Number
879 - 29th April 2017
"Issy
Simpson is a real life Hermione Granger. Auditions Week 2. Britain’s Got
Talent 2017"
YouTube. Eight-year-old magician Issy Simpson gave a delightful
performance on Britain's Got Talent last Saturday. You could feel the
magic in the air as Issy made her television debut in front of, what
turned out to be, the largest television audience of the year. In just a
few short minutes she presented three really strong pieces of magic to
the amazement of the judges and theatre audience alike. Talk about
charm! DT. "8-year-old magician Issy Simpson wows the Britain's Got
Talent judges"
Click Here • "Britain's Got Talent Poll! Which act was the best this
week? Vote here!"
Click Here • "Saturday's Britain's Got Talent was the most watched
show of the year so far"
Click Here • "Issy steals the show as Blackpool shows Britain’s Got
Talent"
Click Here • "Richard Jones's Britain's Got Talent blog: 'BGT
wouldn't be as interesting if you put restrictions on who can enter'"
Click Here • "Eight-year-old Britain’s Got Talent contestant Issy
Simpson just took T-shirt magic to a whole new level"
Click Here.
29.4.17
The
Best of Derren Brown: Underground. Direct from its sell-out London
run, Derren Brown: Underground is the latest stage show from the
multi-award winning master of psychological illusion. Bringing together
a collection of the very best of Derren's previous stage work,
Underground is a spell-binding experience of showmanship and magical
genius.
UK Tour dates:
Mon 24 – Wed 26 July Birmingham: New
Alexandra Theatre
Thu 27 – Sat 29 July Nottingham: Royal & Derngate
Mon 31 July – Wed 2 Aug Ipswich: Regent Theatre
Thu 3 Aug – Sat 5 Aug Salford Quays: The Lowry
Mon 7 – Wed 9 Aug Newcastle: Theatre Royal
Fri 11 – Sat 12 Aug Carlisle: The Sands
Mon 14 – Tue 15 Aug Edinburgh: Playhouse
Fri 18 – Sat 19 Aug Cambridge: Corn Exchange
Mon 21 – Wed 23 Aug Woking: New Victoria Theatre
Thu 24 – Sat 26 Aug Sheffield: Lyceum Theatre
Mon 28 – Wed 30 Aug Buxton: Opera House
Thu 31 Aug – Sat 2 Sep Blackpool: Grand Theatre
Mon 4 – Tue 5 Sep Southampton: Mayflower.
29.4.17
Blue Peter, Sunday 30th April on CBBC.
Magic, Marathons and More Mania. "Callum and guide dog Iggy are
back in the studio for a visit. Radzi and Lindsey go behind the scenes
at the London Marathon, catch up with the second part of Radzi's trip to
Wrestlemania, magician and author Nick Mohammed tells us all about his
magical-themed book and there is a stunning performance from Dean Leavy,
winner of The Young Magician of the Year 2017." See
TV Magic or watch now via
iPlayer.
29.4.17
The
Magic History Gathering at The Magic Circle takes place this year on
Saturday 10th June. Peter Lane writes: The first speaker Ian Keable will explain the Bottle
Conjurer hoax of 1749 which resulted in the wrecking of the theatre in
Haymarket. Brian Lead assisted by Dave Andrews and John Yeadon will talk about
Josephine Langley who was one of the few female ventriloquists in the first
quarter of the 20th century. The talk will include a performance of her act
using the original vent figure and script. Andrey Federov from Russia will
present a survey of magic and magicians in that country. George Kovari will
explain some of his advisory work for theatre and television. James Smith will
offer a brief history of magic books as seen through the eyes of the auction
room. Finally Richard Wiseman and Paul Zenon will talk about a never seen illusion
invented by Robert Harbin.
The day will conclude with another table sale of collectable books, many at
bargain prices, from the estate of the late David Price. This Sale is only open
to those who attend The History Gathering.
The doors open at 9.30am and the day should finish by about 6.30pm. The cost of
the day is £40, which includes morning coffee, afternoon tea and a substantial
buffet lunch. To register for the event please contact Bob Loomis on
bobloomis@themagiccircle.co.uk. Payment must be made in advance
- it is not
possible to pay at the door.
29.4.17
The Family Festival of Magic,
Great Yarmouth. From the organisers:
Britain's Got Talent Stars of Magic come to Great Yarmouth for
The Family Festival of Magic.
Imagine a cavalcade of magicians descending into Great Yarmouth who will wave
their magic wands and make your troubles disappear... well, for a few hours at
least.
That’s exactly what’s happening at the St. Georges Theatre and Plaza on August
22nd and 23rd as Great Yarmouth plays host to the first Family Festival of
Magic.
Magical folk and entertainers of all kinds will be performing their skills
inside and out at the St. Georges venue on King Street with Free Entry to the
daytime events featuring: balloon modellers, children's magicians, Punch & Judy, close-up conjurors and circus style performers.
TV comedy stunt man Jeff
Drayton and TV comedy magician Stevie Pink from Britain's Got Talent will
both be appearing along with Chris North from ITV's New Faces and 3,2,1.
The evening magic shows are priced at £3.00 per person and
feature these local TV stars of magic together with many
other local stars of variety, magic and wizardry.
The Family Festival of Magic is a two-day event which will be raising funds
to help the local magic clubs. The Gathering and The Anglian Magic
Society. If anyone wishes to join in the event during the two days please
contact Kyle 07982 819727. Also see:
www.magicfestival.co.uk
and www.stgeorgestheatre.com.
29.4.17
Vincent
Hedan: The Wish. At The Secret Cellar, London, 3rd - 7th May. From the
organisers:
Direct from Paris for this exclusive London run comes France's answer to Derren
Brown.
Vincent Hedan won the title of French Champion of Mentalism (2008) and Award of
Merit (2012) in Canada, and this is a unique chance to see a really special act
in extreme close-up.
Seen previously at The Session, Vincent has received critical acclaim from
magicians around the world... "We all have a wish, something we desire to
have, do or be, with the hope that it will become reality one day. It's time to
make your wish come true." Join us for an unforgettable experience in one of the coolest new venues in the
capital. More info:
www.secretcellarlondon.com.
29.4.17
Magic
Moments Day 2017. Jay Fortune writes: 10 years young! Saturday 16th
September has been announced as Magic Moments Day 2017. This feel-good
fundraising initiative aims to encourage magicians to raise money and smiles
through magic by performing for a charity of their choice, at any event or venue
they choose. We’d love to smash the £100K mark this year and every magician
counts. No matter how small the performance, or how limited your skills, if you
have the desire to go out and make someone smile through your magic on Magic
Moments Day you’ll be doing a great thing for magic and wellbeing. Enough of the
worthiness… please Click Here to
find out more and see how you can get involved. Thanks for your support.
29.4.17
Karl
Marx, magic and Ian Saville.
'Cabaret at Jongleurs' from March 3rd 1988. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with previous videos
Click Here.
29.4.17
Four in a row from Dynamo, catch up with Dynamo on Sunday 30th April. "The acclaimed magician travels the world, dazzling those he meets with his astonishing illusions." See TV Magic. 29.4.17
Northern Magic Summit 2017. Raymond Roberts writes: The Northern Magic Summit 2017 was the rebranding of the Northern Magic Circle Convention which turned out to be not just a name rebranding, but a new and energetic NMC; a welcoming, informative and inspiring get-together for magicians of all ages. Organised by a small but effective team consisting of President Robert Temple and Ken Dyne [AKA the Ant and Dec of magic], and Bill and Sylvia Temple, with support from the NMC council. The effort and work put into the weekend was obvious with something for everyone, six wall to wall lecturers in the perfect hotel, a theatre Magic & Variety show, dealers, a junior workshop, an informal dinner to celebrate 60 years of the NMC and, to close, a fringe show (can't wait for the next one!). Donald Bevan reviews the Northern Magic Summit in full this week, Click Here. www.northernmagiccircle.org.uk. 29.4.17
Richard Jones 'The Power of Imagination' tour - just for dates left. Coalition Talent in association with Roar Global present 'The Power of Imagination' Britain's Got Talent Winner Lance Corporal Richard Jones. From the producers: Richard Jones is a soldier and magician, and the winner of Britain's Got Talent 2016. With his captivating performances, Richard – born in 1990 in Leytonstone, East London – didn't just impress the BGT judges, he also stole the hearts of the nation. Richard was crowned the winner of BGT's 10th series in May 2016.
"Richard Jones, Festival Drayton Centre, Market Drayton - review" Click Here.
"Britain's Got Talent victor Richard Jones: I’ll be back – you’re all magic" Click Here.
Sunday 30th April – Abbey Theatre, Nuneaton
Click Here
Tuesday 2nd May – Arts Centre, Colchester
Click Here (Sold Out)
Wednesday 3rd May – Boiler Room, Guildford
Click Here
Friday 5th May – Arts Centre, Haverhill
Click Here (Sold Out).
29.4.17
Merlins
of Wakefield's latest 16 page 'Preview' is now available; to download a PDF
copy
Click Here. If you would like a printed copy, email them your address
merlins@btconnect.com. Their Magic
Festival Day is now just 14 days away. A great day of magic lectures, workshops,
a sideshow and an evening Gala Show is planned - so there is something for
everyone. Also, if you buy a day or full ticket, you will receive a goody bag
that contains goods worth more than the ticket price! For more details
Click Here.
www.merlinswakefield.co.uk.
29.4.17
Auction
Night at The
Gathering, Great Yarmouth. From the organisers: The Gathering, East Anglia's
social night for magicians of all abilities are thrilled to invite any magi to
an auction of props, books, DVDs, and paraphernalia all pertinent to
prestidigitators at St Georges Hotel, Albert Square, Great Yarmouth. Start time
will be around 7.30pm on Tuesday 2nd May, and all are welcome to bid on an
amazing array of goods, with auctioneer Paul Henri selling off the lots in his
own inimitable way. Join us if you can!
St George Hotel, 7-10 Albert Square, Great
Yarmouth, Norfolk NR30 3JH (Map).
29.4.17
Wayne Fox Lecture
-
Northamptonshire Magicians Club.
Tuesday 2nd May at Brafield on the Green Working Men’s Club, Brafield on the
Green, Northampton NN7 1BD (Map).
Entrance is free for members, and £10 for guests.
The evening starts at 8pm prompt.
www.northamptonshiremagicians.uk.
Matthew Garrett.
29.4.17
The Davenport Collection - a growing resource on magic and entertainment
history.
The Davenports have been accumulating magic, puzzles, jokes, novelties and
related ephemera ever since Lewis Davenport founded his magic business in 1898.
This website is the latest venture in making material from the collection more
accessible. The website is curated by John Davenport. Phase 1 is now up and
running, and includes 300 posters which are searchable for acts, dates, theatres
and towns.
Another section of the website makes available specialist talks which, once
given, are often lost. Already we have seven illustrated talks in PDF format:
Roy Field The first of 80 British Ring conventions, Cheltenham 1931.
Paul Freeman Noms de Theatre – stage names for magicians.
Anne Goulden Wyn Davenport’s autograph albums.
Anne Goulden Intermittently on the halls.
Peter Lane Magicians’ programmes.
David Price Booksellers, collectors and rogues.
Fergus Roy Will Goldston – the man and the legend.
We hope that other speakers will contribute their own illustrated talks –
contact the curator via the website if you are interested.
Phase 2 will be live later this year with seven new sections, including magic,
puzzles, catalogues, programmes and other paper ephemera. We are happy to
exchange links with relevant magic or entertainment history websites.
www.davenportcollection.co.uk.
29.4.17
John
Styles MBE at the York Society of Magicians. Austin Siviter writes: The York
Society of Magicians next meeting is on Wednesday 10th May when John Styles MBE
will be sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience. John is a magician,
character comedian, ventriloquist, Punch & Judy "professor" and a lifelong
collector of related memorabilia. He has over 60 years experience performing in
every medium of the entertainment business, meeting and entertaining some of the
world's most distinguished and interesting people, from Pubs to Palaces -
beaches to Broadway - from house parties to Hollywood. Consequently he has a
fascinating story to tell and artifacts to show.
Having addressed the Royal Society of arts he was elected a Fellow of the
Society, and had the distinction to talk of his work at the Smithsonian
Institute in Washington DC. He was honoured to receive an MBE for Services to
the Arts, from Her Majesty the Queen at Buckingham Palace. Magicians from other
societies are welcome to hear John Styles talk about his lifetime of wonder and
wizardry (£5 pay the door). The York Society of Magicians, Dringhouses Sports
Club, St Helens Road, York YO24 1HR (Map),
meeting at 7pm for 7.30pm lecture.
www.yorksocietyofmagicians.co.uk.
29.4.17
The
Tim Bat Trick Show at Brighton Festival Fringe Kids Show. A fast, funny and exciting stage show for children over 4.
Family entertainment in vaudeville style, cram-packed with skilful trickery and
quirky comedy, performed at a cracking pace that keeps the kids on the edge of
their seats.
Tim Bat, gentleman juggler and unwitting clown, performs his impressive
repertoire with aplomb. But when the props and those naughty puppets get the
upper hand, frantic hilarity ensues! “Highly recommended for children and adults alike … a real pleasure”
The Argus. Brighton Spiegeltent, The Old Steine, Brighton BN1 1GY (Map).
Sundays 7th, 14th & 21st May 12 noon - 1pm Tickets £8 / £7. Fringe Box Office: 01273 917 272
www.brightonfringe.org.
Also see
YouTube.
29.4.17
Eric Jones Lecture, Cornish Magical Society, Sunday 21st May
at 3pm. Keith Penney writes: Regarded by his peers as one of magic's rising stars, Eric Jones
has made quite a name for himself. Armed with cunning
sleight of hand and a charming personality, he will astound you with his digital
dexterity. When Eric performs, cards fly, coins multiply and audiences cheer! An
award winning performer, Eric's magic has been showcased at the world famous
Magic Castle in Hollywood, and at NYC's Monday Night Magic, the longest running
magic show in New York. Eric has appeared on television in 13 countries. Eric's
lecture will challenge you to look at your magic in a whole new light:
discussing ways to make close-up effects play to large audiences; redirecting
attention rather than misdirecting it, and how to properly block/stage your
performances to both conceal methods as well as well as optimise audience
reactions.
Magicians who are not CMS members are welcome. A £10 charge will
apply to any non-members attending. Cornish Magical Society, Carnon Downs
Village Hall, Tregye Road, Carnon Downs, Truro TR3 6GH (Map).
www.cornishmagicalsociety.co.uk.
29.4.17
Merlin
Magical Society Annual Auction, Potters Bar. John Clayton writes: On Thursday 4th May, the Merlin Magical Society is holding its annual
auction.
Doors open at 7.30pm for an 8pm start. We finish at 10pm.
The selling order is on a first come basis, and non members are also allowed to
sell their items.
Entry for non members is only £5. Merlin Magical Society, Little Heath Parish
Hall, Thornton Road, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire EN6 1JJ (Map).
See www.merlinmagicalsociety.co.uk/auction.html
for details.
29.4.17
Rus
Andrews Coventry Magic Circle lecture. James Cannon writes: Rus works 'day
in day out' in bars and nightclubs, so he has developed a repertoire of working
routines that pack a punch and are very simple to understand and follow. This
isn't to say that he has compromised on the tricks, in fact the effects are
stronger, with no fluff needed to pad them out. Each of the routines has been
designed to give the impact required to completely freak out everyone, but with
a direct and easy to follow plot. They are perfect for noisy, dark and less than
ideal performing situations.
Each effect is clearly taught, something that is very easy in this case as the routines are so direct you will be doing face up Oil and Water routines and pulling thought of cards out of spectator's shoes in no time! So if you like strong, direct magic, that isn't knuckle-busting at all, then this is the lecture for you. £10 fee for visiting magicians. Tuesday 2nd May at 8pm. Coventry Magic Circle, Saunders Hall Working Men's Club, Saunders Avenue, Bedworth CV12 8RJ (Map). www.coventrymagiccircle.co.uk. 29.4.17
Calling
all Talent on the Tyne - Tyneside's Next Big Act, today, Saturday 29th. Chris Cross the Magician announces a Regional Talent
Search for Tyneside's Next Big Act on Saturday 29th April 2017. Chris writes:
"I’m really excited to see what wonderful talents we have hiding amongst us in
the North East! This opportunity could be the start of a dazzling career in show
business – this really is your time to shine folks!" Auditions will take place
on a first come, first seen basis with a limit to 5 minutes per act. Anyone
wanting to audition for the Talent on the Tyne contest should arrive at Tyne
Theatre & Opera House between 10.30am and 2.30pm on Saturday 29th April. There
won’t be a theatre audience, but you are welcome to bring a few family
members/friends along for support. A mini-jack for music and a mic on a stand
will be provided should you need to use them. Contact Chris via
www.chris-cross.co.uk.
Photo: Judges, l to r, Jo Johnson, Chris Cross, Cal Halbert and Bobby Pattinson.
29.4.17
"End
of an era as Eastbourne magic shop to disappear forever"
Click Here •
"Raising the profile of magic in Paphos"
Click Here • "Sleight"
Click Here • "Celebs freak out riding Derren Brown’s Ghost Train:
Rise of the Demon"
Click Here • "Amazing Johnathan heads to Orlando despite 'waiting to
die'"
Click Here • "Magic and a gritty drama make a star of Jacob
Latimore in 'Sleight'"
Click Here • Geoffrey Newton reviews John Archer's recent Order of
The Magi lecture,
Click Here • "Police officer rescues magician's cockatoo"
Click Here • "Darcy Oake World Renowned Illusionist is coming to
Calgary!"
Click Here • "Lobero Honors George Burtness and Milt Larsen"
Click Here • Thanks for your news! Have a great
bank holiday weekend, see you next week, Duncan.
29.4.17