* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand e-zine * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #128 Date: Sunday 28th July 2002 Editor: Alan Watson www.magician.co.nz www.alan-watson.com e-mail: AW@Alan-Watson.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editor’s Message 2. Who Is Publishing The Mark Wilson Course In Magic?? 3. 2002 Milbourne Christopher Award Winners 4. Looking For Information? 5. Parent Assembly Very Active In The Heart Of New York 6. Mindy Burden - IBM Convention In San Diego 7. Sean Taylor – Lecture Melbourne 8. Magic in the Rockies 2002 Convention 9. Ok Everyone...This One Is A Freebee!!!!! 10. Selling On Behalf Of A Retired Magician 11. 70 Years - The South Canterbury Society Of Magicians 12. The Magical Arts Educational Foundation, Inc. 13. Robert Gallup – Promo – New Zealand 14. Magic Trivia - Robert Harbin 15. Magic In Mexico City 16. Magic In Boston 17. Attracting Younger Members 18. Christof!!, And Lliam Amor 19. Juliana - Six-City Tour Of India 20. The Las Vegas Magic Invitational 21. The Orchante Saga #114 22. MagicNZ e-zine archives 23. Subscription Management ------------------------------------ 1. Editor's Message ------------------------------------- Message from Alan Watson - The Magic One Very pleased to announce that starting in next week’s issue Mark Wilson will be sending for our readers the first of many chapters of The Magic Land of Allakazam, The Inside Story. He originally wrote these reminiscences several years ago. Mark found it interesting to relive those days and to now have that bit of insight that comes with time. He says that “It is now quite different from when everything was moving quickly in "real time" to be able to reflect on what happened those many years ago.” Check out Marks website: www.markwilsonmagic.com From there you can purchase: Magic Land of Allakazam TV Series Videos Magic Circus TV Specials Videos Mark Wilson's Business Card Magic Video Mark Wilson and Nani Darnell Memorabillia Mark Wilson on Illusions Video Course VOLUME 3 Suspensions Levitations And many other titles……….. Your can also subscribe to his free colour newsletter by sending your e-mail address to mark@markwilsonmagic.com. ---------------------------------------------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com ---------------------------------- 2. Who Is Publishing The Mark Wilson Course In Magic?? ---------------------------------- Message from Mark Wilson (USA) As we discussed in Los Angeles, I am seeking the help of your readers. I would like to ask them if they are aware of any publications of The Mark Wilson Course in Magic in any languages other than licensed versions which are published in English, French, Italian, Russian and Chinese. Let me explain, the book was published in the United States by Ottenheimer Publishers in several versions, Cyclopedia of Magic, Mark Wilson’s Favorite Tricks, etc., and licensed to another publisher in England. The book now has also been printed in France by Magic Unlimited, in Italy by Troll Libri, in Russia by Eksmo Publishers. An unlicensed version was published in China in 1985. Now a fully licensed, legal version has been published in China in three volumes by Tomorrow Publishing House. If your newsletter subscribers know of any OTHER publications in any languages, they can tell me directly by e-mail to mark@markwilsonmagic.com or through the your newsletter. Alan, thank you for letting me make this request. I know your Magic New Zealand e-zine is read around the world. I think this will be an excellent way to find out quickly if there are any unlicensed publications of my book. --------------------------------- 3. 2002 Milbourne Christopher Award Winners ---------------------------------- Message from Maurine Christopher (USA) Charles Reynolds, the magic consultant-director who helped spark the careers of Doug Henning and Harry Blackstone Jr. was presented with the first Milbourne Christopher Masters Award. He was one of five salute by the Christopher Foundation at the closing night banquet of the Centennial Convention of the Society of American Magicians July 6 in New York. The awards memoralize the magician-writer-editor who first brought magicians to primetime TV in America in 1957. That year Christopher served as National President of S.A.M., the oldest conjuring fraternity in the western world. Harry Houdini was President from 1917-26. Other 2002 Christopher award winners; Max Maven, prolific author and editor- Literary Award; The Majestix (Michael Giles and Stacy Jones)- illusionist; Danny Cole, at 24 a busy performer - newcomer and Mark Wilson and Nani Darnell Wilson, who popularized the art of Hocus Pocus in the early television era - Lifetime Achievement. Robert L. Bluemle heads the industry panel which selects the winners. Other judges - Edward A. Schuman, S.A.M. Past President; William Rauscher, magic historian-researcher; Ray Goulet, publisher-collector and Richard Bloch, magician and co-founder of Collectors Workshop. The panel added the Masters Award as a new category this year. ---------------------------------- 4. Looking For Information? ---------------------------------- Message from Jack Poulter (Canada) Recently there was a request for the address of a magic dealer in Germany. There are several sources to look up such information on the Internet. One source (which I assist in keeping up-to-date) is the alt.magic FAQ. Part 4 lists many dealers in North America and Part 5 lists a number of dealers elsewhere. The alt.magic FAQ is archived at: www.aaronjones.com/alt-magic www.bestiary.co.uk/altmagic/faq.htm (This site has the five FAQ files available for download as zip files, and has web site URLs converted to hyperlinks for ease of access.) www.repromagic.co.uk/resource/faq.html www.linkingpage.com/altmagic.html (Note: Other sites appear to carry older, out of date, versions of the FAQ. The above sites are sent those parts which have been amended, near the end of each month and *should* be current.) For those who do not have a web browser, individual parts of the five part FAQ may be obtained from an auto-mailer. Send blank e-mail to: altmagic@aaronjones.com for details. ---------------------------------- 5. Parent Assembly Very Active In The Heart Of New York ---------------------------------- Message from Richard J. Stuart, President of SAM-PA The National convention may be gone, but the SAM is still very active in the heart of New York. Mike Bornstein and Ken Krenzel recently shared some of their vast wisdom of the mystic arts at a workshop on rope magic. The workshop was hosted by Jeremy Medows, the co-chairman of PA's workshop committee. The Houdini busts may have all been distributed, but the traditions of Houdini continue to flourish. ---------------------------------- 6. Mindy Burden - IBM Convention In San Diego ---------------------------------- Message from Mindy Burden, (USA) IBM Convention Chairman I would like to "Thank" everyone who attended the IBM Convention in San Diego! To all the performers who spent hours of preparation and created amazing feats for us to witness, "cudos!". To all the Dealers who packed and set-up their wares and stood for endless hours and helped with television interviews, "many thanks". To all the attendees, "I hope you had as much fun as I". My deep appreciation goes to Ring 76 for putting their personal touch on the Convention and contributing to its success. Finally, to the IBM Convention Committee, my utmost respect and a BIG "hug" for all your work and support. We'll be taking a brief break, then our planning for the 2003 Convention in Kansas City, Missouri will commence. I hope you will join us again next year for another FUN Convention! (We’ve already got some exciting plans underway!) You can register now on-line at www.magician.org and get terrific show seating. ---------------------------------- 7. Sean Taylor – Lecture Melbourne ---------------------------------- Message from Tim Ellis & Sue-Anne Webster (Aust) Just a reminder.... It's Happening This Tuesday!!! - July 30 Sean Taylor will present his brand new lecture at Coopers Inn (cnr Exhibition St & Lit Lonsdale, Melbourne) Arrive between 5.30-8.00pm if you'd like to see some FREE close up magic performed downstairs in the bar and dining area. (Bring your friends!) (Excellent meals at excellent prices are available) Doors open to the lecture room upstairs at 7.30pm and the lecture starts at 8.00pm SHARP! Admission at the door $15 magicians, $5 partners. Sean promises a FANTASTIC LECTURE filled with lots of practical and usable material PLUS he'll have lots of magic from Taylor's Magic Shop ON SALE AND You’ll hear all the news about the upcoming MELBOURNE SUPERDAY! SEE YOU THERE! Tim Ellis, Sue-Anne Webster, Mark Mayer, Tammii Twister, Enzo Ficco, Anthony DeMasi Visit our amazing world on the web at www.MagicUnlimited.com ---------------------------------- 8. Magic in the Rockies 2002 Convention ---------------------------------- Message from Ed Hurtubis (USA) COLORADO * Ft. Collins – Ring 250 Magic in the Rockies 2002 Convention September 5, 6, 7, and 8, 2002 Ft. Collins Marriott, 350 East Horsetooth Road, Ft. Collins, CO 80525 For information, contact: Ed Hurtubis, hurtubis@magician.org, 970 223-8767 DESCRIPTION: IBM Ring 250 presents their ninth annual Magic in the Rockies featuring (talent booked so far): Mike Bent, Gaetan Bloom, Bob Cassidy, Mike Caveney & Tina Lenert, Doc Eason, Kevin James, Eric Mead, Terry Seabrooke, Jon Stetson, Peter Studebaker, and Jamy Ian Swiss. The $109 registration ($129 after 05/31/02, $139 after 08/15/02) includes: Junior Showcase Show, Cabaret Show, Public Show, 8 Lectures, 16 Dealers, Bar Magic Cabaret Show, Close-up Show, and a dinner and two lunches! For complete information, visit Ring 250’s website: www.byrini.com/presto. ---------------------------------- 9. Ok Everyone...This One Is A Freebee!!!!! ---------------------------------- Message from Jeff Ezell (USA) I am putting together a lecture and want to make a video of it. I am inviting you as my guest to be audience members. FREE.... The lecture will be Thursday, July 25th @ 9pm. Yes, I did say 9pm. It will consist of a 20 minute show with a break immediately after so that anyone who wants to bring family members to see the show and go home afterwards can do just that. After a short break, we will go into a marathon of explanations including some things that will not be in the show. This lecture will be held at the RAMADA INN in Burbank. The phone # for directions is 818 843 5955. It is less than a mile from the shop. The Address Is: Ramada INN Burbank 2900 N. San Fernando Blvd. Burbank CA 91504 Have I mentioned FREE yet??? Well, I do intend to sell lecture notes.... Just call 818 562 1921 to let us know if you are coming.......(or reply to this email) ---------------------------------- 10. Selling On Behalf Of A Retired Magician ---------------------------------- Message from Wayne McEwan (NZ) I have a list of second hand props that I am selling on behalf of a retired magician. There are a few supreme magic props, a few collectors’ pieces and even the odd illusion. In total about 50 items. Oh for you dove/ animal guys the odd surprise for you too. Send a stamped, self addressed envelope to.. Wayne McEwan 16 White Street Invercargill ---------------------------------- 11. 70 Years - The South Canterbury Society Of Magicians ---------------------------------- Message from Russell Hendry (NZ) The South Canterbury Society of Magicians (based in Timaru) is 70 years old this year and has been receiving a great number of enquiries about the birthday celebrations to be held in September. Judging by the phone calls, there will be a great turnout from around the country. A whole-day birthday party will be held on Sunday the 15th September 2002 at Ashburton. Activities will include a “70 Tricks” event (one for each year), a public show, magic games, a dinner complete with birthday cake, a lecture by Michael Woolf and plenty of discussion and reminiscing on magical topics. Research has been done into the history of the society and the society’s official historian, Graham Dockrill, will outline the highlights in a talk at the dinner. The $35 registration fee includes the 3-course dinner. Magicians interesting in receiving the registration form and other information, should contact the secretary, Russell Hendry, telephone 03 686-0201 or E-mail r.hendry@xtra.co.nz ---------------------------------- 12. The Magical Arts Educational Foundation, Inc. ---------------------------------- Message from Tony Wilson (NZ) Tony Wilson has recently become an Honorary Trustee of AMAEF. What is AMAEF? It is the Academy for the Magical Arts Educational Foundation, Inc. and is a non profit, public benefit 501(c) 3 Corporation created to preserve, advance and perpetuate the art of magic and its related art forms. AMAEF works directly through participants and volunteers and indirectly through the distribution of funding, contributors and/or resources to local, regional and global magic organizations as well as educational institutions, for use in philanthropic, restoration and educational purposes. To find out more about AMAEF visit www.AMAEF.com ---------------------------------- 13. Robert Gallup – Promo – New Zealand ---------------------------------- Message from Vanessa Regan Modern Day Houdini Performs Extreme Magic & Deadly Escapes At Sky City Theatre In September Experience the magic, witness the extreme..... "Where Houdini Left Off....... Gallup's Extreme Magic Begins" Chicago Tribune Extreme athlete, illusionist, escape artist and daredevil, Robert Gallup brings his Extreme Magic & Deadly Escapes tour to New Zealand's Sky City Theatre for a thrilling season commencing September 19 2002. Described as "the ultimate in edge-riding, goose-bump entertainment" (South Western Times, Australia), Gallup has created his own niche in the world of magic and escape by pushing himself and his art to the absolute extreme. "If the consequence of error isn't death....then it's just not fun!" says Robert Gallup, creator, producer and star of the second largest touring magic show in the world. With movie star looks and a rock and roll attitude, this modern day Houdini constantly pushes the envelope of thrilling magic and death defying escape both on and off the stage. His show features something for everyone combining adrenaline pumping thrills, audience interaction, close up tricks, mesmerising illusions and spectacular lighting and special effects. According to Megan McSweeney, Marketing and Entertainment Manager, Sky City Auckland, Gallup's show is a fast paced and highly visual entertainment extravaganza. "It's a major stage production with spectacular effects and incredible illusions that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish," says Ms McSweeney. "Gallup truly is one of the world's greatest magicians and his show will appeal to people of all ages, from children, families, seniors and couples to corporates and large social groups," she says. One of the show's highlights is the "Pyre of Death" as Gallup is shackled to a steel bed where fifty flaming spikes are suspended above him. Once the rope that suspends the spikes is set alight, he has only seconds to escape before becoming a human "shish kebab". The addicted daredevil explains "I get a real adrenaline rush every time I attempt this escape as there is always a very real possibility of catastrophe." In the spirit of his mentor, Harry Houdini, Gallup also often accepts death-defying escape challenges while touring internationally. Recently, in Australia, he was challenged by the Victoria Police to replicate Houdini's near fatal underwater "Queen St Bridge Jump Escape." From the very same bridge, almost ninety years to the day, Gallup was handcuffed, arm manacled, leg chained and thrown into the frigid river below. Surviving that, popular Australian TV show "Who Dares Wins" challenged Gallup to the "Rialto Tower Hang and Burn Escape," where he was fitted with a straight jacket and suspended upside down by a burning rope from the top of one of the tallest buildings in the southern hemisphere. He is currently working on a thrilling deadly challenge to attempt for the first time anywhere in the world in New Zealand prior to his show opening at Sky City Theatre September 19. Like many children, Californian born Gallup received his first magic set for Christmas when he was just five years old, but unlike most others, Gallup didn't lose interest by New Year's Day. By the age of ten he was earning around $50 per week performing at birthday parties and at thirteen, he was featured on ABC's "That's Incredible" TV show. As a teenager, he was invited to audition for the Junior Society at The Magic Castle in Hollywood - at that time, the very centre of the world of magic. Recognised instantly for his prowess, Gallup was one of the youngest students ever asked to join the prestigious organisation, studying under the tutelage of some of "the greatest magicians most people have never heard of." However, magic and it's perception as "legitimate" entertainment at that time was in a steady decline. "In the 70s, there were very few, if any, variety shows left on TV, so there was no vehicle for magic to reach a vast audience. Magicians were often perceived as 'lounge acts in bad tuxedos' until Doug Henning came along at the end of the decade, making a mark on Broadway, and took magic out of the dark ages," says Gallup. Gallup continued to juggle magic with his studies through his teenage years under the influence of Bill Adams, who owned the only magic shop in Santa Barbara. During his high school years, he would often perform after school at a myriad of comedy clubs and lounges. While majoring in business at the University of California, Gallup honed his theatrical skills with a minor in theatre and a summer job, performing magic on cruise ships. Although he had originally planned a career in marketing, business or finance after graduating, Gallup's passion for magic finally won him over. "I decided that if I was ever going to take a chance and become a full time professional magician, I might as well try it when I was young. I started in a glorified miniature golf course in North Carolina. After a very long summer of four shows a day, seven days a week, drowning in interest payments in LA, I finally began to get bookings, first in small casino towns in Nevada, then eventually in some of the most prestigious venues throughout the world," he says. Today, he has performed in over 30 countries and six continents and featured in over 200 television programmes world wide. His obsession with extreme escapes reflects his attitude to life as he often puts himself at risk both on and off stage. "With my childhood fascination of Houdini, extreme escapes were a natural evolution of combining the unique physical dynamics of my stage show with my extreme activities and sports of my personal life," says Gallup. "Even as a kid when I made a parachute out of my parents bed sheets and clothesline and jumped off the second storey roof, I've always pushed the envelope of thrills....and sensibility," he says. In his spare time, the extraordinary magician/escapist loves to extreme ski, para-glide off cliffs, free climb some of the world's largest peaks, kayak Class V rapids and scuba dive in shark infested caves off Australia. His daily training regime consists of intense escape trials, martial arts training, meditation, stretching, weights and cardio. It is no surprise therefore, that Gallup's first extreme escape ever, the "Skydive Chain Escape," had him handcuffed, chained, locked and thrown out of a plane at13,000 feet! Gallup's talents can be previewed on TVNZ in the coming weeks in his highly rated TV specials titled "Gallup Extreme Magic: Challenge of the Death Dive," and "Gallup Extreme Magic: Live on Tour." Tickets for his spectacular magic and death defying show at Sky City Theatre from September 19 will be available from August 5 from Ticketek. Shows will be performed throughout the season Tuesday - Saturday at 8pm and Sundays at 5pm. There will also be matinee performances Saturday's at 4pm and special school holiday matinees Wednesday 25 September and 2 October at 2pm. Adult tickets will cost $59.95 each and children 14 and under, $29.95 each. Students, senior citizens, adult matinee tickets and groups of ten or more, cost $49.95 each. For further information, visit www.GallupExtreme.com Robert Gallup's Extreme Magic & Deadly Escapes Showing At Sky City Theatre From September 19 2002 MEDIA QUOTES FROM THE SHOW: * "Where Houdini left off, Gallup's extreme magic begins." Chicago Tribune, USA. * "Magic that's finally cool......a very hip rock and roll concert of illusion." Boston Globe, USA. * "Extreme, excellent, exciting........a must-see event." The Age, Australia * A feast of illusions, laser effects and pyrotechnics, Extreme Magic is a magic spectacular unlike anything before ever seen in Asia." USA Today, Asia Edition * "The Gallup Extreme Magic Show is a thoroughly entertaining night out for adults and children.....the star's magical prowess and masterful illusions leave the audience gasping in disbelief." The Post, Australia * "Gallup has developed a show which combines sport, danger, surprise and mystique...perfect for all lovers of mystery, it's an age-old concept given a smart bash of high-tech for the new millennium," Herald Sun, Australia. ---------------------------------- 14. Magic Trivia - Robert Harbin ---------------------------------- Message from Greg Hudson (Aust) Just thought the newsletter may be interested in some magic trivia. I've just been reading the Rolf Harris Autobiography and was interested to find out that Rolf Harris did his first television with Robert Harbin who was operating a puppet. The Rolf Harris Wobble board started out as a portrait of Robert Harbin. The wobbleboard came about by accident whilst preparing the board for a portrait. For the full story you can find it in: Rolf Harris An autobiography Can you tell what it is yet? I've found it to be an interesting read, Rolf also had what appears to be an early version of the magic drawing board on one of his early TV Shows. I'm in Auckland and surrounding areas for the next two weeks if anyone wants to catch up. Working most days but evenings are free. Two shows that may interest the Aucklanders are the Weber Bros Circus in Henderson. Haven't seen the show yet but I know they have used magic in Past shows. There is also Slavos snow show coming up at the Edge starts 30th July. Again haven't seen it but he is a former cirque de Soleil performer. ---------------------------------- 15. Magic In Mexico City ---------------------------------- Message from Carlitos (Mexico) I´m just posted this one in order to make you know of the enchanted event in going to take place here in Mexico City on the prestigious hotel "El Ejecutivo" on Insurgentes Avenue and Reforma. In this place will be the Nacional Mexican Congress of Magical Arts..from the "Toque Tágico" national club owned by the famous and sectional magician Dinno. It’s going to be on the 15 to 17 of November of 2002. now with the presence of Stevens Magic Emporium, the great Aldo Colombini, Henrry Evans (Argentina), Dan Harlan (USA), Frank Ramirez (USA), and many others ... You can contact directly to: www.eltoquemagico.com or e-mail at dinoelmago@eltoquemágico.com Take a change to introduce your self a new market place in Mexico and Latin America . ---------------------------------- 16. Magic In Boston ---------------------------------- Message from Steve Pradell (Canada) I grew up in Boston before moving to Alaska 16 years ago. The best magic shop in Boston is Hank Lee's Magic Factory. It has been around about 30 years. I remember the days when Max Maven, who was then known as Phil Goldstein, was pitching magic tricks from behind the counter almost 30 years back. I live in Alaska now, thousands of miles away, but still visit when I return to town. See it on the net at www.magicfact.com/ There is another magic shop in Watertown, a suburb of Boston, called the Magic Art Studio. Ray Goulet, a retired performer "and one of the nicest guys in magic," runs this four-storefront compound "stuffed with goodies." It boasts "one of the finest museums of magic in the United States." Rare tricks and props also are sold at monthly auctions. The phone number is 617-926-3949. Magic meetings are held there. ---------------------------------- 17. Attracting Younger Members ---------------------------------- Message from Dave Harris (NZ) Someone asked in the E-zine before you went overseas about attracting younger members and I would like to share what we are doing. We have got about 12 very regular members and four of these are all around the age of 15/16. To encourage them and to provide an incentive we have two initiatives in place to do this. The first is that each meeting they are judged, the magic they perform, involvement in the meetings and life of the club. They can also receive bonus points in appearing in public shows and the like. They are not told how many pints they have but at the end of the year the top person receives a cup AND a $65-00 credit at Impact Trix, (thanks Dave) and the second place gets a $25-00 credit. As someone who spends (like us all?) a lot of money on magic I am aware that when not having much money it is hard to be able to afford new tricks and books. This is even more so when still in a learning stage. Secondly we have started a forum of no more than 10 minutes where anybody but especially a junior can bring a trick or ask a question and we will give them hints and tips on presentation or another way to work it. Not so much "teaching" but helping. I hope this is some help and if you want to know what they are being judged on E-mail me and I will send you a copy of our scoring sheet. Regards Dave Harris OMC President Dave Harris (Mischief McKlown) Email: davidharris@actrix.gen.nz or ---------------------------------- 18. Christof!!, And Lliam Amor ---------------------------------- Christof!!, and Lliam Amor are performing in Impro Melbourne's current season of Theatre Sports at Theatreworks, St Kilda. This trademarked improvisation format is currently undergoing a wonderful, energised renaissance thanks to the energetic input of the Impro Melbourne Steering Committee, and the visit to Australia by Improv Guru, Keith Johnstone earlier this year. Each week is a different cast, and the season runs until mid/late August. For more information on performances, training, classes and all, visit www.impromelbourne.com.au ---------------------------------- 19. Juliana - Six-City Tour Of India ---------------------------------- Message from Clive Court (Canada) Juliana is doing a six-city tour of India in October. She has also been booked for six months cabaret work in Germany during 2003 and also the first four months of 2004. She opens at the Apollo in Dusseldorf in November. ---------------------------------- 20. The Las Vegas Magic Invitational ---------------------------------- L ANCE BURTON A MAZING JOHNATHAN S IEGFREID & ROY V ICTOR & DIAMOND E UGENE BURGER G OLDFINGER & DOVE A RIAN BLACK S TEVE WYRICK M ELINDA A LLAN ACKERMAN G ARY DARWIN I CE McDONALD C OPPERFIELD S HAMADA T HE FIELDING WEST SHOW A YALA & TANYA R ICK THOMAS S HOWGIRLS OF MAGIC Introducing The Newest Magic Star In Las Vegas! THE LAS VEGAS MAGIC INVITATIONAL "The most fun you can have at a magic convention" September 15-17, 2002 - San Remo Hotel and Casino Check us out at: www.LVMI.net If you are already registered or can not attend please pass this on to a friend! ---------------------------------- 21. The Orchante Saga #114 ---------------------------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi) Trevor King – Q S M: the legend continues Back in the 1950 days, Trevor was involved with several hypnotists - there was one in particular, who went by the stage name of HENRI ROLAND. His real name was Jack Doyle – an ex Auckland water - side worker. He became not only Trevor's mate, but also – ONE OF HIS GREATEST ‘STARS’. Every week in those early days, Trevor would go to the library in Christchurch, scrutinizing the entertainment section of both New Zealand and Australian newspapers, looking at the various artists and shows - taking note of the style of publicity/advertising. Trevor saw Jack Doyle’s publicity in the ‘Rotorua Post’ - his advertising was shocking but he had got an excellent write - up. Trevor decided to write to him about a South Island tour… Jack was most interested so Trevor arranged to meet him at the Regent Hotel, Wellington. According to Trevor (from here on in, I’ll call Jack by his Stage name, ‘Henri’), ‘Henri’, although a very good hypnotist (around Auckland) - never had the money to buy him a jug of beer, nor had he ever owned an overcoat so Trevor loaned him, what was in those days £10, to get a coat - due to the bad weather. £10 in the Fifties would have bought you a very nice coat indeed! Trevor left Amalgamated Theatres to take ‘Henri Roland’ on tour. They planned a South Island tour - Trevor had a 1936 or 1942, not sure which - Ford Coupe, and started the ‘ADVANCE’ for the entire South Island by driving down to Invercargill, with a hundred pounds in his pocket – and got great help from ‘THE MASTER’ (The late) FRANK STAPP (who became their Southland agent). They carried a small PA system and a square of carpet to dress the stage. Not only did Trevor ‘play’ the part of Host/Assistant on stage with HENRI - he was also the Manager and Publicity man! It was a big challenge to BOTH Henri and Trevor to do that tour, “We spent every penny that we had in our pockets” Trevor says, and that YES, his (Trevor’s) publicity WAS good – also had (3) 24 - sheeter hoardings on hire ex railways dept. – Radio/Newspapers, ‘WINDOW SLEEP’ in a Dept. Store - IT WAS A GREAT SUCCESS! They played 4 nights at Invercargill and 6 nights at Dunedin. All shows in both Cities were COMPLETELY SOLD OUT! Timaru, Oamaru, Queenstown – PACKED OUT! Everywhere, The ‘HOUSE FULL’ sign went up! Trevor had originally planned to tour the South Island with Henri for three-months but so successful were the shows, Trevor stayed with HENRI and toured his hypnotism show for 12 months! The box office takings were around £10,000 (pounds, not dollars), only charging 6 /- (shillings) admission - a huge sum of money in the Fifties – Trevor and Jack had a 50/50 share in the gross takings. As Trevor said to me, “Remember Tommy, in those days there was no television, no traffic, Hotels in New Zealand closed at 6pm, nobody could get into movies, cinemas sold-out - we had it all on the - ‘WELCOME MAT’. I bought my Family Home from my share of the  profits!” One evening during the tour, Trevor received a phone-call from Jack Shannon (they were very good mates), who was at the Opera House in New Plymouth with ‘FRANQUIN’ (who was, without a doubt: THE WORLD’S GREATEST, MOST SUCCESSFUL HYPNOTIST, OF ALL TIME!). Jack Shannon was the best publicity man Show business has ever seen - he taught the American Advertising ‘BIG BOYS’ a thing or two, when THE ‘FABULOUS FRANQUIN’ SHOW, Stormed into the USA! They learnt more ‘tricks’ and publicity stunts from Jack in one day - than in a lifetime of Adverts! NOBODY but nobody, IN THE WORLD, was better than JACK SHANNON – WHEN IT CAME TO PUBLICITY! He could sell ice to Eskimos to build igloos! Jack said to Trevor, “ I know that you are with ‘Doyle’ (HENRI) and things are going very well for you - there IS room in New Zealand for two hypnotists - I'm not too happy with the wages I’m getting – do you want me to join you as YOUR publicity man”? Trevor was thrilled to get his offer. “Tommy, I worked my bloody arse off” Trevor said, “I could not find an Advance Manager or Tour Manager to travel with Henri… I had to do the entire job – Advance etc. and return to be with Henri to assist on stage! So that night, in my hotel room in Queenstown, I sat down to confer with Henri about Jack Shannon’s offer but Henri said NO! He hated the idea of having to pay ‘Shannon’ £350 a week, plus expenses, plus Hotel account so I had to cancel Jack Shannon’s offer – and carry on doing TWO jobs, THREE - if you count Assisting on Stage!” - CONTINUES - ------------------------------------- 22. MagicNZ e-zine archives ------------------------------------- Back issues of the MagicNZ e-zine go to: www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html Both the User Name and Password MUST be entered in lower case to gain access. User Name: magic Password: kiwi When you enter the archive the e-zines are in issue order and are coded. Eg 001nov0699.txt first three numbers (001) denote issue number, then the date (nov06) and the last next two numbers the year (99) If you want to print copies of MagicNZ e-zine go to: www.watson.co.nz/ezine-archive ------------------------------------- 23. Subscription Management ------------------------------------- Our subscriber list is NOT made available to other companies or individuals. We value every subscriber and respect your privacy. To subscribe or unsubscribe from the Magic New Zealand e-zine: www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html Magic New Zealand e-zine is published weekly, on Sunday. The opinions expressed in this e-zine are those of the individual contributors and not those of Magic New Zealand. Neither Magic New Zealand or Alan Watson can vouch for the accuracy or reliability of any opinion, message, statement, or other information reported via Magic New Zealand e-zine. Subscribers to this publication and authors who contribute to it by doing so agree that they will not hold Magic New Zealand and/or Alan Watson liable or responsible in any way for the opinions expressed herein. We reserve the right to edit, correct or, in our discretion, choose not to publish any submissions provided to Magic New Zealand for potential publication. Magic New Zealand welcomes readers to submit timely articles or news items which appear to be of interest to our readers. Those submitting to this e-zine agree that we have permission to publish their submissions and that they have the full copyright to the material submitted. All works published by Magic New Zealand are fully protected by international copyright as provided by law, and articles cannot be published for profit by anyone other than the individual author without the written permission of Magic New Zealand. >>This publication may be freely redistributed (but not sold) to other magicians if copied in its ENTIRETY including the copyright notice below and the above disclaimer.<< © Copyright 2002 Alan Watson