Number 1271 - Saturday 2nd November 2024

 

Steven Frayne brings Miracles to Sky TV this Christmas. Steven Frayne is back - with an epic new show (working title: Miracles) which sees him return to his roots, and wow people like never before by taking his magic back to the streets - stunning huge crowds as he goes. After his dramatic rebirth in the epic conclusion of 'Dynamo Is Dead' last year, Britain's greatest magician is setting out on a journey around the country, unearthing everyday heroes and delivering mind-blowing magic.

Throughout this Sky Original Christmas Special, magic builds to an astonishing climax in which Steven will take the ultimate risk, pushing himself to the limit for a death-defying finale: the miracle to end all miracles. Get ready for a show filled with inspiration, wonder, and pure magic, as Steven Frayne once again defies belief.

Phil Edgar-Jones, Executive Director of Unscripted Originals, Sky, said: "Spending time with Steven Frayne is a truly magical experience, so get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions as he unlocks the magic in all of us this Christmas."

Miracles was commissioned by Phil Edgar-Jones, Executive Director of Unscripted Originals at Sky for Cécile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of Sky Studios & Chief Content Officer for Sky. The Commissioning Editor for Sky is Shirley Jones. The show is co-produced by Seventeen 17 and Expectation. The executive producers are Steven Frayne, Rowland French and Ben Wicks. It is set to air this Christmas on Sky Max and streaming service NOW.
2.11.24

 

FISM Italy 2025. From July 14th to 19th, 2025, Turin will become the global capital of magic, hosting the FISM World Championships of Magic. Known for its connection to the white and black magic triangles, Turin is the ideal setting for this extraordinary event. The Lingotto Congress Center, a former Fiat factory, will welcome thousands of magicians and enthusiasts with state-of-the-art facilities close to hotels, restaurants, and transportation.


The world's top magicians will perform, including Mac King, Richard Wiseman, Joshua Jay, Shin Lim, Peter Marvey and Topas. With workshops, competitions, and themed parties, the event promises an unforgettable week filled with magic and Italian style. Follow FISM Italy 2025 for the latest updates on performers, events, and everything awaiting you in this enchanted city. See www.fismitaly2025.com to find out how to register and for logistical information and exclusive previews
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2.11.24

 

Conjuring at the Court - Thursday 14th November, London. From the organisers: Conjuring at the Court returns on Thursday 14th November with a show packed with magic and variety!

Scott Penrose recreates fabulous illusions from the Golden Age of magic. Unique material, performed with charm and flair. Max Fulham comes to the Court for the first time. His skill and comic touch have quickly made him one of the most in-demand ventriloquists in the country. John Lenahan travels the world with comedy magic; not only is he a funny man, but a strong magician too. And Mat Ricardo makes a welcome return to the Court with his charming, funny brand of gentleman juggling – a riot of skill and showmanship. Your host is the frequently baffling Russell Levinson.

To get there: it's at the 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. The pub has just been refurbished. Why not come early and have dinner before the show. Book now at www.conjuringatthecourt.com
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2.11.24

 

Evolution of Magic 13th, 14th & 15th February at the Horseshoe, Blackpool Pleasure Beach. (Full season: 13th February to 30th August 2025, selected dates) From the promoter: What's on in Blackpool? Step into the unknown with The Evolution of Magic, one of the longest running magic shows in the UK. Returning in 2025, this is a show where reality glitches, time bends, and the impossible unfolds before your eyes.

In an intimate Las Vegas-style showroom, world-class magicians Craig Christian and Elizabeth, two-time Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist (2019 and  2024), invite you to experience illusions that defy explanation. Craig's mastery of ordinary objects like cards and coins will leave you questioning what's possible, while his unpredictable and mysterious performances keep you on the edge of your seat.

Elizabeth's magic connects directly with the audience, blending mentalism with visual wonders that challenge your perception of reality. You won't just watch the magic, you’ll feel it around you. The show moves fast, with moments that blur the line between illusion and reality. The Evolution of Magic is not just a show, it's an unforgettable experience. For more
info (and 30 half-price adult tickets for MagicWeek readers) Click Here. 2.11.24

 

Steve Allan's Christmas Cracker. Join Steve Allen for some festive frolics, some dazzling close-up magic and a spectacular show in The Magic Circle Theatre featuring top class magical performers from around the globe. Proceeds go to The Magic Circle's charity the Centre for The Magic Arts. The Magic Circle, London, Sunday, 29th December at 2pm. See www.themagiccircle.co.uk. 2.11.24

 

London Magic Convention 4 - tomorrow! LMC4 promises all the same treats as usual, with three incredible lectures: Top mentalist and Derren Brown collaborator Stephen Long aka 'Hector Chadwick', will be giving a brand new lecture full of practical effects and devilish thinking. 'Gentleman Juggler' Mat Ricardo will be lecturing many of his remarkable tricks for the first time ever, and from the United States close-up magic legend Wayne Houchin is giving his first lecture for almost a decade.


As if that isn't enticing enough, there will be our packed two-level dealers hall, the London Close-up Championship, the Patrick Page Award and of course the legendary '£4 Gala Show', plus Mat Ricardo will be closing the day off with his full show. It really is a packed day that you will not want to miss. Sunday 3rd November at the Lyric Theatre, King Street, Hammersmith, London W6 0QL. Book your seats now at www.londonmagicconvention.co.uk.
2.11.24

 

Gottle Of Geer: A Celebration of British Ventriloquism. On Sunday 9th February 2025 the Pleasance Theatre in London will be hosting Gottle Of Geer: A Celebration of British Ventriloquism. This one-off event will feature a mixture of performances, lectures, workshops and interviews, and the theatre's studio space will be home to an incredible exhibition of puppets. Names announced so far include: Max Fulham, John Kimmons, Steve Hewlett, Austin Phillips, Carl Durbin and, making his first UK appearance in 5 years, Dawson Chance. For further details see www.facebook.com/GottleOfGeer or for tickets visit Gottle Of Geer: A Celebration of British Ventriloquism. Sunday 9th February 2025 from 12 noon. 2.11.24

 

The Very Best of Tommy Cooper, 9th & 10th November at The Magic Circle, London. We are really excited to bring this hilarious one-man show to The Magic Circle. Written by Danny Taylor it focuses on Tommy Cooper's legendary comedy act, recapturing his trademark mayhem and misfiring magic. The hour-and-a-half show includes many of Cooper's beloved one-liners, dazzling wordplay and celebrated tricks, including Glass/Bottle, Dappy Duck, Spot the Dog and Jar/Spoon. Produced and performed by Daniel Taylor. The Production has the blessing of the Tommy Cooper Estate. See www.themagiccircle.co.uk. 2.11.24

 

Newmarket Magic Shindig - next Saturday, 9th November. The 3rd Newmarket Magic Shindig being held in the beautiful Suffolk town of Newmarket on Saturday, 9th November. John Morton has just confirmed he will be presenting a special workshop. Early bird ticket price £20 for the whole day includes 2 Lectures, 1 Workshop, Magic Dealers and a Gala show and the Friday night meet up. Tickets available at www.wgmagicshop.com. 2.11.24

 

"'Magicians get emotional about it': should secrets of magic ever be revealed?" Study examining highly contested topic of 'exposure' looks at when it is acceptable to share tricks of the trade, writes Steven Morris in The Guardian. "Magicians don't mind sharing the secrets behind tricks – if they are their own, study shows" University of Exeter. 2.11.24

 

"Andrew Lloyd Webber announces new musical The Illusionist" writes Georgia Luckhurst in The Stage The Stage
"The Illusionist announced as Andrew Lloyd Webber’s next musical – directed by Jamie Lloyd" What's On Stage

[photo credit: The Illusionist one-sheet movie poster, 2006]. 2.11.24

 

John Kippen 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: "The inspiring journey of John Kippen" YouTube. 2.11.24

 

The MagicWeek Video Archive. A new magic clip or show every week! This week, Trevillion & Nine on Beadle's Box of Tricks from 5th August 1989. See The MagicWeek Video Archive. To see more from The MagicWeek Video Archive Click Here. 2.11.24

 

Alex McAleer's Desert Island Tricks. YouTube. Brought to you by www.alakazam.co.uk. 2.11.24

 

The E-Club Pro Gold Pass - The Christmas gift that keeps on giving. MLM write: Now that we are heading into November, we are approaching that time of year when your nearest and dearest may ask you what you would like for a Christmas present. May I suggest you consider awarding yourself an E-Club Pro Gold Pass. Available in 1, 3 or 6 month versions, these Gold Passes give you complete access to the entire E-Club Pro members' only web pages which contain hundreds of routines for close up, mentalism, stand up and children's shows, plus professional level advice, help, hints and tips on all aspects of performing magic. Members can also buy any MLM product at a 50% discount, and receive an interesting monthly email newsletter featuring information, advice, offers and competitions, as well as the weekly Back-Chat blog. E-Club Pro is updated and supplemented every month, so there is always something new to enjoy, so receiving one of the E-Club Pro Gold Passes really is the gift that keeps on giving. For more information go to www.markleveridge.co.uk. 2.11.24

 

International Illusionist Alex Lodge at the Rye Theatre and Hailsham Pavilion this Christmas. From the promoter: After last year's success, we are excited to be working once again with the Rye Theatre and Hailsham Pavilion to bring you this year's spectacular Christmas Show. More laughter, more thrills, more spectacle and more speciality acts from TV, The Magic Circle and London's West End. Featuring thrilling international illusionist Alex Lodge, the Duo Millers, Britain's Got Talent circus star Peter Lambert and back by popular demand, your host, TV comedian Bobby Dazzler. 22nd - 24th December Rye Theatre. 28th - 30th December The Hailsham Pavilion. 2.11.24

 

Paul Longhurst Lecture - Northamptonshire Magicians' Club, 5th November. Joy Payne writes: Paul is a professional close-up magician whose world-class magic creates moments of wonder that last a lifetime. He has over 35 years of experience performing for intimate gatherings and grand events, and is proud to have entertained Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and her family. He is a member of The Magic Circle, a co-creator of nationally award winning magic, and regularly appears on The Wizard Magic Review.

5th November 2024. Start time 8pm – club room opens 7.30pm, admittance to the bar via the front entrance from 7.05pm. Members free, guest fee £15 - pay on the night. We will be having a raffle and "Find the Joker".
Northamptonshire Magicians' Club, Brafield on the Green Working Men's Club, 35 Bedford Road, Brafield on the Green, Northampton NN7 1BD. www.northamptonshiremagicians.uk.
2.11.24

 

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. Repeat. Monday 11th November on MTV. See TV Magic. 2.11.24

 

"How Did Harry Houdini Die? A Look at the Magician's Unexpected Death — and Why His Wife Held a Seance Every Halloween After" Click Here • "Master magician mesmerizes with dazzling card tricks" Video • "Uri Geller claims he's discovered the reason for his 'psychic powers' after undergoing a brain scan (and insists 'aliens' are to thank)" Click Here • "Talented magician turns Llay home into Halloween heaven" Click Here • "A magician-psychologist designed a study to trick sober participants into thinking they were tripping on psychedelics" Click Here • "Q&A with Merlin Award-winning master illusionist, escapologist and magician Cosentino" Click Here • "The Magician’s Table review: A night of mystery and magic" Click Here • "How magic works: Magicians share 6 psychological secrets they use to trick us" Click Here • "Magician, who once 'bombed' as audience rushed to buffet, offers home theatre to nurture young performers" Click Here • "The Last Laugh to transfer to the West End" Click Here • As always your UK magic news is welcome. Thanks to everyone who contributes! See you next week, Duncanc. 2.11.24

 

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