Number
1224 - Saturday 9th December 2023
Celia
Munoz, Bernardo Sedlacek, Winston Fuenmayo, Magical Bones, Danny Goldsmith and
Adrien Quillien, all appearing at the world's largest magic convention in
February 2024... The Blackpool Magic Convention!
Celia Munoz - winner of Spain's Got Talent,
Finalist on AGT and Star of 'AGT Live' at The Luxor Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
Bernardo Sedlacek -this young magician learned from some of the greatest
names in magic.
Winston Fuenmayo - studied clowning, acting, juggling and comedy to
create performances full of emotion and astonishment.
Magical Bones - his debut solo show, Black Magic, sold-out at London’s
Southbank Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Danny Goldsmith - from street performances to corporate gigs, Danny has
20 years of performance experience behind him.
Adrien Quillien - a French Champion mixing Cups & Balls and cocktails!
The sooner you book the closer you'll be: www.blackpoolmagicconvention.com. 9.12.23
Jamie
Allan's Amaze ★★★★ "A revelation, and in the most unexpected ways" Chris
Jones, Chicago Tribune. Jamie Allan's Amaze is currently playing The
Rhapsody Theater, Chicago, until January 7th (tickets:
www.rhapsodytheater.com) receiving a glowing review from Chris Jones
in the Chicago Tribune. Here are some of the highlights:
"Jamie Allan could teach a master class in magic performance as emotional engagement... Allan's artistic center is really no different from that of, say, Stephen Sondheim or Tony Kushner... The result is the kind of rare magic show where you can see (as I did on Sunday night) a father and son move their chairs a little closer together as a consequence of what they were experiencing through each other... An uncommon warmth and openness amid all the deception. This is audience-centered, narrative-based magic... Now doing deeper work, anticipating the needs of his audience as very few in his profession can do, and exploring how a magic show can cover up the losses present in all of our lives. But he still has all of the old polish and technique (his explosive finale is just fabulous)... A luminous way to spend an evening with someone you love and a show that goes far beyond just another magician in one of Chicago's growing inventory of magic rooms... 'Amaze' will amaze you, I feel sure, albeit not entirely in the way you might expect."
The full online version is here [subscription] www.chicagotribune.com.
See Jamie promoting the show live on CBS News: "'Jumpstart with Jackie: Amaze' magic show at Rhapsody Theater in Rogers Park" Click Here. 9.12.23
Young
& Strange are another British export enjoying international success.
Between December 2023 to April 2024 they can be seen in their own show
'Delusionists' as well starring in 'Champions of Magic' across the USA
and Canada. See
www.youngandstrange.co.uk for venues and dates. "Young & Strange
triumph" The Times.
9.12.23
A
message from Wayne Dobson. For the past 15 years the organisers of
the don’t-miss Blackpool Convention, my good friends Russ Stevens,
Russell Brown and Guy Barrett, have been kind enough to involve me in
their jamboree every year, presenting my one-hour ‘Wayne Dobson &
Friends’ show on the Saturday lunchtime with Michael J. Fitch and Mike
Sullivan supporting me in the background. It seems to have become
something of a Blackpool staple, and it’s been wonderful that we pack
the room out every year. It’s a big part of the year for me, and I’ve
always loved playing Blackpool – it’s a very special convention, the
best in this world for me, one overflowing with so many fond memories
over the last 50 years.
For the past couple of years I’m not afraid to admit that I have
struggled with my voice, as it has gradually become quieter thanks to my
condition. Winter isn’t a good time for me, and the thing it most
affects is my voice. We have found ways around it, by keeping my
vocalising to a minimum, making more and more use of pre-recorded voice
overs and leaning more heavily on my magical guests, but I cannot
pretend the strength of my voice has not become an issue for us.
On a couple of occasions my closest friends have quietly mentioned to me
about my voice being subdued at my show, which only confirmed what I was
well and truly aware of. When I found out the Pavilion Theatre is closed
next year (I love that venue as its very fringe which really suits my
style) I took the decision not to do the Saturday show any more. I
really don't want any future shows being substandard, and I certainly
don't want people saying Wayne Dobson has lost it, so I made the
decision - with a few regrets but knowing that the time had come - to
withdraw.
Blackpool is one of the highlights of the year for me, as it is an
opportunity to meet so many friends and catch up with them once a year.
I take very little medication for my condition apart from a very small
amount of muscle relaxer at night to help me sleep. The main medication
for me is being involved in Blackpool convention, it's my magical
therapy where my MS becomes secondary. So I will still be there at the
Dtrik stand, and at Vanishing Inc’s stand promoting my new Legacy
trilogy, still very involved and enjoying every minute, for many
Blackpools to come. I look forward to meeting old friends there - and
making new ones.
By the way I will still do the occasional theatre show as we have found
ways to choreograph it to accommodate my condition. I may have MS, but
it doesn’t have me - yet.
May I take the opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to all those
magicians who have been in touch over my trilogy Legacy book-set. I’ve
had so many heart-warming comments: too many for me to reply to
personally - but every one of them has a place in my heart. We are all
so fortunate to be part of this global magic community: magic and
magicians have, literally, saved my life. There’s nothing like it in any
other branch of show-business, and we should cherish it and our part in
it.
Wayne xx.
9.12.23
New Year Specials at The Magic Circle,
2nd, 3rd, 4th January, London.
Explore
our magnificent building, be enchanted by our close-up magicians,
enjoying a drink in the famous Magic Circle clubroom and then warm
yourself up in true winter cheer with our magnificent magic variety show
featuring world class performers in our gorgeous magical theatre!
Starring BGT 2023 Finalist Lewis Fuller. Get your tickets now for an
unforgettable new year celebration of magic, held at The Magic Circle's
secret Euston headquarters.
www.themagiccircle.co.uk.
9.12.23
The
MagicWeek Video Archive. A new magic clip or show every week! This week,
Jerry Andrus on John Fisher's The Best of Magic from 18th October 1989.
See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To see more from The MagicWeek Video
Archive
Click Here.
9.12.23
Mark
Lewis on Craig Petty's Magic TV: 'Talk Magic'.
Every week 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. This week: "Mark Lewis - A Master of Svengali, Tarot and
Hypnotism" YouTube.
9.12.23
Conjuring
at the Court - Wednesday 27th December, London.
Another fabulous line-up of top professional magicians! We're thrilled
to welcome back - after 10 years - the spectacular classic magic of Roy
Davenport, a great performer from a well-known magic family. Ian Keable
will entrance you with powerful magic and mind-reading, served up with a
dry, pointed wit that can reduce the audience to hysterics. James
Fortune puts the fun into magic with his genial comedy style and plenty
of enjoyable humour with the audience. And Richard Pinner is one of the
top magicians in the country, inventive, a professional to his
fingertips, engaging and utterly mystifying! Your host is the frequently
baffling Russell Levinson.
Wednesday 27th December at the Drayton Court, 2 The Avenue, West Ealing,
London W13
8PH. Just 12 minutes from Central London. Parking is free from 6.30pm.
The evening performance starts at 8pm and runs to 10pm with an interval.
Tickets £13 in advance from
www.conjuringatthecourt.com - or £14
on the door. Why not come early and enjoy a meal before the show!
9.12.23
Children's Magic Show -
Wednesday 27th December, London.
For our Christmas children's magic show we've been lucky enough to find
one of the top children's magicians in the country! Skittleman is a
funny, lively and likeable children's entertainer. Original, funny,
fast-moving entertainment, with magic, puppetry, energy and colour.
He'll make the children, toddlers and even the adults laugh. So come
along with your children and watch them smile - and have a laugh
yourself!
Wednesday 27th December at the Drayton Court, 2 The Avenue, West Ealing,
London W13
8PH. Just 12 minutes from Central London.
Doors open at 2pm, the show starts at 2.30pm and runs to 4pm with a
break. Tickets £8 for under 16s, £10 for adults, available from
www.conjuringatthecourt.com. All children to be accompanied by an
adult.
9.12.23
Peter
Clifford's More Magical Merriment 2023! Alma Tavern & Theatre, Bristol.
Peter Clifford returns to the Alma Theatre in December to help us
welcome in the yuletide season with a brand new Christmas magic show for
all the family. His "unique and brilliant blend of bamboozlement and
banter" has been a festive favourite for years gone by, and we couldn’t
pass up the chance of hosting another wonderful show full of madcap
mirth and magical merriment. We promise that you’ll leave feeling
"uplifted, with jaws dropped and a beaming smile of joy", and full to
the brim of seasonal joy! But don’t just take our word on it: "Peter
Clifford is one of my favourite magicians and one of the loveliest
people I know." Derren Brown. "Peter Clifford’s love of the art
resonates throughout the field of magic bringing life and hope to us
all" David Blaine
Approximate running time 1 hour 30 minutes (no interval). Recommended
for ages 10+ (not due to any sensitive content, just attention spans!)
All tickets include a £1 booking fee. All purchases for a show at the
Alma now have a suggested donation to the theatre and inhouse company of
£2.00. You can remove this donation by changing the amount to £0.00, but
please do consider offering your generosity to help us continue to offer
great theatre at affordable prices. Alma Tavern & Theatre, 18-20 Alma
Vale Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2HY. For December dates and to book
visit
www.tickettailor.com.
9.12.23
The
Magic Hour - London's most exclusive magic show. We present premium
magic shows in the heart of London inspired by the Victorian masters of
deception and the Golden Age of Magic. Take a journey back in time to
discover a unique and memorable experience in a luxurious setting. The
Magic Hour is London's longest running 'parlour' magic show; a theatre
style show in a private drawing room for a small audience. Our capacity
is 60, so everyone is close enough to see the magician's every move. The
Magic Hour, Sheraton Grand London Park Lane, Piccadilly W1J 7BX. 9th,
10th (sold out) 15th and 17th December. See
www.magichourshow.com.
9.12.23
Last
Chance To Join. This is the final call for those wishing to attend
Mark Leveridge's one-off Zoom event on Tuesday 12th December. Called The
Best of 2022/2023, this presentation will feature a selection of the
magic, advice and moves that have been added to the E-Club Pro web pages
over the last two years. Mark will perform and explain close up effects
suitable for strolling as well as close up shows, will provide advice
regarding the use of onstage spectators and online marketing, plus will
go through some excellent coin and card moves to add finesse to your own
performances. The evening will start at 7.30pm (GMT) and you can book
your 'front row' seat now for just £10.00 by going to
www.markleveridge.co.uk.
9.12.23
Steve
Hewlett & Friends, Saturday 6th April 2024. Top TV Comedy
Ventriloquist Steve Hewlett and Friends: Fiesta - The Gloria Estefan
Tribute, The Fiesta Dancers, and Richard Griffin - Multi-award winning
magician. Saturday 6th April 2024 at Pavilion Theatre, Pier Gardens,
Gorleston, Norfolk NR31 6PP
www.gorlestonpavilion.co.uk.
9.12.23
Unbelievable - Must end January 7th. Following the extraordinary success of Derren’s recent production of Showman, Unbelievable is a magic show like no other. Fusing the best of theatre with jaw dropping illusions never before seen in the West End, Unbelievable features a New York Subway band and a company of multi-talented performers who will bring to life, live on stage, an evening of bewildering trickery, from the imagination of Derren Brown. Unbelievable was created, written and directed by UK stage and screen phenomenon Derren Brown, and long-time collaborators Andy Nyman and Andrew O’Connor. www.unbelievablelive.com. 9.12.23
High Jinx Christmas Show - Blackpool Tower Circus. Experience the magic of the holidays with the High Jinx Christmas Show at the famous Blackpool Tower Circus! Join Michael Jordan and the incredibly talented cast of High Jinx for a family-friendly Christmas extravaganza. Prepare to be amazed by mind-blowing magic, awe-inspiring circus acts, and delightful festive surprises sprinkled throughout the show. This is the perfect way to create lasting memories and celebrate the joy of the season together! 2nd December 2023 - 1st January 2024 at The Blackpool Tower Circus, Blackpool Promenade FY1 4BJ www.theblackpooltower.com. 9.12.23
Magic
Live! Las Vegas, 2024. Registration is now open. The producers
of Magic Live! work year round to find new ways to surprise you, to offer
something unexpected, to create an environment for you to share with new friends
and old — and to send everyone home inspired. Find out more and how to register
at
www.magicconvention.com/about.
9.12.23
Dynamo Beyond Belief - shows 1 to 3 are being repeated on Sky following on from the all-new 'Dynamo is Dead' which goes out on the 16th. See TV Magic for details. "Magician Dynamo cuts a casual figure as he makes a rare appearance with glamorous wife Kelly Frayne at Adidas Originals party" www.dailymail.co.uk. 9.12.23
"Roy
Keane's brilliant reaction to Dynamo's stunning magic!"
YouTube • "Being a Woman in Magic May be the Hardest Trick of All"
[subscription]
Click Here • "Magical exhibit opens at the Chinese-Canadian Museum
in Victoria"
Click Here • "From Vegas to Victoria: Illusionist Vitaly is living
the dream"
Click Here • "One Hobbyist Magician’s Disillusionment With The Magic
Castle"
Click Here • "This magician fails on stage, but recovers in the most
amazing way!"
Click Here • Thanks for your news as always, see you next week, Duncan.
9.12.23