Number
1253 - Saturday 29th June 2024
Illusionist
Rick Thomas: Mansion of Dreams - Blackpool Magic Convention 2025.
From the convention team:
Mansion of Dreams is multi-award-winning Master Illusionist Rick
Thomas's crowning achievement. Stunning magic, comedy, exquisite dance
and an inspiring story... woven into one of the most amazing productions
ever to be seen! High honors include the coveted "Magician of the Year"
award from the Academy of Magical Arts and World Magic Awards "Stage"
award, in the 1999 "World Magic Awards" TV special, broadcast on the Fox
Family Channel. Thomas has also been featured on numerous national
television specials including the NBC series The World’s Greatest Magic,
Masters of Illusion on CW... MTV, FOX, TLC, Animal Planet, the History
Channel and his own special for ABC.
Without doubt, Rick Thomas is one of the greatest illusionists in the
world. He has completed five world tours covering over 50 countries;
including sold out performances at Caesars Colosseum, headlining the
Sydney Opera House in Australia and performing both on Broadway and Las
Vegas for 15 straight years. He is honored to have received the Key to
the City of Las Vegas and was also titled 'the most successful show for
families' in its history.
Jaws will drop as the Mansion is revealed. Reality is suspended as one
unbelievable illusion flows into another. Mansion of Dreams is an
extraordinary fantasy world that will inspire you to follow your own
dreams. Now witness for yourself the most intriguing, innovative and
mind-blowing grand illusions in the world. Mansion of Dreams is
breathtaking... and it's headed to the Blackpool Magic Convention for
2025! "Stunning!" LA Times. "Epic!" New York Times. Book
now:
www.blackpoolmagicconvention.com.
29.6.24
Catch
up with Ben Hart and see the final performance of his last show
(Jadoo) and
the transition into his new show (Hex), with a hybrid show ("Live") in between, ahead of
his Edinburgh run.
Ben Hart:
Jadoo - New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme,
12th July
www.newvictheatre.org.uk.
Ben Hart: Live - Wilton’s Music Hall, London
15th & 16th July
www.wiltons.org.uk.
Ben Hart: Hex - Waterside, Trafford, Manchester
23rd & 24th July
www.watersidearts.org.
Ben Hart: Hex - Assembly George Square Gardens, Spiegeltent Palais Du
Variete,
Edinburgh
1st-25th August
www.assemblyfestival.com.
29.6.24
9th
Karl Fulves Convention - London, 13th July. Allan Brown writes: The
9th annual KFC (Karl Fulves Convention) will take place in London,
upstairs at the North Star Pub, 104 Finchley Road (nearest tube Finchley
Road, Jubilee and Metropolitan Line) on the 13th July at 2pm. The KFC
was set up to honour Karl Fulves (1938-2023) the unsung giant of 20th
century close-up magic. This year promises a few surprises! The event is
extremely informal and free of charge, but a qualification is that if
you attend you must be prepared to do one or two of his tricks. This
year the KFC will be followed by a Jerry Sadowitz card lecture + Q&A in
the evening. This is separate to the convention and a ticketed event.
Venue as above. 7.30pm start. The venue is small so seating to both
events is extremely limited; early registration is therefore essential.
To register for either event, email
abrown.kfc@gmail.com.
29.6.24
Whispers
of Wonder - Anglesey Abbey, Cambridge, 13th July. Where magic dances
with history - a one-off evening of magic shows in the house at Anglesey
Abbey. Mystery awaits on the 13th July at Anglesey Abbey. We invite you
to join us for a sophisticated evening of magic as the enchanting halls
of our Grade I listed building are filled with wonder. You will
experience the three Rooms of Mystery, each sharing a unique flavour of
magic, conjuring, and history. Prepare to be astonished by magic
presented by three-times Magic Champion Matthew Le Mottée and past
president of The Magic Circle, Scott Penrose, together with fascinating
tales from magic historian John Conway.
Ticketholders will also be able to enjoy exclusive access to the house and gardens from 4.15pm to 9pm, with food and drinks on the lawn, accompanied by The Rose Quartet. Matthew Le Mottée said "The Whispers of Wonder is the kind of magic experience that I would love to attend myself, and I’m really excited to be able to perform it in the magnificent setting of Anglesey Abbey, near my hometown of Cambridge." A must-see event. Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill, Quy Road, Lode, Cambridge CB25 9EJ. See www.nationaltrust.org.uk. 29.6.24
Sounds
Impossible by Neil Kelso. An innovative magic show powered by live
music. Hoxton Hall, London. Music is the most powerful magic in the
world. In this innovative magic show, you won’t believe your eyes or
ears as magician and competition-wining concert pianist Neil Kelso
unravels the mysterious. When Neil Kelso plays the piano, strange things
happen. His music doesn’t just influence your mood, it casts an
irresistible spell – everyday objects are brought to life and dance to
Chopin, you find yourself hypnotised into making unlikely choices by
Gershwin, and whimsical rhythms and rare harmonies are harnessed to bend
light, contort metal, stop time, and space. Mind-reading, teleportation,
Mozart, key-changes, quantum entanglement, poltergeists, and more are
explored through live music and exceptional magic. Produced by Split
Second.
"Neil Kelso is a member of The Magic Circle and a remarkable pianist
who explores outstanding magic through the medium of all forms of music.
One of the best shows to see." The Herald. "An incredible stage
presence. Wondrous. Five stars." Broadway Baby. Join Neil Kelso for
this unique magical experience in Hoxton Hall – a Victorian grade II
listed music hall - for 2 nights only: Thursday 4th July and Friday 5th
July at 7.30pm (60 minutes). £17 | £15 concessions. Sounds Impossible
by Neil Kelso, Hoxton Hall, 130 Hoxton Street, London, N1 6SH. Book now:
www.hoxtonhall.co.uk.
29.6.24
Nitro
Flash Products at DiscountMagic.co.uk. Discount Magic write: We have
added new Flash products to our online shop, but more importantly we now
have full video demonstrations so people can see the differences between
the different types of flash. Also, we are offering 10% off flash
products until the 7th July with code 'XJRGESWU'
www.discountmagic.co.uk/nitroflash.
29.6.24
High
Jinx: Magic, Illusion & Circus at The Blackpool Tower Circus. We're
excited to welcome the world-class contemporary variety show High Jinx
to The Blackpool Tower Circus arena! Created by award-winning
illusionist and magician Michael Jordan, High Jinx brings 90 minutes of
sensational tricks, illusions, juggling, escapology and much more to The
Blackpool Tower Circus. Selected dates from July to December 2024. See
www.theblackpooltower.com.
29.6.24
I.B.M.
British Ring Competitions 2024. From the Convention Team: The Stage
and Close-up Competitions are highly anticipated events at our annual
conventions. To enter, competitors must be British Ring Members for the
year in which the competitions are staged, and registered for the annual
convention for at least the day of their competition, which this year at
Llandudno is Friday 13th September 2024. Previous competitors have been
mentored and sponsored by the British Ring to compete at FISM Europe.
And did we mention there are cash prizes and trophies?! The closing date
for entries is 26th July 2024; you have to be in it to win it!
For more information see the competitions
page at
www.britishring.org.uk or email:
For 'Stage Magician of the Year' Oliver Tabor
otmagicfx@hotmail.com
For 'Close-up Magician of the Year' Cameron Gibson
info@cameron-gibson.com.
29.6.24
The
MagicWeek Video Archive. A new magic clip or show every week! This week
Secrets, produced by Wayne Dobson, on 'The Big Big Talent Show with Jonathan
Ross' from 29th June 1996. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To see more from The MagicWeek Video
Archive
Click Here.
29.6.24
Leveridge
Legerdemain - your next club lecture. Mark Leveridge has been
presenting his lectures all over the UK and abroad since 1978, and in
that time he has performed and explained countless routines and ideas to
magic clubs both large and small. Leveridge Legerdemain is Mark's
current lecture and as always it is full of practical magic covering
close up, stand up and mentalism, and everything is delivered in an
entertaining and professional style. All the magic included is fully
explained, and as there are no associated product sales, it is a genuine
lecture and not a thinly disguised dealer dem. Leveridge Legerdemain
is available in both In-person and Zoom formats and dates are available
for the second half of 2024 as well as next year. So if your club is
looking for an exciting varied lecture presented by someone with
enormous experience, get in contact with Mark soon to book a date.
Further information is available from
www.markleveridge.co.uk/lectures.
29.6.24
This
is Not a Magic Show by Vincent Gambini - Live Theatre, Newcastle,
5th-7th July. What makes magic magic? And is there really a Magic
Circle Emergency Hotline for magicians to call in distress? This is not
a magic show is a critically acclaimed performance of and about sleight
of hand magic: its invisible mechanics, its clichés, and what it tells
us about live theatre and make-believe. In a conversational yet crafted
approach, Vincent Gambini presents astonishing close-up magic that
invites us to question how enchantment and wonder are produced within a
theatrical situation. Possibly the first of its kind, Vincent Gambini's
This is Not a Magic Show is part performance-lecture, part deconstructed
showbiz, and part magic tricks that leave you agog!
"An alternative low-key magic show... quiet, deliberate and exceptionally controlled" TimeOut. "This thoughtful, playful and multi-layered piece will make you question how we watch and what we see" The Guardian. 'This is Not a Magic Show, Live Theatre, Broad Chare, Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3DQ. 5th-7th July. See www.live.org.uk. (Photo credit: Hugo Glendinning). 29.6.24
Scientist
turned Magician Kevin Quantum gets ready to defy the laws of gravity.
Amazing feats of levitation as the anti-gravity generator grows in
power... Enter the weird alternative world where science and magic
mingle. Join Kevin Quantum as he defies the laws of physics with his
astounding invention – an anti-gravity generator. Fringe-goers have the
chance to plunge into a space where the rules which govern how the
universe works are bent and finally broken.
Kevin Quantum’s Anti-Gravity show is an award-winning sell-out
international success that offers the opportunity to enjoy impossible
illusions and astounding acts of levitation. It's a fantastic
family-friendly delight from Edinburgh's-own physicist-turned-magician.
Having spent half of his adult life studying science and half studying
magic, Magic Circle member Kevin explores the exotic space where science
and magic meet.
All you need to do is step inside and watch as his anti-gravity
generator builds power and allows him to perform ever-more amazing
feats. Praise for Anti-Gravity includes: "Epic
stunts" ★★★★★ Broadway Baby. "Will leave you picking your jaws off the
floor" ★★★★★ Advertiser, Adelaide. See
www.edfringe.com.
29.6.24
A
brand new illusion concept from London's House of Magic; Simon Drake's
enchanting Butterfly Illusion. Each one is individually handmade,
numbered and signed in this special limited edition. See
YouTube. Enquiries to:
info@houseofmagic.co.uk. "Master Magician Simon Drake's handmade
Butterfly illusion is wonderful" Andy Nyman. (Simon's venue is mostly
dark in summer; his next project is a series of automated mind reading
skulls, "There's only so much 'nice' a man can be").
29.6.24
Chris
Wilder 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: "Chris Wilder on The
Curious Cabaret [see below] and his journey in magic"
YouTube.
29.6.24
The Curious Cabaret - Nottingham, 2nd & 3rd July. This month featuring Fernando Figueras &
Romany. An evening of legerdemain, laughter and libations, each month
showcasing different magicians from the UK and around the world, hosted
by Chris Wilder. The show lasts 2 hours, including two short intervals.
It is designed for adults as the venue is a licensed cocktail bar. Doors
7pm, show 8pm. Tickets for all events can be found at
www.bio.site/curiouscabaret.
29.6.24
Chris
Rawlins added to Ferrybridge Day of Magic lineup. From the
organisers: Travis Perkins is very excited to announce that the
incredible Chris Rawlins will be lecturing and performing at this years
Ferrybridge Day of Magic on Sunday 7th July! The day is set to be
another jam-packed day with lecturettes, dealers and the world famous
Showette. 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.
29.6.24
Paul
Gordon Lecture - South Downs Magicians, 3rd July.
Des King writes: South Downs Magicians
will be hosting a lecture by Paul Gordon
on Wednesday 3rd July. Paul is a member of The Inner Magic Circle with
Gold Star. He was awarded the John Nevil Maskelyne prize for literature
by The Magic Circle and was also presented with the Award for Excellence by
the IBM's Linking Ring magazine. His lectures are always full of fun, practical
material, and are very entertaining.
Visiting magicians are welcome for an admission fee of £8.00. The
meeting starts at 8pm at The Parish Hall, High Street,
Handcross, near Crawley, West
Sussex RH17 6BJ
www.southdownsmagicians.co.uk.
29.6.24
Lord
Harri Harrington is lecturing for The Surrey Society of Magicians on
Thursday, 4th of July. "Having had the privilege of lecturing at
numerous magic clubs across the UK and globally, including prestigious
venues such as the Magic Circle and the IBM in Sydney, I am excited to
bring "Organised Chaos" to your members. This lecture is a culmination
of real world working magic, commercial effects, some fun sleights and
silly ideas, made to get members thinking a little differently. All
still bringing the feel of spontaneity and excitement. During the
lecture, I will share some of my created and released effects,
techniques, and personal anecdotes that will resonate with both novice
and seasoned magicians alike. From effective routine planning to
audience engagement strategies, 'Organised Chaos' offers insights that
can aide your creativeness and help with magic performances."
Members are free and visiting magicians are welcome for a £10 entrance fee. The lecture takes place in East Horsley, Surrey, at 8pm. For full details see our website www.surreysocietyofmagicians.co.uk or contact Adam Mosley addmoses@hotmail.com. 29.6.24
New
Tricks at The Magic Circle, Friday 5th July. From The Magic Circle:
A brand new night featuring some of the best in the business trying out
new material and working in routines. Featuring special guests and
hosted by star of sold out Edinburgh fringe run, the brilliant Tom
Brace. Friday 5th July at 7.45pm. Ages: 12+. 80 minutes. See
www.themagiccircle.co.uk.
29.6.24
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.
29.6.24
Northern Magic Circle Grand Auction - tomorrow, 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. 07903 577551 or 01723 891449. 29.6.24
Auction Hunters - Viva Las Vegas. The Auction Hunters bid on some big units at a sale in Las Vegas, discovering an antique naval cane sword and a magician's prop from the seventies. Repeat. 3.35pm on Monday 8th July on Blaze. See TV Magic for details. 29.6.24
Anne
Shaxon. Sad news to report that Anne Shaxon died last Sunday, 16th
June. Here's a film of Anne performing with husband Alan, 60 years ago,
at The Magic Circle in London:
www.britishpathe.com.
29.6.24
"The
Magician's Secret"
Click Here •
"Channel 4 star Derren Brown reveals his tip for winning the lottery –
including mistake to avoid when picking numbers"
Click Here • "Mario the Maker
Magician"
Click Here • "Mario the Maker Magician at Underbelly Boulevard"
Click Here "'I do magic for money,' Las Vegas magician to accept
expulsion"
Click Here • "I quit teaching after 35 years to become a magician -
I've never been happier"
Click Here • "PC Sorcar on OTT: Legendary magician’s grandson plans
feature films on magic"
Click Here • "The completion of my Edinburgh painting"
Click Here • David Croucher's recent lecture for the South Downs
Magicians is reviewed by Paul Sturgess this week,
Click Here • "Australia’s top illusionist Cosentino to visit New
Zealand, demonstrates his magic"
Click Here • "Revisit magician Jack Rhodes' epic journey BGT 2024"
Click Here • That's it, thanks to everyone who contributed news this
week, see you next week, Duncan.
29.6.24