Number
1268 - Saturday 12th October 2024
The
Magic Circle's Grand Night of Magic, Sunday 6th October 2024.
Reported by Charlie Burgess. The renowned mentalist and illusionist
Derren Brown has been presented with the first David Berglas Award for
Showmanship, Originality and Creativity from The Magic Circle. The
award is named after the late former President of The Magic Circle and
shortly before he died last November, aged 97, David himself suggested
Derren be the first recipient. After receiving his award Derren said:
"David has been a huge inspiration to me and I owe so much of what I
have done on stage and TV to him."
The trophy was presented by David's son Marvin, the current President
and it was one of the highlights of A Grand Night of Magic at the
Clapham Grand in London - an event combining The Magic Circle's annual
awards with its Stage Magician of the Year competition. Six different
acts vied for one of the most coveted prizes in magic and the winner was
the magician Matt Edwards with some extraordinary comic and emotional
card magic. It was a night of double celebration for Matt, who also won
the Carlton Award for Comedy Magic.
The judges for the stage competition included Downton Abbey star Jim
Carter, himself an accomplished magician, Debbie McGee, the lifelong
partner of Paul Daniels, TV presenter Radzi Chinyanganya together with
Professor Jonathan Shalit OBE an entertainment entrepreneur, and top
magicians Michael Vincent, and Russ Stevens. The chair of the judges was
Noel Britten. Among those in the audience were ex Arsenal and England
footballer, Tony Adams, The Royle Family and Death in Paradise star,
Ralf Little, and radio and TV presenter Nick Ross.
The judges had a hard time choosing Matt from the other five - the
illusionists Jay and Joss, the mentalism duo Mind2Mind James Harrington
and Marina Liana, the parlour magic of Edward Hilsum, the manipulation
of Yollin Lee and the general magic skills of Filiberto Selvi.
Beside the title, the winner is invited to perform at top venues and
engagements around the world next year: The Rhapsody Theatre in
Chicago, House of Illusion in Salou, Spain, the Forte Village resort in
Sardinia, the Gala Show at the Blackpool Magic Convention, the world's
biggest and The Magic Circle Convention itself.
Here is the full list of the winners of The Magic Circle 2024 Awards
The David Berglas Award for showmanship, creativity and originality in
magic: Derren Brown, the British mentalist and illusionist.
The David Devant Award for outstanding contribution to magic on an
international level: Gay Blackstone, widow of Harry Blackstone Jr. she
is a TV producer, director and former president of the Academy of
Magical Arts in Los Angeles.
The Maskelyne Award for services to British magic: Michael Vincent, one
of the world's most distinguished card magicians.
The Carlton Award for Comedy Magic: Matt Edwards, a winner of the Golden
Buzzer on Britain's Got Talent and a sought-after performer worldwide.
The John Neville Maskelyne Prize for contribution to the art or
literature of magic: Julie Eng, the Toronto based magician who has been
the executive director of Magicana, the Canadian arts organisation, who
are publishing The Rich Cabinet Collection of the late Eddie Dawes.
Recently Julie has been appointed executive director of Genii
Enterprises, publishers of Genii magazine.
The Chapender Award for services to the wider community using magic:
Paul Kieve, the illusionist whose consulting work for both stage and
screen has revolutionised how magical special effects are approached. He
is also Head of Collections at The Magic Circle.
The Cecil Lyle Award for the best item published in The Magic Circular:
Ian Keable, Steve Biddle and Megumi Biddle for their piece showing how
to reproduce Claude Chandler's Paper Face - a ventriloquist's 'dummy'
made from a single sheet of paper.
The Silver Wand for outstanding service to The Magic Circle: Noel
Britten, a former President.
Marvin Berglas, President of The Magic Circle, said of the event: "We
are delighted to see such creativity, diversity and talent in magic. Our
winners are all great examples who promote excellence in magic, one of
the core aims of The Magic Circle."
The night was hosted by Paul Martin and the producers were Rodney James
Piper and Lee Hathaway. Magicians who entertained the audience included
Chris Harding, David Penn, Magic Singh, Megumi, Michael J Fitch, Etienne
Pradier, John Duffett, Fay Presto and Brendan Rodrigues. The show
started with a performance from current Young Magician of the Year Harry
Merlin Piper and ended with speed painter, Jon Hicks, painting a picture
of Tommy Cooper - upside down.
12.10.24
The MagicWeek Video Archive. A new magic clip or show every week! This week,
hot on the heels of his Magic Circle David Berglas Award, let's go back to the
beginning with
Derren's first TV special, the one that started it all, broadcast on 27th
December 2000. MagicWeek reviewed the show at the time
Click
Here and here is the full show:
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To see more from The MagicWeek Video
Archive
Click Here.
12.10.24
Here's a
mystical anecdote from Marvin Berglas,
President of The Magic Circle:
There's something that's been on my mind since Sunday that I feel I need to
share.
My father David Berglas was the original International Man of Mystery. He sadly
passed away a little under a year ago aged 97.
He is revered in magic circles throughout the world for his incredible stunts
and showmanship.
I am so proud that we were the first father and son to be elected President of
The Magic Circle.
As a second generation professional magician myself, and the creator of the
famous Marvin’s Magic brand - I like to think of myself as a pretty rational but
open minded individual who is fairly sceptical of paranormal activity having
spent a lifetime growing up with magic and deception. In fact my father was also
the Chairman of the pretty dormant Magic Circle's Investigation into the
Paranormal committee.
However, something incredible and extraordinary happened on Sunday night which
the more I think about I still can’t make up my mind whether it is the most
wondrous coincidence or one final hurrah from my late dad in front of a theatre
full of The Magic Circle magicians and celebrities.
As the President of The Magic Circle I was standing on stage at our Annual
Awards glitzy bash at the Clapham Grand. At the climax of our three and a half
hour evening I was just about to present the inaugural 'David Berglas Award' for
creativity, originality and showmanship.
We witnessed a short compilation video of my father performing on stages around
the world with stunts such as controlling and stopping his pulse and finishing
with his famed floating and dancing table routine which was voted one of the top
ten magic tricks of all time.
Merely 35 seconds after the floating table video finished - and just moments
before I announced Derren Brown was the recipient of the new award for
showmanship .... One of the big round banqueting tables - just simply collapsed to
the floor - with an almighty crash, bang, wallop with drinks and food smashing
to the ground! To the complete dismay of those seated around it who claim not
to have touched it .... "it just happened!"
Derren Brown the famed psychological manipulator, who is happy to acknowledge
and share that he has been inspired and influenced by David, came up to up to
receive his trophy.
With the good and the great in magic all watching intently the whole of The
Magic Circle are understandably mystified how this could occur at such a crucial
time and only 35 seconds after his floating table routine was shown on the big
screen.
It appears David will always be remembered for being the ultimate showman -
perhaps he intended this to be his appropriate finale and amazing stunt?!
[Portrait of David Berglas by Jay Fortune]
12.10.24
Enzo
Weyne: Blackpool Magic Convention Headliner 2025. Enzo Weyne will be
performing his full-scale illusion show for the first time at BMC 2025. Enzo has
featured on major TV shows worldwide and has been a lead in the worldwide hit,
'The Illusionists', with his very own unique take on the art of illusion. We're
very excited to announce Enzo as our newest headliner. Book Now:
www.blackpoolmagicconvention.com.
12.10.24
South Tyneside International Magic Festival - this weekend! From the organisers: Tickets include two days of workshops, gala shows, magic jam, close-up and lectures. It's going to be so special that we aren’t going to spoil the surprise just yet and tell you what we have in store. Book now, you won’t be disappointed. Tickets are priced at £80 per person and include entry into both gala shows and all the convention sessions. Day tickets are also available. www.southtyneside.gov.uk/magic-festival. 12.10.24
The
Magic Circle's Grand Night of Magic by Brendan Rodrigues. "In this video I
talk about what went on at The Magic Circle Award Ceremony and Stage Magician of
the Year 2024."
YouTube.
12.10.24
Nick
Mohammed's Desert Island Tricks. Today we are joined by the multi-talented
Nick Mohammed, known for his roles as Nate on "Ted Lasso" and the ever-hilarious
Mr. Swallow. Nick takes us on a magical ride through his fascinating career,
sharing personal anecdotes and the unique approach he takes to comedy and magic.
From captivating memory feats on "Cats Does Countdown" to the masterful blending
of humour and apparent mishaps in his routines, Nick reveals the artistry behind
his performances and his journey within the world of comedy and illusion...
YouTube.
Brought to you by
www.alakazam.co.uk.
12.10.24
Drama
& Deception - A full day workshop for magicians with Tom Stone on Thursday 9th
January in Nottingham - now booking. From the organisers: Even though magic
is one of the dramatic arts, we rarely do any conscious work with the dramatic
building blocks we have access to, and that is giving us an unnecessary handicap
- because through the understanding of story, we can create magic where the
audience voluntarily chooses to fool themselves. And by "story" we mean
structure and emotion, rather than script and storytelling.
In this full day workshop with Tom Stone we are going to work hands-on,
exploring things like: Foreshadowing, callbacks, false-narratives, dramatic
structures, deceptive structures, honesty in deception, and emotional content.
Early Bird Tickets on sale from October 15th until October 31st. Tickets are
very limited with only 16 places remaining. Organised by the team behind The
Curious Cabaret. Tickets and details for all events can be found at
www.bio.site/curiouscabaret.
12.10.24
Marc
Oberon Lecture - Huddersfield Circle of Magicians, 23rd October. Join us for
an unforgettable lecture by Marc Oberon, a master of magic and a FISM winner.
Experience captivating performance pieces from his close-up, parlor, and stage
shows, all intricately woven into his unique choreographical philosophy: Grips,
Lines, and Looks. Marc will delve into a blend of mentalism and visual magic,
showcasing his innovative creations that have inspired magicians worldwide.
He'll bring along some of his most sought-after effects for you to explore.
With a lifetime of professional experience and a recent role as a magic consultant for The Greatest Showman, Marc is here to share his expertise and passion. Don't miss this chance to learn from a true legend in the magic community! Wednesday 23rd October at Huddersfield Circle of Magicians, The Skelmanthorpe Community Centre, 32a Elm Street, Skelmanthorpe, Huddersfield HD8 9BH. Doors 7.30pm for an 8pm start. Visiting magicians very welcome, £10 on the door. 12.10.24
Alain
Iannone Star Lecture - Bath Circle of Magicians, 17th October. The Bath Circle
of Magicians is proud to announce our first lecture of the year at our new home
which is The Globe, Newton St. Loe, Bath BA2 9BB (ample parking, food and drink) at 8pm
on Thursday 17th October. Join us for a magical evening as we welcome Alain
Iannone from Rome for a very special Restaurant Magic Lecture.
Alain will share a host of magical effects from his classical repertoire,
perfected during his performances, and ideal for restaurant and venue magic.
Whether you're performing without a table, surrounded by an audience, or in any
other setting, these effects are designed to work seamlessly.
In addition to the magic, Alain will dive into the psychology of working tables,
including his "Ten Commandments of Restaurant Magic," originally published in
the magazine Qui Magia.
Some key topics Alain will cover: Selecting the right repertoire; Positioning around the table; Building relationships with your audience;
working with venue management; Overcoming challenges when performing at tables.
Lecture notes and special items Alain uses in his own performances will be
available for purchase on the night. Non-members welcomed, £10.00.
Mark your calendars and don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from one of
the best! See
YouTube
and
YouTube.
12.10.24
The
Magical Life of Geoff Ray and Pat - now available via Amazon. From the
publishers: The magic of Geoff Ray with a forward by Marvin Berglas. 93 year old professional magician Geoff Ray has decided to explain
in this fascinating book, all the tips and tricks he has learned over 63 years
of performing all over the world, as well as over 100 cruises on most of the
world's luxury liners, including eight world cruises on P&O.
From the London Palladium to the Magic Castle in Hollywood... entertaining and
working with celebrities such as Pricilla Presley and Muhammad Ali, Geoff goes
into minute detail of his close-up and stage acts, as well as explaining
original magic tricks and ideas; with a few funny stories along the way!
From very humble beginnings, surviving a near death hit and run accident in his early 20's... to teaching himself magic and Judo from books; 5th Dan BJA it's an incredible life story. Alongside his son Paul, they ran Rushworths Furniture Ltd. in their hometown of Shrewsbury in Shropshire for over 32 years, and made illusions for Geoff's friend over 50 years, TV magician Paul Daniels, which he used on his national television show. Order via www.amazon.co.uk. 12.10.24
The
E-Video Newsletter Oct/Nov 2024. Mark Leveridge's latest online video
presentation is currently available to anyone who is signed up to Mark's free
E-Club Lite. Here are the contents in the Oct/Nov 2024 E-Video Newsletter.
The Teach In – Off-By-One Prediction is an easy to do impromptu card effect
that can be performed at a moment’s notice even with a borrowed deck. Pro
Peeks – extracted from the E-Club Pro Teach In Archive, Inside Job is a
fooling card printing routine. The Table Magician Unplugged – part 8 of
the series based on The Table Magician e-book looks at more aspects of table
approach timing. The Trick Box – taken from volume 4 of the Collected
Card Magic of Mark Leveridge, The Caught Card is a great carry round trick.
Web Offers – get the four coin production idea called Casino Cash plus my
classic Borrowed Ring On Pencil, both with 40% off. 60 Seconds To Success
– a discussion on the importance of making yourself stand out from the
competition when advertising for shows. To watch the complete 39 minute
presentation, sign up to E-Club Lite at
www.markleveridge.co.uk/#e-prices.
12.10.24
Structure
- A practical seminar for magicians with Sam Fitton on Monday 4th November in
Nottingham. From the organisers: In this interactive seminar led by
Sam Fitton we'll be 'closing the loop' on much loved routines by using
storytelling techniques, scripting, magic and special effects to elevate
performance & create satisfying conclusions to acts. The workshop starts at 7pm
(to 10pm) but join us from 5pm for food, drinks and the chance to share ideas
with a growing and welcoming community of magicians in Nottingham. Organised by
the team behind The Curious Cabaret. Tickets for all events can be found at
www.bio.site/curiouscabaret.
12.10.24
The
Curious Cabaret, 3rd & 4th December in Nottingham. From the organisers: Join
The Curious Cabaret for an astonishing evening of parlour magic and comedy,
showcasing different magicians every month from the UK and around the world.
Hosted at The Berliner, Nottingham and Pegg'’s Skylight, Nottingham, you are
treated to an intimate evening of magic accompanied by delicious food and an
excellent drinks menu. This month featuring the modern conjuring of Mathew
Knight and the hilarious comedy magic of Tom Wright. Doors 7pm. Show 8pm.
Tickets for all events can be found at
www.bio.site/curiouscabaret.
12.10.24
Connection
- A practical workshop for magicians with Nikola Arkane on Monday 6th January in
Nottingham. From the organisers: Multi Award winning artist Nikola Arkane is
no stranger to performance. Over years of performing magic professionally she
has developed many unique characters (both for children and adults) that rely,
not just on the magical effects she chooses to perform but the atmosphere she
creates in order to bring audiences into her world of magic.
Rather than performing to an audience Nikola hopes you will gain an awareness in
this workshop how to begin thinking independently from your material so that you
can enjoy performing with your audiences. The workshop starts at 7pm but join us
from 5pm for food, drinks and the chance to share ideas with a growing and
welcoming community of magicians in Nottingham. Organised by the team behind The
Curious Cabaret. 7pm-10pm. Tickets and full details for all events can be found
at
www.bio.site/curiouscabaret.
Charlie
Hewish Lecture - Northamptonshire Magicians Club, 15th October. Charlie
Hewish is a magician who uses the understanding of people to create the feeling
of Magic. Described by many as a 'Mind Hacker', he influences people's thoughts
and makes them question what is real. He is a member of the prestigious Magic
Circle and is praised by Magicians all over the world for his modern creations.
15th October 2024. Start time 8pm. The club room opens at 7.30pm with 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,
Northamptonshire NN7 1BD
www.northamptonshiremagicians.uk.
12.10.24
20
educational full-length Jonathan Royle training video sets now on YouTube.
Jonathan Royle writes: I have just made 20 of my most educational full-length
training video sets covering all areas of Comedy Stage Hypnosis, Street
Hypnotism, The Use of Suggestion combined with Magical & Mentalism Routines and
even Clinical Hypnotherapy available on my Celebrity Hypnotist YouTube Channel.
Health & Safety for those using Hypnosis is also covered in-depth. See
YouTube.
12.10.24
Criss Angel: Believe. The magician reveals the creative process behind his illusions and stunts, beginning with an attempt to escape a cement grave and how to make a soda can levitate. Plus, Ice-T receives a bloody demonstration. Monday 21st October on MTV, see TV Magic for details. 12.10.24
And the Same to You.
Comedy starring Sid James, Brian Rix, Leo Franklyn, Tommy Cooper and
Vera Day. The boxing-mad nephew of a pious clergyman embarks on an
elaborate plan to keep his boxing career a secret. Director: George
Pollock. (Black and White, 1960, U). Wednesday 16th October on Talking
Pictures TV, see TV Magic for details.
12.10.24
"Britain's
Got Talent magician Jack Rhodes reschedules tour"
Click Here • "Royal party tricks: King Charles' incredible conjuring skills,
Zara Tindall's unexpected talent & more"
Click Here • "Cillian the magician broke a world record, and so can you!"
Click Here • Michael Warlock's recent lecture for Southend Sorcerers is
reviewed by Adrian Fox this week,
Click Here • "Award-winning magician Kevin Spencer brings sensory-inclusive
show to the Lutcher Theater"
Click Here • "The Magician's Elephant"
Click Here • "Auditory Illusions: Are Magic Tricks Possible for a Blind
Audience?"
Click Here • "Watch Oz the Mentalist blow Keegan Bradley and Luke Donald’s
minds with crazy magic trick at Ryder Cup bash"
Click Here • Many thanks for your news submissions - see you next week, Duncan.
12.10.24