Number
1027 - 29th February 2020
West
End Magic, London. Saturday, 14th March. From the organisers: Now in
its 7th year and continuing its residency at the Leicester Square
Theatre, this family friendly show features magic, comedy, stunts,
balletic illusion and some bloke trying to escape from his jacket!
March's show includes the incredible Fay Presto, the comedy and
theatrical magic of Danny Buckler, conjuring feats from Oliver Tabor,
the outrageous stunts and skills of Harry De Cruz, beautiful magic and
bewitchery from Megan Swann plus the comedy magic of Wayne Trice.
Guaranteed to deliver the best in magic, illusion, comedy and variety.
The perfect magical mix for all the family. Saturday 14th March at
3.30pm at Leicester Square Theatre, 6 Leicester Place, London WC2H 7BX (Map).
Box Office 020 7734 2222.
Click Here to book. 29.2.20
Vincent
Gambini: The Chore of Enchantment. Magician and theatre artist
Vincent Gambini is touring his acclaimed performance 'The Chore of
Enchantment'. Disillusioned by illusions, struggling with magician's
block, Gambini unveils the hidden difficulties of being a conjuror in
the 21st century. Combining deadpan reflections with jaw-dropping
sleight of hand magic, this new show plays expertly with our
understandings of deception, artifice and theatrical make believe. The
tour is funded by Arts Council England.
Tour Dates:
3rd March - Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts, Brighton.
11th March - Colchester Arts Centre.
14th, 15th, 16th April at Camden People's Theatre, London.
30th April - Dorchester Arts.
8th May - Halifax Square Chapel.
10th May - Slung Low, Leeds.
2nd June - Exeter Phoenix.
"What makes the hour really special is that this is a magic show about magic itself, our need for wonder, and miracles in our current dark times, even if we know it's all made up." The List ★★★★
"A lovely hybrid of theatre and magic" Total Theatre.
Also see www.vincentgambini.com. 29.2.20
Hocus
Pocus - the comic that reads your mind! The brainchild of Richard
Wiseman, Hocus Pocus sold out at Blackpool! A hybrid of captivating
comic and mystifying magic trick, it allows you to travel back in time
and discover the 'strange but true' stories of Victorian mind reader
Irving Bishop, pioneering paranormal scientist J B Rhine and Alexander,
the man who knows. But these seemingly innocent stories conceal a dark
secret. The comic has been created specifically to allow you to perform
several miracles on unsuspecting spectators. Read minds, reveal thoughts
and predict the future. Beautifully illustrated and printed in full
colour on heavy card stock. See
www.propdog.co.uk for more info and to order. 29.2.20
Looch
Lecture to help celebrate Sheffield Circle of Magicians' Centenary Year.
Andy Cooper writes: Looch will be giving a rare lecture to help
celebrate Sheffield Circle of Magicians' Centenary Year on Thursday the
5th of March. Mind Reader and Psychological Magician, Looch has become
one of the most sought-after acts in the UK. His unique skills, combined
with his humour and professionalism, have seen him booked for a vast
array of events, including weddings, parties and corporate events. He
has also made a name for himself as an originator of exciting new ideas
in mentalism. We welcome non-members (£10 on the door) to this very
special event. Doors open at 7.30pm for an 8pm start at the Magic
Lounge, 82 Broad Street, Sheffield S2 5TG (Map).
More information on the event page:
www.facebook.com. 29.2.20
The
MagicWeek Video Archive. A new magic clip or show every week! This week
The Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year Competition 1983 from the Polka
Children's Theatre, London, for ITV's CBTV on 26th April 1983. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with more from The MagicWeek Video
Archive
Click Here.
29.2.20
Spotlight
- New from Mark Elsdon! Mark Elsdon is pleased to announce the release of a
brand new booklet of tricks that puts all the focus on the spectator
being a star! Spotlight is a sequel to Mark's best-selling Limelight,
this time featuring tricks that are much shorter and snappier, making
them easy to learn and perform. For more info and purchasing details see
elsdon.blogspot.com. 29.2.20
Lie
Scanner by Mike McClean. From the makers: Mike McClean brings you a
new version of a classic comedy prop that is guaranteed to bring you big
laughs. No need to make it yourself - it's already made and has been
especially designed so not only do you hear it go off, but you are in
control of when it goes off and how many times it goes off. Mike said "I
have always loved the idea of a lie detector and being able to use it in
any given situation. The potential for this prop is endless. If you're a
working pro and like to get laughs then this is for you. If you're kids
entertainer then this is defiantly one prop you will always use. You can
just use this when walking around or when you have an audience member
come up on stage." Mike has been using this in his stand up act for
years and it never fails to get big laughs. "A hilarious addition to any
act!" Five stars: Magicseen magazine. Lie Scanner by Mike McClean. Out
now, £90, postage paid. Email
mikemcclean@hotmail.com for ordering details. 29.2.20
Inside
No. 9 - Misdirection. "World-famous magician Neville Griffin is
extremely protective of his secrets, but student journalist Gabriel is
determined to get an interview nonetheless. Griffin actually believes
that stealing a magic trick is probably worse than murder. How would he
know that, exactly?"
iPlayer [Great stuff from Reece Shearsmith as the magician, here's
another of his magic characters
YouTube DT]. 29.2.20
Parabellum
by Wayne Goodman. From the publisher: March 1st is the official
relaunch of the number one book on dealing with hecklers. Renamed
Parabellum this is not just a collection of put-down lines and abusive
jokes, but rather a in-depth look at identifying every type of heckler
and why they heckle, before looking at ways to deal with them. Chapters
include: types of heckler, identifying the heckle, and what to do when
you go too far. £19.99 direct from Wayne Goodman. Email
wayne@waynegoodman.co.uk
for ordering details. 29.2.20
Chris
Wardle lecture. Tony Rix writes: On 17th February 2020, the
Leicester Magic Circle had the pleasure of a lecture from the very
creative Chris Wardle. As a teacher, Chris is extremely well prepared
with notes to aid his presentation. Many effects were demonstrated and
explained in a most clear and comprehensive "teacher/pupil" manner.
Effects consisted of original material or variations on known themes;
giving credit where due. The night was extremely engaging with many
effects demonstrated and explained. Memorable ones were his "This and
That" effect based upon the "Fred" principle, a coin prediction, a
"Takeaway/Deliveroo" menu prediction (with or without tip) and jigsaw
card. I fully recommend his lectures (yes, he has loads of material).
Some of his books, lecture notes, and effects were available to
purchase. 29.2.20
Annual
Auction and Car Boot Sale - Bath Circle of Magicians. Thursday, March
26th. From the organisers: This is the Second Annual Auction and Car
Boot Sale benefitting the Bath Circle of Magicians. There will be a
proverbial plethora of new and gently used props, tricks and books that
are all looking for a good home. Last year there were amazing deals had
by all. This is an event not to be missed. There will even be some great
new effects produced by a very popular dealer. Thursday, March 26th at
8pm. Bath Circle of Magicians, St Mary's Church, Queen Square, Salford,
Bristol BS31 3EL (Map)
www.bathcircleofmagicians.co.uk. 29.2.20
Magician
vs Magician, round 2. This is the second installment of the London
based competition Magician vs Magician run by Brendan Rodrigues to
encourage younger performers or hobbyist magicians to get on stage and
perform any sort of magic to an audience. The performance needs to be
just 5 minutes or less. The venue this time is Ossulston Tenants and
Residents Hall, 29a Chamberlain Houde, London NW1 1EU (Map).
Tuesday 10th March at 7.30pm; the cost is £12.00
Click Here to pay. For more info contact Brendan Rodrigues on 07963
318 292. 29.2.20
Freddie
Davies Stagecraft Lecture - Modern Mystic League, Blackburn. Concert
Secretary Brian Lead writes: Freddie Davies comes to the Modern Mystic
League in Blackburn on Sunday, 8th March at 2pm. Those of a certain age
will recall that Freddie "Parrot Face" Davies burst onto our television
screens in 1964 as a bright, new comedian with a great line in parrot
jokes long before Monty Python! In fact, he opened at Butlins with a
silent Chinese act at the age of 20, and his first TV appearance was
performing sleight of hand magic. Indeed, he has had a life-long
interest in magic, and wrote the foreword to Steve Short's book on
Johnny Hart. Freddie later went into straight acting, performing with
the Royal Shakespeare Company, making the cult film 'Funny Bones' with
Lee Evans and Jerry Lewis and even a Macdonald's commercial. Freddie
will be presenting his highly acclaimed lecture on Stagecraft, showing
film clips from his career and answering questions. Admission is free,
including refreshments, although voluntary donations and the purchase of
raffle tickets would be appreciated! Please note our (relatively) new
venue: Francis Church Hall, St Francis Road, Blackburn BB2 2TZ (Map).
www.memel.org.uk. 29.2.20
Breaking Magic is back on Discovery Science from March 2nd. "Get ready to learn the chemistry, physics and biology powering the world's greatest illusions. Breaking Magic fuses the showmanship and mystery of street magic with the raw power of science. Watch as each trick surprises unsuspecting bystanders with mystifying results. Starring Billy Kidd, Wayne Couching, James Galena and Ben Hanlin." See TV Magic for details. 29.2.20
Don
Robertson MIMC. Sad to report that much loved Yo-Yo Champion and
active Magic Circle member Don Robertson died on Sunday evening, 23rd
February. "Braintree magician Don Robertson dies aged 91"
www.braintreeandwithamtimes.co.uk. 29.2.20
"Britain's
Got Talent illusionist Darcy Oake swung by the Nottinghamshire Live offices and
blew everyone's mind"
Click Here • "Good Morning Britain fans stunned as Britain’s Got Talent
magician Darcy Oake makes Kate Garraway disappear live on air"
Click Here • "Britain's Got Talent illusionist Darcy Oake is bringing his
'dangerous' new show to Leeds"
Click Here • "Criss Angel continues hitting milestones with his Las Vegas
show"
Click Here • "Darcy Oake on tricks, wonder, and the magic circle"
Click Here • Jonathan Royle reviews 'The M.O.S.T. Lectures' at The Order of
the Magi this week,
Click Here • "Why Aren't There More Famous Female Magicians?"
Click Here • "How are Middle East magicians and performers taking centre
stage?"
Click Here • "The Illusionists joins in on the fun for Cirque's annual one
drop fundraiser"
Click Here • "The Illusionists heading to San Diego"
Click Here • "Magician Dynamo is delighted to have sold out more shows than
U2 and One Direction in 3Arena"
Click Here • "Gritty Bengal boy battles leukaemia with ‘magical’ dreams in
eyes"
Click Here • Many thanks for your UK magic news, always welcomed. See you
next week, Duncan. 29.2.20