Number
1247 - Saturday 18th May 2024
A
Magical Evening with Michael Vincent - Rudolf Steiner House, London,
Saturday 1st June. Elegant Deceptions & The Poetry of Conjuring -
Come and join us for an evening of stunning magic, compelling stories
and pure astonishment. Michael is celebrating 50 years as a student of
Magic. This show will feature his astonishing technical mastery,
creative storytelling and charismatic engagement with you, his audience.
The show is limited to 40 people. Saturday, June at 7.30pm-9pm at The
Eurythmy Room at Rudolf Steiner House, 35 Park Road, London NW1 6XT. For
more info and to book visit:
www.eventbrite.co.uk.
18.5.24
Laura
London Cheat - Live at The Magic Circle, Sunday 2nd June. From The
Magic Circle: Laura London is one of the world's leading close-up
magicians, and for the first time, Laura will be bringing her one-woman
show Laura London: Cheat to The Magic Circle. Laura first debuted Cheat,
which she devised and wrote herself, at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2016 and
received four and five star reviews across the board. She has since
toured this show in the UK, appearing at venues such as The Meridien
Hotel, Piccadilly and Vaulty Towers, Waterloo, as well as tours of
France and Germany and even taken the show to The Magic Castle in
Hollywood and Moonlight Studios in New York.
The show reveals the incredible story of Geraldine Hartmann, a card
shark, gambler, sleight of hand artist and of course a cheat in the
1920s. Geraldine’s passionate affair with poker, whiskey and a lover are
told through the entries of her personal journal, as are the card
cheating techniques she used to part suckers from their money. Laura
will be sharing with you the secrets of how to cheat at cards using
genuine techniques used by the hustlers of the time. Audience members
will be invited to participate in this rare opportunity to see into a
world which is notoriously secretive. Be enthralled and entertained as
Laura London lays bare the life and secrets of one of the world’s few
female card sharks. Doors 6pm Show 6.30pm. The Magic Circle, Centre for
the Magic Arts, 12 Stephenson Way, London NW1 2HD Sunday 2nd June. For
more info and to book visit
www.themagiccircle.co.uk.
18.5.24
The Enchanted Rabbit "Wizards
Weekender 2025" dates announced. 26th & 27th April 2025 at
The Gibside
Hotel, Front Street, Whickham, Newcastle upon Tyne NE16 4JG. Early bird tickets are
now on
sale! Only 100 registrations available for this small and fun magic
event, so be quick!
www.thewizardsweekend.com.
18.5.24
Britain's Got Talent 2024 - Magic Catch Up
"Trixy shocks Simon Cowell with
unbelievable magic act"
YouTube
"Arron Jones delivers brilliantly chaotic musical magic"
YouTube
"The Phantom unmasked in epic return to BGT?"
YouTube.
18.5.24
Ali
Cook: Principles of Deception - Royal & Derngate Northampton, 5th & 6th July.
As a child, acclaimed magician Ali Cook was given a copy of a 1948 book
The Principles of Deception. It was the first book to describe every type of
magic trick and now Ali is going to perform them all in one show!
Thrilling, funny and fast paced, with a script co-written by Ali Cook and Dave
Gorman, this is a magical tour de force.
5th & 6th July at Royal & Derngate Northampton, 19-21 Guildhall Road,
Northampton NN1 1DP
www.royalandderngate.co.uk.
18.5.24
Film
of Edward Victor presenting his version of the Diminishing Cards – now
available in the Davenport Film Collection. Edward Victor
(1887-1964) was well known for his skilful and entertaining magic and
hand shadows. Davenports sold his version of the Diminishing Cards,
which Victor demonstrates on this film taken by the Davenports, probably
in the 1930s. Apart from his handling of the trick, the film shows his
warm personality. Victor was also the author of some very popular books
on magic technique. Check out this and other clips in the
Film Category of The Davenport Collection or on The Davenport Film
Collection on
YouTube.
18.5.24
Director - Being your own director -
A Stagecraft Lecture with Alex McAleer - Nottingham,
3rd June. Working with a director can vastly improve and elevate
your performance but it might not be a luxury you can afford, or have
even considered before. A director can help bring out your identity on
stage, add shape and structure to your work, and allow you to be more
present and in the moment when performing. The goal of this practical
lecture is for you to leave with a set of tools and techniques to direct
your own work.
We’ll explore off-stage processes that help you define who you are on stage; how to structure an effect, a routine, an act, or a full show to get the most amount of impact and entertainment; plus practical work on stagecraft such as blocking, pacing, improvising, getting volunteers, and more. 3rd June from 7pm to 10pm in Nottingham. Tickets for all events can be found at www.bio.site/curiouscabaret. 18.5.24
Synthesis
- A Stagecraft Lecture with Fernando Figueras - Nottingham, 1st July.
In this practical lecture, Fernando will ask challenging questions and
help us to think critically about our own performances, proposing ways
to better include our audiences and to create deeper and richer
experiences for them. If you are a close-up performer or a stage
performer, this is a topic that is relevant to all.
The lecture will explore five key themes: Openers in Magic, Cause and
Effect, Choices, Evident and Obscure, Magic Dopamine & Testosterone -
the biological process of surprise. The event is designed for magicians
wishing to develop professionally and will feature practical activities,
and the opportunity for questions. There are a limited number of places
available. 1st July from 7pm to 10pm in Nottingham. Tickets for all
events can be found at
www.bio.site/curiouscabaret.
18.5.24
Creation
- Creating your own original material or show - A 'Stagecraft' Lecture
with Griffin & Jones - Nottingham, 5th August. Using effects from
their own working stage repertoire, in this lecture, Griffin & Jones
will teach you how to create and develop your own signature routines. If
you’re not a stage performer however, fear not, Griffin & Jones will
show you how these routines can and do work for close-up workers, and
obviously you don’t need to be a double act to make them work!
Griffin and Jones will do a deep dive into their work explaining not
only how they work but why they work. The aim of this lecture is
that you can all go away and create your own original routines that fit
your unique style and personality. The event is designed for magicians
wishing to develop professionally and will feature practical activities,
and the opportunity for questions. There are a limited number of places
available. 5th August from 7pm to 10pm in Nottingham. Tickets for all
events can be found at
www.bio.site/curiouscabaret.
18.5.24
FISM
Europe British Entrants. Everyone at the British Ring No. 25 of the
International Brotherhood of Magicians wishes our three members lots of
luck in FISM Europe. This takes place in Saint-Vincent, Italy, from 23rd
to 26th May. We have sponsored:
Nikola Arkane in the Stage General Magic Category.
Taylor Morgan in the Stage General Category.
The Hatter (alias Douglas Tilston) in the Close-up Parlour Magic
Category.
Philip Partridge, President of the International Brotherhood of Magicians British Ring No.25. 18.5.24
Paul
Daniels Madame Tussauds Waxwork. Chris
Cross writes:
I’m pleased to welcome a new (and rather too-freaky-for-the-house)
unique item to my Chris Cross Collection of Magic! He’s in the best place for some TLC and appreciation!
The Paul Daniels Madame Tussauds London waxwork! It stood in Wooky Hole
Caves on display for years, then the Wookey Hole Caves attraction was
purchased by circus legend Gerry Cottle.
Cottle sold off a lot of items that came with the purchase of Wooky Hole
at auction, where it was acquired by Roy Davenport and The Davenport
Family, who actually outbid Paul Daniels himself at the auction! Paul
had wanted to gift his waxwork to The Magic Circle museum.
The waxwork stood in the window of Davenport's Magic Shop in Charing Cross underground shopping arcade, London for a while and then became a magic trick itself, levitating visitors at the Davenport's Magic Kingdom! After Paul’s death, the exhibit was removed from the magic museum and then sold to me (Chris Cross) for my own collection of magical curiosities and treasures! www.theenchantedrabbit.com. 18.5.24
Exonian Magical Society Convention - Devon, 9th October. Chris Congreve has just been added to an already top lineup that includes Michael Vincent, Laura London, Paul Draper, Roy Charles and Phil Blackmore. Wednesday 9th October 2024. Registrations are limited to just 80 places and include a three-course meal. Limited accommodation is available at the convention venue, The Waie Inn, Zeal Monachorum, Crediton, Devon EX17 6DF. Featuring 4 lectures, a close-up session, workshops and a parlour show. Book early to avoid disappointment! Full Convention £65. Day only £30. Evening only £40. For full booking information email themagicofsimon@gmail.com. 18.5.24
Elliott
Bibby Lecture - The Order of The Magi, Manchester. Mike Sharples
writes: The Order of The Magi (Manchester’s Magicians’ Society) is proud
to present The Elliot Bibby lecture on Tuesday 28th May. This lecture
promises to be a full-on evening of entertainment. Elliot Bibby has
built a name for himself as being a quick and natural entertainer. An
Associate Member of The Inner Magic Circle with Silver Star, he performs
his own brand of close-up and stage magic throughout Scotland and
Internationally. Accolades include ‘The John Ramsey Rose Bowl’ for The
Best Close-up effect in Scotland, ‘Scottish Close-Up Magician of The
Year’, ‘International Brotherhood of Magicians British Ring Close-Up
Champion’, and ‘Fring World Weekly Comedy Award Winner’ in Australia.
The lecture has something for everyone and combines Elliot’s love of
visual, sleight-of-hand magic, with his own unique fast paced style. He
has been the resident magician in one of the top nightclub/bars in
Edinburgh for 7 years and has also worked on and off stage at the
Edinburgh Fringe Festival for the past 13 years.
The lecture will be held at The Irish World Heritage Centre, Irish Town
Way, off Queens Road, Cheetham Hill, Manchester on 28th May at 7.30pm.
Visiting magicians are welcome for an entry fee of £10.00 payable on the
night. Guests to have approved permission from the Secretary or
President prior to the evening. For more information, please see the
website www.orderofthemagi.co.uk. Future dates for the Magi: 11th June:
Michael Diamond presents his Spiritualism Lecture and 25th June: Lord
Harri presents his Organised Chaos Lecture.
18.5.24
René
Mazing's magic 'n comedy show Disappearing Tonight - Brighton Fringe
Festival. An evening of hilarious magic and unbelievable comedy with
Germany's second-funniest magician. René is both Austrian and German
comedy-magic champion, Member of The Magic Circle (AIMC) and appeared on
Britain's got Talent in 2020 and at The Magic Castle, Hollywood.
Six nights only from 28th May to 2nd June, daily at 6.45pm, except 1st June (5.30pm at The Caxton Arms) Tickets £8–£9.50 (concs £7–£7.50). Venue: Bleach (upstairs at the Hare and Hounds), 75 London Road, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4JF, and 1st June (5.30pm at The Caxton Arms, 36 North Gardens, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 3LB). Tickets via Brighton Fringe box office www.brightonfringe.org also see www.renemagic.com. 18.5.24
The
Magic Wand with Three Ends - Brighton Fringe Festival. A magic show
for the whole family with Germany's second-funniest magician. René is
both Austrian and German comedy magic champion, Member of The Magic
Circle (AIMC) and appeared on Britain's got Talent in 2020 and The Magic
Castle. Suitable for ages 4 1/2 –11. 28th May until 2nd June, daily at
3pm (approx 50 minutes) Tickets £9.00 (concs £7.00). Venue: Presuming
Ed's, 114-115, London Road, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4JG. Tickets
via Brighton Fringe box office
www.brightonfringe.org also see
www.renemagic.com.
18.5.24
Jack
Rhodes 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: "Jack Rhodes - The
incredible journey to becoming a full time YouTube Magician"
YouTube.
18.5.24
The
MagicWeek Video Archive. A new magic clip or show every week! This week,
Paul Daniels on 'The Paul Daniels Magic Show 1985' from 21st September 1985. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To see more from The MagicWeek Video
Archive
Click Here.
18.5.24
Steve
Dela's done it again! Sue Oakley writes: On Wednesday 15th May, the
Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians held their annual Stage Competition
for the Tony Shelley Cup. There were 7 competitors and the worthy winner
was Steve Dela, who was delighted to receive his 27th magic trophy. He's
pictured here with president Robert Doyle.
18.5.24
Co-inci-mental
is back. After several years of being unavailable, Mark Leveridge's
simple version of the classic You Do As I Do plot has been adapted and
re-introduced, now as a downloadable TricKlipXtra Video. Two identical
sets of 26 cards are brought out, one set having red backs, the other
blue. A spectator shuffles the blue set, while the magician mixes the
red, and then both are ribbon spread face down across the table. The
magician reaches across and pulls out one of the cards from the
spectator’s blue backed set and drops it on the top of the blue pile.
The spectator then randomly pulls out any of the performer’s red backed
cards and drops it on the top of the red pile. Both halves are then
collected and squared and left on the table.
Despite the fact that both halves were thoroughly shuffled, that both
cards were selected sight unseen with the cards face down, and that the
performer chose his before the spectator did, when the two top
cards are turned over, they match! This is quite a coincidence, but even
more amazing is that both piles are now flipped face up and ribbon
spread to reveal that the two chosen cards are the only black suit cards
in an otherwise entirely red suit collection! The video instructions for
this routine cost just £7.00 and are available from
www.markleveridge.co.uk.
18.5.24
52/ACAAN
App – Available now in the App Store. Ben Howard writes: 52/ACAAN
allows you to perform one of the easiest and cleanest Any Card at Any
Number effects out there. Simply perform one sleight and pass the deck to
the spectator. The app has comprehensive customisable settings for
practicing and performing. Effect: The spectator names any card and any
number. The performer hands the deck to the spectator who can then count
down to the named position to find their named card. This is exactly how
it looks and is performed from the spectator's view!
FAQs and full transparency: The effect is reset simply by cutting the
deck. The phone can either be in view or in your pocket. There is a
built in 'out' within the settings if it is ever needed. Only available
on IOS – an apple watch version is being worked on. Both video and
written instructions within the app. Only £4.99 from the App Store:
www.apps.apple.com.
18.5.24
Staged
- Out Now! Wayne
Slater, aka El Loco, writes:
My latest book, Staged, not only covers my 40 year journey as a stage
performer, but through the eyes of a comedy speciality act I will show
you stage performance from a different perspective.
From overture to ovation I will explain in depth how I built three
comedy spec-acts by combining the arts of visual comedy, emotional
tagging and mime.
How to engage an audience before you take to the stage; create the right hook; the right props and music. All from a performer who completed more than 4,000 shows worldwide, without speaking one single word whilst on stage. Presented in A4, this coffee table book is accompanied by diagrams and photos of my original and highly creative props and collectibles. You can view the reviews on Amazon: www.amazon.co.uk. 18.5.24
Potter
& Potter Magic Auction, 8th June. Featuring the collection of Peter
Hackhofer to include premier Antique Magicana from legacy illusion shows
of yesteryear. Potter & Potter Auctions is pleased to announce this 435
lot sale to be held on June 8th. This event will be held live at Potter
& Potter's gallery, located at 5001 W. Belmont Avenue in Chicago and
streamed, on the company's website:
www.potterauctions.com.
18.5.24
This
world-famous, mind-bending Museum of Illusions is coming to Manchester,
writes Laura Ellis for Secret Manchester... The Museum of Illusions has
proven hugely popular in the USA, and now, Manchester is set to be the
first place in the UK to see it for themselves. Read the full artcle in
www.secretmanchester.com.
18.5.24
"Young
BGT magician includes Ilkley in tour"
Click Here • "Magic Stars: Jang Hang-jun, Jin Seon-gyu, Han Hye-jin, Luis de
Matos... ‘The Magic Star’, star jersey lineup revealed"
Click Here [use Google Translate] • "NI magician on performing for her
heroes Penn and Teller in Vegas for TV show: ‘Magic is my life’" [subscription]
Click Here • "‘I honest to God believe I was drugged’: magician David
Copperfield’s alleged victims speak out"
Click Here • "Magician David Copperfield blasts ‘false and implausible’
allegations after 16 women accuse him of sexual misconduct"
Click Here • "World-famous illusionists announce Halifax date ahead of Las
Vegas residency"
Click Here • "Stephen Mulhern: the magic trick that helped me befriend Ant &
Dec"
Click Here • "Magic and stunt show for all ages coming to Winchester"
Click Here • That's about it for this week, your UK magic news is always
welcomed, see you next week, Duncan.
18.5.24