Number
1246 - Saturday 11th May 2024
Merlins
Magic Festival Day - Barnsley, next Sunday, 19th May. This year's
lineup features three amazing lectures by Graeme Shaw, Chris Congreave
and John Morton. Highlights include a unique talk on the Houdini Water
Torture Cell and hands-on workshops led by Kev Mark Johnson and Rob
Shearsby. Dealers include Merlins, Brian Berry, Enchanted Rabbit, Mohawk
Magic, Dark Artefacts, Magicbox, Chris Congreave and John Morton.
Complimentary tea and parking is also included. A fantastic evening Gala
Show is part of the full package. If you opt for the full event, a
surprise awaits in the form of a 'Merlins Goody Bag', packed with magic
worth more than the event's price. Secure your tickets now, see:
www.merlinswakefield.co.uk. Day 9.30am - 5.30pm. Evening 70pm -
9.30pm. The Academy Theatre, Birdwell, Barnsley S70 5TU
www.academytheatre.uk.
11.5.24
Trix 2024 - Stoke on Trent,
next Monday & Tuesday, 20th & 21st May. From the organisers: Trix in
the Stix is the fun convention for Family Entertainers. It’s a convention like
no other with a truly amazing lineup of talent! See Eric Leclerc, Dan Harlan,
Adrian Carratala, Becky Kitter, Sam Fitton, Pat Fallon, Dov Citron and
Skittleman. See them perform and lecture at Trix 2024 in our new home,
DoubleTree by Hilton, Festival Way, Stoke on Trent ST1 5BQ. 20th & 21st May
2024. Tickets £75. For more details and to book tickets go to
www.trixinthestix.uk.
11.5.24
The
Magicians Table: London's first carnival-themed, immersive close-up magic
experience to open in September. Set in the private warehouse of a recently
deceased carnival owner, audience members will be treated to close-up magic from
the UK’s finest magicians, all while being served incredible cocktails to the
sounds of live music, engaging in a tale of love, loss and mystery. It’s an
experience you will never forget. Sign up now for access to the advance secret
sale and early bird tickets:
www.magicianstablelive.com.
11.5.24
Magic
Circle Convention - tomorrow, Sunday 12th May in London! From the organisers: There are just a few
tickets left for The Magic Circle's 3rd Annual
Convention on May 12th, held the prestigious Magic Circle HQ, nestled in the
heart of London on Stephenson Way. Experience The Magic Dealers Emporium with
Pro Magic Academy, Ben Williams, Stellar Magic Shop, Mark Chandeau, Trik Trik
Boom, Thomas Moore, George Kovari, Pocket Miracles, Monster Magic, Pat Page
Magic, GRUM, Frostie Enertainment, Alakazam, International Magic, Craig Petty,
Castle Magic Services, Mark Bennett, Sean Goodman, Sirus Magic, Jacmagic,
Rubik’s Cube Magician, DTrick and Custom Card Tables, split over two rooms and all conveniently located at The
Wesley Hotel, just behind the HQ from 10am -6pm. Admission to just the Magic
Emporium is free for Magic Circle members and only £5 for non-members (pay on
the door).
For the full convention enjoy performances from world class magicians, including the legendary King of Close-up Magic Mr Michael Vincent, witness the amazing pickpocketing skills of James Freedman and be blown away by the stars of stage and screen, Richard Griffin and Rya Hayashi, and, to top it all off, we have Magic Royalty - the lovely and legendary Debbie McGee!
Whether you're a member or non-member, there are still a few
convention tickets left, for what is going to be a sensational day of magic. To purchase
your tickets
Click Here.
11.5.24
Paul
Zenon: Trust Me! Tales from a travelling trickster. 18th & 19th May. The
UK's oldest juvenile delinquent, sultan of street magic, multi-award-winning
lounge wizard and scourge of the psychics is back - honest. Paul is the author
of three books and has made several hundred TV appearances including several
network one-man specials - look 'em up.
"The consummate showman - slick & engaging, warm - faultless" Chortle
"His deceptive self-deprecation belies the inventive precision of his stunts and
the sharpness of his warm wit" The Guardian
"He really is a master of his craft. Top drawer stand-up. Skilled and generous
storyteller. Zenon is both the tricks and the show" FringeReview.com
"He has the wonderful talent of being very funny, and also the brilliant skill
of his magic - quite unique" Don Ward, Founder, The Comedy Store
Brighton Spiegeltent 2024, Old Steine Gardens, Brighton BN1 1EH. Saturday 18th May and Sunday 19th May. See www.tickets.brightonspiegeltent.com. 11.5.24
Radio
Magic newsletter launches. Ian Fenn AIMC has launched an email list for
magicians interested in performing magic on the radio. Subscribers receive
curated links to captivating radio magic performances, and concise guides on how
to combine trickery with airwaves. Paid subscribers will also receive exclusive
material linked to the forthcoming Ian Fenn / Arthur Setterington book "Magic on
the Air." Sign up at
www.radiomagic.co.uk.
11.5.24
Northern
Magic Circle President's Dinner & Events. From the organisers: Doug Gregg
invites you to join him for his President's Dinner & Events on Saturday evening,
19th October, and Sunday morning 20th October at the
Derby Mickleover Hotel, Etwall Road, Mickleover, Derby DE3 0XX
(complimentary parking if your vehicle is registered at reception on arrival).
Special discounted rooms at £95 per double or single room, including breakfast.
Telephone: 0330 028 3404. Email:
reservations@lghhm.com.
Saturday dinner includes a three choice, three course menu and top line Cabaret.
Sunday morning includes a presentation of Tenyo Magic followed by videos of
famous magicians of the past. All Inclusive ticket price: £50 per person.
Contact Doug Gregg on 07811 614 945 or by email
douggregg@gmail.com.
11.5.24
John
Morton Lecture - Zodiac Magical Society, London, 15th May. Donato Capitella
writes: On 15th May the Zodiac Magical Society in London will be hosting a
lecture by John Morton. This is an extremely rare chance to see John Morton
lecture in London. The creator of the Blackpool Convention sell-out Imposter,
John makes hard hitting fun magic that has been worked in and packs a punch. His
stuff slays. This event will take place on Wednesday, May 15th from 8pm-10pm at
our club room located just a five-minute walk from the Northfields Tube station
on the Piccadilly Line. There is a £10 charge for visitors, you need to email
membership@zodiacmagicalsociety.co.uk to let us know that you are coming as
soon as possible, as we have limited places. You can follow us on Instagram at
@zodiacmagicalsociety for updates.
11.5.24
Henry
Ferris 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: "Henry Ferris on
creating the trick of the Blackpool magic Convention at only 14, and more"
YouTube.
11.5.24
The
MagicWeek Video Archive. A new magic clip or show every week! This week,
Illusionist Clifford Bradley on 'The Hidden Camera Show' with host
Ainsley Harriott from 25th September 1999. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To see more from The MagicWeek Video
Archive
Click Here.
11.5.24
New
From Mark Leveridge Magic. Here are the latest additions to the Select range
of downloadable video routines. 1. Battery Pack. The magician picks up
card box as if to demonstrate a card trick and discovers that it rattles!
Opening it, he tips from within four 3 volt circular batteries! Taking one of
the batteries into his fist, he squeezes it and on opening the hand it is seen
to have changed to a more powerful AAA battery. Holding this battery at
fingertips, the performer passes his other hand across it and causes it to
visibly change to a larger AA battery. Finally, he clasps his two empty hands
together and on parting them reveals that now a square 9 volt battery has
magically appeared! No gimmicks required, just a card box and a few batteries
plus some low level sleight of hand.
2. Table Hopper's Coin Into Bottle. A small plastic tub with a tight push
on lid is shown, opened, and a collection of coins tipped from inside. The
performer and a spectator each put their initials on self adhesive round stickers
which are attached to one of the coins. The rest of the coins are returned to
the tub and the lid is pushed back on. Taking the marked coin into his hand the
performer strikes it against the bottom of the container, immediately showing
that both his hands are empty. The tub is handed to a spectator who prises off
the lid, and on tipping out the coins from within, discovers the marked coin is
also inside there. No gimmicks required, this is a practical version of the
classic coin into bottle which is suitable for table work. Each download costs
just £7.00 (£3.50 for members of E-Club Pro). To watch dems and to order go to
www.markleveridge.co.uk.
11.5.24
49th
Annual Covent Garden May Fayre & Puppet Festival, tomorrow, Sunday 12th May.
Celebrating Mr Punch’s 362nd Anniversary. Sunday 12th May at St Paul’s Church
Garden, Bedford Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9ED. Punch & Judy Professors
and Puppeteers from all over the country and abroad gather to perform in the
Garden of St Paul’s Church on the second Sunday in May near the spot where
Samuel Pepys first recorded sighting Mr Punch in May 1662. Admission is Free.
The day starts at 11am with a Grand Procession around the neighbourhood led by
the Superior Brass Band. At 12 noon there is a Special Church Service with Mr
Punch in the pulpit, followed by Shows, Stalls and Workshops, Folk Music and
Maypole Dancing. The British Puppet and Model Theatre Guild, The Punch & Judy
Fellowship and the Punch & Judy Club will all be represented alongside local
community groups including the Covent Garden Community Association. The day ends
at 5.30pm. See
www.alternativearts.org.uk.
11.5.24
Max
Magic: The Incredible Holiday Hideout by Stephen Mulhern. Max Mullers is
ready to take his magic skills to the next level. Then the news hits that the
no-good Crayfish Twins have broken out of jail and are ready to get their
revenge on Max and his friends. Luckily, Max and the gang are heading to the
incredible Bupkins holiday resort for a week of seaside fun - it's the perfect
place to lie low. But staying out of the spotlight doesn't come naturally to
Max, and he's soon grabbing attention at Popkins with his magic and mischief -
and not in a good way! Max and his friends have managed to escape some sticky
situations in the past, but will they be able to stay one step ahead of trouble
this time? Engaging black-and-white illustrations throughout and a
dyslexic-friendly layout make this perfect for every child. Don't miss Max's
latest magic-filled adventure - from Stephen Mulhern and Tom Easton, with
illustrations by Begoña Fernández Corbalán. Book 3 in the series. Order via
Amazon.co.uk.
"Stephen Mulhern's rise from teen magician to successful TV host"
www.dailymail.co.uk.
11.5.24
Scott Silven: Wonders - Brighton Festival, this weekend.
From the promoter: Scott Silven: Wonders, a mesmerising performance that
reaches far beyond a traditional magic show. Direct from New York and following
a sold-out international tour, world-renowned illusionist, mentalist, and
performance artist Scott Silven brings his unique form of theatrical enchantment
to Brighton Festival for the first time.
Inspired by the movies of Alfred Hitchcock and fascinated with the enigmatic and
unexplainable, the mood is set. Let your guard down and embrace Wonders, a
shared journey through Silven’s childhood in the lowlands of Scotland and the
mysteries that can be conjured through the power of our own imagination.
Silven is a modern-day marvel, pushing the boundaries of the illusionist craft
by creating stylish, smart, and uniquely immersive performances that have
mesmerised audiences across the globe. Let him expertly guide you through an
interactive experience that explores the power of human connection through a
series of breathtaking illusions. Silven leads his audiences to a place that
suggests untold possibilities, a place that challenges perceptions; a place that
allows them to look at the world, and themselves, in an extraordinary way. You
will leave feeling different. "Wow. Wow. Wow. Silven will leave your mouth
agape." New York Times. "Even non-believers, like myself, will be blow
away by the artistry." Melbourne Time Out. For more info and to book visit
www.brightonfestival.org. Also see
YouTube.
Bradley Walsh: Comedy Legends. Bradley explores the world of stand-up, talking about his own experiences before celebrating the routines and comedians that influenced him as well as those he thinks are geniuses, from Tommy Cooper and Bob Monkhouse to Caroline Aherne and Lee Mack. Bradley also explores the shock tactics of Jimmy Carr and the storytelling prowess of Billy Connolly and Victoria Wood. Repeat. Saturday 18th May on Channel 5. See TV Magic for details. 11.5.24
"Magician,
comedian, and ventriloquist Paul Zerdin comes to Maidenhead"
Click Here • "Award Winning Spanish Magician Fools Penn And Teller With...
Yogurt"
Click Here • "ITV Britain's Got Talent 'rockstar magician' from Grimsby gets
red buzzer from Simon in 'chaotic' performance"
Click Here • "I’m the only magician to win Britain’s Got Talent – here’s why
this year’s magic act Jack Rhodes has a huge advantage"
Click Here • "Master illusionist will be a Brighton Festival highlight"
Click Here • Paul Sturgess reviews Chris Wood's recent lecture for South
Downs Magicians
Click
Here • "'Spirited Away' review – the sheer scope of this magical Studio
Ghibli adaptation is thrilling"
Click Here [We went to see it last Saturday - it's a beautiful production
with a number of actual magic effects, seamlessly woven in.] • That's it!
Your UK magic news is always welcome. See you next week, Duncan.
11.5.24