Number
1035 - 25th April 2020
Norm
Nielsen. February 17th 1934 – April 21st 2020.
Norm Nielsen's silent manipulation act was quite simply one of the finest
magic acts in the world, ever. I loved watching it growing up and
was lucky enough to have seen him both live and on television. I only met
Norm Nielsen on a couple of occasions, but always felt a real
warmth from him. I have a recording of a UK television appearance from 1984 that I've uploaded to the
MagicWeek Video Archive this week. Norm Nielsen is survived by his wife, Lupe
Nielsen, and his two daughters, Jenna and Alexandra Nielsen. Lupe has
written a brief biography on
www.nnmagic.com. Sending love, Duncan Trillo. 25.4.20
The
MagicWeek Video Archive. This week, Norm Nielsen, in a guest appearance on The Paul Daniels Magic Show
from 1st September 1984. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To see the full MagicWeek Video
Archive to date
Click Here. 25.4.20
Mr.
Swallow: Houdini - Soho Theatre On Demand. Nick Mohammed, The Pleasance,
Soho Theatre and United Agents to release Mr. Swallow: Houdini on Soho Theatre
On Demand. Proceeds to go to NHS Charities Together and arts charities
supporting those in need.
Nick Mohammed, The Pleasance, Soho Theatre and United Agents are delighted to
announce the digital release of Mr. Swallow: Houdini – freeing from the shackles
of 2017 the Mr. Swallow-anointed, first-ever entirely true auto-biopic of
legendary magician Harry Houdini. Mr. Swallow: Houdini will premiere on Soho
Theatre On Demand via a live screening at 7pm on Wednesday 29th April and will
be available to stream until 20th May, for a minimum donation of £4.
In these worrying times of global pandemics and lockdowns, who better to lift
your spirits than the eccentric tour de force that is Mr. Swallow, a man willing
to pay the ultimate homage to Houdini himself by recreating the master’s
legendary underwater escape (and you thought your lockdown was bad??) Mr.
Swallow is once again joined by his trusty assistants Mr. Goldsworth (David
Elms) and Jonathan (Kieran Hodgson) as he charts his own inimitable interpretation
of Houdini’s life, fusing daredevil magic (his words), hilarious comedy (also
his words) and a series of musical numbers that are, frankly, to die for (…yep).
Mr. Swallow said: “After a lot of back and forth with the powers that be on how
I might be able to contribute to the pandemic, I figured, ‘what better way to
relax than to watch me try and escape from a locked tank of water... all from
the comfort and safety of your own home’.”
All proceeds raised via the Soho Theatre On Demand release will go to charity,
with 70% going to NHS Charities Together to support frontline workers leading
the response to the Covid-19 emergency, with the remaining 30% put into a trust
for comics most affected by the pandemic and the resulting financial
instability.
Mr Swallow Houdini - to ‘Split-your-sides
hilarious’ ★★★★★ Evening Standard
‘Pure escapism’ ★★★★★ Metro
‘One of the most incontrovertibly hilarious hours in town.’ ★★★★★
Guardian
‘A spellbinding feat of comic perfection.’ ★★★★★ Stage
"Mr Swallow - Houdini, comedy review: Enjoy the thrill of this escapist
jollity"
www.standard.co.uk
"Mr Swallow: Houdini five-star review – a giddy feat of comedic derring-do" www.theguardian.com
Step One: Simply register (no charge) to create your 'Soho Theatre On Demand' account to stream the best in new independent comedy: www.sohotheatreondemand.com/account/register (Mr. Swallow: Houdini will be listed shortly). 25.4.20
The Dodo magazine
for March 2020 is a Roy Walton memorial issue containing rare
Walton material and variations not from his books. This is available in limited
numbers from Jerry Sadowitz. For details and prices, email
jerrysadowitz@hotmail.com. 25.4.20
The
Breather Deck. David
Diamond of ‘Hand Cut-Stripper Decks’ is pleased to announce, that with kind
permission of Eoin O’Hare, he is now producing ‘Breather Decks.’ An underground
handmade gimmicked deck, that allows a chosen card, or cards, to be instantly located,
from a genuine shuffled deck, and the shuffling can be done by a spectator! The work is
almost invisible to the human eye. The secret has baffled leading magicians and
laymen alike. Extremely easy to use. Look like a card expert in minutes rather
than years. Learn more at
www.handcut-stripperdecks.co.uk. 25.4.20
The
Dave Campbell Legacy. Written by Peter Duffie with illustrations by R Paul
Wilson. With recommendations by Roy Walton, Gordon Bruce, Andrew Galloway and
Jerry Sadowitz among other great magicians, the quality of close-up magic
contained within the pages of this book, is second to none. The routines are
mainly card based and assume the reader already knows basic card handling
skills, but that is all - if you can handle a pack of cards - this book will
teach you some of the most powerful routines you'll ever come across and they'll
go straight into your performance. For more info and to order visit
www.internationalmagic.com. 25.4.20
The
Collected Card Magic of Mark Leveridge - Volume 4. The fourth and final
volume of the Card Magic set featuring the varied card magic of Mark Leveridge.
The final volume of the Collected Card Magic series builds on the previous three
volumes and finishes strongly with 10 excellent varied effects for close-up,
stand-up and mentalism. For the full contents listing and to order visit
www.markleveridge.co.uk. 25.4.20
The
Pass Project – Three additional handlings of The Pass (Download). In this
download, Eddie teaches three elegant passes, giving you an arsenal of methods
at your disposal. Having more sleights in your back pocket enables you to use
the right one for the moment. The pass is a very powerful sleight and typically
one that most magicians avoid for many different reasons. In this download,
Eddie teaches three handlings that with practice will give you flexibility and
confidence in using the move. These passes are not beginner level moves. Still,
with regular practice and handling of the cards, you will soon be executing any
of them with ease. Eddie also includes some of his insights into the pacing of
your magic to make things even more deceptive. The discussion covers how to
develop/establish moves so that they are less jarring when used within a
sleight, what to think about when executing a pass deceptively, and looking at
the softness of touch. See
www.eddiemccoll.co.uk. 25.4.20
Jay
Fortune is offering a free mini-print of his latest Houdini portrait. Jay
writes: Houdini’s name is legendary. He embodied the spirit of man overcoming
obstacles. His struggle to escape from chains symbolises our daily struggle,
reminding us that we too will escape from our current reality. With almost
supernatural power, Houdini would conquer any challenge and emerge triumphant.
At this time of struggle in our own lives, there is no better spirit to embody
than that of Houdini. During this lockdown, as a feel-good gesture, I am gifting
prints of my latest Houdini portrait free to magicians worldwide. To receive
your mini-print for free, visit my store and enter the coupon code ‘STRENGTH’ at
checkout. All you will then have to pay is p&p and the print is yours. Visit
www.jayfortune.co.uk
for details and T&Cs. 25.4.20
Mark Leveridge's Free-Buys. Week 2. Mark is currently offering all customers a
completely free product if they place any order this week, and the latest gift
awaiting you is The Commercial Sponge Ball Routine. This downloadble TricKlip
Video gives a live performance and full explanation of a commercial routine that
Mark has been using for decades, both in his children's shows as well as when
table hopping or strolling. The routine is fun, gets quickly to the point, and
finishes on a strong note. Provided you already have (or can get hold of) three
sponge balls you are all set to learn a routine that your lay audiences are
going to love. You can watch a dem right now by going to
www.markleveridge.co.uk
and if you place any order before midnight on Friday 1st May, you will be sent a
link to download your free gift. 25.4.20
Tonight at the London Palladium. (Repeat) Bradley Walsh returns to the famous London Palladium stage for an new series of the variety show. Featuring music from multiple BRIT Award-winner Emeli Sande, the amazing skills of the Chinese State Circus, a beautiful performance from Phantom of the Opera, magic from Pete Firman, and the very first TV performance of the brand new single from Steps. Saturday 2nd May on Virgin Media Three. See TV Magic for details. 25.4.20
The
Good Magic Awards deadline is the 30th April, so there is still time to send
in an application. The awards celebrate and support performers using magic to
improve the lives of others, including work with disadvantaged groups,
charities, hospital patients, schools, community groups, and those facing
physical and psychological challenges. The scheme is being run by Richard
Wiseman and The Good Thinking Society, and two awards of £1000 each are
available. Visit
www.goodthinkingsociety.org for
details. 25.4.20
Britain's Got Talent, more magic, tonight at 8pm. Ant and Dec host the 14th series of nationwide talent search, which sees a wide variety of acts, from comedians to contortionists, singers to spoon players, compete for the chance to win £250,000 and a coveted slot at the Royal Variety Performance. Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams are once again on hand to judge this week's applicants, and each of them has the chance to put their favourite contestant straight through to the live semi-finals by awarding them the Golden Buzzer. See TV Magic for details. 25.4.20
Deluxe
Wooden Pool Ball Vase - Merlins of Wakefield. This classic of magic is
beautifully made from choice hardwoods and uses a genuine 2" pool ball. This
really is one of the best hand-crafted Ball Vases available on the market today.
This model is finely crafted by our own craftsman using the finest materials
available and will enhance anyone's magic collection. Classic Ball Vases sell
for many hundreds of pounds when they can be found. You can perform all the
moves associated with this classic effect - amazing vanishes, appearances and
transformations that generate huge applause! This is made by our own local
craftsman here in the UK out of a single piece of hardwood. The pool ball
numbers will vary, picture is for illustration purposes only. For more info and
to order visit
www.merlinswakefield.co.uk. 25.4.20
Magicseen Issue 92 May 2020. Magicseen is pleased to announce that the very
latest edition of the UK's only independent magic magazine has just been
published. As previously stated, this issue will unfortunately only be available
as a download, but if you take out a printed copy sub (6 month, 1 year and 2
year periods are available) before the July edition is published, you will
receive the May digital copy free and your sub will start with the July issue.
Issue 92 has star of Magic For Humans, Justin Willman, on the cover, and we
learn from him exactly what it takes to break through with magic on TV. We also
have interesting 'food for thought' articles from Steve Cook, who gives you some
sage advice on performance, and Ian Brennan, who offers a round up of ways to
promote your magic services. Martin Haderer returns with the concluding part of
the Magic Of Austria in which he chats to several of that country's leading
entertainers (and just note how much their plans for 2020 will have undoubtedly
had to change since the article was written!), and Lucca Lucien explains how you
can develop an amazing memory for both magic and general life purposes. All this
plus the Masterclass, In The Phonebox, loads of Product Reviews, news, letters
and more make issue 92 your ideal digital companion! To order go to
www.magicseen.com. 25.4.20
"Unplugged
Live" Russ Stevens, Guy Barrett and Russ Brown talking to Luke Dancy:
YouTube. 25.4.20
Paul
Gordon Interviews Harry Lorayne, April 2020. This two-hour interview, which
focuses on Harry's books, includes some rare clips of Harry performing card
magic live on TV, his memory act on The Johnny Carson Show, his Lightning
Calculation act and two exciting impromptu card magic performances. See
YouTube. 25.4.20
The
World's Biggest Online Group Show. James James writes: As a magician
and busker I’ve been using busktip.com To get tipped online when working on
pitch. Latterly, I’ve been using it on any content I post online. It has shown a
modicum of success. As the creator and founder of busktip.com we see where we
need to be and help. To that end, we’re producing an online 'group show' - The
World's Biggest Online Group Show. Each artist creates a 3 minute video. We host
it, do the editing where required, create materials that you can use to promote
the show, and when tipped by a spectator, pay out the artists on a regular
basis. It’s all better explained here:
www.busktip.com/group-show. Follow the path it lays out, experience what
your spectator will, register, create your content and join our growing Facebook
group. 25.4.20
A
Day of Magic with David Copperfield. "Ever wondered the secrets to some of the
classic magic tricks that still stun audience members? Here's your chance to get
some insider info from one of the all-time greats. Magician David Copperfield is
offering the ultimate experience for a lucky magic fan, and you'll be joined by
fascinating extremist and performer David Blaine. You'll start the day in—get
this—a secret museum. This mysterious museum showcases items used by great
magicians throughout history like Houdini, Harry Kellar, Howard Thurston and
more. After your museum tour, Copperfield will demonstrate famous tricks like
levitation and "cutting off" your head. If you're an aspiring performer or a fan
of magic, this ALL IN experience is not to be missed! 100% of the money raised
through this Game/Auction will go directly to Feeding America, Meals On Wheels,
World Central Kitchen and No Kid Hungry." See
www.fanatics.com. 25.4.20
B'Wave
Deluxe (Gimmicks and Online Video Instructions) by Max Maven - Zane's Magic Shop.
B'Wave Deluxe now includes a full instructional video from Max Maven himself,
teaching for the first time ever all his latest handling, scripting, and
theories. The kit comes complete with multiple sets of gimmicks, so you can
perform with Queens, Kings, or Jacks. Plus, you'll get blank cards as well as
Jokers in case you want to use 'normal' cards only. "The best packet trick of
the 20th century." - Eugene Burger. Find out more and watch a video demo at
www.zanesmagicshop.com. 25.4.20
Article
on the history and changing attitudes to animal acts. Philip M. Bond
('Bondini')writes: Calling all animal acts. I am researching for an article on
the history and changing attitudes to animal acts in the UK and abroad with
reference to magic acts and variety, as opposed to circus. I shall be pleased to
hear from anyone who currently uses any animal or bird in their work, or who has
done so in the past. Also anyone thinking of doing so, or who has had their
plans thwarted by public opinion or officialdom. Please email
doctor@bondini.co.uk and I’ll contact
you for a discussion. Thank you. 25.4.20
"Kevin
Quantum’s fiery invention brings all the drama!"
YouTube •
"Fife magician shocks the nation with nerve-shredding appearance on
Britain’s Got Talent"
Click Here • "Flamin' heck! First look as Britain’s Got Talent
magician Kevin Quantum has brush with death when terrifying fire stunt
goes wrong"
Click Here • "Britain's Got Talent spoiler: Kevin Quantum's fiery
audition leaves the judges gobsmacked in the most dramatic episode yet"
Click Here • "Coronavirus: Wrexham magician adapts business to lockdown life"
Click Here •
The Magic Castle may be closed, but 'From The Kitchen & Behind The Bar'
can take you there
Click Here • "Britain’s Got Talent’s ‘boy wizard’ Aidan McCann blows
viewers’ minds with magic"
Click Here • "Best Hollywood films of this decade featuring
magicians"
Click Here • "Las Vegas magicians get creative on social media"
Click Here • "When illusionist David Copperfield sat down with 15
Indian magicians"
Click Here •
"Britain’s Got Talent’s Amanda Holden stunned by time-travel card trick
in unseen clip"
Click Here • "SA Magicians Wow ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ Judges With
Insane Trick"
Click Here •
Your UK magic news is always welcomed. See you next week, Duncan. 25.4.20