Number 1053 - 29th August 2020

 

The 52nd Annual Academy of Magical Arts Awards Ceremony was staged as an online only event last week, and very entertaining it was too. The British did rather well this year with Derren Brown being awarded Magician of the Year and Angelo Carbone Creative Fellowship. Congratulations to them both, and to all nominees and recipients. The whole event is well worth watching and can be seen here: Vimeo. DT.

Magician of the Year: Derren Brown
Lecturer of the Year: Dani DaOrtiz
Parlor Magician of the Year: Chris Capehart
Close-Up Magician of the Year: Asi Wind
Stage Magician of the Year: Lucy Darling
Performing Fellowship: Raymond Crowe
Special Fellowship: Lisa Menna
Special Fellowship: Alan Zagorsky
Creative Fellowship: Angelo Carbone
Literary/Media Fellowship: Laura Avilés Ruda
Junior Achievement Award: Austin Janek.
29.8.20

 

A Special Magic Circle Awards Ceremony on TMC TV. The Magic Circle Awards 2020 will be streamed to all members worldwide this Tuesday in a special edition of TMC TV - the society's weekly show hosted on its Facebook page. The winners could not come to The Magic Circle's London headquarters, because of restrictions on gatherings, so The Magic Circle has linked up with them to let them know the good news. Noel Britten, The Magic Circle's president, said: "It has been a difficult task to organise the ceremony this year because we can’t all be together as usual, but our production team at TMC TV have done a terrific job in pulling the strands together. And there will be a few surprises for all to see." Noel will present what are regarded as some of the most prestigious annual awards in magic: The David Devant Award for services to International Magic, The Maskelyne Award for services to British Magic, the John Nevil Maskelyne Award for Noteworthy Literature, The Carlton Award for Comedy, the Cecil Lyle Award for Best Trick published in The Magic Circular, and specially produced Silver Wands for Service to The Magic Circle. www.themagiccircle.co.uk. 29.8.20

 

Britain's Got Talent - The Finalists Revealed. Back in April Ant and Dec presented this year's Britain's Got Talent auditions, knowing that the finals would have to be postponed until later in the year. Now the series finally returns, and the judges decide which acts will make it through to the semi-finals. Sunday 30th August on ITV. See TV Magic for details. 29.8.20

 

Smoke & Mirrors Comedy & Magic Bar is back! Smoke & Mirrors write: After 167 days of no shows, well a few Zooms (that was weird) we are proud to announce the UK's 1st Magic Theatre is back! 3rd September 2020 - we have made sure our bar and theatre is Covid-19 safe and our magicians are ready. A few things have changed due to government guidelines; our shows are shorter so no intervals, but we will be giving you a 5 Star Show! We cannot wait to see our customers again. Our Comedy & Magic shows are now Thursday, Friday & Saturday and our New Material Night Stand Up Comedy is also back on Monday 7th September. Our opening Weekend has sold out which is fantastic news. Come and support live magic asap: www.smokeandmirrorsbar.com/tickets. 29.8.20

 

Paul Zenon - up to his old tricks, and new tricks, on Countdown! Paul will appear alongside Susie Dent in Dictionary Corner starting on Thursday, 3rd September, on Channel 4. See TV Magic for details. 29.8.20

 

David Blaine Ascension. Live. Monday 31st August, here: YouTube. "I failed my balloon test, but never gave up" YouTube. "How David Blaine plans to float up to 25,000 feet using just helium balloons" Click Here. 29.8.20

 

The MagicWeek Video Archive. A new magic clip or show every week! This week some interactive jukebox magic with Max Maven on John Fisher's 'The Best of Magic' from 20th September 1989. See The MagicWeek Video Archive. To see the full MagicWeek Video Archive to date Click Here29.8.20

 

Simon Lovell Live Video Session. Lee Hathaway writes: The author of over 27 books and star of White Collar, fans of Simon Lovell will be delighted to hear he’ll be taking part in a one-off live video broadcast featuring lecture material, betchas, Q&A and interview. Hosted by Lee Hathaway and Matthew Le Mottee this is a rare opportunity to take part in what is guaranteed to be a really special and insightful occasion. Sunday 6th September (Simon’s birthday) at 2.30pm GMT. For more information visit www.givingmagic.co.uk. 29.8.20

 

How to Fake a War, directed by Rudolph Herzog. When an unexpected outbreak of peace leads to a ceasefire between Russian forces and Georgian rebels, arrogant rock star Harry Hope (Jay Pharaoh) fears for the success of his global charity concert. He dispatches his PR consultant (Katherine Parkinson, The IT Crowd) to create a fake war story. Things go hilariously pear-shaped when rivals take up arms for real! With magician and actor Ali Cook as Simon. Trailer: YouTube. See www.sky.com. 29.8.20

 

Here's close-up master Juan Tamariz in great form 30 years ago on John Fisher's 'The Best of Magic' from 12th September 1990: YouTube. To see the full MagicWeek Video Archive to date Click Here29.8.20

 

John 'Sly' Smith - 70 years continuous membership of The Order of The Magi. Mike Sharples writes: John 'Sly' Smith has become the second member of a very exclusive club. Sly has recently completed 70 years continuous membership of The Order of The Magi (Manchester’s Magicians’ Society). John has held the title President of the Magi on three separate occasions, he has also been the President of The British Ring of the IBM. Over the years John has worked tirelessly within the society and it is a pleasure to know him, not as long as some of our members of course! The changes that John must have seen in the magical world over the years must be amazing and the names that he has associated with, are too many to mention. Congratulations John from everyone at The Magi and I'm sure that a lot of your magical associates will want to wish you the very best as well. John is pictured here with his certificate for 70 years membership. Thanks to John’s wife June for the picture. Mike Sharples, Secretary/Treasurer and Life Member Order of The Magi. 29.8.20

 

Merlins of Wakefield – Free Trick Offer! We are closed this Bank Holiday Monday, but you can still order online. We are also open today from 10am to 4pm. This is the first Saturday that we have opened since lockdown and it's for this Saturday only. Normal hours at the moment are Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10am to 4pm. Make a purchase for a free trick! Purchases can be in store, by phone or online, but must be made between 10am and 4pm on Saturday 29th August to qualify for a free trick. (Free Tricks are sent at random and will be worth at least 20% of the order value). We are also on the lookout for any used magic items, including books and collectables. Contact us if you have something to sell. Here are a few of the quality used items we have for sale at the moment: Head Zopper Illusion, Whispering Buddha, Total Premonition Trick and Dagger Head Chest. www.merlinswakefield.com. Tel 01924 339933. Email merlins@btconnect.com. 29.8.20

 

Magicseen Issue 94 September 2020. From the publishers: Nathan Kranzo features heavily in the latest edition of the UK's only independent magic magazine. Firstly, he's our cover star, and the big feature inside gives you all you need to know about the man. Then secondly, in an article all about the rise of Zoom magic lectures, he provides some insightful comments and advice on the subject. Finally thirdly, in the Masterclass he provides instruction for a great coin routine! But issue 94 is not just about the Kranzillo, we also introduce you to two other notable performers, Steve Spade from Ireland and Sebastian Midtvaage from the US, both of whom are setting the world on fire (literally, in the case of Mr. Spade!). Ian Brennan brings his mini series to a close with an article on how to get the most out of social media, we take a look at professional ways to finish a close up set at tables, and we also offer you 20 pertinent quotes taken from Morgan and West's great book Parlour Tricks - read and learn from two masters. As usual we have a wide range of products analysed by our experts in the review section, plus news and letters too. Issue 94 is only available as a download (we return to printed copies in November), and you can get your copy now from www.magicseen.com. Or, take out a download subscription, and you can request two free back issues every time a new edition is released. Subscriptions can be found at www.magicseen.com. 29.8.20

 

End of Summer Flash Sale. If you are into card magic, then you may want to take advantage of Mark Leveridge's flash sale on his set of four 'Collected Card Magic of Mark Leveridge's e-books. Across the series you are treated to a total of 47 practical, workable card effects. Some of Mark's best known routines are here, including Brainstormer, 1-2-3 Jumbo Cards Across, Co-inci-mental and many more. Each item is a complete effect - there are no minor handling finesses included as padding - and the magic covers close up, strolling, stand up, mentalism and children's work. Buy any two of the volumes from the series at the regular full price, and you will be sent links to download the other two e-books completely free. To receive the extra free volumes you need to place your order no later than midnight on Wednesday 2nd September 2020. Full details of each of the books can be found at www.markleveridge.co.uk. 29.8.20

 

Introducing Tracy TrickStar. Direct from the highly successful comedy act 'TrickStars' comes Tracy TrickStar. The character was so loved by audiences that she decided to expand and develop her own style of comedy, magic and illusion. Tracy is colourful, hilarious and pretty darn clever too! This larger than life character delivers a visual feast of magic and comedy entertainment that appeals to audiences of all ages. www.entertainmentlive.co.uk. 29.8.20

 

Salvage Hunters: The Restorers. Drew Pritchard challenges two automaton experts to bring a 130-year-old magician back to life. Plus, metal worker Ted works on a pair of West End theatre lights. Wednesday 2nd September on Quest. See TV Magic for details. 29.8.20

 

The Gathering, Great Yarmouth. Stephen Bolam and Kyle Sarocen write: Our meetings will recommence on Monday 7th of September at 7.30pm with a 'Show & Tell' evening. Please note social distancing will be in operation. As you enter the Grosvenor Casino follow the floor markings at all times. This Gathering will be held in the Bar and Restaurant area, which we have completely to ourselves and drinks will be served at the tables. Please note face masks or face shields must be worn except when you are drinking of course. Look forward to seeing you there. The Grosvenor Casino, Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth NR30 3JG (Map). 29.8.20

 

Sunday Night at the London Palladium reminder, Sunday 30th August at 9pm - straight after BGT. Jimmy Tarbuck hosts the first colour edition of the show, from 1966, featuring Roy Orbison, Judith Durham, the Seekers, Julie Rogers, The Biasinis, Silvan and Ray Fell. See TV Magic for details. 29.8.20

 

The Amazing Johnathan Documentary, Sunday 6th September on Sky Documentaries: "Benjamin Berman finds the line between truth and illusion start to blur as he documents the final tour of a dying magician." See TV Magic for details. 29.8.20

 

"Magician casts a love spell over David Frost's son" Click Here • "Houdini's Magic to fetch $18.6M as part of major museum acquisition" Click Here • "Controlling Her Choices By Magic?!" YouTube • "Las Vegas Magician Gets Permission to Perform with Live Tigers" Click Here • "‘America’s Got Talent’ magician Leon Etienne doing socially distant shows in Upstate NY" Click Here • "Did Max Major’s Act Prove Magicians On ‘America’s Got Talent’ Are Fake?" Click Here • "More details released about Nottingham bar that aims to attract the best magicians in the country" Click Here • "Ringo the Argentinian magician rides out COVID-19 pandemic in Central Queensland" Click Here • "Magicians perform during Lisbon Street Magic World Festival in Portugal" Click Here • "AGT Results Fifth Judge: Magician John Dorenbos Inspires, Ed O'Neill Harasses Sofia Vergara" Click Here • "Pure magic: 12-year-old Fremont magician wins major competition" Click Here • "The Prestige: Inside Christopher Nolan’s Movie Magic Trick" Click Here • "The Internet’s illusionist, Zach King, on popcorn Vines and re-engineering illusions" Click Here • Thanks as always to everyone who submitted news this week - it's always welcomed. See you next week, Duncan. 29.8.20

 

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