Number
1283 - Saturday 25th January 2025
Paul
Zerdin Jaw Drop - UK Tour. Get ready for a night of laughter
and jaw-dropping entertainment! Featuring the remarkable talents of
ventriloquist Paul Zerdin, the show brings to life a delightful cast of
characters including Sam, the cocky teenager; Albert, the 96-year-old
with a razor sharp wit; and the Baby, who hilariously believes the world
revolves around him.
Adding to the hilarity are Paul's dim-witted American bodyguard Roger
and an outrageous Urban Fox. This tour also marks the return of Paul's
TV and radio personality character, Alasdair Rimmer, who is eager to
make a comeback with Paul's help. As a former America's Got Talent
winner, Paul promises an evening of top-notch stand-up comedy and
ventriloquism, including his famous human dummy routine with an exciting
new twist. Don't miss this unforgettable show! September, October,
November 2025 dates now booking. See
www.paulzerdin.com.
18.1.25
Gottle
of Geer: A Celebration of British Ventriloquism. Two more magical
names join the lineup for next month's Gottle of Geer: A Celebration of
Ventriloquism. John Styles MBE will be discussing entertaining children
with ventriloquism, and the many exciting television and film projects
he has consulted on or supplied ventriloquial figures for, and Steve and
Megumi Biddle will be speaking about magician and ventriloquist Claude
Chandler (1896-1977) and their award-winning recreation of his origami
Paper Face puppet. Sunday 9th February 2025 at the Pleasance Theatre in
London. For further information, and to book, visit
www.ventriloquist.one.
18.1.25
Wayne Dobson's
Legacy Deck. From the producers: The Legacy Deck was born out of the
phenomenal success of Wayne Dobson's Legacy, a trilogy of books
published last year by Vanishing Inc. The deck is not a regular deck of
cards, but a photo album of people both in magic and in Wayne's life.
All these people have a special place in Wayne's heart. Whether it be
love, inspiration, admiration or he just likes them a lot!
The back of each card incorporates Steve Dela's excellent Night Flight
Deck design and there is a 'little extra' too. The deck features an
exclusive Wayne Dobson Joker, superbly draw by Wayne's carer, Jessica
Buckingham. A double-backer, a gimmicked card to make Ringo Rabbit
(again superbly drawn by Jessica) disappear, and lastly a Special Guest
card, where each and everyone who buys this deck can add a passport
sized photo of themselves or someone else and be a part of Wayne's
Legacy. The deck comes with a booklet written by Bob Gill, that provides
information about all the cards and the people on them. These decks are
in limited supply so don't miss out. You can secure your deck by
pre-ordering today,
Click Here.
18.1.25
Tony
Curtis Magic is now an archive website, for anyone interested in
collecting magic items that have been manufactured by Magic Wagon
in Thailand. Over 120 effects are featured in the archive area including
descriptions, images and video links. Other items featured on the
website in the links area include exclusive Magic Wagon photos by
Ted Tamburo; Syd Beckman's excellent Magic Wagon catalogue
featuring many items which Magic Wagon previously released, the
history of the company, and more. Also, The Magic Wagon complete
original retail price list for nearly every item that Magic Wagon has
released, which can be can be viewed or downloaded. And finally, the
gallery area includes just some of the many wallets Tony Curtis Magic
previously manufactured for leading magic dealers around the world.
Please note that nothing is for sale on the website, but you can support
its continuation by making a donation should you wish. See
www.tonycurtismagic.com.
18.1.25
Etienne
Pradier Lecture - South London Magic Soicety, 4th February. Simon
Rosselli writes: Discover the art behind the tricks as Etienne unveils
the psychology, history, and techniques of his magic. Step into the
mesmerising realm of an extraordinary magician with over 25 years of
experience, who has captivated audiences across the globe. It promises
to be a most entertaining and educational evening. £10 for non members
(pay on the night) which can go towards membership (£35) if you decided
to join. 7.45pm - 9.45pm (doors open 7pm) at South London Magic Soicety,
West Beckenham Conservative Club, 1 Sidney Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3
4PX.
www.southlondonmagic.co.uk.
18.1.25
Fay
Presto Lecture - British Magical Society, 28th January.
Phil Sweeting writes: Fay Presto is
one of the most celebrated and experienced close-up workers in the world
with over 40 years experience, she has performed in the biggest venues
to the biggest names in the world! Her lecture at the 2018 Blackpool
Magic Convention went down a storm and gained a standing ovation. And
now you can see her in Birmingham! Visiting magicians welcome (£10 on
the night). Lecture starts at 7.30pm at our wonderful new club house,
Stirchley United WMC, Hazelwell Lane, Stirchley, Birmingham B30 2PR.
Good parking on site and just a short walk from Bourneville Station.
Visiting magicians welcome.
18.1.25
The
Punch and Judy Man - Tony Hancock, 1963. Appearing in his second
feature film-starring role, comedy legend Tony Hancock gives a memorable
performance in this bittersweet comedy of small-town snobbery and
one-upmanship. Content to scratch out a living in the faded seaside town
of Piltdown, puppeteer Wally Pinner (Hancock) is unhappily married to
Delia (Sylvia Syms), a gift-shop owner with social pretensions. When
Wally is invited to perform at the town's anniversary gala reception,
however, Delia scents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to raise the
couple’s social standing...
Extras: New Hard Knocks: Paul Merton on The Punch and Judy Man; Excerpt
from ABC Series Hancock's; BEHP Audio interview extract with Jeremy
Summers; Blackpool Show Season 1 Episode 7 (1966); Behind the Scenes
Stills Gallery; Theatrical trailer. The Punch and Judy Man will be
released on March 3rd. To pre-order via Amazon.co.uk
Click Here.
18.1.25
London's
hottest immersive close-up magic experience - now booking to March.
Step into the private performance space and warehouse of Dieter
Roterburg, famed carnival owner and magician for a night of magic,
drinking, music and mystery... it's a night you'll never forget.
www.magicianstablelive.com.
18.1.25
The Magic Car Boot Sale - Birmingham, 2nd February. Alec Powell writes: The Magic Car Boot Sale will take place again on Sunday 2nd February 2025 from 10am at The Austin Sports & Social Club, 30 Tessall Lane, Longbridge, Birmingham B312SF. Over 30 stalls, thousands of bargains, hot breakfast rolls and a great get-together. Admission £5. If you would like to book a table, they are £20 each if available. Contact Alec Powell, alec@alecpowell.co.uk or call 07831 115448. Join us on www.facebook.com. 18.1.25
Change
of date for The Enchanted Rabbit Magic Auction. Chris Cross writes:
Just a heads up for the new date and venue of the Magic Auction! 25th April
2025 at The Gibside Hotel, Whickham, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. This is the
day before my Wizards Weekend Enchanted Rabbit Magic convention which
takes place at the same venue, in the same room (26th and 27th April,
see details about the event here:
www.theenchantedrabbit.com).
Howard Blackwell, Nikola Arkane, Xulio Merino, Craig & Ryland Petty,
John Hotowka, Paul Kitchen, Graeme Shaw, Colin Bourdiec, Chris Congreave
& Katie Trickett are on the bill this year! The change of date and venue
for the Auction makes much more sense, from both a practical and
timescale point of view, for me. Plus, I already have people travelling
to Newcastle for my convention at that venue on that weekend and we have
the room hired, stage setup, PA system in place, etc.
Doors open / viewing of lots 9am, then the auction starts at 10.30am until 5/5.30pm (then we quickly turn the room around for the evening gala show taking place that night, in the same room, to kick-off the magical weekend!). The auction is free to attend, but if you wish to stay for the convention, that's £85 for a weekend ticket. Alternatively, you could just stay for the Friday evening gala show! All tickets are available here: www.theenchantedrabbit.com - hope to see you all in April! 18.1.25
Steve
Gore Lecture - Blackpool Magicians Club, 30th January. Steve Gore
presents his new lecture, Classics Reimagined featuring all his latest
effects, including 'The Casino Con', relaunched with Alakazam. The
number-one best seller effect 'Flight Deck' and 'Together Forever' with
Penguin and 'Book to the Future' with Murphys! Plus... there are lots of
classic plots that have been reimagined that you can make for yourself,
using items you probably already own. Thursday 30th January. Doors
open at 6.30pm for a 7.30pm start. Visiting Magicians £10 (pay on the
night). Blackpool Magicians Club, 56-60 Caunce Street, Blackpool FY1
3LE.
www.blackpoolmagicconvention.com
www.happiestmagician.com.
18.1.25
FISM
2025 Street Magic Championship. From the organisers: The 2025 FISM
World Championships of Magic in Turin marks a groundbreaking
achievement: for the first time, FISM has authorized the inclusion of
Demonstration Categories. This initiative allows the organizing
committee to introduce two innovative categories, with the potential to
elevate them to official status if successfully presented at two
consecutive championships. The first one we present is for Street Magic.
See
www.fismitaly2025.com for all the details.
18.1.25
E-Club
Pro Celebrates 14 Years. Mark Leveridge's online magic information and
advice resource, E-Club Pro, this month has reached the 14 year
landmark! Originally launched in January 2011, E-Club Pro and its
premium level offering, E-Club Elite, have provided magicians of all
types and standards with a huge amount of creative magic, professional
advice and inspirational help. Updated every month with new ideas and
content, E-Club Pro does everything from supplying basic level
instruction to the beginner, right through to detailed advice for the
full time pro. Most of Mark's creative output goes into E-Club Pro and
provides all members with a huge amount of content to dip into whenever
they want. Membership is available from £12pm either on an automated
rolling PayPal subscription (which can be cancelled at any time), or via
an E-Club Pro Gold Pass
(www.markleveridge.co.uk)
which supplies, for a one-off fixed payment amount, 1, 3 or 6 month
membership periods. So give your 2025 a kick start by signing up to
E-Club Pro at
www.markleveridge.co.uk/#e-prices
today.
18.1.25
The
Amazing Alex Lodge - The
Magic Boy Became The Magic Man. From the producer: After the success
of the first short film "A Day in the Life of a Magician"
YouTube, Alex Lodge has gone on to make a full-length film titled
"The Magic Boy Became The Magic Man"
YouTube.
18.1.25
A
Happy Dream: Memoirs of a Magic Man, Roger Blakiston. From the
publisher: A Happy Dream is the remarkable story of an entertainer who
knew his soul's purpose from early childhood. Born in England, the son
of an Anglican clergyman, his life is filled with adventure, joy, love
and a little sadness. The reader will be taken on a fascinating journey
filled with intrigue and excitement, where nothing is held back. You
will be enthralled and amused by his many stories, which frequently have
unexpected endings. You will read of his travels to all four corners of
the globe and get an inside look into a man who has spent a lifetime
believing in magic, performing magic, and living his magical dreams. To
order via Amazon.co.uk
Click Here.
18.1.25
Mark
Waddington 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: "Mark Waddington - The
Greatest Interviewee Returns"
YouTube.
25.1.25
The MagicWeek Video Archive. A new magic clip or show every week!
This week, The Great Xar on ITV's 'Night Network' from 18th December 1987. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To see more from The MagicWeek Video
Archive
Click Here.
25.1.25
Blackpool
Magicians Club – Annual Mega Auction. From the organisers: Thursday,
13th February in the Derham Lounge, Winter Gardens, Blackpool. Commences 10am
prompt with viewing from 9.30am. Lot lists will be posted on the Club website,
as and when received from sellers. See
www.blackpoolmagicconvention.com/auction. Admission is free to
Convention Registrants and visiting magicians. For further details
please contact Michael Shepherd
auctions@blackpoolmagic.com.
Please note: All lots have been allocated for the 2025 auction.
18.1.25
Zabrecky's
Paper Monsters Art Print. News from Jay Fortune: "A huge thank you
to Jay Fortune for creating such a stunning and unique portrait. His
talent has captured a true essence of me, alive and in full Zabrecky
mode, that will resonate with my fans for the days ahead. I'm excited to
share this beautiful piece and deeply grateful for the opportunity to be
part of this project.’ Jay’s latest magician fine art portrait is now
available to own featuring Zabrecky performing his Paper Monsters
routine at The Magic Castle. This stunning limited-edition giclée print
is 22 x 22” printed on the finest archival fine art paper. Limited to
only 100 editions, the first 25 editions come with a hand-crafted and
signed souvenir Paper Doll by Zabrecky. Only available directly from the
artist, visit
www.jayfortune.co.uk.
18.1.25
York Magic Circle Tabletop Sale,
3rd February.
Adrian Salamon writes:
We are holding a Tabletop Sale at The York Magic Circle on Monday, 3rd
February, at 7.30pm.
If any visiting magician wants a table it is a £10 donation to the club.
It is free entry for visiting magicians.
We will run a raffle and the bar will open for drinks, tea, and coffee.
There is ample free parking and disabled access at
York & District Indoor Bowls Club, 302
Thanet Road, Dringhouses,
York
YO24 2NW.
Contact Mal Sanderson 07866 053451 or
info@magicmal.co.uk to book a
table.
18.1.25
Potter
& Potter Auction: Micro Magic and More, 25th January. Miniature
miracles from the workshop of Eddy Taytelbaum and the factories of the
Tenyo Co. will be paired with vintage magic books, posters, and ephemera
in our first sale of 2025. Among the highlights in the latter categories
are the fabled magic and mentalism notebooks of Doctor Stanley Jaks.
This is an online only auction; no printed catalog will be issued.
www.potterauctions.com.
18.1.25
Potter
& Potter Auction: The Collection of Edwin A. Dawes Part III, 15th
February. Our final single-owner sale from the Dawes collection is
rich with conjuring curiosa of all types, including early broadsides,
memorabilia from the Theatre Robert-Houdin, early and important magic
textbooks, unusual Victorian apparatus, and bright stone lithographs
from the golden age of the art.
www.potterauctions.com.
18.1.25
Paul Daniels on The Mrs Merton Show, 1st February on Rewind TV. "Caroline Aherne interviews guests under the guise of the motherly, subversive old lady. With Jimmy Hill, Andrew Neil and Paul Daniels." See TV Magic for details. 18.1.25
News
Deadline reminder. Please submit news by Thursday if possible - absolute
deadline 12 noon Friday, no exceptions. Many thanks, DT.
18.1.25
"Danny
Lee Grew wins 'Stage Magician of the Year' award"
Click Here • "Magician Steven Frayne hails City of Culture impact
for Bradford"
Click Here • "Fringe: World-renowned magician Ben Hart returns to
Adelaide with intimate new show Up Close"
Click Here • "Horror moment TV host has nail driven into her hand by
magician in botched trick - and is rushed to hospital for treatment"
Click Here • "Teenager from Dublin joins world’s top magicians
performing in Las Vegas TV show"
Click Here • Your UK magic news is always welcomed - see you next
week, Duncan.
18.1.25