Number
922 - 24th February 2018
Pete
Firman 'Marvels' UK tour dates. Pete Firman will be embarking on a
brand-new 27 date tour in September. Marvels, which will open at the
Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells on 21st September 2018 and conclude at
Totton’s Hanger Farm Arts Centre on 10th November 2018 and also includes
a run at the Edinburgh Fringe 2018, promises to be his most astonishing
show yet. Expect to be mesmerised by Pete's acclaimed blend of
laugh-out-loud comedy and jaw-dropping magic, as he presents a truly
unique live theatre experience. ‘The UK's leading comedy magician'
(Time Out) has numerous television appearances under his belt, including
ITV1's Tonight at the London Palladium, The Next Great
Magician, BBC One's Let’s Sing & Dance for Comic Relief,
The John Bishop Show, The Magicians and The Sarah Millican
Television Programme. He also presented Pete Firman’s World of
Magic for BBC Radio 4 Extra.
Pete Firman said: “I’m thrilled to be hitting the road again with a
brand new bag of tricks! Performing magic on television is brilliant,
but it really should be experienced live and right in front of your eyes
in a theatre. I’ve spent the last year and a bit working on new ways to
drop jaws and tickle ribs. I can’t wait to get started!” (Photo: Karla
Gowlett). Tickets available via
www.petefirman.co.uk. Also see What's
On for listings.
24.2.18
Irish
MagicCon, April 2018. From the organisers: The Irish Magic
Convention is well known for being the most welcoming convention in the
world, with great acts, great craic and great friendship. Irish MagiCon
2018 will be held on April 20th to 22nd and boasts a fantastic line-up
including Greg Wilson, Jeff McBride, Larry Hass, Quentin Reynolds and
more! We’ve booked out an entire boutique hotel in Dublin City and the
full weekend price includes a couple of light lunches, entrance to all
the shows, lectures and dealers, a late night show and a BBQ dinner.
Prices are as follows (includes two lunches and a dinner) Full Reg
Adult: €105 Under 16s Reg: €80 Non-Magician Partners, Parents and
Guardians: €55. If you’d like to book a room, it’s the Hampton Hotel in
Donnybrook, Dublin which is 5 minutes to the city centre by car and 15
minutes to the ferry port. It’s €110 per room per night (so that’s €55
per person sharing) and includes breakfast. There are other hotels
within walking distance and lots of AirBnB options too. The dates again
are the 20th, 21st & 22nd April 2018. Registration Form:
Click
Here.
24.2.18
Jamie
Raven in West
End Magic, Saturday 24th March, London. From the producers:
London’s premier magic show kicks off 2018 with a packed show of top UK
magic & variety acts including Jamie Raven!
The exciting family friendly show features award-winning magic,
dangerous card throwing, impossible mind reading and a dash of Victorian
entertainment.
Featuring top TV magician Jamie Raven from Britain’s Got Talent, plus the
visual award-winning magic of Oliver Tabor, death defying card feats
from the Card Ninja and the splendid Victorian conjuring of Alexander
Wells. All compered by the hugely entertaining John Archer.
Guaranteed to deliver the best in magic, illusion, comedy and variety.
Saturday 24th March at 3.30pm at Leicester Square Theatre, 6 Leicester
Place, London WC2H 7BX (Map)
Box office: 020 7734 2222.
Tickets:
Click Here.
24.2.18
International
Magic Ray Kosby Lecture, Tuesday 13th March, London. Ray has been a
magic creator and hobbyist for decades. His effects are direct and often
visual. The skill level ranges from basic to "are you kidding?". If your
magic skills include sleight of hand, you will find something to use.
Ray has lectured in Great Britain, France, Japan, Portugal, Spain,
Israel and the United States. His material has been published in DVDs,
books and magazines. Time: 7.30pm (finishes about 10pm). Venue: 2nd
Floor of Casa Italiana, 136 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1R 5DL (Map).
Admission £15 per person (email first to book your place, then pay on
the door).
www.internationalmagic.com.
24.2.18
Jeff
McBride and Lawrence Hass - Eugene Burger Legacy Tour. Adrian
Salamon writes: York Society of Magicians will be hosting a very special
lecture on April 25th at our venue at The Red Lion, Poppleton, ,
Boroughbridge Road, Upper Poppleton, York YO26 6PR (Map).
We have got the legend that is Jeff McBride as well as Lawrence Hass
presenting their lecture on the legacy of Eugene Burger. This is not to
be missed. Tickets will be £10 if booked before the 15th of March,
thereafter £15. Email Grenville Dowson
gren.dowson@virginmedia.com
or Adrian Salamon
contact@yorksocietyofmagicians.co.uk to reserve your place and
arrange payment. Wednesday 25th April at 7pm.
www.yorksocietyofmagicians.co.uk.
24.2.18
The
MagicWeek Video Archive. This week, clips of Paul Zenon from BBC1's Hard
Cash in a programme titled "Cons 'R' Us" from 26th March 2001. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with past weeks and the occasional
'bonus' video
Click Here.
17.2.18
What
is magic? “Magic is not about fooling the audience. Magic depends on
successful deception, but that is the means, not the end. The goal is
not to provoke the experience of not knowing how it is done. The goal is
not the experience of ignorance; it is the experience of magic.” Peter
Lamont’s ‘Magical Thinking’ project (supported by the Arts and
Humanities Research Council) has led to new exhibits at The Magic Castle
and The Magic Circle, articles in Genii and The Magic Circular,
and a variety of talks to magicians, academics and the public. Later
this year, a new history of magic, written by Peter and Jim Steinmeyer,
will be published by Penguin Random House. Meanwhile, he has provided a
short article for our readers:
What is magic?
24.2.18
Magicseen
Issue 79 March 2018. From the publishers: The new issue of Magicseen
is out and is fresh in more ways than one. Not only is it, as usual, a
surprise bundle of articles and features covering a range of unexpected
topics, but it also has a brand new design and look, thanks to the
skills of our Design Editor Phil Shaw. Inside a cover which sports a
picture of the UK's busiest entertainer, John Archer, you will find
articles on the big man himself, on Dutch maestro Fritz Alkemade and on
bar magic legend Doc Eason. We even discover that Chelsea football star
David Luiz is an amateur card magician when we speak to him In The
Phonebox. There is a major advice piece called 10 Key Things To Have On
Your Website (the clue is in the title!), and we also run our eye over
The Event and The Session which took place recently in London. If you
like comedy, we have plenty in this issue too. In Magical Double Speak
we offer some 'translations' for things that magicians say but which may
have a hidden meaning, Jay Fortune takes a comic look at magic posters,
in a new section called Comedy Classics we provide the link for you to
watch some vintage performance footage of Paul Zenon, and we have
another selection of magic lookalikes, these being sent in to us by some
of our readers. The Masterclass has tricks to learn from Anthony Owen
and Allan Kronzek and of course our reviewers sweat blood to provide you
with honest evaluations of the latest magic releases. You can get your
copy of the March Magicseen right now as part of a 1 or 2 year printed
copy or download subscription, as the first on a pay-as-you-go
subscription, or simply as a single printed or download copy from
www.magicseen.co.uk.
24.2.18
Blackpool
Magic Convention 2018. This year there were lots of changes, the
main being that all three Gala shows were also open to the public, with
two houses for each show. This allowed registrants to attend an
alternate event (either a show or lecture), resulting in more magic than
ever! The convention was another huge success. The Winter Gardens has
started a multi-million pound renovation, so the future of the world's
largest magic convention looks secure for many years to come. DT.
Blackpool Magicians' Club emailed to thank everyone who attended this year's convention which attracted the largest gathering of magical enthusiasts ever, breaking all records. Next year's dates have been announced, starting with the Thursday Mega Auction on 14th February, followed by the main convention from Friday 15th to Sunday 17th. To register visit www.blackpoolmagic.com. 24.2.18
Harry
Robson to lecture at the Northern Magic Summit 2018. From the
organisers: Harry Robson is the first lecturer to be announced for the
Northern Magic Summit 2018. Anyone who has seen him work will know why
he is at the very top of his profession. Fast-paced, funny and very
skilled, you’re in for a laugh-a-minute with Harry, who is widely
acknowledged as being one of the best close-up magicians performing
today. The Northern Magic Summit takes place on Friday 13th, Saturday
14th and Sunday 15th April 2018 in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. For full details
and registrations, visit
www.northernmagicsummit.co.uk.
24.2.18
Ferràn
Rizo October 2018 UK lecture tour now booking. Ferràn Rizo is a
professional award-winning magician from Spain. He has toured Spain with
his close-up magic and magic history lecture. He also created a billiard
ball workshop with his wife, Nataly, that taught at the Ana Tamariz
School. “Ferran and Nataly Rizo came highly recommended to me by Juan
Tamariz and when I saw their lecture I could see why. They are a highly
skilled and very likeable couple and have some wonderful routines and
effects for magicians at all skill levels. I would recommend them for
any club night!” Steve Gore. Last year Ferràn toured the UK with his
lecture “With the Rizos”. Due to the good reception, he is going to tour
UK again in October 2018 with a completely new lecture,
Click Here. To contact Ferràn Rizo email:
magferran@gmail.com.
24.2.18
'Impromptu
Secrets' by Dominic Twose. From International Magic: We are
delighted with our latest publication and so are these magicians:
"Over 30 card effects, 11 moves, 8 non card items and 4 previously
unpublished Dai Vernon items... this is a book crammed with lovely ideas
and wonderful thinking. I highly recommend this book." Peter Duffie.
"Strong, performance-tested magic for live audiences, featuring some
very smart ideas and solid thinking from Dominic Twose." Stephen
Minch. "Like all the best magicians I know, Dominic is also a Vernon
disciple and a Roy Walton fan and it shows in this, his first major
work. You'll love this book." Jerry Sadowitz. For more info and to
order visit
www.internationalmagic.com.
24.2.18
John
Carey Manchester Circle of Magicians lecture. William Booth writes:
John Carey lectures at the Manchester Circle of Magicians on Monday 26th
February. Expert Close-Up Magic; so sure to be a great evening. Visitors
are welcome with prior approval from the President and a charge of £5.00
on the night. For more information and details visit our website at
www.manchestercircleofmagicians.co.uk or email
contact@manchestercircleofmagicians.co.uk.
24.2.18
"Genetics"
to debut at South Tyneside International Magic Festival. The man in
charge of choosing the acts for this year’s South Tyneside International
Magic Festival will unleash his own brand new act at this year’s event –
starring his own family. Steve Gore, together with his wife, Victoria,
and daughters Deanna and Jenna, will present their brand new act
'Genetics', in the gala show on Saturday 17th March. Steve said, “I
wanted to create a really original illusion act using an ordinary family
with extraordinary powers. But it doesn’t use any of the usual magic
boxes that illusionists use. Instead, it is set in a typical household
and has the family sitting on the sofa watching TV, performing illusions
with the TV, a vacuum cleaner and ironing board. Household objects
float, wires get cut and restored, and children are levitating all over
the place!” Steve has worked as a professional magician for more than 25
years, and has invented tricks and magic acts with leading magicians
across the world, including Dynamo and David Blaine, and recently
performed 21 shows at the world famous Magic Castle in Hollywood. To
book call the box office on 0191 454 1234, or for more information and
the full line up visit
www.southtyneside.gov.uk/magicfestival.
24.2.18
Ulster
Society of Magicians Annual Dinner and Ted Oldham Memorial lecture.
James Hobart writes: The Ulster Society of Magicians are pleased to
announce details of their Annual Dinner and Ted Oldham Memorial lecture
which this year will take place on Saturday 10th March 2018. This year's
Ted Oldham Memorial Lecture will be presented by Richard Cadell, titled
'Sooty Ungloved'. This year Sooty celebrates his 70th birthday. But his
journey has not always been easy and behind the PR spin the Corbett
family hit many obstacles along the way. When Richard Cadell purchased
the rights in 2008 he learned the surprising true story behind The Sooty
Show and embarked on his own rollercoaster ride to bring Sooty back to
our television screens. With very rare archive footage and some
fascinating props this talk will celebrate the remarkable career of one
of the most influential magicians of our time... Sooty! With a chance to
meet the little bear himself.
Please note that this is not intended as a Children’s event. In order to
preserve the magic admittance is restricted to those over 14 years of
age only. We are delighted that Richard has agreed to be our Ted Oldham
Memorial lecturer this year. The lecture has had great reviews
everywhere it has been presented and will appeal to magicians and
non-magicians alike. The lecture will take place in the Parador Hotel,
Ormeau Road, Belfast commencing at 2pm. It is free for everybody
attending the dinner that evening and £5 to everyone else.
Annual Dinner. As already notified, the U.S.M. Dinner will take place in
the Arbele Lounge, Errigle Inn, Belfast at 7pm for 7.45pm. There will be
entertainment in the form of live music and close-up magic on arrival.
Three course meal and raffle will be followed by cabaret from Joel
Mawhinney, George Firehorse and guests of honour, President of the
British Ring of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, Richard
Cadell and Sooty. What a night, for only £27.50 per head. Full details
of the menu and how to book can be found here
www.online-usm.com.
Reservation deadline is Saturday 3rd March.
24.2.18
Modern
Magic, The Charlotte Street Hotel, London. Prepare to believe in magic!
Downstairs in the sumptuous screening room at the Charlotte Street Hotel, the
audience will have their minds read, senses manipulated and experience some of
the most astonishing feats of modern magic. Sit down and relax as Jake takes you
on a journey of dapper deception, sophisticated sleight of hand magic and
mischievous mind games. Saturday 10th March at 8pm. Tickets: £30.
Venue: The Charlotte Street Hotel, 15 - 17 Charlotte Street, London W1T 1RJ (Map). www.modernmagic.co.uk.
24.2.18
The Simpsons, Sunday 4th March on Channel 4. Homer bowls a perfect 300 and becomes a celebrity, even appearing on Springfield Squares with Bumblee Bee Man, Sideshow Mel and his old nemesis Ron Howard. But fame is fickle... Also guest starring Penn and Teller, Nancy O'Dell and Pat O'Brien as themselves. (Repeat) See TV Magic. 24.2.18
A
Lifetime In Magic, Devin Knight. 130 pages, photo illustrated, soft back.
From the publishers: Magicseen Publications is delighted to announce the
publication of the first volume of a trilogy of books featuring the
amazing mentalism and magic of internationally renowned performer Devin
Knight. Volume 1, features full details of 9 routines from Devin's
personal repertoire. Devin's ideas are always unbelievably well thought
out, with every possibility analysed and the best and most convincing
methods selected. He leaves nothing to chance, and creates plots that
are amazingly varied, and which produce effects that are inexplicable
and real reputation makers. This trilogy will offer you the strongest
mentalism and magic achieved with practical, commercial methods - if you
haven't seen this material before you are going to be stunned! For full
content details and to order visit
www.magicseen.co.uk
and click on the book!
24.2.18
Boris
Wild lectures at The Mercian Mystics Magic Society in Stoke-on-Trent
on Tuesday March 6th at 8pm. Visiting magicians welcome (£5 door
charge). Venue: Smallthorne Victory Club, 300 Hanley Road,
Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST6 1RE (Map).
24.2.18
IBM
British Ring President Richard Cadell’s Dinner Weekend. Geoffrey
Newton PRO writes: Just 20 tickets remain for IBM British Ring President
Richard Cadell’s dinner weekend on 17th-18th March. This extravaganza in
Wookey Hole Somerset includes the Saturday dinner, entertainment, Sunday
breakfast and cabaret and a light lunch to finish things off. You
receive all this for only £45! During your time there you will be able
to visit the Wookey Caves, Magic Mirror Maze and the Penny Arcade. There
is a variety of accommodation at nearby Wells and ample parking on site
for the event. Star entertainment for the weekend includes Norman
Barrett and his Budgerigars, amazing magic from Edward Hilsum and
Michael J. Fitch, the magical sounds of Topkat and top circus acts from
Gerry Cottle’s Circus. If you wish to attend and have not already booked
then please don’t delay, just call 01827 912305. All major credit cards
accepted.
24.2.18
Beating
The Odds - a new release from Mark Leveridge Magic. Mark Leveridge
Magic write: This is a really fooling routine using a regular deck,
which you can even borrow if you wish. You explain that the cards are
going to represent 52 horses, some of which will be taking part in an
imaginary race. The horses are shuffled by a spectator and the performer
writes a prediction of which horse he believes will ultimately win. A
spectator is now invited to touch any seven horses in the shuffled deck
- these will be the competitors in the race itself. The rest are placed
aside. Using a freely nominated number from 1-7, horses are eliminated
until just one is left, and incredibly it is the horse predicted by the
performer at the very beginning! This is straightforward to do and the
outcome can be different every time you do it. This routine is available
as a TricKlip Video Download; to watch a dem and to order, please go to
www.markleveridge.co.uk/btotklp.php.
24.2.18
Easter
Bank Holiday Monday Comedy Magic Show, Nunhead, London. Amigo’s
Magic and Theo the Magician present Amigo’s Magic an Easter Bank
Holiday Monday Comedy Magic Show. Magic before your very eyes, with
mayhem, comedy and lots of audience participation. Great family
entertainment. Free Bunny Copter for all those attending. Tickets: £8
Child, £10 Adult, Family ticket for four £30, or five for £36. Monday
April 2nd at 1pm and 4pm at The Ivy House, 40 Stuart Road, Nunhead,
London SE15 3BE (Map)
This sold out last year so please book early to avoid disappointment via
www.magicmindreadingandmayhem.co.uk or call 020 8480 8176.
24.2.18
Puppet
and theatre related Auction. John Styles writes: An internationally
important lifetime's collection of puppets and theatre related items,
collected by one of the world's leading puppet masters, John Blundall,
is being offered next Wednesday, 28th February, 2018 at auctioneers
Lyon & Turnbull in Edinburgh. Around 100 lots of fascinating pieces
from around the world. Not only puppets, but masks, related items and
books. Items of historical significance including trick marionettes and
puppets he made for television, including Parker from 'Thunderbirds' and
figures from 'Fireball XL5'. Also Punch & Judy items.
24.2.18
Children's
entertainer and Giggle Doctor Dan Wood aka The Magic Hatter is
currently fundraising to train with Patch Adams in Morocco in April.
Travelling and interacting in costume the entire way, the trip will see
a group of performers visit orphanages, crisis centres, hospitals and
community settings... hopefully spreading magic and laughter along the
way!
Readers may remember the 1998 Robin Williams film all about the life of Patch Adams, medical doctor turned clown, social activist and pioneer for change. Dan currently visits hospitals for a charity as a Giggle Doctor - using magic, improvisation, storytelling, play, balloons, bubbles, music and more to lift the mood of children of all ages! He is certain that this once in a lifetime opportunity will have a huge impact on his work back in the UK. If you'd like to donate, you can support the project at www.gofundme.com. Dan is also looking for brand new sponge clown noses, and small colourful tricks and props to take over. 24.2.18
Spoon,
Jar, Jar, Spoon - The Two Sides of Tommy Cooper. Rob Brydon's
behind-the-scenes story of the bumbling, manic magician. With
contributions from Paul Daniels and Ali Bongo. From April 2009. Thursday
1st March, on BBC Radio 4 Extra. See TV Magic.
24.2.18
"Netflix
Special Asks: Could You Be Pushed To Commit Murder?"
Click Here • "Derren Brown’s The Push – aka Pushed To The Edge – is
going global on Netflix"
Click Here • "What Sadistic A-Hole Greenlighted This Netflix Show?"
Click Here • "Rico the Magician Stuns the Judges of ‘Pilipinas Got
Talent’"
Click Here • "TV magician Michael Carbonaro looks to have ‘Effect’
on Rocksino audience"
Click Here • "Magician reveals bizarre reason why he’s quitting
children’s parties — he’s allergic to rabbits"
Click Here • "A magician’s journey and reasons why"
Click Here • "Fascinating Trailer For Netflix's The Push Follows a
Real Psychological Illusionist Convince Someone to Commit Murder"
Click Here • "Top teen illusionist comes to Center Theatre on March
16"
Click Here • "Illusionists bring 'magic' act to Proctors"
Click Here • Sleight of Hand Card Magic from
Ollie Mealing
YouTube • And finally, not magic but (indulge me)... it was 40 years ago today
(24th February 1978) that I first saw Star Wars, at the then named, and
since demolished,
Leicester Square Theatre, in 70mm Dolby Stereo and then many more times
over at the Dominion
on Tottenham Court Road where it ran for nearly a year:
YouTube. Here are some behind the scenes photos, accompanied by
Meco's take on the Star Wars theme
YouTube. Think I'll have to watch it tonight! Your UK magic news is
always welcomed, see you next week, Duncan.
24.2.18