Number 833 - 11th June 2016

Jamie Raven opens in Cardiff on Thursday! With some 'Sold Out' boards already on display, dates have now been added for an additional tour in November. Jamie told MagicWeek: "I am excited beyond words to be taking my first solo show on tour. It has taken 22 years of learning and 12 years of performing professionally to get here and I can't wait to start. We have put so much hard work into this and I am so proud of what we have come up with. I'm hoping there are also a couple of bits in there that will fool magicians who come too!" Jamie's online videos from Britain’s Got Talent have now been seen over 100 million times, making him one of the most viewed magicians in the world and just two weeks ago Jamie opened the '10 Years of BGT Celebration' on the live TV final, see YouTube.

"Jamie Raven show a sell-out at Lynn Corn Exchange" Click Here.

"Quickfire: Magician Jamie Raven on Britain’s Got Talent standing ovations and a serious kebab habit" Click Here.

"That's more magic from Jamie Raven" Click Here.

2016 tour dates (see www.jamieraven.co.uk/tour for booking info)

16th June – St David Hall, Cardiff
17th June – Dorking Halls, Dorking
18th June – De Montfort Hall, Leicester
19th June – The Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury
21st June – Theatre Royal, Norwich
22nd June – Derngate Theatre, Northampton
23rd June – Swan Theatre, Wycombe
24th June – Alban Arena, St Albans
25th June – New Wimbledon Theatre, Wimbledon
26th June – Corn Exchange, Kings Lynn, Norfolk
27th June – Beck Theatre, Hayes
28th June – Wyvern Theatre, Swindon
29th June – Mercury Theatre, Colchester
30th June – The Anvil, Basingstoke
1st July – Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone
2nd July – Tyne Theatre, Newcastle
3rd July – Cliffs Pavilion, Southend-On-Sea
4th July – Grand Opera House, York
27th July – Jersey Opera House, Jersey
28th July – Jersey Opera House, Jersey

4th November- Lighthouse, Poole
5th November- Orchard, Dartford
6th November- Marina Theatre, Lowestoft
7th November- Regent Theatre, Ipswich
9th November- Colosseum, Watford
14th November- City Hall, Hull
15th November- Playhouse, Whitley Bay
17th November- G Live, Guildford
20th November- The Lowry, Manchester
24th November- Eden Court, Inverness

www.jamieraven.co.uk/tour. 11.6.16

There are 70 magic / magic related shows in Edinburgh this year! Once again Peter McLanachan (www.thecardman.co.uk) has kindly compiled a list of all the shows, Click Here. 11.6.16

Post Office Travel Money. So easy, it's magic! Unsuspecting customers got an extraordinary surprise when they visited the Post Office's London Bridge branch recently: YouTube. The video features undercover magicians Richard Staddon (Magic Oz), Marc Smith and Brendan Rodrigues making mischief, magic and money in the first of a planned series of videos in the 'Post Office Travel Money. So easy, it's magic' campaign, which has been really well produced. DT. 11.6.16

London Festival of Close-up Magic. From the organisers: From the 22nd to the 31st of July a new festival of close-up magic hits London. It begins with a unique show at The Vaults in Waterloo, featuring Magic Circle Close-up Magician of the Year Brendan Rodrigues, and is followed by a series of hour-long performances by international award winning magicians in Hyde Park. See www.magichourshow.com/london-festival-of-close-up-magic for full details.

Magic & Mixology. Official launch of the London Festival of Close-Up Magic. From the organisers: Sink into a world of liquor and legerdemain with three of London's finest close-up magicians. Witness an hour of top class magic at 7, 8 or 9pm and enjoy the atmospheric Vaults bar with our exclusive magic cocktails. In a world of camera tricks, the best way to experience top class magic is close-up - right in front of your eyes. Step into the underground world of illusion and experience the impossible in your own hands. Starring:

Brendan Rodrigues. Magic Circle Close-up Magician of the Year 2016. Originally from Mumbai, Brendan moved to London to pursue his passion, which has lead him to this prestigious award from the world's premier magic society. He will be featured on The Next Great Magician on ITV in the autumn.

Chris Dugdale. "It's impossible!" HM The Queen. 12 Royal Performances. United Nations Command Performer. Associate Member of The Inner Magic Circle. He has performed for celebrities such as Sir Richard Branson and Angelina Jolie, appeared in Las Vegas shows, as well as his own shows at the Edinburgh Fringe and in London's West End.

Tony Middleton. "One of the finest magicians I have ever seen" Sir Roger Moore. Headliner of the 5 star sell out show The Magic Hour - London's most exclusive magic show, established in 2013. His show has been awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence several years running, and he has appeared at top level events at The Savoy, Claridges, and St Pancras Renaissance where he was Resident Magician for over a year. 11.6.16

Conjuring at the Court, Thursday 30th June, London. The show celebrates its 7th year with a superb line-up and a cake for the audience! Starring: Pete Wardell - a very funny performer, the only person to have won The Magic Circle's prestigious Stage Magician and Close Up Magician Awards in the same year. Pete has an in-your-face street style, with memorable comedy and sleight of hand. Will Houstoun - a doctor of magic! A PhD in magic history and an exceptionally skilled magician, he'll be giving an unusual entertainment, with fascinating anecdotes about the history of magic, enlivened with astonishing mysteries. Marc Paul - one of the top mind readers in the country. Much in demand here and abroad, Marc's direct, powerful mind-reading ability enthrals his audience as he appears to look inside their heads and know their thoughts. Jon Allen - one of the most inventive magicians around! A source of ideas and inspiration for other prestidigitators, and a marvellous performer in his own right, with a quirky style that explores fascinating areas of comedy. Compèred by Russell Levinson and not forgetting a Birthday Cake for everyone to enjoy!

There’s a bar at the back of the room so you can have a drink while enjoying the magic. The seating has been updated - so all seats have a good view of the stage. The show starts at 8pm and runs to 10pm with an interval. It’s in the lovely function room of the Drayton Court, 2 The Avenue, West Ealing, London W13 8PH (Map). The pub’s just been completely refurbished to a very high standard and is looking great. 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. Tickets still only £11 from www.conjuringatthecourt.com – it’s cheaper to buy in advance! 11.6.16

In the 1990s the TV magic being produced in the USA had become tired and dated. 'The World's Greatest Magic' series (1994-1998) did feature some excellent performers, but most were better suited to live work - on television the glossy 'bigger is better' production swamped the acts - there was little for the audience to relate to. Magic needs time and space to breath; for it to make a proper connection with its audience. Then along came a dude. A magic dude. He was laid-back, low key, understated. The antithesis of what had gone before. He really understood magic and stripped it back to its essence. And magic changed forever. Visit The MagicWeek Video Archive for this week's video from the summer of '98. DT. 28.5.16

Mel Mellers lectures in Peterborough tomorrow at the Peterborough Society of Magicians 28th Annual Sale, Exchange and Lecture Day. Lectures by Mel Mellers and children's entertainer David Tomkins. Dealers: Adrian Sullivan, Colin Fish, The Magic Trick Shop, Stuart Burrell (escapology), David Tomkins and Richard Ballinger, plus several tables for second-hand magic. Free on site parking. Refreshments available all day. Admission £12 / £6 partners and under 16s. Pay on the door. Full details: www.psmagicians.org.uk or contact Keith Downs, telephone 01778 343167 email the220@btinternet.com. Doors open at 10am on Sunday, 12th June at The Millfield Community Centre, Lincoln Road, Peterborough PE1 2PE (Map). 11.6.16

Leamington and Warwick Magic Society Day of Magic, 14th, 15th June. Mark Traversoni writes: This year's Leamington and Warwick Magic Society Day of Magic is from 14th-15th of June. Over the last few years we have put on a lecture the night before for those stopping overnight; this year it will be given by Adrian Sullivan. The main day is the 15th and this year the lectures booked are: Andi Gladwin, Steve Rowe, Fay Presto and Gordon Drayson (winner of this year's British Children’s Entertainer Championships in Blackpool). There are around 20 dealers attending and we will finish off the day with Fay's stage act, The Internal Contortionist (A hard act to swallow!) and the Midlands Champion of Champions Close-up Competition. This great line up, with breakfast, lunch, dinner and free parking can be yours for the bargain price of just £25! Book your tickets now at lawms.wordpress.com/day-of-magic. Leamington and Warwick Magic Society’s Day of Magic at Cubbington Sports & Social Club, Windmill Hill, Cubbington, Leamington Spa CV32 7LN (Map). 11.6.16

Magic Circle Dealers Day, Saturday 22nd October, London. From the organisers: 10am to 5pm at the Galleon Suite, Royal National Hotel, 38-51 Bedford Way, Nr Russell Square, London WC1H 0DG (Map). £5 entry on the door (free for Magic Circle Members/ Apprentices/ YMC Members). Dealers from all over the country, covering all aspects of magic. Café/Restaurant/ Bar on site, Hotel car park / Euston station / Russell Square underground just around the corner. Meet up with all your magic friends for a great day. 11.6.16

Modern Magic - Charlotte Street Hotel, London. From the organisers: Jake is back with a brand new magic show at the same gorgeous venue, tucked away downstairs at the Charlotte Street Hotel, in the heart of London's West End. Sit down and relax as Jake takes you on journey of dapper deception, sophisticated sleight of hand and mischievous mind games...! Prepare to have thoughts plucked from your mind, your senses manipulated and to experience some of the most astonishing feats of modern magic. Friday 8th July 2016 at 8pm. The Charlotte Street Hotel, 15 - 17 Charlotte Street, London W1T 1RJ (Map). Tickets: www.modernmagic.co.uk. 11.6.16

Simon Warner's Viva Hypnosis, Edinburgh. From the organisers: You are about to be transported to the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas where you have the opportunity to be the star of the show! This is the UK's first and only full production interactive hypnosis show. Jaw-droppingly immersive, fast-paced, energetic and loaded with music, dance and visuals – we'll guarantee you'll have never seen a hypnosis show quite like this! Simply sit back, relax and enjoy the show or choose to volunteer and revel in being one of our stars for the night. Prepare for the most exhilarating hypnotic ride of your life… Friday 5th - Monday 29th August at 8.50pm Nightly. Zoo Venues (The Sanctuary), 117 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh EH8 9ER www.zoofestival.co.uk. Jonathan Royle writes: I am super excited, delighted and proud to finally be able to announce that, colleague and former hypnosis student Simon Warner along with his lovely wife Michelle have been given the chance to perform for 25 nights at one of Edinburgh Festival's top rated venues "The Zoo". I am proud and privileged to say that I have been acting as a "Hypnotic Adviser" to Simon and "Viva Hypnosis". You can find more details about this unique and innovative show, along with the opportunity to grab some Amazing Rewards and Good Karma by helping to group fund this production at this link. www.crowdfunder.co.uk/edfringevivahypnosis. 11.6.16

An Evening of Comedy & Magic with Martin Daniels. S Meadows writes: Tribute to Paul Daniels with comedy and magic. Friday 8th July at 8pm. Tickets £10 each, email meadows22pont@btinternet.com or telephone 01476 530220. Venue: Great Ponton Village Centre, Archers Way, Great Ponton NG33 5DS (Map). Bar open. 11.6.16

A Jumbo Magic Auction is being held on Monday 20th June by Manchester Circle of Magicians at Salford Masonic Hall, Hemsley House, 41 The Crescent Salford, Salford, Near Manchester M5 4PE (Map). From the organisers: Doors open 5.30pm. Viewing from 6pm. Auction commences at 6.30pm. Star Auctioneers Derek Lever and Quentin Reynolds. Hundreds of items being sold, many without reserve. Magic books, magazines, close up magic, stage magic, DVDs etc. Members admitted free of charge, non members pay £3.00. Further details from d.lever1@sky.com. 11.6.16

Fifth Dimension: Unbelievable, Aberdeen. Following the success and sell out of their new show Unbelievable last month, Fifth Dimension’s Jeff Burns and Ivor Smith have added another couple of dates for audiences to experience an evening of magic, mystery and tall tales: "Combining humour, sleight of hand, mind reading, illusion and lots of audience participation they bring their unique form of madness to the stage with style, sophistication and the occasional hiccup. Fifth Dimension's work as magicians has taken them around the world - from Singapore to Hollywood’s world famous Magic Castle and Las Vegas - entertaining at corporate and private parties and delivering keynote speeches at high profile business events and conferences." With support act Eoin Smith. A multi award winning magician, Eoin aims to mystify and entertain his audiences in equal measure. 17th and 18th June. Doors 7pm, show starts at 7.30pm, ages 14 and over. The Society of Advocates Library, Aberdeen - limited tickets are still available via www.wegottickets.com/fifthdimension. 11.6.16

Michael Jordan's High Jinx Magic and Illusion Show. From the organisers: Michael Jordan's High Jinx Magic and Illusion Show returns to Blackpool for a fifth successive season in its own purpose built family theatre in the fantastic Viva Blackpool Complex. With a brand new 2 hour show packed with grand illusion, crazy circus skills and the fabulous High Jinx Dancers it's a show for all the family guaranteed to amaze, puzzle, but above all entertain. Box Office 01253 297297 or www.vivablackpool.com. Tickets from £8.50. Family Festival Theatre, Viva Blackpool, 3 Church Street, Blackpool FY1 2HJ (Map) www.highjinx.co.uk. Shows every week through to November. 11.6.16

Blackpool Convention 2017. Blackpool Magicians' Club write: The Blackpool Magicians' Club are pleased to announce a new look convention team for the 2017 convention. Derek Lever has now stepped aside and will be replaced by the new team of David Plant, Guy Barrett, Russ Brown, Russ Stevens and Mark Woodsford. We would like to thank Derek for all of his tireless work over the years and look forward to an exciting era ahead. www.blackpoolmagic.com. 11.6.16

The June E-Video Newsletter from Mark Leveridge Magic. Mark writes: The early summer bundle of online fun and instruction from Mark Leveridge Magic is ready and available, and the latest E-Video contains the following goodies: In the Teach In you'll learn a variation and extended routine for the classic Torn And Restored Cigarette Paper. Wrinkles offers a terrific way from Mark Zacharia to achieve a no-palm load of the El Duco Wallet. In It Could Only Happen Live I recount the time when a lady spectator sent her friends over to ask me not to perform my magic at her table! The Web Offer Bundle for June consists of three information E-Books and I chat about each. Then in 60 Seconds To Success I offer a view that working within your skill set can be an advantage. And finally, in Mark's Bookshelf I take a quick look at the Tarbell Course and consider whether it still has current value. All this is squeezed into a 30 minute presentation which you can gain access to for a derisory payment! Or if you decide you would like to automatically receive each E-Video Newsletter as it is published on the 1st of every month, you can also sign up for a 1 year sub and then sit back and look forward to your monthly infusion of magical goodness. For more info and to order please go to www.markleveridge.co.uk/evn.php. 11.6.16

Exonian Magic Society One Day Convention, 2nd October 2016. From the organisers: The Exonian Magic Society will be celebrating their 80th anniversary with a fantastic 1 day convention on Sunday October 2nd 2016. Tickets are available now for this great one day convention, with lectures from Thom Peterson, Kieron Johnson, Sean Heydon, Morgan & West and Dave Andrews. Plus close-up sessions, a gala show and a three course meal. Sunday 2nd October 2016. Tickets: £45 for the whole convention, £30 daytime only, £35 evening only. Only 40 places remain. Book via Ozzy Dee ozzydee@themagiccircle.co.uk. The venue is the excellent Deer Park Country House Hotel, Honiton, which also offers accommodation for the Sunday Evening. www.exonianmagicalsociety.co.uk. 11.6.16

The Unseen - A History of the Invisible. Episode 2 'Conjuring the Invisible'. Science writer and broadcaster Philip Ball sets out on a quest to explore the peculiar world of the invisible, a mysterious realm where magic and science meet. In this episode, Philip pays a visit to a secretive institution in the heart of London - The Magic Circle. There he meets historian of magic and master conjuror William Houston who charts the relationship between science, stage magic and the early days of cinema. Stage magicians have always been early adopters of the latest scientific discoveries, harnessing cutting edge research and using it to fool their audiences, Click Here. 11.6.16

Vincent Hedan's UK lecture tour continues... “Brilliant, clever and mind blowing! A very talented French magician. His lecture is packed full with magic gems, stunning effects, original methods, killer mentalism... Guaranteed impact! You won’t regret it!” Boris Wild, FISM 1997 Winner:
13/06/2016 Manchester Circle of Magicians
14/06/2016 Blackpool Magicians Club
15/06/2016 Sheffield Circle of Magicians
16/06/2016 Nottingham Guild of Magicians
21/06/2016 British Magical Society, Birmingham
22/06/2016 Leamington & Warwick Magical Society
23/06/2016 Home Counties Magical Society, Reading. 11.6.16

American Restoration. World-renowned illusionist David Copperfield calls on Rick and the team to restore two items from his magic museum's collection on 'American Restoration' on Sunday 19th June - see TV Magic. 11.6.16

Next Week. Please note the news deadline next week will be 24 hours earlier than usual. Please submit all items by 12 noon, Thursday 16th June. DT. 11.6.16

"Muhammad Ali had a personal magician. This is his tale" Click Here • "Review: Derren Brown: Miracle at The Lowry" Click Here • "Derren Brown's Miracle at Leeds Grand Theatre - review" Click Here • "Abracadebacle! Ever wondered how David Copperfield does it? Stooge who claims he was left brain-damaged in bungled vanishing trick reveals magician's secret techniques in sensational three-year legal battle" Click Here • "Revealed: How Ministers barred OBE for Paul Daniels - after he married Debbie McGee" Click Here • "Sacha Baron Cohen to spellbind as Mandrake the Magician" Click Here • "David Copperfield: Donald Trump Might Make a Good Magician with His 'Stumpy Little Hands'" Click Here • "Last magic of late Paul Daniels to feature in Don't Dribble On The Dragon at Little Feet festival" Click Here • "Magicians attempt record for world's longest magic show in Melbourne" Click Here • "Movie Review: ‘Now You See Me 2’" Click Here • "David Copperfield Pushes for Magic as Art" Click Here • And finally, not magic, not even recent, but Seinfeld fans will really enjoy this documentary if they haven't watched it already, Click Here • Thanks for your UK magic news - see you next week, Duncan. 11.6.16

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