Number 1023 - 1st February 2020

 

Ben Hart: Wonder - tour starts Thursday, more dates added! Britain’s Got Talent 2019 finalist, West End star and multi award-winning magician Ben Hart is embarking on his debut solo tour on Thursday. Ben has recently played to royalty, heads of state and celebrities, in West End theatres, international arenas and on dozens of UK and international TV shows (including his own series on BBC Three, The One Show and BBC One’s “Now You See It”). Expect his most mind-blowing and exciting magic in a show that shines a light on magic, life, the universe and the darkest corners of your imaginations. With the simplest of props, using the objects and minds of the audience, Ben Hart conjures an altogether new kind of magic. [Fun to look back to the first time I saw Ben perform, when he entered The Magic Circle's Young Magician of the Year competition in 2007 and won. DT. Back Issue No 369.]

 

UK Tour Dates:

Tuesday 4th & Wednesday 5th February: Eden Court Theatre, Inverness www.eden-court.co.uk
Thursday 6th February: Tivoli Theatre, Aberdeen www.thetivolitheatre.com
Friday 7th February: Webster Theatre, Arbroath www.webstertheatre.co.uk
Saturday 8th February: Dundee Rep, Dundee www.dundeerep.co.uk
Sunday 9th February: Queens Hall Arts Centre, Hexham www.queenshall.co.uk
Tuesday 11th February: Theatre Royal, Lincoln www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk
Wednesday 12th February: Lowther Pavilion, Lytham St Annes www.lowtherpavilion.co.uk
Tuesday 18th & Wednesday 19th February: Wilton's Music Hall, London www.wiltons.org.uk
Thursday 20th February: The Theatre, Camberley www.camberleytheatre.biz
Friday 21st February: Public Halls Harpenden www.harpendenpublichalls.co.uk

Sunday 23rd February: Chicago Boom, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Friday 28th February: The Maltings, Farnham www.farnhammaltings.com

Saturday 29th February: Medina Theatre, Isle of Wight www.medinatheatre.co.uk

Tuesday 3rd March: Hazlitt Theatre, Maidstone www.hazlittartscentre.co.uk
Wednesday 4th & Thursday 5th March: The Playhouse, Norwich www.norwichplayhouse.co.uk
Friday 6th March: Arts Centre, Haverhill www.haverhillartscentre.co.uk
Saturday 7th March: The Theatre, Chipping Norton www.chippingnortontheatre.com

Sunday, March 8th: Queens Theatre, Barnstaple www.queenstheatre-barnstaple.com

Tuesday, March 10th:The Redgrave, Bristol www.redgravetheatre.co.uk

Friday, March 27th: Arts Theatre, Braintree www.braintreeartstheatre.com
Saturday, 28th March: The Playhouse, Harlow www.harlowplayhouse.co.uk

Sunday, 29th May: Leicester Curve, Leicester www.curveonline.co.uk

Thursday 2nd April: Corn Exchange, Newbury www.cornexchangenew.com

Saturday 4th April: Shelley Theatre, Bournemouth www.shelleytheatre.admit-one.eu

Monday 6th April: Norwich Playhouse, Norwich www.norwichtheatre.org
Tuesday 7th April: The Castle, Wellingborough www.thecastle.org.uk
Thursday 9th April: Lighthouse Theatre, Kettering www.lighthousetheatre.co.uk
Friday 10th April: The Deco, Northampton www.thedeco.co.uk
Saturday 11th April: Storyhouse, Chester www.storyhouse.com

Sunday 12th April: The Lowry, Salford www.thelowry.com

Tuesday 14th April: Burnley Mechanics, Burnley www.burnleymechanics.com
Wednesday 15th April: Princess Alexandra Theatre, Yarm www.thepaaonline.org
Thursday 16th April: Carnegie Theatre, Workington, Cumbria www.carnegietheatre.co.uk
Friday 17th April: Civic Hall, Ellesmere Port www.brioleisure.org
Saturday 18th April: The Civic, Barnsley www.barnsleycivic.co.uk
Sunday 19th April: Northwich Memorial Court, Northwich www.brioleisure.org

Monday 20th April: The Carriageworks Theatre, Leeds www.carriageworkstheatre.co.uk

Tiesday 21st April: Coliseum Theatre, Oldham www.coliseum.org.uk/plays/ben-hart-wonder
Wednesday 22nd April: The Capitol, Horsham www.thecapitolhorsham.com
Thursday 23rd April: McMillian Theatre, Bridgewater www.mcmillantheatre.com
Friday 24th April: The Redgrave Theatre, Bristol www.redgravetheatre.com

Saturday 25th April: Torch Theatre, Milford Haven www.torchtheatre.co.uk/ben-hart-wonder
Wednesday 29th April: Theatre Royal, Winchester www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk

Saturday 2nd May: The Beacon, Wantage www.ticketsource.co.uk

Sunday 3rd May: The Capitol, Horsham www.thecapitolhorsham.com

Wednesday 6th May: Grove Theatre, Dunstable www.grovetheatre.co.uk

Thursday 7th May: Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishops Stortford www.rhodesartscomplex.com

Saturday 9th May: The Core, Solihull www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk
Sunday 10th May: The Kenton Theatre, Henley on Thames wwwkentontheatre.co.uk

Monday 11th May: Dorking Halls, Dorking www.dorkinghalls.co.uk
Wednesday 13th May: Theatre Royal, Winchester www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk
Thursday 14th May: Warwick Arts Centre, Warwick www.warwickartscentre.co.uk
Friday 15th May: The Witham, Barnard Castle wwwthewitham.org.uk
Sunday 17th May: Barnsley Civic, Barnsley www.civicbarnsley.com

 

Also see www.benhartmagic.com. 1.2.20

 

Anna Ferris Simpson: Mentalist. Martin T Hart writes: Look out, here she comes. London’s teen mind-bender, Anna Ferris Simpson, takes mentalism to new heights with dare-devil stunts. She says, “it’s easier to be telepathic when the mind is in the ‘fight or flight’ mode”. Her demonstrations include hanging upside down, working under water, dropping from the sky and ziplining. Anna has enjoyed several recent successes, including achieving the highest GCSE results in the whole of the UK. She made her debut TV appearance on Slovakia’s Got Talent last year and is set to wow us on other TV shows this year. Meanwhile, Anna has researched and written the 'London Walking Magic Tour', a celebration of the city’s rich magic history. The tour opens in the spring and will include demonstrations of historic magic; see  www.freetour.com/london/londons-walking-magic-tour. Anna explained her new approach to mentalism with the lovely Debbie McGee on her Sunday morning BBC radio programme: Click Here. Anna Ferris Simpson will join Mark Dolan on 'Talk Radio' this Saturday, 1st February, from 10am: www.talkradio.co.uk. You can keep up to date with the adventures of Anna via her website www.londonmentalist.com. 1.2.20

 

IBM British Ring Convention, Greenock, Scotland. This year's IBM British Ring convention takes place from 4th to 6th September all under one roof at the wonderful Beacon Arts Centre, spectacularly situated on the banks of the Clyde in Greenock, Scotland. Artists already booked include Smith & Burns, Alan Rorrison, Peter Lamont, Michael Carr, Stephen Bargatze, Ricky McLeod and Richard Cadell & Sooty with more exciting names to be confirmed! Registration information here: www.britishring.org.uk. Alan Maskell, President. 1.2.20

 

Masters of Magic - World Convention 2020, Turin, Italy. From the organisers: We are pleased to announce the 18th edition of the most innovative magic convention in the world! 28th-31st May in Turin, Italy. Four amazing days with: 20 Conferences & Workshops, 6 Grand Gala Shows, The biggest dealer area with more than 60 magic shops from all over the world, 2 international magic contests, and a party and 'after-night' event. Live all these emotions and more at the OGR, a location in the heart of Turin! It is very close to the main railway station, the subway and hundreds of hotels! Here some names from the legendary cast: Andy Nyman, Eric Jones, Nathan Kranzo, Gazzo, Richard Wiseman, Lukas, Anca & Lucca, Alberto Giorgi & Laura with many more artists still to be announced! Never miss any update, follow us on our social networks, on our official website and subscribe to our newsletter! This convention is one of the most innovative in the world! If you want to experience magic so closely, if you can take a holiday, if you'd like to visit a beautiful country like Italy, if you want to attend to an exclusive convention... Torino is your destination! We're waiting for you all! www.mastersofmagicconvention.com. 1.2.20

 

Las Vegas magic star Jeff McBride inducted into the Magic Hall of Fame. Las Vegas, January 24, 2020—The Society of American Magicians just wound up its annual convention at The Golden Nugget in Las Vegas, magic capital of the world. As part of the festivities, the S.A.M. inducted Las Vegas’ own Jeff McBride along with McBride’s late mentor, Eugene Burger. McBride joins a very small group of living magicians in the Hall of Fame, including David Copperfield and Siegfried & Roy.


Audiences in Las Vegas have been delighted by McBride’s performances since he first came here with Diana Ross, whose show was headlining at Ceasars Palace more than 30 years ago. He came back repeatedly as an opening act for such other luminaries as Tom Jones, David Brenner and George Carlin... and then as one of the youngest headliners in Vegas history when he starred in the Moulin Rouge revue at the Las Vegas Hilton (now the Westgate). McBride moved to Las Vegas in 1998, when he became a regular headliner at Caesars Magical Empire.


The S.A.M. honor is only the latest for McBride, whose work encompasses not only performing, but speaking and teaching around the world, as well. He is founder and leader of McBride’s Magic & Mystery School, named by the BBC as the "world’s most prestigious school for magicians". The Society of American Magicians, founded on May 10, 1902, in Martinka’s famous magic shop in New York City, New York, is the oldest and most prestigious magical society in the world. The S.A.M. Hall of Fame and Magic Museum, Inc., is a non-profit educational corporation, founded in l967. The facility, located in Hollywood, California, features several attractions including tours, performances, lectures on the history of magic and a library. The museum illustrates the history of magic from ancient Egypt to the twentieth century. Life-size figures of magicians are displayed performing effects for which they became famous.
1.2.20

 

Christian Magicians UK Annual Conference. From the organisers: Monday 17th to Thursday 20th February 2020. The Conference has a star studded line up of lecturers: Noel Britten, President of The Magic Circle; Scott Humston (photo), from America, who now devotes his life to educating through entertainment; Mark Harrington, Christian Magician and All Age Communicator, and Quentin Reynolds, strong magic with lots of comedy. Plus Workshops with top UK magicians Mark Shortland and Steve Price. The Christian Magicians UK Conference will be held at the Kings Park Conference Centre, Kings Park Road, Northampton NN3 6LL (Map). Scott Humston will be with us for the entire conference. Noel Britten will be with us on Wednesday 19th February. Mark Harrington on Tuesday 18th February and Quentin Reynolds on Thursday 20th February. Conference is open to non-members and day tickets are still available, but hurry time and space is running out. For further information and detailed programme please visit www.christianmagicians.org/conference. 1.2.20

 

The MagicWeek Video Archive. A new magic clip or show every week! This week Paul Daniels & Debbie McGee in their garden on 'This Morning' from 25th June 2003. See The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with more from The MagicWeek Video Archive Click Here. 1.2.20

 

Paul Stone Lecture and Vegas Dream Ticket Experience - Blackpool Convention. Paul Stone writes: If you are going to the Blackpool Magic Convention and you want to find out how to earn substantially more money from your shows then you won’t want to miss my lecture on the Saturday of the convention. It’s packed full of solid tips and proven ways to increase your bottom line. I’ll also be launching the Vegas Dream Ticket Experience, a unique opportunity to perform in a classic Las Vegas Showroom in a top class Variety Show in front of a full house! You can win this unforgettable 3 days of incredible training sessions, VIP Hospitality and the experience of a lifetime, but only if you attend my lecture! www.blackpoolmagicconvention.com. 1.2.20

 

Mark James 'Show and Tell' lecture - Manchester Circle of Magicians. William Booth writes: Mark James will be performing a 'Show and Tell' lecture at the Manchester Circle of Magicians on Monday 3rd February. This is a change from the normal lecture, the first half will be a complete performance and the second the explanations. Surely a night not to be missed. If you are in the area why not pop along? Visitors are welcome with prior approval from the President and a charge of £10.00 on the night. For more information and details visit our website www.manchestercircleofmagicians.co.uk or email contact@manchestercircleofmagicians.co.uk. 1.2.20

 

The Magic Car Boot Sale, with over 30 stalls booked for tomorrow! Sunday, 2nd February, 10.30am, Birmingham. From the organisers: Now over thirty stalls booked in, thousands of pre-used bargains and a chance to see that the items are complete and in good condition with no postage to worry about. Food and drink available, and admission is just £5. Venue is The Austin Sports and Social Club, 30 Tessall Lane, Longbridge, Birmingham B31 2SF (Map) 10 minutes from Junction 4 off the M5 (roadworks at junction one now completed!) and adjacent to Longbridge Railway Station with trains every 20 minutes into Birmingham Grand Central - New Street. Organised by Albion Magic Company, Alec Powell 07831 115448 or email alec@alecpowell.co.uk. 1.2.20

 

News from Merlins of Wakefield: With over 100 great effects and offers, get your free copy of our latest 'Preview' catalogue (out next week) by emailing your postal address to: merlins@btconnect.com. For a PDF copy via email, just email 'Preview' in the subject box. We are also launching several new effects in February including: Rubick Solved, Elementary, Red Lorry, Astroscope, Yellow Lolly, Rubik Rhumba and Jackpot Cards 2.0. They will all be available at the Blackpool Magic Convention which we'll be attending, so call by our stand and ask for a demo. You can also get more information from our website www.merlinswakefield.com. Tickets are also available for our Magic Festival Day on Sunday 17th May Click Here for details. 1.2.20

 

All Change at Huddersfield Circle of Magicians. John Danbury writes: It’s all change at Huddersfield Circle of Magicians, the 70 year old society has, in recent years, been a bit of a secret, but things are about to change as a brand new leadership team was voted in unanimously last week. For a number of years the society had been brilliantly led by Darron Woodward who was secretary, then President, and his lovely wife Meyala, who during Darron’s presidency took on the role of secretary. Now due to their expanding business commitments they resigned from their roles "It has been an honour to be President and we are so sad to leave but work and family are a priority" said Darron. 

Huddersfield have been lucky to have the guidance of past president and honorary life member, Ian Gaunt during this year as they set about bringing in new members and building a solid foundation for growth. The new president is the society’s current Children’s Entertainer of the Year award winner, Mr Michael Poddington who, as Mr Bumble (photo), has over 20 years’ experience in professional children’s entertainment. Also brand new to the leadership team is Mr Mat Briscoe who takes on the demanding role of secretary – Mat performs as a full time entertainer under the name Spike Bongo and has appeared on Nickelodeon TV, backstage at rock concerts and for a former prime minister. The aforementioned Ian Gaunt takes up a place on the committee alongside long time members Lee Carnley and Garry Slade, retaining their roles are treasurer, local close up magician, Oliver Bassett and Executive Chairman, John Danbury A.I.M.C. For more information about the society, events and membership please contact John Danbury mail@johndanbury.com.
1.2.20

 

Ian Dougall, Rodger Caseby Memorial Trophy winner. Adrian Harris of the Perth Magic Circle writes: Congratulations to Ian Dougall who has won the Rodger Caseby Memorial Trophy. The trophy is competed for between The Dundee Society of Magicians, St. Andrews Magic Circle and Perth Magic Circle annually, and each club take turns at hosting the event. The trophy was donated by Rodgers family in his memory last year and is awarded for Showmanship and Entertainment content. This year, the competition was held in the St Andrews Club Rooms with a total of eight magicians performing to an enthusiastic audience. Next year the Dundee club will host the event. 1.2.20

 

James Brandon Lecture - The Northamptonshire Magicians Club. Mark Paul MMC, Secretary, The Northamptonshire Magicians Club writes: James Brandon lectures on Tuesday 4th February at The Northamptonshire Magicians Club. James Brandon is one half of British Comedy Duo "The Grumbleweeds" and what he doesn’t know about comedy could be written on the back of a very small postage stamp! We are extremely delighted to welcome him to The NMC as he shares his vast wealth of knowledge about using comedy in magic. Visiting magicians welcome, £10 charge. 8pm at The Northamptonshire Magicians' Club, Brafield on the Green Working Men's Club, 35 Bedford Road, Brafield on the Green, Northampton NN7 1BD (Map). www.northamptonshiremagicians.uk. 1.2.20

 

3SM present An Evening of Magic and Mystery in  Walsall. Tony Dawson writes: The South Staffordshire Society of Magicians (3SM) invite you to their biggest and best show ever. For 2020 An Evening of Magic and Mystery will now be over 2 nights, your compere for the evening will be Tony Dawson and the line up includes the brilliant Jimmy Carlo and current 3SM Stage Magician of the Year, Jim Dickerson. So come along for what promises to be a fantastic, entertaining evening of Magic. Dates: January 31st & February 1st at 6.45pm. Venue: Pelsall Community Centre, Station Road, Pelsall, Walsall WS3 4BQ (Map). facebook.com/3smmagic Email: tickets3SM@outlook.com. 1.2.20

 

Book a magic lecturer for your club or convention today! Visit the MagicWeek Lecturers page. 1.2.20

 

"It’s Magic… Up North! with Chris Cross & Martin Daniels" Click Here • "Comedy magician Tom happy to be performing in the Cotswolds" Click Here • "Magician Richard Jones is coming to Chippenham on March 3" Click Here • "Magician Michael Carbonaro brings his live show to Pueblo" Click Here • "Diobo the ultimate Magician 2019" YouTube • "Magician pulls impossible card trick" Click Here • "Britain's Got Talent illusionist brings intimate show to Nottingham" Click Here • "Doctoral student uses magician training to improve mental health" Click Here • "Animals do not belong in live shows: Magician PC Sorcar Junior" Click Here • Thanks to everyone who submitted news this week - see you next week, Duncan. 1.2.20

 

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