Number 991 - 22nd June 2019

David Blaine: Real or Magic, Tuesday evening, Eventim Apollo, was both very real and very magical. It was so good to see David Blaine live on stage here in the UK after all these years. The last time most of us saw him was during his Above the Below endurance feat, back in 2003 Click Here. But now at last, here he was, live on stage, presenting a series of "did he just do what I think he did?" stunts that really had to be seen to be believed. His stripped-back, all thrills no frills approach was perfect for a British audience, and his sincerity, passion and easy humour really gelled with Tuesday's sold-out theatre crowd of 3,500+. It was an amazing show! DT.

"Review: David Blaine, Eventim Apollo" ★★★★★ www.broadwayworld.com

"Review: David Blaine: Real or Magic at the Birmingham Arena" [subscription] ★★★★ www.thetimes.co.uk.

Photo credit: Michael J Fitch (Thanks Michael!). 22.6.19

The Magicians' Podcast Season Finale: Episode 100, David Copperfield. Richard Young writes: The 100th episode and season finale features an epic 2 hour interview with the greatest magician of all time, David Copperfield, in an interview unlike any you will have ever heard before. He discusses his childhood before magic, his early influences, the man who discovered him and his TV specials including The Statue of Liberty Vanish. David also talks about his tours of the UK and how hard the British press were on him personally, the development of The Death Saw Illusion, his strongest memories of the thousands of shows he has performed and the incredible new magic in his current show, which plays twice nightly at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas. This is the podcast of all podcasts! Plus "What's Going On?" with Alan "got another mug!" Hudson. The Magicians' Podcast, listen now, via iTunes, Podbean or Spotify. (That's it for now, let's hope that Richard's Podcast returns at some stage in the near future, this was another excellent series. DT). 22.6.19

The world's biggest selling magic spectacular, 'The Illusionists – Direct From Broadway', returns to London in July with a brand new show starring James More (The Showman), Jonathan Goodwin (The Daredevil and Escape Artist), Adam Trent (The Futurist), Yu Ho-Jin (The Manipulator), Chris Cox (The Mentalist), Paul Dabek (The Trickster) and Enzo ( The Unforgettable).

The Illusionists is a mind-blowing spectacular showcasing the jaw dropping talents of seven of the most incredible illusionists on earth. Collectively these performers have been seen by millions across the world and this production showcases their talents on stage together for the very first time. The Illusionists has shattered box office records and dazzled audiences of all ages around the world with a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever to be seen on stage. This non-stop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions. Prepare to witness stunning acts of grand illusion, levitation, mind-reading, and disappearance this summer. Shaftesbury Theatre, London, 6th July - 1st September 2019. See www.theillusionistslive.com/tour/london to book. 22.6.19

Tenth Annual MagicFest Brings Extra Sparkle to Christmas and Hogmanay. The first details have been revealed for the 10th Annual MagicFest – Edinburgh's much-loved celebration of all things magical. It will perform a special trick of its own – vanishing from its old spot in the summer to reappear, transformed, in the Festive Season at the end of December and early January. The full programme will be unveiled in September and co-founders Kevin Quantum and Svetlana McMahon are preparing a line-up that will include of some of the best magicians and illusionists from the UK and around the world.

Kevin said: "We are really looking forward to our 10th MagicFest, it's grown up to become far more successful than we could have possibly imagined. And for 2019 we are planning all sorts of fresh surprises as well as welcoming back old favourites like Magic School." Formally known as the Edinburgh International Magic Festival, MagicFest has welcomed over 60,000 visitors since it began and has grown into Europe's biggest festival of its kind. Find out more, see www.magicfest.co.uk. 22.6.19

Steve Dela wins his 25th trophy! On Wednesday 19th June, Steve Dela added another trophy to his vast collection. He won the "Champion of Champions" trophy at the Leamington Day of Magic, where he was representing the Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians. 22.6.19

The MagicWeek Video Archive. This week, Gary Kurtz on 'Don't Try This At Home' from 2000. See The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with past weeks Click Here. 22.6.19

Darren Mac will be appearing and presenting his lecture at the 27th Ferrybridge Day of Magic on Sunday July 7th. From the organisers: Darren Mac has performed magic for 25 years in every venue you could imagine from clubs to theatres to performing for Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace. Performing to all types of audiences has made Darren a versatile magician and this lecture is packed full of magic with something for everybody. Close-up, Parlour, Stage and Children's Magic are all covered in a lecture that focuses on routining, scripting and tricks that stand up in the real world. There is work on routining tricks you already own and a great use of a classic prop to warm up any audience. You'll also see business card tricks, the most impromptu trick in the world, and a four ace routine that looks incredible but is actually really easy to do! Darren is a former winner of the British Magical Championships General Magic category, a Ken Dodd Comedy Award Winner and an Ambassador for the Prince's Trust. The Ferrybridge Day of Magic will take place at The Community Centre, The Square, Ferrybridge, West Yorkshire WF11 8PQ (Map). Doors open 9.45am and the day ends at 5pm. For more information visit our Facebook page: Ferrybridge Day of Magic or email Michael Shepherd gmfs.msm@gmail.com, Danny Hunt info@amethystmagic.com or Brian Watson bri@cupsandballsmagic.com. 22.6.19

David Blaine: Beyond Magic is being repeated on Sunday 30th June. Following his critically acclaimed ratings smash David Blaine: Real or Magic, Blaine returns with his most revealing performance yet, which has been two years in the making. Blaine pulls the lid off his signature brand of street magic, sparking reactions that will leave audiences in awe and defy all expectations. Magic meets documentary in the one-hour special, as Blaine blows the minds of some of the most recognisable celebrities in the world, including David Beckham, Johnny Depp, Drake, Steph Curry, Dave Chappelle, John Travolta, Patrick Stewart, Emma Stone and Arnold Schwarzenegger, among others. See TV Magic for details. 22.6.19

Chris Stevenson Merlins Magic Lecture, Wednesday July 10th. Merlins write: Chris will entertain you with close-up magic designed to be enjoyable, mystifying and above all memorable. Chris's dedication to the art of magic is what makes his magic so outstanding and unforgettable. This is one lecture you do not want to miss; learn quality effects that you can and will use from this top flight pro. Once seen never forgotten. For more info and to book visit www.merlinswakefield.co.uk. 22.6.19

Magician Jamie Jibberish among Syrian refugees in disused buildings in Sidon, Lebanon. Magic for Smiles (MFS) as an initiative started in early 2016 in Lebanon but in May 2019 was finally registered as a UK charity. They provide magic shows and provide some tuition for vulnerable children, mostly refugees, in high refugee-hosting countries like Jordan, Turkey and, especially over the first three years, Lebanon. Magic is promoted as a form of psychosocial support for traumatised and highly stressed children. Jamie Balfour-Paul is the performing magician with the stage name Jamie Jibberish (due to extensive use of magic language to deepen the sense of mystery). Shows are in camps, rural and urban settings and usually conducted in Arabic. Jamie has performed over 300 shows for around 130 organisations. However, this work has relied heavily on donations, some fees, some subsidy from private shows, and a lot of self-financing. This is clearly not sustainable. MFS has launched a crowdfunding campaign encompassing UK refugee week 17-23 June: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/magicforsmiles. 22.6.19

June 2019 MLM Web Offers. As usual there are two interesting items selected at random from the Mark Leveridge range of download products and both are offered at generous discounts. The first is a routine called A Bic Too Far which is a quirky parlour or close up show effect using miniature Bic lighters, a matchbox and a handkerchief! This is supplied as a TricKlip video download featuring live performance and full explanation. The second Web Offer is the 4th volume of the Collected Card Magic Of Mark Leveridge. This E-Book features 10 of Mark's best practical card effects, including stand out routines such as Impossible, The Invisible Deck Routine, Colour Confusion and Breakout, and it runs to 65 illustrated pages. To get more information and to watch a dem of the TricKlip effect, go to www.markleveridge.co.uk/offers.php. Offers are valid until the end of June. 22.6.19

Steve Price's Big Magic Show. From the organisers: Steve's unique blend of laughs, mystery and stunning sleight of hand has thrilled tens of thousands of people in all kinds of settings. He is the consummate professional entertainer and a regular on cruise ships. Steve is doing one last "local" gig to raise money for the new Community Centre to be built in South Croydon before he moves to pastures new, so don't miss it! Saturday 29th June at 7pm in South Croydon. Tickets and details: www.eventbrite.co.uk. 22.6.19

James Brandon's Comedy and Heckler Management Masterclass, Manchester. Geoffrey Newton PRO writes: At 7.30pm on Tuesday 25th June The Order of The Magi (Manchester) presents James Brandon's Comedy and Heckler Management Masterclass. James is half of British comedy duo "The Grumbleweeds" and what he doesn't know about comedy could be written on the back of a postage stamp! We are extremely delighted to welcome him back to The Order of The Magi for the second time, as he shares his vast wealth of knowledge about using comedy in magic, and how to deal with hecklers. If you use comedy in your magic act, would like to learn how to start using comedy in your act, or want to know how to deal effectively with the irritating guy who is determined to ruin your performance, this is a lecture you will not want to miss! It has all the hallmarks of a night of laughter, along with some very practical information that will definitely improve your act. As this lecture is specifically about comedy, performance and showmanship, performers who are not magicians (such as comedians, after dinner speakers etc.) are welcome to join us on this special occasion by prior arrangement with our secretary secretary@orderofthemagi.co.uk. Guests £5 per person (payable on arrival). More information and contact details: www.orderofthemagi.co.uk. 22.6.19

Peterborough Society of Magicians Annual Sale, Exchange & Lecture Day on Sunday 22nd September. From the organisers: In addition to Nick Einhorn we can now confirm that Chris Rawlins will also be lecturing. Chris is one of the new breed of mentalists and is well known for his Penguin Magic lectures and his creative and bold approach to performing mentalism. See www.psmagicians.org.uk or contact Keith Downs on 01778 343167 or the220@btinternet.com for more details. 22.6.19

Chance: Chris Tennant,  Barnstaple, 27th, 28th, 30th June. Tickets are now available for 'Chance' a brand new magic and mind reading show by Chris Tennant. This 45 minute performance is the only magic act at this year's Barnstaple Theatrefest. The show is all about taking risks and exploring new options. For times and dates see www.theatrefest.co.uk. "One of the best performers we have ever had" The Trickery. 22.6.19

Illusions of Grandeur, Sunday 30th June. In Illusions of Grandeur, up-and-coming street magician, Zack Mirza, strives to take his magic skills to the next level. See TV Magic for details. 22.6.19

Alex McAleer lecture at The Ulster Society of Magicians. George Bleeks writes: The Ulster Society of Magicians is delighted to be hosting a lecture by Alex McAleer on Monday 24th June in the Marble Cedar Lounge, Errigle Inn, Belfast commencing at 7.15pm for a 7.45pm start. The lecture is free to all members in good standing and £20 for visiting magicians. The Society would like to thank their esteemed Honorary Member, David Meade, for making this lecture possible. For more information, contact the U.S.M. Secretary, George Bleeks, on 07860 115611 or email george.bleeks@ntlworld.com. www.online-usm.com. To read more about Alex, check out his website: www.alexmcaleer.com. 22.6.19

Two from Talking Tricks. Kane and Able write: Magic, comedy and photography with Steve Best. Steve Best joins Talking Tricks to discuss his 30-year career as a magician, comedian and photographer. Best discusses starting out in the Young Magician of the Year 1985, the biggest changes in the industry during his career, touring with the likes of Frank Skinner and Harry Hill, nearly suing Joe Pasquale and his photographs that have spawned two books, multiple exhibitions and showings at the Saatchi Gallery. Meanwhile, last week Mark Watson discussed his fascinating career move from City Banker to full-time magician and juggler and how Paul Daniels inspired both careers. Listen via Podbean, iTunes and acast. 22.6.19

Knight Rider with Lance Burton. "Deadly Knightshade. Series 4, episode 15. Drama series about a young man who fights for law and justice in an incredible supercar: the Knight Industries Two Thousand, or KITT. Michael suspects a magician of two murders, but he appears to have the perfect alibi. Starring: David Hasselhoff." See TV Magic for details. 22.6.19

"This Hand Illusion Is Blowing Our Damn Minds" Click Here • "Indian magician Chanchal Lahiri drowns attempting Houdini trick" Click Here • "Magician Wizard Mandrake deliberately drowned himself in River Ganges cops fear after he refused to give confused staff details of his final stunt" Click Here • "Magic trick gone wrong: Indian magician lowered in Ganga tied with steel chains missing" Click Here • "Houdini Horror. Magic tricks that went horribly wrong from woman impaled by 10 swords in a box to magician who died trying to 'catch' bullets in his teeth" Click Here • "'Please stop!' Terrified Susanna Reid begs BGT's Jonathan Goodwin to stop as he shoots a bow and arrow while blindfolded" Click Here • "Magician Criss Angel will take his Vegas act to Broadway" Click Here • Penn and Teller Fool Us David Copperfield" YouTube • "Illusionist Derren Brown to Perform 'Secret' on Broadway" Click Here • "Why magician Penn Jillette fasts 23 hours a day to maintain his 100-pound weight loss" Click Here • "Local magician's car, magic props vanish" Click Here • "David Copperfield Welcomes New Citizens With a Magic Show and a History Lesson" Click Here • Many thanks for all your news this week - see you next week, Duncan. 22.6.19

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