Number
992 - 29th June 2019
John
Archer - Against The Odds. Semi-finalist on Britain's Got Talent and
support act for Tim Vine on seven UK tours, John Archer finally takes to
the stage in his own one man show, Against The Odds. A rare chance to
see baffling magic with a dash of comedy thrown in by the man who many
consider to be the best comedy magician in the UK today. The first man
to fool Penn and Teller on 'Penn and Teller: Fool Us' and a former
winner of the prestigious Magic Circle Stage Magician of the Year, John
Archer has also appeared on BBC1's Tim Vine Travels in Time, Sky
1's Undercover Magic and CBBC's Help My School Teacher Is
Magic and Help My School Trip Is Magic.
February 2020
1st Epsom: Playhouse
7th Bradford: Studio
8th Southend: Palace Theatre
21st Northampton: Royal and Derngate
28th New Milton: Forest Arts Centre
March 2020
1st Shrewsbury: Theatre Severn
7th Gloucester: Guildhall
13th Bordon: Pheonix Arts Centre
14th Colchester: Arts Centre
20th Stockton-On-Tees: ARC
22nd Birmingham: Old Rep Theatre
27th Barrow-In-Furnace: The Forum
28th Fareham: Ashcroft Arts Centre
April 2020
3rd Guildford: G Live
4th Folkestone: Quarterhouse
May 2020
17th Salford: Lowry
See www.john-archer.com for more info and to book. 29.6.19
Circus
1903 returns for UK tour. Following a critically acclaimed Christmas
run in London last year, Circus 1903 will tour for the first time to
Birmingham, Salford and Dublin before returning once more to the Royal
Festival Hall in London this Christmas. Featuring the sensational
life-sized elephants [and baby elephants!] created by the puppeteers
from War Horse, alongside ringmaster David Williamson, the troupe will
be joined by a range of new and jaw-dropping acts from around the world
including the Brazilian Wheel of Death (London only). From acrobats to
contortionists, jugglers to trapeze, high wire performers and much more,
this show will amaze, captivate, and transport audiences of all ages to
the mesmerising Golden Age of Circus. See
www.circus1903.com
for more info and to book.
Birmingham Hippodrome: 24th October–2nd November
The Lowry, Salford: 19th–24th November
Bord Gáis, Dublin: 27th November–1st December
Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London: 19th December–5th January
2020. 29.6.19
The Session is now a three-day event! Performers just announced:
David Williamson, Howard Hamburg, Harrison Greenbaum, Henry Harrius,
Andrew Goldenhersh, David Regal and Laura London, with more to be
announced soon! It's the
only dedicated close-up magic convention in the UK and features the very
best magicians in the world. Heathrow, London, January 10th - 12th 2020.
Register now at
www.sessionconvention.com. 29.6.19
Pete
Firman & The Amazing TBC. Come and witness the first and possibly
final performance of the Greatest Magical Double Act of All Time!
Award-winning magician/comedian Pete Firman returns to Edfringe with a
magic show like you’ve never seen before. As seen on ‘Tonight at the
London Palladium’, The John Bishop Show’ and ‘The Sarah Millican
Television Programme’. Every night he will be joined by a different
special guest who has no previous conjuring experience. Together they
will perform jaw-dropping magic without any rehearsal. Unplanned!
Unpredictable! Unwise! 5th July Underbelly Festival Southbank London,
6th July Milton Keynes, 18th July North Finchley, 19th July Islington,
20th July Bedford and then at the Ed Fringe for August. See
www.petefirman.co.uk/#live. 29.6.19
Change
a life with the magic in your attic. For over ten years Breathe
Magic has been helping young people with a range of physical and mental
health issues, and in particular, young people with hemiplegia. In
essence, this condition means that these young boys and girls struggle
to lead independent lives due to either paralysis or severe weakness in
one arm and hand. Through their attendance on our ten day magic camp,
and with intensive one-to-one guidance from healthcare professionals,
their lives and mindsets are transformed, and we have witnessed moments
of true magic. To see a young woman of 19 holding her knife and fork and
cutting her food for the first time is truly humbling, and magic has
been the vehicle to enable this. You can read, and see, more on our
website:
www.breatheahr.org/breathe-magic.
Many magicians have kindly asked what they might be able to do to help
these young people. This year, we would like to renovate the stage
performance we ask the young magicians to perform in at the end of the
programme. We are looking for a series of magic tricks which will still
challenge them according to the needs of the Occupational Therapist
teams who we collaborate with, but which we know are probably gathering
dust in attics and the backs of cupboards. If you have any of the
following items in good condition and would like to know that they will
be used to help young people gain confidence and independence, then we
would be deeply grateful for donations. We are a not-for-profit
organisation, and our budget for magic hardware is limited, so any acts
of generosity would be massively appreciated. If you can help, contact
us at: magic@breatheahr.org.
Here are a few of the props we would love to include: Top Crystal Box (with balls), Abbott's Tear Apart Vanish, Sucker Beaker Vanish, Ghost Tube, Pop out Pips (silks produced from a jumbo 3 of diamonds), Silk from Newspaper, Needle Through Balloon (modelling balloon through tube), Flash Silk on Rod, Silks: we hope to do a large scale silk production extravaganza, so would like a lot of silks. They do need to look bright, preferably 18", but diamond cut also welcome, Bekos (knots off silk), Silk in Bottle (with the Pringles Tube), Change Bags with turn handle, Large Square Circle Production, Blendo. 29.6.19
Harry
Potter and The Philosopher's Stone In Concert with Full Live Orchestra.
The Czech National Symphony Orchestra will perform live, to Harry Potter
and the Philosopher’s Stone. Audiences will be able to relive the magic
of the entire film in High Definition on a 40-foot screen while hearing
the Czech National Symphony Orchestra perform John Williams’
unforgettable score live. See
www.harrypotterinconcert.com/global-tour for UK tour dates. 29.6.19
The
Real Magic Roadshow. From the organisers:
We are very excited to announce our first ever UK Tour of The Real Magic
Roadshow! The tour will cover six cities across the United Kingdom and
attendees will get the chance to experience some of the world’s
best-selling magic performed live by a select group of the industry’s
leading creators and producers.
The event will feature Card-Shark Magic, Chris Smith of MagicSmith, Dirk
Losander, Paul Richards, and demo master extraordinaire Mark Mason of JB
Magic – as well as a special guest dealer in each city. This is your
opportunity to see and buy astonishing magic, from the people who know
these effects inside and out. In addition, each featured creator will be
presenting a short "Pro-Tips" session in which they will share
techniques and information on how to get the most from their some of
their most prized creations. These are ideas and insights gleaned from
countless performances – and it’s all included in your low cost £10
admission!
As a bonus, if you pre-register now, you’ll receive a £10 voucher for
use with any of the dealers on the day of the event! Plus, all
pre-registered guests will automatically be entered for a chance to win
a Mystery Prize Package valued at £200 pounds! One prize package will be
given away in each city and locations include:
Edinburgh – Friday September 20th
Newcastle - Saturday September 21st
Leeds – Sunday September 22nd
Bristol - Friday September 27th
The Midlands – Saturday September 28th
London – Sunday September 29th
Space is limited, so register now! Get the full details at
www.realmagicroadshow.com. 29.6.19
The
16th annual South Tyneside International Magic Festival. From the
organisers: Top acts from around the UK and across the pond have been
added to a magical event taking place in South Shields this autumn. The
16th annual South Tyneside International Magic Festival returns from
11th to 13th October, with a packed programme of entertainment across
the three days. American magician Nate Staniforth has been revealed as
one of the new additions to the line-up, where he will present his first
ever lecture and show in the UK. Joining the gala show from Scotland is
multi-award winning Adam Black, the current Magic Circle Young Magician
of the Year, who has been performing since he was just 10, and filmmaker
and The Real Hustle star, R. Paul Wilson, who will entertain magic fans
with close up tricks, along with hosting a workshop.
Festival-goers can look out for Laura London, known for her close-up and
card skills which have earned her residencies at some of London’s top
venues and secured performances around the world. And sibling act
Matricks will be combining elements of danger, comedy and charm at the
gala show with their own unique props and special effects. Also
performing across the three-day event are Britain’s Got Talent winner
Richard Jones, Mario Marchese, Mike Pisciotta, Xulio Merino, Olmac,
Magic Gisell, Steve Hewlett, Mark Shortland and Safire. The South
Tyneside International Magic Festival is organised by South Tyneside
Council and magician, Steve Gore, in partnership with The Customs House
and Magicbox.
Convention tickets are currently on sale for £65. For more information
on the festival or to book a place, visit
www.southtyneside.gov.uk/magicfestival. To book tickets for the
public shows, visit
www.customshouse.co.uk or call the box office on 0191 454 1234. 29.6.19
The
MagicWeek Video Archive. This week, Paul Daniels presenting Robert
Harbin's Rods Through Girl illusion from 7th February 1987. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with past weeks
Click Here.
29.6.19
Mine,
Yours & The Mystery: The Ultimate Bank Night routine. Developed over
a 10 years period by Paul Martin with Jamie Raven. This 'Ultimate Bank
Night' routine is now finally being released. This is Paul’s personal
go-to favourite routine. Performed by Jamie Raven in The Illusionists in
London and on his four sell-out tours. Here's the effect: 3 envelopes
are displayed to a spectator with the choice of 'Mine', 'Yours', or 'The
Mystery'. The Spectator has a free choice of any envelope and wins a
special prize, only to discover they could have won a lot more. 5
minutes of brilliant comedy and magic, easy to do and a must for any
serious performer looking to add a professional routine to their cabaret
set. "If you are looking for a fully worked out routine to drop
straight into your act, you’ve found it! Paul & Jamie have done all the
hard work and given the magic world a gift" Nick Einhorn. "The
Best Bank Night I’ve seen, I love it!!" David Stone. For more
information and to order visit
www.paulmartinmagic.com/shop (note: enter the shop access answer in
all capital letters). 29.6.19
Karl Fulves Convention 4 - London, 13th July. The Karl Fulves Convention, organised by Allan Brown, is set up to honour close-up magic's greatest unsung genius and giant of magic... Karl Fulves. This highly informal event will take place from 6pm on Saturday 13th July at the Holiday Inn Express, Swiss Cottage, 152-156 Finchley Road NW3 5HS (Map), opposite Finchley Road tube station. All attendees must come with at least one magic trick from any Fulves publication that they can share with others. This year, we hope to be joined by Thomas Ellis, Paul Grayling, Jerry Mensfield and a special surprise guest who will not be named. There will be items on display from Swindle and Cheat. Free entry, very informal, no need to register, just turn up! Any questions email abrown.kfc@gmail.com. 29.6.19
Elsdon
Magic New Release and Special Offer. Mark Elsdon is pleased to announce the
release of a brand new volume of Hidden Gems, the fourth in his series of
best-selling ebooks. "I confess that I would prefer to not recommend this
ebook, purely for selfish reasons! It’s a treasure chest that will unlock your
library..." R. Paul Wilson. As well as this new release, there is a Special
Offer on the earlier Volumes of Hidden Gems where you can effectively get one
for free! For more info and a free sampler, see
elsdon.blogspot.com/2019/06. 29.6.19
Magic Lecture and Fun Day with Liam Montier, Jack Tight and Big Blind
Media. From the organisers: Magic Lecture and Fun Day featuring 2 lectures by Jack Tighe and Liam
Montier, open stage time for you to get up and impress your fellow
magicians and bargains from Big Blind Media.
Taking place at The London Improv Theatre, only a 2 minute walk from
Finchley Road tube station with a bar downstairs for
drinks throughout the day!
Online booking recommended (£20 + fee) see
www.londonimprovtheatre.com/magic-lecture or pay cash on the door
(£25). Sunday 30th June, 12.30pm-4.30pm at London Improv Theatre,
104 Finchley Road,
West Hampstead,
London
NW3 5JJ (Map). 29.6.19
The
Magician’s Advice Podcast. Episode 98 with Megan Knowles-Bacon. Ian
Brennan writes: In Episode 98 Ian talks with guest Megan Knowles-Bacon
about how to create stories in your magic. We talk about Megan's ballet
themed stage act and about her new 'green magic' environmental show. We
also talk about Megan's role at The Magic Circle and her recent decision
to step down from her position as secretary to pass the torch on. Check
out the episode on
Spotify,
iTunes,
Podbean,
Stitcher or wherever else you get your podcasts from. 29.6.19
Jamie Williams 'This is my happy face' lecture, Cardiff Magical Society, Monday 8th July. From the organisers: Jamie Williams will be presenting his first ever lecture at Cardiff Magical Society on Monday the 8th July. Doors open at 7.30pm for an 8pm start. With some new effects in the pipeline with Penguin Magic, Jamie hopes to hone his lecture with a view to touring in the not too distant future. We hope you will come along to support him and find out what he's been up to! In this lecture Jamie shares the secrets to some of the hard hitting original magic that not only wows his audiences at weddings and corporate events across the UK, but also guarantees him repeat bookings and has seen him being signed with some of magic's biggest sellers, including Penguin Magic. "Jamie has quite a unique creative mind. Not only is he able to invent new effects he manages to put some great twists in method, plot and structure to old classics which really make them stand out." Steve Rowe. Monday 8th July at 7.30pm, Cardiff Magical Society, Cardiff Yacht Club, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff www.cardiffmagic.org.uk Visiting magicians £10 door charge. 29.6.19
Johnny
Hart - International Star of Magic. Stephen Short's wonderful
biography of Johnny Hart has now sold out of its printed run. In
recognition that there may be others not fortunate enough to have a copy
but who would be interested to read the colourful story of Johnny's
showbiz career, Stephen has arranged for Magicseen Publications to
distribute and sell an ebook version. This is a wonderful opportunity to
experience the life and times of one of the UK's major performance
artistes, whose illustrious career started in the 1960's and spanned
over 40 years. Not only does this book provide a carefully researched
and fascinating look at Johnny himself, it also shines a light on the
general showbiz scene of the same period, as Johnny rubbed shoulders
with many of the greats from the entertainment and TV world. The ebook
runs to over 200 pages and is profusely illustrated with playbills and
photographs that really help to conjure up a clear vision of showbiz in
the latter part of the 20th century. To purchase your downloadable visit
www.magicseen.com. 29.6.19
July
E-Club Pro Sign Up Offer! E-Club Pro is Mark Leveridge's unique
online magical resource. Updated every month with new routines, ideas
and advice, E-Club Pro is designed to be of interest and help to all
magicians from beginner to full time pro. With hundreds of pages of
exclusive content featuring Mark's creative output drawn from his 38
years in the business, E-Club Pro will provide your magic life with a
permanent magical buzz! As well as having 24/7 access to all the great
varied content, members also receive at the start of each month Mark's
celebrated E-Video Newsletter, the 30 minute online video magazine. Then
half way through the month, Mark's Monthly Message arrives, a video
presentation brimming with great advice, help and opinion. Signing up is
quick and easy through PayPal and if you decide to join at any time
before 31st July 2019, Mark will refund you half your membership fee for
each of the first three months. There's never been a better time to
become a member of this content rich, members' only, online club, so
sign up today by going to
www.markleveridge.co.uk/eclubpro.php. 29.6.19
Mark
Waddington will be appearing at the 27th Ferrybridge Day of Magic on
Sunday July 7th. From the organisers: Mark Waddington is a
professional close-up magician, and has specialised in wedding
entertainment for nearly 10 years. With more than 1,000 weddings to his
name Mark really knows how to make weddings work! Mark will present a
lecture on tricks that are perfect for a wedding day, as well as theory
on how to succeed exclusively as a wedding magician. He will go into
detail on how to create the perfect moment for a photo opportunity, and
how to approach a day working at a wedding. Mark will also hold a Q&A
session, where nothing is off the table. Learn from someone who has seen
everything in the wedding industry, and listen to his horror stories
too! Also, Mark will present a workshop on the Multiple Card Revelation.
A routine Mark has honed for almost eight years. 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. 29.6.19
Darcy Oake: Edge of Reality, Saturday 29th June (repeat) on Virgin Media One. "Christine Bleakley presents a magic special starring illusionist Darcy Oake. Recorded before a live theatre audience, it is an evening of breathtaking, logic-defying, spectacular illusions in the grand old tradition of stage magic. Prepare to be amazed as Darcy promises three things: some things you will have never seen before, some things you will never see again and some things you will have to see to believe." See TV Magic for details. 29.6.19
The
Cambridge Pentacle Club honours Michael Colley for his Centenary book.
On 22nd June the Club held its Centenary Dinner and Cabaret. For more
than a year Michael has been writing a history of the first 100 years.
His 180 page, fully illustrated A4 book was launched at the dinner. But
the question was: "how do you best honour Michael for all his efforts?"
Luckily, Michael is a passionate collector of magicians' bookplates, so
the Club arranged for one of our members, Dominic Halford, to design and
produce a book plate "To commemorate our Centenary and Dr Michael
Colley's history of our first 100 years." Michael was presented with the
block and the ten numbered prints which were made from it. In addition,
all attendees of the dinner were given a facsimile of the print. Many
copies of Michael's £15 book were sold at the dinner, resulting in very
positive feedback. If you would like a copy, contact the Club via
www.pentacleclub.com and we will send you the details. John
Davenport. 29.6.19
Jonathan Ross Presents Fool Us on Sunday 7th July on Virgin Media Three (repeat). "The magicians challenge guest illusionists to outwit them with a mind-boggling trick, and offer successful performers the chance to appear on stage with them in Las Vegas. Jonathan Ross presents. See TV Magic for details. 29.6.19
Book
a magic lecturer for your club today. Visit the MagicWeek
Lecturers page! 29.6.19
"Magician
who fooled David Blaine comes to Cumbria"
Click Here • "When Jaadugar fails to defy death"
Click Here • "M for magic"
Click Here • "This World-Renowned Heart Surgeon Has a Few Tricks Up
His Sleeve"
Click Here • "Winner of Penn & Teller Fool Us, Illusionist Ivan
Amodei brings Secrets & Illusions to Southern California Stages"
Click Here • "West End Live 2019: The Illusionists performance"
Click Here • "Legendary magician Penn Jillette performs card trick"
Click Here • "Young Female Magician Helps Pave Way for Women in
Magic"
Click Here • "Abracadabra! Magician Tim Ellis reads minds live on
air"
Click Here • That's all for another week. Thanks as always for your
magic news - see you next week, Duncan.
22.6.19