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