Number
951 - 15th September 2018
The
Blackpool Magic Convention is delighted to announce that The Amazing
Johnathan will be making his first ever UK convention appearance at next
year’s event. He’ll be performing a very special, late night,
one-man show in The Spanish Hall on the Saturday evening, and if things
couldn’t get any better, he’ll also be presenting his brand new lecture
over the weekend! Add to this, other star names soon to be announced and
we predict that next year’s convention will be one of the best ever! To
book your tickets visit:
www.blackpoolmagic.com.
15.9.18
Illusions
Magic Bar closes. Owner Mark Bennett writes: After exactly 11 years Illusions Magic Bar has closed its
doors for the last time. I'd like to thank each and every
magician that came and performed or drank in the bar for the last 11
years. I have had many magicians grace my bar, including
the two magicians who gave me the idea, Michael Ammar and Doc Eason. If I
had never read Michael's book, The Magic Arts Journal - Tower Magic Bar,
Illusions would never have been born. Illusions has given many magicians
their first break or even helped seasoned pros to hone a routine. But
my main idea was to bring magic to people who had never seen close-up
magic before, and trust me, there are a lot of them out there. It has been my
pleasure to help and guide so many magicians over my tenure here and
Illusions even had a sister venue for the last 6 years, in Smoke & Mirrors, in the
same town and we thank her for that bar as Illusions paid for her to
open. Illusions will hopefully be in our memories, I know it will be in
mine. So thanks for the memories, it's been magic!
I also would like to thank Duncan here at MagicWeek, he has for the
last 12 years helped promote Illusions to the magic world.
Thanks Duncan.
I haven't gone, and won't be going anywhere, so come and visit me at
Smoke &
Mirrors in Bristol. Mark Bennett.
15.9.18
Derren
Brown guests on Graham
Norton, today at 10am, on BBC Radio Two. "With special guests illusionist Derren Brown and top snooker-player
Stephen Hendry. Plus, the first Grill Grahams of the series with Maria
McErlane and one lucky listener chats to Graham about their favourite
Tune With A Tale." 10am on Saturday 15th September (3 hours) on BBC Radio Two.
15.9.18
Jamie
Raven 'Making Magic' UK Tour, opens September 24th in Lancaster.
Lee Martin for Gag Reflex in association with InterTalent Rights Group
proudly present Jamie Raven Making Magic UK Tour 2018. Britain’s Got
Talent Finalist, Jamie Raven, is proud to announce the UK tour of his
brand new show, Making Magic – a look at how magicians do what
they do. Why does magic work? How are our hearts fooled into believing
something that our brains know simply can’t be true? Making Magic
will culminate in a random member of the audience, with absolutely no
performing experience whatsoever, being turned into a magician in order
to perform the final trick of the show live on stage with Jamie! Tickets
available via
www.jamieraven.co.uk. See What's On for tour
dates.
15.9.18
Pete Firman 'Marvels' UK Tour, opens September 21st in Tunbridge Wells. 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. 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. See What's On for tour dates. 15.9.18
Conjuring
at the Court, Thursday 27th September, London. From the organisers:
A unique opportunity to see four of the best magicians in the UK in the
same show. Britain’s Got Talent winner Richard Jones, the hilarious Mel
Mellers, powerful mind-reading from Marc Paul, and the glorious classic
magic of Michael Vadini. We’ve never had a line-up like this before and
I doubt we ever will again. Don’t miss it. 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.
15.9.18
Marvin
Berglas re-elected as Vice-President of The Magic Circle. Marvin
said “I’m proud and honoured to be the Vice-President of The Magic
Circle and look forward to helping develop some positive initiatives at
The Magic Circle”.
www.themagiccircle.co.uk.
15.9.18
Become
a MagicWeek Backer. As MagicWeek heads towards its 1,000th edition,
and as I'd like it to continue from there to the 2,000th edition, I
thought I'd introduce a 'MagicWeek Backer' scheme.
Click Here to find out
what it's all about. DT.
15.9.18
Conjuring and Cocktails,
Manchester.
Join your host, Alexander Wells and special guest, Thomas Anthony for a
fantastical display of magic in the beautiful surroundings of The
Fitzgerald situated in the Northern Quarter, Manchester. Doors open at
6pm, showtime at 8pm. Tuesday the 25th of September 2018.
Alexander Wells has vaudevillian wit, urbane delivery, interesting
facial hair… oh yes, and he’s been around a bit…
He has spent the last ten years creating and performing original and
imaginative magic on stages around the UK and Europe. After beginning
as a street performer, Alexander moved on to work in cabaret and variety
in theatres and clubs around the country. In 2015 he joined the cast of
the House of Illusion magic theatre in Spain as compère. Alexander
quickly became a principal stage performer before taking on the role of
Head Magician, leading the show, working with other magicians on their
acts and assisting with writing, magic consulting and directing. He now
works for private clients around the UK and performs on cruise ships.
Alexander’s Multiplying Bottles routine has become his signature piece
attracting plaudits and acclaim from respected peers in magic. His show
encompasses humorous, post-modern re-imaginings of classical themes in
magic and performance.
For more info and to book:
Click Here.
15.9.18
Kidology
Convention for Children's Entertainers- Last Call. From the organisers: 24th
and 25th September 2018 at The Austin Club, Birmingham B312SF. Kids Entertainer
of the Year Competition, Equity Kids Entertainers Forum, shows and lectures with
Morgan & West, and Ian Billings with 'Stand-up for Kids'. Steve Rowe, Sweet
Magic Close-up and Andy Greaves. Workshops on balloon modelling with Graham Lee
and 'Making a Start in Punch & Judy' with Chris Somerville, and more. Just £50,
includes lunch on 25th. Full details and booking go to
www.kidologyuk.co.uk
or call Alec Powell on 07831115448.
15.9.18
Ventarama
Convention for Ventriloquists - Last Call. From the organisers: 26th
September 2018 The Austin Club Birmingham B312SF. This year featuring Archie
Andrews, with Colin Burnett-Dick. Shorty Harris with Carl Durbin. Lectures from
Trish Dunn and Andy Greaves. Open Mic plus Gala Show. Just £40 including lunch.
Discount when booked with Kidology Convention. To book go to
www.albionmagiccompany.co.uk or call Alec Powell on 07831 115448.
15.9.18
Andi Gladwin lecture,
Medway Magical Society. Neil Colley writes: Join us for an evening with Andi Gladwin as we have the
pleasure of having him lecture for us. Andi is one of the leading names
in the magic industry, well known for his partnership with Joshua Jay in
creating Vanishing Inc, as well as creating one of the best magic
conventions around, in The Session. This is one not to be missed! Tuesday 18th September
at 8pm.
Members £5.
Non-members £10. Medway Magical Society, St George Hotel, New Road
Avenue, Chatham, Kent ME4 6BB (Map).
www.medwaymagicalsociety.org.uk.
15.9.18
The
MagicWeek Video Archive. This week, random nonsense from Chris Tarrant,
including a somewhat foolish straightjacket escape attempt. From January 1999. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with past weeks and the occasional
'bonus' video
Click Here.
15.9.18
Richard
Pinner lecture - Home Counties Magical Society. Kevin Hutchinson,
HCMS Programme Secretary writes: The Home Counties Magical Society are
delighted to welcome Richard Pinner for his lecture at 8pm on Thursday
20th September. The theme of Richard Pinner’s lecture is about
performing strong magic for children, “Magic for Children, Not
Children’s Magic”, but the thinking behind the routines is relevant to
any magician, regardless of their audience. Richard has been performing
high-end magic shows for children for 27 years and has performed over
5,000 shows, always with the aim of making his audience gasp with
amazement.
www.richardpinner.com. Magicians who are not HCMS Members are
welcome at this lecture for £15 charge. Please see
www.hcms.org.uk/contact-us for details of where we meet. Kevin
Hutchinson, HCMS Programme Secretary.
15.9.18
Ravi
Mayar British Magical Society lecture. From the organisers:
Ravi Mayar is well respected, not only as a performer in the magic
community, but also as a trainer and creator of magic. Words really
can’t describe his astonishing performance, it is just one of those
things you need to see with your own eyes to believe, and even then, you
still won’t believe what you are seeing.
Ravi’s lecture at the BMS will reveal secrets to all aspects of his
before the repertoire and promises to be an incredibly exciting,
entertaining and interesting lecture. And we have been promised a few
surprises too. New effects and principles revealed at the BMS for the
first time.
Visitors Welcome — £10.00 door charge.
Weoley Castle Working Men’s Club,
Barnes Hill Road,
Weoley Castle,
Birmingham
B29 5TY (Map)
Tuesday 18th September. 7.30pm start.
www.britishmagicalsociety.co.uk.
15.9.18
Bruce Smith
lecture, South London Magic Society. Simon Rosselli writes: "Show you something amazing?" Bruce Smith's opening line for over 30 years in
magic.
As Marvin's Magic demonstration training manager, Smith has been
entertaining the crowds at Hamleys with compellingly, enchanting,
demonstrations for over 30 years.
Performing to pop stars, royalty, and thousands of children in Hamleys
stores, from Russia to Dublin and Finland to Cyprus, including numerous
radio and television appearances. "In my conversation I will share with you some of my favourite magic
tricks. Some I have taught to such greats as Andy Nyman and Marc Paul."
Tuesday, 2nd October.
Doors open 7pm for 'Hands-On' session. Lecture 8pm-10pm. £10 for non-members, but
this can go towards Membership if you like what you see. South London
Magic Society, Clock House Methodist Church Hall, Clock House Road,
Beckenham, Kent BR3 4JP (Map).
www.southlondonmagic.co.uk.
15.9.18
Fritz
Alkemade lecture - Portsmouth and District Magic Circle. Colin
Rumford,
President PDMC writes: Lecture by fantastic Dutch magician Fritz Alkemade during
his brief UK tour. Monday 24th September 2018 at 7.30pm.
Free to members of Portsmouth and District Magic Circle, £8 to visiting
magicians. Portsmouth and District Magic Circle, Buckland Community
Centre, Malins Road, Portsmouth PO2 7BT (Map).
15.9.18
My Dream Home: Brother v Brother. "Fourth series of the My Dream Home spin-off. A chance to perform with David Copperfield is the prize as the brothers tackle the bathrooms and guest bedrooms of their homes. 7am on Monday 24th September on W. See TV Magic. 15.9.18
The 82nd IBM British Ring Convention is reviewed by Donald Bevan this week, Click Here. Next year's convention will take place in Eastbourne, from September 5th-8th 2019. www.britishring.org.uk. 15.9.18
News
Deadline reminder. Please submit news by Thursday if possible - absolute
deadline 12 noon Friday, no exceptions. DT.
15.9.18
"It's
magic, you know: Deaf magician Michael Vincent wows Wolverhampton crowd"
Click Here • "Meet the grumpy magician who wears a dragon suit"
Click Here • "Magician Lance Burton to reappear on Las Vegas stage
for charity"
Click Here • "Staveley magician's beard to undergo vanishing act for
cancer charity"
Click Here • "Debbie McGee: Strictly star admits ‘Gold Diggers are
an issue’ after Paul Daniels’ death"
Click Here • "Ex-Windsor Boys School pupil Dean, 18, shares his
magic powers with the people of Las Vegas"
Click Here • "Watch: The #Invisiblechallenge is inspiring everyone
to prank their siblings with hilarious results"
Click Here • "Magicians find fresh form at the Vancouver Fringe
Festival"
Click Here • "Comedian-Magician Mac King Extends His Run at Harrah’s
Las Vegas for Four More Years"
Click Here • "Flemish ‘danger act’ in semi-finals of America’s Got
Talent"
Click Here • "Dynamo looks happy and healthier as he attends
WellChild Awards... amid ongoing battle with Crohn's disease"
Click Here • "David Blaine Stuns Pharrell, Alicia Keys & More With
Magic At Yellow Ball"
Click Here • And finally, not magic, but a rather nice commercial
from John Lewis
YouTube • That's it for another week... your UK magic news is
always welcome - see you next week, Duncan.
15.9.18