* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #503 Date: Sunday 3rd June 2007 Editor: Alan Watson www.magicianz.com www.Alan-Watson.com e-mail: AW@Alan-Watson.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editor's Message 2. FISM 2009 Beijing 3. HP Toys And FISM Tie Up A Prestigious Partnership 4. Update On Paul Daniels Sickness 5. 'Remarkable Magic' #9 - Nick Lewin 6. A Kid Show Idea: Photo Opportunity - by Kyle Peron 7. David Regal In Vegas And Jeff In NYC 8. New Movie Called Magicians 9. Lisa Richards And Jay Scott Berry A Baby Daughter 10. Serious Incident Took Place For The College Of Magic 11. The Ken Brooke Book 12. Bearly Impossible 13. The 16th Annual KIDabra International Conference 14. Fantasma Magic - Jeff McBride Events 15. Broken Wand - Paul Burleson 16. Bob Little's Super Sunday 17. Scandinavian Plexi Magic Show 18. Broken Wand Ceremony For Eddie Tullocke 19. Abra Cadabra - Eric DeCamps 20. The Amazing Orchante Saga 21. e-zine Archives 22. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- IBM Ring 160 proudly announces that the 29th New Zealand International Magicians Convention will be held in Auckland, New Zealand from December 27th 2008 to January 1st 2009. The venue will be Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre in Mount Wellington where they last ran a successful Convention in 2001-2002. More information will follow soon. ----------------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com -------------------------------------------- 2. FISM 2009 Beijing -------------------------------------------- Message from Sue-Anne Webster, President FISM Australia. The Chinese Acrobatics Association hosted international delegates in May this year, to inspect the new venue and the Chinese culture in Beijing for FISM 2009. Now that Australia is a FISM country through Magic Unlimited Group Sessions (the only organisation representing what is set to become FISM Oceania), Tim Ellis and I had the pleasure of experiencing superb hospitality, kindness and generosity from the members of the Chinese Acrobatics Association who showed us the sites and culture of a country that is fast becoming a superpower. The most breathtaking revelation about the major cities in China, Shanghai and Beijing, is that they seem to dwarf cities like New York. The rate at which enormous buildings and freeways are being constructed is mind blowing. The Chinese government is on track to have infrastructure and amenities ready to host international guests for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Which means Beijing will certainly be ready and experienced in hosting international guests for FISM 2009. The Chinese Acrobatics Association hosted discussions inviting ideas and recommendations from the international delegates to make FISM 2009 a successful event. If their attitude, commitment and dedication are anything to go by I believe we'll certainly experience an ultimate adventure. This is a FISM not to be missed. Citizens of Beijing are enjoying a new era. Apart from the air pollution (a problem which is being addressed) Beijing is surpassing many major cities in cleanliness. Plazas are being ripped up and new grounds are being laid between grand new shopping centres. Clothes are a bargain, but steer clear of watches and electronics, unless bought from reputable traders. Some of the amazing sites and cultural experiences in and around Beijing are: The Great Wall of China, the Summer Palace, Kung Fu theatrical performances, Chinese acrobatics, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, vibrant colour and fabulous Chinese food. A little further away, Hangzhou and Shanghai offer temples, a town on water, river cruises and markets. FISM registrants will be looked after by a host of multilingual volunteers who will make themselves available to help international guests. All accommodation is located outside the immediate city centre (where the FISM venue is located) and is easily reached by a new subway system. The venue: www.nationalgrandtheater.com The National Grand Theatre is still under construction. It's an enormous titanium and glass 'hemisphere' surrounded by water. The unusual access to the foyer of The National Grand Theatre is by a large underwater passage. Three theatres are housed in this venue. The Opera Theatre - site of the Stage competitions and gala shows, seats 2416 guests and holds one of the worlds largest stages replete with the latest high tech equipment and a five way moving stage - The National Grand Theatre with walls lined in silk, and the Concert Hall. Domenico Dante, the FISM International Vice President, is in charge of the dealers den, enforcing strict measures to protect trading. The Chinese Acrobatics Association is doing everything in its power so that East and West can meet together through the magical arts. Book now for best seating on www.FISM2009.org FISM 2009 Beijing details will also be updated over the next two years on our website: www.MagicUnlimited.com Tim Ellis from Australia is interested in organising a group booking to FISM 2009 if registrants prefer to travel together. New Zealand and South African registrants are welcome to be a part of the group booking flying out of Sydney direct to Beijing. Please contact Tim Ellis to register your interest in travelling together Tim@MagicUnlimited.com -------------------------------------------- 3. HP Toys And FISM Tie Up A Prestigious Partnership -------------------------------------------- London, 01 June 2007 - FISM and HP Toys (Hanky-Panky Toys Group) are pleased to announce the signing of a prestigious worldwide partnership. The 3-year deal, which includes a licensing agreement, allows Hanky-Panky Magic Toys to design and produce exclusive magic toy sets for the International Federation of Magic Societies (FISM), its events and the like of other FISM partners. The agreement grants the magic toys manufacturer the rights to use the official designation marks Official Partner and Official Magic Toys Manufacturer of FISM and its events such as the World Championships of Magic. Since 2003, FISM has moved to a more professional organisation in order to better fulfil its goals and enhance the magic art worldwide. Part of this move was the re-branding of the Federation, which paved the way to signing its first multi-year partnership for the World Championships of MagicT with Slovglass Poltar, a Slovak crystal manufacturer that produced the new World Championships of Magic Trophy and its replicas. Furthermore and for the first time ever, the World Championships of Magic 2006 is now a worldwide distributed TV show and due to be aired in a total of 75 countries. Hanky-Panky Toys Group has produced tens of millions of magic toys boxes for children's enjoyment since 1961. Many famous magicians and world champions started their careers in magic after receiving a Hanky Panky magic set as a child. HP Toys has been leading the way with innovative ideas for children and has developed and updated existing magical principles to make magic stay in vogue with the new generations. HP Toys has also led the way in developing brands of magic. At the World Championships of MagicT in 2003, it developed a Merlin Magic box which was recognised as one of the finest magic boxes for children. Eric Eswin, FISM International President said: "We are proud to be working with Hanky-Panky Toys Group. The first aim of magic is to entertain and bring emotion to the general public. This Partnership will help FISM to bring the sparkle of magic to the adults of the future". Jack Monshouwer, President of Hanky-Panky Toys Group commented: "We are delighted to be part of FISM Official partners program. FISM is the leading organisation for magic throughout the world and this partnership is the natural link between the professional and semi-professional FISM magicians and the magicians-to-be, the children". The signing with Hanky Panky Toys Group, magic toys manufacturer, is a key step to enhance both FISM and HP Toys' presence within the magic community and children. * * * About FISM: The Fédération Internationale des Sociétés MagiquesT (International Federation of Magic SocietiesT) -FISM- is the International body bringing together the world's leading magic societies. The federation was created in 1948, and today consists of 74 magic societies, both national and international, as well as national federations which represent around 50,000 magicians from 40 countries. FISM's aim is to create a centralised body unifying the magic world, to be the voice of magic around the world providing a focal point for communication about magic and magicians; to develop, elevate and promote the art of magic; to coordinate the activities of Member Societies, enhancing their authority and encouraging the exchange of reciprocal cooperation and services; to fight against exposure and copying of acts, effects or inventions, presentations or original routines; to organize the World Championships of MagicT. For more information please visit www.fism.org, www.fismphoto.com, www.fismstore.com; www.fismtv.com ; www.fism2009.org * * * About Hanky Panky toys Group: Hanky Panky is a magic toy manufacturer founded in 1961 in the Netherlands. Hanky Panky has led the magic children market with innovative ideas and new developments. These developments have always complimented magician's performance and given to children an insight into the secrets of magic without giving away the secrets of professional magician's. Hanky Panky Toys group now sells nearly 1 million boxes a year to the major magic and general retailers, including the main supermarket chains (Wall Mart, Carrefour, Tesco, etc.) www.hankypanky-toys.com * * * FISM Contact: Alexis Duvernoy Tel: +44.208.487.86.85 Email: press@fism.org Hanky Panky contact: Kovit Monshouwer Tel: +66 3823 9531 office Tel: +66 818 632 803 mobile Email: kovit.monshouwer@hankypanky-toys.com Gerard W Durning Tel: +44 20 8340 6866 direct line Tel: +44 7747 636 180 mobile Email: gerard.durning@hankypanky-toys.com -------------------------------------------- 4. Update On Paul Daniels Sickness -------------------------------------------- Message from Debbie McGee (Daniels) via Tommy Orchard (ORCHANTÉ Wednesday, 30 May 2007 Hello, Debbie here, I have just found the program that Paul uses to update his blog on his computer and I am so glad that I have found, at last, a way to thank all the people who have expressed concern and sent good wishes.  He has not been well, most of which, I think has been caused by exhaustion caused by overwork. He does not seem capable of holding back when he is on stage and perhaps that is one of the secrets of his success BUT it really caught up with him when he did 8 shows in one day, followed by 22 radio shows the next day. Since that time he has hardly slept at all and in fact last night was the first full night sleep he has had since the 29th March. During his time of really deep 'illness' we went to New York (he wound up in hospital and my personal thanks to good friend, a fellow magician, Ben Robinson, who helped me through the worst of times there). We came back on the QM2 and Paul became a night walker on the ship. He has had a very 'low' time, very unusual for him, and shows have had to be cancelled as he does not want to do shows at a less than top form level. He still has not fully recovered and has a very short attention span and, to my amazement, cannot spend time on a computer! I have noticed quite a bit of improvement over the last few days however, and I believe that one day soon he will be back to his old self. For all those who have asked for stuff from him I am sorry that you have not had a reply. Maybe one day. Love Debbie -------------------------------------------- 5. 'Remarkable Magic' #9 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message from - Nick Lewin (US) Remarkable Magic: hanging on a thread. Of all the tricks that I perform none gives me greater pleasure than the Gypsy Thread. I don't fully understand why I find it such a joy to perform but I suspect it is due in equal parts to happy memories and the sheer impact of this remarkable piece of visual magic. Whether you are entertaining a few folk at the bar or performing on a large stage with the Gypsy Thread in your top pocket you are ready to dazzle any audience. This is the one trick that is always in my pocket for every show. I don't always use it but it is always there. The very first time I saw the trick performed was at the Conway Hall in London by Billy McComb. Now the Conway Hall wasn't a huge auditorium but it was certainly big enough to give me a shock when I saw such a tiny piece of magic fill the stage. The way Billy performed it was a two-fold operation. First was the unwinding and breaking of the thread and secondly was the restoration. The first phase was accomplished with a stream of comedy and very little attention on the thread; part two was a very different story! When Billy restored the thread, suddenly all the attention was on the thread. The intensity with which the magic was accomplished was achieved by narrowing the focal point until the eyes of every audience member were on that tiny white knot bouncing in the center of the thread. Then the beauty of the restoration was almost guaranteed to get gasps from the audience. I sometimes wish that it were obligatory for young illusionists to learn how to perform the Gypsy Thread well before they are allowed to start pushing blades into boxes. There is a wonderful lesson to be learned in focus. The newbie performer often thinks that a big trick doesn't need to be focused just because the props are easy to see. Skillful performance begins with controlling what the audience watches and not just assuming they can see it. The other performer whose performance of this trick is superlative is the estimable Eugene Burger. Eugene's version of the trick is a very different piece of magic than the McComb Gypsy Thread. For starters Eugene actually uses thread instead of yarn, and then there is the marvelous theatre of watching the thread as it is dipped into a candle to achieve the separation of the thread into small lengths. Eugene accomplishes this trick with the slightly detached air of a man lost in deep thought and meditation. It is very effective. As with everything Eugene performs he has covered every angle and achieved a precision and simplicity that allows his theatrical performance style to bring out the very heart and soul of the effect. I have performed the Gypsy Thread for about thirty-five years now and fallen in love again and again with its simplicity and the effectiveness of its very direct plot. Over the years I have developed a plot line that has created some very real emotion. The story I use to present the effect is a 'partly true and partly fiction' combination that allows the audience a glimpse into my actual life. Even the music that is so integral to the piece has a secret meaning to me. Using these means I have created something rather special that centers my performance-emotion. The toughest thing in the world for a comedy magician to do is to create emotion within the body of their work. Hey-it's tough enough just to get laughs and make sure the tricks all work! However I suspect that it is the lack of emotion that makes so much comedy magic appear to be 'minor' entertainment. I was going through a box of old video tapes in my office the other day and I found an unmarked VHS that made me sit up straight in my chair as I watched it. It was recorded a little over a year ago during a cruise engagement in Japanese waters. To be exact it was recorded a few hours after I heard about the death of my friend Billy McComb. I didn't really remember the changes I made to my show that night however I guess the lighting technician did and he recorded the second show from the light booth. What he captured was one of the only two occasions when I was actually fully honest in the presentation of the effect. What was interesting was that not a light or sound cue needed to be changed to achieve the effect. In fact every move was identical: all I did was to relate the 'back-story' upon which my regular presentation was based. I never did this version of the Gypsy Thread before and I will never do it again. A little honesty goes a long way in a comedy magic show. However since the lighting guy took the trouble to film it I thought I might share the moment with other magicians. Ken Brooke always taught me that onstage it is possible to silently focus your attention on a particular person or performer at certain times in your act. I have done this throughout my career and found it a fascinating way to add a quality of inner awareness to the performance. Over the years I have enjoyed this technique and felt it might be of interest to a few others out there. You might want to check out this 'frozen moment' in time. You will see not how I've done the trick before or how I do the trick now, but how the trick was done that night. The video clip is available in the Virtual McComb segment of my website under the heading 'Nick's Gypsy tribute to Billy.' The website is http://www.youtube.com/nicklewin1 As always send any bricks or bouquets to nicklewin@earthlink.net -------------------------------------------- 6. A Kid Show Idea: Photo Opportunity - by Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message from By Kyle Peron (US) E-Mail: Magic4u02@aol.com I wrote an article a few months back that seemed to be very well received. Thank you all. I talked about my clapper board idea for a great way to market yourself in a comical fashion whenever photos are taking during your performance. It is an easy prop that has worked really well for me (please see the e-zine archives for this article). I thought that I would write this week's article expanding on that idea. What can we as entertainers do to help our clients to add value to their event and solve a need they might have? I started thinking about photography and just how many parents I see at my shows that simply do not have a camera, did not think of getting one or are running frantic to find one. I am sure a lot of you have probably experienced this before as well. I have seen this so many times before, that it got me thinking that here is a need I can directly provide a solution for. Allow me to explain. I am a person who really understands that there is a reason why they call what we do "show BUSINESS". If we are getting paid a fee for what we are presenting, then we are indeed in a business of performing magic. Because I view what I do as a business, I find myself always looking for opportunities where I can add value to the experience that I am creating for my clients. I saw the above situation happening too many times and realized that here is a golden opportunity to provide a solution to my client's problem but at the same time help myself out as well. I now bring with me a Polaroid camera and my digital camera to every show I do. It is in my cases and remains in my performance truck so I always have it ready to go at a moments notice. Having these with me have helped me create a fun idea that solves a need. I like for the parents to have something to remember me by but also have something that their child can feel great about. Whenever I do the chair suspension illusion and float the birthday child, I now take the Polaroid photo of them floating. At the end of the show I place my contact sticker on the bottom of the photo and hand it to the child as proof that they really are quite magical. Now this does a few things for me. It allows me to give something to the child and their parents that other magicians may not be doing. It also created a great magical moment when that child sees their image of them floating start do develop in front of them. This is a magical moment that always makes the parents feel great. It also serves a secondary purpose. Because I have my logo on the front of my suitcase table, every photo anyone ever takes of my show, has that photo branded with my name and logo. This is a wonderful tool that from a simple sign, I can make sure that any photo or video taken of the show is branded. Now in the case of the photo of the child floating, I also know that this photo is going to be kept and shown around at the party. Every time someone sees the photo, they are also seeing my name and my contact information. After the show is long over, that photo usually gets placed on the fridge and gets seen by people every day. It is a great and easy marketing tool that really works. Another way I use photography in my show is that I will bring with me a digital camera or at least a disposable camera for every show. I have this in my table and ready to go. Now what I usually do is that if I see a parent not having a camera or hunting for one, I go into a funny routine that is part of the show, is fun and also helps them out. I will usually do say something like this: "Before we begin Timmy's excellent and awesome magic show, we have to make sure we have a few things set up. (bring out a check list and have it scroll down to the floor for a quick laugh). It is a small check list to make sure the show is the bestest ever. OK first we need an audience (look around). Yeap we got that covered. We need a birthday boy. (look again). Is there anyone here celebrating a cool birthday. (look around even after the people point out the birthday child). Anyone at all? Anyone? Last call? OH TIMMY is having a birthday. Cool we got that covered. Now because this is going to be the best show ever, did the photographer get here yet? What? He never arrived? Oh NO!!! This is going to be such a great show and we want to capture all the fun we will have that we have to have a photographer. Not to worry folks. I got it covered. (I go back to my table and get out my camera and a press release badge I made up at home). OK Timmy's dad is going to be our photographer for the show. Here is your awesome camera sir and here is your official Press Pass. This gives you full access to the show to take all the great shots you can. (smile and strike a pose to test the camera)." Now this is what I do in the show. It is a lot of fun and it becomes a part of the shows comical nature and adds to the fun. But it also solves a few things for me. 1) I am able to solve a problem for the client by providing a camera for them to use. But I am doing so in a way that is fun. 2) I am creating a fun moment for the show that adds to my comical nature. It does not stop the flow of the show but in fact adds to it. 3) I can then refer to the press photographer as a fun and funny running gag throughout the show. 4) I am able to now give the photos or send the photos to my client after the event. This now allows me to provide them with something they will remember me by and gives them a lot of great shots of their child's special day. I get thanked many times over for thinking about this and for providing this for my clients. 5) Now with the parents permission, I also have a lot of great shots I can possibly use for my promotional materials (remember always to ask permission first). This is a fun way to really add value to your show and to gain perceived value from your client. Give it a try. It really only takes a small camera and a fake press pass badge for you to really add so much more to your show. Enjoy and please let me know how it works out for you. If you would like ideas on how to make up a very easy and simple press pass badge, just e-mail me and I would be happy to help you out with that. My pleasure. As always, I encourage you the readers to let me know your thoughts. So if you have any thoughts on my articles or suggestions or comments, please feel free to e-mail me directly at magic4u02@aol.com. I would love to hear from you. ----------------- 7. David Regal In Vegas And Jeff In NYC ----------------- Message from Roger Dreyer This Monday, June 4th David Regal will be lecturing at the Fantasma IBM Ring 257, Las Vegas. David will present new effects along with some of his favorites using not only cards and coins, but other items not often seen. Everyone at the lecture will receive a free professionally printed copy of one of David's favorite impromptu close-up card routines. In addition, David's new marketed effects will be available at a discount. Date: June 4th, Monday. Time Doors Open at 7:00 PM Lecture 7:30 Sharp Admission: $15 members Fantasma Ring 257 $20 Non Members $5 Youth Place: Boomers 3200 Sirius Ave RSVP or more information: Joey King kingscastle1@cox.net 702 622 5977 Fantasma New York Presents Famous Magician Magic Series June 8,9,10 Jeff McBride June 8th Public Show 8:30 PM $30 in advance $40 at Door $75 VIP Seat front row June 9th Show 7:00 PM Show and 8:30 separate lecture $30 each $50 for both together $75 VIP or $125 for both together Jeff has created a brand new lecture not to be missed. Survivor Magic. Magic you can take everywhere with you. June 10th Secret Session Master Class Workshop 1-6 PM $125 in advance. Fantasma experienced a sell out last year. Please order your tickets on line at www.fantasmamagic.com -------------------------------------------- 8. New Movie Called Magicians -------------------------------------------- Message from Paul Romhany You can watch a full version of a trailer of a new movie called Magicians by Universal at http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYlBaQl9EuI You can also watch my short promo reel for Chaplin act at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-vJPzAZRJU Paul Romhany paul@chaplinmagic.com www.paulromhany.com www.chaplinmagic.com www.magicmasterclass.com -------------------------------------------- 9. Lisa Richards And Jay Scott Berry A Baby Daughter -------------------------------------------- Message from Lisa Richards and Jay Scott Berry Lisa Richards and Jay Scott Berry are very happy to announce the birth of their daughter, Mikaela Darci Berry. Weighing in at 7 lbs, she was born at home at 8:25 PM on 24/05/07 in Falkland, Scotland. Being true to her globetrotting lineage, she already has her first international flight booked for next month. Next, Jay will be making her a baby-sized Cloaking Device and Lisa will be installing Topits into all her nappies. -------------------------------------------- 10. Serious Incident Took Place For The College Of Magic -------------------------------------------- Message from Sue-Anne Webster, Australia A serious incident took place for the College of Magic in South Africa recently. Many students of the College of Magic experience hardship beyond our imagination in their daily lives. Sponsorship and fundraising are the primary sources of income to keep the College open and running, uniting the whole spectrum of young society and giving them confidence, care and opportunities against harsh political and economic odds. The College of Magic has a vehicle to transport children once a week to and from areas rife with crime. The college provides a safe environment for the children to learn, bond and grow with each other through the magical arts. They develop confidence in themselves, learn to integrate in society and come to understand and respect each other. The college is one of the few places available where students can be respected for who they are, not for what they have or haven't got. They are South Africa's future... and they are uniting through magic. None of this would be possible without the tireless work, care and support of the voluntary team at the College of Magic, Craig Mitchell, David Gore, Marian and many others. It's an incredible tribute to society through magic and I'm proud of their work in such unmitigating circumstances. Unfortunately, the College of Magic suffered a blow when a sponsor was invited to visit one of his 'adopted' students in a township over an hours drive out of Cape Town, in an exercise to experience the home life and poverty suffered by many of the college students. The sponsor was also to learn of the long and hazardous journey the students take each week to get to the college. When visiting a student in their home town, the group from the College of Magic were held up and the college vehicle was stolen. The children with the group were very much shaken by the incident and blamed themselves for the theft, wishing they had not invited their guest to see their home. Of course, they were assured that this wasn't their fault. But the area is now off limits to anyone from the organisation which, of course, worsens the situation in that town which will spiral further into destitution. The insurance company is being very difficult with the payout and will not cover the cost of a new vehicle. This comes at a time when the organization is embarking on their 13 Magical Milestones fundraising drive to permanently secure a future for the young stars of Africa. So, I am appealing to the magic community worldwide for a small donation to be made to the College of Magic to help support them in their efforts. Please visit www.13magicalmilestones.com The College of Magic is doing the most incredible job in uniting these children through magic, giving them opportunities otherwise impossible. They are our future generation and we need to care for them. I thank you in advance for any contributions made. -------------------------------------------- 11. The Ken Brooke Book -------------------------------------------- Message from Steve Cook On 26th February 2008 I am officially releasing a hard back 220 page book, to commemorate precisely the 25th anniversary of the passing of Ken Brooke. This publication is an anecdotal tribute to Ken... a man described as 'the most influential man in magic', with contributions from some of his friends and acquaintances. There are no tricks in the book as such, but some wonderfully funny, as well as some very poignant memories of Ken. There will only be 1,000 (signed & numbered) copies published worldwide. This book has been in production for five years and, is fully endorsed by Ken's partner, Barbara McNaughton (who has also contributed to the book). The Foreword is provided by Wayne Dobson, and the beautiful cover has been painstakingly produced by Ken's old friend, Ken Perks. The advice preferred by Ken Brooke between these pages is priceless and, just as relevant today as when he spoke it all those years ago. There is actually a full section at the back of the book entirely devoted to Ken's magical wisdom. It's somewhat of a cliché but, if you were only to purchase this section alone, for the price of the book, then you'd have easily got your money's worth! Some of the publisher's profits from the sales of this publication will be donated to two charitable causes; The British Heart Foundation and The Ken Brooke Covent Garden Project. The former speaks for itself; they do some wonderful work, especially in the research field. (This charity was selected at the request of Ken's partner, Barbara McNaughton). The latter is our aim to erect an inscribed bench to Ken's memory in the grounds of St. Paul's Church (the 'Actor's Church'), Covent Garden, in London. Ken loved this area of the Capital and, was in his element watching some of the fabulous street performers there, who entertain the public daily. I felt it important that Ken Brooke's name should be kept alive for future generations of magicians. Although there has been much written about Ken and his magic, there has been very little written about the REAL man himself. I thought that the best way to accomplish this would be through the use of anecdotage. Much of the written material, as well as many of the photos, have never before been published. In fact, this book may be a 'first', in that, I cannot recall a publication about a magic personality done solely through anecdotage. Ken Brooke was responsible for influencing the careers of some of the biggest names in magic: Fred Kaps, Paul Daniels, Wayne Dobson, Finn Jon, Ricky Jay, Doug Henning, Maurice Fogel, Al Koran, Gaetan Bloom, Dai Vernon, Terri Rogers, David Berglas, Ali Bongo, Johnny Hart, Channing Pollock, John Calvert, Roy Johnson, Geoff Durham, Tommy Cooper, Dany Ray, Mark Raffles, Fred Robinson, Jack Avis, Bob Read, John Fisher, Johnny Paul, Pete Biro, Marc DeSouza, Johnny Thompson, Barry Stevenson, Mike Caveney, Paul Green... This list is endless! He helped and advised so many... often at a loss to himself. Without doubt, Ken was the greatest magic demonstrator of all time. His instructions became world famous for their detail; explaining every nuance, bit of business, advice and entertainment: they have never been (and probably never will be) surpassed. Ken would tell things as they were... no c**p! If magically, he thought you did something wrong he'd tell you but, he would also show you how to put things right. He would upset some people with his VERY direct comments but, he did it in the hope that magicians would generally perform better, and in doing so, elevate magic to a level at which it would be justified in calling it a 'performing art'. He cared passionately about magicians and magic. He was the most naturally funny and charismatic person I ever seen in my life. Visiting London isn't the same any more. When he passed away in 1983, he not only left a void in the magic but a CHASM. I am taking orders for the book now! When they've gone, there will certainly be no more! The book has only recently, and sparely, been advertised here in the UK (not yet worldwide), and 200 copies have already been reserved! BE QUICK! It may just be the most entertaining magical read for years! If you thought you knew Ken Brooke... think AGAIN! The price of the book is (provisionally) set at: £35-00 (UK - plus p&p & ins., to be finalised. Overseas orders please enquire for an approximate total price). Order by contacting me by Email at: steve.cook243@ntlworld.com "It's a wonderful thing you're doing Steve... wonderful!" (Tom Owen - top comedy magician & Blackpool Convention Organiser for many years). To finish, a FEW of pieces of Ken's priceless advice: "If you want to do magic for REAL "If you want to do magic for REAL people then stay away from magicians. They will only get you doing the wrong tricks in the wrong way". & 'My one-time mentor, Walter Jeans, gave me a wonderful bit of advice: "Magicians palm... Performers seldom do'". & "It's not just the tricks... but the linkage between the tricks that turns you into an entertainer, and not just a magician". (Ken Brooke 1920-1983) -------------------------------------------- 12. Bearly Impossible -------------------------------------------- Message from Paul Romhany Only home for a few days between traveling and I am pleased to announce that a routine I've been working on for the past TWO years is finally ready to market. It's called Bearly Impossible and started off as an idea by my good friend TC Tahoe. I took his idea and 'ran' with it and two years later have produced something very unique that ALL magicians could use. Magic New Zealand members will be the first to find out about this and it's release date is end of June. I've been using mine on the ships now for some time and worked out the nuts and bolts and it's a fun mentalism routine. Here is what others are saying: Effect: The magician shows a gift box and talks about how he bought this gift for his 4-year-old niece for her upcoming birthday. He then talks about coincidences and wants to try an experiment. Audience members are asked to call out a color, any amount of money, a lady's name and a "gift" is selected, which will be a teddy bear. No Force Used For Color, Money Or Name. The selections are written on a white board. The lady is invited on stage and SHE TAKES OUT of the gift box a birthday card addressed to the magician's niece whose name matches the one called out: coincidence number 1! She then takes out a gift certificate for the EXACT amount that was called out: coincidence number 2! She then reaches in and takes out the gift which matches her choice, and it is the exact color that was called out! Coincidence number 3! The color, money, name and gift all match 100%! Note that the spectator takes out the items from the gift box. Comes complete with everything you need to perform: Specially built gift box, table with stand, Dry-Erase Board and Marker, Teddy Bears, Birthday and Gift cards and Instructional DVD. Here is what some TOP Professionals are saying about Bearly Impossible: "This routine is a killer. The way it combines really strong magic and emotional content is an object lesson in how to construct magic that gives an audience not only something to think about but something to feel. This is top notch entertainment which will enchant any audience and I congratulate you on another fine release to the magic world." -- Nick Lewin, Las Vegas "FINALLY! A mentalism routine that plays for a family audience, makes sense and is a great piece of magic! Another winner that has a little of everything - a great plot that instantly connects with the audience, a routine that plays like an illusion, and a powerful piece of magic that is sure to fool EVERYONE. I'll be using this one for sure!" -- Murray Hatfield, illusionist, Canada "The journey through Bearly Impossible, from beginning to end, is full of anticipation and entertainment as each coincidence builds on the one before. The final outcome of all 4 coincidences being correct offers no possible solution to a lay audience. A great piece of theatrical mentalism." -- Wayne Rogers, New Zealand Off next week to Venice and Rome back end of June. ----------------- 13. The 16th Annual KIDabra International Conference ----------------- Message from Mark Daniel The 16th Annual KIDabra International Conference Of the many amazing things about the KIDabra Conference there are 2 regular events that while done at other conventions, here take on a wonderfully, often hysterically funny and truly unique spin. The KIDshow Magic Auction on Wednesday night typically runs around 5 hours, going through hundreds of items from props and DVD's to sound systems and illusions. What makes the auction so memorable and downright fun is the man who each year auctioneers the evening. His name is Gary Shelton from the beautiful river town of New Bern, North Carolina. (Where Pepsi Cola was invented) A salesman by trade and excellent part time pro performer Gary knows the biz, the props and he is funny! Whether honing his style at a family show, a comedy club or by selling his jokes to the Tonight Show (They've bought several) the man just thinks funny. With us, you'll find him the quick witted Captain of the evening and an excellent auctioneer. Gary regularly tells me it's the hardest evening he works all year and I believe it. Often you'll find yourself laughing so hard during the auction, you realize only later how much you've bought. Plus, add to the fact you can't wait to do it again! I've attended dozens of other auctions through the years and loved them all, however none have been more fun than with Gary at the helm. Don't miss the World's Largest KIDshow Magic Auction Wednesday night, August 15th at KIDabra Conference auctioneered by Gary Shelton! Then Thursday night finds us with a Dealer's Show like no other. By their nature they can be long and sometimes a bit draggy. Enter Scott Francis, one of the most breathtakingly funny visual comedians around. While much of his work is speaking to and entertaining corporate audiences, he spends the entire year collecting props and gags to use as he hosts the KIDabra Dealer's Show. He keeps the evening fast paced often playfully kidding or sparring with the vendors. (He and Harry Allen trading quips is priceless) Funny thing, just like Gary, he says this is the hardest night he works all year as well! Whether with wacky gags, silly puppets or the dropping of the kitchen sink (you've got to see it to believe it!) you'll experience with Scott an evening of the latest and greatest with vendors from around the KIDshow world. When can you remember a Dealer's Show getting a standing ovation? Only at KIDabra! The 16th Annual KIDabra International Conference: The Association of KIDshow and Family Performers meets August 15-18 in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, USA. For more info on KIDabra Conference, the featured line-up, schedule and the Association go to kidabra.org ----------------- 14. Fantasma Magic - Jeff McBride Events ----------------- Message from Roger Dreyer Jeff McBride events running from June 8th through 10th: Public Show - Friday June 8th 8:30PM $30 and $75 VIP Seat Show and Separate Lecture - Saturday June 9th 7PM Show and 8:30PM Lecture $30 each, $50 for both together, $75 VIP Seat Secret Session Master Class Workshop - Sunday June 10th 1-6PM $125 Jeff McBride is a master performer and past recipient of Magician of the Year by the renowned Magic Castle in Hollywood. Millions recognize McBride from appearances on NBC's World's Greatest Magic, ABC's Champions of Magic, TLC's Mysteries of Magic and Criss Angel's Mindfreak, as well as his full performances at some of the world's greatest theaters and arena's including Caesar's Palace, Radio City Music Hall, Her Majesty's Theater and The Mikado. He is also highly regarded as a foremost innovator in contemporary magic with his original creations as well as the definitive work on card manipulation with his Art of Card Manipulation video series. His stage presence and knowledge acquired from over twenty years of spanning the globe to study from masters of the ancient arts knows no boundaries. As a result of his lifelong work in magic his performances, lectures and workshops are always highly anticipated by magicians and by those who enjoy exciting and astonishing magic. Fantasma Magic is very proud to present a weekend of opportunities to enjoy watching this true master of the craft perform for you live and to tap into his incredible wealth of knowledge! Special Additional Copy for the Workshop: Fantasma Magic is very excited to offer you a rare opportunity to spend hours of close-up and personal instruction with Jeff at our very-limited capacity Master Class. This is your chance to experience and learn Jeff's unique techniques for creating your own original presentations. You will learn how to increase your effectiveness and self-awareness as a performer and procedures for planning, delivering, and evaluating your own magical performances. This Master Class will allow the participants to learn about a variety of subjects they might have questions on from "one of the most influential magicians of the 20th century" -MAGIC Magazine. Please don't miss out on this very special and extremely limited engagement! ----------------- 15. Broken Wand - Paul Burleson ----------------- Message from Scott Alcalay We were saddened to be informed of the passing of Paul Burleson on Saturday, May 26, 2007, at 10 am. Margaret asked us to notify his friends and fellow magicians of his passing. As you remember Paul was a fine performer and builder of illusions for over 60 years in the Bay Area. Member of the Jungleers, PCAM, Society of American Magicians, IBM We will certainly miss this talented, kind, caring man. Services are pending at this point, and any information received will be forwarded to you. Condolences can be sent to: Margaret Burleson, 15690 Wagner St., San Lorenzo, CA 94580 ----------------- 16. Bob Little's Super Sunday ----------------- Message from Bob Little Bob Little's Super Sunday is scheduled for Sunday June 24 2007 from 10:00 till 10:00 PM. It will be held at the Holiday Inn 3499 Street Rd in Bensalem Pennsylvania, just north of Philadelphia. His special guest will be Aldo Colombini. Aldo will be lecturing, as well as MC the evening show. There is an Auction and Dealer Demo as well. Bob will have 12 Dealers with a variety of magical props. The cost for the one day convention is just $30. Stop by and say hello to old friends, make new friends, have some homemade chocolate, Champagne, and cake. Or just stop by and some have fun. For more information or to be added to The Super Sunday email: Bob_little_super_Sunday@yahoo.com ----------------- 17. Scandinavian Plexi Magic Show ----------------- Message from Albert Colcoran May 24 was on Youtube the Scandinavian Plexi magic show up for about half the day. Then it disappeared! I want to buy a recording. I will pay $100 for this incredible magic. Albert Colcoran, Cheyenne WY alcolco@yahoo.com ----------------- 18. Broken Wand Ceremony For Eddie Tullocke ----------------- Message from Ed Rosenthal We will be having a broken wand ceremony for Eddie Tullocke on June 19th and I wanted to get as many letters to his wife read to her, so she will know how many people around the world, respected him. You can send them to me and i will see that she gets them. Ed Rosenthal (edwardo1927@yahoo.com) Thank you in advance, Ed ----------------- 19. Abra Cadabra - Eric DeCamps ----------------- Message from Eric DeCamps Abra Cadabra May 25th, 2007 by Jane Marie Any single gal in New York is used to smooth talkers. The last thing anybody hopes to encounter during a night on the town is a man who'll use all his charming stories and fancy tricks to make a fool of you. Unless, of course, the man playing tricks is Magician Eric DeCamps. Having spent last Wednesday night being charmed and deceived by The Society of American Magicians' award-winning Magician of the Year, I speak from experience. After recently watching The Prestige, starring the delicious Christian Bale, I looked forward to an evening of illusion - the illusion being that I was Scarlett Johansson, called upon to fill the role of the beautiful and charming volunteer who disappears into thin air before the eyes of the audience. To ensure that was the case, I took a seat as close to the front row as possible. All said and done, that's not quite how it played out. but close enough. The show was billed "An Evening of Intimate Magic," and intimate it was. Held in a room seating about 35 people at the old world (read: stuck-up) 3 West Club on West 51st Street, there was no room for smoke machines or invisible wires. DeCamps could only rely on the sheer skill that has made him the second person in 105 years to receive the prestigious Gold Medal of Excellence for Close Up Magic to amaze and delight us. Upon entering the room, DeCamps instantly grabbed everyone's attention by answering an age-old question: "Can you make money?" One after another, he made silver dollars appear, disappear and seemingly transport from one location to another, all while making sure we could each see that there was nothing up his sleeves, literally. Wives glared at their husbands as if to say, "Why can't you pull money out of the air?" as DeCamps enchanted us with majestic stories and kept us laughing with his quick wit. I perked up in my chair when DeCamps scanned the audience for a volunteer - it was the moment I'd been waiting for! His finger pointed in my direction, and I knew my moment was coming until he said, "You Sir, would you mind coming up here and helping me  out?" He was speaking to, of all people, my boyfriend. Like an Oscar nominee whose name isn't called, I shrunk back in my chair. Timidly, and with only an ounce of the strut I would've employed, my other half made his way the front of the room to be Mr. DeCamp's "lovely assistant." For the next five minutes, my man assisted the magician as he made a fragile egg appear and reappear in a magic pocket. Even from such close proximity, neither a trap door nor blatant misdirection could be detected. Finally my boyfriend made his way back to his seat, and we sat and watched in amazement as the magic man finished his 80-minute show. Even in this rough and tumble city, it turns out all it takes is a little magic to turn even the most hardened New Yorker into a kid again - if only for an hour. Now the only thing I'm left wondering is whether I can actually pull off wearing a top hat as a chic new accessory for Sunday brunch. ----------------- 20. The Amazing Orchante Saga ----------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi) Page - 159 Sun Kissed Fiji - a Brief Return Wednesday 14th July 1976. We flew out of Auckland, New Zealand, at 11:35am, and arrived at Nadi international airport 2:10pm. Got through customs with no more than a cursory look through our hand luggage, and this was only because I'd got into the wrong queue - 50 % chance of being right - and I got it wrong! In this case (excuse the pun) it depends on how you look at it, because my secret gloating for unintentionally getting into the domestic queue, and whipping ourselves and cabin cases through customs so quickly was about to come to a swift end. In those days Veronica, thankfully, kept a diary and had written a daily record of events of the time. She has managed to keep it safe all these years - so I can now relate things from her point of view directly from that diary, as if it was happening today. "I've been waiting, 'patiently', FOR AN HOUR, while Tom went to claim his trunk of equipment, and Bed of Nails from Air Cargo. My God, what a to-do! He finally came back utterly furious, because some: 'Pig Bloody-Headed Hindu was being officious, and demanding a written list of EVERY ITEM in his trunk, with the approx. value of everything'! I went with him, wrote down and valued the lot, which even had to include the strips of sheeting that he has wrapped around the ends of his fire torches, the number of feathers in his turban, right down to the little screw and nut that holds the fire-cross together. It is stinking hot, and so are our tempers! About an hour later, he takes the list off to the 'Officious One', and the bastard clears the whole lot with a mere glance at the list - not even looking into the trunk to see if the list, which he'd made quite obvious he couldn't be bothered to read, was a true and accurate declaration'! This is not a good omen"! It is most interesting reading someone else's diary; they have a different slant on things that you both did, or what they have written about oneself - personal memories that you have forgotten about. I'll carry on with Veronica's reminiscences. "By 5pm, we were booked into the Hibiscus Hotel and playing pool. Tom has beaten me twice. Smart-ass! Everyone smiles and greets you as though they have known you for years. Great! And so far, the only thing I have seen both the Fijians and Indians do fast - is talk! The Fijians speak a heavily accented English, which takes some tuning into; it is obviously their secondary language, and makes one realise what the Maoris have lost, culturally and nationally. The temperature was about 28 degrees centigrade this afternoon, but at dinner (besides the swimming pool) there was a cool breeze blowing. "It is now 9:15pm and Tom, ever restless, is downstairs (seeing what's it going on). I can hear the local entertainer doing his thing in a bar. So far he has sung island songs, Maori songs, and pop songs, all by himself, with electronic sound equipment, all definitely off key and flat - his voice I mean. Far from the 'Romance of the Island's', one hears about. No doubt Tom's at the bar by now, doing his usual - magic, and getting pickled on free booze! Everybody wants to buy him a drink, to see more of his close-up magic; I wish they'd pour the cash into his pockets instead"! 15. 7. 76. "Spend the day in Nadi, shopping. On the way back to the hotel, saw a 12-man work team fixing the road. 11 of the team stood on or round their truck, gaily waving the traffic on, while the 12th member took experimental jabs at the ground with a shovel. At that rate, it's going to them forever to fix the road. I guess that's what is meant why they say, 'Everything runs on - Island Time". 16. 7. 76. "Tom did a magic show last night for the hotel guests. Naturally, there was some smart ass Kiwis in the audience, wisecracking and playing around (not one was under 40). One in particular was worse than the others, so Tom asked him, after making a ping-pong ball disappear, to look between his legs for it. His comment 'No, I've nothing there!' broke Tom and the audience up". We boarded an air-conditioned bus to Paradise Point resort, about 60 miles along the coast. This took about three hours, along dusty, unsealed roads. Eric Petford, Paradise Point manager, met us at the Korolevu hotel, where the bus stopped for lunch, and which turned out to be just a 2-minute walk from the Paradise Point Resort. Continues Next Week. -------------------------------------------- 21. Magic New Zealand e-zine Archives -------------------------------------------- Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e-zine go to: www.watson.co.nz/fezine.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 001 Nov06 1999.txt first three numbers (001) denote issue number, then the date (Nov06) and the last figures the year (1999) -------------------------------------------- 22. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- Our subscriber list is NOT made available to any other companies or individuals. We value every subscriber and respect your privacy. You can subscribe to or unsubscribe from the Magic New Zealand® E-zine at www.watson.co.nz/fezine.html. Magic New Zealand® E-zine is published each Sunday. The opinions expressed therein are those of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of Magic New Zealand®. Neither Magic New Zealand® nor Alan Watson 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 they will not hold Magic New Zealand® or Alan Watson, jointly or individually liable or responsible in any way for the opinions expressed therein. Magic New Zealand® reserves the right to alter, correct or disregard any articles submitted. 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