Number
881 - 13th May 2017
Conjuring
a Better Future: The Magic Circle, London, 1st July. College of Magic, South
Africa, write: For one night only - Guy Hollingworth presents 'Conjuring a
Better Future', a unique charity show on Saturday 1st July at the world-famous
Magic Circle in London in support of the College of Magic in South Africa.
Featuring Guy Hollingworth and friends, including one of the world's greatest
pickpockets, James Freedman, World Champion magician Richard McDougall, and the
mind reader who fooled Penn & Teller, Graham Jolley - this is an unrivalled
opportunity to see some of the UK's best performers in the most magical venue in
London! We are honoured to have the support of such an amazing group of
performers. Guy first visited the College of Magic in 2015 - and has been an
incredible advocate of the organisation ever since. Tickets for this unique
fundraising show are already nearly sold out and available via
www.guy-hollingworth.com. 100% of the ticket price goes directly to the
College of Magic's outreach efforts.
13.5.17
One
of the world's greatest magicians, Marko
Karvo, together with a Les Chapeaux Blancs, Aaron Crow, Bertox, Alan Hudson and Kevin
Quantum can be seen in Scotland's MagicFest Gala Show on Saturday 8th
July. What a great line-up! From the organisers: "The best illusion and circus acts from
around the world assembled to perform a visually stunning and
breathtaking flight of fancy, many making their Scottish debuts, at the
Magic Festival’s flagship show." For more info and to book visit
www.magicfest.co.uk.
13.5.17
Ali Cook Principles of Deception - Underbelly
Festival 27th May.
Taking its name from Arthur Buckley’s influential magic collection Principles
and Deceptions, Ali Cook brings his exciting and innovative one-man show
Principles of Deception to The Underbelly Festival, London, on Saturday 27th May.
To book visit
www.underbellyfestival.com. "Forget what you think you know about comedy magicians - Ali Cook is edgy,
intelligent, self-referential, caustically hilarious and one of the most
sought-after illusionists on the planet." GQ Magazine. "Ali Cook’s Card tricks are dazzling" Daily Mail.
"A exceptionally talented magician." Time Out.
www.alicook.com.
13.5.17
The Magic Manor weekend
in Berkhamsted is fast approaching
(19th-21st May). A fantastic weekend of magic and performance is
planned, to be held on
a private manor estate just five minutes from Berkhamsted. The Sunday will feature
Ian Rowland, Fay Presto, Lee Hathaway and Simon Lovell, as well as
special VIP guests, a cabaret show and complimentary BBQ in the evening.
Day tickets are still available for only £25. For more info and to book
visit www.magicmanor.co.uk.
13.5.17
Conjuring
at the Court – Thursday 25th May in London. From the organisers: Enjoy a
night of mystery from London's longest-running monthly magic show, Conjuring at
the Court. There’s the hilarious magic of Mark Shortland; the original and
inventive Jon Allen; comedy and mystery from Stu Turner; and Norvil’s wonderful
vaudeville style act, elegant, sophisticated... but with a dark side. Stephen
Barry comperes in his usual exuberant fashion. 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).
Come early to enjoy a meal before the show!
Parking is free from 6.30pm. Tickets still just £11 in advance from
www.conjuringatthecourt.com.
13.5.17
Aaron
Calvert: Awaken. Manchester, Friday 16th June. From the organisers: Join Aaron in Manchester as Awaken
makes its debut on the way up to the
Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Following a sensational 2016 sell-out debut, Aaron Calvert returns with more
astounding mind reading and fascinating hypnotic feats in his brand new show
Awaken. "Jaw-dropping entertainment from a modern day wizard"
★★★★★
Telegraph. "A talented showman that will leave you baffled" ★★★★★ Daily
Mail.
Venue: Urmston Grammar School, Moorside Road, Urmston, Manchester M41 5UU (Map).
Tickets are £8.50, book via
www.aaroncalvert.com.
13.5.17
Secret Cellar - Summer & Autumn Seasons.
The Secret Cellar write:
The Secret Cellar is delighted to announce that it will be extending its
residency at Vaulty Towers. Having already established itself as the coolest
place in London to watch top class close-up magic, more shows will take place
in the summer and in an exciting autumn season as well.
Plans are already well underway for the new programme, with some exciting shows
which will be announced soon. However the producers would also like to hear from
magicians who would like an opportunity to perform and have either, a 20-30
minute close-up or parlour set, or an hour-long show.
To be considered, please email secretcellarlondon@gmail.com
with as much
information as possible about your act - including video footage.
www.secretcellarlondon.com.
13.5.17
Poet
of the Impossible. Not just a magician but a 'poet of the impossible', Scots-Italian
conjurer and writer, Lorenzo 'Renz' Novani, weaves verbal wizardry and magic
into 50 thought provoking and wonder-filled minutes that offer a glimpse of the
magicians secretive mind. He'll take you on a journey into magic's mysterious
past, and most importantly, present impossibilities that defy explanation and
gravity. Expect audience involvement. Prepare to be spellbound! "Whatever he does, the audience is engrossed and the final few seconds are
almost a miracle" Fringe Review 2016.
Part of the 2017 Brighton Fringe (England's biggest Fringe Festival). Wednesday 24th May to Sun 28th May (10pm every day except Sundays
at 9pm). Rialto Theatre, 11 Dyke Road, Brighton BN1 3FE (Map).
Website:
www.rialtotheatre.co.uk.
13.5.17
The
MagicWeek Video Archive. This week, Marvin Berglas, creator of Marvin's
Magic, chats to young magician Sam Cocklin at The Magic Circle for BBC's
Newsround. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with past weeks and the occasional
'bonus' video
Click Here.
13.5.17
Steve Wright in the Afternoon.
"Steve and the team chat to world famous magician Penn from Penn & Teller, Tommy
Sandhu and Sindhu Vee talk about the Asian Network comedy show in Leeds, and
there's the food medic Dr Hazel Wallace. Plus more Factoids, the Non-Stop Oldies
and the latest entertainment and lifestyle news." On
iPlayer.
13.5.17
Richard Jones is one of Aled Jones's 'Weekend' guests on Sunday, May 14th. "Chat show presented by Aled Jones. Aled's guests today are comedian Jason Manford, Loose Women's Stacey Solomon and magician and Britain's Got Talent winner Richard Jones. Music comes from newcomer Becky Hill." See TV Magic. 13.5.17
Christian Lee
lecture - Anglian Magic Society, Norwich. Steve Majes writes: Christian is an accomplished comedian, magician and actor. We have been extremely lucky to secure his
lecture as Christian, after his hilarious comedy magic routine on Britain’s Got
Talent involving his tribute to the film Titanic, is now working all over the
world and has a very hectic schedule. With Christian’s varied skill set this
promises to be an eye opening evening. Tuesday 16th May, £3.00 Members, £10.00 Visitors
(welcome), 7.30pm
start. The White Horse Inn, The Street, Trowse, Norwich NR14 8ST (Map).
www.theanglianmagicsociety.uk.
13.5.17
The
May 2017 E-Video Newsletter. Catch up with the latest online video presentation
from Mark Leveridge which comprises of the following six fun and interesting
sections. The Teach In - learn a sneaky idea with a coin that can be
adapted to different tricks. Top Tips - a way to ensure that you can
carry all the props you need for close up work. It Could Only Happen Live
- a story that confirms that doing kids' shows is not the soft option! Web
Offers - dems and background info on the two feature effects for close up
shows which are offered at a discount in May. 60 Seconds To Success - why you
need to get good at recognising faces. The Review Corner - Mark takes a
look at The Gold Standard by David Regal. Access to the full 36 minute online
video presentation is available either on its own for a small payment, or it can
be part of a one year subscription which automatically gives access to 12
monthly editions. Alternatively, you can join Mark's online magic resource,
E-Club Pro, and receive every E-Video Newsletter at no extra charge. For more
info go to www.markleveridge.co.uk/evn.php.
13.5.17
Brendan
Rodrigues lecture - Bexley Magic Society. Roy Marsh writes: On Wednesday
17th May Bexley Magic Society welcomes The Magic Circle Close-Up Magician of the
Year 2016, Brendan Rodrigues with his lecture. Brendan’s unique style combines
contact juggling, misdirection and magical manipulation to produce some stunning
effects. He is originally from Mumbai but is now based in London and loves life
here. He lives and breathes magic, performing for many people he meets which is
how he got so good at what he does. Magic is not Brendan’s job, it is his
passion. Brendan works mainly at corporate functions, at exhibitions and on
television, often in a promotional role as he has extraordinary ways of
demonstrating products like mobile phones, watches and jewellery. He was asked
in 2015 to put his techniques into an instructional DVD as so many were
demanding to see how he does what he does. This type of performance has to be
seen to be believed. Visiting magicians are welcome. (£10.00 entrance for non
members). Doors open 7.30pm for 8pm start.
www.bexleymagic.org.uk.
13.5.17
Magicseen
Issue 74 May 2017. From the publishers: The story of Richard Jones' meteoric rise from member of the
British Army Band of the Household Cavalry to star of stage and screen is proof,
if it was ever needed, that fairy tales do happen, and we are delighted to talk
to him all about his success in last year's Britain's Got Talent and the
aftermath of that triumph. We also get up close and personal with hilarious
comedy magician Stephen Bargatze, who turned a terrible moment in his early
childhood into a huge positive for his career, and Jay Fortune, the highly
versatile and talented magician, entrepreneur, creator and artist. There are
also two interesting and very different feature articles in the May issue, one
by Geraint Clarke, who reveals 5 Rules That Every Close Up Magician Must Break,
and the other being on e-signature technology and how it can help all commercial
magicians with their booking process. We also invite the famous singer Olivia
Newton John to have a chat In The Phonebox (turns out she's a bit of a magic
fan!), we learn about the great work Leon Anderson is doing in Ireland to help
children with their literacy and numeracy through his Class Magic, and Paul
Stone reveals his plans for a new magic event in Liverpool called Magic On The
Mersey. All this plus more is crammed into the latest issue of Magicseen, the
full colour glossy magazine that just can't wait for you to read it. For
information and to order via a 1 or 2 year printed copy or download
subscription, please go to www.magicseen.co.uk.
13.5.17
The
Doug Henning Project.
Neil McNally writes: For all those interested in the art and magic of Doug Henning a new
website "The Doug Henning Project" has been launched. Over the coming days and weeks you will see new interviews with legendary magic
designers, friends of Doug, and admirers. The goal is to bring a greater
understanding to what he brought to magic and, in the process, put it in a fresh
and new historical context.
Visit:
www.doughenningproject.com.
13.5.17
Craig Stephenson: Deception. Edinburgh Fringe. From the producer: What would you do if you could read someone’s private thoughts? Yorkshire based comedy magician Craig Stephenson returns to the Edinburgh Fringe to perform his new one-man magic show, Deception. The show involves mindreading and magical misdirection all delivered in his devilishly funny style. After many years performing magic throughout the UK, in 2016 Craig took his show, Impossible, to the Edinburgh Fringe. Over its fourteen-night run the show sold out on seven separate nights and attracted a lot of positive attention from audiences and media, including mentions on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 4. Following this success, Craig is now taking his latest, and highly original show, Deception to Edinburgh. This exciting production promises more dazzling magic and incredible mindreading, all delivered in his uniquely funny style. This brand-new show will see him performing material designed to surprise and delight. “If you only see one magician in your life, make it him.” One&Other magazine. Venue: The Space @ Surgeon’s Hall – Venue 53. 4th–26th August (but not Sunday 13th) at 7.05pm (50 mins running time). www.craigsmagic.co.uk/2017/04/deception. Craig is also performing at the Great Yorkshire Fringe raising funds for York Against Cancer on Friday 21st July at 9.45pm. For every ticket sold for his Great Yorkshire Fringe performance Craig will donate £1 to this local charity that he has supported for many years. Venue: The Teapot, Piccadilly Square, York. See www.craigsmagic.co.uk/2017/04/deception. 13.5.17
Banbury
Magic Club - now recruiting! David Gardner writes:
We are looking for new members to join our club.
If you are interested please go to our website
www.banishedmagicians.com where you will find all our details. New members will
be made very welcome.
13.5.17
Scottish Escapology Exhibition.
Scottish Escape Artist Andy Robertson is currently hosting Scotland's first
escapology Exhibition at the East Kilbride Arts Centre. It's on until May 28th,
daily, from 10am to 8pm.
At the exhibition you'll be able to see a large picture of Houdini at the
Glasgow Pavilion from 1920, only the second time it’s been on public display; a Houdini Milk can made by David De-Val; a large display of handcuffs from all over the world,
including ankle and thumb cuffs; a Medieval gibbet cage; several straitjackets,
and lots more. To download the PDF exhibition booklet
Click Here. Andy is personally appearing most weekends at the Exhibition
from noon to 2pm to give some demonstrations and to show people some of the
exhibits in the displays, as well as answer any questions. Andy said: "The
exhibition has been a huge success so far with people coming to see it from all
over the country. I’m delighted that the council and management have supported
this venture and it’s a real pleasure to be able to have all this on show. It
was well over a year in the making, but it’s all been worth it." See
www.slleisureandculture.co.uk.
13.5.17
Merlin
Magical Society
Clifford Morrow Cup Competition and Creative Workshop. John Clayton,
Secretary of the Merlin Magical Society, writes: On Thursday the 18th May the Merlin Magical Society is holding its annual
Clifford Morrow Cup Competition.
It will be judged by Steve Rowe, who will after the competition perform his
Creative Workshop.
It's only £5 for non members. Full details can be found here:
www.merlinmagicalsociety.co.uk.
13.5.17
A Bit of Magic with Stu & Friends.
A one-hour cabaret style show at the Brighton Fringe on May 13th, 14th, 20th & 21st.
See
www.brightonfringe.org for details.
13.5.17
"How
to become a magician"
Click Here • "Derren Brown’s U.S. Debut Extends 3 Weeks at Atlantic
Theater"
Click Here • "Review: Eight-year-old magician Issy Simpson dazzles
on T-shirt illusion"
Click Here • "The 19 Most Ridiculous TV Pilots Coming This Fall"
Click Here • "Breaking the magician’s code"
Click Here • "An Auschwitz Magician’s Greatest Trick: Holding the
Horrors at Bay"
Click Here • "Watch This: A Magician Makes Cannabis Disappear in
Front of a Cop"
Click Here • "Good Morning Britain viewers beg Piers Morgan to
disappear"
Click Here [and Lord Sugar's 'Ben' Tweet:
Click Here] • "Murray The Magician Features his 92-year old Mentor
‘Mr. Electric’ on YouTube"
Click Here • "Piff the Magic Dragon Announces Extended Summer
Residency at Flamingo Las Vegas"
Click Here • "Justin Flom is bringing "organic magic" to Arkansas"
Click Here • "Piers Morgan growls in frustration after being
outwitted by top magicians Penn and Teller"
Click Here • "From meeting clients to job interviews, magician David
Kwong on how to be your best self at work"
Click Here • And finally, something magicians constantly moan
about: bad performers that have great looking
websites and consequently get good bookings! Well, it's really nothing
new. Revenge of the Creature wouldn't have won any 'Film of the Year'
awards back in the 50s, but you certainly can't fault the film's publicity
department. Here's a wonderful photo, taken on the Japanese island of
Okinawa, around 1955
Click Here
•
Thanks as always for your news - see you next week, Duncan.
13.5.17