Number 932 - 5th May 2018

We were treated to another excellent double-bill of magic on BGT last Saturday!

"Mandy Muden bewitches the Judges!" YouTube.

"Magician Mandy Muden Stuns Britain's Got Talent" www.beyondthejoke.co.uk.
"Amy Marie Borg stunned the judges and two more magicians took to the stage" www.telegraph.co.uk.
"Mandy Muden on Britain's Got Talent" www.chortle.co.uk. 5.5.18

"Prepare to be Spellbound by Magus Utopia" YouTube.

"Who are Britain’s Got Talent illusion act Magus Utopia and who is their frontman?" www.metro.co.uk.

Magus Utopia can be seen live on stage at the upcoming MagicFest in Edinburgh on May 18th & 19th: www.magicfest.co.uk. 5.5.18

Derren Brown nominated for 'Unique Theatrical Experience' at the 2018 Drama Desks Awards which will be held June 3rd at midtown Manhattan venue The Town Hall. The nominations for 'The Chase Award for Unique Theatrical Experience' are:

Derren Brown: Secret, Atlantic Theater Company
Master, Foundry Theatre
Say Something Bunny!
Full story: www.variety.com. 5.5.18

Merlins Magic Festival, Sunday 13th May at The Academy Theatre, Birdwell, Barnsley S70 5TU (Map) Click Here. If you book for the day you will receive a Merlins Goody Bag containing a book, pen, keyring, trick and other surprises, worth more than the price of the ticket! Featuring Lectures, Workshops, Sideshows and Dealers during the day and a Gala Show in the evening. Artists include: Darren Mac, Mr Zip, Harry Robson, The Academy Dancers, Russ Appleby, Alexander Wells, The Grumbleweeds, Lorenzo and Michael Jordan's High Jinx. Don't leave it too late! For more details, and to book, visit: www.merlinswakefield.co.uk. 5.5.18

The Genii Convention 2019. The Genii Convention has announced its next event, to be held next year, on October 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th 2019 (with Workshops on Sunday 6th) in Orlando, Florida, at The Florida Hotel and Conference Center. Featuring Penn & Teller, the convention promises to be full of fun and surprises. The Genii Convention can only accommodate 600 registrants and sold out in 2015 and 2017, so don't delay if you would like to register. Registration is $350 before April 2019 (after which it will rise to $400), and only $50 is required to reserve your spot right now: www.geniiconvention.com. Visit early or stay on, and enjoy the Walt Disney World and Universal Studios theme parks as well! 5.5.18

The MagicWeek Video Archive. This week, entrepreneur and magician Marvin Berglas, on BBC2's Working Lunch, from 22nd January 1999. See The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with past weeks and the occasional 'bonus' video Click Here. 5.5.18

Introducing ACTED: ACTED is a smart booking platform built for all entertainers to bring them leads and efficiently manage their bookings. All the time-consuming tasks are taken care of. Invoices, contracts, event summaries, payment receipts, are all automated on ACTED.

Payments made on ACTED are 100% secure, transparent, and guaranteed. Deposits and balance payments are transferred into an escrow account with bank-level security for all transactions.

It only takes a few minutes to create your professional, eye-catching profile to receive quote requests from local and international bookers. Once you are set up, you can reply to any quote requests in seconds or chat with your leads.

How much does it cost to sign up? It’s FREE
How much does it cost to receive leads? It’s FREE
How much does it cost to send quotes? It’s FREE
And if a booking is confirmed? We charge you a 8% + VAT commission, and this includes 3% payment processing fees.

You will never pay for leads, memberships, or rights to send a quote.

ACTED is an initiative that started 2 years ago by a team of artists and agents (including magician Fred Sharp as co-founder) and tech-savvy people. The “BETA” has just been released and the earlier you sign up, the higher you will appear in any search for a magician. Don’t forget that with 10,000 signups expected in 2018 only, it’s important to register your artist name first! https://join.actedbeta.com/signup/. 5.5.18

Magic Box at the Modern Mystic League in Blackburn, Sunday May 13th. Brian Lead writes: Not just any old magic box, but the Magic Box from Newcastle will be visiting the Modern Mystic League in Blackburn on Sunday, May 13th, with their comprehensive range of magic products. This will be a Dealer Day rather than a simple dealer demonstration, as the session will include a host of tips, hints ad advice. If you are going to be in the area do call in and browse their wares at your leisure, without the usual convention crush. There will be plenty of special offers and lots of fun, not to mention specially prepared Lancashire pies for refreshment... all for a fiver! The MML HQ is St Silas Parish Centre, Preston New Road, Blackburn BB2 6PS (Map), and the whole event kicks off at 2pm. Contact Brian Lead b.lead@btinternet.com or 01254 52070 for more information www.memel.org.uk. 5.5.18

The May 2018 Magicseen is out now! From the publishers: Time travelling magicians Morgan & West are the cover stars in the latest edition of the UK's only independent magic magazine, and we discover that the awesome twosome spend as much time driving to gigs on the motorway as they do time travelling! We also talk with smooth magician Brendan Rodrigues who turns out to be as snappy a dresser as he is performer. Magicseen likes to try and provide helpful information, and to that end in issue 80 we have articles on using networking to get shows from local companies and suggestions for the best ways to practise magic. Comedy is often to the fore in our magazine, and this time we have another round of Magic Lookalikes sent in by readers, there's a rib tickling selection of great one line gags, and in B&B Heaven we suggest that some of the world's top performers may be relying on alternative business ventures to supplement their income! A full issue also includes two effects in the Masterclass, a Pros and Cons article on whether online marketing is better than offline, there's a behind-the-scenes exploration of the Alakazam Magic Academy, a full range of honest product reviews and more. You can enjoy reading it all by signing up for a 1 or 2 year printed copy or download sub, opt for our pay-as-you-go open ended subscription, or simply purchase an individual printed or download copy. And to top all this off, Magicseen now has a brand new, sparkling website which will help to make your purchase a pleasant and easy process. Find all this at www.magicseen.co.uk. 5.5.18

Chris Rawlins lecture, The Order of The Magi, Manchester. Geoffrey Newton writes: The Order of The Magi presents a lecture from Chris Rawlins on Tuesday 8th May at 7.30pm. This young man, in his twenties and based in Manchester, became a mind reader on leaving university. He will teach his approach to stage presentations, drawing duplication, and memorising a complete and shuffled deck of cards. He will also teach how one spectator can find another’s thought of card with closed eyes. There will be mentalism for casual situations and bitesize theory. If mentalism is for you, then this lecture should provide plenty of food for thought. Directions on www.orderofthemagi.co.uk. Visiting magicians by arrangement with the secretary at a fee of £5. Contact secretary@orderofthemagi.co.uk. 5.5.18

The British Ring ‘Picnic’, Little Theatre, Dover Street, Leicester, Sunday 27th May. From the organisers: After a long absence, The British Ring ‘Picnic’ is back and is to be staged at the Little Theatre in Dover Street, Leicester, on Sunday 27th May. It’s a full day including a stage show in the afternoon featuring the magic of Bharat Patel who many will know as the winner of the Ali Bongo Trophy so many times at the convention. Now is the time to see the stage act from a magician who has appeared in Germany, Holland, America and on two tours of Central Africa. Other names that you will be familiar with include Mel Harvey with his hilarious Punch and Judy Show, the grand illusions of Andy Storm, Tony Rix in the role of compère, and Immediate Past President Clive Moore with his lady, Jean. Doug Gregg will also be featured; has appeared on the convention Sooty Show as Merlin and is also a great close-up magician.

Our President Richard Cadell will be interviewing magnate Gerry Cottle about his extraordinary life in circus and his new show the Magic Circus. This is probably a unique opportunity and therefore not to be missed. There will be a magic Swop Shop where you can bring a trick of up to £20 in value and swop it for one of similar value. There will be a prize for the best performance of anyone’s newly acquired effect. The venue has easy access from airports, rail and road with ample parking nearby. The price is £7 (£5 children) and includes a buffet lunch and is not restricted to IBM British Ring members. Advance booking only on 01827 912305 or email: thesootyshop@gmail.com. Pay on the door in cash only. Come and have a magical day at a very economic price. 5.5.18

Evolution of Magic - Blackpool, to 28th October. Craig Christian & Elizabeth Best star in Evolution of Magic at The Horseshoe, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, from 30th March to 28th October 2018. From the promoters: Craig Christian and Elizabeth Best ignite the stage, packing 1000-seat theatres many times over. Craig’s fresh approach is pioneering the future of magic. His charismatic, witty, personality captures audiences creating a show where magic and entertainment are fused together to produce a flowing dynamic, visual spectacle! "Of course it’s a Magic Show, but it’s not just about the magic. We have developed over the years a show that we are really proud of. It’s everything a show should be, exciting, captivating, and most of all, entertaining!" Craig Christian. For more information and to book visit www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com, also see www.craigchristian.com. 5.5.18

Craig Longhurst wins Surrey Society of Magicians Close-up Magician of the Year. Adam Mosley writes: On Thursday, 26th April 2018 The Surrey Society of Magicians held their annual Close-up competition. It was another great night and we would like to thank the two lay judges and our magical judge, Robert Pound, for their help. Thanks also to all the competitors who took part; it was a very high standard as always. The compère on the evening was Geoff Pescud who did a great job and Michael Pearce was our timekeeper. The winner was Craig Longhurst (left), runners up were Terry Lambert and Kelly Cummins. I would lastly like to thank all the audience members for making the competitors feel so welcome. www.surreymagic.org.uk. 5.5.18

Paul Gordon Lecture, York Society of Magicians. Adrian Salamon writes: Next up at York Society of Magicians is a lecture from the card master Paul Gordon (7.30pm on 9th May). The lecture will be fun, fast paced, full of worker commercial card magic and full of laughs. There will be a door charge of £7 for non-members. For more information please contact YSM through the website, Facebook, or email Gren Dowson gren.dowson@virginmedia.com or Adrian Salamon contact@yorksocietyofmagicians.co.uk. The York Society of Magicians, Red Lion Hotel, Boroughbridge Road, Upper Poppleton, York YO26 6PR (Map). www.yorksocietyofmagicians.co.uk. 5.5.18

The May E-Video Newsletter from Mark Leveridge. For some people watching the 30 minute E-Video Newsletter is a regular monthly magic fix, and you can join the crowd by taking a look at the very latest edition which features: The Teach In - a spectator makes two cards turn face up in a deck, and has no idea how he's done it. Top Tips - some great advice when using sponge balls. The Strolling Magician Unplugged - part 4 talks about the need to project enough at tables. Web Offers - background information on an E-Book on creativity and a coin box feature close up effect which are both on offer this month. 60 Seconds To Success - how to create a 'ta da' moment at the end of a strolling gig. The Review Corner - SansMinds' effect Silent Assistant get a thumbs up. You can get a flavour of the E-Video newsletter by watching the short trailer at www.markleveridge.co.uk/evn.php. You can also gain full access to the online video for a small sum, or even sign up for a 1 year sub and then have a new edition to look forward to at the start of each new month. 5.5.18

Blackpool Family Entertainer of the Year 2019. From the organisers: Blackpool Family Entertainer of the Year 2019 is now accepting entrants for the area heats. For details of dates and venues please contact your area organiser. Winners of each heat will receive a free Gold Card registration and be invited to appear in the final and have the opportunity to appear on the magnificent Opera House stage. Best of luck everyone! Competition promo: YouTube. Contacts: London: paul@magiccastle.co.uk, Midlands: david@davidoakley.co.uk, North: russ@russbrownmagic.com, Ireland: info@abcmagic.ie, Bristol/Wales: ozzydee@themagiccircle.co.uk, Scotland: garydunn@mac.com. 5.5.18

The Great Houdini, starring Paul Michael Glaser as Houdini, is being shown on 14th May on Talking Pictures. Directed by Melville Shavelson and starring Peter Cushing and Paul Michael Glaser. A biography of the renowned escape artist Harry Houdini, examining his fascination with the occult. Starring: Paul Michael Glaser, Peter Cushing, Sally Struthers, Ruth Gordon, Vivian Vance, Adrienne Barbeau and Bill Bixby. (Made For TV, 1976, 3 Star). See TV Magic. 5.5.18

Alaka-Van! - The Edge, Brixham, 5th May. Alaka-Van! A fund raising Magic Show and Supper at The Edge, Bolton Street, Brixham. The magic will start at your table during your supper; be prepared to be amazed by the talented young magicians from The Edge. The main event is a one-man show by Gareth Foreman, packed full of stunning magic and some mind bending psychological entertainment. There will also be a silent auction with some amazing lots up for grabs. We will be raising money to help buy a new minibus for the Youth Enquiry Service (YES) who will use it for all manner of community projects including beach cleaning, garden restoration, help for the elderly, feeding and clothing the homeless, and much much more. Tickets for this one-off spectacular are £10 show only & £15 for the show and two course supper. The fun starts at 7.15pm on Saturday May 5th. For more details and to book contact Gareth on 07956 539587 or email gareth@garethforemanmagic.co.uk. Venue: The Edge, Bolton Street, Brixham TQ5 8AW (Map) www.bxyes.org www.garethforemanmagic.co.uk. 5.5.18

Marcus Eddie lectures at The Surrey Society of Magicians on Thursday May 10th. Adam Mosley writes: The Surrey Society is very pleased to welcome Marcus Eddie on his UK lecture tour. Marcus is an eight-time award-winning magician, including his win on the Syfy Channel's Magic Competition, 'Wizard Wars'. He has appeared on 'Penn & Teller: Fool Us', headlined at The Magic Castle, and is the creator of several magic products. He also consults for magicians worldwide, including David Blaine on his last special, Beyond Magic. Members are free and visiting magicians are welcome for a £10 entrance fee. The lecture takes place in Bookham, Surrey at 8pm. For full details please email addmoses@blueyonder.co.uk (See What's On for full tour dates). 5.5.18

The Simpsons, 7th May on Sky1. The Great Simpsina. Series 22, episode 18. Lisa becomes an apprentice to the Great Raymondo. Guest starring Martin Landau, Jack McBrayer and a trio of magicians, including David Copperfield. See TV Magic. 5.5.18

"Did you hear the one about the North Korean leader, the $100 bill and the trump card?" Click Here • "Teacher tells David Copperfield trial she tripped and injured her knee when his stagehands asked her to run" Click Here • "Man suing David Copperfield was ‘terrified’ during Las Vegas act" Click Here • "David Copperfield tells jury he didn’t know of audience injuries" Click Here • "Naked Magicians cancel Auckland shows after injury" Click Here • "Google’s first VR Doodle celebrates French illusionist and director Georges Méliès" Click Here • "Georges Méliès: France's magician of early cinema who sent a rocket (in)to the moon" Click Here • "Dynamo's Crohn's disease battle: Magician cuts a casual figure in a black tracksuit amid ongoing health issues" Click Here • "17-year-old magician hopes to inspire kids to follow their dreams" Click Here • "Vitaly Beckman, Illusionist Who Fooled Penn & Teller, Books Off-Broadway Run In Theater Where Duo Got Start In ’80s" Click Here • "Houdini Cast His Spell Over Potter & Potter Auctions' April 28 Magic Memorabilia Sale" Click Here • "Irish magician makes you question life, the universe and M&Ms in Tesco" Click Here • Looks like we are heading for a beautiful Bank Holiday weekend. See you next week, Duncan. 5.5.18

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