Number
923 - 3rd March 2018
Houdini's
birthday marks 5 years of 'The Magic Hour'. Saturday 24th March, the
birthday of Harry Houdini, marks the 5th anniversary of The Magic
Hour – London’s premier parlour magic show, running twice-weekly at the
historic Sheraton Grand Park Lane Hotel. Sold out most weeks, both
locals and tourists queue up to discover one of London’s best kept
secrets. Established in 2013, Tony Middleton ‘Sonic’, as seen on Penn
& Teller: Fool Us, stuns audiences with Victorian style parlour
magic. Dressed in white tie and tails against the evocative backdrop of
the hotel's Oak Room, he takes his audience on a journey into the Golden
Age of Magic.
Evoking the spirit of the past, his show features classic sleight of hand magic, mind reading, and even a spooky séance. Audiences love the close-up nature of the show. Following 5 star reviews and sell out shows since its inception, The Magic Hour has received the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence every year. Top celebrities have also been amazed by his magic, including the late Sir Roger Moore who commented "one of the finest magicians I have ever seen". Sonic studied Drama and Theatre at Royal Holloway, University of London and Theatre Directing at Birkbeck. Bringing together his skills as a performer and producer, he is now London's leading parlour magician. Aged 33, Sonic has already performed at almost all of London's finest hotels including The Ned, Claridges, Mandarin Oriental, Savoy, and Simpsons on the Strand, where his other production Sleight of Hand on the Strand plays every Saturday.
Sonic comments, "Since our beginning at the St Pancras Renaissance
Hotel, where I was appointed Resident Magician for 1 year, I never
thought The Magic Hour would develop into the weekly sell-out
sensation that it now is. I feel so lucky and privileged to deliver this
show in such an opulent setting at the Park Lane Hotel. My background in
theatre, and wish to showcase magic in an intimate, theatrical setting,
has really helped make this production the success that it is today. I
wanted to give people a unique and personal experience – something
totally different. I care deeply about magic, its history, and the
wonderful images it evokes. London around the turn of the century was
truly the magic capital of the world. It is thanks to those great
illusionists of the past that I can delight audiences with such magic
today."
"One of the best things I have done in London so far" ★★★★★
Curious London Blog
"Effortless command of the stage" ★★★★★ Remote Goat
"Hugely captivating… much more than a magic show – it’s a piece of
theatre" ★★★★★ West End Wilma
Running time: 1 hour 45 minutes (interval 15 minutes). Show times and
dates: 8pm every Thursday and Friday evening. Special 5th Anniversary
Show (Houdini’s birthday) Saturday 24th March. Location: Sheraton Grand
Park Lane Hotel, Piccadilly, Mayfair, London W1J 7BX (Map).
Nearest tube station: Green Park. Recommended ages 10+. Ticket prices:
£40 Premium, £29.50 Standard. Website:
www.magichourshow.com.
3.3.18
Mystery
School and Jay Fortune Present: 'Eugene Burger’s Legacy Workshop' by
Jeff McBride & Larry Hass. Special Early Bird Half Price Ticket
Offer! Join two Magic Masters for an exclusive UK premier. This special
3 hour workshop looks in depth at routines inspired or created by Eugene
Burger. Informative and interactive, the workshop discusses Eugene’s
distinctive approach to creating strong magic. Jeff and Larry will teach
deep secrets for performing success, sharing magic routines from their
repertoire, many being taught exclusively in this workshop and nowhere
else on their UK tour. Learn from the masters how to build an effective
show, manage your audience and, most importantly, how to get hired!
Limited seating allows for plenty of time up-close and personal with
Jeff and Larry, this being their only appearance anywhere in the
South-West during their tour. Plus, before and after the workshop, join
Jeff and Larry for a ‘meet-and-greet’ and a further ‘after-party’ until
the venue closes. We have a small amount of seating available on a
first-come first-served basis at a 50% reduction. Buy your ticket today
for just £35 before the tickets go on sale at their full price of £70.
Tuesday 17th April 2018. Sleight Bar, The Ale House, 1 York Street, Bath
BA1 1NG (Map).
7pm-11pm. For more info and to book visit
www.jayfortune.co.uk/product/eblw.
3.3.18
Johnny
Hart, International Star of Magic. Steve Short will be presenting
his Johnny Hart lecture at Leicester Magic Circle on Monday March 5th at
7.30 pm. For details see
www.theleicestermagiccircle.co.uk. The Johnny Hart biography,
Johnny Hart, International Star of Magic, will be available from
April and you can take advantage of the special pre-publication price of
£30 by pre-ordering via www.johnnyhartbook.com (where you can also order signed photos and
posters).
3.3.18
15th
South Tyneside International Magic Festival, 15th-18th March. Time
is running out for magic professionals to get their hands on tickets for
one of the hottest events on the magic calendar. The 15th South Tyneside
International Magic Festival will take place in South Shields over the
weekend 15th-18th March. The event, which will be held primarily at The
Customs House theatre, will feature a three-day convention aimed at
magicians and the most ardent of magic fans, along with three public
shows. Delegates at this year’s event will get the chance to learn from
some of the greatest minds in modern magic, as a number of magicians
from across the UK and Europe share some of their biggest secrets. The
event will kick-off with an extra masterclass by Spanish magician Javi
Benitez on Thursday 15th March at the Little Haven Hotel, which costs an
additional £70 and must be pre-booked. The main event will open at 10am
on Friday March 16th with a children’s magic show by top children’s
entertainer Magic Philip, which he will then follow with an hour-long
lecture. And that's just for starters... For full details and to book
visit
www.southtyneside.gov.uk/magicfestival.
3.3.18
Edinburgh
International Magic Festival 2018. Tickets are now on sale for the
ninth MagicFest! Highlights include:
• The first ever Wizard World Gathering. A great excuse to dress up, party down at the fantasy celebration of the year!
• MagicFest Gala returns to the Lyceum theatre with a ‘fast and furious’ theme featuring pickpockets, sleight-of-hand artists and perhaps the greatest illusion act of our generation performing in Scotland for the first time.
•
The Secret room, historical buildings animated with magic.
•
Solo shows - our 5-day programme featuring work from the best
Scottish and UK talent.
• 11th-19th May 2018. See www.magicfest.co.uk for more information and to book. 3.3.18
Aaron
Calvert: Awaken - Underbelly Festival Southbank, London. Following
sell-out shows in 2016 and 2017, and fresh from filming a highly
anticipated show for Channel 4, Aaron Calvert is heading out on tour to
read your minds and showcase his extraordinary hypnotic abilities.
Making his Underbelly debut, this is no cluck-like-a-chicken hypnosis;
Aaron unlocks the potential of the human mind, demonstrating
inexplicable hypnotic feats, live on stage. Trained as a doctor, Aaron
combines his medical background with his mastery of suggestion and
showmanship to push the boundaries of what people can, and will do -
making this show a truly unforgettable experience.
"A talented showman that will leave you baffled" ★★★★★ Daily Mail
"Moments that made me gasp I can't stop thinking about" ★★★★ Broadway
Baby
"The master of psychology in a jaw-dropping spectacle" ★★★★★ The
Upcoming
Tuesday 10th April at 9.15pm. Tickets: £12.50 via
www.underbellyfestival.com. Venue: Underbelly Festival Southbank,
London Belvedere Road Coach Park, London SE1 8XX (Map)
www.aaroncalvert.com.
3.3.18
Boris
Wild UK lecture tour. Magic Lectures UK is proud to present Boris
Wild, with his brand new lecture ‘Sensations’. Sensations will allow you
to perform incredibly clean predictions and coincidences that are
absolutely impossible. You will even be able to find a chosen card while
being blindfolded or without ever touching the deck! A unique lecture
not to be missed and the perfect opportunity to discover Boris Wild’s
latest creations during an evening full of magical sensations...
Tour Dates:
• Bradford Magic Circle - 2/3/18
• Ipswich Magical Society - 5/3/18
• Mercian Mystics Magic Society - 6/3/18
• Mid Essex Magical Society - 7/3/18
• Blackpool Magicians Club - 8/3/18
• Smoke & Mirrors show - 10/3/18
• 3SM Magic Society - 12/3/18
• British Magical Society - 13/3/18
• Leamington & Warwick - 14/3/18
• Home Counties Magical Society - 15/3/18
• Southend Sorcerers Society - 18/3/18
• The Magic Circle - 19/3/18 (Members Only)
• Peterborough Society of Magicians - 20/3/18 (see
What's On)
• Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians - 21/3/18
• Bristol Magical Society - 22/3/18
• Newcastle Magic Circle - 26/3/18
• Aberdeen - 27/3/18
• Scottish Conjurors Association - 28/3/18
• The Surrey Society of Magicians - 29/3/18
For more information contact magiclecturesuk@gmail.com. 3.3.18
Ben
Earl lectures at The Surrey Society of Magicians on Thursday 8th March.
Adam Mosley writes: Ben Earl has been heralded as one of the finest
magicians and sleight of hand artists of our time; David Blaine says,
"His magic looks real" and David Williamson said "He has cleared a path
for all of us to follow". In this detailed lecture you will learn the
incredible thinking and effects which have earned Ben international
acclaim. I promise you will want to add this magical material to your
repertoire! Members are free and visiting magicians are welcome for a
£10 entrance fee. The lecture takes place in East Horsley, Surrey, at
8pm. For full details please email Adam Mosley:
info@surreymagic.org.uk.
3.3.18
Bisexuality
Is Magic - Croydon. A new production by Marcus Morgan at Matthews
Yard in Croydon on 14th April at 2pm and 8pm. A cross between a magic
show and a play, join a beleaguered LGBT activist for the dress
rehearsal for his "bisexual magic show". The stage is set, the
supporting act is running late, and the director keeps putting their oar
in. Will someone really get their gender stereotypes sawn in half? Will
the magician find the one perfect trick to explain bisexuality in time?
Probably the only magic show about sexuality you've ever seen. 14th
April at 2pm and 8pm at 1 Matthews Yard, Croydon CR0 1FF (Map).
For more info and tickets visit
www.bisexualmagic.com.
3.3.18
The
North Wales Magic Circle is proud to announce that they will be
hosting the Eugene Burger Legacy tour on Wednesday 18th of April at
their venue, Ffrith Park (Astrobowl), 40 Victoria Road, Prestatyn LL19
7AR (Map)
starting at 8pm. Entry will be £10 on the door and all visiting
magicians are very welcome to this fantastic event. It is not to be
missed! In this lecture for magicians the Founder and new Dean of the
Magic & Mystery School, Jeff McBride and Larry Hass, will perform and
teach routines inspired or created by master magician Eugene Burger, and
they will discuss his distinctive approach to creating strong magic. The
evening promises to be a joyful celebration of Eugene’s life and work.
www.nwalesmagic.co.uk. Jay Gatling, Entertainments Secretary, NWMC.
3.3.18
Miraculous
Magic - Live! Top magician Danny Lee Grew presents the brand new
'Miraculous Magic' show, an exciting and hilarious magic show for
children aged 5-8 years old. You will laugh and gasp as audience members
are transformed into princesses, Mr Ted (the magical teddy bear) makes a
special appearance and Danny performs the world famous bottle and glass
illusion. 8th April Clacton-on-Sea, 12th & 13th May Hove and 19th May
Westcliff-on-Sea. See What's On for
details and to book.
www.dannyleegrew.com.
3.3.18
Merlins
of Wakefield are holding a Magic Auction at their shop on Sunday
11th March. Featuring over 300 items already - with more to come! The
items are from their Magic Club Members so are all in good condition and
include close-up, stage, children’s and general magic items. You must
book your place in advance, as space is limited. The price is just £3
and it includes refreshment. Doors open at 10.15am for viewing, with an
11am start on Sunday 11th March. To book or for further details
Click Here.
www.merlinswakefield.co.uk.
3.3.18
MonuMentalism,
24th March, Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline. "This show is best described
as being the closest thing to watching a real-life mind reader. With no
psychic ability whatsoever, watch as predictions are made, liars are
spotted and the impossible becomes reality." Saturday 24th March at
2.30pm. £7.50 + £1 Reservation Fee. PG. 1 hour. Carnegie Hall, East
Port, Dunfermline KY12 7JA (Map).
To book visit
www.onfife.com or call the box office on 01383 602302.
3.3.18
Winchester
Magical Society welcomes the brilliant Wayne Dobson. Bob Yelland
writes: On Thursday 8th March at 8pm Wayne, with the help of his left
(and right) hand man Mike Sullivan, will deliver a lecture packed full
of magic. Covering all genres from stage, close-up and of course “No
Hands” magic. The evening will be a mixture of effects he and Mike
currently sell and a few gems Wayne has kept to himself until now.
Including his “No Hands” card routine. Visitors are welcome to attend
for just £10. Weeke Community Centre, Taplings Road, Winchester SO22 6HG
(Map).
www.winchestermagic.com.
3.3.18
Paul
Brook lecture, The North Wales Magic Circle. Jay Gatling writes: On
April 3rd at our venue St. Pauls Hall, Abergele LL22 7HA (Map)
we will be welcoming Paul Brook with his awesome mentalism lecture. It
isn't just mentalism effects that Paul has become known for. Drawing on
his psychological education and knowledge he analyses the theoretical
applications of mentalism. His stand-alone book on mentalism theory 'The
Alchemical Tools' is considered a modern classic. Paul seldom lectures
and over the past few years has gone 'underground' as far as the magic
community is concerned. This rare lecture will see Paul sharing his
thoughts and ideas on mentalism using everyday items and in a lot of
instances just a pen and some business cards. Start time is 8pm with
doors opening at 7.30pm. Visiting magicians are welcome to attend. Entry
fee on the night is £10.
www.nwalesmagic.co.uk.
3.3.18
The
Illusionists is currently enjoying sell-out
success in South Africa, with more dates being added. The show had sold 75% of the
tickets before the opening night... the last show at the venue to do
that was Phantom! Here are some reviews: "The Illusionists: Direct From
Broadway. Directed by Hollie England. Teatro, Montecasino, Fourways,
Johannesburg"
Click Here. "The Illusionists’ thrilling intrigue and neat tricks"
Click Here.
3.3.18
Reasons
to subscribe to Magicseen. Did you know that if you take out a 1 or
2 year printed copy subscription to the UK's only independent magazine,
or you elect to sign up for one of the Pay-As-You-Go arrangements where
you are charged one issue at a time on an open ended term, that you are
then entitled to request a free advance download copy of every issue
while your subscription is still current. You get the best of both
worlds - a digital copy the moment it is ready, followed by the glossy
printed edition for your bookshelf, and all for the same subscription
price. Plus... all subscribers are also entitled to purchase any
Magicseen Publications book at a 20% discount, including the latest
titles such as Devin Knight's A Lifetime In Magic, thus making a
subscription even better value. Prefer to have a download sub? Well, not
only do you also get the 20% book and E-Book discount, but each time a
new issue is released, you are entitled to email a request for any two
extra download back issues to be sent free to you, thus enabling you to
gradually build up a complete set of Magicseen. So, as you can see it
pays to subscribe to Magicseen direct with the publishers. You can get
more info from
www.magicseen.co.uk.
3.3.18
Simon
Jones and Derek Oliver - Home Counties Magical Society competition
winners. Kevin Hutchinson writes: The Home Counties Magical Society
held its annual Bill Hammersley Close Up Competition on Thursday 22nd
February. Huge congratulations go to Simon Jones on winning the
Competition, and to Derek Oliver on winning the Burford Award for
Originality. These were two great acts by two great performers. The
Society thanks all the acts for committing their time and creative
energy over the past weeks into making what turned out to be a diverse
and hugely enjoyable evening for the audience.
www.hcms.org.uk.
3.3.18
The
March E-Video Newsletter. Mark Leveridge is pleased to announce the
release of this month's 30 minute online video presentation, which
includes the following: The Teach In - learn a quick piece of
visual close up magic using one card and one coin as the coin melts away
and then mysteriously reappears. Top Tips - Mark suggests a
presentational ruse to help you to get round using a difficult sleight
such as the Mercury Card Fold. The Strolling Magician Unplugged -
in part 2 Mark discusses performance confidence, why it is important and
how to achieve it. Web Offers - get background info on an Audio
File Compilation and Mark's classic card effect, Brainstormer. 60
Seconds To Success - approximately one minute of targeted advice,
this time on why expanding your magical knowledge is helpful. The
Review Corner - Mark assesses Peter Eggink's effect Snitch. The
March edition of the monthly E-Video Newsletter is available on its own
for a meagre sum, or you can access it as part of a 1 year subscription
which reduces the issue price even further! Whichever you decide to take
up, it's fantastic value! For more information and to order go to
www.markleveridge.co.uk/evn.php.
3.3.18
Chris
Wood Lecture - Farnborough Association of Magical Entertainers, Monday
March 12th. From the organisers: Chris Wood is an accomplished and
highly respected full time magician, performing both close-up and stage
magic. Mentored by Alan Alan (with stable mate Michael Vincent) Chris
Wood's tricks are often simple to perform but hard hitting in their
impact. Focusing on the why much more than the how behind
some of the routines from his working repertoire, Chris teaches
principles that will benefit performers of all levels. Monday 12th March
at 8pm. Non members £5 on the door. Venue: St Marks Church Hall,
Alexandra Road, Farnborough GU14 6TU (Map).
(The hall is on the North East corner of Alexandra Road and Guildford
Road, by the roundabout.)
www.fame-magic.co.uk.
3.3.18
The
Gathering, Great Yarmouth. Stephen Bolam writes: Our next gathering will be
at 7.30pm on Tuesday 6th March, at The Grosvenor Casino, Great Yarmouth NR30 3JG
(Map). The aim of the
evenings is to allow magicians to meet and socialise, and exchange ideas, in a
relaxed atmosphere. Our social evenings are free of charge and you will be able to buy drinks from the bar.
The evening starts at 7.30pm, so come along and
enjoy the atmosphere.
If anyone wants go come along, please email
thegathering@mail.com or you can
phone Kyle on 07982 819727 for further information.
3.3.18
Dave
Alnwick Edinburgh Magic Circle lecture. Gary James writes: Edinburgh
Magic Circle are delighted to announce a lecture by the incredible Dave
Alnwick. Dave will cover topics designed to help an amateur or semi-pro
transition into becoming a full time worker and to increase profits
regardless of your professional level. Apart from mind blowing effects
which Dave uses regularly the lecture will also include topics which are
essential to all involved in the business: How much you're actually
worth. How to build a commercial magic performance. How to actually use
social media. How to tour. How to get a residency. The secret to
doubling your profits.
Dave has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for the last seven years. Each year performing up to 3 hours of stage shows a day in front of sold out crowds. He has also performed 3 national tours and has recorded a one hour TV special for LFCTV. But don't just take our word for it, some of the best in the business rate the lecture very highly. "It's feckin' great Dave. 'Gold' would be an understatement. I almost wish you weren't coming up here to share this knowledge." Billy Reid. The lecture will also be peppered with thoughts on close-up card work and practical mentalism. Have a look at Dave in action: YouTube. Why not join us for a great night and to swap the tricks you shouldn't have bought at Blackpool with other magicians who did the same?! Visitors £10 on the door on the night. Monday 5th March at 7.30pm at The Mercat Bar, 28 West Maitland Street, Edinburgh EH12 5DX (Map). 3.3.18
Perth
MC is hosting a lecture/dem from Gary James on Wednesday 7th March
in the Ex-Servicemen’s Club Perth Scotland commencing 7.30pm. We would
like to invite you to come along and enjoy Gary’s Pro show lecture,
which has something for everyone. There will be no charge for this
lecture - we look forward to welcoming you all on the night. 7.30pm on
Wednesday 7th March at Perth Magic Circle, Perth & District
Ex-Servicemen's Club, 20 Milne Street, Perth PH1 5QL (Map).
Adrian Harris PMC.
3.3.18
The
MagicWeek Video Archive. This week, Harry Blackstone Jr on the Children's
Royal Variety Show from April 1988, floating a lightbulb. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with past weeks and the occasional
'bonus' video
Click Here.
3.3.18
Jonathan Lucia-Wright of Extreme Clowning
writes: Hi Everyone, 'Magic Touch' has a wish list! We teach and
perform for adults with learning difficulties and disabilities. We don't
charge for our work - we do it because we know it can make a difference,
and we love magic! We have a small pot of funding, recently raised by
Richard Cadell at the Blackpool Magic Convention. If anyone can help
with the items below please email
extremeclowning@hotmail.co.uk - thank you, JJ. Linking Coat Hangers
(Mike Caveney), Quadro's Vicious Circle (linking barbed wire rings),
Devil/Astro Ball Cabinet, Deans Box (rope linking box), Funny Funnel,
Kovari's Just Passing Through, Heavy/Light Chest (Box), Multiplying
Bottles, Vanishing Coke Bottle (Nielsen or latex), Snowstorm in China,
Dagger Chest, Pain Game by Jon Allen.
3.3.18
"The
New Yorker says he saved magic. See the death-defying illusionist live
on stage"
Click Here • "This magician and mentalist explains how anything you
think can become a reality"
Click Here • "Famous magician Adam Trent wows Mountaineers"
Click Here • "Acclaimed Magician Captivates Students"
Click Here • "Masters of Illusion: An Interview with Magician
Naathan Phan"
Click Here • "How old is Derren Brown, what’s his new show The Push
on Netflix and which books has he written?"
Click Here • "'The Push' pushes limits of reality TV"
Click Here • "Could it be magic? Norfolk illusionist to star in West
End spectacle at Norwich Theatre Royal"
Click Here • Busy week. Many thanks for all your news items, see you
next week, Duncan.
3.3.18