Number
957 - 27th October 2018
Ben
Hanlin's Live & Deadly: Drowned is a spooky one-off special, which
sees magician Ben Hanlin and celebrity Joey Essex attempt a deadly
challenge live on Wednesday 31st October on ITV2. Ben Hanlin’s Live
and Deadly: Drowned will see the pair attempt to escape a deserted,
underground chamber whilst immersed in water, live on TV. The 90-minute
one-off special will document Ben and Joey’s training as they have 5
days to perfect the art of escapology. Then on Halloween night the duo
will attempt to survive being chained hand and foot, shackled to the
floor, as the chamber they are stuck in is flooded in water. The pair
will be joined by presenter and broadcaster, Vick Hope who will be
ringside commenting on all the action as they attempt their most
ambitious stunt. Will they both make it to safety? Ben Hanlin said:
"I’ve always wanted to do a big live stunt! I’m not going to lie, it’s
definitely the most dangerous thing I’ve ever done, and if it does go
wrong there is nowhere to hide as it’s live!" 9pm on Wednesday 31st
October, see TV Magic.
27.10.18
Dani
DaOrtiz joins an already first class lineup for The Session 2019. From the
organisers: Dani DaOrtiz will be joining us
at The Session in January. He will be performing and lecturing all new material.
We’re very excited to have him back.
He’s joined by Florian Brooks, Tom Elderfield, Mac King, Marc Kerstein, Ben
Hart, James Went, Hide Kimoto, Ben Seidman, Jason Ladanye, Kyle Littleton, Jared
Kopf and of course, Joshua Jay and Andi Gladwin.
It’s going to be a great year and we’d love as many of your readers as possible
to join us. Visit
www.sessionconvention.com for the latest updates and to register.
27.10.18
Mandy
Muden to headline Belfast MagiCon 2019. James Hobart writes:
Headlining the Sunday night Gala Show, straight off the ship from another
international cruise, is 2018 Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Mandy Muden.
Now a household name, she’s just been named as one of "50 Amazing Women Over 50"
by Women & Home Magazine.
The London-based comedian and magician was awarded The Magic Circle Carlton
Award for Comedy in Magic and is also the first and only woman to host The Magic
Circle Awards Ceremony.
She is also a trained actress and this year will appear in Snow White at the
Wycombe Swan following previous theatre productions of Aladdin and Cinderella.
Just five years ago she travelled to perform at the USM Dinner as a relative
unknown, next year she returns an International Superstar!
Unfortunately due to personal circumstances Fritz Alkemade has withdrawn his
participation from the event.
Registration opens 1st November 2018.
www.belfastmagicon2019.webs.com.
27.10.18
The
Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year Competition 2019. From the
organisers: The Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year Competition 2019 will take
place at The Magic Circle Headquarters in Euston, London, early next year. Heats will
take place on Sunday 24th February 2019 with the Final on Sunday 7th April 2019.
The closing date is 8th January 2019. Part of The Magic Circle's Youth
Initiative, the competition, which is held every other year, attracts entries
from some of the finest young magicians in the country, competing for what many
regard as the best prize in British magic: the title 'The Magic Circle Young
Magician of the Year', four years free membership of The Magic Circle (on
reaching their eighteenth birthday), a trip to the McBride Magic & Mystery
School and the award itself, the Derrick Speight Trophy. Recent winners include
Ben Hart, Paul Dabek, Steve Dela, Michael Jordan, Ben Proos, Sebastian Walton,
Leah Mae Devine and current holder Dean Leavy. Further information may be
obtained from the Competition Secretary, Dr. Michael Colley
(michaelcolley@themagiccircle.co.uk).
Application form:
www.themagiccircle.co.uk.
27.10.18
The
MagicWeek Video Archive. This week, for Halloween, Paul Zenon's Trick or
Treat shot in Prague in 2000. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with past weeks and the occasional
'bonus' video
Click Here.
27.10.18
Portsmouth
and District Magic Circle Jumbo Day, next Sunday, 4th November. From the organisers:
Sunday 4th November 2018 at 9am. Lectures from Etienne Pradier, Brando &
Silvana and Dave Jones. Buy and sell new and secondhand magic. Southern
Magician 2018 competition. 1st Prize £100 PropDog vouchers, 2nd Prize
£50 PropDog vouchers. Venue: Portsmouth and
District Magic Circle, Buckland Community Centre, Malins Road,
Portsmouth PO2 7BT (Map).
For more info visit
www.portsmouthmagic.co.uk/jumbo-day.
27.10.18
The
David Berglas Digital Scrapbooks.
Continuing the adventure, in Episode 24 David recalled one of his major BBC radio series in the
1950s, conducting nationwide psychological experiments which resulted in
between three and four thousand postcards and letters arriving each week!
He presented some puzzles and various sound-related mysteries, but the highlight
each week was a larger stunt. The one he describes here involved a black box hanging
over Regent Street. On October 19th (Episode 25), he talked about a sales presentation
that he gave for
Cunard International, to sell one of their Ballrooms in London and on October 26th (Episode 26),
he talks about his experience working as the
gambling advisor on Stanley Kubrick's ‘Luck of Barry Lyndon’. Visit
YouTube
to watch these episodes and catch up with previous ones.
27.10.18
I
Draw Clouds - a new magic show by Neil Kelso.
A magician's ideas escape from his notebook. Reality starts to unravel around
him.
Prepare yourself for bizarre, surreal, and unforgettable moments of mystery in
this brand new musical magical show by Neil Kelso. Wherever Neil goes, strange
and unexpected things happen. 21st November, The Nursery Theatre, London.
"An incredible stage presence." Broadway Baby
"Astonishing! One of Britain's Ten Best Cabaret Stars." Bored Panda
"He invariably has the crowd eating out of his hand" On In London
"Hilariously charismatic" Loverboy Magazine
More info and tickets:
www.neilkelso.co.uk
or
www.eventbrite.co.uk.
27.10.18
Unquestionably
Magic. From the promoters: 4 world renowned acts all rolled into one
spectacular show!
This breathtaking show will have you gripped to the edge of your seat as you
witness stunning sleight of hand, grand scale illusions and belly laughing
comedy.
The show features acts performing routines that have taken them all over the
world – you’ll see these performances right up close as you’re taken on a
journey through magic, an experience you’ll never forget!
We’ve brought the theatre to the hotel and have kitted out the venue with a full
performance theatre, courtesy of Fine Entertainments. Starring: Edward Hilsom, Jay
& Joss, Mel Harvey and Lee Tuffin.
Sunday 11th November, Kettering Park Hotel, Kettering. Tickets are £10 for standard seating.
VIP tickets are £18.50 – VIPs can enjoy table seating, a glass of fizz at their
table and close-up magic before the show and during the interval.
www.magiceventslive.co.uk.
27.10.18
Talking
Tricks podcast with Kane & Abel launches. From the producers:
The podcast will feature a star performer from the world of magic, comedy,
circus or variety entertainment, discussing their careers in engaging and
entertaining interviews.
One of the world’s finest and funniest magicians Paul Dabek was the first guest
on Talking Tricks and he broke the news that he is joining the cast of the
world’s largest touring magic show The Illusionists next year. He also spoke
about his previous run with The Illusionists and how he landed the dream role.
Dabek discussed his career and life in entertainment, ranging from his start as
a teenage prodigy of The Magic Circle and appearances on BBC prime time to
performing at the greatest arts festivals across the globe. We also go stateside
as Dabek discussed his new life in LA and performing in the entertainment
capital of the world, Las Vegas.
You can listen to this episode now and then a brand new episode every Monday
through iTunes or Podbean. Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to help us
grow this podcast in its first few weeks. We have some amazing guests coming up and
can't wait to share their stories. This coming Monday Griffin & Jones join Kane
& Abel to discuss the ins and outs of being a double act and their performance
at Brighton Horror Festival this weekend. Also, look out for a very special
treat for Halloween.
www.itunes.apple.com
www.talkingtricks.podbean.com.
27.10.18
Words on Wonder.
Launched earlier this month
www.wordsonwonder.com is an online project
interviewing magicians, artists, and scientists about their thoughts on wonder,
'curiosity' and magic. Already featured:
Jeff McBride, Edward Hilsum, John Archer, Mark Shortland, Steve Price, Stuart
Nolan and Mark Setteducati. There are also a number of psychologists who are
actively researching magical techniques. What's equally fascinating (and also a
little disconcerting at times) is how creative lay people view the magic
profession. The project is part of Dr Matt Pritchard's ongoing research into how
we can cultivate and unleash wonder.
27.10.18
Countdown with guest Paul Zenon. Nick Hewer and Rachel Riley host as contestants race against the clock to pit their wits against vowels, consonants and numbers. Paul Zenon is in with Susie Dent. See TV Magic. 27.10.18
Manchester
Circle of Magicians presents a special night of Mini Lectures. William Booth
writes: This Monday, 29th October, The Manchester Circle of Magicians presents a
special night of Mini Lectures. So not just one, but four lectures in one
evening. Those lecturing will be: Derek Lever, Adrian Sullivan, Stephen Ablett
and Paul Hazelby. 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
www.manchestercircleofmagicians.co.uk or email
contact@manchestercircleofmagicians.co.uk.
27.10.18
Michael
Ammar, Tommy Wonder, John Bannon, David Stone, Boris Wild, David Roth... free,
for one weekend only. Mark Leveridge Magic write: Place any order with Mark
Leveridge Magic worth £10.00 or more before midnight on Sunday 28th October 2018
and on receiving your order we will send you a link to download the fantastic
Symposium Collection E-Book (worth £35.00). This E-Book contains all the
material from the British Close Up Magic Symposium - The First Decade as well as
all the contents from the additional 7th, 8th and 9th Symposium books, and in
over 300 pages provides more than 100 articles and effects from a mega line up
of top close up performers. Learn the magic and thoughts of celebrities such as
Michael Ammar, Tommy Wonder, John Bannon, David Stone, Boris Wild, David Roth
and many more, in a collection that must be unique for the number of great names
assembled in one E-Book compilation. So place your order now by going to
www.markleveridge.co.uk,
and make sure you are sent the all important free link - but be quick, as the
offer will close at midnight (GMT) on Sunday 28th October.
27.10.18
Glasgow's
Enterteasement, Comedy - Magic - Burlesque show. From the promoters:
Glasgow's Enterteasement Comedy - Magic - Burlesque show proudly boasts a
4.8 star rating and has a reputation for selling out. 'Thought Reader' Chris
Tennant will be providing the magic and mind-reading on the night. Saturday,
November 10th, 8pm-10.30pm. Venue: Admiral Bar, 72 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2
7DA (Map).
www.enterteasement.com.
27.10.18
Pete Baffles in Babbacombe Christmas Show,
Devon. From the producers: How do you make Christmas Crackers? It’s
essential you have something colourful, preferably with some sparkle to wrap
them with, jokes and trinkets to insert, and lastly but most importantly that
little something that goes pop! The Babbacombe Theatre has all you will need, to
ensure this yuletide season, your festive celebrations include the very best box
of Christmas Crackers for you to enjoy with your family and friends. Now you
have the necessities, let’s crack on with putting it together. Some of the best
comedic one liners and funny stories will be a part of our Christmas Crackers -
no silly jokes in sight. Andy Oakley returns as the ever-popular headlining act
with even more side-splitting sketches that will make you laugh louder than
ever. He is joined on stage by other artistes instantly recognisable to
Babbacombe Theatre regulars, including great comedy magician Peter Baffles, a
master of illusion and a firm favourite with audiences across the globe, with
even more tricks up his sleeve, he will amuse and amaze you. 31st October - 2nd
January. Visit
www.babbacombe-theatre.com for more info and to book.
27.10.18
Ali Cook Principles of Deception UK Tour - ends 17th November!
The star of West End magic marvels and big screen spectacles, Ali Cook,
has announced a new UK tour for his critically acclaimed comedy magic
show Principles of Deception. Treating audiences to a festival of
fascination, Principles of Deception acts as the essential
storytelling of magic, with Ali Cook’s own brand of awe-inspiring magic
and off-beat comedy. The tour will visit theatres nationwide between
29th September 17th- November 2018. "A hugely impressive show that’s
never short on spectacle… Genuinely astounding"
★★★★ Mail on Sunday. Also see
YouTube.
For tickets go to: www.alicook.com/gigs or the theatre links below:
Saturday 27th October - Leicester, Y Theatre,
www.leicesterymca.co.uk
Friday 2nd November - Swindon, Arts Centre,
www.swindontheatres.co.uk
Saturday 3rd November - Walton on Thames, Riverhouse Barn,
www.littleboxoffice.com/riverhouse
Sunday 4th November - Beverley, Parkway Beverley,
www.beverley.parkwaycinemas.co.uk
Friday 9th November - Folkestone, Quarterhouse,
www.quarterhouse.co.uk
Thursday 15th November - Tunbridge Wells, Trinity Theatre,
www.trinitytheatre.net
Saturday 17th November - Bristol, Theatre 1532,
www.1532bristol.co.uk.
27.10.18
Pete Firman 'Marvels' UK Tour - ends 10th November!
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.
27th October - The Little Theatre, Chorley
02nd November - Camberley Theatre
03rd November - Norwich Playhouse
06th November - Colchester Arts Centre
09th November - Cornerstone, Didcot
10th November - Hanger Farm Arts Centre, Totton.
27.10.18
Mario
Morris, Street Theatre and Busking lecture - Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians.
Sue Oakley writes: On Wednesday 7th November, the Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians will
be hosting the Mario Morris, Street Theatre and Busking lecture. Learn the
secrets of street theatre, skills that are transferable to other areas of
performance. How to attract a crowd, how to keep a crowd, how to turn your crowd
into an audience, overlapping and much more. Mario founded the School of Busking
in 2006 and has taught and performed around the world and is an annual guest
teacher at the Jeff McBride Magic and Mystery School. He'll be performing
aspects of his successful street show, his clap and cheer cup and ball routine
and his world's most dangerous card trick. Visiting magicians welcome for only
£5.00. Contact Secretary Sue Oakley for more details
sueoakley61@gmail.com
www.wcm-magic.com.
27.10.18
The
Gathering, Great Yarmouth. Stephen Bolam and Kyle Sarocen write:
We have Sean Heydon lecturing for us on Tuesday November 6th. Arguably the most televised illusionist in
the UK, Sean Heydon is fast becoming one of the world’s most exciting and
cutting edge performers to watch.
With experience spanning over two decades and already a multi-award winning
entertainer, Heydon is widely recognised as ‘The Alternative Magician’. His
unique creative take on traditional magic coupled with a natural ability to
perform comedy is what sets him aside from his peers. Entertaining through
comedy dusted with a little magic is Heydon’s forte. Entry is £10.00 on the door
and includes a Buffet. Doors open at 7pm and the lecture will start at 7.30pm at
The Grosvenor Casino, Great Yarmouth NR30 3JG (Map).
If anyone wants to come along, please email
thegathering@mail.com or you can
phone Kyle on 07982 819727 for further information.
27.10.18
The
Order of The Magi presents The Grumbleweeds Q&A Comedy Lecture on Tuesday 6th
November. Geoffrey Newton writes:
Legendary comedy act, The Grumbleweeds, present a no-holds-barred comedy lecture
and Q & A session, where they'll lift the lid on all things comedy.
The Grumbleweeds have been very much a part of the UK live comedy scene since
their formation, way back in 1962. With countless live shows, tours, cruises,
pantomimes, TV and radio series to their credit, they have earned the right to
call themselves 'The Guv'nors of Live Comedy.'
Regarded by their peers as the best in the business, The Grumbleweeds have
created, devised and performed some of comedy's classic routines and now they're
coming to the Magi.
Learn from the best, as they lift the lid on what really makes comedy tick: How
routines are created, what makes something funny, how to get more comedy into
your performances and how to get maximum comedy impact on every routine that you
do. They'll be spilling the beans on how it all works and how to improve your
performance by introducing and improving the comedy in your act.
They'll talk and demonstrate how they create routines, how they put it all together
and how to make comedy really work in your act. Don't miss this chance to learn
how to make it all work at the highest level, from two of the industry’s finest
exponents. Members are free but visitors are charged at £5 by
prior arrangement with the secretary or the president. Let’s make this a great
event for all especially our very special guest lecturers.
Directions and details on
www.orderofthemagi.co.uk.
27.10.18
Derren Brown: Hero at 30,000 Feet. Derren Brown takes one individual on an unbelievable personal journey in which they face their greatest fears. Can they rise to Derren's life-changing challenge? (Repeat) See TV Magic for details. 27.10.18
Planning
next year's programme of events for your club? Visit the MagicWeek
Lecturers page!
27.10.18
"Notes on Davenports Magic Shop, an
emporium for serious conjurors"
Click Here
www.davenportsmagic.co.uk • "Derren Brown on the meaning behind new show
Sacrifice – and why he won’t play Russian roulette again"
Click Here • "Derren Brown Has Upended So Many Lives on TV, He Has
an Alumni Support Group"
Click Here • "New Quaker centre opened in Newark by magician The
Great Soprendo"
Click Here • "Optical Illusionist"
YouTube • "Master magician stuns audiences with ‘mystery
entertainment’"
Click Here • "Dynamo continues return to greatness"
Click Here • Rex Stott reviews Steve Short's Johnny Hart lecture
this week,
Click Here • "How to make friends, according to Derren Brown"
Click Here • And finally: Jude Law praises
Pete Heat and
does some back palming!
iPlayer • Your UK magic news is always very welcome, but please
remember the 12 noon Friday deadline for all news submissions - see you
next week, Duncan.
27.10.18