Number
864 - 14th January 2017
Magic
on the Mersey Convention. Organiser Paul Stone writes:
The new 'Magic on the Mersey' Convention taking place in Liverpool from
12th - 15th September will be different to most other magic conventions
and there are many reasons why it will be an event not to be missed.
We are strictly limiting the number of registrations to just 250 to
ensure that everyone attending has a good seat for every session,
lecture and show and, of even more importance, will have the opportunity
to meet and spend quality time with all the artists and lecturers. The
headquarters hotel, Jury's Inn, is located right in the heart of
Liverpool's Albert Dock waterfront, where we have set up a special
'Magic on the Mersey' accommodation rate to include full English
Breakfast & VAT. There are also a number of other excellent and more
economically priced hotels all within a 5 minute walk from Jury's Inn.
And the impressive new Liverpool ONE Shopping centre with its fantastic
shopping and numerous restaurants is also close by.
Liverpool is easily accessible from all
parts of the UK. Virgin Trains now operate an hourly service out of
London Euston to Liverpool which takes just 2 hours and 10 minutes. And
there are very regular express trains from Birmingham, Manchester, the
North of England and Scotland, in fact all across the country.
Liverpool's main station is a 5 minute cab ride from the convention
headquarters hotel. Manchester Airport is less than an hour away and
Liverpool Airport is 25 minutes from the Albert Dock. If you haven't
been to Liverpool recently you are in for a wonderful surprise, it is
now a terrific city and September is a great month to visit. It is still
light in the evening and the waterfront is a fun place to walk around;
Liverpool also hosts the legendary 'Beatles Experience' and the Cavern Club
in Matthew Street.
Several of the sessions, masterclasses and the Gala Show will take place
in the intimate and beautifully restored Epstein Theatre. The line-up of
talent is very strong and mainly includes performers who have either
never appeared at a British convention before or haven't done so for
several years. Performers booked so far include Mike Close, Nick Lewin
(first UK appearance for 40 years!), Armando Lucero, Bob Kohler,
Sos & Victoria, Seth Kramer, Marc Paul, Trevor Liley, Kris Kremo,
Natalie Enterline and Freddie Davies with more names to follow.
Included in the registration fee are not one but two parties: a Welcome
Party on the first night and a Farewell Party on the final evening.
If you are wondering how we can make 'Magic on the Mersey' such an
intimate event and keep the cost down to such a reasonable price,
it is because many of the performers and lecturers are close personal
friends whom I have got to know well over the past 35 years of producing
shows, and they want to support me and be part of this new and exciting
convention. They are all keen to visit Liverpool too.
If you register and pay £175 in full by 31st January you will
automatically qualify for our VIP Package. A non-refundable deposit of
£25 will hold your place until 10th February (this will be deducted
from the cost of registration when you pay the balance).
If you are still undecided, check out the testimonials on our website.
But don't wait too long, because we are sure 'Magic on the Mersey' will
sell out. It promises to be a magical few days!
Full details of the performers and how to register are on our website
www.magiconthemersey.com.
14.1.17
2017 Magic Lectures
at Smoke & Mirrors. From the organisers: As you may know Smoke & Mirrors &
Illusions Magic Bar are the leading Magic Bars in the UK and we are
making 2017 even more magical by adding lectures from our guest
performing magicians
coming up at Smoke & Mirrors. Spaces are limited so we
suggest booking your seat now. Lectures will be held in our theatre,
offering a real close-up and personal feel.
Lectures are priced at £7.50 per delegate and are held on a Sunday so
there's Free Parking!
Lectures start at 1pm. Bar opens at 12 noon and the bar will remain open for
2 hours after the lecture has finished.
29th January 2017 Mark Shortland -
Creator of the trick of the year The Amazebox which Dynamo used in
his sold out live shows.
Book Here.
5th March 2017
Marvelous Matthew Wright - Marvelous Matthew Wright.
Need we say any more?
Book Here.
26th March 2017 James Brown -
The creator of the POWA academy this a lecture/masterclass not to miss:
'Reality Bending' "Prepare to learn the most direct
and effective hypnosis techniques you’ve ever seen" Dan Harlan.
Book Here.
22nd October 2017
Jasper Blakeley (aka Kockov) -
The emphasis will strongly be on the importance of performance in all
aspects of magic. Plus creating laughter. Looking at the core values of
Jasper's ethos - Control, Flexibility & Change, he will use these themes
to discuss his approach and tips on working close-up private & corporate
events, concentrating mainly on working tables and overcoming all
problems and eventualities.
Book Here.
Smoke & Mirrors, 8 Denmark Street, Bristol BS1 5DQ (Map)
www.smokeandmirrorsbar.co.uk.
The UK's Only Magic Theatre Pub.
14.1.17
Brain
Tumour Research in Memory of Paul Daniels. Brain Tumour Research
write: As a tribute to the great magician Paul Daniels, we are delighted
to announce a special and unique Rabbit in a Hat badge. Produced in
collaboration with Debbie McGee, Paul’s widow, the badge is symbolic of
his enduring popularity as an entertainer, television personality and of
course a hugely talented magician. Paul died in March 2016, shortly
after announcing his diagnosis of an inoperable brain tumour. Debbie
says: “He died four weeks and five days after the diagnosis. I still
miss him every day. I still love spending time with our rabbits – they
make me think of him. I am really proud to be able to work with Brain
Tumour Research in this way and I think Paul would have been too. I hope
everyone will buy at least one of these badges – by wearing one, you’ll
be remembering Paul and supporting vital brain tumour research.”
www.braintumourresearch.org. Purchase and support via this official
eBay page:
www.ebay.co.uk.
14.1.17
XV
Magic Congress in Saint-Vincent, Italy. May 11th-14th 2017. From the
organisers: Celebrate with us the 15th anniversary of our Congress: Be
part of our magic commitment in 2017 in Saint-Vincent, Vallée d'Aoste!
The Masters of Magic aim is to rediscover live magic with the top
performers in their fields, and to have a great time all together.
During the years, the Congress has earned a reputation as the "place to
be" for magic lovers, performers and dealers. Since its foundation, the
Magic Congress in Saint Vincent has been hosted in the splendid Grand
Hotel Billia, surrounded by the Alps. This year join: Paul Harris, Shin
Lim, Richard Sanders, Hun Lee, Christian Farla, Dani DaOrtiz, Peter
Turner, Christian Chelman, Chris Ramsay, Captain Frodo, Doble Mandoble,
Martin Mall, Tony Chapek, Raul Cremona, Jabba, Richard Kaufman, Bruno
Copin, Marco Pusterla, and many more. Visit
www.congressomagicodisaintvincent.com/en/ for more information and
to book.
14.1.17
The House of Q presents "Champagne Cabaret" an all-new cabaret and
variety show in the West End's famous Crazy Coqs, featuring magic,
burlesque, music, mime and more.
The House of Q comprises The Magic Circle's Neil Kelso, Cwtch Cabaret
Award Winner Alexander Luttley, and listed in the UK's 'Top 20 Burlesque
Artists 2016', Felicity Furore.
They will be presenting their most spellbinding acts as showcased around
the globe. Step into their enchanting world for an unforgettable evening
like no other. "An extraordinary evening of cabaret... this trio are the perfect form
of escapism." Access London.
Wednesday, 18th January 2017, 9pm.
Price: £12.50 - to book:
Click Here
Venue:
The Crazy Coqs at Brasserie Zédel,
20 Sherwood Street, London W1F 7ED (Map).
14.1.17
The
South Tyneside International Magic Festival. From the organisers:
Leading lights in the world of magic will be sharing some of the secrets
of their success at one of the UK’s most popular events this spring.
The South Tyneside International Magic Festival will return to South
Shields for the 14th time from 16th-19th March 2017, offering a packed
programme of lectures, masterclasses and performances aimed at magic
professionals and enthusiasts, plus three public shows.
This year’s event will have a distinct American flavour, with the stars
of the Our Magic documentary, created and directed by R Paul Wilson,
among the headline acts.
R Paul Wilson will open the convention with a two hour masterclass on Thursday
16th March, as well as hosting a movie morning on Sunday 19th March where
the film will be shown and some of the stars will be on hand for a
question and answer session.
Leading the way from the USA is sleight of hand expert Mahdi Gilbert,
one of a select few magicians to have managed to fool Penn and Teller in
their Fool Us show – despite being born without hands or feet.
The New York-based artist will have a busy three days as he takes to the
stage in lectures, masterclasses and a close-up session as well as
wowing the public in one of the gala performances.
He will be joined by other stateside favourites including mind reader
Asi Wind (photo). Renowned as one of the world of magic’s most influential
thinkers and speakers, he’s rarely seen at conventions but will make
several rare appearances including a lecture, close-up workshop and a
gala show appearance.
Others set to appear and share some tips of the trade include Adam
Wilber, Rob Zabrecky plus one more high profile star yet to be revealed.
Magician and talent booker Steve Gore is working with South Tyneside
Council to organise the event, which will also include a dealer’s
showcase and children’s magic show.
“There’s a definite American theme to this year’s event, but we’ve been
working hard secure some of the best magicians currently on the scene,
and covering a host of different disciplines,” said Steve.
“The result is a packed programme of lectures and events which will run
all weekend. The convention is open to magic professionals and
enthusiasts and we wanted to give delegates something very special this
year. I believe we have secured a brilliant line up of leaders in their field
who will be imparting some of their extensive knowledge with lectures,
shows and special performances throughout the weekend. Most of the lecturers are hardly ever seen in the UK and they are a
real coup for us.”
Magicians wishing to attend the convention can book their places now.
Tickets cost £65 and are available by calling Karri Prinn on 0191 424
7986 or by emailing
karri.prinn@southtyneside.gov.uk.
14.1.17
This
week from The MagicWeek Video Archive, David Copperfield making his
first-ever live British television appearance on Pebble Mill for the
BBC, back in 1994. (I was out of the country when this went out,
so what you are seeing is a slightly fuzzy copy of a tape that Russ
Stevens must have lent me back then - thanks Russ! DT). See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with past weeks and the occasional
'bonus' video
Click Here.
14.1.17
Magic at the Angles
is a new bi-monthly magic show that Richard Griffin will
be presenting at The Angles Theatre in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire. The first
show is on 11th February and will feature the classic magic of Oliver
Tabor, the laser magic of Richard Griffin, the comedy juggling of
Goronwy Thom and the illusions of Jason Steele and Joanne. Shows are
at 2.30pm and 7.30pm and tickets start at just £10.00, available via
www.anglestheatre.co.uk.
14.1.17
Mr
Swallow – Houdini. Having
only just touched back down to earth following the success of his
spectacular run at the 2016 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Mr Swallow returns to Soho Theatre for 6 weeks from 10th January 2017 with
Mr
Swallow – Houdini the self-proclaimed first-ever entirely true
auto-biopic of legendary magician Harry Houdini. From the 10th January
2017 to 18th February 2017 Mr. Swallow – Houdini will be at Soho Theatre
at 7pm. There will be no show on Sundays and an additional matinee
performance on Saturdays. Mr. Swallow – Houdini will also bear witness to a Soho Theatre first, as
he presents a Houdini style underwater escape. Mr Swallow will attempt
to free himself from the iron-grip like shackles and escape the tank
before it’s too late (or that’ll be another first!). The shows
Escapology and magic consultants Danny Hunt and Stephanie Clarke
(Amethyst), spent many months with Nick Mohammed developing Mr Swallows
escape artist skills.
Mr Swallow is the comedic creation of 2015 Chortle Award nominee Nick
Mohammed, who is a comedy writer, performer and established actor with
recent roles in Ridley Scott’s The Martian, Absolutely Fabulous: The
Movie, Bridget Jones’s Baby and upcoming features The Sense of an Ending
and Disney’s The Nutcracker and the Four Realms due out in 2017/18. His
first children's book The Young Magicians and The Thieves' Almanac is
also published later this year by Penguin Random House.
For more information visit
www.sohotheatre.com and
www.amethystmagic.com.
14.1.17
Vanishing Inc. Lectures with Andi Gladwin and Joshua Jay Austin Siviter writes: Hosted by Christian Magicians UK Conference at High Leigh Conference Centre, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire EN11 8SG (Map) on Tuesday 14th February from 2.30pm to 6pm. £24.95 including refreshments. Joshua Jay has been called magic's Renaissance man by Magic magazine. It's not hard to see why: he is a performer, lecturer, author and photographer of all things mysterious. Josh has performed in over fifty countries, appears regularly on national television in America and routinely performs for distinguished politicians and major celebrities. He has been performing from the age of eight and at the age of seventeen was crowned World Champion of Close-up Magic at the World Magic Seminar. Andi Gladwin is a world-class close-up sleight of hand magician who has performed all over the world. He is a UK based entrepreneur, publisher and lecturer, and is also the tricks editor at Genii magazine. “The best magic creates a story,” Andi says, “My aim is for everyone to walk away with a new experience that they will talk about for the rest of their lives.” Those stories have been told by guests at thousands of events over the past decade. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to see and meet the co-founders of Vanishing Inc. Apply online at www.members.christianmagicians.org. 14.1.17
Magic on 'The Cruise' Thursday 19th January on ITV: Series following life aboard one of the world's largest luxury cruise liners on a summer season in the Mediterranean. The weather takes a turn for the worse, causing an emergency at sea and threatening to make one young British couple's wedding a washout. It is the first time new officer Lauren has to deal with an emergency on board and she must keep constant watch on a semi-submerged boat close to the liner. Concerned there may be lives at stake, the rescue team are poised for action. Despite choppy seas, the show must go on in the ship's theatre, where the magicians are attempting to pull off a gravity-defying illusion that sees ex-dancer Trish balance on the tip of a metal sword. It is a heartstopping performance for passengers as the unpredictable weather ramps up the danger of their daring headline act. See TV Magic. 14.1.17
Merlin
'Magician
of the Year' competition. Nick Brunger writes:
Carmarthen - birthplace of Merlin, "patron saint" of magic - is inviting
magicians from all over the UK to enter their first Magician of the Year
competition. Open to established street performers, or any UK-based
magician who fancies their chances, five short-listed entrants will be
invited to parade their talents by performing in public at venues around
the town on Saturday 25th March. It is all part of Carmarthen's annual
Merlin Festival which is helping to celebrate Wales' "Year of Legends".
Those magicians taking part will receive generous expenses plus a cash
prize and Merlin trophy for the winner. Anyone wishing to enter should
post a five minute video of their act on the Merlin Festival Facebook
page at
www.facebook.com/events/1370440562997010/ no later than
Tuesday 28th February. For a copy of the rules and more details please
email
nick@thespookymagiccompany.co.uk.
14.1.17
London
Society of Magicians presents... "This year, Jamie Daws returns with his highly anticipated debut lecture
Opening Daws! Jamie has been releasing his creations to the magic
community for over 10 years and his effects have been praised the world
over by some of magic's most respected performers! His unique and offbeat
effects are honed through countless performances, tailoring each effect
for the real world. From visual card magic to some of the darkest
bizarre effects you’re likely to witness! This lecture promises to open
your mind to new possibilities enabling you to cater to a wider audience
and venture to areas you might not have visited before! In this lecture
Jamie takes you on an autobiographical journey through some of his
creations. Not only explaining how each came about, but more
importantly, why? In this journey, you will see a natural evolution in
his approach to creating magic and uncover his thoughts on performance.
Welcome to Opening Daws.
Location: Davenport's Magic Studios (www.davenportsmagic.co.uk) Tuesday 24th of January
at 7pm (doors 6.30pm). £10 for non-members (welcome). Members: free.
14.1.17
Simon
Sparkles "Sparkly-Warkly-Woo" lecture. Steve Majes writes:
The Anglian Magic Society has the Multi-Award Winning Magical
Entertainer Simon Sparkles presenting his "Sparkly-Warkly-Woo" lecture
this Tuesday 17th January at The White Horse Inn, The Street, Trowse,
Norwich NR14 8ST (Map). During this lecture Simon will present magic tricks
and comedy routines, all peppered with lots of practical tips and ideas,
along with the vital ingredients for successful family entertainment. He
will introduce you to a full entertainment system: everything from
magic, fun, games, and simple puppetry, through to control, both in and
out of the performance arena. This is a must-see lecture for the working
children’s entertainer. Members £3.00 - Visitors (welcome) £10.00 - 7.30pm
start time. For more details visit:
www.theanglianmagicsociety.uk.
14.1.17
Manchester
Circle of Magicians Auction. From the organisers:
A Jumbo Magic Auction is being held on Monday 16th January by
Manchester Circle of Magicians at Salford Masonic Hall, 41 The Crescent,
Salford, Near Manchester M5 4PE (Map). Doors open at 5.30pm
with viewing from 6pm. Auction commences at 6.30pm. Star auctioneers
Derek Lever and Quentin Reynolds. Non-members £3.00 door charge. Members
free of charge. Hundreds of bargains - many without reserve.
Stage magic, kids tricks, books, DVDs etc. Further information from
Derek Lever: d.lever1@sky.com.
14.1.17
Northamptonshire
Magicians Club Stage Competition. The competition takes place on Tuesday, January 17th, at
Parsons Hall, High Street, Irchester NN29 7AB (Map).
Free to NMC Members, £5.00 charge for guests (very welcome).
You are welcome to bring your own drinks and nibbles.
Competition entry open to NMC members, acts are 8-12 minutes in length.
The evening starts at 8pm prompt.
www.northamptonshiremagicians.uk.
Matthew Garrett.
14.1.17
Dave
Loosely Home Counties Magical Society lecture. Andrew Lewis writes: On Thursday 19th January at 8pm Dave Loosely will lecture for
Home Counties Magical Society at Maiden Place Community Centre, Maiden
Place, Kilnsea Drive, Lower Earley RG6 3HE (Map).
Visiting magicians
very welcome - door charge £15
www.hcms.org.uk.
14.1.17
Ring And String Deluxe - new format. Mark
Leveridge's work on magic with a borrowed ring and length of unprepared
cord is well known amongst close-up magicians. For many years Mark has
been supplying a DVD package (now sold out) which features careful
explanations of all 6 of Mark's natural looking moves, and now this
video footage has been made available to customers as a download. As a
prelude to a borrowed-ring-into-impossible-place effect or as a complete
sequence in its own right, this set of 6 moves will delight and amaze
your audiences, and all you need to carry with you is a length of cord
or shoelace! To purchase the video download, or to buy the same routine
as a text and colour photo Premier E-Routine PDF download, visit
www.markleveridge.co.uk/rsd.php.
14.1.17
Magicians
Advice Podcast: "Join Phil Taylor and Ian Brennan as they talk about
‘outs’ in magic. Phil and Ian discuss what happens when things have gone
wrong for them in the past and what this can look like. They talk about
the importance of buying yourself time and gaining control of the
situation. They talk about how to deal with ‘Alpha Male’ characters and
offer advice on when to rise to the challenge and when to softly diffuse
the situation. The conversation also touches briefly on how to avoid
getting caught while pick-pocketing!"
www.magicianscorner.co.uk.
14.1.17
Alec Powell's legendary Magic Car Boot Sale is back! Alec writes: Due to many requests the Magic Car Boot Sale will return on 22nd January 2017 at a new venue in Birmingham: The Austin Sports and Social Club, 30 Tessall Lane, Longbridge, Birmingham B31 2SF (Map). This venue is right next door to Longbridge Railway Station and less than 10 minutes from Junction 4 on the M5. There is plenty of free parking with barriers on the car park. There is a Premier Inn and Beefeater just across the road. Stalls remain at £15 and can be booked by calling 07831 115448, or by email alec@alecpowell.co.uk. 14.1.17
Farnborough
Association of Magical Entertainers. Last
Monday saw a somewhat reduced gathering of the Farnborough Association
of Magical Entertainers battling it out for the Well Trophy for the 'Most
Entertaining Close-up routine'. The competition was very close, but Phil
Sweeting just pipped the others to the post with his routine based on
fate and free will. He is pictured here having received his trophy from
vice-president Dave O’Connor. Wayne Fox will be lecturing on 13th
February. Visiting magicians welcome (£5 on the door).
See www.fame-magic.co.uk.
14.1.17
David
Narayan: The Psychic Project. 26th, 27th, 29th January, Birmingham,
Oxford and London. A mind-reading show based on the true story of The Cold
War's psychic spies.
In 1975, the Cold War took an unusual turn. The CIA learnt that Russia
was investing in mind-control research and achieving some remarkable
results.
Not wanting to be left behind, US scientists began a secret project to
train civilians as psychic spies: stealing secrets, manipulating
memories and finding out if thoughts can kill.
Drawing on 100,000 pages of declassified documents, David Narayan
attempts the CIA's experiments, seeing if a modern audience can use the
same techniques. "The Psychic Project was a festival highlight. A very very smart and
engaging show." @strongmisgiving.
26th January - Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham B2 5NY
(Map).
27th January - Old Fire Station, Oxford OX1 2AQ (Map).
29th January - Hen & Chickens Theatre, Islington, London N1 2NA (Map).
Website: www.thepsychicproject.com.
14.1.17
Etienne
Pradier Coventry Magic Circle lecture. James Cannon writes: Coventry
Magic Circle are delighted to welcome Etienne
Pradier to our society. Etienne was on the 'Penn and Teller Fool Us'
where he fooled Penn and Teller to go to Las Vegas. This promises to be a brilliant night of entertainment. £10
entrance fee for travelling magicians. Starts at 8pm Tuesday 24th January
at
Saunders Hall Working Men's Club, Saunders Avenue, Bedworth CV12 8RJ (Map).
www.coventrymagiccircle.co.uk.
14.1.17
Carl
Royle's recent 'How I Feed My Children' lecture at The Order of the Magi
is reviewed by Jonathan Royle this week. "His Gold Cup Con is a
micro Chop Cup routine that is performed with the cup
rested on his own flat palm at all times, thus eliminating the need to
invade anyone's table space and of course making this practical for those
environments where there simply are no tables!
It was a fast paced routine with a patter theme that made the whole thing
logical and entertaining, whilst also having numerous moments of magical
surprise..." To read the full 5 star review,
Click Here.
14.1.17
Brendan
Rodrigues lectured for the South London Magic Society on Tuesday:
"We wanted to start 2017 with a bang and we certainly did, when we had
Brendan Rodrigues come and lecture for us at South London Magical
Society. It was probably the best lecture we’ve ever had at our club and
certainly the most popular – the room was full and we had about 10
guests that came from as faraway as Harrow to watch this lecture. Our
eldest member who has been at the club for 38 years commented afterwards
'out of this world'". To read the full 5 star review by the club's
president Simon Rosselli
Click Here.
14.1.17
"David
Copperfield: 'I come to CES to get inspired'"
Click Here • "Escape Artist Harry Houdini Was an Ingenious Inventor,
He Just Didn't Want Anybody to Know"
Click Here • "Paul Daniels’ magic comes to The Hawth in Don’t
Dribble on the Dragon"
Click Here • "Heineken poster featuring Paul Daniels magically
reappears in Lockwood"
Click Here • "Comedian Mike McClean talks family, the future and
returning to the Ipswich Regent"
Click Here • "Israeli-born mentalist stars in 'Master of the Mind'"
Click Here • "50 Best Documentaries on Netflix: David Blaine: Street
Magic joins the rankings"
Click Here • "The fantastical magicians' posters that hypnotized
turn of the century audiences"
Click Here • "BWW Interview: Colin Cloud, of The Illusionists -
Live from Broadway, Coming to Riverside's Fox Performing Arts
Center"
Click Here • "Adam Trent: The Next Generation of Magic to take the
Perot stage Jan. 20"
Click Here • "‘Sleight’ Trailer: A Street Magician’s Indie Superhero
Origin Story"
Click Here • "Meet Steve Cohen, the Magician Who Wowed David
Letterman, Warren Buffett and Many Others"
Click Here • "Britain’s Got Talent magician star brings tour to
Lancaster"
Click Here • And another week disappears. Your news and reviews are
always welcomed - see you next week, Duncan.
14.1.17