Number
1127 - Saturday 29th January 2022
Ben Hart: Wonder - UK Tour. Lee Martin for Gag Reflex presents Ben Hart: Wonder 2022. Britain’s Got Talent 2019 finalist, West End star and multi award-winning magician. Expect his most mind-blowing and exciting magic in a show that shines a light on magic, life, the universe and the darkest corners of your imaginations. With the simplest of props, using the objects and minds of the audience, Ben Hart conjures an altogether new kind of magic. Ben's tour is now in full swing... see www.benhartmagic.com for venues, dates and updates. 29.1.22
Fake
Psychic - BBC Radio 4. Written and reported by Vicky Baker. Drama by
Nick Perry. If you wanted to speak with the dead in 1960s America, there
was one man who was ready to help. For more than a decade, Lamar Keene
was at the top of his game, becoming known as the Prince of
Spiritualists. Then, quite suddenly, he turned his back on it all. Lamar
Keene went public and revealed his whole operation had been one big con.
He not only implicated himself but claimed that he had been part of an
underground network, which had conspired to defraud the unsuspecting
public. He called it the "psychic mafia", and said that his confession
made him a marked man. In a series that mixes documentary with drama,
Vicky Baker (Fake Heiress) takes a deep dive into Lamar Keene’s
stranger-than-fiction life story. See
TV
Magic for details.
29.1.22
Could it be Magic?
Four Magicians. One winner. Who wins? You decide! Paul Aitchison, comedy actor and performer best known to fringe and BBC
Radio 4 audiences as co-writer and performer in award-winning sketch act
Mixed Doubles, stars in ‘Could it Be Magic?’ at Wilton’s Music Hall from
1st to 5th February.
Playing all four acts in the finale of a spectacularly bizarre magic
competition, Aitchison unleashes his unique blend of feel-good comedy
with genuinely jaw-dropping magic tricks as each finalist competes for
your vote and the hallowed trophy.
Bonkers... Bamboozling... But... Could It Be Magic?
Written and performed by Paul Aitchison, Directed by Owen Lewis. "Aitchison is one to watch, a real talent"
Chortle. "A deliciously dazzling concoction of comedy, magic tricks,
and audience
participation" Ed Fringe Review.
Wilton’s Music Hall,
Graces Alley,
London
E1 8JB. 1st-5th February. Tickets and more info:
www.wiltons.org.uk. Also see
www.coulditbemagicshow.com.
29.1.22
Blackpool Magicians' Club Annual Mega
Convention Auction – Thursday 17th February 2022. From the organisers:
Admission is free for Convention Registrants and visiting magicians. Commences 10am prompt, with viewing from 9am
on Thursday 17th February in the Derham Lounge, Winter Gardens, Blackpool.
It is worth arriving in Blackpool early for this event –
over 900 hundred items have now been booked in and lots are being posted
on the auction page as and when we receive them:
www.blackpoolmagic.com/auction.
29.1.22
Honorary
vice president of The Magic Circle receives MBE at 102.
"Collecting his medal at Windsor Castle, Henry Lewis said magic has
allowed him to raise money for charity and travel the world."
www.independent.co.uk. "Bibbidi-MBE-boo! Magician, 102, delights
with a magic trick after receiving honour for charitable fundraising
from Prince William"
www.dailymail.co.uk. [Congratulations Henry! DT].
29.1.22
Masters
of Magic World Tour 2022. Masters of Magic is back, live, from 26th
- 29th May in Turin, Italy. For more info, and to book, visit:
www.mastersofmagicconvention.com/en.
29.1.22
Mark
Raffles' 100th Birthday was a great (socially distanced) success...
with two birthday cakes and lots of cards including one from The Magic
Circle and The Queen. Here's a link to the ITV Wales interview:
YouTube. "‘Magical’ Llandudno care home resident celebrates 100th
birthday"
www.northwalespioneer.co.uk.
29.1.22
Chris North 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. "Chris North, The Original King of TV Talent Shows, talks illusions, career
and more" You Tube.
29.1.22
Chris
North's Curious Tales & Unusual Phenomena followed by Q&A - now
booking for magic societies.
Chris has produced a unique show/lecture for Magic Societies and Clubs.
The evening consists
of the 60 minute production show Curious Tales & Unusual Phenomena, a
Victorian style parlour
show providing an entertaining glimpse at the inexplicable mysteries and
macabre beliefs of the era
and comes complete with a charming Victorian set and is totally
self-contained.
The second half of the evening is a Question and Answer session with a
consummate professional
with over 50 years experience in the business, who has managed to stay
relevant in an ever changing
and evolving market place.
www.chrisnorth.co.uk.
Contact Chris on 07860 368727 or email:
info@chrisnorth.co.uk.
29.1.22
The Magic Live Lounge, Friday 11th March at 8pm,
Ormskirk,
Lancashire. After a sell-out debut show in November The Magic Live
Lounge returns to The Chapel Arts House in Ormskirk for an evening jam-packed with magic and mystery!
Scheduled to appear:
The Great Borrini Gentleman of Mystery,
Mason King Mind Reader & Mentalist,
Mark Roberts Sleight of Hand Sensation,
Adam Dadswell Modern Magician and
Dean James The Memory Man. Venue: The Chapel Arts House,
St Helens Road,
Ormskirk,
Lancashire
L39 4QR.
www.thechapelormskirk.co.uk.
29.1.22
Matthew
Wright and Harry Robson in Ireland. James Hobart writes:
The Boys Are Back In Town. Matthew Wright and Harry Robson present a
joint lecture in Ireland on February 7th and 8th.
On Monday 7th February, their lecture will be hosted by The Ulster
Society of Magicians in the Marble Cedar Lounge, Errigle Inn, Belfast
(7.15pm for a 7.45pm start, £20 for visitors). Then on Tuesday 8th
February, The Society of Irish Magicians will host the same lecture at
The Academy Plaza Hotel, Dublin commencing at 8pm (€20 for visitors).
For further information please contact James Hobart
j.hobart@btinternet.com for Belfast or Brendan McIvor
brendanmcivor@gmail.com for Dublin.
29.1.22
The
MagicWeek Video Archive. A new magic clip or show every week! This week,
interactive magic from Max Maven on John Fisher's 'The Best of Magic' from 27th
September 1989. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with more from The
MagicWeek Video Archive
Click Here.
29.1.22
Merlins
Premier Range. Merlins write:
Merlins of Wakefield’s are sadly not going to the Blackpool Magic
Convention in February due to personal reasons, but hope to be back next
year. Our shop will be open on the Friday and Saturday, 18th and 19th
February, with some special offers instore and online; details will be
available the week before. Our latest 24 page ‘Winter Mail’ is now
available and you can get a free download copy by emailing
merlins@btconnect.com. If you
would like a printed copy, just include your postal address. Our latest
‘Premier Range’ item is
Spectre Die and Frame. You can see the whole of
the ‘Premier Range’ here:
www.merlinswakefield.co.uk.
29.1.22
New
Magic of The Masters with John Carey - Alakazam Magic. Book now and
save with our special early bird price. Back in 2019 and 2020, our core
tutor at the Academy, John Carey, presented 4 outstanding Academy
courses called Magic of the Masters. We received a multitude of emails
and calls from customers saying how much they enjoyed John’s courses.
Well there’s great news. He’s back! On 9th of February 2022 at 7pm (GMT)
John will present New Magic of the Masters! He’s hand picked 13
brilliant classic effects from some of the very best, to perform and
teach in his unique style! Find out more. Visit
www.alakazam.co.uk.
29.1.22
The
Illusioneer Presents. 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
magic, casino magic, parlour magic and magical games presented by our
eclectic team of talented performers in the magnificent surroundings of
Dulwich College Lower Hall. 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.
Thursday February 17th at 7pm. Tickets £25 (plus booking) from
www.eventbrite.com. Venue: Dulwich College Lower Hall, Dulwich
Common, London SE21 7LD. More info:
www.theillusioneer.co.uk.
29.1.22
Magic
on the Mersey. From the promoter: Magic on the Mersey is Liverpool's
premier magic show. You will be amazed and amused by the magic of Steve
Price, one of the UK's top magicians. Steve will have you laughing and
wondering just how he does the impossible, turning ordinary objects into
extraordinary memories. Steve is a Gold Star Member of The Inner Magic
Circle, and he is widely acknowledged as one of the UK's busiest and
most well-established magicians. Come and see the show that has
entertained thousands of people across the UK and on cruise ships around
the world. Tickets: £16-£21.
www.magiconthemersey.com. Saturday 29th January, Saturday 12th
February and Friday 25th February at 7.30pm at Aloft Liverpool, No. 1
North John Street, Liverpool L2 5QW.
29.1.22
Pelham
Lodge Punch & Judy Puppet Museum. Blackpool. Martin Scott Price
writes: I shall be opening the doors of the Pelham Lodge Punch & Judy
Puppet Museum for a sneak preview before the public come along at the
Blackpool Magicians Convention in February. We are not fully
commissioned yet, but many surprises are in store. Check out details at
www.pelhamlodge.co.uk. We will open on the Thursday prior to the
Convention, and each day (excluding Sunday) from around 12 o'clock.
There will be a donation of £3 towards the upkeep, and a small shop
selling Magic and Puppets so if you want to come along email me
info@martinscottprice.co.uk
- do have a look, you won't be disappointed. Book or come along. Covid
friendly. Just near the Convention Centre. Have a great Convention.
29.1.22
South
Downs Magicians - Lecturers Wanted. Des King writes: South Downs
Magicians still have some 2022 dates for lectures. If you are a magician
with a lecture living in the Southeast and would be interested in giving
a lecture to the SDM members, please contact Jonathan Cann with your
details and terms jcann27@gmail.com
01444 230409 or 07850 917126. The meetings are held in the Handcross
Parish Hall, High Street, Handcross, Haywards Heath RH17 6BJ.
www.southdownsmagicians.co.uk.
29.1.22
Blue Peter. "Henry learns how to swim with Ada, and Richie goes behind the scenes at Cirque du Soleil. We're joined in studio by the young stars of new CBBC drama Dodger, which is based on Oliver Twist, and an amazing magician performs sleight-of-hand magic that would impress even the Artful Dodger!" Friday 4th February on CBBC. See TV Magic. 29.1.22
Fantastic
February at the MCM. Alex Fisher writes: Manchester Circle Magicians
is very proud and pleased to announce not one, but two, great lectures
coming in February. Firstly Mr Elliot Bibby, the Scottish magician on
February 7th. There are simply too many accolades to list, and
there's the promise of his very latest effect which will only be
available at his lecture. And secondly, Mr Michel Huot. The inventor of
Socks and many more commercial routines, a regular at FFFF. Both
lectures will be at our new venue, the Stonehouse Micklebrook. Visitors
by prior arrangement. The cost is just £10 per lecture, or ask for our
incredible membership deal.
www.manchestercircleofmagicians.co.uk.
29.1.22
The
E-Club Pro Big Sign Up Deal. Launched in January 2011, Mark
Leveridge's online magic resource and advice centre E-Club Pro has
developed into a major force in remote magic learning. Magicians of all
standards and experience will find huge amounts of relevant effects,
ideas, help and advice in the 900+ pages of online content. Updated and
augmented on time at the start of every month, E-Club Pro is an
exciting, vibrant learning centre which is available to members
worldwide to dip into whenever it suits them. Standard membership costs
just £12.00 per month on a rolling PayPal payment, and with no fixed
subscription period, you can remain a member for as long as you wish. To
encourage you to give it a try, MLM would like to offer the following
deal. Sign up before the end of February 2022 and you will be sent a
Discount Code worth £10.00 for each of your first three months of
membership. These codes can be used against any purchase from the MLM
online store. And since as a member you will already automatically be
able to buy any MLM product at a 50% discount, the £30 of Discount Codes
are actually giving you £60 worth of product at the normal prices! For
more info and to sign up go to
www.markleveridge.co.uk/#e-prices.
29.1.22
Jerry
O'Connell. 2nd January 1937 - 27th January 2022. Jerry O’ Connell
AIMC, FFFF creator of the JOL Leather wallets and accessories range
passed away on Thursday at the age of 85. In the 1960’s Jerry was the
original drummer for Joe Brown and the The Bruvvers, touring the country and
music venues. He also owned a clothing factory in the North. Later,
Jerry spent years doing the knowledge and became a London Taxi Driver.
He was a regular performer at FFFF, and was always full of practical
jokes and gags. He was the resident technician at The Magic Circle,
running the gantry at Chenies Mews, and set up the Restaurant Magician
of the Year, and for many years ran their summer school. Jerry was one
of the first close-up magicians in London with the likes of Darryl Rose,
Fay Presto, Peter Mehtab, Michael Vincent and Pat Page. Known for his
straight talking and generosity, he often put teams of magicians
together for larger events.
Jerry loved magic wallets, and having owned Eric Mason’s Beta Wallet he
was convinced he could hand make his own with his own dimensions and
with beautiful softer leather. He made one for himself and then for his
friends... his business then naturally followed. The Card in Envelope in
wallets were all hand made in his London flat on his sewing machine with
the finest leathers. Every wallet was a work of art, and every single
one unique. He expanded his range and sold everything from scissor and
coin holders to almost every type of magic wallet you could think of.
When he moved to Bushey Heath he set up a workshop, until he decided to
have others make for him. He had over 25 products in his range selling
all over the world. Every item came with jokes and visual gags! When he
decided to retire he sold his stock and Manufacturing rights to Propdog,
who have maintained his legacy with the JOL range.
Jerry was diagnosed with dementia a few years ago and spent his latter days with his wife Marion, children and grandchildren. He will be sorely missed by his friends, family and magic community. You will always think of him when you next reach to tear that card out of that envelope out of that leather wallet. RIP. Darryl Rose. 29.1.22
"Thetford
performer James Samuel hits magic number for YouTube award"
Click Here • "Is hypnosis the future of cinema?"
Click Here • "Norfolk magician named among UK's best wedding
entertainers"
Click Here • "Magician Joshua Jay to perform benefit at Canton
Country Day School"
Click Here • "Malaysian magician Andrew Lee making it big in the
Americas"
Click Here • "The next Tiger King? Podcast explores whether big cat
attack which left legendary illusionist Roy Horn critically injured and
unable to perform with Siegfried Fischbacher 'may have been attempted
murder'"
Click Here • "Circus of Illusion will bring magic and marvels to the
Canberra Theatre"
Click Here • "Were Penn and Teller fooled by Michigan magician and
his Kellogg’s cereal box trick?"
Click Here • That's it for this week. I'll miss Jerry O'Connell.
Always fun and full of mischief. See you next week, Duncan.
29.1.22