Number
1137 - Saturday 9th April 2022
Britain's
Got Talent 2022, and the magic is back! Ant and Dec return with the
nationwide talent search, with judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden,
Alesha Dixon and David Walliams giving their verdicts on the acts. Among
those taking to the stage of the London Palladium Theatre are a dog act
like no other, harmonious choirs, and a man who left the judges spooked
like never before. From Saturday 16th April, on ITV - see
TV Magic for details. (Lots of
magicians once again in this new series, with some real surprises! DT).
9.4.2
How
to join The Magic Circle. If you’ve always wanted to be a part of
The Magic Circle, the world’s premier magic society, then this link
www.themagiccircle.co.uk/join
will give you all the information you need. There is so much going on
for members these days, both in person and online. The Magic Circle
welcomes both amateur and professional magicians. DT.
9.4.2
IBM
British Ring Convention 1st-4th September - Eastbourne. From the
organisers: The UK’s longest running magic convention is back! 2 years
in the planning with a fantastic lineup of lectures, workshops, Q&A
sessions, shows, an International Gala Show, Ali Bongo Micro Marathon,
the prestigious Close-Up and Stage competitions, plus much more over the
4 days.
Some of the acts appearing: Tom Stone, Nikola Arkane, Steve Hewlett, Dion, Mark James, Mark Shortland, Todd Landman, Martin Duffy, Richard Cadell, Elliot Bibby and Michael Carr. More to be announced. IBM British Ring Convention 2022 convention in Eastbourne, Thursday 1st to Sunday 4th September. Visit www.britishring.org.uk for more information and to register. 9.4.22
Max
Malini: King of Magicians, Magician of Kings by Steve Cohen - in stock at
International Magic. The definitive work on Max Malini: Over 500
pages, previously unpublished photographs, a touching biography,
detailed descriptions of Malini's tricks and methods, 200 instructional
photographs.
Max Malini circled the globe eight times,
enthralling kings and emperors, czars and presidents. His techniques,
tricks, boldness, and character have become the stuff of legend,
inspiring no less than Dai Vernon and Ricky Jay to follow in his
footsteps, yet for a magician revered by so many, there is scant Malini
material in print. Until now.
Through the pages of Max Malini: King of Magicians, Magician of Kings
Steve Cohen - star of New York's hit show Chamber Magic - details a
wealth of never-before-revealed information, both instructional and
historical. From the methods behind Malini's famous Block of Ice
Production and Blindfolded Card Stab, to the techniques he used for card
control, forcing, and palming, as well as a lengthy discussion of the
Malini Egg Bag and the Button Biting stunt that made him famous, this
new work is a virtual tell-all how-to tome.
But the book explains far more than the mechanics of Malini's magic. It
gives new insight into his presentations, his personality, and explains
how these factors made him famous. Further complementing the
instructional text is the most extensive and revealing look at Malini's
life published to date. Cohen's meticulous research uncovered dozens of
unknown stories and photos that reveal the breadth of Malini’s role in
early twentieth-century magic. A large format cloth-bound book; 8" x
10", with period-style smyth-sewn cloth binding stamped in gilt. For
full details and to order visit
www.internationalmagic.com.
9.4.22
Guy Hollingworth Lecture, South London Magic Society, 19th April. Simon Rosselli writes:
From the organisers: Although a practising
barrister specialising in intellectual property, Guy still performs his
highly original yet traditional style of conjuring for exclusive private
gatherings and at occasional conjuring conventions. His first book,
Drawing Room Deceptions, was published in 1999 and became the best
selling publication of Mike Caveney's Magic Words. Perhaps Guy's best
known effect is The Reformation, which was featured as one of the Fifty
Greatest Magic Tricks in the British television programme of that name
and on NBC's The World's Greatest Magic.
He has performed his one-man show, The Expert at the Card Table,
directed by Neil Patrick Harris, to sell-out houses and rave reviews;
and his stage act combines the classic elegance of the golden age of
magic with the intricate sleight of hand for which he is known. In 2009,
Guy was named Magician of the Year by the Academy of Magical Arts in
Hollywood.
His new lecture includes original close-up and parlour routines from his
forthcoming book More Drawing Room Deceptions, as well as effects and
advice from his regular commercial performing repertoire. It features
sleight of hand with cards, for which Guy is best known, but also
includes plenty of non-card routines and effects suitable for magicians
of all levels of experience.
Tuesday 19th April at Clock House Methodist Church, Clock House Road, Beckenham, BR3 4JP - opposite the Clock House Railway station. Doors open at 7.30pm. Lecture 8pm-10pm. £10 door charge for non-members, which can be used towards membership if you decide to join. 9.4.22
Mike
Caveney's latest two books are now available at CollectingMagicBooks.com.
100 Years of Sawing details the vibrant history of the Sawing illusion
and Classic Correspondence IV is the latest in Mike's series of
fascinating essays on the letters of legendary magicians. Both are
beautifully colour-illustrated throughout. The first imports of these
sold out immediately but they are now back in stock with free postage
within the UK. To order your copies visit
www.collectingmagicbooks.com.
9.4.22
The
Inner Circle Zoom Card Session. On Wednesday 18th May 2022 starting
at 7.30pm (BST), Mark Leveridge will be holding his latest Inner Circle
online event. This time he will be presenting an evening of varied,
practical card magic and moves. There will be routines taught for
stand-up work, walkabout, table top close-up presentation and mentalism.
Every one of the routines is straightforward to perform and the plots
are extremely varied. The routines that will be performed and explained
include The Exchange, Imagination V2, The Department Store, The Unprint
Button, New Aces Thru Newspaper, Easy Prediction and Pure Cards Across.
Mark will also be teaching two card controls (one for a single card and
the other for multiple selections), a full deck false shuffle, a force
and a useful small packet count amongst other techniques. The evening
will comprise of 2 x 1hr halves, and because it is delivered via Zoom
you automatically get a front row seat! Advance registration is required
and costs £20.00 (£10.00 if you are a current E-Club Pro or E-Club Elite
member). All those who register before the 30th April 2022 will receive
after the event a Discount Code worth the price they paid for the ticket
which can be used to offset against any product purchases from MLM. If
you love practical, interesting card magic, you really need to come and
join in on the 18th May. For more details and to register go to
www.markleveridge.co.uk.
9.4.22
The
MagicWeek Video Archive. A new magic clip or show every week! This week,
let's go back 37 years with Wayne Dobson on Ultra Quiz '85 with presenters Stu
"Ooh, I could crush a grape" Francis and Sara Hollamby. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with more from The
MagicWeek Video Archive
Click Here.
9.4.22
Champions
of Magic UK Tour - final three dates! Break
away from the screen and experience live entertainment like never before with
Champions of Magic – an evening of impossible illusions and spectacular special
effects. Described by the press as ‘The Avengers of magic’ catch the only team
of magicians in the world as they present their original, phenomenal ensemble
illusions.
They’ve sold out shows across the globe, been featured on every major US TV
network and racked up over 50 million views online... but you haven’t seen magic
until you’ve seen it live. The Champions of Magic cast present incredible
interactive magic, a daring escape from Houdini’s water torture cell, a
mind-blowing prediction that has to be seen to be believed, levitation high
above the stage and a finale beyond explanation. The show happens all around the
theatre and features spectacular illusions that can’t be seen anywhere else.
9th April York Barbican,
10th April Manchester Opera House,
11th April The Alexandra Birmingham. Tickets:
www.championsofmagic.co.uk.
9.4.22
Barry
Jones, one half of the comedy/magic double act Barry and Stuart has
written and illustrated a graphic novel. The Book of Niall, a 240-page,
original graphic novel about reality, illusion and mental health, in
which the reader actively takes part in the story and the book itself
becomes a magical object in their hands.
"A poignant story of illusion, the self, and the outer reaches of
mental health. And a gift to anyone who suffers from the suspicion that
reality cannot be as it seems." Derren Brown
"A brilliant, highly innovative and
important exploration into depersonalisation disorders. This
interactive, genre-busting work is packed full of wonderful twists and
turns, plays with readers’ minds, and questions fundamental assumptions
about the nature of self." Richard Wiseman
Buy the book here:
www.kickstarter.com.
9.4.22
Paul
Roffman 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. "Paul Roffman: Legend of the UK magic scene talks magic,
acting, comedy and podcasts."
YouTube.
9.4.22
Wessex
Magical Association's 90th. Alistair Brien, President of the Wessex
Magical Association writes: It was great to welcome so many magicians to
the WMA's 90th anniversary convention and gala show, with a top line up
of lecturers including Noel Qualter, Megan Swann, Richard Jones, Steve
Rowe and Paul Gordon. We were also joined by Craig Petty who jammed with
conventioneers before giving the final lecture of the day. It was great
also to welcome our dealers during the day. Our sell-out gala show in
the evening, compered by Jamie Raven, saw performances from the Great
Baldini, Megan Swann, Richard Jones and Matricks. Thanks to all who
joined us to make for a very special day. Photo Magic Circle President
Megan Swann and Alistair Brien.
9.4.22
The
Comedy Helpline. From the publishers: Magicseen Publications are
excited about the imminent release of their latest book, The Comedy
Helpline. This 120 page soft cover publication costs just £25.00 + p&p
and contains the advice, effects, visual gags and one-liners from some
of the best comedy performers around, and so if you want to add more fun
and laughter to your shows, it would benefit you to pay attention to
what they have to say. The book will be officially released on Monday
25th April 2022, but if you pre-order your copy no later than the 24th
April, a copy of the 99 page ebook entitled Comedy For The Well Groomed
Performer, featuring articles on comedy extracted from Magicseen, will
be added to your Magicseen account for free! So place your order now and
benefit from two big infusions of great comedy advice and material and
take your performances to the next level of funny. Available from
www.magicseen.com.
9.4.22
Easter
Holiday Magic Shows on This Weekend! MagicFest shows open this
weekend at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on the Royal Mile! Shows
rescheduled from last year will take place on Saturday and Sunday in the
centre of Edinburgh. Tricky Ricky: The Funny Punny Magic Show and
Kevin Quantum - The Trick That Fooled... Perfect for a wee Easter treat!
Book tickets at www.magicfest.co.uk.
9.4.22
Tom Brace: Embrace the Impossible! - Artsdepot, London, tonight! Tom Brace loved his childhood. Roald Dahl, Cluedo and one film in particular from 1985. Join him for a hilarious evening of 1.21 gigawatts of magic as he showcases his unique, incredible and totally pointless abilities in a new show inspired by his past! Featuring Tom's unique blend of comedy and magic, the show promises to have a little something for everybody. Saturday, 9th April at 7pm. Artsdepot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, London N12 0GA www.artsdepot.co.uk. Also see www.tombracemagic.com. 9.4.22
The
Order of The Magi is celebrating its 113th birthday this week.
Whilst we haven’t got a lecture planned why not come along and join us
for a informal chat about birthday magic? Whether it's for children,
adults, corporate or societies we all have birthdays or anniversaries.
All are welcome, if you are not a member please contact Mike Sharples on
0774 8833666 for more details. You may want to bring along your latest
birthday routine or trick and try it out among fellow magicians. We are
meeting at the Irish World Heritage Centre on Irish Town Way, Cheetham
Hill, Manchester. We usually start at about 7.30pm you never know we may
even have cake (by the way that's not a bribe). We will be giving out
more details of planned events for the forthcoming months. Hope to see
you there.
9.4.22
Hot Property. Viral magician Dan Rhodes is about to go on his first ever date in Rochdale, and in true Hot Property style, host Yung Filly is going to be there every step of the way. 'Hot Property', Tuesday 12th April, on BBC Three. See TV Magic for details. 9.4.22
Help
the 'Magic Touch' team attend the Blackpool Magic Convention 2023.
Lisa Oakley, Liam Moorhouse and Karl
Freebury write: The entertainer community discovered a fab group of magicians -
Magic Touch, who, despite continued support, are struggling to raise
funds to get to Blackpool Magic Convention 2023.
Magic Touch was set up by fellow magician JJ Lucia Wright, many of whom
our entertainer community will know from the amazing caricatures he
produces at Blackpool. He, and Jonathan Shaw, a member of Magic Touch,
went on to win Beat the Wand at BMC 2020.
JJ set up Magic Touch with just one goal in mind, to enable access to
the world of magic for disabled people and adults with learning
difficulties.
Magic Touch performs Magic for disabled people, offers performances and
workshops, and teaches and adapts magic for visually impaired and
disabled people.
The costs involved in organising a trip like this are vast, members need
their team of carers in attendance to offer around the clock care,
transport and journeys need meticulous planning to ensure people have
sufficient comfort breaks to ensure pressure sores do not occur, and
personal care needs can be met. Hotel stays are often costly, as the
team needs adapted rooms and bathrooms, plus carers need to be on hand
24/7, medical equipment/medication needs specialist storage, dietary
needs must be catered for, the list goes on.
A fundraising page has been set up to raise the £2500 needed.
Every donor will be put into a draw, and one lucky person will win a
fabulous caricature by JJ - a priceless prize.
You can send your donations and find out more at
www.justgiving.com.
You can see the work Magic Touch does here
www.facebook.com/bluebadgelevitation and here
YouTube.
9.4.22
David Blaine: Real or Magic? and David Blaine: Beyond Magic are being repeated on Sky this week. "For more than a decade, David Blaine has been captivating the world with his high-profile endurance stunts. Starting his career as a magician who appeared to do the impossible with a deck of cards, he was soon following in the footsteps of Houdini, seeking out that which seemed physically impossible, and actually doing it. This special programme follows Blaine's signature brand of street magic and mystifies some of the most recognisable celebrities in the world, including Jamie Foxx, Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Ricky Gervais, Katy Perry, Lenny Kravitz and Will Smith, to name a few. Blaine goes into the homes of Kanye West and Olivia Wilde, and visits Stephen Hawking at his office at Cambridge University. He also travels the world, astonishing people from all walks of life with never-seen-before, inconceivable magic." See TV Magic for details. 9.4.22
Life
Changing: Mayday. "It’s 1991 on a cruise in the Indian Ocean. Moss
Hills is one of the entertainers. When the lights go out and no-one can
stay upright, he has to take action. Jane Garvey hears all."
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds (This is a fascinating account of this at sea
disaster, that many magicians will remember from the time. Julian
Russell was the onboard magic act, and one of the key players in the
ship's safe abandonment. DT).
9.4.22
News
Deadline reminder. MagicWeek welcomes your UK magic news, but please
remember the news deadline... by Thursday if possible; final
deadline 12 noon Friday.
9.4.22
"Neil Patrick Harris Chats With Legendary
Magician David Copperfield"
Click Here • "'We give them permission to deceive us': the power and
privilege of the magician."
Click Here • "Somerset magician's fun night to raise cash for
Ukrainian families"
Click Here • "From 80’s Punk Star To Magician, Welcome To The Oddly
Unique And World Of Mr Wizzy"
Click Here • "‘You can achieve anything if you’re truly determined
and willing to put in the long hours,’ Keith Barry insists"
Click Here • Andrew Dean’s Lecture for Coventry Magic Circle is
reviewed by William Poliet this week,
Click Here • "Prince Charles a 'great magician' who instantly saw
through performer's trick"
Click Here • "Illusionist Rick Thomas takes you on an amazing trip
into a world of imagination"
Click Here • "Business booms for children’s party people as parents
make up for lost time during lockdown"
Click Here • Many thanks as always for your UK magic news. See you
next week, Duncan.
9.4.22