Number
1285 - Saturday 8th February 2025
Dave
Loosley is The Magic Circle Close-up Magician of the Year 2025!
Charlie Burgess reports: Dave Loosley, the magic lecturer, creator and performer, was
crowned The Magic Circle's Close-up Magician of the Year after a keenly
contested competition at the society's London headquarters on Monday
night (February 3).
Loosley was up against five other members of The Magic Circle with each
magician having ten minutes to impress the judges with their routine.
Loosley came up through the Young Magicians Club before joining the
Society when he was 18. The 35-year-old, who lives in Kent with his wife
and three children, is an Associate of the Inner Magic Circle with
Silver Star.
He said: "I am very humbled to have won this award, and have dreamt of
this moment since joining The Magic Circle. I could not be more grateful
for the opportunity and I am thankful for the support and guidance from
my friends and family. I have never had so much drive to want to create
and perform, and love magic more now than ever."
Loosley, who was third in the competition in 2016, cites Ali Bongo, a
late president of The Magic Circle, the American duo of Penn & Teller
and the late Peter McCahon among his influences. "They all did things a
little differently," he said.
Marvin Berglas, the President of The Magic Circle who presented Loosley
with the award, said: "The standard of all six finalists this year was
excellent. There was a diverse mix of styles of magic with plenty of
originality and creativity. It's quite an ordeal to stand up in front of
your peers and perform under such close scrutiny in a competition like
this so I'd like to say a big thank you to all our competitors for doing
so well and making the judges job particularly difficult. In fact they
deliberated for an hour before they came to their conclusion, which
shows how tight it was. Dave was a popular and worthy winner."
The runner-up was Harry de Cruz and Matthew Knight was third. The other
three finalists were Jake Allen, James Stubbs and Rob James. The
organiser was Liam Ball who is also the society's Secretary. (Photo by
Brendan Rodrigues)
www.themagiccircle.co.uk.
8.2.25
Northern
Magic Circle Convention, Crown Hotel, Harrogate, 19th & 20th April.
Brian Lead Secretary of the NMC writes: The Northern Magic Circle is
proud to announce that the newly-crowned Magic Circle Close-up Magician
of the Year, Dave Loosley, will be headlining at the Easter Parade
Convention on 19th and 20th April at the Crown Hotel in Harrogate. He
will be starring in the gala show as well as lecturing. Also confirmed
so far are Rick Tynan, with his highly-acclaimed 'Alchemy' lecture,
Vinny Sagoo of Neo Magic as dealer and lecturer, Joy Spencer talking
about her mind-reading parents Ron and Nancy ('Minds in Harmony') and
Ian Fenn with a presentation based upon his recent book Magic On The
Air (radio magic). Geoffrey Newton will also be presenting More
Tricks from Key Ring. 'Master of Mystery' Adrian Sullivan will
have a host of new ideas in his lecture/demonstration, while British
Ring President Aidan Heritage will host a fascinating presentation of
past Masters of Magic on film.
Pre-convention, on Friday 18th April, there will be the traditional children's show, welcome meal, close-up competition and cabaret; so do join us for an extended weekend of friendship through magic. As Oliver Tabor has said: "It's what every magic convention should be like!" Booking rates have been held for another year, so head over via this direct link: www.shop.northernmagiccircle.org.uk. 8.2.25
IBM
British Ring One-Day Convention - 14th September 2025. The
Convention Team write: We are excited to announce the first details of
our 2025 convention. The date is Sunday 14th September and the venue is
the beautiful Concordia Theatre complex in Hinckley, Leicestershire. The
day is scheduled to start at 9am and finish at 10pm. A full day of magic
is being planned, including both the close-up and stage competitions,
lectures, talks and our closing show in the theatre. Registration is £65
for members or £75 for non-members. Additional evening show tickets will
be available at £15 for adults and £10 for children 12 and under. To
register
Click Here. We look forward to seeing many of you in Hinckley.
8.2.25
The
Magic Circle Convention - Sunday 22nd June 2025. One for your diary!
Full details when they are released.
8.2.25
The
Magic Circle presents 'All Done With Kindness', a charity magic show
making real magic happen. On Wednesday 19th March, the most exclusive
private members' club for the world's greatest magicians, will open its
doors for a very special event.
At The Magic Circle Headquarters, you will witness amazing sleight of
hand miracles and learn some of the fascinating history of mystery as
you explore the clubroom and first floor reception room in London's most
magical venue, a fascinating building where every corner is packed with
exhibits and illusions from one of the largest magical collections in
the world.
Then it's Showtime! Climb the floating spiral staircase to one of our
best kept secrets, The Magic Circle Theatre, and experience a full stage
show, for one night only, featuring illusions, mind reading,
sleight of hand, comedy and jaw-dropping prestidigitation.
Every ticket includes one free entry in a prize draw to be announced on
the night. A magical auction of just three very special lots will be
conducted on the evening.
And if you are lucky enough to book VIP tickets, you'll be making a
complimentary glass of bubbly disappear before enjoying a special guided
tour of The Magic Circle Museum, where you will find priceless magic
tricks and apparatus from famous names like Penn & Teller, Dynamo, Sooty
and HM King Charles III.
Strictly one night only, this is a rare opportunity to experience a
world class show from the stars of The Magic Circle.
We are very grateful to the superstar performers and other volunteers
who have agreed to donate their time for this fundraising event. All
proceeds are being donated to The Magic Circle Benevolent Fund
(Registered Charity 222408) which helps magicians and/or their families
when they need it most. The Magic Circle, London NW12HD 19th March
2025. Doors at 7pm, Magic at 7.15pm. Book here:
www.seetickets.com.
8.2.25
Blackpool
Magicians Club – Thursday's 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.blackpoolmagic.com/auction. Admission is free
for Convention
Registrants and visiting magicians. For further details please contact
Michael Shepherd
auctions@blackpoolmagic.com. Please note: All lots have now been
allocated for the 2025 Mega Auction.
8.2.25
Special
Guest Announcement – Scott Creasey Live! We're thrilled to announce that
Scott Creasey is our special guest this month at
www.mymind.rocks! Join us
on February 12th at 8pm (UK Time) for an exclusive Live Q&A session where Scott
is giving you access all areas! Ask him anything about mentalism and psychic
entertainment, plus he'll be teaching some unreleased gems—including a full
billet peek that absolutely floored me on a recent Zoom call. Don't miss this
one! See you there! Looch.
8.2.25
'Dynamo
is Dead' on Fuse. Fuse Media write: Acclaimed documentary Dynamo is
Dead will be making its US premiere on February 12th at 7pm PT/10pm ET
on Fuse and Fuse+. The gripping documentary follows world renowned magician
Dynamo as he explores the depths of his mental health and well-being
while he prepares to take on the daunting task of burying himself alive.
Along the way Dynamo seeks answers from inspirational figures around the
world, including Cara Delevingne, Demi Lovato, Kate Beckinsale, Tyson
Fury, Tony Hawk, Bugzy Malone, Kesha, band Coldplay and more.
8.2.25
Mark
James Lecture 'Anatomy of a Magician' - Zodiac Magical Society, 12th
February. Donato Capitella writes: On 12th February, the Zodiac
Magical Society in London is thrilled to host a lecture by Mark James.
Mark James brings his highly acclaimed lecture to us, jam-packed with
brand new routines never before shared. Mark has lectured at major
conventions and for the biggest magic companies around the world for
over a decade. Not to be missed. This event will take place on
Wednesday, February 12th, from 8pm-10pm at our club room, just a
five-minute walk from the Northfields Tube station on the Piccadilly
Line. There is a £10 charge for visitors. Please email
membership@zodiacmagicalsociety.co.uk to reserve your spot as soon
as possible, as places are limited. Visit our website at
www.zodiacmagicalsociety.co.uk and follow us on Instagram for more
updates.
8.2.25
Northamptonshire
Magicians' Club "Blackpool Teaser" evening. Joy Payne writes: Join
us for a fantastic Blackpool Tease evening packed with sneak peeks,
surprises, and inspiration ahead of the biggest magic event of the year
at 8pm on Tuesday, 11th February. The club room opens at 7.30pm with
admittance to the bar via the front entrance from 7.15pm. Members free,
guest fee £15 – pay on the night. Please support the raffle. The
Northamptonshire Magicians Club, Brafield Working Men's Club, 35 Bedford
Road, Brafield-on-the-Green, Northampton NN7 1BD. Further information:
www.northamptonshiremagicians.uk.
8.2.25
Russ
Stevens, Russ Brown & Guy Barrett 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: "Russ Stevens, Russ Brown &
Guy Barrett: The Blackpool Magic Convention 2025"
YouTube.
8.2.25
The MagicWeek Video Archive. A new magic clip or show every week!
This week, Paul Daniels, from 'The Paul Daniels Magic Christmas Show' shown on
26th December, 1987. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To see more from The MagicWeek Video
Archive
Click Here.
8.2.25
Jitters
- The Comedy Spook Magic Show. Jitters is a comedy spook magic show that'll have you
laughing, screaming, and sleeping with the lights on. It's most certainly not
for those of a nervous disposition!
You'll be taken on a hilarious and mind-boggling journey from the very source of
our love of horror and fear, to the terrifying things that still go bump in the
night.
Following previous sell-out shows - magicians Kyle Wallace & Stu Turner bring a longer version of their horror show to Sunbury this Halloween - with magic, comedy, and a bit of spook - culminating in a classic Victorian Spirit Cabinet séance. It's a show for those who like their comedy with a twist, and their magic just plain twisted...
Saturday 25th October at 8.30pm at the Riverside Arts Centre, Sunbury. Tickets and details Click Here.
Thursday 6th November at 7.30pm at the CryerArts Centre, Carshalton. Tickets and details Click Here.
Trailer: www.vimeo.com. 8.2.25
"Gandini
Juggling: Heka review – a deep dive into the philosophy of misdirection"
www.theguardian.com.
"Review: Gandini Juggling's Heka – synchronised juggling was
mesmerising"
www.gramilano.com.
"Review: HEKA, The Place"
www.broadwayworld.com.
"Heka review — an hour of rib-tickling high-skill silliness"
[subscription]
www.thetimes.com.
"Gandini Juggling: Heka review"
www.thestage.co.uk.
8.2.25
North
Western Society of Magicians (Cumbria) Associate Membership. Louise
Taylor writes: The NWSM are launching Associate Membership for anyone
interested in magic, performing for family or friends, who would like to
learn more. It's just £10 which includes access to all lectures and our
private NWSM members Facebook page. Please contact recently promoted
Honorable Secretary Louise Taylor via email
Louise.taylor1970@outlook.com for more information.
8.2.25
MagiCon
2025 schedule announced. James Hobart writes: The provisional schedule has now been released for MagiCon 2025 at the
Malone Hotel in Belfast, 2nd-4th May 2025.
The weekend will include six lectures, close-up and stage shows, dealers
and the USM Chairman's dinner and Cabaret as well as the craic
synonymous with Irish magic conventions.
As the convention takes place on a busy Bank Holiday weekend you are
encouraged to make your travel and accommodation arrangements as soon as
possible. George Best City Airport is only six miles from the hotel and
offers direct flights from most UK regional airports.
Full details on the website here
www.ulstersocietyofmagicians.com.
8.2.25
The
Mark Leveridge Feb/Mar 25 Podcast. Now available, your bi-monthly
helping of comment, chatter and advice in Mark Leveridge's latest audio
podcast, which includes: The rise of the intimate performance space
for commercial close up. The Session – virtual registration v live
attendance. Making show fees sound appealing. Angelo Carbone's
fascinating animated classic magic posters. News of E-Club Pro Select
new releases. Becoming the local expert to promote your magic skills.
When pragmatism decides the tricks you do. Table hoppers and strolling
magicians are often a sort of side show. The importance of a marketing
strategy and budget for show promotion. There are two ways to listen
to this free 45 minute podcast. You can catch it either from
www.markleveridge.co.uk/podcast-archive, or from
www.markleveridge.podbean.com where you can also sign up to be a
follower and receive each new release automatically.
8.2.25
Michael
Colley announces two additions to his range of Indices. Michael
Colley writes: Pseudonyms is a collection of Stage Names and Pseudonyms
used by magicians over the years, containing almost 3,000 entries. These
have been collected from a range of sources, initially the 1980
publication of Peter Warlock, supplemented with names found while
producing my Indices to Magic Magazines and from the internet.
The range of Magazine Indices has been extended with Goldston's
"Magazine of Magic" (1914 - 1922). There are 1,006 "article" entries
covering Magical Effects, News Items, Reports of shows etc., 3,063
"name" entries and 384 "picture" entries.
Each index is £10 and can be supplied as an Access database or as Excel,
.csv or .pdf files. The Access version has a full search facility. For
further information on these and his other Indices email Michael Colley:
cmcolley@tiscali.co.uk.
8.2.25
Ian
Adair. Steve Short writes: A service of celebration for the life of
Ian Adair will be held on Friday 7th March from 11.40am at Rowan Chapel,
North Devon Crematorium, Silver Birches, Old Torrington Road,
Barnstaple, Devon EX31 3NW. Followed by a wake at The Park Hotel, Taw
Vale, Barnstaple, Devon EX32 9AE. Ian's wishes are no black to be worn
if possible. Family Flowers only please. Donations in Ian's memory can
be made to: Prostate Cancer UK if desired, either at the service or via
the funeral directors: WS Gayton & Son Ltd, Pickett Meadow, Old School
Lane, Fremington, Devon EX31 3UP. The service will be streamed for those
who cannot attend but wish to pay their respects. The link and login
details will be sent out closer to the date to those that request them.
www.wsgayton.co.uk.
8.2.25
Rob Bromley.
Remembered by Tony Curtis and
Peter Nardi.
I am sad to be posting the news that my good friend Rob Bromley has passed away. He was known worldwide as the number-one gimmicked playing card manufacture and also an inventor of many magic effects. These included, The Bromley Deck Penetration, Stand & Deliver, The RB Coin Deck, Cigarette Thru Card, Extractor, Deck Vanish and many other items. His early magic career included running B&B Magic Shop in Leicester and later being the first ever demonstrator for the Marvin's Magic launch at Hamleys, Regent Street London in 1987. He was later a cabaret performer and appeared at venues across the UK including guest appearances on Freddie Starr's shows. After he retired from performing he concentrated more on making his unique RB creations.
In
2023 he suffered serious injuries in a car accident which also claimed
the life of his partner Julie. Unfortunately after the accident he had
limited mobility and was unable to continue with his signature RB
manufacturing business. RIP Rob. Tony Curtis.
When I first started Alakazam, I was introduced to Rob Bromley through
Tony Curtis, and it wasn't long before I began stocking Rob's incredible
creations. In fact, at my first few conventions as Alakazam, my entire
lineup consisted of Rob Bromley effects. Reflecting on it now, a huge
part of what Alakazam is today as a business is thanks to Rob's amazing
talent, creativity, and craftsmanship.
Over the years, we've had the privilege of working closely with Rob,
taking on the rights to his ingenious creations and reintroducing them
to a whole new generation of magicians. His work has always stood
out—not just for its ingenuity, but for the passion and care he poured
into every piece.
Rob will be deeply missed by all of us here at Alakazam. His contributions to magic and his incredible legacy have left an indelible mark on our community. While he may no longer be with us, we are committed to keeping Rob Bromley's name and legacy alive, ensuring his incredible work continues to inspire magicians for years to come. Rob, rest in peace, you will always be remembered. Peter Nardi. 8.2.25
News
Deadline reminder. MagicWeek welcomes your UK magic news (major and minor),
but please remember the news deadline: Thursday if possible; final deadline 12
noon Friday. Many thanks, DT.
8.2.25
"Adelaide
Fringe: Asia's top iPad illusionist to excite with a blend of magic and
technology"
Click Here • "I became the worlds greatest magician!"
Click Here • "Vogue attacks Melania Trump's official White House portrait,
compares her to 'freelance magician'"
Click Here • "Contessa Mills The Magician: 02"
Click Here • "How Henry Box Brown escaped slavery in a box and became a
subversive magician"
Click Here • "'Roadshow': Prop believed to have been owned by Erie magician
appraised for heady sum"
Click Here • "Magician cohort coming to Panida"
Click Here • "A minute with: Dinos Konstantinou, magician and artist"
Click Here • "Local magician built his own theater in Colorado Springs"
Click Here • "Magician Kostya Kimlat joins Good Day Orlando Xtra"
Click Here • "Penn & Teller: Fool Us - Season
11 Episode 2" full show
YouTube •
Thanks as always for your news submissions - see you next week, Duncan.
8.2.25