Number
1107 - Saturday 11th September 2021
The
Magic Circle Awards 2021. The Magic Circle honoured some great names
in magic on Monday evening, September 6th, in a special edition of TMC TV,
broadcast via The Magic Circle's vibrant Facebook group, hosted by
Vice-President Megan Swann.
The Maskelyne Award for Services to British Magic was awarded to Russ Stevens MIMC. Russ Stevens has enjoyed a long career as a magician and illusionist, and in more recent years as magic director for Britain’s Got Talent. He is also the co-organiser of the world's largest magic convention, The Blackpool Magic Convention. (Photo)
The David Devant Award for Services to International Magic was awarded to Dutch illusionist Hans Klok MIMC. From performing at friends' birthday parties as a child, Hans Klok (the world’s fastest magician) having performed all over the world is now headlining in Las Vegas.
The Carlton Award for Comedy was
awarded to Carisa Hendrix AIMC.
The J N Maskelyne Prize, for outstanding contribution to magic
literature was awarded to Mark Leveridge MIMC.
The Silver Wand presented for outstanding service to The Magic Circle
- awarded to Janet Clare MIMC, Scott Penrose MIMC and Richard Pinner
MIMC.
The Cecil Lyle Award for 'The Best Trick published in The Magic
Circular' was awarded to Reg Martin AIMC.
And a newly instigated award, The Martin Chapender Award, for services to the community using magic, was awarded to Breathe Magic. Breathe Arts Health Research use magicians from The Magic Circle alongside occupational therapists in a programme to help people with hemiplegia, a weakness or paralysis affecting one side of the body as a result of brain injury or stroke. The Breathe Magic programme uses specially designed tricks to develop hand and arm function, cognitive abilities, self-confidence and independence. Martin Chapender was a founding Member of the society but died before it decided on The Magic Circle as its name. One idea was to name the society after him, but 'The Magic Circle' was eventually decided upon.
For more information about this year's awards, and full details of previous recipients see www.hemagiccircle.co.uk/about/competitions-and-awards. For information about the Breathe Magic Intensive Therapy Programme see www.breatheahr.org/programmes/breathe-magic, and for Magic Circle membership details see www.themagiccircle.co.uk/join. 11.9.21
Spoiler-free
review of Derren Brown Showman tour as it opens at the Sunderland Empire.
"First rule of seeing a Derren Brown show is: you don’t talk about what you saw
in the Derren Brown show" writes Katy Wheeler in the Sunderland Echo...
www.sunderlandecho.com. "Derren Brown's Showman tour will have you
questioning everything for days"
www.plymouthherald.co.uk.
11.9.21
Studio52
presents 'Inside Out', Ben Earl's live UK Lecture Tour. Booking for Ben
Earl’s 2021 'Inside Out' UK lecture tour is now open: After nearly two years of
being stuck indoors online, we are hitting the road and coming to a club near
you—that’s right, in person! This is a brand new lecture based on Ben Earl’s
best-selling book Inside Out; featuring live performances and explanations of
effects from the book, plus brand new material that nobody has seen! A showcase
of real-world, mind-blowing, close-up magic that you will immediately want to
add to your repertoire. Ben is one of the best magical thinkers, technicians and
teachers in the world… and now you can watch and learn from him in person. If
you want us to come to your local club, just email
info@studio52magic.com with the subject ‘Lecture’.
11.9.21
The
MagicWeek Video Archive. A new magic clip or show every week! This
week Russ Stevens in a guest spot on BBC1's Pebble Mill from 1st April
1994. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with more from The
MagicWeek Video Archive
Click Here.
11.9.21
Ian
Keable's book The Century of Deception: The Birth of the Hoax in
Eighteenth-Century England was published on 7th September and is now
available on
Amazon, the
publishers or all good bookshops including
Waterstones.
It has been described by comedian Matt Lucas as "A fascinating, witty,
comprehensive and beautifully-written book" and by Derren Brown as "Utter
joy! A delicious romp through the heyday of balderdash and grand-scale
deception, penned by one of the country’s finest magical minds." Andy Nyman
wrote "Ian Keable’s brilliant book has opened my eyes to an incredible world
of hoaxers and deceivers I didn’t know even existed. A cracking read filled with
extraordinary stories." While Richard Wiseman said: "A masterful and
fascinating journey into a hitherto hidden world of history, mystery and
hoaxes." It has been reviewed in
The Spectator.
See
www.centuryofdeception.com for further details about the book. If anybody
would like an inscribed copy of the book, please contact Ian direct via
ian@iankeable.co.uk.
11.9.21
Illusion: Impossible - September Tour Dates. From the promoters: Illusion : Impossible showcases 5 of the most incredible illusionists in the world including: Britain's Got Talent runner-up Jamie Raven, Britain's Got Talent 2020 Finalists James & Dylan Piper, award-winning magician Oliver Tabor, highly acclaimed magical duo The Glamourists and world speed illusionist Kayden Black. Collectively these performers have been seen by hundreds of thousands of people around the world and with over 500 million YouTube views between them, this production showcases their incredible talents together - live on stage. Illusion : Impossible features exclusive tricks never seen before... a non-stop show packed with breathtaking magic and illusion. Illusion : Impossible touring the UK and Europe. See www.illusionimpossible.co.uk for current tour dates. Trailer: YouTube. 11.9.21
Harry
Houdini’s Miracle Mongers and Their Methods is available to pre-order today from
CollectingMagicBooks.com for delivery from October 12th. This new reprint,
from New York’s Curios Publications, explains the secrets of the side-show and
circus acts Houdini encountered through his career. First published in 1920, it
is a fascinating insight into Houdini’s life and the strange and wonderful acts
he saw. Pre-order for £11.99 today from
www.collectingmagicbooks.com, where David Copperfield's History of Magic is
also now available to pre-order:
www.collectingmagicbooks.com/all.
11.9.21
The
Order of The Magi - new venue for meetings announced. Mike Sharples writes:
The Order of The Magi which was formed in 1909 is now celebrating its 112th year
as a magic society. In that time, we have never missed holding a monthly meeting
or putting out a monthly magazine. Even through the last crazy 18 months we have
still held all our meetings, all very socially responsible as all of them were
held via zoom. Once a month (on dates to suit our kind hosts at our temporary
accommodation), The Order of The Magi will return to meeting in person on the
14th September at 7.30pm. Whilst The Irish World Heritage Centre continues to be
an important Vaccination and Testing centre, we will be holding meetings at The
niu Loom Hotel – directly opposite the front doors of our usual HQ.
The “first” meeting bearing in mind the time we have been going the word first refers to the first meeting back and the first meeting at our temporary accommodation. As our first “real” meeting in over a year and a half, there is no topic – just an opportunity to catch up with old friends, and meet some of our newest members that joined during the pandemic. Guests are welcome by arrangement with myself. Performing is always encouraged, but is never compulsory. Why not bring along an effect you bought in the past 18 months? Who knows, you might get an idea for a new routine, or be able to offer advice to someone working and developing an effect.
Our new temporary HQ is: The Niu Loom Hotel, 2 Irish Town Way, Cheetham Hill,
Manchester M8 0RB. This is on the same complex as the IWHC, and directly
opposite the front door. To mark this special event, we are offering a very
special rate on membership. If you join the society in September 2021 your
membership fee will run until March 2023. For more details please contact: Mike
Sharples Life Member Secretary/ Treasurer Order Of The Magi (Manchester’s
Magicians’ Society) 07748 833666 or 01612 877865.
11.9.21
Jeff McBride MagicQuest
- one more time! Master Magician Jeff McBride
and his McBride’s Magic & Mystery School are celebrating Jeff’s Birthday with a
one-of-a-kind virtual fundraising event, a virtual show and afterparty. On
September 11th at 6pm (Pacific) 2am (GMT), McBride will host a single performance of his
hit show Jeff McBride – MagicQuest, followed by a gala afterparty. The show is a
70-minute telling of Jeff’s personal quest to discover real magic, from his
boyhood dreams until his days headlining on the Las Vegas Strip and beyond. It
includes many of the magic performances pieces for which he is best known, as
well as many new pieces fans have never seen. David Copperfield makes a cameo,
introducing the show. "Best of all," says McBride, "my friends and fans can attend from anywhere!"
Saturday’s show will celebrate Jeff’s long career both as performer and founder of the school, for which it will serve as a fundraising event. In a month-long run earlier this year only a few VIP ticket purchasers were invited to stay on after the show for a special afterparty in which they could interact one-on-one with Jeff, hear stories about his travels, and experience more of the curious wonders in his House of Mystery. For this single performance, however, everyone is invited to the gala afterparty (still virtual), where Jeff has new surprises in store for all. [If you missed the show last time around don't miss it this time. I loved it. DT]. See www.mcbride.wellattended.com for more info and to book. 11.9.21
Max out with Dynamo on Saturday 18th September. Three shows in a row from Sky Max: "Documentary following the magician on tour around the globe as well as charting his road to recovery from a career-threatening illness brought on by Crohn's disease." Repeat. See TV Magic for details. 11.9.21
Woody
Aragon on Craig Petty's Magic TV: 'Talk Magic'. Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday at
9pm, Craig Petty sits down and chats with a well known magician; a creator, a
performer, or someone who has had a positive impact on the Magic Community. From
Tuesday, Woody Aragon "The Spanish Wizard Talks Card Magic, Competitions and
More". YouTube.
11.9.21
The
Illusioneer Presents, Thursday 16th September, London. From the organisers:
Bringing together some of London's most talented magicians for a full evening of
sophisticated entertainment in an elegant setting. The Illusioneer Presents
is a mix of close-up, casino magic, parlour magic and magical games, presented
by our eclectic team of talented performers in the magnificent surroundings of
Dulwich College Old Library. Before the show, guests will have the opportunity
to enjoy a drink at the bar which will remain open throughout the evening. The
evening starts with an hour long presentation of parlour magic and feats of
illusion performed by individual members of the Illusioneer team and guest
performers. Continuing the evening you can stroll around, drink in hand, pausing
at different performance booths to enjoy the entertainment on show. Tickets only
£25 (plus booking fee) from
www.eventbrite.com with all profits from the evening going to support the
charity Breathe Arts Health Research. For more information about the Illusioneer
visit
www.theillusioneer.co.uk. Thursday 16th September at 7.10pm. The
Illusioneer, Dulwich College Old Library, Dulwich Common, London SE21 7LD.
11.9.21
Get Your Act Together. "Steps singer Claire Richards is mentored by fire-eating act the Black Fire Girls, former politician Ann Widdecombe joins circus ringmaster Norman Barrett, one-time Coronation Street star Oliver Mellor (Dr Matt Carter) is coached by musical quintet the Bottle Boys, TOWIE's Elliott Wright teams up with Cyr wheel performer Billy George, and TV personality Nancy Dell'Olio collaborates with illusionist Hans Klok. Host Stephen Mulhern follows the rehearsals leading up to the contestants' big performances as they compete for a place in the final in a fortnight alongside Ray Quinn, Chip and last week's winning act, James Bolam. Repeat. Saturday 18th September on Virgin Media Two." See TV Magic for details. 11.9.21
Win
a mini illusion with Magicseen. From the publishers: We like to offer our
readers the chance to win some excellent prizes and in our celebratory issue
100, we have a rather unique prize which has been kindly provided by one of our
regular advertisers, Discount Magic. They are offering two winners the chance to
own a mini table top illusion called The Appearing Man. In this unusual effect,
a toy box is shown all round and the doors opened back and front to show it is
empty. The doors are then closed and when they are re-opened, a Lego magician
figure has appeared inside! Easy to do, you receive everything needed to
construct and perform this close-up effect. To win one of the two on offer,
simply get your copy of Magicseen 100 and answer the question correctly that you
will find on the competition page, and then your name will go in the prize draw
at the end of September. Go to
www.magicseen.com for
information on subscriptions and individual copy purchases.
11.9.21
Congratulations
to Reg Martin! Mike Ingham writes: Fabulous news, our Founder and Honorary
Life President Reg Martin has won The Magic Circle's Cecil Lyle Award, presented
annually to the author of the best trick published in The Magic Circular. Our
heartfelt congratulations to Reg who is a brilliant magic inventor, with many
tricks and ideas in print and in production. We are honoured to have him as
Honorary President of our club, The Kent Magicians Guild.
www.kentmagiciansguild.co.uk.
11.9.21
The
Mark Leveridge Zoom Open Event. On Wednesday 22nd September Mark Leveridge
will be presenting his E-Club Pro Live Zoom Lecture. Starting at 7.30pm BST, the
lecture lasts 2 hours and is full of practical magic suitable for close-up,
stand-up/parlour and mentalism. So if you would like to learn a simple version
of Triumph, or a strong ring onto pencil move, or how to change the colour of a
sponge ball with empty hands and no gimmicks, or how to make a real wine glass
turn invisible, or how to make a borrowed ring instantly vanish and appear
linked on a pair of glasses held in a case by a spectator, plus plenty more,
then you need to book your 'seat' right now! For just £15.00 you not only get
admission to the Zoom event, but you also will get access to a recording of the
lecture afterwards to enable further revision. For more info and to book your
place go to
www.markleveridge.co.uk.
11.9.21
The
Gathering, 6th of October, Special Guest Lecture: Richard Whymark (Ventriloquist
and Comedy Magician). From the organisers: Richard will be entertaining us
in the first half of the evening with close-up comedy magic, and then after an
interval in the second half he will be doing comedy ventriloquism. This is going
to be a real fun evening not to be missed, so see you on the night! Richard
Whymark is one of East Anglia's top comedy performers. In a career which spans
over 25 years Richard has performed all over the UK at a variety of venues
including theatres, clubs, holiday centres, comedy clubs and at private
functions. Established as a stand-up comedy ventriloquist, his act also features
impressions and comedy magic. Richard was a winner on ITV's Stand Up Britain and
he has also featured on BBC and Sky TV. He is also a regular guest on BBC Radio
Suffolk. During the past five years Richard has starred in The Great British
Seaside Special which he co-wrote with fellow comedians Andy Leach and Ian
Larkin. This will be a night you won't forget. Wednesday 6th of October at 8pm
at The Grosvenor Casino, Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth NR30 3JG.
11.9.21
Blackpool Magicians' Club
Clubroom Magic Auction.
Blackpool Magicians' Club write:
After many requests we have reintroduced the BMC Clubroom Magic Auctions.
Blackpool Magicians' Club Clubroom Magic Auction on Thursday 28th October 2021
at
Blackpool Magicians' Club,
56-60 Caunce Street, Blackpool FY1 3LE. Commences 6pm prompt with viewing from 5pm. Admission is £4
for non-members. For
further details please contact Michael Shepherd
gmfs.msm@gmail.com.
11.9.21
Merlin
Magical Society Magic Auction, Potters Bar. John Clayton writes: On the 23rd
of September and the 4th November, we will be holding an auction to sell the
magic effects of the late Michael Chandler, who sadly passed away in 2019. As
there are so many items for sale, we are hoping to auction most of it over the
two dates given above, though we may also hold a third one next year. Michael
was quite a collector of magical effects, some of which are very rare. There are
over 300 items for sale, that are all in good condition. The Auction will be on
a pay as you buy basis, so please bring lots of £1 coins, as well as notes to
keep the auction running smoothly. Free Entry for non members. Please note:
Under 16's must be accompanied by an adult. Doors open at 7.30pm for an 8pm
start at Little Heath Parish Hall, Thornton Road, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire EN6
1JJ. Also see
www.merlinmagicalsociety.com/auction.
11.9.21
The
ESP Test Kit by Steve Cook - Alakazam Magic: Steve Cook has done it
again with the ESP Test Kit. This brilliant effect is a mix of
Mentalism, Remote Viewing, Psychometry and Precognition. Imagine having
a spectator place the five ESP symbol cards in to separate envelopes.
They place one Envelope in the supplied ESP Test Control wallet and one
in their pocket. Now, and with going nowhere near the envelopes (if you
should so choose) you start to reveal where each ESP Symbol is, even
predicting ahead of time which card would be put in their pocket. If
that wasn’t enough as a kicker your spectator is given the ability to
read your mind!
www.alakazam.co.uk.
11.9.21
Bargain Loving Brits in the Sun. "New Saydo Park arrivals Carole and Phyllis already love life in Spain but they want to experience more of the community spirit, so they sign up for fellow resident Margaret's mystery tour. Where will it take them? Tree surgeon Rocky faces danger on a daily basis as he tends to the high branches of the Costa del Sol, while young magician Dean faces the first night of a residency at the Chamber of Secrets theatre. Starring John Thomson." Wednesday 15th September on Channel 5. Repeat. See TV Magic for details. 11.9.21
"Art
Industry News: Sotheby’s Will Astound and Amaze With a Sale of Magician Ricky
Jay’s Spellbinding Collection"
Click Here • "What does The Magician tarot card mean?"
Click Here • "TikTok magician and RFDS star Ash Magic performs a
mind-bending trick on The Morning Show"
Click Here • "Magician Criss Angel, 53, soaks up the sun with pregnant wife
Shaunyl Benson, 30, and their boys in Mexico before welcoming baby number three"
Click Here • "Throwback: When Magician David Blaine Left Michael Jordan
Stunned"
Click Here • "Review: 'Magic Goes Wrong' at Liverpool Empire"
Click Here • "Magic Goes Wrong – Liverpool Empire"
Click Here • "Ali Cook Amazes Daryl McCormack"
YouTube •
That's it! See you next week, Duncan.
11.9.21