Club
Pro get every E-Video Newsletter at no extra charge, plus they have
permanent access to the main sections of all the previous video
newsletters too. Get more info on E-Club Pro from
www.markleveridge.co.uk/eclubpro.php.
19.3.16
The
Mick Hanzlik Award. Allan James Taylor writes: A Guinness world
record holding Escapologist picked up the first ever "Mick Hanzlik
Award" for the best escape of the day at the United Kingdom Escape
Artists' (UKEA) Annual meeting. Stuart Burrell, Southend on Sea, was
presented with "The Mick Hanzlik Award 2016" in Northampton on Saturday
13th March. The award was presented by Louise and Stephanie Hanzlik,
daughters of the late Mick Hanzlik, Master Locksmith and member of the
UKEA. When asked about the award the holder of 12 Guinness world records
said "The UKEA has some of the most talented performers in the field of
Escapology amongst its members. To be voted the best, when there was so
much talent present, is humbling. I cannot praise the UKEA enough for
giving us the opportunity, but also for creating this award in Mr
Hanzlik's name." Throughout the day all members had the opportunity to
perform an escape of their choice and all members placed a vote on who
they thought deserved the award. If anyone is interested in joining the
UKEA please email
members@theukea.co.uk - maybe you can try for the Award in 2017!
19.3.16
The
Magicians' Podcast this week features Scott Penrose. A former investment
analyst who went on to become The President of The Magic Circle, Scott Penrose
discuss his love of illusions, what he hates about bird acts, his consultancy
work, and the club which he now represents as President. Listen
to this podcast and catch up with previous editions at
magicianspodcast.podbean.com. Also see
www.facebook.com/MagiciansPodcast. 19.3.16
Associated
Conjurers of East Sussex Close-up Competition. Nicky Lewis writes:
Wednesday 9th March, the annual Tom Hooper Memorial Trophy for Close-up
was held at the HQ of the Associated Conjurers of East Sussex. Winner
was President Martin Lewis, who performed a new chop cup routine, a
themed gypsy thread story and any chosen card effect. Great magic and a
well deserved win!
www.acesmagic.co.uk.
19.3.16
Magic Sam's Family Hour, raising money for Derian House Children's Hospice. Hosted by The Peoples Magician, Chorley's own Magic Sam. This is a special 60-minute show for family audiences. Featuring Paul Dabek, Kieron the Mighty, Jack Charlie Beavis, and George Firehorse. Tickets £5 from www.seetickets.com. Saturday 26th March at 5pm at Little Theatre, Dole Lane, Chorley PR7 2RL (Map). www.chorleylittletheatre.com. 19.3.16
South
Tyneside International Magic Festival. Leading magicians from around
the world have been wand-ering to the UK for one of the North East’s
most spellbinding and unusual events. The South Tyneside International
Magic Festival, organised annually by South Tyneside Council, marked its
13th landmark year with five days of tricks, illusions and fun for all
ages. A separate three day convention was also held as part of the
festival, offering professional performers and magic enthusiasts a
chance to perfect their skills and share best practice. This included
lectures by classical conjuror Dr Will Houstoun, children’s entertainer
Paul Megram (aka Colonel Custard), magic consultant Peter Clifford,
sleight of hand expert Michael Vincent, card aficionado Andi Gladwin and
mind reader Kennedy. Councillor Alan Kerr, said: “The South Tyneside
International Magic Festival is one of our most popular and longest
running events. This year, with the help of magician John Archer, we
were able to put together an amazing line up and attract even more
leading performers and visitors from around the globe.” The festival includes
Magic Box
amongst its sponsors. Photo, l to r: Alana, Alan Kerr, Kennedy and John
Archer.
19.3.16
David Meade Mindreader – Fake Believe Tour 2016,
new dates added.
"In this, his most ambitious live show yet, Ireland’s fastest
rising star is returning to the stage following a sell out 2015 Tour, with a
show that is as hilarious as it is jaw dropping! He reveals private PIN numbers,
detects lies, reveals secret thoughts, and influences those around him with
seemingly inexplicable results! With three new cities and seven new dates added
for the 2016 schedule this is set to be the biggest and best tour to date! Last
year’s tour sold out months in advance, so book your tickets now to avoid
disappointment." Tour dates and booking info: www.davidmeade.co.uk. 19.3.16
Ilona Scarlett. Ilona's funeral will be at the East chapel, Croydon Crematorium in Mitcham Road, Croydon Surrey, CR0 3AA on Thursday 31st March at 12 noon. There will be a reception afterwards, to which all are welcome, at The Centre, Milton Road, Wallington SM6 9RP. The family request no flowers but donations to The Louise Coote Lupus unit, Guys Hospital. Further details to follow. If you are attending please let Julie know on 07970 206214 or email juliemead@blueyonder.co.uk. Peter Scarlett. 19.3.16
"Review:
Impossible at the Playhouse"
Click Here • "New ‘Now You
See Me 2’ Trailer Finds the Magicians on the Run"
Click Here • "Interviews: Making magic in Bristol"
Click Here • "A spellbinding invite to learn tricks of magical
trade"
Click Here • "This Guy Pulls Off A Crazy Illusion That Leaves Ellen,
And All Of Us, Stumped"
Click Here • "Dynamo to be first magician to perform at The O2
arena"
Click Here • "Congressman wants to make magic a ‘national treasure’"
Click Here • "How an Ex-Clown Got Magic Bill Introduced in Congress"
Click Here • That's it for this week, your event listings and
reviews always welcomed. See you next week, Duncan.
19.3.16