Number 836 - 2nd July 2016

The Session returns to the Thistle Hotel, Heathrow, in January 2017. Legendary bar magician Eric Mead (USA) joins magic theorist Jamy Ian Swiss (USA) and Ben Earl (his first convention appearance in many years), together with the hilarious Danny Buckler! On the Friday, Luke Jermay will host a day of mentalism with Vincent Hedan (France), Alex Ray (Austria), Chris Rawlins (UK) and more. The hotel is conveniently situated right outside Heathrow Airport and tickets are now available. www.sessionconvention.com. Full list of names released to date: Alex Ray (Austria), Andi Gladwin (UK), Ben Earl (UK), Bill Cheung (Austria), Chris Rawlins (UK), Danny Buckler (UK), Eric Mead (USA), Jamy Ian Swiss (USA), Joshua Jay (USA), Luke Jermay (UK), Vincent Hedan (France). 2.7.16

Jamie Raven - final dates of the current tour... On Thursday evening the MagicWeek team were treated to a fantastic night of magic and illusion at the packed Anvil theatre in Basingstoke. Jamie's one man show, that includes all genres of magic from very smooth sleight of hand to a probability-busting prediction, results in a 100% feel-good factor for the whole audience. It's one of those shows where audiences come out of the theatre on a real high. Jamie, who specialised in close-up magic for many years, has taken to the stage like a duck (Raven?) to water... he's a natural. On Thursday evening literally hundreds of fans stayed on after the show for photos, autographs and a chat. I was delighted for his success. Do see this show if you can, and keep up with Jamie's adventures via twitter.com/jamieravenmagic. DT.

Jamie Raven “Live” Tour promo video: Vimeo.

"Watch Britain's Got Talent's Jamie Raven magic tricks ahead of Tyne Theatre show" Click Here.

Final dates of the current tour:

2nd July - Tyne Theatre, Newcastle www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk
3rd July - Cliffs Pavilion, Southend-On-Sea www.southendtheatres.org.uk
4th July - Grand Opera House, York www.atgtickets.com

27th July – Jersey Opera House www.jerseyoperahouse.co.uk

28th July – Jersey Opera House www.jerseyoperahouse.co.uk

More info and tickets: www.jamieraven.co.uk/tour. 2.7.16

The Top Secret Magic Day, August 2016 Organiser Gary Young writes: The 12th Top Secret Magic Day will take place in Weymouth, Dorset on Sunday 21st August 2016. So why not come to sunny Weymouth for the weekend, and enjoy some magic! Appearing this year are Wayne Goodman with a brand new lecture, Stephen Leathwaite - giving a very rare lecture, John Carey who will be giving a lecture packed with new material, and Martin Cox with his 'Four' lecture which was highly acclaimed in the USA. Martin is also your compere for the day. I am sure the great Seabrooke would approve. Also Rus Andrews, who has a huge following, will be lecturing and giving a workshop. More to be confirmed... dealers galore. a Q+A forum, plus a Comedy Cabaret to end the day! The new website is now live and registration is £28 in advance or £30 on the day. Don't miss out! Venue: Rembrandt Hotel, 12-18 Dorchester Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 7JU (Map). To book: www.topsecretmagicday.co.uk. 2.7.16

Impossible opens in London this Friday. From the producers: Impossible, the world’s greatest magic show, will return to London this summer, following its acclaimed West End season last year. The show, which features the world’s greatest illusionists including new cast members Richard Jones, Josephine Lee, Sabine Van Diemen and Magical Bones, will begin performances at the Noël Coward Theatre on Friday 8th July and run through to Saturday 27th August. Fusing death-defying stunts, technological trickery, grand stage illusions and close-up magic in a fast-paced breath-taking performance, Impossible reinvents the biggest illusions in history in the greatest magic show on earth. Audiences should prepare to be mesmerised and baffled as Impossible brings together world-class performers showing off a stunning range of magical artistry. Noel Coward Theatre from 8th July 2016. See www.impossiblelive.com. 2.7.16

The Magicians' Podcast is back, for the second half of the third series. Host Richard Young writes: Guy Hollingworth is a Barrister and one of the most influential card magicians of the last twenty years. This week he takes to my hot seat to discuss his book, the torn and restored card effect, his new stage act and also the greatest ever answer during the word association part of the show. Canadian born Billy Kidd started life as a child actor and didn't find magic until her twenties. She now lives in Bath and has done it all, including street performing, close-up, stage and television. Later this year you will see her on ITV attempting to become 'The Next Great Magician' too. In this interview Billy gives us an incredible insight in to what it's like to be a female in our male dominated industry. Listen to these Podcasts and catch up with previous ones at magicianspodcast.podbean.com also see www.facebook.com/MagiciansPodcast. 2.7.16

Etienne Pradier lectures at Houdini's Magic Bar, Broadstairs, on Monday July 25th. Tickets are £10.00 on the door or £5.00 for members. The club boasts of a new lecture every 4-6 weeks with a star studded line up. For more information about the Black Card Club (based at Houdini's Magic Bar) and to become a member email bar@houdinis.co.uk. Houdini's Magic Bar, 158 High Street, Broadstairs, Kent CT10 1JB (Map). Club members meet every Monday when the bar is exclusively open to members between 6pm and 11pm. www.frenchmagician.co.uk. 2.7.16

Magicseen Issue 69, July 2016. From the publishers: The latest from Magicseen is now out and on its way to subscribers and perhaps in typical quirky fashion, our cover star Randolph Tempest isn't even a real person! He is, in fact the creation of actor, writer and stand up comedian Peter Slater, who is no doubt surprised that he's made the cover when Randolph basically only knows one trick! Our July issue also covers some interesting and very varied topics such as: an update from Graham Lee and David Crofts on the current do's and don'ts of balloon modelling; Eoin Smith explains how crowdfunding is starting to be used by magicians to fund their more ambitious projects; Dominic Reyes explains the 7 most important things to get right when you start out in magic, and Jay Fortune reveals the brilliant work being done by the guys and girls behind Breathe Magic in their use of conjuring to help young people with mental and physical challenges. Add to this our International Masterclass, which features tricks from Germany, Chad Long reveals much, and yet strangely little (!), while On The Psychiatrist's Couch, and Mandy Muden tells us how it is for female magicians. Our product reviewers get to grips with a pile of the latest releases and there are letters, news items and other bits and pieces to keep you amused. Magicseen is available as a 1 or 2 year printed copy or download sub, or on a pay-as-you-go basis, or simply as individual copies, all from www.magicseen.co.uk. 2.7.16

Adrian Sullivan York Society of Magicians lecture. Austin Siviter writes: York Society of Magicians' next meeting is a lecture by Adrian Sullivan on Wednesday 13th July 2016 at the Dringhouses Sports & Social Club, Saint Helens Road, York YO24 1HR (Map) at 7pm for 7.30pm. Adrian is a very experienced close-up and stage magician. He has performed his acts in the UK, Egypt, the USA, the Far East, Germany, Tunisia, France, Cyprus, Dubai and China. Adrian has years of experience performing at corporate events, private parties, weddings, business openings, product launches, exhibitions and restaurants. With this long and varied experience Adrian's lecture promises to be an interesting entertaining evening. Members of other magical societies will be most welcome, pay on the night, £5.00. 2.7.16

Neptune Magic Society news. Danny Hunt writes: The Neptune Magic Society would like to welcome Mr Ken Dodd OBE to the society as honorary life member and patron. Ken Dodd is a great supporter of the art of magic and hopes to see the club blossom. Anyone interested in the art of magic can join the Neptune Magic Society. Adult membership is available to those aged 16 and over; junior membership is available to those between 8 and 16 years old. For more information or to join please email info@neptunemagicsociety.com. The Neptune society will be presenting its first Juniors Day of Magic on Saturday 9th July 2016. All young magicians and their families are welcome. The day includes lectures, workshops, stage and close-up competitions and a mini gala show. Acts appearing include The Magic Circle's Young Magicians of the Year Destiny, illusionists Amethyst, award winning Chris Cross and IBM British Ring stage director Neil Roberts. Tickets are £12.50 each which includes a hot lunch and buffet tea. The close-up and stage competition is open to anyone between the ages of 10 and 16. Date: Saturday 9th of July 2016. Time: 10.30am - 7.30pm. Venue: Cross Keys Community Centre, Elmwood Road, Whitley Bay NE25 8EX (Map). For more information or to enter the competitions please contact Su Jayne 07899 782172 sujayne@live.co.uk. www.neptunemagicsociety.com. 2.7.16

The Mark Leveridge E-Video Newsletter, July 2016: "Mark Leveridge's monthly online video programme has now completed exactly 6 years of continuous publication, so a slight pause for a sip of champagne....thank you. The July issue is ready and includes instructions for a pen vanish in the Teach In, Wrinkles offers a new handling and presentational slant for Mark's classic Brainstormer blank deck trick, and in It Could Only Happen Live, he recounts the tale of the worst possible start to any gig! This issue also sees the return of the Review Corner, in which Mark this month will be showing and looking at Danny Orleans' Colossal Colouring Book and Pit Hartlings new publication, In Order To Amaze. There are also dems of the three card effects which are on offer in the Web Offer Bundle, and in 60 Seconds To Success, Mark explains how being good at conversation is a big help to commercial close uppers. Access to the 36 minute E-Video Newsletter is available for a small charge as a one-off payment, or for even less per issue if you take out a 1 year (12 issue) sub. To watch a trailer of the July offering and to order, please go to www.markleveridge.co.uk/evn.php." 2.7.16

The Just 1 Project. Jez Rose writes: On 1st July 2016 I set myself the most ambitious target of my life... Can we raise £500,000 for 5 deserving charities in just 5 months - using only social media? Forget about donating £20, or tipping ice water over your head, hopping out of a plane. All I'm asking is that you donate £1 and then share the Project on social media - £1 and 1 social share. Click Here to watch the video. If the average person has 200 friends on Facebook alone and they donated £1 and then shared it with all of their friends, who in turn did the same, within just 3 shares we would have reached 1 million people. The Just 1 Project could not only revolutionise how we donate to charity - donating less but actually raising more - but also how charities raise funds. Be a part of something truly extraordinary, help to raise HALF A MILLION POUNDS for Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity, Brain Tumour Research, Youth Sport Trust, BASICS-Hertfordshire and Contented Dementia Trust by donating just £1 and sharing the project. 2.7.16

The Americans. "The Magic of David Copperfield V: The Statue of Liberty Disappears". Lady Liberty isn't the only one who pulls a vanishing act in tonight's episode. Drama series about two Soviet spies working undercover in Washington DC in the 1980s by posing as an ordinary American couple. Martha is put on a plane to Cuba. Philip spends more time at home and has a beer with Stan who talks about his disaster at work. Gabriel is perplexed by Philip and Elizabeth's recent behaviour and seeks Claudia's advice. On Thursday 7th July on ITV Encore, see TV Magic. 2.7.16

The Siegfried & Roy, Frankie Howerd and The Great Xar... you'll find them all in this week's dip into the past, taken from Channel 4's The Word from February 1991, Click Here. 2.7.16

Ken Dyne lecture, Medway Magical Society. Robert Glendinning writes: Professional mentalist, Ken Dyne lectures with his commercial, entertaining Mentalism at Medway Magical Society at 8pm on Tuesday July 5th at St George Hotel, New Road Avenue, Kent ME4 6BB (Map). After the resounding success of his Penguin Live lecture last year, Ken has been lecturing at such prestigious events as MINDvention in Las Vegas, MINDS in the UK and Mind Summit in Cologne, Germany. His routines and effects are practical, worked and thoroughly entertaining. That's why hundreds of working professionals are using Dyne's creations in their acts for paying audiences. In this lecture, Ken will teach material he has never lectured before, direct from his working corporate act. All in a light-hearted, fun evening perfect for magicians and mentalists alike. Entry price on the door is £10 for non-member magicians. www.medwaymagicalsociety.org.uk. 2.7.16

Steve Rowe's 'Suck it and See' lecture, Bexley Magic Society. Roy Marsh MIMC writes: After his successful release of mINt, Steve Rowe is fast becoming one of the most creative minds in UK magic. Known for his fun, visual and organic style, magicians worldwide are using his props and effects in their professional working repertoires. The lecture focuses on the full creative process with in-depth explanations covering the initial idea, prop building, routining and pocket management. Along with demonstrating some of Steve's popular effects, unpublished work will also be shared. Don't miss your chance to see some of this unique magic up-close and in person. Accompanied by a free booklet which can help you become more creative - everyone is sure to take away something from this fabulous evening. Visiting magicians welcome. Entrance fee £10.00 for non-members. July 6th, Bexley Magic Society. See www.bexleymagic.org.uk for time and venue details. 2.7.16

John Palfreyman lectures at the British Magical Society on 12th July. 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. British Magical Society, Selly Oak Ex Servicemens' Club, 8 Selly Hill Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham B29 7DL (Map). 2.7.16

"'The egos rang true' … magicians' verdict on Now You See Me 2" Click Here • "Now, you see her: Female magician wants to break gender stereotypes" Click Here • "Derren Brown at Nottingham's Theatre Royal: Review" Click Here • "Miracle work by Derren Brown" Click Here • "Criss Angel and Chloe Crawford saw breakup rumor in half" Click Here • "Illusionist Hara on ‘America’s Got Talent’ Was Teenage Movie Star" Click Here • "Dynamo is backing Bradford’s bid to host the Great Exhibition of the North" Click Here • "Lions Health: David Copperfield Magic Iconic Ideas" Click Here • "Magicians Siegfried & Roy Getting Their Own Biopic" Click Here • "Daniel Radcliffe says he's willing to return to Harry Potter" Click Here • "Book Review - The Illusionists" Click Here • "Which celebrity popped into Nottingham tapas bar Baresca?" Click Here • "This 'ambiguous cylinders’ illusion is blowing my tiny mind" Click Here • That's it for another week. Your UK magic news is always welcomed (Friday 12 noon deadline for Saturday), see you next week, Duncan. 2.7.16

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