Number 1266 - Saturday 28th September 2024

 

Penn & Teller to play London Palladium in 2025. From the promoter: Penn & Teller, the undisputed masters of modern magic, announce a very special run of UK shows in 2025 to celebrate their incredible 50th Anniversary. Renowned for their jaw-dropping performances, a joyous exploration of magic and comedy, Penn & Teller first performed together on 19 August 1975 and are now arguably the world's most famous magicians. Celebrating this incredible milestone, these 50th Anniversary UK dates will be Penn & Teller's first ever shows at a West End theatre.

Penn & Teller have redefined the genre of magic and carved out their well-deserved status as icons. Using every year of their experiences of magic and mayhem, the anniversary tour will showcase incredible new tricks, and offer UK audiences a rare opportunity to see the duo perform live.

Consummate performers, Penn & Teller have continually defied expectations - and sometimes physics - over the years with their skewering of traditional magic tricks, crafting clever illusions that capture audiences' minds and imaginations. With the longest running headline act in Las Vegas, alongside hit TV series such as Penn & Teller: Fool Us, Emmy-winning TV specials and hundreds of television appearances. Saturday 13th September to Wednesday 24th September 2025 at The London Palladium. Book now: www.lwtheatres.co.uk.
28.9.24

 

The One returns... One Night. One Prize. One Winner. Saturday 15th February 2025 Magic's Biggest Competition at The Blackpool Magic Convention 2025. Watch as some of the best in the world compete for an incredible first prize of £30,000. Closing date for entries 31st October 2024. Blackpool Magic Convention, 13th-16th February 2025. www.blackpoolmagicconvention.com. 28.9.24

 

Irish Magic-Fest, Dublin, 5th & 6th October. Join us for a weekend of magic, fun and the craic! Irish conventions are known for their fun and friendliness. Along with performers and lecturers Max Blake, Peter Samelson, Jack Wise, Olek Iwanek, Pat Fallon, Quentin Reynolds, Dan Stapleton and Chris Wood we promise you a wonderful time. Held in Dublin's city centre, full details at www.irishmagicfest.com. 28.9.24

 

Ben Seidman - first time in Blackpool: One-man Show and Lecture. Amongst his many TV credits, Ben guest-starred on the Netflix series Brainchild, produced by Pharrell, and starred in both Vanity Fair and Wired's "Experts React" series, discussing magic, sleight of hand, and pickpocketing. Additionally, Ben appeared on the Vanderpump Rules Season 9 premiere, starred in two specials on Travel Channel, and appeared twice on Penn & Teller: Fool Us.

Seidman was the only person in history to be named the Resident Magician at Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas. He was awarded the Princess Cruises "Entertainer of the Year" award, and consulted on three seasons of Mindfreak on A&E, designing illusions for Criss Angel. Ben taught magic to Johnny Knoxville and consulted on multiple feature films in the Jackass franchise. Internationally, he wrote and directed magic for SVT, the biggest TV channel in Sweden.

Ben Seidman's lecture reveals some of his favorite effects and utilities. The material spans close-up, impromptu, and stand-up magic. Attendees will learn devilishly deceptive moves and routines with tarot cards, coins, and playing cards designed to fool even the most discerning audiences. Ben is very much a working pro and his material and thinking reflect just that: thousands of performances for paying audiences. Blackpool Magic Convention, 13th-16th February 2025. www.blackpoolmagicconvention.com.
28.9.24

 

"How Piff the Magic Dragon Went From a Struggling Performer to Building a Multi-Million-Dollar Magical Empire" www.entrepreneur.com. 28.9.24

 

Scottish Conjurers' Association Centenary Convention. Starring Tom Crosbie, Cameron Gibson, Russ Brown, Oliver Tabor, Mandy Fletcher, R Paul Wilson, Chris Congreave and Tom Stone. We have some spaces left so book now and come celebrate 100 years of magic with the SCA! 5th and 6th October at Mercure Hotel Glasgow. For more information and to book visit www.scamagic.org. 28.9.24

 

Legends of The Magic Circle: An Evening with Wayne Dobson, this Monday, September 30th. Join us for a captivating night celebrating the extraordinary career of Magic Circle legend Wayne Dobson. Hosted by Michael J. Fitch, the evening will feature remarkable stories, career highlights, exclusive unseen footage, and a few unexpected surprises. Free to members and apprentices. (Non-members welcome for a charge of £20 - please email: michael@themagiccircle.co.uk for details). 7.30pm - 9pm at The Magic Circle, London. 28.9.24

 

Oliver Meech launches Effervescent book celebrating creativity. Around a decade on from Oliver's bestsellers The Plot Thickens and Plot Twists, he's back with a new magic book. Expect fresh plots, streamlined methods and playful audience interaction. Discover 19 tricks (mostly cards, with a few exceptions) and 11 ideas, plus 2 essays on creativity to inspire your own thought bubbles.

"His tricks use unique plots, novel methods, and I really enjoyed the theory he shares about creativity too. A great book, and an appropriate title, as it will make your brain fizz!" Liam Montier
"The one word that best describes exploring Oliver Meech's books and material over the years is simply '"fun!' And it must be all in capitals to emphasise just how fun it actually is!" Nikola Arkane
"Oliver is a genius when it comes to creating clever, offbeat and fooling magic. Put this on your 'Buy Immediately' list." Mark Elsdon

Hardback, colour cover, B&W interior, US Trade (6" x 9" / 152mm x 229 mm), 180 pages. £40 (plus S&H and taxes where relevant). Available from: www.lulu.com/spotlight/olivermeech and selected dealers.
28.9.24

 

Matricks Illusion Reimagined - UK Dates. From the promoter: TV sensations Matricks Illusion are bringing their brand new show Reimagined to theatres near you! Featuring grand Las Vegas style illusions and amazing effects, it's not to be missed! This show is full of magic, comedy & charm for all the family! Visit the link below or visit our website to book tickets. Showreel: YouTube
6th October: Blackburn
26th October: West Sussex
15th November: Rickmansworth
www.matricksillusion.com/tour-dates.
28.9.24

 

The MagicWeek Video Archive. A new magic clip or show every week! This week, Wayne Dobson, in his weekly guest spot on The Joe Longthorne Show from 12th October 1988. See The MagicWeek Video Archive. To see more from The MagicWeek Video Archive Click Here. 28.9.24

 

Noel Qualter and Roddy McGhie 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: "Noel Qualter and Roddy McGhie - the duo taking over magic" YouTube. 28.9.24

 

The Entertainers guide to being flipping brilliant: Dave Allen, Wednesday 2nd October at the South London Magic Society. Dave Allen shares his knowledge and routines on family entertainment, including stage and close-up magic, effects and also shows the best set ups for shows for all age audiences. Dave has been a professional entertainer for over 30 years and shares all his know-how in this lecture. 8pm to 10pm on Wednesday 2nd October. Doors open 7.30pm. South London Magic Society, Foulsham Hall, 2 Foulsham Road, Thornton Heath CR7 8LQ. £10 for visiting non-members (welcome), which can go towards Membership if you would like to join. www.southlondonmagic.co.uk. 28.9.24

 

Close-up at Mac's Cafe, Brighton. Close-up is a unique performance on headphones, for one spectator at a time. Inside a seaside café, surrounded by unsuspecting customers, you are invited to sit at a table and watch a 15-minute performance. In front of your very eyes, playing cards transform inexplicably and sugar cubes vanish without a trace. But as you listen to the performer's voice and the sounds of the café on headphones, the line between reality and fiction becomes increasingly thin: is this a real café, or a film set filled with actors? What is really happening now, and what is simulated and pre-recorded?

Combining expert sleight-of-hand magic with the dreamlike nature of cinema, Close-up invites you to briefly reimagine everyday life as an uncanny illusion. Saturday 5th October, 9am-3pm, free at Mac's Cafe, Brighton BN2 5TD. Book at www.vincentgambini.com. Presented by Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts.
28.9.24

 

Newmarket Magic Shindig - 9th November. Wayne Goodman writes: The 3rd Newmarket Magic Shindig being held in the beautiful Suffolk town of Newmarket on Saturday, 9th November. Featuring two lectures from Andy Smith and Martin Pierce and magic dealers. £20 inc evening gala show. Tickets available at www.wgmagicshop.com. 28.9.24

 

Andy Clockwise Lecture - South Downs Magicians, 2nd October. Des King writes: Andy Clockwise is lecturing at South Downs Magicians www.southdownsmagicians.co.uk on Wednesday 2nd October. A professional award-winning Magician with over 20 years performing experience, Andy shares in great detail some of his bestselling effects as well as several new ideas, creations and twists yet to be released into the market in his new lecture, "Clockwatching". Everything in this lecture is "worker" material, suitable for Close-up and Stage, for Children and Adults - there's something for everyone! Visiting magicians are welcome to attend for a fee of £8.00. The meeting starts at 8pm at The Parish Hall, High Street, Handcross, near Crawley, West Sussex RH17 6BJ. 28.9.24

 

GivingMagic: Unlock Your Creative Potential. An Exclusive Workshop for Magicians. From the organisers: Who said creating original material had to be difficult? Join us for a transformative, in-person experience with Doctor of Magic and three-time undefeated Magic Circle Close-up Magician of the Year, Matthew Le Mottée. In this intimate workshop, Matthew will reveal some of the secrets behind his extraordinary success and guide you in discovering your authentic voice as a performer.

Through hands-on exercises and personalised feedback, you'll leave not only with a powerful new piece uniquely tailored to your style but also with a proven system for creating authentic material whenever you desire. This workshop is designed to help you elevate your magic, deepen your connection with audiences, and build unshakable confidence in your creative process.

Don't miss this rare opportunity to learn directly from a magician at the pinnacle of his craft and take your performance to the next level! 9am-5pm, 29th September 2024. Day pass £300. Tickets available on the website. The University Arms Hotel, Regent Street, Cambridge, CB2 1AD www.givingmagic.com/workshops. Limited to 4 spaces.
28.9.24

 

Chris Rawlins Lecture - Modern Mystic League, Blackburn, 6th October. Brian Lead, Events Secretary of the Modern Mystic League writes: We are looking forward to the appearance of Chris Rawlins on Sunday, 6th October. Chris is the brilliant mind and memory performer (www.irememberthings.co.uk), of whom Uri Geller remarked: "His skill and talents mesmerised me!" He is also well known in the magic world as an expert in close-up and card magic, creating a large range of commercial material. We'll find out just how he does it (and how you can do it, too) in his lecture. Now is your chance to get some first-rate hands-on tuition from this recognised master of magic. The session will start at 2pm at our Headquarters: Woodlands United Reform Church Hall, 457, Preston Old Road, Cherry Tree, Blackburn BB2 5ND. Admission, including refreshments, is just £10. 28.9.24

 

The Illusioneer Presents 'Magic Mix'. An adult evening event of curiosities, parlor, street and cabaret magic from The Illusioneer team and guests, at their new Herne Hill venue: West 16th, 137 Half Moon Lane, London SE24 9JY on Wednesday 2nd October. Drinks at 6pm. Pre-show dinner/food at 6.30pm. Show starts at 7.30pm. Group Discount for bookings 4 seats and over. Tickets from £16 via www.eventbrite.co.uk. No booking fee. All profits from the show go to our special Children's Charity Breathe. 28.9.24

 

Kevin Quantum "Christmas Special" with guests - Edinburgh and Dunfermline. From the promoter: See real magic this Christmas in Edinburgh or Dunfermline (Fife). Straight from sell-out shows around the globe, magician Kevin Quantum and special guests are back with new astonishing illusions and big laughs in a riotously fun and magical Christmas show for the whole family! Trained by Penn & Teller, and having reached the final stages of Britain's Got Talent, Kevin's shows are a mix of amazement, laughter, audience participation and derring-do! After sell out shows last Christmas, we're so excited to be back with a brand new show to fry your brains and unwrap the Christmas Special once again! ★★★★★ "Astonishing" Evening News. ★★★★★ "Master Illusionist" Adelaide Advertiser.

Guest performer: Chris De Rosa. Chris De Rosa has been performing his act, The Art of Illusion for over 33 years. Accompanied by Michelle Ferguson, they have both performed all over the world. On cruise ships, in theatres, pantomimes, corporate events, theme parks and on television.

Suitable for families, 1hour 45 minutes (includes interval)
Carnegie Hall, East Port, Dunfermline KY12 7JA on 20th & 21st December www.onfife.com
Church Hill Theatre, 33 Morningside Road, Edinburgh EH10 4DR 23rd, 24th, 27th 28th, 29th, 30th December www.magicfest.online.
28.9.24

 

Vinny Sagoo Lecture - The Northamptonshire Magicians Club, 1st October. Joy Payne writes: Vinny Sagoo's performances are unlike anything you've ever seen, they're about revealing the intricate beauty of mathematics in a way that is both entertaining and educational, earning him the title "mathemagician". 1st October. Start time 8pm. Club room opens 7.30pm. Admittance to the bar via the front entrance from 7.05pm. Members free, guest fee £15. Brafield Working Men's Club, 35 Bedford Road, Brafield-on-the-Green NN7 1BD. Further information:  www.northamptonshiremagicians.uk. 28.9.24

 

Remo Inzani's funeral. Times and arrangements for Remo Inzani's upcoming funeral on Thursday October 10th have been updated. Here is the latest information that is available.

1pm - The Mass at St Peter's Italian Catholic Church, 136 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1R 5DL (we've made it a later time)
3pm - St Marylebone Crematorium, East End Road, East Finchley, London N2 0SE
5pm - Wake at Stephens House and Gardens, 17 East End Road, London N3 3QE

Representatives of The Magic Circle and the International Brotherhood of Magicians (Ring 25) will be in attendance. We hope that there will be a number of magician friends in attendance to see Remo on his way. Remo was an integral part of the magic world from the mid 1950s when he worked at Harry Stanley's Unique Magic Studio on Frith Street in London, and from 1959 when John Henley and Remo developed the Inzani-Henley Magic Company.
28.9.24

 

Inside No 9. "Misdirection." Student journalist Gabriel is determined to interview world-famous magician Neville Griffin, who is renowned for being extremely protective of his secrets and believes stealing a magic trick is a crime worse than murder. But how would he know that, exactly? The latest instalment of the darkly comic drama anthology, written by and starring The League of Gentlemen's Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith, with guest appearances by Fionn Whitehead, Jill Halfpenny and Tom Goodman-Hill. Repeat. Late Wednesday evening on Wednesday 9th October on Gold. See TV Magic for details. 28.9.24

 

News Deadline reminder. Please submit news by Thursday if possible - absolute deadline 12 noon Friday, no exceptions. Many thanks, DT. 28.9.24

 

"Review: The Magician's Table, 49 Tanner Street" Click Here • "'The Magician's Table': new immersive experience opens in secret London location" Click Here • "The Magician's Table Review" Click Here • "Asi Wind: Incredibly Human review — a talented magician, but he lacks patter" [The Times - Subscription] Click Here • "'We've been called witches more than once but it's a positive' – meet Ireland's only professional female magicians" [Subscription] Click Here • "Magician changes the meaning of 'eye candy'" Click Here • "'Possible Banksy' appears on side of Channel 4 magician's South London house" Click Here • "Harry Houdini letter collection detailing illusionist's bitter feud and after life scepticism goes on sale for $50,000" Click Here • "Debbie McGee says 'nobody has control over who they fall for' as she gives love life update" Click Here • "Did Solange Kardinaly polish her quick-change skills? Watch 'AGT' Season 19 magician's unique finale routine" Click Here • "David Penn: Apple's iOS Update apparently fails" Click Here • "Wimborne resident appears on The Repair Shop with magic prop" Click Here • "Hyderabad magician to be the first Indian to perform at Nobel Peace Global Summit in Mexico" Click Here • "Dreams and Deceptions magic show at Discover Bucks Museum" Click Here Thanks to all who sent in UK magic news, always welcomed. See you next week, Duncan. 28.9.24

 

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