Number
1060 - 17th October 2020
The
Magic Circle Unlocked. The Magic Circle invites magicians from
around the world to join us on November 15th with a free live online
event that will give you a peek behind the curtain of this most
prestigious and global magic society. The live show will feature
contributions from leading stars of magic including David Williamson,
Wayne Dobson, Jeff McBride, Luis de Matos, Andy Nyman, Michael Ammar,
Gregory Wilson, Charlie Frye, Doc Eason, Laura London and many more
surprise guests. Top international magic dealers will demonstrate the
latest magic available with exclusive discounts and offers. Watch live
for a chance to win incredible prizes kindly donated from our magic
dealers and other one-off prizes. Make plans to join us on November 15th
by simply heading to our dedicated Facebook page
www.facebook.com/themagiccircleunlocked and click like for updates.
The event is scheduled for 7pm (GMT). We look forward to sharing the
magic with you.
17.10.20
Britain's
Got Talent 2020 - The final was magic! Last Saturday as the 14th series
came to a close no less than 5 magic acts made it through to the
Final. This really was an incredible achievement and a
real boost for magic.
Jasper Cherry,
Aidan McCann,
James & Dylan Piper and
Damien O'Brien joined already-through
Magical Bones. Inevitably the "magic vote" ended up
being split between all the magic acts, so no one made it into the top
3, but none the less a real achievement. 50% of the final was dominated
by magic! Congratulations to all. DT.
17.10.20
The
Olivier Awards. Jason Manford hosts from The London Palladium,
celebrating the best of British theatre. Nominations include: Best Actor in a Musical: Andy Nyman as Tevye in
Fiddler on the
Roof – Playhouse Theatre and Best Entertainment or Comedy Play:
Magic Goes Wrong by Henry
Lewis, Penn Jillette, Jonathan Sayer, Henry Shields and Teller –
Vaudeville Theatre. Sunday 25th October on ITV. See
TV Magic.
17.10.20
Piff's
Back. Reopening in Las Vegas on Thursday October 29th. It’s true.
Britain's favourite export is returning to the Flamingo, and this time
he's in the big room. With a big new show. A socially distanced magic
show from a socially distanced dragon. They'll be following all the
guidelines and taking every precaution possible. Piff writes: "If we can
give people a good time and they leave a little happier than they
arrived then I think it’ll be worth it. On an unrelated note, the dog's
run up a huge gambling debt during lockdown so I have bills to pay. So
come see us at our new home in the Flamingo Showroom as we unleash the
brand new holiday miracles we’ve been working on during the shutdown,
alongside a few of my favorites."
www.caesars.com
17.10.20
The
MagicWeek Video Archive. A new magic clip or show every week! This week
Russia's Vladimir Danilin on John Fisher's The Best of Magic from 18th
October 1989. In 1991 at the FISM World Championships in Lausanne,
Switzerland, Vladimir Danilin was awarded the Grand Prix. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with more from The MagicWeek Video
Archive
Click Here.
17.10.20
Tricks
& Treats as Cross stages a Drive-in Magic Show!
This Halloween, Cross will be hosting what
is probably the UK's first ever drive-in Magic Show, on 29th October at
Morpeth Football Club. In this hour-long live performance, ticket
holders will be tricked by some sleight of hand and close-up magic,
which will be projected on to a huge video screen. They'll then get the
opportunity to learn some magic for themselves, as Cross explains how to
perform some easy but baffling tricks with cards and everyday objects.
Upon entry to the event, each car will be given a pack of cards and some
tricks to take home with them, so they can practice along with Chris
Cross in the safety and comfort of their own car, and then take the
tricks home.
After the magic performance and lesson, there will be a short interval, followed by a screening of Edward Scissorhands, which is one of Cross's favourite films - and an appropriate choice to celebrate the beginning of the Halloween weekend. Tickets for the magic experience can be purchased, with an add-on option of the film screening right afterwards. Hot drinks, food and alcoholic beverages will be available on-site, with an 'at-car' service in operation. There's only space for 45 cars at Craik Park Stadium (Home of the Morpeth Football Club) so to avoid disappointment, book your tickets now! Suitable for both children and adults. www.seetickets.com. 17.10.20
Tommy
Cooper: Always Leave Them Laughing. The Definitive Biography of a
Comedy Legend by John Fisher. Frank and revealing, this fully authorised
biography by Tommy's friend and colleague, acclaimed TV producer, John
Fisher, is the first ever intimate portrait of Britain's best-loved, but
little known, entertainer. More than just a comedian, Tommy Cooper was a
born entertainer. Working in a golden age of British comedy, Cooper stood
- literally - head and shoulders above the crowd, and had a magical talent
for humour that defied description. When Cooper enlisted in the army in
1939, and began to perfect his comic timing on his army colleagues in the
Egyptian desert, the man with the fez was born. Cooper was at the heart of
the thriving British variety scene, adored by his legions of fans and much
revered by his fellow professionals.
The gentle giant of entertainment accompanied his bewildered, botched magic act with a sublime sense of bravado and a face that was made for comedy. He was one of the first funny men to have the entire nation in stitches. But, there was a man behind the laughter that few people saw. John Fisher was Cooper's friend and colleague and witnessed first-hand the child that lingered within the adult and moments of self-doubt and inadequacy that contrasted with the genial exterior. Until his tragic death, which occurred in the middle of his act on live television in 1984, Tommy Cooper lived in constant fear of the day he would be found out by his audience. He could never believe the accolades that came so thick and fast from every direction, and died to the sounds of laughter that he never really believed.
Supplementing his own intimate knowledge with material accessed for the first time from the archives of Tommy's agent and manager, Miff Ferrie, and with the full co-operation of the Cooper family, John Fisher brings alive the man behind the comedic mask in this definitive biography of a comedy legend. Available via Amazon.co.uk Click Here. 17.10.20
Aidan
McCann (Britain's Got Talent Finalist 2020) appeared on Blue Peter on Thursday,
15th October, and put on a great little magic show! Catch up with his
performance on
iPlayer.
17.10.20
Derren
Brown: 'I was a terrible attention seeker' "For 20 years, the
psychological illusionist has delighted TV audiences. He explains why
he’s ready to give it all up and paint caricatures – and how magic made
him question his religious faith writes Chris Godfrey in The Guardian
www.theguardian.com. Derren's new book A Little Happier was
published on Thursday and is available from
www.amazon.co.uk. [MagicWeek receives a small commission from Amazon
for every sale, which will no doubt make MagicWeek's owner a little
happier too.]
17.10.20
More
magic added to The MagicWeek Video Archive last week. On
Sunday I added this really nice banknote trick performed by Paul
Daniels on his Christmas show back in December 1985. After a little
detective work, and thanks to Nick Einhorn, I found out that it's
called The Invisible Hole by Yoshio Hirose. In comedy "it's not
the joke, but the way that you tell it" and in magic it's not the
method, but the way that you perform it. See:
YouTube.
17.10.20
Steve
Short presented his Zoom lecture on the life and career of David Nixon
on the 13th October to members of the British Magical Society. "Having
attended many Zoom events to date, Steve's talk was one of the best. He
covered this fascinating period of British magical history with a super
selection of slides and video clips. Anecdotes came thick and fast
including such memorable performers such as Ali Bongo and many more.
David Nixon's most relaxed and entertaining style came across well and I
have no hesitation in recommending this journey down memory lane for
anyone's Zoom programme." Dr Bob King, President British Magical
Society. For more details on Steve’s various Zoom lectures, contact
Steve on 07803 125180 or
info@steve-short.co.uk.
17.10.20
The
Mark Leveridge October 2020 Podcast. Settle back and relax in the
company of Mark Leveridge. A round up of how magic continues to deal
with the coronavirus pandemic : how necessary is it to change tricks in
your act or repertoire? : the importance of getting the balance right
between promotional costs and benefits : positive role models can
provide a real boost to your magical progress : magic guilt can lead to
‘over-proving’ : are you world class at getting ready? The podcast
lasts for 30 minutes and is free from either
www.markleveridge.co.uk/podcast-archive or
www.markleveridge.podbean.com from where you can also sign up to be
a follower and automatically receive each issue when it is published on
the 1st of every month.
17.10.20
The
Leicester Magicians Network. Adam Edgeley writes: We are writing to
introduce The Leicester Magician's Network (LMN) a brand new magic club.
When founding The LMN, the philosophy was to create a modern,
forward-thinking Club that is not constrained by out-dated ideas or
principles - this philosophy will remain at the core of everything we
do. Our Club will be a place where a diversity of fans and supporters of
magic come together to share their passions and express their ideas with
a group of like-minded people. The Club will be a place where members
will feel comfortable enough to be themselves in an open and inclusive
environment. Amongst our Core Values is to promote a relaxed, friendly
environment which allows members of all abilities to share ideas, ask
questions and perform when they wish to without fear. The Club will be
open to all those with a genuine interest in magic and will always
strive to preserve the secrecy of magical principles, and respect
creators. Sharing will always be restricted to fellow magicians to
ensure the art form is evolved and held for the next generation. We would
dearly love for you to come along and begin this journey with us.
Regards Adam Edgeley, Ian Gamage, Pete Whitmore and Scot Jerram, The
Founding Members of The Leicester Magician's Network. For more
information find us on Facebook or check out our website
www.adamedgeley.wixsite.com/website-3.
17.10.20
Penn
and Teller's First Final UK Tour - additional dates announced. Two
more dates have been added to Penn & Teller's tour: June 14th Manchester
and June 18th Birmingham. From the promoter: 'Comic
Magicians', or 'Evil Geniuses' as described by David Letterman, Penn &
Teller are celebrating their 45th Anniversary as 'The Kings of Magic'.
Penn & Teller's 'The First Final UK Tour' in June will see them start in
Manchester at The Apollo on June 13th 2021, then Birmingham at The
Alexandra on June 17th. The London run then starts at London's
Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith on Tuesday 22nd June through to the 27th.
Penn says "We’ve been working together 45 years and are now coming out
of the longest break we've ever had from working together. We are so
excited to start touring in the UK playing our favorite theatres. Is
this our last UK tour? We don't know, but you're welcome to buy tickets
and hope for that, while we'll be hoping for more final tours than the
Stones and Cher put together." 13th June - O2 Apollo Manchester.
17th June - New Alexander Theatre, Birmingham.
22nd to 27th June Eventim Apollo, London.
www.ticketmaster.co.uk.
17.10.20
Free
Vernon Mini-print. Jay Fortune writes: To spread some cheer, I’m
giving away a free mini-print of one of my magician paintings. As voted
for by magicians online, you can own this free mini-print of Vernon by
visiting my store. At check-out simply enter the coupon code FREEVERNON
and you’ll get 100% discount! All you’ll cover is p&p. Hope this unique
magical gift will bring a smile as it lands on your doormat.
www.jayfortune.co.uk/product/vernon-smoke-mini-print.
17.10.20
Magic
Talks Hosted by Magicman London. David Harris writes: Join the
Magicman London as he shares his views on interesting topics, some
amusing stories, anecdotes and whatever else pops into his head. New
episodes released every Friday:
www.podchaser.com.
17.10.20
Talking Shtick hosted by Mark James. Via your favourite listening platform including Podbean. 17.10.20
Colour
Match Chips by Eddie Burke - Merlins. You show two sets of poker
chips. There are four to each set, and each set contains a red, white,
blue and green chip. A spectator selects either set of chips and you
take the other set (no force). Both the spectator and you hide your
chips behind your backs and mix them thoroughly. To be certain both sets
are well mixed, you and the spectator swap sets, unseen and mix them up
once again. You now ask the spectator to bring forward any one of his
chips into view from behind his back. As he does this, you also bring
forward the matching coloured chip from behind your back. This is
repeated with a second chip, and again the colours match. Each of you
still have two chips behind your backs, which you again mix. You ask the
spectator to conceal one chip in each closed hand, and you both bring
your hands forward. When the chips are now checked, both sets of chips
match for an amazing finale! Everything can be examined before and after
the effect! No markings on the chips! No extra chips used! No magnets!
Nothing added or taken away! "That's great, I'll take one please" Andy
Nyman, Blackpool Magic Convention 2020. For more info and to watch a
video visit
www.merlinswakefield.co.uk.
17.10.20
Perfect
Intuition - Mark Leveridge Magic. Mark Leveridge writes: The
performer selects a lady with the object of discovering whether she has
female intuition or not. Spreading a pile of envelopes, each one of
which contains a double blank card, he invites her to select any one and
to remove the card from inside. The lady helper now nominates and names
any person around the table who she is emotionally close to or with whom
she feels she has some empathy. It could be a relative, a close friend
or maybe even her husband! Let’s say she selects a close friend called
Sophie.
She writes the name of her chosen person, Sophie, on the back of her
chosen blank card and then returns it to the envelope. Five more
envelopes are then added and all six are shuffled and mixed by the
performer and then by the lady herself so that no one could have any
idea which one contains the card with Sophie written on it.
The six envelopes are now going to be distributed to people round the
table in an order selected by the lady herself. In any random way that
she wishes, she points to fellow diners and they receive an envelope
from the shuffled pile. At some stage she must point to Sophie, but this
can be right at the start with the first envelope, or at the end or at
any point along the way. It is her decision.
Despite the fact that the lady helper selected any card to write on,
that she shuffled the pile of envelopes herself, that she was the one
who decided who received which envelope, such is her amazing intuition,
when the spectators themselves remove the cards from their envelopes,
Sophie discovers she has been given the card with her name on! Find out
more and watch a demonstration at
www.markleveridge.co.uk.
17.10.20
Mel
Mellers The Travelling Trickster.
From the publishers: 148 pages, softback, produced in colour throughout and
featuring routines, comedy lines and advice from the UK’s top comedy performer
With his hilariously sharp yet playful put down lines and quirky comedy plots,
Mel Mellers has rightly established himself as one of the nation’s favourite
stand up performers. Equally at home in front of lay people or a theatre full of
magicians, Mel’s individual performance style, which has been honed over many
years as a pro and through countless performances all over the world, is a
delight to experience.
Now you can go behind the scenes with this truly inspiring performer and learn
how you too can become a top flight entertainer. Mel gives freely of his advice
on all aspects of performance, including audience management, misdirection, how
to put an act together, creativity, the 6 rules of comedy, practising, hecklers
and entertaining children and families. He shares with you scores of hilarious
one liners covering all manner of performing situations that you will be able to
use in your shows too. Plus he gives full details of over 50 of his feature
routines and ideas, most of which are simple to do and which come with Mel’s
presentations and patter lines.
Mel Mellers is one of magic’s real larger-than-life characters, and this book
will also explain some of his background, give you various anecdotes from his
closest friends in magic about the antics that Mel has got up to over the years,
and will provide you with a thoroughly entertaining and instructive read. 148
pages, softback, produced in colour throughout and featuring routines, comedy
lines and advice from the UK’s top comedy performer:
www.magicseen.com.
17.10.20
Lynn
Thomas. Nicky Lewis writes: Very sad news for Sussex magicians.
Renowned and unique talent, Lynn Thomas passed away over the weekend. He
was a local lecturer and had performed for HM The Queen Mother and
appeared on The Paul Daniels Show. Lynn made headline news once having
had his rabbit stolen mid show. He was a well known character in
Brighton and will be sadly missed. [Really sad news. Lyn was a
great character, full of fun, loved performing and had his own unique style. DT]
17.10.20
"Just
an illusion? Trickster Derren Brown paints David Attenborough"
Click Here • "Armagh Magician Caolan McBride Stars In Cahoots NI’s
New Online Show"
Click Here • "Escape artist performs stunt while dangling over Elora
Gorge"
Click Here • "Piers Morgan: GMB host hits out at Britain’s Got
Talent final 'Far too many magicians'"
Click Here • "Re-opened theatres: a running list of
socially distanced shows on UK stages"
Click Here • Many thanks as always to everyone who submitted news
items this week. See you next week, Duncan.
17.10.20