Number
1020 - 11th January 2020
Broken
Robot Productions presents Magical Bones: Black Magic on Tour. From
the promoters: Following a totally sold-out run at the Edinburgh
Festival Fringe, the star of international stage hit Impossible
takes to the road with his much anticipated debut solo UK tour. Direct
from appearances on BBC1’s BAFTA Awards, ITV1’s This Morning and Sky’s
Around The World In 80 Tricks, and his acclaimed London residency, join
one of the most explosive names in street magic today as he effortlessly
combines intricate sleight of hand with jaw dropping breakdance moves in
one of the most awe-inspiring shows you’ll see this year. Tour Dates,
2020:
Friday 21st February The Lowry, Salford
Friday 20th March Cornerstone, Didcot
Saturday 4th April Nonsuch Studios, Nottingham
Thursday 7th May Castle, Wellingborough
Friday 8th May Leicester Square Theatre, London
Saturday 9th May Curve, Leicester
Thursday 14th May Mac, Birmingham
Friday 15th May Truck Theatre, Hull
Wednesday 20th May G Live, Guildford
Friday 2nd May Hazlitt Theatre, Maidstone
Tuesday 26th May Palace Theatre, Southend
Friday 29th May Arts Centre, Swindon
Saturday 20th May Norden Farm, Maidenhead
Friday 12th June Hawth, Crawley
For more information and to book visit www.magicalbones.com/events. 11.1.20
Magic
in the City, Bristol, Sunday May 17th, now booking. From the
organisers: The Bristol Society of Magic 2020 Magic in the City
convention is up and ready for booking through their website
www.bristolmagic.co.uk/magicinthecity. Lecturers and performers
already confirmed for this year include Pit Hartling, Nick Einhorn, Marc
Oberon, Fay Presto and Mark Shortland, with more to be announced.
Following last year’s success the convention stays at the Doubletree by
Hilton Bristol, minutes from Temple Meads station for easy train travel,
plenty of parking and excellent facilities for the convention. It’s also
based near the historic city docks with plenty of attractions to make a
weekend of it. Great magic at a great venue so book now!
11.1.20
Blackpool
Magic Convention latest. From the organisers: On Thursday 13th
February 2020 there will be the Blackpool Magicians Club Convention Mega
Auction to be held in the Derham Lounge Winter Gardens Blackpool
commencing at 10am and finishing much later, and maybe even on the same
day as over 900 items are booked in! It is worth arriving in Blackpool
early and in time for the auction. It's also the International Close-up
Competition on the Thursday night.
www.blackpoolmagicconvention.com.
11.1.20
Magic
Goes Wrong, the reviews are in...
"Review - Magic Goes Wrong at the Vaudeville Theatre" 4 stars
www.londontheatre.co.uk
"Magical Mischief. Magic Goes Wrong! But it’ll have you spellbound for the evening" 5 stars www.thesun.co.uk
"Spellbinding romp by the masters of mischief" 4 stars www.dailymail.co.uk
"Magic Goes Wrong review – Penn & Teller mangle minds with Mischief Theatre" 3 stars www.theguardian.com
"Magic Goes Wrong review" 3 stars www.timeout.com
"Review: Magic Goes Wrong (Vaudeville Theatre)" 3 stars www.whatsonstage.com
"BWW Review: Magic Goes Wrong, Vaudeville Theatre" 4 stars www.broadwayworld.com
"Magic Goes Wrong review — revelling in the art of the complex cock-up" 4 stars [subscription] www.thetimes.co.uk
"Magic Goes Wrong review: Forget subtlety — it’s all about the bants" 3 stars www.standard.co.uk
"Magic Goes Wrong, Vaudeville Theatre, review: a terrific new helping of the art of comic incompetence" 4 stars [subscription] www.telegraph.co.uk
"Magic Goes Wrong review at Vaudeville Theatre, London – ‘Mischief Theatre’s entertaining fusion of magic and comedy’" www.thestage.co.uk
"Magic Goes Wrong Reviews" www.london-theatreland.co.uk. 11.1.20
Showtown
The Museum of Fun and Entertainment. The name of Blackpool's first
museum, set to open in 2021, was revealed on Friday as 'Showtown The
Museum of Fun and Entertainment'. Open year-round the museum will be
fun, accessible and fully-immersive, filled with objects, film, music
and performance – mixing the best experiences of museums and visitor
attractions and giving visitors an opportunity to look behind the scenes
at what it took to make Blackpool special. Showtown will be divided into
six themes: seaside, magic, shows, circus, illuminations and dance:
Beside the Seaside The story of how Blackpool became symbolic of
the British seaside holiday both at home and abroad and why people
flocked to the town.
How’s Tricks? Discover Blackpool’s long history as an important
centre for magic, illusion and fortune telling.
It’s Showtime Features comedy, music, dance performance, magic
and other speciality acts that put Blackpool on the map and turned the
seaside resort into a capital of show business.
It’s Better with the Lights On Discover the stories behind the
making of one of the world’s greatest light attractions – Blackpool
Illuminations.
Everybody Dance Now Find out how Blackpool became the spiritual
home of ballroom dance and continues to host the biggest international
dance festival in the world.
Roll Up! Roll Up! A celebration of Blackpool’s international role
in circus and home to the Tower Circus.
The themed spaces will be the first permanent displays in a UK public
museum relating to circus, magic, variety and ballroom dance – filled
with over 800 objects from Blackpool’s internationally significant and
extensive collections and those on loan from national partners,
including the Victoria and Albert Museum and private partners. Objects
on loan from the Victoria and Albert Museum include much loved comedian
and entertainer Tommy Cooper’s headtwister illusion and costumes worn by
comedy stars Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise. A rare signed black bowler
hat which was owned by film and comedy star Stan Laurel and acquired by
Blackpool Council will also be on view. Items will also be showcased
from Blackpool Council’s The Blackpool Tower and Winter Gardens Archive
– the largest collection of entertainment history in the town exploring
its 125 year circus history with posters and incredible photographs.
Photo: Programme for The Tommy Copper Show, Winter Gardens Pavilion,
Blackpool, 1968. Courtesy Blackpool Council Heritage Service,
www.blackpoolmuseum.com.
11.1.20
Conjuring
at the Court - London. From the organisers: On Thursday 23rd January the
show features Jamie Raven, finalist in Britain's Got Talent - you may
remember him producing a helicopter. Fay Presto is a legend in magic,
performing direct, visual and astonishing miracles. The witty Thom
Peterson is amusing and most mysterious. And Martin Cox brings plenty of
gusto to his magic and comedy. Tickets £11 from
www.conjuringatthecourt.com. The show starts at 8pm and runs to 10pm
with an interval. It’s in the lovely function room of the Drayton Court,
2 The Avenue, West Ealing, London W13 8PH (Map).
Just 12 minutes from Central London: take the West Ealing train from
Paddington and the pub is 2 minutes walk from the station. Parking is
free from 6.30pm.
11.1.20
BAFTA
award-winning magician Fergus Flanagan makes his London debut with
'When I Grow Up, I Want to be a Magician', a magic show that shines a
light on mental health and explores the trials and tribulations of being
a working magician. Both previous dates sold out in a little over 5
hours! Tickets are now available for February 20th, 21st and 22nd at the
Hen and Chickens Theatre, 109 St Paul's Road, Highbury, London N1 2NA (Map).
Tickets
www.unrestrictedview.co.uk. Also see
www.fergusflanagan.com.
11.1.20
Brazen,
a stage show of magic and illusion by Alexander Wells & Co. Brazen
is a portrayal of two travelling magicians demonstrating their deceptive
arts and exhibiting an ancient, magical automaton; A talking brass head
that can read minds and see everything that was and will ever be, an
oracle transcending time. The show combines illusion, puppetry, magic,
mentalism and comedy to create this world and entertain the audience. It
has visual and artful magic, dangerous feats of skill, audience
involvement and uses ancient and modern artifice from the conjurer's
art. Two dates: Thursday 27th February at 7.30pm at The Golden Lion,
Fielden Square, Todmorden, West Yorkshire OL14 6LZ (Map).
Tickets:
www.skiddle.com also see
facebook.com/AlexanderWellsMagic and Wednesday 4th March at
7pm at Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3JL (Map).
The show will take place in the beautiful setting of Gallery 14, The
Dutch Masters. Tickets available on Eventbrite and organised by
Manchester Art Gallery.
11.1.20
The
MagicWeek Video Archive. A new magic clip or show every week! This week, The
Magic of David Copperfield 10: The Bermuda Triangle, featuring Copperfield's
groundbreaking Death Saw. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with more from The MagicWeek Video
Archive
Click Here.
11.1.20
Become a MagicWeek Backer! Backers help with projects such as The MagicWeek Video
Archive which not only consumes a lot of time, but also
a lot of Terabytes of hard drive space. After clips have been captured at a high
resolution and tidied up they are edited onto external hard drives
and then immediately backed up onto duplicate drives. Because the video decks
that I'm using are of course old I've sourced additional decks as well, so
that when the inevitable happens (as it just did a few weeks ago) I can continue with the
ongoing Archive. I've just started on my Betamax tapes which are in
surprisingly good shape, although they don't have the 'Hi-Fi' soundtrack
of my VHS tapes. If you'd like to become a MagicWeek
backer you can find out all about it here
MagicWeek Backers. All
backers receive a small 'thank you' gift. DT.
11.1.20
The
magical mystery toys: Marvin Berglas on the global renaissance of magic.
"'Magic is more popular than ever,' says Marvin Berglas, founder of
Marvin’s Magic. There have of course been several magic themed fantasy
films, while there has been more magic online and on TV than ever
before. Marvin’s Magic has enjoyed considerable growth this year. This
year, whenever we created new products, we refocused and concentrated
our efforts on our core values of quality, innovation and amazement.
This clearly paid off as our sales increased by 25 per cent." To read
the full article in Toy News
Click Here.
11.1.20
Dave
Loosley Lecture – The Zodiac Magical Society, Ealing, West London.
Simon Rudd, President, Zodiac Magical Society writes: The Zodiac Magical
Society will be hosting Dave Loosley starting at 8pm on Wednesday 15th
January; there are 10 places available for visitors. If you would like
to book a place, or would like further information then please email
membership@zodiacmagicalsociety.co.uk, the cost to attend is £10. If
you wish to join us please ensure you book in advance, as anyone turning
up on the night without booking will be politely turned away.
11.1.20
R
Paul Wilson is pictured here, receiving The Great Lafayette Award
from Edinburgh International Magic Festival artistic director Kevin
Quantum at the Edinburgh International Magic Festival at the Traverse
Theatre in December 2019. The award is presented annually to magicians
who have greatly contributed to live performance magic. Paul's
contribution to the magic community with his original creations, his
live shows, consultancy and TV work made him a worthy recipient, joining
Paul Daniels (2011), Maestro Voronin (2012), David Berglas (2013), Juan
Tamariz (2014), Johnny Thompson (2015), Roy Walton (2016) Jamie Harrison
(2017) and Marcel Kalisvaart (2018). The award is in the shape of
Lafayette's dog 'Beauty'; the dog was a gift from his friend and
contemporary Harry Houdini.
11.1.20
Thank
You George Bleeks! James Hobart, Secretary, Ulster Society of
Magicians writes: Monday 6th January’s meeting marked another milestone
in the history of the Ulster Society of Magicians as our esteemed
Secretary George Bleeks stood down after more than thirty years in the
role. To many people George was the USM - it will be hard to imagine it
without him at the helm. We are delighted that for the remainder of the
Society year George has agreed to continue as Assistant Secretary
(continuing to chase up bookings for our Chairman’s Dinner featuring
Fritz Alkemade on March 21st!) and we hope he will continue to be
involved for a long time to come. On behalf of the Society and Magicians
Worldwide who have been brought to visit Belfast Thank You George
Bleeks.
www.online-usm.com.
11.1.20
Ali
Cook’s short film about Welsh folklore magic has just won the
prestigious London Lift-Off Film Festival short film award for best
director. Its 14th Best director award. It was long-listed for BAFTA
2020 and came second place for the Melies D’Argent award. The film has
already played in 38 festivals worldwide and can be seen at British film
festivals throughout 2020. The film tells the story of an elderly and
mysterious farmer who drifts through the Welsh valleys collecting dead
animals. Refusing the services of the local abattoir’s collector, what
he has in store for these creatures is beyond anyone’s imagination. It’s
an enchanted tale in the face of callous greed. Trailer:
www.instagram.com.
11.1.20
Magicseen
Gets You Noticed. From the publishers: Magicseen Gets You Noticed.
No matter whether you run a large or small magic business, Magicseen
Magazine can help you to reach potential customers all around the world
who might otherwise not be looking for you. Having a database to promote
to is fine for people who already trade with you, but what about those
new to magic, or those who don't spend their time surfing the web for
magic suppliers? These are the people who Magicseen may reach and if you
advertise they will see your message as they browse our issues. The next
main edition of Magicseen is #91 for March 2020, but this will be
published early just before the Blackpool Convention in mid February. So
if you want to raise awareness of your business to a wider audience at a
key time, contact Magicseen now, email
markleveridge@magicseen.co.uk or call 01392 490565 to discuss how we
can help you. If you act quickly you can take an advert in the next
Magicseen Lite edition (due out 1st February) as well as book your place
in our biggest selling copy of the year (the March issue). Let us help
you get in contact with new potential customers soon.
11.1.20
January
Web Offers From Mark Leveridge Magic. Mark Leveridge Magic writes:
Every month MLM makes two products from the range available at a
generous discount and this time the selection includes a TricKlip Video
Download and an E-Book. The first Web Offer is unusual in that it is a
routine designed for presentation to magicians only! Equally Equal Ropes
is a take on the classic Professor's Nightmare and the method is set up
deliberately to catch out magicians. The performance proceeds as per the
usual routine, but the finish is a surprise and a laugh when the magical
audience realises it's a spoof. Ideal as an act opener for a magic event
or as an MC spot filler on a magic show, this is supplied as a TricKlip
Video download. The second Web Offer is the Collected Card Magic of Mark
Leveridge Volume 3. This E-Book contains 12 great Mark Leveridge card
effects including some that are still currently part of his catalogue.
Everything is practical and requires straightforward handling and is
therefore suitable for magicians of all standards. The magic covers
close up, strolling, stand up and mentalism. Both these items are
available for at least 40% off the normal price until the 31st January
2020, so go to
www.markleveridge.co.uk/product-category/web-offers now for
more information and to order.
11.1.20
Impossible
Bottle. "These incredible art pieces, known as 'impossible bottles',
are all individually hand-made and take many hours to create. The
bottles have not been cut, melted or tampered with in any way.
Everything inside has been put there through the bottle neck (which
incidentally is barely one inch wide). An impossible bottle makes a
wonderful, unique gift and a great talking point! If you're still
confused about all of this, have a look at the frequently-asked
questions and please also take a look at the testimonials, to see what
people have been saying about the Impossible Bottle." See
www.impossiblebottle.co.uk.
11.1.20
Merlins
of Wakefield January Deals! Merlins write: We've got some super
effects at great prices – the more you buy the more you can save.
Click Here for details. The 2020 Tenyo is also available – limited
stock – get the Tenyo Special Deal
Here. New items are arriving every week, to see the latest
Click Here. We also buy and sell used magic and books. If there's
anything you are looking for, or are wanting to sell anything, email
merlin@btconnect.com.
11.1.20
The
Magic Car Boot Sale is back on Sunday 2nd February. At 10.30am at
The Austin Sports and Social Club, 30 Tessall Lane, Longbridge,
Birmingham B31 2SF (Map).
Admission £5. Refreshments available. Some stall space still available
at a cost of £15 each. Join them on the
Facebook group. To book a table call Alec Powell on 07831115448 or
email alec@alecpowell.co.uk.
11.1.20
Chris
Cook: Entropy. London dates. From the promoters: Magician Chris Cook
brings his hit, sell-out Edinburgh Festival show to London for three
nights only. "Never faltering or losing a beat of his abounding
charisma, Cook can dip into places more vulnerable, more uncertain, more
real and takes his audience with him." 5 stars. World Magic Review.
"Highlight of the Edinburgh Festival" The Sun. Thursday 30th January
to Saturday 1st February at 7.30pm. Tickets: £12. Book online:
Click Here. The Hen and Chickens Theatre, 109 St Paul's Road,
Highbury, London N1 2NA (Map).
11.1.20
Magic
Central Ireland. Dylan Murray writes: Magic Central Ireland is a
brand new Irish based magic club/group created by Dylan Murray from
County Donegal, Ireland. Its sole purpose is to connect magicians and
mentalists locally, nationally and internationally. In this group we
will discuss the latest news from Ireland and beyond, including upcoming
conventions and TV shows. Everyone is welcome to share experiences and
stories from their shows. We will talk about our inspirations for
getting involved in magic and we will be remembering and highlighting
the work from our favourite performers past and present to continually
push the art of magic forward in every way possible. We're extending an
invitation to all our UK magic friends and beyond to become a part of
our group. Welcome to Magic Central Ireland:
facebook.com/groups/2582465601990070.
11.1.20
Hawaii Five-0. "Chin Ho and Jerry attend a high-school reunion, where one of their old classmates winds up dead. The finger of suspicion soon points at a struggling illusionist, but has he really got blood on his hands? Meanwhile, McGarrett and Danny head to the secret burial site in search of clues." Tuesday 21st January, on Pick. See TV Magic for details. 11.1.20
"Arts
Q&A: Magician Ian Saville on Bertolt Brecht, Robinson Crusoe and Bob Dylan"
Click Here • "Andy Nyman and Jenna Russell confirmed to join Imelda Staunton
in Hello, Dolly! in the West End"
Click Here • "Magician Uri Geller applies for job at No 10 after Dominic
Cummings' call for 'assorted weirdos'"
Click Here • "America’s Got Talent: The Champions: Magician Dania Diaz, Hans
advance"
Click Here • "What Michael Carbonaro was like before all the fame"
Click Here • "Meet the man who's found a magical way to cope with cerebral
palsy"
YouTube • "Magic Castle Cabaret Hosts Spectacular New Year’s Eve Bash"
Click Here • "Magician Penn Jillette ‘appalled' by Donald Trump's actions as
president"
Click Here • "The Yorkshire joke shop still dishing out all the old laughs
on its 90th birthday"
Click Here • "More than 1,000 magic tricks go to auction in Houston
Saturday"
Click Here • "Shin Lim Has Turned Sleight Of Hand Tricks Into Significant
Acclaim"
Click Here • "Britain's Got Talent 2019 finalist comes to the Coliseum"
Click Here • "Uri Geller: My paranormal abilities can help secure
post-Brexit trade deals"
Click Here • "Wye's Etienne Pradier and Dover-based Joshua King perform
magic for Prince Charles' Christmas party"
Click Here • Busy week. Your UK magic news is always welcome - thanks to all
contributors. See you next week, Duncan.
11.1..20