Number
1252 - Saturday 22nd June 2024
Jamie Allan prepares to Amaze at Marylebone Theatre, London.
Magician Jamie Allan triumphantly returns to London after a sold-out
residency in Chicago,
bringing his critically-acclaimed show Amaze to Marylebone
Theatre from Thursday 25th July to Saturday 24th August, marking his
first UK performances in over seven years. Combining state-of-the-art
technology with timeless conjuring techniques, Amaze is a
story-driven magic show that puts the wonder directly into the hands of
the audience and makes them feel part of the magic.
Known the world over as an innovative and groundbreaking high-tech
magician, Jamie Allan has sold millions of dollars in tickets worldwide
and smashed box office records. He premiered his groundbreaking iMagic
creation on ITV's This Morning in 1995 as a teenager, captivating
audiences with his innovative approach. Since then, Jamie has continued
to push the boundaries of modern illusions, incorporating holograms,
laser beams, 3D video mapping, and interactive social media to engage
and amaze spectators.
Jamie starred in the West End show Impossible and toured the UK for
three consecutive years with his award-winning production iMagician,
which opened at the Garrick Theatre in London’s West End in 2015.
iMagician made its US debut in 2018, becoming the highest-selling
magic show ever in Chicago during his residency at the 1,525-seat Harris
Theatre. In 2021, Jamie co-created Illusionarium and Magic
Immersive to critical acclaim. His book
Everything, published in
2023, received widespread acclaim within the magic industry.
Jamie Allan said: "London boasts a rich tradition of magic, and I am
beyond excited to bring Amaze back to my home city after so many
years in the USA. My life's mission has always been to create wonder and
escapism, but this show is special; it also deeply touches the emotions.
Unusually for a magic show, so much of Amaze is rooted in truth.
This is the show and the story I have always dreamed of sharing, and now
I am thrilled to finally present it here in London."
Amaze is co-created by Jamie Allan and Tommy Bond. It is directed by
Jonathan Goodwin and produced by Corey Ross with executive producer
Steve Sterling. The show’s creative consultant is Harry De Cruz. Clare
Nordbruch is senior creative designer, Natalia Love is company stage
manager, and Joe Wenborne is The Believer.
"A masterclass in magic performance as emotional engagement" - Chicago Tribune. Age recommendation: Appropriate for ages 5 and up. For more information and to book visit www.amazemagic.com. 22.6.24
Rhythm & Ruse
opens on 29th August in London.
Dive into the mystical world of the occult at Rhythm & Ruse, situated
within the legendary Vaults in Waterloo. Set to unveil its secrets on
August 29th, this clandestine secret society of magicians promises an
unforgettable evening of revelry in an immersive experience unlike any
other. Expect magic, captivating live jazz, and sultry cabaret
performances from some of London’s top immersive talent, all accompanied
by free-flowing cocktails from the award-winning Tom Savano.
Residing in the dimly lit arches of Waterloo, Rhythm & Ruse invites guests
on a journey to discover the magic of the Jazz Age, where unmarked doors
and whispered passwords unlock a world of mystery and glamour. A night
of close-up magic, live jazz and unlimited prohibition cocktails awaits,
with charming hosts spinning tales and cracking jokes throughout. Amidst
the flickering candlelight, nine magicians will subtly weave between
tables, each offering their unique brand of close-up magic. Guests will
delight as they witness a variety of mesmerising tricks up close, with
the assurance that each visit promises a fresh and different experience.
Meanwhile, large-scale illusions and captivating cabaret performances
will unfold onstage, adding to the enchantment of the evening.
Under the direction of Fania Grigoriou, a longtime collaborator with
Punchdrunk since 2013, and brought to life by Mallory Gracenin and Sam
Booth, esteemed figures from Punchdrunk's Burnt City and other
international immersive productions, Rhythm & Ruse emerges as an original
concept show crafted and performed by an expert team with extensive
experience in immersive theatre worldwide. Additionally, Naomi Banks,
one of the most exciting talents to emerge from London’s burgeoning Neo
Soul and Jazz scene, lends her musical direction to the production.
Rhythm & Ruse, The Vaults Theatre, Lancelot Street, London SE1 7AD.
Thursday and Friday showtimes 5.30pm and 9.30pm,
Saturday and Sunday showtimes 3.30pm and 7pm. See
www.rhythmandruse.com.
22.6.24
Conjuring
at the Court - Thursday 11th July, London. From the organisers:
Conjuring at the Court returns on Thursday 11th July with a show packed
with comedy and magic! Andy Clockwise is full of energy and fun. A
professional magician and magical inventor, he's performed at thousands
of events and is a regular on P&O Cruises. Graham Jolley is one of the
most successful cabaret entertainers in the UK. A mindreader with an
acerbic wit, he even managed to fool Penn & Teller. The wonderful
vintage magic of Norvil & Josephine turns on its head the classic idea
of a magician and his assistant. A superb combination of magic show and
variety act, the duo have performed all over the world. Unique, likeable
and very naughty too - that's Mandy Muden according to Simon Cowell.
With a striking personality and razor-sharp wit, Mandy's uniquely
entertaining combination of comedy and magic has won her widespread
success and recognition. Your host is the frequently baffling Russell
Levinson.
Conjuring at the Court, Drayton Court, 2 The Avenue, West Ealing, London W13 8PH. Just 12 minutes from Central London: take the West Ealing train from Paddington, or by tube on the Elizabeth Line to West Ealing, and the pub is 2 minutes walk from the station. Parking is free from 6.30pm. Book now at www.conjuringatthecourt.com. 22.6.24
Etienne Pradier: The French Magician
at Brasserie Zédel, London, on Tuesday 9th July.
Using his wit and French charm, Étienne Pradier creates a relaxed
atmosphere performing interactive close-up magic using everyday objects
and audience participation.
Etienne’s show will involve audience participation and he will be
performing with borrowed objects (rings, banknotes, bottles...) for an
entertaining mix of magic, mind reading, comedy, and je ne sais quoi...
You are guaranteed to be amused, bemused and to laugh-out-loud.
With a special guest to be discovered on the night. Crazy Coqs at
Brasserie Zédel, London. See
www.brasseriezedel.com.
22.6.24
Edward
Hilsum: Silver - next Sunday, 30th June, at The Magic Circle, London. From
the promoter:
On Sunday 30th June, the most exclusive private members’ club for the
world’s greatest magicians, will open its doors for a very special
event. Guests will witness amazing sleight of
hand miracles while making a complimentary glass of bubbly disappear!
You'll learn some of the fascinating history of mystery as you tour the
rooms and museum, all packed with one of the largest magical collections
in the world, that includes exhibits from magic stars like Penn &
Teller, Tommy Cooper and Houdini.
Then climb the floating spiral staircase to one of London’s best kept
secrets, The Magic Circle Theatre, where a lucky few will experience a
full evening show featuring James Freedman, "the world’s number one
pickpocket" (Time Out) and starring Edward Hilsum, who will "make you
believe in real magic" (Dynamo).
Edward starred in the spectacular Champions of Magic show and spent
months on the road with trucks of equipment, entertaining tens of
thousands across the UK and America. This success led to his West End
debut, starring in Wonderville at London’s Palace Theatre. Now the
"hugely gifted British talent" (Katherine Ryan) is getting back to
basics, leaving behind the pyrotechnics and paraphernalia to reveal
"absolutely beautiful illusions" (Broadway Baby) and "immaculate sleight
of hand" (The Magic Circle) with this special evening for a maximum of
150 guests.
Strictly one night only, this is a rare opportunity to experience the
astonishing magic that led Edward to win all three of The Magic Circle’s
competitions, the only person to have achieved this remarkable hat-trick
since the club was founded in 1905.
Trailer & Tickets:
www.edwardhilsum.com/silver-tmc.
1.6.24
John
Hotowka - 'Close Up That Paid (Off) My Mortgage' - York Magic Circle,
1st July. Gren Dowson writes: Join the author of 'Everything You
Wanted To Know About Table Hopping But Were Afraid to Ask' for an evening of routines
that John has honed over 35 years, performing to
every type of audience you can think off. You'll learn all the 'wrinkles'
and theatre of performing close-up, under fire, and under all
conditions.
You’ll learn: magic with cards, coins, finger rings and even ink, that’s
right ink. And a couple of routines of how John uses magic to promote a company
or sponsor. How he stops prospective clients walking past his exhibition
stand at wedding fairs, how he engages them and the script he uses to
increase his chances of getting booked.
As a bonus you’ll learn his trade show closer, the routine that
corporates booked him for, show after show, over 20 years because it gathered
the crowds and the exhibition delegates and prospective clients always
remembered the client's name and what they offered.
These are the close-up routines he still uses professionally today and
they really did help him pay off his mortgage many years ago.
Monday 1st July at 7.30pm at York Magic Circle, York & District Indoor Bowls Club, 302 Thanet Road, Dringhouses, York YO24 2NW. Doors open at 7pm for at 7.30pm start. Free parking available in the club car park with disabled access. Bar will be open for drinks throughout the evening. Non-YMS members £5 on the door. 22.6.24
The
MagicWeek Video Archive. A new magic clip or show every week! This week Paul
Daniels in his weekly 'House of Cards' slot from The Paul Daniels Magic Show on
21st September 1985. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To see more from The MagicWeek Video
Archive
Click Here.
22.6.24
Travis
Perkins Assembly - Ferrybridge Day of Magic, Sunday 7th July. Travis
Perkins is pleased to make its first announcement of performers and
lecturers who will be at the day. We are very excited to have the
incredible Craig Petty, the mind blowing Matt Clewley, and the
multi-talented YouTube sensation as seen on Britain's Got Talent Ryland
Petty, joining us for the day. More performers to be announced soon!
Ferrybridge Day of Magic: Sunday 7th of July 2024. The venue is The Community Centre, The Square, Ferrybridge, West Yorkshire WF11 8PQ. Doors open at 9.45am and the day ends at 5pm. For more information please visit our Facebook page Ferrybridge Day of Magic or email Michael Shepherd gmfs@shepherdholdings.co.uk or Danny Hunt info@amethystmagic.com. 22.6.24
Rob
Colman 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: "Rob Colman talks Custom
Card Tables"
YouTube.
22.6.24
The Magic Show - The Return of The
Glittering Prince of Magic Starring Liam A Black.
Winner of Best Show in the Spirit of the Fringe 2022. Liam A Black stars as The
Glittering Prince of Magic. Featuring dysfunctional comedy magic,
unwanted musical numbers, extravagant costumes and glittery old nonsense
direct from Vegas!
Appearing at The Liquid Rooms 8.45pm nightly during the Fringe, except
Mondays.
Pay what you like with PHB Fringe. See
www.tickets.edfringe.com.
22.6.24
Merlins
Mail Out Now! Merlins latest 20 page Summer Mail is now available as a
PDF featuring their latest magic, offers and exclusives, just
Click Here to download a copy. If you
would like a printed copy, email them your address and they will send
you a free paper copy (UK only) merlins@btconnect.com.
www.merlinswakefield.co.uk.
22.6.24
Science
of Magic Association 2024 Conference, Las Vegas. From the
organisers: We are delighted to announce that the 4th (semi) biannual
SoMA international conference will be taking place on November 12th &
13th, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event will take place at the Golden
Nugget Casino, bringing together academics, researchers, and magicians
from around the world and featuring top keynote speakers, presentations
on recent research, a poster session, and a gala show.
We welcome presentations from across disciplines that are themed around
rigorous research or theory directed toward understanding the nature,
function, and underlying mechanisms of magic and illusion. We also
invite submissions from practitioners who have applied principles of
theatrical magic in unique settings. SoMA is an inclusive organization
that welcomes members with diverse backgrounds and across multiple
disciplines including science and technology, humanities, practicing
magicians, and individuals who are simply interested in science and
magic.
Invited speakers, with more to be announced, include:
Teller, attending (and, perhaps ironically, speaking) as this year’s Guest of Honor.
Prof. Thalia Goldstein: Director of Applied Developmental Psychology at George Mason University.
Carisa Hendrix: Multi-award winning comedy entertainer and magician.
Prof. Chris Goto-Jones: Professor in Philosophy at the University of Victoria and author of Conjuring Asia.
Plus a Special Symposium with Jeff McBride and the Magic & Mystery School.
For more information and to register visit www.scienceofmagicassoc.org. 22.6.24
South Downs Magicians Secondhand Magic
Sale.
Nicky Lewis writes: On
Sunday 3rd November 2024 at Handcross Parish Hall, Handcross, West Sussex
RH17 6BJ.
Sellers from 8am-2pm. Buyers 9am-1pm. Tables at £15 with maximum two
sellers per stall.
Contact Tony Hoare 01403 267833 or Nicky Lewis 01903 532413 for full
details.
22.6.24
Liverpool Mahatma Magic Circle - Magic
Auction, 3rd July.
Matthew Gill writes:
Liverpool Mahatma Magic Circle will hold an auction night on Wednesday
3rd July at 8pm (doors open at 7.30pm).
The venue is St Stephen’s Church Hall, Hightown, Liverpool L38 0BL.
If you have a large number of items to sell please email
Liverpool.Mahatma.Secretary@outlook.com.
22.6.24
Northern
Magic Circle Grand Auction, next Sunday 30th June. Brian Lead
writes: More lots continue to be added to our collection of celebrity magic
boxes, puzzles, signed prints and historic magazines. Also on offer will be some
exceptionally well made and unique DIY apparatus. Many items from top dealers
are in pristine condition, 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. 22.6.24
The
Mark Leveridge Chatter Blog. Starting way back in September 1992,
the Mark Leveridge monthly blog has been published, on time and without
missing a month, for almost 32 years and in that time Mark has given
opinion on a huge array of varied magical topics. Here are the subjects
covered in the last 12 months: Breaking Down The Fourth Wall. Why
Mistakes Can Be Helpful. AI – Revolutionising Magical Content Creation?
The Importance Of Ongoing Magical Influences. Magical Ignoramuses.
Nothing Stays The Same, So Embrace The Changes. Being ‘Busy’ Is Not
Everything. Perfection Is Overrated. Is There Any Point...? When Live
Show Practising Is Unavoidable. Assessing Magical Risks. The Polarising
of TV Magic. Each blog takes just a few minutes to read and provides
countless fascinating insights. You can access the latest additions for
free at
www.markleveridge.co.uk/blog, and if you enjoy reading them and
would like more, you can also download every blog right back to the very
first one at
www.markleveridge.co.uk/blog/chatter-archive.
22.6.24
Lord Harri's Organised Chaos Lecture - The Order of The Magi, Manchester, 25th June. The lecture promises to have something for everyone. Harri has been recognised by some the most well-known names in commercial magic today. To be held at The Irish World Heritage Centre, Irish Town Way, off Queens Road, Cheetham Hill, Manchester 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 contact Mike Sharples Secretary and Treasurer on 0774 8833666. 22.6.24
Middle
Street Magic - Beeston, Nottingham, tonight! 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. 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.
22.6.24
Kojak - 60 Miles to Hell. "Crocker is kidnapped along with a female magician while in Las Vegas to arrest a suspect. Theo joins forces with the illusionist's twin sister to save them. Liberace guest stars." 2.40pm on Wednesday 26th June on ITV4. See TV Magic. 22.6.24
"How a childhood Christmas present led to a magical life"
Click Here • "Photos: Inside Rehearsal For Principles of
Deception at Royal and Derngate, Northampton"
Click Here • "Descendant of Nostradamus - and the self-proclaimed
'greatest magician in the world' reveals his bold Euro 2024 predictions"
Click Here • "I'm on a mission to perform magic around the world"
Click Here • "Watch: This BC magician wants to show you a few
tricks"
Click Here • "Australian illusionist Cosentino at St James in
November"
Click
Here • "Paranormal Illusionist: Ghosts of the Banshee"
Click Here • Two Andy Nyman shows: "Ghost Stories to embark on
national tour"
Click Here
and "Hello Dolly at The London Palladium"
Click Here • There's a nice,
albeit brief, reference to Doug Henning and his help with special
effects in the 'Life After the Navigator' documentary now showing on
Amazon Prime • And finally, it's not magic, but it's not rocket science
either (take note Elon Musk et al) "Millionaire builds 99 tiny homes to help his community"
YouTube • Many thanks to everyone who submitted news this week.
Magic is thriving! See you next week, Duncan.
22.6.24