Number 1141 - Saturday 7th May 2022

Young & Strange to lecture at Home Counties Magical Society, Reading, on Thursday 12th May. From the organisers: A lecture like no other, Young & Strange performed in London’s West End as part of Wonderville at The Palace Theatre in the summer of 2021 and for nearly 10 years have been headliners of the world's biggest touring magic show, Champions of Magic. They have performed in the biggest Broadway theatres and ice hockey arenas across the USA, Canada and Mexico and in this lecture they will give you an unparalleled insight into what it’s really like to be part of the biggest magic show in the world. In addition, we are thrilled to announce that they will perform live and fully explain the workings and thinking behind one of their spectacular signature stage illusions. Believe it or not that isn’t it, there’s more: Before they were illusionists Young & Strange worked for over a decade in the U.K. as close-up magicians and will lecture and share some of their amazing original close-up magic routines. We are thrilled to have secured this lecture solely because they are previous members. We are assured that due to their hectic touring schedule this will be the only lecture they will give in 2022 so don’t miss it! Non-members are welcome (£15 charge). For venue details and to reserve your place email homecountiesmagic@hotmail.co.uk. Places are limited. Young & Strange Showreel 2022: YouTube. 7.5.22

Illusion Impossible - UK tour. From the promoter: 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 millions, 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 in a non-stop show packed with breathtaking magic and illusions. Dates and tickets: www.illusionimpossible.co.uk/tour-dates. Trailer: YouTube. 7.5.22

Jonathan Goodwin, Britain's foremost daredevil escapologist, has been left paralysed after the stunt that he was rehearsing in October 2021 went terribly wrong (Back Issue 1112).

"Britain's Got Talent star Jonathan Goodwin paralysed" www.bbc.co.uk.

"BGT star Jonathan Goodwin told fiancée Amanda Abbington she could walk away after accident left him paralysed: 'I did say, you have a get out of jail free card'" (video) www.metro.co.uk.

"Britain’s Got Talent Finalist Left Paralysed After Horror Stunt Went Drastically Wrong" www.huffingtonpost.co.uk.
"Britain’s Got Talent star Jonathan Goodwin left paralysed after dangerous stunt went wrong" www.independent.co.uk.
"Actress Amanda Abbington recalls how escapologist fiance Jonathan Goodwin nearly died twice when stunt went wrong" www.sky.com. 7.5.22

The MagicWeek Video Archive. This week the wonderful Shimada, who sadly died last Saturday. Seen here in a guest spot on 'The Magic of David Copperfield III' from 1980. See The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with more from The MagicWeek Video Archive Click Here. 7.5.22

Merlins Magic Day - Sunday 15th May. Matricks Illusion, seen on Britain's Got Talent last week, will be appearing on the Evening Gala Show. Merlins write: The day will consist of lectures, workshops, surprises and a Gala Magic Show in the evening. If you would just prefer to come along and see some of the best professional magic, comedy and variety acts, then the evening show is for you, ideal for the whole family. If you would like to see everything, then get the special discounted ticket for the whole event. With a minimum age limit of 10 years old, and concessions for under 16 year olds. There is plenty of free parking, a cafe/bar and the venue is easily accessible from the M1, junction 36.

Due to previous years successful events, there has been a lot of interest, so please book early. Entry is by ticket only. We will email you a ticket to print off and bring on the day, along with timings and directions to the venue. Merlins Goody Bag: if you book for the whole event, you will get a Merlins Goody Bag worth at least the price of the ticket! Day event: 9.30am - 5.30pm. Evening show: 7pm - 9.30pm. The evening show seats are now numbered and will be allocated on a first come basis - book early to get the best seats! Sunday 15th May at The Academy Theatre, Birdwell, Barnsley S70 5TU. Book via www.merlinswakefield.co.uk. 7.5.22

J. N. Maskelyne's Modern Spiritualism is out now. CollectingMagicBooks.com are excited to announce the first in a series of three books by J. N. Maskelyne has just been released. Modern Spiritualism was first published in 1876 and this full facsimile hardback reproduction features custom endpapers, a photographic frontispiece and illustrated boards. It is a strictly limited edition of just 500 copies.

Modern Spiritualism was published during a time of huge expansion for the spiritualist movement. In the book Maskelyne gave his account of the most famous mediums of the time, exposing their trickery. It is a rare record produced when many of the first generation of spiritualist mediums were still active.

Maskelyne discussed the roots of modern spiritualism and the stories and trickery of mediums including the Fox Sisters, Daniel Douglas Home, the Davenport Brothers, Anna Eva Fay and many others. He exposed the true methods behind supposed table rapping, spirit painting, spirit writing, dark séances, spirit photography and supernatural healing. Though commercially published and critically well received, the book did not receive a second edition and, despite its importance to the history of conjuring and the battle between magicians and mediums, it has remained out of print for almost 150 years.

Modern Spiritualism is available exclusively from CollectingMagicBooks.com. To see detailed photos and to order your copy for £30 visit www.collectingmagicbooks.com. 7.5.22

Mentalist Marc Paul - Interview. Damian Jennings interviews Marc Paul. Part One YouTube, Part Two You Tube. (Here is Marc's excellent performance on The Michael Parkinson Show, referred to in Part Two of the interview: YouTube DT). 7.5.22

The Comedy Helpline. From the publishers: We are delighted to announce that The Comedy Helpline, the 120 page soft backed book from Magicseen Publications, is now out and available to order. Using our network of contacts in the world of magic comedy we have assembled articles featuring professional advice and comedy routines and gags that will help you to add more fun to your shows. With contributors such as Michael Finney, Scott & Muriel, Nathan Kranzo, Alan Hudson, Gaetan Bloom, John Archer and many more, you will be inspired by their stories and enriched by their advice and material. It's rare to get a book that is devoted in this way to comedy, so order your copy today and discover some of the secrets that will help you to improve the 'funny' in your shows. Go to www.magicseen.com. 7.5.22

Cornish Magical Circle Presidents Dinner. Jon Martin writes: Tickets are available for the Cornish Magical Circle's Presidents Dinner on Saturday 21st May at Membly Hall, Falmouth with Comedy Mentalist Superstar John Archer. Tickets are £40 and available from Membly Hall 01326 312869 or Club Secretary Jon Martin 07443 577497. 7.5.22

Ollie Mealing 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. "Ollie Mealing: Talking career, card magic, Mealing Membership and lots more." YouTube. 7.5.22

The Inner Circle Zoom Card Session - a special one-off event for Card Magic enthusiasts: Mark Leveridge is presenting a special one-off online event on Wednesday 18th May 2022 starting at 7.30pm (BST) featuring a selection of his practical, entertaining card magic. With effects covering close-up, strolling, stand-up and mentalism, Mark will perform and fully explain card magic that will appeal to anyone who likes their pasteboard prestidigitation to be low on difficulty and high on interest. Mark will also explain a number of useful moves that you will be able to incorporate into card effects you already do. Because the session is delivered via Zoom you get the equivalent of a front row seat no matter where you live without the travel or the hassle, so join other keen card magic fans from around the world for an entertaining and enjoyable evening. Cost of registration is £20.00 and you can get more info and secure your place at www.markleveridge.co.uk. 7.5.22

Covent Garden May Fayre & Puppet Festival - Sunday, 8th May. Punch & Judy performers and puppeteers will gather and perform in the garden of St. Paul's Church, Covent Garden, London, this Sunday, 8th May to celebrate Punch's 360th birthday. It was on the 9th May, 1662 that Samuel Pepys wrote the first recorded sighting of the character performing in Covent Garden. The event is free and runs from 11am to 5.30pm. In addition to performances there will be a parade, stalls, folk music and maypole dancing. President of the Punch & Judy Fellowship John Styles (photo) who featured in the Bank Holiday Monday episode of 'Agatha Raisin' will also appear. www.alternativearts.org.uk/events. 7.5.22

Marvels of Mystery - Yvonne Arnauld, Guildford, 12th May. Four of The Magic Circle’s star magicians join forces in Marvels of Mystery, a new magic show for the whole family, featuring marvellous magic, wonderful illusion, laughs, gasps and stunning sleight of hand sorcery. Starring Britain’s Got Talent winner Lance Corporal Richard Jones. Since winning BGT Richard has starred in his own TV special, headlined in London’s West End and received a standing ovation at the Royal Variety Performance. Richard is still the only magician to have won BGT. Richard is joined by crazy comedy conjuror Danny Lee Grew, The Magic Circle’s Young Magician of the Year Dean Leavy and President of The Magic Circle Megan Swann. For a truly magical experience, book your tickets today for Marvels of Mystery before they disappear! For more information visit www.marvelsofmystery.com and for tickets see Yvonne Arnauld, Guildford. 7.5.22

Paul Daniels: My Life in Magic. Archive footage and testimony from peers and friends is combined to illustrate how a magic-obsessed youngster from Middlesbrough grew up to become a household name. Contributors include Debbie McGee, Stephen Mulhern, David Copperfield, and Penn & Teller. (Repeat) Friday 13th May on 5Select. See TV Magic. 7.5.22

Marc Paul Lecture - The Medway Magical Society. Tim Meadley, Vice President, writes: The Medway Magical Society is pleased to announce that Marc Paul will be lecturing at its meeting on Tuesday 17th May, and has agreed to discuss his performance of the Berglas Effect. Non-Members are invited to attend (in-person only) for just £10. MMS meetings are held at The George, City Way, Rochester ME1 2BH - see map on the Society's website. For more info contact secretary@medwaymagicalsociety.org.uk www.medwaymagicalsociety.org.uk. 7.5.22

Bath Circle of Magicians - Lectures. Roger Nicot writes: The Bath Circle of Magicians will be hosting two lectures before the end of the season. May 19th: The Magic & Methods of Grant Maidment - who will be presenting all new material and if requested, he will also be presenting items from his "Frenetic" DVDs. June 2nd: An Evening with Tony Griffith - Part Two. This is the second half of the lecture presented last Autumn. Tony's material contains well scripted presentations with clever and easy to do methods allowing you to focus on interacting and entertaining your audience. Lectures start promptly at 8pm. There will be a £5 charge for non-members (welcome). St Mary's Church, High Street / Queen Square, Saltford BS31 3EL. 7.5.22

Liverpool Mahatma Magic Circle to host first ever lecture by Rodd Hogg. Rick Tynan writes: Liverpool Mahatma Magic Circle will be hosting a lecture by Rodd Hogg on Thursday 12th May at 8pm. The venue is St Stephen's Church Hall, Hightown (near Liverpool), L38 0BL. Rodd is a full time professional magician, mentalist and pickpocket, whose internationally acclaimed performances have garnered him a reputation as one of the most respected names in magic. This is Rodd's first ever lecture and not to be missed! Guest magicians welcome: £10. 7.5.22

The Magic Show - Starring Liam A Black as The Glittering Prince of Magic. From the organisers: Liam A Black brings his brand new magic spectacular to The Edinburgh International Fringe Festival (August 5th - 27th). Join the Glittering Prince of Magic and his beautiful showgirls for this Broadway style magic production. Tickets range from £11 to £14.50 - Book via www.edfringe.com. 7.5.22

Mateo Borrini Lecture - The Manchester Circle of Magicians. Alex Fisher, Events Secretary, writes: The Manchester Circle of Magicians is pleased to announce a lecture by two-time President of the Mahatma Society in Liverpool, Mr Matteo Borrini. Acclaimed academic and magic collector, Matteo brings his bizarre magic to the club on Monday, 9th May from 7pm. Non-members welcome £10. Venue: The Micker Brook, Councillor Lane, Cheadle, SK8 5NU. www.manchestercircleofmagicians.co.uk. 7.5.22

They Call It Murder - Mr E Enterprises. Mr E Enterprises write: We call it an entertaining murder mystery featuring two exceptional climaxes that you will be performing regularly in your performances. You show ten genuine mugshots of young men and women, one of which you claim is a serial killer. Any spectator remembers the face and name of their preferred suspect (no force) and the mugshot cards are cut and mixed face down. Still with the mugshots face down in their own hands your volunteer starts to eliminate the pictures one by one until they only have one picture left in their hands. At this point they name their suspect, turn the mugshot over and incredibly it is the very picture and name they have remembered! Unfortunately, amazing through this is, it is not the murderer but a red herring. You now place your Evidence Envelope containing a picture in full view.

You pass your hands mysteriously over your helper to give them the power of divination. All the mugshots are mixed again and placed face down over the table and your volunteer concentrates and slowly eliminates all the innocent suspects one by one, until only two face-down mugshots are left. Your participant chooses one of these and the other is discarded as innocent. The tension of your audience is now electrifying. The picture inside your Evidence Envelope is revealed and for the first time the final mugshot held face down in the hand of your volunteer is slowly revealed : the two pictures are an exact match for each other – the cold-blooded murderer is exposed, justice can now be done and everyone can give a hearty sigh of relief! The murderer picture can be changed for repeat performances. Comes with twelve mugshots and instructions: www.mreenterprises.co.uk. 7.5.22

Magic Goes Wrong - Dublin, Truro and Birmingham dates for May. Back with their biggest comedy catastrophe to date, multi award-winning Mischief (The Play That Goes Wrong, BBC One's The Goes Wrong Show) return to the stage with their hilarious new show created with magic legends, Penn & Teller. A hapless gang of magicians are staging an evening of grand illusion to raise cash for charity. But as the magic turns to mayhem, accidents spiral out of control and so does their fundraising target! Raising the bar with their dare-devil stunts, jaw-dropping feats and irresistible comedy genius. Book your tickets now, before they vanish out of sight (or sellout!). For more info and to book see www.mischiefcomedy.com. 7.5.22

Tales from the Darkside - Levitation. "A magician levitates a member of the audience as revenge for his heckling." Sunday 15th May on Horror Channel. See TV Magic for details. 7.5.22

"‘If you look like Penn & Teller, you have to have the best magic trick ever seen’" Click Here • "The Visher and the Magician" Click Here • "Magician Dynamo developed arthritis after severe food poisoning - how?" Click Here • "Think of a Number. How Do Math Magicians Know What It Is?" Click Here • "Magician Joe M. Turner Teaches a Magic Trick" Click Here • "Criss Angel opened day 2 of the NFL Draft in the most nonsensical way" Click Here • "Curtain Up: Siegfried & Roy, Tom Jones, Earth Wind & Fire and more Vegas showbiz news" Click Here • Many thanks for your UK magic news, always welcomed. See you next week, Duncan. 7.5.22

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