Number
1250 - Saturday 8th June 2024
Big
congratulations to Jack Rhodes on being placed runner-up in this
year's Britain's Got Talent Final! And congratulations to magician
Trixy, on coming in sixth. Meanwhile... "Britain's Got Talent winner
celebrated in Wetherspoons" [includes full breakdown of the top ten
results]
www.bbc.co.uk. "Ulverston magician [Jack Rhodes] finishes runner-up
on Britain's Got Talent"
www.beyondradio.co.uk.
"Jack Rhodes makes Simon Cowell wear
lie-detector" The Final BGT 2024
YouTube.
"Trixy brings out mysterious surprise guest" The Final BGT 2024
YouTube.
8.6.24
Vanishing
Inc Sacramento Warehouse Fire. On June 6th Vanishing Inc
suffered a serious fire in their warehouse in Sacramento. They wrote to
newsletter subscribers: "The warehouse sadly has burned to the ground.
The roof caved in and we’re heartbroken to learn that nothing was
salvageable. Our priority—now and always—is our staff. They are family
to us, and many have been with us since our founding. We intend to be
back to work, shipping your orders, and creating the dazzling magic
you’ve come to expect from us as soon as possible.
"We have always believed that our greatest
strength as a company is in our planning. We aren’t actual mentalists,
but we have planned for eventualities just like the one we woke up to
this morning. As the ashes of our warehouse are still smoldering, we’ve
put our plan into action. We have off-site storage, a new plan for
shipping and acquisitions, and we have a plan in place to get your
orders out as fast as we possibly can. We’re also able to focus on our
digital properties: downloads, masterclass, and ebooks. For now, we
humbly ask for your understanding as our plan of action rolls into
place."
I'm sure magicians everywhere wish Joshua Jay and Andi Gladwin and the
whole team the best for a speedy recovery. DT.
8.6.24
An Evening with Michael Vincent - Bank Holiday Miracles, Saturday,
August 24th in London.
Elegant Deceptions & The Poetry of Conjuring - Come and join us for an
evening of stunning magic, compelling stories and pure astonishment.
This event is a live performance and experience of Magic from Michael
Vincent.
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 45 people. This event is being held in The
Eurythmy Room at The Rudolph Steinar House. Tickets:
www.eventbrite.co.uk.
8.6.24
Middle
Street Magic - Beeston, Nottingham, 21st & 22nd June. David Fung
writes: Join us for an enchanting evening of magic and community spirit
in Beeston. Middle Street Magic is all about bringing people together in
a fun, collaborative, and magical atmosphere. Prepare to be amazed as
local magicians showcase their talents while we connect and celebrate
our vibrant community.
The evening kicks off with close-up magic and interactive entertainment
in the wonderful foyer cafe space at Middle Street Resource Centre. This
is followed by an original show guaranteed to bring you a novel
experience of wonder. We're keen to engage with the local community and
reach those interested in magic who have not had previous opportunities
to connect. We're also keen to share and connect with other members of
the magic community with an interest in similar types of activities.
Friday June 21st & Saturday June 22nd. Doors open at 6.15pm (for pre-show hot/soft drinks and entertainment). Show starts at 7pm (75 minutes, no interval). Venue: Middle Street Resource Centre Beeston, 74 Middle Street, Beeston, Nottingham NG9 2AR. Limited tickets are available for just £6 from www.magicwonderart.com. 8.6.24
Magicians:
Home Counties Magical Society wants You! Home Counties Magical
Society (HCMS) has elected Derek Oliver as their new President. Derek
takes over from Steve Graham who recently stood down from the role. HCMS
was formed in 1947 and remains a popular club based just outside Reading
in Berkshire. Over the years it has had many distinguished members who
have gone on to great success via the 'Junior Days' (which later formed
into the Young Magicians Club of The Magic Circle) including Nic
Einhorn, Dominic Wood, and Richard Cadell to name just three. In 2024 we
want to increase our membership and would love aspiring or experienced
magicians, hobbyists, professionals or those with a genuine interest in
magic, to join us. We have lectures, competitions, sessioning evenings
and club nights, as well as social events. We meet at Maiden Place
Community Centre, Earley, Reading RG6 3HD on 1st Thursday of the month
(except July - this will be 11th). For more information email
HCMSenquiry@outlook.com or
contact Derek direct on 07917 086186.
8.6.24
The
MagicWeek Video Archive. A new magic clip or show every week! This week,
part 2 of Kevin McMahon on a 'Faking It' from 27th March 2005 with magic
mentoring from Nigel Mead, Mandy Muden and Pat Page. With Matt Edwards, David
Burgess, Ian Myers, Rosemary English, Carey Marx and Paul Daniels. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To see more from The MagicWeek Video
Archive
Click Here.
8.6.24
Bron
Ivy 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: "Bron Ivy: An expert in
using magic to portray a story, tells her story"
YouTube.
8.6.24
Merlins
of Wakefield write: It's been a few hectic weeks since our Magic
Festival Day, but we would like to thank everyone who was involved. The
performers, the Dealers, the venue, all the helpers and everyone who
came along to support the day. Next year will be our 30th Anniversary,
so watch out for details of our Magic Festival Day 2025... "Merlins
Magic Festival Day 2024 Thank You!"
YouTube. Also see
www.merlinswakefield.co.uk.
8.6.24
Kevin
Quantum "Christmas Special" With Guests - Edinburgh. Pick the best
seats and enjoy an early bird discount! After sell out shows last
Christmas, we’re delighted to announce that our Christmas Special with
Kevin Quantum and guests goes on sale early! We are back to the
wonderful Church Hill Theatre for December 2024 with more astonishing
illusions and big laughs in a riotously fun and magical Christmas show
for the whole family! Book before 30th June and save 20% with the code
MAGIC24. 23rd-24th, 27th-30th December, Church Hill Theatre, Morningside
Road, Edinburgh EH10 4DR. See
www.magicfest.co.uk.
8.6.24
Northern
Magic Circle Grand Auction, Sunday, 30th June. Brian Lead writes:
The Northern Magic Circle will be holding a Grand Auction of magic props
and books on Sunday, 30th June. Our celebrity magic boxes include a
still-sealed and signed Dynamo ‘Magikit’. Also on offer will be items
from Rodney Hawkins, and many which belonged to the late John Pye and
John Blunt... plus puzzles from the extensive collection of John
Tattersall. Maybe you fancy some old volumes of Abracadabra magazine
(including some ‘specials’), or some really well made and unique DIY
apparatus? How about a print of Chung Ling Soo or Keller, signed by the
artist? The range of books contains volumes from the library of the late
Tom Owen. Many of the lots, from the likes of Vanishing Inc et al, are
presented ‘as new’, never having been used in performance, and there
will be dozens of free magazines to take away.
Come along for what promises to be an enjoyable afternoon of traditional
Northern friendship, with complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits.
The venue is Pannal Village Hall, on the outskirts of Harrogate, on
Station Road, Pannal, Harrogate HG3 1JG. Viewing will be from 2pm, with
the sale starting at 2.30pm. Contact the organiser, Roy Field, for
further details:
royfield10@outlook.com, tel. 07903577551 or 01723891449.
8.6.24
The
Mark Leveridge June Podcast. The very latest audio podcast from Mark
Leveridge is now available, featuring the following talking points:
Discussing just what magic really is. The allure and draw of 4Fs in the
United States. How social media can make huge money for some magicians.
The importance of using spectators’ names. Introducing the E-Club Pro
Gold Pass. Adapting to your changing magical needs and aims. The trust
issues inherent in trick review comments. The reduction in attendance
numbers at many live magic events is a concern. The art of keeping the
attention of distracted spectators. There are two ways to listen to
this free 45 minute podcast. You can catch it either from
www.markleveridge.co.uk/podcast-archive, or from
www.markleveridge.podbean.com where you can also sign up to be a
follower and receive each new release automatically.
8.6.24
Ulster
Society of Magicians AGM and MagiCon 2025. James Hobart writes: At
the AGM on Monday 3rd June Darren Close took over as Chairman of The
Ulster Society of Magicians. He joins Alan Kennedy (Vice Chairman),
James Hobart (Secretary), Paula McIntyre (Treasurer), Lucie Wilson and
John Donnelly on committee together with new recruits Alan Curran and
Duncan McClune. Paul Gomac was elected Vice President and joins Fay
Presto in office already as President for a period of three years.
Initial details were also released for MagiCon 2025 which will take
place from 2nd-4th May 2025, in The Malone, Belfast. Accommodation can
now be booked for a rate of £125 per night B&B by ringing the hotel on
+4428 9038 8000 and stating that you are attending the Magic Convention.
Payment will be taken on arrival.
The first act announced to perform and lecture is Griffin & Jones - the
award winning comedy duo, making their debut at an Irish Convention.
Registration details will be released before the end of the year, but
details for payment by instalments will be announced shortly.
www.ulstersocietyofmagicians.com.
8.6.24
Merlin
Magical Society Annual Auction. John Clayton writes: On the 13th June, the
Merlin Magical Society is holding its annual Auction. Entry is free to non
members wishing to buy, with a £10 fee for members wishing to sell. Doors open
at 7.30pm for 8pm start. Merlin Magical Society, Little Heath Parish Hall,
Thornton Road, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire EN6 1JJ. For full details visit
www.merlinmagicalsociety.com/auction.
8.6.24
Michael Diamond Spiritualism Lecture - The Order of The Magi, Manchester, 11th June. Mike Sharples writes: The Order of The Magi (Manchester’s Magicians’ Society) is proud to present The Michael Diamond Spiritualism Lecture on Tuesday 11th June. This night is guaranteed to be a night that is very different from most magical lectures, split into two parts: Part 1 is a PowerPoint presentation focusing on Houdini and how he exposed mediums Eva C and Margery, with never before revealed techniques of how mediums materialised spirits. Part 2 is an examination of some antique and unusual equipment used by magicians and mediums.
The lecture will be held at The Irish World Heritage Centre, Irish Town Way, off Queens Road, Cheetham Hill, Manchester. The lecture starts 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 or call Mike Sharples on 07748 833666 8.6.24
Mind
Mangler: Member of The Tragic Circle - Liverpool & Bath. Join the
Mind Mangler as he attempts a spectacular return with his West End debut
two man solo show. Witness hilarious feats of mentalism spiral into
chaos as he attempts to read your mind, mind, mind... Following a
disastrous season in London’s West End, the Mind Mangler is heading on a
UK tour. For a guaranteed night of laugh filled magic and mind-bending
silliness that will leave you gasping for breath, do not miss the Mind
Mangler at a venue near you
www.mischiefcomedy.com.
8.6.24
Care & Share Days 20th Anniversary Tour - Sutton, 11th June.
Graham Lee writes: The first day for 2024 is organised for Tuesday 11th
June in Sutton, Surrey and will run from 10am till 5pm. We have 4 star lectures
all booked in, with over 100 years of experience within the industry between
them: David Crofts, Sally Povey, Danielle Burnige and myself Graham Lee.
Workshops are: 1, Secrets of weaving. 2, Embellishing number stacks. 3, Line
work for the real world. 4, A Romantic twist. Each workshop will last approx.
75/90 minutes.
The cost for the full day is just £45 on the early bird special, is that not
just fantastic value for money? Yes is the answer, he he. The cost will be £60
after the first 10 spaces are gone. Please book early to avoid disappointment as
numbers are limited. Any questions then please email
graham@balloonartwholesale.co.uk or to book visit:
www.balloonartwholesale.co.uk/balloons/workshops.
8.6.24
"Queen
Elizabeth II's lookalike - who featured in Naked Gun and Austin Powers -
dies at 96"
www.dailymail.co.uk. Jennette was a past member of the British Ring
of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and had a number of magic
connections.
8.6.24
"How’d
He Do That?! The Magical Mystery Show Experience"
Click Here • "Meet the magician who left his full-time
job to pursue passion of performing all over the UK"
Click Here • "Innovative Illusionist Andrew Evans Returns to The
Presidio Theatre With an All-New Show"
Click Here
• "Uri Geller returns library book 47 years late"
Click Here • "Review: The Mind Mangler has the magic formula for
laughter at Milton Keynes Theatre"
Click Here • "Abracadabra! How magic can help us understand animal
minds"
Click Here • That's all for another week. Your UK magic news and
reviews always welcomed. See you next week, Duncan.
8.6.24