Number
840 - 30th July 2016
Sebastian
Walton is The Magic Circle Stage Magician of the Year 2016! Richard Griffin,
Sebastian Walton, Dave Andrews, Christopher Howell, Oliver Tabor and Mark
Shortland competed last Saturday evening in The Magic Circle's biennial stage
competition, that this time around felt more like a show than a competition, as the standard was so
high. John Lenahan was the perfect compère, adding energy and flare to the
proceedings so that every competitor came on to an uplifted audience. First on
was Richard Griffin (YouTube)
with his new silent 'Visualize' act, featuring card, ball and laser manipulation,
and floating linking rings. Sebastian Walton's (YouTube)
laid back approach really clicked with the audience as he presented a series of
skilful, impossible and funny card revelations, intermixed with a drawing
prediction and some great ad-libs. Just three years ago Sebastian also won The
Young Magician of the Year competition. Manipulator Dave Andrews was on next
with some fine card productions and an endless number of appearing canes. Fourth
on was Christopher Howell as 'Norvil' (YouTube),
his solo theatrical character act, complete with singing and a voodoo doll, that
my daughter had as her favourite act on the night and I really enjoyed too.
Fifth on was Oliver Tabor (YouTube)
with some excellent dove productions and sleight of hand magic in his original
musical/magical act. And last on, the always brilliant Mark Shortland (YouTube)
in an act that culminated in an original prediction involving three members of
the audience and a night out at the cinema. DT.
This was a really tough competition to judge as all the acts had really entertained, but the judges were in complete agreement (which is rare!) when they selected their winners: First, Sebastian Walton (£1,000); second, Mark Shortland (£500) and third, Richard Griffin (£250). The judges were Barry Jones (of Barry and Stuart), Duncan Trillo (MagicWeek) and Musical Director and Composer Ian MacGregor. As the judges deliberated, former winner Richard Pinner entertained. Photo: Sebastian Walton receiving the Michael Bailey Stage Magician of the Award from President Scott Penrose. www.themagiccircle.co.uk. 30.7.16
David
Berglas: Happy 90th Birthday - today! A Very Happy 90th Birthday to David
Berglas from the MagicWeek team, and indeed magicians worldwide. David talks
about his fascinating career to Richard Young in this week's Magicians' Podcast.
Richard writes: Living legend and International Man of Mystery David Berglas
takes to The Magicians' Podcast hot seat to discuss his incredible life and
career. He shares the story of how he secured his own television series on the
BBC in the most unusual way, the cabaret scene in the 50s and 60s, and an
amazing effect which he created where a real pear appears inside a milk bottle
(he shares the secret too). David also discusses The Berglas Effect, his
time as President of The Magic Circle and his thoughts on his son Marvin running
for President. Listen to this podcast and catch up with previous editions at
magicianspodcast.podbean.com. Also see Richard Wiseman's 'David Berglas
Nothing is Impossible' website:
davidberglas.wordpress.com.
30.7.16
Pete
Firman - Trix. Pete Firman will be on tour shortly, starting with a
month at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Then from September he’ll be
travelling around the UK with his brand new show, Trix. "The UK’s
leading comedy magician" (Time Out) returns to the Fringe to celebrate a
decade of sell-out shows. Star of BBC1’s The Magicians expect
Pete’s trademark blend of crowd-pleasing comedy and jaw-dropping
magic... it’s a show not to be missed!
"The man from Middlesbrough sets the pace
for comedy-meets-magic in the 21st century" The Times
"The new poster-boy for British comedy magic" The Telegraph
See What's On. Tickets are now on sale for all dates, see www.petefirman.co.uk to book. 30.7.16
The magical performance group SNAP consisting of eight of Korea's finest magicians head off to the Edinburgh Fringe in August. The show's trailer feature recommendations from some of their friends in magic, including Juan Tamariz, Jeff Hobson, Max Maven, Lu Chen, Cyril, Nobert Ferré and more, YouTube. In July three of the groups members performed at the Edinburgh Magic Festival, receiving rave reviews not only from audience members, but from the media as well. TV Bomb, the Scottish Arts and Cultural media said "It’ll definitely be worth getting a ticket to see SNAP this year's Fringe." A contemporary mystery magical performance, SNAP is a multi-faceted art performance based on magic combining ingenious stage language, illusion, mime, white art, and more. These award-winning artists bring to life characters such as The Alchemist, The Time Traveler, The Dreamer, The Trickster and a host of others to bring you a fantasy experience never seen before in the history of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Book via www.assemblyfestival.com. And www.facebook.com/showsnap. 30.7.16
Richard
Jones stars in Sleeping Beauty at the Swansea Grand Theatre this
Christmas:
Once upon a time in a land far away, the beautiful Princess Aurora is
given a sixteenth birthday present by her evil godmother Carabosse. By
pricking her finger on an enchanted spinning wheel she is placed under a
cruel curse and forced to sleep for 100 years. Can true love survive and
handsome Prince Charming break the spell? Can Aurora's hilarious
best friend Muddles help save the town and who will outwit the evil
Enchantress and foil her wicked plans? With magic, music, comedy and
special effects, make Sleeping Beauty the pantomime of your dreams and
book your tickets now:
www.swansea.gov.uk/SleepingBeauty.
9th December 2016 - 8th January 2017.
Swansea Grand Theatre, Singleton Street, Swansea SA1 3QJ (Map). "Britain’s
Got Talent 2016 winner to perform in Lincoln later this year"
Click Here.
30.7.16
Fergus
Anckorn - A Magical Life. Nicky Lewis writes: The Associated
Conjurers of East Sussex (ACES) are absolutely delighted to have Fergus
join us for the evening sharing stories about how magic saved his and
countless others' lives during WWII and no doubt will also be talking
about his Britain's Got Talent appearance with Richard Jones too.
Visitors are welcome to join us for the evening at £5 and coffee and tea
will be available. Contact Secretary Nicky Lewis for more details and
information. There is plenty of parking nearby and a location map on the
home page of the website. We would be thrilled to see you there.
Wednesday 10th August 2016, 7.30pm for an 8pm prompt start. Venue:
Thomas A Beckett Church Hall, Cliffe High Street, Lewes, East Sussex BN7
2AW (Map).
www.acesmagic.co.uk.
30.7.16
René
Lavand is featured in
The MagicWeek Video Archive
this week in a performance recorded for The Paul Daniels Christmas Magic
Show that went out on 26th December 1987.
30.7.16
Unfathomable.
Bull Theatre, London. On Tuesday July 19th David Berglas, introduced the premiere of Martin T Hart's
Unfathomable, which claims to be the most baffling demonstration of
ESP ever witnessed. David Berglas described the story of the famous
Piddingtons, a husband and wife telepathy act that featured on BBC radio
in 1949, who would communicate using only their minds. Their methods
were undiscovered until Martin published his book, Piddington’s Secrets
just a few years ago. The stage-show Unfathomable was written by
and starred Edward James Dean and Margot Fox as The Deans. The couple
began experimenting with telepathy while studying physical theatre at
the Accademia dell'Arte in Tuscany.
The invitation-only premiere was well attended with Debbie McGee, members of The Magic Circle and MagicWeek readers in the audience. The show invited Professor Richard Wiseman of the University of Hertfordshire and Professor Caroline Watt of the University of Edinburgh to join the Mayor and Mayoress of Barnet in acting as adjudicators during the demonstrations. The performance earned the Deans a standing ovation. Martin T Hart, hoping to reignite an appetite for the two-person telepathy act and save this genre of magic from extinction, plans to tour the show and introduce the Deans to the world. The performance was filmed and a DVD will be available in late August. To reserve a copy visit www.thepiddingtons.com/debut-dvd.html. 30.7.16
Merlins
of Wakefield are holding some amazing ‘Flash Sales’ during August!
Merlins write: Starting Monday 1st August, there will be items listed
under the ‘Flash Sale’ category on our website that are up to 50% off
retail prices. The offers will only last for 48 hours, and will then be
replaced regularly by new offers – check out the
Flash Sales Here! Once the item is replaced, it will go back up to
full price, and cannot be purchased at the special price. So, take a
look, and if there is anything of interest, order it - before the offer
disappears! Also, on Wednesday 10th August we are having a special
lecture at the shop by Darren Mac. Darren has been performing his magic
since a child, and has some excellent effects, tips and ideas to suit
everyone. Places are limited, so book as soon as possible if you are
interested,
Book Here.
www.merlinswakefield.com.
30.7.16
Magicseen's
Book Bonanza Weekend! Mark Leveridge writes: Once a year we like to
encourage our customers to consider our range of printed books, and this
time in order to focus the mind, for this weekend only, we are offering
five of our titles at special summer prices! So provided that you place
your order before midnight on Sunday 31st July 2016, you can have
Crafted With Carey, Mel Meller's Travelling Trickster, Best Of British,
the Masterclass The First Four Years and Masterclass Volume 2 all at
reduced prices. So if you are going away on holiday and fancy taking a
good magic book or two with you, right now is the time to act! To
benefit from the special prices please go to
magic.forgecom.info/booksbonanza.htm where you will find all the
details and from where you can make your money saving purchases. This
page will disappear after the cut off time, so don't delay!
30.7.16
Watford
Association of Magicians will be holding their annual Fish & Chip supper
on Tuesday 2nd August. Tickets are just £14.00 and include close-up
magic, a choice of main course, and full cabaret with ‘Illusive’, ‘Steve
Rowe’ and Steve Rawlings. Tickets are available from the WAM website:
www.wamclub.co.uk. Doors open at 7pm at the Orbital Centre, Haines
Way, Watford, Hertfordshire WD25 7QU (Map).
Everyone welcome. Paul Megram.
30.7.16
Steve
Rowe's 'Suck it and See' lecture, York Society of Magicians. Adrian Salamon
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. Wednesday 10th August at
7.30pm. Entrance fee £5.00 on the
door. Venue: Dringhouses Sports Club, St. Helens Road, York YO24 1HR (Map).
www.yorksocietyofmagicians.co.uk.
30.7.16
Crafted
With Carey is reviewed by Jay Fortune this week: "Running to 200
glossy pages with black and white photographs where necessary, ‘Crafted
by Carey’ is a beautifully produced book. This is a book of play. Mainly
featuring John’s handlings for classic card effects and plots, it’s
great fun for the magical card trickster. It is reminiscent of the works
of other cardicians such as Peter Duffie, Harry Lorayne, Paul Gordon,
J.K. Hartman, Bro. Hamman and Aldo Colombini in that you read the
effects and enjoy playing with cards in hand..." To read Jay's full
review
Click Here.
30.7.16
Royle Reveals - The Order of the Magi, Manchester. Royle Reveals (A Working Pro's Survival Guide to The Mystery Arts) "On Tuesday 9th August, at 7.30pm, controversial Magician, Mentalist, Psychic Entertainer and Hypnotist Jonathan Royle returns to The Order of the Magi at The New Irish Heritage Centre in Manchester with a truly unique, entertaining and thought provoking lecture that is sure to contain much worth for everyone who attends whatever their preferred area of magic is! During his almost 39 years in showbusiness, Royle has worked in every genre from kids shows and close-up through to doves and large stage illusions on the one hand to mentalism and hypnosis, performing in comedy clubs, theatres and even at the circus. This lecture will contain a mix of commercial magic and mentalism, secrets of cold reading and hypnosis and even insider tips on how to make more money from magic. Click Here for details. Also see www.magicalguru.com/magical-lectures." Non Members are welcome at this event for a fee of £10 on the night. Venue: The Order of the Magi, The Irish World Heritage Centre, 1 Irish Town Way, Manchester M8 0AE (Map) www.orderofthemagi.org.uk. Jonathan Royale writes: "I will be offering a massive bundle of DVDs, books and other Magic and Mentalism goodies worth over £900 to the first 14 lucky people to hand me just £20 at this lecture! (My way of rewarding non-members who have to pay £10 to enter the event where he will revealing some truly commercial magic and mentalism, as per http://tinyurl.com/z5wcru7)." 30.7.16
Escapologist
and World Record Holder Stuart Burrell will face a unique and
equally unknown challenge when he joins other members of the Southend
Sorcerers Magical Society for their "As If By Magic" show at the Dixon
Studio on August 17th. In previous years the Southend based Houdini has
not only recreated escapes performed by the legendary escapologist
himself but bent bars, been tied to chairs and even escaped from a
chain mail straitjacket whilst hanging upside down. However this year,
when he stands on stage on Wednesday 17th August, he will have no idea
what awaits him. "It is an unusual situation to be in." Mr Burrell said
"There are a few cast iron rules in Escapology, one of which is to know
what you are getting yourself into, literally, in some cases. The
motivation comes from wanting to give the audience a unique experience.
It is a challenge for me and will be quite dramatic with, hopefully, a
successful escape at the end." As If By Magic runs from the 17th - 20th
August at the Dixon Studio at the Palace Theatre in London Road,
Southend on Sea.
30.7.16
The
Gathering, Great Yarmouth. Stephen Bolam writes: Our next gathering will be
at 7.30pm on 2nd August, at the St George Hotel, 7-10 Albert Square, Great
Yarmouth, Norfolk NR30 3JH (Map). The aim of the social
evenings is to allow magicians to meet and socialise, and exchange ideas, in a
relaxed atmosphere. Entrance is free. If anyone wants to come along, please email
thegathering@mail.com for further
information. Stephen Bolam and Kyle Sarocen.
30.7.16
Mel
Harvey will be appearing in Richard Cadell's Sooty Show at The Opera
House, Buxton, on Saturday 10th September with his guitar/vocal act. In
a career that has spanned over fifty years Mel has been appearing with
Sooty since the 1970s. Mel was the warm up comic for Thames Television
at the studios in Teddington when he was asked to appear on the Sooty TV
Show and later joined the Sooty Theatre tour with Harry Corbett as his
guest artiste. Mel popped up again on TV with Matthew Corbett and Sooty
on the 1000th Rainbow programme and then took out the one man show
"Sooty's Magic Rocket" for yet another theatre tour. Mel looks forward
to working with Richard and Sooty in Buxton on his fourth consecutive
IBM Children's Show and meeting friends old and new in the dealers hall.
"With all the acts now booked it looks like a great IBM British Ring 25
Convention in Buxton this year" writes Mel.
www.magicconvention.co.uk.
30.7.16
"Handless
magician fools Penn & Teller"
Click Here •
"Harry Potter magic has worn off for grown-up Daniel Radcliffe"
Click Here • "Watch: BGT magician performs jaw-dropping tricks in ITV
Channel studio"
Click Here • "Fans help Rubik's Cube magician get back on 'America's Got
Talent'"
Click Here • "Magical gesture from young Leeds conjurer"
Click Here • "Master magician celebrates 35 years of illusion"
Click Here • "Getting to know Mo Magic"
Click Here • "Review: Jamie Raven brings magical night to Abu Dhabi"
Click Here • "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child review - a magical show with
a strong emotional core"
Click Here • "The aristocrat magician who turned his back on his family's
banking empire to do card tricks for The Queen"
Click Here • "Crowds amazed by straight-jacket escape stunt at Richmond Live
family event"
Click Here • "Dynamo the magician: Magic offers people an escape from
negative world events"
Click Here • "12-year-old street magician captures hearts with his life
story"
Click Here • Thanks for your news, always welcomed - see you next week, Duncan.
30.7.16