Number
981 - 13th April 2019
Adam
Black is 'The Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year 2019'. Adam combined
his genuine Rubik's Cube expertise (you should see the speed in which he can
untangle a thoroughly mixed-up cube!) with his passion for magic, to create a
Rubik's Cube themed act that became more and more mind-boggling as it
progressed, leaving the whole audience scratching their heads. Adam was awarded
first prize on Sunday 7th April at The Magic Circle's London HQ. He received the
Derrick Speight Trophy, together with four years membership of The Magic Circle and a trip to the States to attend Jeff McBride’s Magic and Mystery
School. Ryan Jackson was placed second and Robbie Stevens third. Theo Mellor was
highly commended. Many congratulations to them all. Anthony Owen, Moira
Fletcher, Geoffrey Durham and Oliver Tabor judged and Darren McDonald was the
perfect compère. A special award in memory of the competition's first winner,
Johnny Hart, back in 1961, will be introduced in 2021 (the competition is held
every two years). It will be a separate award to recognise manipulative skill.
Photo: President Scott Penrose making the presentation to Adam Black. See
www.youngmagiciansclub.co.uk and
www.themagiccircle.co.uk.
13.4.19
Northern Magic Summit 2019.
26th, 27th, & 28th April.
From the organisers: The Northern Magic Summit, the convention of the
Northern Magic Circle, is returning to The Crown Hotel, Harrogate for
the weekend Friday 26th April – Sunday 28th April 2019! The convention
will kick-off with our Welcome Dinner on the Friday night – an event
which has been so well enjoyed in recent years. Following the success of
last year the evening will also feature the 2019 Northern Magic Close-up
Championships. The Northern Magic Circle is proud to invite magicians
from across the UK to enter and represent their local magic society. For
full details please visit
www.northernmagicsummit.co.uk. Deadline for
entries is Friday 12th April. Full registration to the convention covers
all hotel events on Saturday and Sunday: Lectures, Dealers, Dealer Dem,
History of Mystery and all non-magic events, plus tickets to The
Children's Show & The Gala Show.
We can now confirm lectures from Neil Roberts, Steve Gore, Brian Lead,
Geoffrey Newton, Andy Greaves and our Star Lecturer Freddie Davis!
To find the registration forms and more information on our lectures and
much more head to
www.northernmagicsummit.co.uk or email
registration@northernmagiccircle.or.uk. Here's looking forward to a
convention that reflects our motto: 'Friendship through the Art of
Magic'. Hope to see you all there!
13.4.19
Harbour
Sleights - the biggest magic show to hit Aberdeen for decades!
Illusionists to conjure up cash for Aberdeen Lifeboats, Tivoli Theatre,
Aberdeen, 30th August 2019. From the organisers:
For one night only, Aberdeen Lifeboat and Aberdeen Magical Society bring
you ‘Harbour Sleights’, the biggest magic show to come to Aberdeen in
decades – and it’s all to raise funds for local lifeboats.
The two-hour show at the city’s Tivoli Theatre on Friday 30th August will
showcase the north-east’s top magicians and will comprise grand
illusions, magic, sleight of hand, mind reading and escapology.
Aberdeen Lifeboat 2nd coxswain/mechanic Cal Reed and illusionist Garry
Seagraves got together to launch the event.
Cal Reed said: “Making doves appear from RNLI welly boots is nothing to
what these guys can do. People should come prepared to witness some
quite incredible feats of magic – and all for such a good cause.”
Garry Seagraves, president of Aberdeen Magical Society, added: “We can’t
wait to step out onto the stage at the Tivoli this August. With such a
variety of different styles of magic there really will be something for
the whole family to enjoy – whether they are eight or 108! Aberdeen Magical Society has a proud tradition of supporting good
causes in the north-east, and when Cal joined the society to further his
passion for magic, it seemed obvious we should support Aberdeen
Lifeboat.”
The Tivoli Theatre has its own place in the history of stage magic. One hundred years ago, in 1918, magician Chung Ling Soo performed his signature act at the Tivoli, catching a bullet fired from a gun, then dropping it from his mouth onto a plate. Sadly, he was killed just weeks later performing the same trick in London. Tickets, priced at £12 each, are on sale now at Aberdeen Box Office, Union Street, Aberdeen www.aberdeenperformingarts.com. Photo: Garry Seagraves (left), president of Aberdeen Magical Society, and Cal Reed (right), of Aberdeen Lifeboat get together to launch ‘Harbour Sleights’. Photo credit: Mark Gray, Aberdeen RNLI. Also see www.rnli.org.uk and www.aberdeenmagic.com. 13.4.19
The
Twins on The Magicians’ Podcast.
Richard Young writes: Gary and Paul (aka The Twins) began their
professional careers working as illusionists and spent many years
working on cruise ships. They were once tipped to win BGT by Amanda
Holden and in this episode explain why their involvement in the show
fell through. After this they diversified their careers into supplying
special effects for theatrical shows and pantomimes and have built up an
incredible portfolio of enormous special effects that wow at over 35
panto's each Christmas in the UK at the largest theatres including The
London Palladium. Most interestingly they have also developed a
practical and safe way of flying celebrities, double-decker buses and a
horse and carriage over the heads of the audience in the stalls; in this
interview they provide a sneak peak into the development of this
spectacular illusion. Plus a chat with The Magic Circle Young Magician
of the Year 2019 Adam Black, just minutes after he was awarded the title
at The Magic Circle headquarters.
Plus What's Going On with Alan Hudson.
The Magicians' Podcast, listen now, via
iTunes,
Podbean
or
Spotify.
13.4.19
South Tyneside
International Festival of Magic, more acts announced.
From the organisers: Olivier Macia (Olmac) started magic at the age of 13 when he saw a
magician do tricks close-up during his brother’s wedding.
From 2000, he participated in numerous competitions and magic
championships where he won several titles and is particularly known for his
impressive card manipulations.
In 2007, Olmac started the TV series ‘Al Camera assahira magic
Olmac’ consisting of 250 episodes of 6 minutes each, which aired on the
Moroccan channel 2M and made a TV show on CCTV in China with his Black Light
Number in 2015. The same year, he represented France at FISM.
Mark Shortland has entertained audiences around the world, from regular
performances at The Magic Castle Hollywood, to sell out shows
at The London Palladium and Blackpool Opera House, to a yet to air
American TV Special filmed at The Rio Suites and Casino Resort Las
Vegas.
Mark’s performances engage the audience with a mixture of illusions,
visual gags and audience participation. His winning personality and
unique brand of comedy are blended with an individual style of magic
and suggestion, creating an act that the edge of your seat was made for! South Tyneside
International Festival of Magic, 11-13th October 2019.
Click Here
to book and for more information.
13.4.19
The
MagicWeek Video Archive. This week Max Maven on Talking Telephone
Numbers from 8th April 1996. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with past weeks and the occasional
bonus video
Click Here.
13.4.19
The
Order of The Magi celebrated its 110th birthday last week with members
performing 110 tricks at their headquarters, the Irish World Heritage
Centre, in Manchester. Visitors to the centre were entertained at this
celebratory night, and once the figure had been attained a cake was cut
and handed round to all in attendance. This event had been the
brainchild of new President Dave Owen who had appeared on the BBC TV
programme North West Tonight, baffling presenters Roger Johnson and
Anabel Tiffin. Dave had also appeared on City Radio earlier in the day.
It was a great night to mark a milestone in the society’s history and
details of the Magi’s activities can be found on
www.orderofthemagi.co.uk or by contacting Mike Sharples
secretary@orderofthemagi.co.uk.
Geoffrey Newton PRO.
13.4.19
'Staging
Magic - The Story Behind The Illusion' Exhibition, University of London. Staging Magic - The Story
Behind The Illusion runs until 15th June, celebrating the history of magical
literature and the world’s most loved magic tricks and stage
illusions from 16th century to early 20th century. It’s free and open to
the public until Saturday 15th June 2019 at
Senate House Library, 4th floor of Senate House, part of the University
of London. The exhibition takes people on a journey of
the world’s greatest magicians, such as Houdini, David Devant and
psychic researcher Harry Price, and the magic books that influenced
them. The exhibition explores the staging of classic tricks such as
pulling rabbits out of hats, sawing women in half and dismembered
talking heads, right through to cigarette box magic tricks and parlour
magic. Discover how sleight of hand and illusions staged in top theatres
have been used to create mystery and entertainment in society and how it
transferred to the home, and even to the Tommies fighting in the
trenches of WWI.
Through five interconnected themes ('Magic’s Spell on Society', 'Magic
and innovation', 'Masters of Magic and their Influence', 'Harry Price
and his Magical Library', 'Magic for All'), the exhibition explores how
magic has remained a mainstay of popular culture in the western world,
how its secrets have been kept and revealed, and how magicians have
innovated to continue to surprise and enchant their audiences. Each
theme features some of the most important books in the history of magic,
alongside lesser-known works celebrating a range of genres in magic
publishing.
The exhibition displays 60 items in Senate House Library’s ‘Harry Price
Library of Magical Literature’, gifted by Harry Price himself, former
Vice-President of the Magic Circle (and first Chair of the BFI), to the
Library in 1936. See:
www.senatehouselibrary.ac.uk.
13.4.19
Ace
Magic Studio Lecture/Dealer Dem - Merlin Magical Society 18th April. John
Clayton writes: On the 18th April, the Merlin Magical Society are have a
Lecture/Dealer Dem by Ace Magic Studio. The host for the evening is Martin
Peirce. The first half will consist of Martin Peirce performing and explaining
many of his favourite routines, incliuding 5-4-3-2-1, a Just Chance routine that
can be done impromptu, Paranormal, a strong and easy to do effect, a 'Do As I
Do' routine and many more. The second half of the evening will be a dealer dem
of effects sold by Ace Magic Studio. Doors open at 7.30pm for an 8pm start at
Merlin Magical Society, Little Heath Parish Hall, Thornton Road, Potters Bar,
Hertfordshire EN6 1JJ (Map).
Entry for non members is just £5. Also see:
www.merlinmagicclub.co.uk.
13.4.19
Hector
Chadwick lecture, Bristol Society of Magic. From the organisers: On
Thursday April 18th the Bristol Society of Magic hosts a rare lecture
with Hector Chadwick. Co-writer of Derren Brown shows like Svengali,
Apocalypse, The Great Art Robbery, and The Push, Hector Chadwick (pen
name of Stephen Long) doesn’t lecture very often and his short talk on
equivoque at the 2017 Session convention was highly praised. Ever
since, mentalists especially have been on the lookout for his occasional
appearances. He is also the author of the highly sought after mentalism
book, The Mental Mysteries of Hector Chadwick, written under his
pen name. In this lecture, he'll teach effects from his out-of-print
book and even share a couple of ideas never before published or taught.
There'll also be a Q&A session and the opportunity to discuss anything
that tickles your fancy, from the Derren shows, to the creative process
involved in making them, to the world of TV magic in general. We meet at
the Vassall Centre, Gill Avenue, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 2QQ (Map)
at 8pm and non-members are welcome (£10).
13.4.19
April
2019 E-Video Newsletter. The monthly magic online video programme
from Mark Leveridge is the usual mix of new magic to try and advice and
tips to learn from: The Teach In - Mark reveals a clever envelope
gimmick that you can use in many effects as well as the neat routine he
reveals here. Top Tips - this features a discussion on the best
rope for ring on rope magic. The Strolling Magician Unplugged -
part 15 looks at solutions to a practical problem confronting strolling
magicians when travelling to a gig. Web Offers - dem and comments
on Mark's classic sponge ball routine plus info on a great advice book,
both items being on offer in April. 60 Seconds To Success - the
reasons why it might be a good idea to create a completely different
show type to your normal one. The Review Corner - comments on
AmazeCups from Vanishing Inc. Access to the full 30 minute online video
presentation costs just a small amount, and drops even further if you
take out a 1 year subscription. To watch a trailer and to purchase the
latest issue go to
www.markleveridge.co.uk/evn.php.
13.4.19
Magic
Auction at The Swan, Oxfordshire, 2nd May: Here at The Swan at
Tetsworth Auction House we are proud to say we have hundreds of
illusions and magic props in our 2nd May Auction. A collection spanning
the life's work of entertainer to the stars, Fabian. Escapologist,
magician, illusionist and fire-eater, Fabian worked as an entertainer
from the age of 5 and won World Championships in his field. From being
handcuffed, locked in chains, put in a sack and set ablaze, to large
scale illusions there is something for everyone whether you're an
amateur collector or a working performer. The first part of the
catalogue will be online later this week with lots being added every
day. Be sure to keep an eye out as the catalogue progresses so you don't
miss a trick! Visit www.theswan.co.uk. The Swan at Tetsworth, High Street, Tetsworth,
Oxfordshire OX9 7AB (Map)
Thursday, 2nd May 2019. Also see
www.the-saleroom.com.
13.4.19
Amazing
Mysteries, tonight at St Georges Theatre, Great Yarmouth. Amazing
Mysteries comes to St Georges Theatre, Great Yarmouth. Why not come
along and enjoy an evening of magic, mystery and laughter as we
transport you back to the heady days of Victorian England in this
critically acclaimed show. Saturday 13th April at 7.30pm. Book online at
www.stgeorgestheatre.com.
13.4.19
Nothing
Up Our Sleeves, Wednesday, 19th June, at The Navigator, Southampton.
From the promoters: Nothing Up Our Sleeves is a full evening of entertainment
which is guaranteed to amaze and leave you believing in real magic.
Adrian Tritton (Triton Magic) and award-winning
magician Myles Thornton have created a unique night out perfect for anyone who wants to
enjoy themselves with friends whilst seeing the unbelievable happen
before them.
Nothing Up Our Sleeves is a monthly event. Tickets can be found on
Eventbrite or by visiting the Nothing Up Our Sleeves Facebook and
Instagram pages and are £11.25 per person. If you would like any more
information email nothingupoursleevesuk@gmail.com.
Wednesday, 19th June at 7pm at The Navigator,
286 Bridge Road,
Swanwick,
Southampton
SO31 7EB (Map).
13.4.19
Palladium Memories -Stoke-on-Trent, Saturday 13th April. Stoke Amateur Theatre Society are proud to present the world premiere production of Palladium Memories. Over 100 years of entertainment in one show! A laughter packed musical celebration of The London Palladium. The greatest variety theatre in the world! Conceived, written and compiled by Paul Brammer. Starting from it's opening in 1910 to the present day, this fantastic all singing all dancing revue takes us from the Palladium's variety days with the Crazy Gang, through the 2nd World War and onto to the iconic Sunday night at the London Palladium, Royal variety shows, pantomime and fantastic star studded concerts. With magician Ali Cardabra. 12th, 13th April. Mitchell Arts Centre, Broad Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 4HG (Map). For more information and to book visit www.mitchellartscentre.co.uk. 13.4.19
From Faking It to
Making It! Kevin
Quantum on Talking Tricks. Kane & Abel write:
Kevin Quantum joins us to discuss his fascinating journey from reality
TV contestant to globe-trotting magician.
He talks about what it was like learning from magic legends Penn &
Teller, Pat Page, Paul Daniels and Nigel Mead as part of the Channel 4
show Faking It, combining science and magic, the early struggles to
transition from PhD Researcher to full-time magician, running the
Edinburgh International Magic Festival and his success at the Edinburgh
and Adelaide Fringe Festivals.
Listen via
iTunes,
Podbean or
Acast.
13.4.19
Harry Robson lecture,
Anglian Magic Society, Norwich. Kyle Sarocen writes:
Harry is the resident magician at Manchester United and perhaps best
known for his work with the Dealers at Blackpool. His lecture is full of
things that a working magician can use. Here are some of the effects:
A spectator's chosen card appears in a wallet in the audience, a
collosal killer style effect, Daryl's rope routine, John Cornelius'
Thought Transmitter mind reading effects with the 'Posh Pen',
4 spectators choose a card and they match a torn prediction card (based
upon Harry Anderson's Gang of 4), 'Ripped Off' Torn and Restored card,
Sharpie through anything, Signed card to sealed envelope in a handed out
wallet...
Harry has some great stories and has a great delivery style.
Many of Harry's effects are available for purchase so buy them while you
have the chance.
See you all on this fantastic evening which is not to be missed. Tuesday
16th of April at 7.30pm at the
Anglian Magic Society,
The White Horse Inn, The Street, Trowse, Norwich NR14 8ST (Map).
www.theanglianmagicsociety.uk.
13.4.19
Leamington & Warwick Magic Society Day of Magic
(now held over two days) 18th & 19th June 2019 at Cubbington
Sports & Social Club, Cubbington, Leamington Spa. From the organisers:
With over 120 attendees last year this year's event will be bigger and
better and is now the premier Midlands convention. Top lectures
throughout the day. Attended by lots of quality dealers. Plus the Midlands
"Champion of Champions Close Up Competition". Includes breakfast
for early morning arrivals, a lunch time buffet and evening BBQ (weather
permitting) for all pre-paid tickets.
Pre-paid tickets cost £25. We do not email or send tickets out; please bring
your PayPal receipt to show proof of payment. Breakfast from 7.30am.
Dealers open 8am. 18th & 19th June at
Cubbington Sports & Social Club, Windmill Hill, Cubbington, Leamington Spa CV32
7LN (Map).
See
www.lawms.wordpress.com/day-of-magic for more info and to book.
13.4.19
Oliver
Tabor lecture, Home Counties Magical Society. Kevin Hutchinson, HCMS
Programme Secretary writes: The Home Counties Magical Society are
delighted to welcome Oliver Tabor for his lecture at 8pm on Thursday
18th April. Oliver is a multi-award winning magician and member of the
Magic Circle. He is a past British Magic Champion and winner at the 2017
European Championships of Magic. Oliver’s lecture will mostly cover
stage and close-up magic with an introduction into how the techniques,
psychology and rules followed by stage manipulators can easily be
applied to all performance situations: from cabaret to close-up and from
parlour to children's shows. He offers effects for close-up, comedy,
stage and children's magic, and demonstrates the thoughts and workings
behind a dove steal and how this method can be easily adapted to produce
a range of different objects. Throughout the explanations he illustrates
how to make performances more powerful by applying the rules of
stagecraft, how to deconstruct a routine or act whilst eliminating any
unnecessary movements and actions, his evolution of ideas and
inspiration behind a working routine and how to give your magic more of
an impact in general. Lecture notes and products will be on offer to
purchase afterwards. 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.
13.4.19
X-Ray Hands,
a Mr E Exclusive. Mr E Enterprises write: A
playing card is selected in a fair manner by an audience member and she
is told to burn its value and suit in to her mind but not allow you to
see her choice. Let us say that the chosen card is the Jack of Hearts.
Two laminated plaques are freely displayed and shown on both sides. Each
side is seen to have a gleaming coloured spot on it, and you explain
these are special sensitive X-ray plates.
The chosen card is placed face down between the X-ray plates which in
turn are held between the spectator’s hands and she is told to
concentrate really hard on her chosen card. A small torch is now shone
on the back of the spectator’s hands and after a moment the plaques are
removed and separated – but nothing has happened.
Again, your X-Ray plates are placed between the spectator’s hands and a
light is again shone upon them. After another brief wait the plates are
removed by the spectator who opens them herself to find a full X-Ray
picture of her hands (or so you claim) with a permanent impression of
her chosen card between them!
Everything can be left for examination without a clue to your mystery.
Can be repeated with another card if you wish.
Available in two different sizes; pocket (approx 4" x 2.75") and Jumbo
(approx 8" x 5.5"). The little-known baffling method is surprisingly easy
to do.
Comes with the special X-Ray plates and instructions. Use your own deck of
playing cards and torch.
Post free in the UK.
Standard size:
Click Here, Jumbo size:
Click Here.
13.4.19
The Comedy Years, Saturday 20th April on ITV3. "In 1984, as the miners' strike took over the news, political figures were on the receiving end of the most irreverent comedy series ever seen on TV at the time - Spitting Image. Plus, cult hits like The Young Ones and Alas Smith and Jones battled it out in the TV schedules with mainstream shows like Russ Abbott's Madhouse. We also lost two comedy greats with the passing of Eric Morecambe and Tommy Cooper." See TV Magic for full details. 13.4.19
"Ant
and Dec become Dec and Ant in unprecedented, earth-shattering Britain’s
Got Talent seat switch"
Click Here • "Creepy Britain’s Got Talent magician Elizabeth
left Amanda Holden petrified – but how did she perform that trick"
Click Here • "Who is the Haunting? Britain’s Got Talent first
magician of the new series"
Click Here.
13.4.19
News
Deadline reminder. Please submit news by Thursday if possible - absolute
deadline 12 noon Friday, no exceptions. DT.
13.4.19
June Casson. Alan Coventry writes: Arthur Casson’s wife, June, passed away last week after a long illness. June’s funeral is at Lytham Crematorium on 17th April (Wednesday) at 2.30pm in case anyone who does not know wishes to give Arthur their support. 13.4.19
"Lewis
Davenport: the penniless Cockney who became the world's greatest
illusionist – and sold magic kits to Houdini and Tommy Cooper"
[Subscription]
Click Here • "Magician Eric Chien wins Asia's Got Talent"
Click Here • "Why do we like
magic when we know it's a trick?"
Click Here • "Secrets behind some of the most famous magic tricks
has been revealed"
Click Here • "Why is magic dominated by men?"
Click Here • "Illusionist Criss Angel Announces NYC Residency"
Click Here •
"Abracadabra: London show puts magic props under the spotlight"
Click Here • "Gun fears halt Leeds Magic Circle
Russian roulette routine"
Click Here • "Magic
circle's Russian Roulette live gun trick blocked by Leeds Council over
health and safety"
Click Here • "Skipton magician Mark Waddington gains 'silver star'
in the Magic Circle"
Click Here • And finally, the force is strong with this one
YouTube • Many thanks for your news submissions as always. See
you next week, Duncan.
13.4.19