Number
1002 - 7th September 2019
MagicWeek
Exclusive: Lance Burton to star at Blackpool 2020.
From the convention organisers: The Blackpool
Magic Convention is very proud to announce that Magic Superstar, Lance Burton,
will be heading to Blackpool in February 2020, making his first ever UK
convention appearance!
Lance Burton is widely considered by his peers to be the greatest stage magician
of the past century. As magic historian Mike Caveney stated: "Take every
magician in the world, line them up and give them each twelve minutes... Lance
wins!"
Lance will be featured throughout the convention,
starring in:
Lance Burton and Friends A full evening show in the Opera House Theatre.
A special talk with Mac King in which Lance will talk about his
incredible career.
The European Premier of Lance's movie, 'Billy Topit', featuring a special
Q&A with Lance and several stars of the movie beforehand.
Lance Burton 'Meet and Greet'. All attendees will have the opportunity to
take photos and get an autograph with the man himself.
We are beyond excited to bring you this incredible news, as it's taken several
years to make happen and we know it'll take the event to heights we could have
only imagined a few years ago. For the first time, you're able to book and
choose your theatre seat online, so head online right away and book ASAP to get
the best possible seats. Our VIP tickets have already sold out and our Gold
Registration tickets are also selling in unprecedented numbers. Book here:
www.blackpoolmagicconvention.com.
Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Lance
Burton burst onto the national stage on October 28th, 1981 by making his first
appearance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. So impressed was Carson while
watching the rehearsal that he allowed Lance to do an unprecedented 12-minute
routine. Through the course of Burton’s career he was invited back for a total
of ten appearances while Johnny Carson was host, and another ten appearances
during Jay Leno’s tenure.
Over the years Lance Burton has performed on a wide range of TV shows. He racked
up appearances on David Letterman, Jay Leno, The View, Craig Ferguson, The
World’s Greatest Magic, Hollywood Squares, and even acted in guest staring roles
on Knight Rider, and Las Vegas. In 1996 Lance Burton’s first TV special,
Lance
Burton Master Magician: The Legend Begins, aired on NBC. This was quickly
followed by a series of annual TV specials. These include: Lance Burton Master
Magician: The Encounter, Lance Burton Master Magician: Top Secret, Lance Burton
Master Magician: On the Road and Lance Burton Master Magician: Young Magician's
Showcase. He also hosted specials for The History Channel, Discovery, Animal
Planet, The Family Channel and many more.
While successful on TV, Lance Burton’s greatest accomplishments have been made
in live performance. Working primarily in Las Vegas he has performed an
astounding Fifteen Thousand shows in his 30-year career. His first job in Vegas
was as a featured act in “The Folies Bergere” at The Tropicana Hotel, a job he
held for nine years. In 1991 he opened his own show, “Lance Burton World
Champion Magician”, at the Hacienda Hotel, which ran for five years.
In 1996 “Lance Burton Master Magician” opened at the brand new Monte Carlo Hotel
in the Lance Burton Theater. This was the first time any entertainer in the
history of Las Vegas had a theatre built and named after them. The contract at
the Monte Carlo was for an unprecedented 13 years, the longest contract ever
given to a live performer. Lance stayed at the Monte Carlo for a total of 14
years, performing over Five Thousand shows for over Five Million fans, grossing
over Two Hundred Million Dollars. His last performance was September 4th, 2010.
Throughout his career Lance Burton has received numerous awards and accolades
from his peers:
1980 - First magician to be awarded the Gold Medal from the International
Brotherhood of Magicians.
1982 - First American and youngest magician to win the Grand Prix (World
Championship) from the Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques (FISM).
The Academy of Magical Arts (AMA) has honored Lance Burton with awards many times, including: Best Stage Magician, Magician of the Year (twice) and The Masters Fellowship.
In the Las Vegas Review Journal ‘Best of Las
Vegas’ readers poll Lance Burton was voted Best Magician 12 years in a row, a
feat unequalled to this day.
Book now for what we promise will be the best convention you will ever attend,
with huge surprises still yet to be revealed. We know that the shows in The
Opera House will be very, very special events this year, so please make sure you
book the best seats, as they're already selling out fast! Check out our brand
new website, with features including:
A brand new booking app - select your own seats!
Details of new events and updates for the 2020 Convention.
Planning tools and links to help you book transport and accommodation.
2019 Gallery - great memories of this year's Convention.
Book here:
www.blackpoolmagicconvention.com (please note that our VIP tickets are now
sold out).
7.9.19
The
Magic Circle Awards Ceremony 2019. The Magic Circle held its annual
awards evening at its Headquarters in London last Sunday. At the
ceremony, compered by Debbie McGee MIMC and featuring stage performances
by Scott Penrose MIMC, Megan Swann MIMC, Alan Hudson MIMC, Arturo
Brachetti MIMC and Ben Hart MIMC, the full house saw the following stars
of magic collect their much deserved awards:
The David Devant Award for Services to International Magic
Arturo Brachetti MIMC. The Italian superstar of quick change and
illusion continues to enjoy an illustrious career that has won acclaim
and awards around the world. The Magic Circle’s President, Scott Penrose
said ‘Arturo remains one of our most unique and talented performers and
I am delighted that he will be adding our most prestigious award to his
already full cabinet of trophies’.
The Maskelyne Award for services to British Magic
Anthony Owen MIMC. Anthony died suddenly earlier this year but his
legacy of award-winning and ground breaking television and stage
productions will live on for a very long time. He is much missed by the
world of magic.
The Makers of Playing Cards Chris Latham Card Magic Award
A new bursary provided by the late Chris Latham MMC with the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards created to benefit magicians under the age of 25 in the advancement of playing card magic. Winner: Dr Will Houstoun MIMC who has created a masterclass in card magic to benefit ten young magicians over the next year.
The John Nevil Maskelyne Prize
A prize for noteworthy contributions by a member of the magic fraternity to the art or literature of magic.
Awarded to Richard Young MIMC. Richard created the landmark podcast series called ‘The Magicians’ Podcast’. The 100 episode series featured in depth interviews with magicians from around the world finishing in June 2019 with an epic and much anticipated conversation with David Copperfield MIMC.
The Carlton Award
For outstanding comedy in magic.
Awarded to Alan Hudson MIMC
Hoffmann Memorial Lecture Award
For research into subjects related to the history, theory and practice of magic.
Awarded to James Ward MMC
Cecil Lyle Award
For best trick published in The Magic Circular
Awarded to Joseph Atmore AIMC
The Magic Circle Silver Wand
Awarded to David Hatch AIMC for providing welfare services to members of The Magic Circle and to Darren Martin MIMC for services to The Magic Circle. 7.9.19
The Magic Circle
Election 2019. Forget Brexit, it's all much more interesting at The
Magic Circle where last Monday the election results for the new
President and officers were announced as follows. President: Noel
Britten MIMC, Vice President: Megan Knowles-Bacon MIMC, Secretary:
Katherine Rhodes MIMC, Treasurer (unopposed) Mark Lee AIMC. The Council,
in alphabetical order: Dave Allen AIMC, Andy Clockwise AIMC, Mandy Davis
MIMC, John Hayns AIMC, Scott Penrose MIMC, Robert Pound MIMC, Fay Presto
MIMC, Darryl Rose MIMC, Brian Sibley MIMC, Henri White AIMC. The Magic
Circle is a vibrant magic society with a wonderful history and an
exciting future. For membership details visit
www.themagiccircle.co.uk/join-us. DT. Photo: Past President Scott
Penrose MIMC and new President Noel Britten MIMC.
7.9.19
Magical
BGT Winner Heading to South Shields. From the promoters: The only
magician ever to win Britain’s Got Talent will be showing off his
skills, with military precision, at the South Tyneside International
Magic Festival from 10th-13th October. Lance Corporal Richard Jones is
heading to South Shields to entertain crowds at the 16th annual
Festival. And along with sharing tips and tricks with delegates
attending the popular convention, Richard will also be taking centre
stage at the second gala show at the Customs House, on Saturday 12th
October.
Since winning the ITV talent show back in 2016 Richard has gone on to
sell out nationwide tours, headline the West End and regularly feature
on prime-time TV shows in countries around the world. He combines his
decade of military training with a passion for the art of deception,
with audiences ranging from troops in Kabul, to corporate parties and
even the Royal Family. Richard will return to his TV roots when he takes
part in the new series, Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions, to battle
it out against other stars from the show. Performing alongside Richard
at the Saturday night gala show is Xulio Merino, Adam Black, Laura
London, Matricks and Steve Hewlett. Tickets for the gala shows cost £14
and can be purchased from
www.customshouse.co.uk or by calling the box office on 0191 454
1234.
The South Tyneside International Magic Festival is organised by South
Tyneside Council and magician Steve Gore, supported by BBC Newcastle and
sponsored by The Customs House and
Magicbox.
Tickets for the popular three-day convention are also available priced
at £65. This includes entry to dealers, close-up sessions, the two gala
shows and the exclusive Late Night Show on Friday evening, featuring
comedian Finbar Healy. For more information on the festival or to book a
convention place, visit
www.southtyneside.gov.uk/magicfestival.
7.9.19
Blackpool
Magic Convention - more events for 2020. From the organisers: With
tickets selling faster than ever before, The Blackpool Magic Convention
is pleased to announce even more events for 2020. Once again we're proud
to feature the very best in family entertainment at Blackpool 2020.
Firstly, magic legend Master Payne (photo) will be jetting in from
Seattle to entertain and amuse with his infamous PowerPoint presentation
and a full one-hour family entertainment lecture. Rising star Max Fulham
will not only lecture on family entertainment, but will also be
presenting his full one-man show as part of our nightly fringe. Finally,
the brilliant Jozo Bozo lecture, featuring material you will 100% use.
Add to this, the final of the Family Entertainer of the Year, plus 3
more lectures for family and children's entertainers yet to be announced
and we know you'll be knocked out by this whole event. Book now for what
we promise will be the best convention you will ever attend, with huge
surprises still yet to be revealed. Book your tickets now
www.blackpoolmagic.com.
7.9.19
The
MagicWeek Video Archive. This week, to tie in with his Broadway opening,
Derren Brown's second guest appearance on Richard & Judy, from 22nd February
2003. (Note: Due to copyright restrictions this interview has been edited to
remove clips from Derren Brown's TV shows). See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with past weeks
Click Here.
7.9.19
Manchester
Circle of Magicians present a Jumbo Magic Auction on Monday 16th
September. From the organisers: Bargains galore including DVDs,
books, kids tricks, comedy magic, a vent doll, collectors items etc.
With star auctioneers Derek Lever and Quentin Reynolds. The venue is
Salford Masonic Hall, Hemsley House, 41 The Crescent, Salford, Near
Manchester M5 4PE (Map).
Free for members but £3.00 for non-members. Doors open 5.30pm. Viewing
commences at 6pm. Auction commences at 6.30pm. For further information
contact Derek Lever d.lever1@sky.com.
7.9.19
An Evening of Magic - tonight in Eastbourne. From the organisers: Witness a spectacular show featuring the most exciting names in magic and variety in the UK including The Magic Circle Stage Magician of the Year and Sooty! Offering incredible grand illusion, nail biting escapes, thrilling award-winning magic, sophisticated juggling, pickpocketing and comedy. Featuring Stage Magician of the Year Edward Hilsum, Sooty & Richard Cadell, dangerous and fast-paced illusions from Hocus Pocus, gentleman juggler Florian Brooks, award-winning magic from Roy Davenport, the pickpocketing skills of James Freedman plus the Zoe Pennington dancers and comedy magic from compère Paul Megram. A one-off night, promising the best in magic, juggling, comedy and variety. Guaranteed entertainment for all the family. Saturday 7th September at 7.30pm at Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne. Tickets £15. Box office 01323 412000. Tickets: www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk. 7.9.19
'With the Rizos Again'
- Bath Circle of Magicians. Roger Nicot writes: 'With the Rizos
Again' is a unique and original lecture in which you will discover some
of the best tricks created by Ferràn Rizo; tricks taken from his
artistic repertoire. Magic that has been tested on real audiences and
improved upon over the years. Secrets with cards and coins that
haven't been published or revealed to date. Also, you will discover
'Relaxed Tricks'; magical effects without manipulation but with strong
impact. As well as the lecture you'll see choreographer, dancer and
magician Nataly perform. Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy a
fantastic lecture. £15 for visiting magicians. Thursday, October 24th at
8pm. Bath Circle of Magicians, St Mary's Church,
Queen Square,
Saltford, Bristol
BS31 3EL (Map)
www.bathcircleofmagicians.co.uk. Also see
www.ferranrizo.com.
7.9.19
Noel
Britten to lecture at Christian Magicians UK 2020 Conference. From
the organisers: Christian Magicians UK would like to congratulate Noel
Britten on becoming President of The Magic Circle - and are delighted to
announce that Noel will be our Star Lecturer at our next annual
conference (17th - 20th February 2020). Noel Britten’s award winning
comedy has earned him a solid reputation for comedy excellence. Noel’s
quick witted dry humour defies all expectations. He is regularly invited
to perform around the world, including The Sydney International Festival
in Australia, The Nova Scotia Comedy Festival in Canada and of course
The Edinburgh Festival. Noel's work has also been featured on Channel 4
and the BBC. In the West Country he is well known for his Bizarre Bath comedy
tours of his home City, that he conceived and wrote as a former Young
Magician of the Year and Street Performer. His comedy magic tours have
been running each summer for the past 27 years. The Christian Magicians
UK Conference will be held at the Kings Park Conference Centre in
Northampton. Noel will be with us on Wednesday 19th February 2020. For
further information, please visit
www.christianmagicians.org/conference.
7.9.19
The
Mark Leveridge September Podcast. Start the new magic season with a
half hour foray into the world of magic with Mark Leveridge. In the
latest podcast Mark considers the following topics: Tommy Cooper
provides a great definition of the difference between pro and amateur
magicians; Mark gives examples of how magic leaves a uniquely long
lasting impression with spectators; The Real Magic Roadshow is coming to
a town near you; charity and awards night dinners create special
circumstances for table hopping magicians; themed costumes are usually
impractical and a total liability for us; should on stage helpers be
required to stand or sit during their time with you? The podcast is
free to listen to online or to download to any mp3 player, and can be
accessed either from
www.markleveridge.co.uk/podcast-archive or from
www.markleveridge.podbean.com.
7.9.19
Grant
Maidment lecture - Bath Circle of Magicians. Roger Nicot writes: Our
first meeting of the new season on Thursday September 12th will be the
premiere of Grant Maidment's lecture, Frenetic. He will be covering
material presented in his twin volume DVD release of the same name
Frenetic. Copies of the DVD, as well as the gimmicks required for
some of the routines, will be available for sale. 8pm on Thursday
September 12th at Bath Circle of Magicians, St Mary's Church,
Queen Square,
Saltford, Bristol
BS31 3EL (Map)
www.bathcircleofmagicians.co.uk.
7.9.19
Anglian Magic Society Close-up Magician of the Year Competition 2019. Kyle Sarocen writes: Have you entered? If not don't waste any time contact us now, and you could be the winner if you're a member. 7.30pm on Tuesday 17th September at the White Horse Inn, The Street, Trowse, Norwich NR14 8ST (Map). www.theanglianmagicsociety.uk. See you on the night, everyone welcome. 7.9.19
Magic
and Illusion warehouse clearance. Philip Bond (Bondini & Co) writes:
Further items and many photographs have now been added to the sale
catalogue on
www.bondini.co.uk/for-sale. More items will follow. Appointments to
view should be made by telephone to 01763 852691 (office hours). Viewing
begins on 20th September, daytime, evenings and weekends.
7.9.19
Former
Young Magician of the Year finalist and hypnotist Robert Temple on
Talking Tricks. Kane & Abel write: Leaving magic behind for
hypnotism - with Robert Temple on Talking Tricks. Hypnotist Robert
Temple discusses his career from performing in pubs in Newcastle aged
just seventeen to headlining theatre tours via summer seasons and
student union gigs. Robert also talks about his recent Edinburgh Fringe
run and upcoming tour, the public perception of hypnosis and how to
change it; nearly being banned from performing, the differences between
magic and hypnosis shows, and much more. He also tells us what led to
him stopping performing magic, his relationship with mind reader
Kennedy, his inspirations and much more. Listen via
iTunes,
Podbean or
acast.
7.9.19
Paul
Megram's 'Show' lecture - Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians. Sue
Oakley writes: On Wednesday, 11th September, the Wolverhampton Circle of
Magicians start their new season off with a lecture from Paul Megram.
Paul (AKA Colonel Custard) brings an all-new lecture on family
entertainment. Last time it was all about the Business now it's
time for the Show. Paul performs every routine on a regular
basis, showing trick handling and performance techniques.
Paul has been in the business for over 25 years, performing stage,
close-up and children's/family entertainment. As a respected member of
The Magic Circle, he has lectured for them on numerous occasions. He now
sits on the panel of experts for those taking membership examinations.
He has performed in the National Finals of the Family Entertainer of the
Year, no fewer than 3 times and has never lost. He now judges the
competition for the potential winners of this most coveted title. It is
no dealer dem, but he will have a few original products to buy at the
end of the lecture. Visiting magicians welcome for just £5.00. Lecture
starts at 8pm at the usual meeting place: The ECC Sports & Social Club,
Showell Road, Wolverhampton, WV10 9LE (Map).
www.wcm-magic.co.uk.
7.9.19
Caroline
Ravn at The Magic Bar Live in Llandudno, tonight! Chris Williams
writes: The Magic Bar Live has had its great first summer season and we
are looking forward to the autumn and winter programme. We are very
excited to have Caroline Ravn as our headline performer this evening,
Saturday 7th September. Doors open at 7pm and tickets are £15. The Magic Bar Live, Alexandra Hotel, 11
Clonmel Street, Llandudno, Gwynedd LL30 2LE (Map).
www.themagicbarlive.co.uk Facebook
facebook.com/themagicbarlive.
7.9.19
The
Real Magic Roadshow. From the organisers: We're just a few weeks
from our first ever UK Tour of the Real Magic Roadshow! The entire team
is thrilled to be crossing the pond and, if we're heading your way, we
hope you can join us. We all have some incredible magic ready for you
and we're fortunate to have some wonderful guests joining us every step
of the way. The entire day costs only £10 and if you pre-register now
you get a £10 Gift Card as soon as you walk in the room. We're close to
capacity in most of the cities, so now is the time to take action. Get
complete details and register now at
www.realmagicroadshow.com - and don't forget to spread the word! Edinburgh
on Friday September 20th,
Newcastle on Saturday September 21st,
Leeds on Sunday September 22nd,
Bristol on Friday September 27th,
The Midlands on Saturday September 28th, and
London on Sunday September 29th.
7.9.19
Vanishing
Inc. launches dedicated initiative for Deaf Magicians. Vanishing
Inc. announced last week the launch of its “Community Captioning”
initiative—a special closed captioning program created to support the
needs of deaf magicians. As part of this dedicated program, the company
is offering free magic to anyone willing to help generate subtitles for
their exclusive downloads and DVDs.
“While magic books and ebooks are still very popular among magicians,
most modern magic tutorials have shifted to a video format that many
deaf magicians often find nearly impossible to follow due to a lack of
subtitles,” said Andi Gladwin, cofounder of Vanishing Inc. “Through our
numerous interactions with deaf magicians, we’ve come to understand many
of the difficulties impacting their ability to learn magic and are
constantly searching for innovative ways to better support their needs.
It is truly an honour to develop an opportunity for the entire community
to collectively help tackle one of the most significant challenges deaf
magicians face.”
No experience is necessary to participate in “Community Captioning.”
Here’s how to get involved: Find any video in the Vanishing Inc.
Exclusives collection that is not labeled with a “subtitled” banner
and then send your choice(s) to the Vanishing Inc. team through their
contact page. Once approved, the DVD or download will be sent to you
along with instructions on how to create subtitles. After the captioning
is complete, the magic effect is yours to keep forever. Each project is
conducted on an ad hoc basis with no commitment required. Those
interested can complete as many as they’d like but are limited to one
open project at a time.
7.9.19
Thames
1745 - Underwater Escapology. In this family show, we head back in
time to 1745 where the landlady of the Queen's Head Ale House in
Kingston-upon-Thames has been up to no good, selling short measures,
fighting and shouting. Finally, she is captured and sentenced to the
ducking stool. It's time for the people of Kingston to rejoice, or is
it?
In this joint venture between Dave Diamond and Alicja Mrozek the worlds
of theatre and circus come together to tell this true story, which is
the last known use of the ducking stool in London. Hold your breath with
the landlady as she struggles to free herself from the ducking stool in
this escapology come circus event. The landlady is first shackled into a
metal straitjacket and then water is poured into the tank that she is
placed in. She has just found a nail file to pick the locks and to free
herself. See for yourself if she can escape or if she is doomed. Free
event, but donations are welcome. See
www.davediamond.co.uk for more details. 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st,
22nd, 28th, 29th September 2019. Part of 'Totally Thames 2019', the
annual celebration of the River Thames with a creative and diverse
programme that inspires, connects and enthralls, see
www.totallythames.org.
7.9.19
Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased). "That's How Murder Snowballs. Series 1, episode 5. Jeff enlists the help of ghostly partner Marty to find out who switched a stage magician's blank bullets for the real thing, turning a harmless illusion into a horrific and highly public killing." Comedy drama, starring Mike Pratt, Kenneth Cope and Annette Andre. Today at 1pm on True Entertainment. See TV Magic. 7.9.19
"Tips from the Top with magician Romany"
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Click Here • "Acclaimed Magic Show Derren Brown: Secret Begins Broadway Run"
Click Here • "Digital Lottery Announced For Derren Brown: Secret"
Click Here • "How Olivier Winner Derren Brown Created a Psychological
Thriller Meets Illusion Show for His Broadway Debut"
Click Here • "A cyborg magician explains why she implanted 26 microchips and
magnets in her body"
Click Here • "Magician Keith Barry reveals his stunts are so dangerous they
could kill him"
Click Here • "Waterford magician Keith Barry set for RTE Late Late Show
appearance"
Click Here • "Is The Sacred Riana Britain’s Got Talent’s most terrifying
act? Amanda Holden is left disturbed by the illusionist"
Click Here • "Magician Criss Angel to Perform at King Center for the
Performing Arts December 15"
Click Here • "'America's Got Talent': Stand-Up Comics, Magicians and an
Young Opera Diva Dominate Week 3 of Quarterfinals"
Click Here • "Joe Rogan Experience #1343 - Penn Jillette"
YouTube
• That's it for another week. Your UK magic news is always welcomed. See you
next week, Duncan.
7.9.19