Number 1278 - Saturday 21st December 2024

 

Britain's favourite magic export, Piff The Magic Dragon, featured in new series of Queer Eye on Netflix. "How could she do this to me? My partner-in-crime, Jade Simone (aka the Showgirl with the Dragon to do List) nominated me for a makeover from the Fab 5 of Queer Eye. I know! Me!? How can you perfect perfection?" See www.netflix.com. [John is as candid as ever, as we go behind the scenes in his episode of the show, that has a perfect ending! DT.] 21.12.24

 

Magician Dynamo wows Sky News team with card tricks. "Steven Frayne, formerly known as Dynamo, showed off his card tricks live on Sky News ahead of the launch of his new show Miracles." www.sky.com. See TV Magic for listings. 21.12.24

 

The Magic Circle Christmas Show 2025. Our annual spellbinding spectacle returns, with an incredible line-up of world-class magicians, mind readers and masters of manipulation! Explore our magnificent building, be enchanted by our close-up magicians, enjoying a drink in the famous Magic Circle clubroom and then warm yourself up in true winter cheer with our magnificent magic variety show in our gorgeous magical theatre, featuring: Grand Illusionists Amethyst, BGT Runner-up Jack Rhodes*, Carlton Comedy Award Winner Neal Austin** and German National Champion of Magic Alana. Hosted by Edinburgh Fringe favourite Tom Brace. (*20th-23rd December. ** 27th-30th December)

Get your tickets now for an unforgettable festive celebration of magic, held at The Magic Circle's secret Euston headquarters. Matinees 2pm Evenings 7pm. For more information and to book visit www.themagiccircle.co.uk.
21.12.24

 

Discover My Mind Rocks – The Ultimate Mentalism Membership Community. Are you a mentalist looking to take your craft to the next level? Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring performer, My Mind Rocks is the go-to membership platform designed exclusively for mentalism performers. Founded by award-winning mentalist Looch, My Mind Rocks is a thriving community with over 220 members worldwide, who share a passion for advancing their skills, enhancing their performances, and growing their businesses.

Packed with exclusive content, members gain access to in-depth tutorials, thought-provoking deep dives, and powerful tools to elevate their mentalism.

What sets My Mind Rocks apart is its community. Engage with like-minded performers, participate in member-only discussions, and benefit from personal insights and guidance from Looch himself. You will have access to weekly live sessions with members and monthly live events with special guests. In the 18 months we have been going we have had dozens of live guests such as: Richard Osterlind, Marc Paul, Ken Dyne, Mark Strivings, Marc Spelmann, Eric Samuels, Ian Rowland and many more. Whether you're looking to polish your act, explore new methods, or simply connect with peers in the field, My Mind Rocks offers unparalleled value and resources tailored specifically to mentalists.

Visit www.mymind.rocks today to learn more and become part of this growing community. It's time to unlock your potential and make your mind truly rock!
21.12.24

 

No more headlines... no more deadlines! Many congratulations to Richard Kaufman, 25 years at the helm of Genii, The Conjurors' magazine. That was some run! Genii was the first magic magazine that I bought over the counter in Davenports, Great Russell Street, back in the late 70s. As editor Richard gave it his all, developing it into the wonderful magic magazine that it is today www.geniimagazine.com. DT. 21.12.24

 

Oliver Tabor's Openers & Closers Lecture - Now Booking. Oliver is a full time stage and close-up magician, specialising in visual stage magic who regularly performs in theatre shows and cabaret venues around the world. He is a member of the Inner Magic Circle with Gold Star, a past President of the I.B.M. British Ring No. 25, and an award-winner in the stage category at the FISM European Championships of Magic. His long-running London show, West End Magic, has been resident at the Leicester Square Theatre for over 10 years and now regularly tours the UK. Oliver also runs his own theatre dedicated to magic shows in an historic 17th century Red Brick Barn in Essex for 20 years.

Openers & Closers lecture - Offering effects, routines and ideas for close-up, mentalism, stage and parlour magic to start and finish your show. Including quick opening card effects for close-up and parlour, a gimmickless bottle production for parlour and stage, opening and closing mentalism card routines, plus effects with bubbles, roses, business cards and more. He also covers his thoughts on stage magic with an introduction into how techniques, psychology and rules followed by stage manipulators can easily be applied to all performance situations such as utilising body movement and eye contact. From quick opening effects to closing routines plus presentational ideas and advice on stagecraft, for both close-up and stage. Lecture notes and products are on offer to purchase afterwards.

"Presented with grace, and an innocent humility, Oliver is a modern-day gentleman of magic. The whole lecture provided tips, tricks, gems and takeaways for everyone. This therefore, was a lecture for everyone...irrespective of individual genre." The Magic Circle - April 2023. Email: info@olivertabor.com for lecture booking enquiries.
21.12.24

 

Why Attend FISM 2025: Insights from Walter Rolfo. Walter Rolfo, President of FISM World Championship of Magic 2025, highlights compelling reasons to attend this world-class event. First and foremost, it's a unique opportunity to witness international magic stars. The competition gathers the best magicians globally, offering an exclusive preview of the next generation of talent. The program is filled with fresh innovations, including the Grand Prix Gala, where past Grand Prix winners perform together, and exclusive one-man shows featuring renowned artists like Topas, Munoz, and Mac King.

 

FISMItaly 2025 also promises live experiences unavailable online, such as daily idea-sharing spaces for artists, a groundbreaking magic fair, and exclusive lectures unveiling never-before-seen content. Beyond the performances, the event emphasizes organizational excellence, setting new standards to inspire artists and create an unforgettable atmosphere for all attendees.

According to Rolfo, FISMItaly 2025 is more than an event: it's a celebration of creativity, growth, and the universal language of magic.
21.12.24

 

Chris Cross: Up Close & Magical - Live at Hibou Blanc, Newcastle. From the promoter: The most exclusive Magic Show Newcastle has ever seen... Enjoy a glass of Prosecco and canapés on arrival, before being ushered through to this private intimate performance - Up Close & Magical is a performance created for a maximum of ten couples, or twenty people, who all want front row tickets to experience some masterful magic tricks, presented by an expert of his trade. Set in a decadent private room at Hibou Blanc restaurant, just off Newcastle's Grey Street. This is a real opportunity to get dressed-up and witness miraculous sleight of hand trickery, right before your very eyes, literally. Come and experience Chris Cross: Up Close & Magical.

 

Here's what Chris Cross usually gets up to - see him closer than ever before: YouTube. Ages: 18+ Dress Code: Smart / Fancy. Tickets: £100 per couple / pair. Venue: Hibou Blanc, 13 High Bridge Street, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne NE1 1EN. Dates: Thursday 20th, Friday 21st & Saturday 22nd February 2025. Doors open at 6:45pm. Unreserved seating - every seat is a good seat. Show time 7pm - 9pm (with a 30 minute interval). See www.chris-cross.co.uk for more information and to book. 21.12.24

 

Héctor Mancha, World Champion of Magic Grand Prix Winner at FISM Italy 2015, will return to join us at the World Championships of Magic, FISM Italy 2025! Known for his boundless creativity, Héctor Mancha is a multidisciplinary artist and one of the most entertaining and innovative magicians of our time. Combining comedy, manipulation, improvisation and even pickpocketing, he has captivated audiences worldwide with his unique style and unparalleled talent.

 

At FISM Italy 2025, Héctor will bring his extraordinary artistry to the stage in a dazzling Gala Show performance and share his insights, humor, and techniques in a new exclusive lecture. Don’t miss the chance to witness the brilliance and charm of one of magic's most creative minds, live! www.fismitaly2025.com. 21.12.24

 

The MagicWeek Video Archive. A new magic clip or show every week! This week The Disney Magic Special from Euro Disney in Paris starring: Simon Mayo, Jonathan and Charlotte Pendragon, Harry Blackstone, Gat Blackstone, Eddie Kidd, Marc Cecillon, Philippe Sella, Arturo Brachetti, Harry Connick Jr, Take That, Lulu, Hans Moretti, Juan Tamariz and Marco Tempest. Broadcast on 21st November 1993. See The MagicWeek Video Archive. To see more from The MagicWeek Video Archive Click Here. 21.12.24

 

Howard Blackwell added to Chris Cross Convention lineup. Chris Cross writes: A special guest has been added to my convention lineup; direct from the USA: Howard Blackwell. Howard has traveled the world performing his unique brand of magic, wowing audiences with his prestidigitation in over 19 different countries. He's a regular headliner at the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, and was nominated as the 2018 "Stage Magician of the Year." Howard will be performing on the Saturday evening Gala Show, and will lecture on the Saturday... we have him as an exclusive lecturer!

2025 Convention Running Order. Saturday: Dealers Showcase, John Hotowka lecture, Paul Kitchini lecture, Xulio Merino lecture, Chris Congreave lecture, Evening Gala Show. Sunday: FizzWizzPop! Kids show with Nikola Arkane, Nikola Arkane lrvture, Dealers Showcase, Graeme Shaw lecture, Craig Petty lecture. Book now! www.theenchantedrabbit.com.
21.12.24

 

Magic Live! August 3rd-6th in Las Vegas. General Registration opens to the magic world on January 22nd. The producers of Magic Live! work year round to find new ways to surprise you, to offer something unexpected, to create an environment for you to share with new friends and old - and to send everyone home inspired. Whether it’s sharing a personal moment during a General Session or teaching the real work for the first time in a Focus Session or performing a new piece onstage, close-up, or in one of our special venues - these presenters and performers are willing to jump out of their comfort zone to help build something special. Join the Mailing List at www.magicconvention.com. Photo: Young & Strange with Dynamo in 2024. 21.12.24

 

The Royal Variety Performance 2024 is now available on itvX and is also being repeated on Christmas Day at 11.50pm on ITV1 and tonight at 3am on ITV. This year's show featured Stephen Mulhern and Penn & Teller. "The best Royal Variety moments from Ofcom joke to Sydnie Christmas complaints" news.yahoo.com. 21.12.24

 

International Magician returns to the stage where it all began. Kevin Quantum at the Carnegie Hall where he first trod the boards in Some Like It Hot. Fifteenth MagicFest kicks underway in Edinburgh and Dunfermline.

As a 17-year-old acting in a youth theatre version of Some Like it Hot, Kevin McMahon could never have imagined he would return to the same stage as a famous international magician. Now known worldwide as Kevin Quantum, the master illusionist is presenting a special Christmas show at Dunfermline's Carnegie Hall. Kevin said: "It's a real homecoming. I was raised in Rosyth and went to school in Dunfermline and it was there I got my love of theatre and performance. My family always took me to the Carnegie Hall for the pantos and Christmas shows. Then I joined the Carnegie Youth Theatre and vividly remember playing the band leader in Some Like It Hot. So, to be returning with my own Christmas Special, will be an absolute joy for me." Full MagicFest lineup and tickets here: www.magicfest.co.uk.
21.12.24

 

Merlins of Wakefield would like to thank everyone for their custom this year and wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. You can see our opening hours by clicking Here. With the holiday break, it's a great time to check out the website for our used items and books. Orders are not guaranteed before Christmas, but will be sent out as soon as possible. The final Magic Wagon release 'Egyptian Prediction Chest' is available to pre-order now Click Here and will be delivered early January 2025. 21.12.24

 

MLM Web Offers. Mark Leveridge writes: The second offer for Dec 24 and Jan 25 is a twist on a well known rope effect. The Professor's Nightmare or Equally Unequal Ropes is a classic trick, but Equally Equal Ropes is a different slant on the original effect which is designed to catch out magicians or those who simply know the original trick. Great as an opening effect or as a compere item, in this version three different lengths of rope are stretched to the same length, and then instead of returning to their original state can be given out for examination – all still equal! Great fun! This effect is supplied as an E-Routine, which is a downloadable PDF text file, and costs just £4.00. To watch a dem and to order go to www.markleveridge.co.uk. 21.12.24

 

Perth Magic Circle Christmas Greetings. The President, Phill Sharp and all members of Perth Magic Circle send festive greetings to magicians everywhere and also best wishes for 2025. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 15th January 2025 in the Perth & District Ex -Service Men's Club at 7.30pm and Phill extends an invite to any magician visiting Perth or the Tayside area to come along. The club meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday evening of each month throughout the year and are very informal. There is usually a wide variety of magic performed by most members attending although there is no pressure on anyone to do so. Come and join in the fun and enjoy the banter... it is always a fun night! Adrian Harris. 21.12.24

 

"Magic! Our photos of the Musée de la Carte à Jouer's playful exhibition of magic tricks" Click Here • "ITV You Bet! star Stephen Mulhern's career, romance and suspension from Magic Circle" Click Here • "ITV Royal Variety star Teller explains real reason he doesn't speak" Click Here • "Royal Variety Stephen Mulhern's heartbreaking detail has viewers in tears as Amanda Holden vanishes" Click Here • "Penn & Teller to Celebrate 50th Anniversary at Radio City Music Hall in August 2025" Click Here • "Miracles review – surely they could’ve found a better way to reward charity workers than magic tricks?" Click Here • "The Illusionists are coming to San Angelo soon" Click Here • Thanks as always for your magic news - see you next week. 21.12.24

 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our readers worldwide! From the MagicWeek team, Merry Christmas and very best wishes for 2025, Duncan & Keiko. 21.12.24

 

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