Number
910 - 2nd December 2017
Tommy
Cooper Forever. Part one, Thursday 14th December, on ITV3.
Tommy Cooper Forever will reveal how an act that started out in the
desert during the Second World War went on to take the comedy world by
storm.
Over three decades have passed since Tommy Cooper died but rather than
the memories fading with time, the nation’s love for unique magician
has only gone from strength to strength. In these two programmes, using
previously unseen footage, we hear how Tommy scoured the magic shops of
London to create his routines and we trace his extraordinary journey from
South Wales to top of the bill at the Palladium, with the help of
family, friends who worked with him and famous fans – a cast list which
includes Jennifer Saunders, Simon Callow, Lionel Blair, Anita Harris,
Les Dennis and Jerome Flynn. See TV
Magic for details.
2.12.17
Dai
Vernon: The Spirit of Magic: "This documentary was produced to
explore the life and magic of Dai Vernon (David Frederick Wingfield
Verner, 1894-1992), the most influential magician of the twentieth
century—possibly of all time. Directed by Daniel Zuckerbrot. Narrated by
Patrick Watson. Featuring interviews and performances by (in order of
appearance) Max Maven, Derek Verner, Jackie Flosso, Herb Zarrow, David
Ben, Edward Verner, Ricky Jay, John Carney, Persi Diaconis, Steeve
Freeman." Watch it at
www.magicana.com. (Spotted by Quentin Reynolds, posted on the
Genii Forum).
2.12.17
Risky
Rabbit Bristol Launch, Smoke & Mirrors, Thursday, January 11th.
Come and witness professional magicians practice new material together
with new magicians stepping onto the stage for the very first time, at Bristol's only
open-mic night for conjurers, Risky Rabbit!
Amazing magic and mind reading will be performed by local performers.
The whole evening will be hosted by "Bristol's 31st funniest man or
woman", Mark Bennett!
(Bristol Post
www.bristolpost.co.uk).
The night will take place on the 2nd Thursday of every month at 8pm, and should finish around 10.30pm. The night is free
for
audience members with donations at the end (suggested donation is £2).
For a performance slot email
riskyrabbitbristol@gmail.com.
Venue Smoke & Mirrors, 8 Denmark Street, Bristol BS1 5DQ
(Map)
www.smokeandmirrorsbar.co.uk.
2.12.17
Eggheads
v The Egg Bags... Merlins
of Wakefield were on Eggheads last week. The Merlins Magic Club entered a team
(The Egg Bags!) to pit their wits against
the finest brains in the land. Bob, Kim, Darren, Phil and Mark, with Tony
in reserve, conjured up some magic as well as entertaining Jeremy and
the crew. To see how they got on you can watch the whole show on
iPlayer. The latest 3D Magic Works items will be arriving
shortly, including
On-Line,
Ribbon Ruse and
Hip n Hop N Spot.
These normally take 5 to 6 weeks to order, but Merlins will have a few spare
ones in time for Christmas if you order quickly.
For more details and availability email
merlins@btconnect.com or call
01924 339933. www.merlinswakefield.co.uk.
2.12.17
The
MagicWeek Video Archive. This week, Geoffrey Durham on John
Fisher's 'The Best of Magic' from 1989. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with past weeks and the occasional
'bonus' video
Click Here.
2.12.17
The
December E-Video Newsletter. Mark Leveridge is pleased to offer the
latest edition of his popular monthly online video presentation. For his
festive issue: The Teach In - Mark
explains the 3rd move from his Ring Competition ring and rope effect.
Top Tips - a simple way to 'tame' your magician's rope! It Could
Only Happen Live - Mark reveals how he almost got caught by an 'in
joke' at a show. Web Offers - details of a great advice E-Book
and a money routine suitable for the pub, both of which are on offer in
December. 60 Seconds To Success - a strategy for kid show
planning. The Review Corner - Mark takes a considered look at
Sven Lee's Svenlopes. The E-Video Newsletter is available in
exchange for a very small amount of money, and a 1 year sub makes the
price per edition even smaller - it really is one of the best deals in
magic. To watch a video trailer and for more information or to order, go
to
www.markleveridge.co.uk/evn.php.
2.12.17
Dynamo on Good Morning Britain. "Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart chat about their new film Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. Matthew Kelly talks about taking Christmas classic The Box of Delights on to the stage. British magician Dynamo has a few tricks up his sleeve today for the GMB team!" ITV, 14th December. See TV Magic for details. 2.12.17
Paul
Zerdin in Dick
Whittington. Playing at the stunning London Palladium over the 2017/18
festive season is the UK’s favourite pantomime, Dick Whittington!
Starring your returning favourites and some magical new faces including
Julian Clary (Spirit of the Bells), musical theatre royalty Elaine Paige
(Queen Rat), Ashley Banjo & Diversity, Paul Zerdin (Idle Jack), Nigel
Havers (Captain Nigel), Gary Wilmot (Sarah the Cook) and direct from
Half A Sixpence – Charlie Stemp as the title role of Dick Whittington.
A seasonal must-see for young and old, don’t miss your chance to visit
the West End these holidays and put some sparkle in your Christmas
celebrations.
Book your tickets to Dick Whittington today!
Click Here.
2.12.17
Congratulations
to Juan Corrin, winner
of the annual stage competition held by the Magicians of Mann on 24th
November. He was presented with the Arthur
Culpin Challenge Cup by David Evans, chairman of the Rotary Foundation
and International Committee of the Club of Ramsey. The show raised funds
for a project supporting visually impaired pupils in two Nepalese
schools. Also taking part in the show, produced by Lexi Watterson and
compèred by Mike Clague, were Chris Burns, Michael Kelly, Rosalie
Beaumont, Keith Greenland, Paul Martin, Giles Beaumont, Michael Daniels
and John Cain.
Mike Clague,
Secretary, Magicians of Mann.
2.12.17
Christmas Family Comedy Magic Show. Saturday December 30th
at 1pm and 4pm at The
Ivy House, 40 Stuart Road, Nunhead, London SE15 3BE (Map).
"Doors open 30 minutes early. Interval between two magical acts from
Klassy Magic & Amigo's Magic.
Magic before your very eyes, mayhem and comedy. One lucky person to have
their stress removed and lots of audience participation! Great family
entertainment. Free Bunny Copter to all those attending.
Tickets £8 per child; adults £10; Family ticket of four £30.
This sold out last year so please book early to avoid disappointment."
www.magicmindreadingandmayhem.co.uk.
Tel: 0208 480 8176.
2.12.17
Kevin Quantum Quantum Magic, tonight, 2nd December, in London. Catface Talent presents: Kevin Quantum Quantum Magic. After sell out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe every year since 2015, critically acclaimed Scottish magician Kevin Quantum makes his London debut with a one-off show at the Clapham Grand on Saturday 2nd December. The show ‘Quantum Magic’ combines state of the art magic with incredible science. As magic creatures go, Kevin fits somewhere between Gandalf and Brian Cox and is the closest thing to real magic a believer, or a cynic will ever find. Quantum Magic fuses sketch comedy, magic and science - from laugh out loud moments to remarkable feats of mental ability alongside sci-fi inspired illusions. Expect the impossible: think of a drink - he'll make it appear, watch personal objects getting teleported onto the stage and money appearing from thin air and gasp when an audience member gets suspended in space! 7.30pm on Saturday 2nd December at Clapham Grand, 1-25 St John's Hill, London SW11 1TT (Map). This event is 18+ For more information and to book: Click Here. www.quantummagician.com. “Quantum has such an entertainingly off-hand manner that you want to believe that he makes the impossible possible at every turn. Genuinely interactive” Herald ★★★★ “Astonishing” Edinburgh Evening News ★★★★★ “Superbly imaginative, clever and wonder-filled show” TV Bomb ★★★★. 2.12.17
The Magic of Houdini with Alan Davies is being repeated this week. Having had a fascination with the world of magic since he was a boy, Alan Davies explores the extraordinary life of illusionist and stunt performer, Harry Houdini, the man who against the odds became one of the most successful entertainers in the world. In a bid to understand why Houdini felt compelled to perform such terrifying death-defying acts, Alan visits New York where the young Eric Weiss arrived as a child with his Hungarian immigrant family, made his entry into show business and ultimately performed some of his most death-defying stunts. Immersing himself in the world of Houdini, Alan tries to hold his breath under ice cold water, lies on a bed of nails, gets strung upside down in a straitjacket and takes an exclusive look at David Copperfield's priceless collection of Houdini artefacts in Vegas. Alan talks to Houdini enthusiasts and delves into the family history of a man driven to conquer his rivals and be the very best. See TV Magic for details. 2.12.17
Nottingham University
Magic Society. The Nottingham University Magic Society have just
launched a new website. It contains a members zone for lecture notes and information,
along with a members-only forum.
www.nottinghammagicians.co.uk.
2.12.17
MagicWeek
welcomes your input: News, Articles,
What's On, Show Reviews, Product Reviews... or any other UK magic
related content. Whenever possible please attach a photo (jpeg). Text
should be sent as an email or attached as a 'Word doc'. The copyright of
all submissions remains with the author of the work, and photographs are
accepted on the understanding that the copyright owners have granted
permission for their reproduction. We have a strict Friday 12 noon
deadline for all submissions. DT.
2.12.17
"Neil
Patrick Harris brings his love of magic to Seattle"
Click Here • "'Escape' artist rescued after spending 19 days trying
to free himself"
Click Here • "David Blaine risks life and limb on tour"
Click Here • "Indonesian illusionist Demian Aditya’s assistant
reportedly severely injured during failed ‘death drop’ stunt"
Click Here • "Illusionist Jason Bishop Makes Audiences 'Believe in
Magic' Tonight at the New Victory Theater"
Click Here • "The Maze illusionist performing in Rice Lake"
Click Here • "Happy Resenting Day"
YouTube • That's it for another week - see you next week, Duncan.
2.12.17