`* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment * www.Alan-Watson.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #688 Date: Sunday 30th August 2009 Editor: Alan Watson www.magicianz.com e-mail: AW@Alan-Watson.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editor's Message 2. Please Create Media Buzz For Henning Biography 3. Chavez Studio Of Magic 4. The Fall Season For The 2009 It's Magic! Shows 5. John Harrison's Book On Doug Henning 6. Remarkable Magic #8 - Nick Lewin 7. "Fools Magicians" - #134 - Kyle Peron 8. Do You Remember Johnny Giordmaine 9. Las Vegas Magic - September, 2009 10. Latest British Ring Convention News 11. Broken Wand - Brian Eames 12. Broken Wand - David Avadon 13. Superday Success In Sydney Australia 14. Palmerston North Magic Circle - NZ Mini Convention 15. Family Comedy Magic Show On Auckland's North Shore 16. e-zine Archives 17. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- Tony Wilson had some old 8m footage of Edgar Benyon which has now been digitised and uploaded to YouTube.  Benyon is the New Zealand magician that Billy McComb gave the credit for inspiring him to become a magician. Check out: Two Magic Conventions http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gy2cZvIBvo ------------------------- Whaley's Who's Who In Magic Copyright by Lybrary.com, reproduced with permission. http://www.lybrary.com/ Benyon, Edgar "The Great" (Auckland, New Zealand: 1901-14 Sep 1978) Stage name since 1925 of Edgar Wilson Beynon, aka "Bam-Boo-Zalem". Moved to Christchurch as child where at age 5 was inspired seeing Chung Ling Soo show. Debut in 1908. Pro comedy magic & variety show, including quick-change. Since 1918 toured the world: Australia 1918-20 & 1929, South Africa, Far East, England c1922-c1939 (including St. George's Hall in 1932), and Ireland in 1939-49 with a big tent show combining the props of Nikola, Rupert Howard, &, after 1944, Cahn. Returned to New Zealand in 1949. 1969 Grand Master of Magic Award (New Zealand). Bio is Jim Reilly, Same Man - Different Clothes (1994, 132pp). (Pr;Wal) Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com -------------------------------------------- 2. Please Create Media Buzz For Henning Biography -------------------------------------------- Message from Clive Court (Canada) I would like to post this request for Canadian magicians to participate in a campaign to check out Canada's Chapters.Indigo.ca website and enquire about the availability of Spellbound--the Doug Henning biography by John Harrison. This is an American book by an American author about one of Canada's greatest entertainers.  Unless we generate some real interest they will not stock or distribute it.  It has the potential to be a big seller this Christmas season. But nothing will happen unless we get behind it and create some major buzz...everywhere in Canada.  Come on...let's talk it up. Ask for it in the bookstores, online, email you favourite local TV and radio hosts, email your favourite newspaper book editor, columnist, entertainment editors, etc. Be prepared to talk up Doug's achievements and refer them to his YouTube clips And let me know what you are doing so I can spread the word. Canadians in other parts of the world can also help. Give it your best shot. It's not difficult. -------------------------------------------- 3. Chavez Studio Of Magic -------------------------------------------- Message by Dale Salwak (US) The world of fiction is rich with magicians and mentors, great conjurors and learned instructors.  Most familiar to modern readers is the faculty of Hogwarts, where Harry Potter and his fellow wizards toil over ancient spells. But in the real world, only one school has reached a reputation that comes close to touching that mythic institution, having provided instruction to thousands in the fine art of manipulation, and inspiring thousands more. It is the Chavez Studio of Magic, formerly known as the Chavez College of Manual Dexterity and Prestidigitation, and you can read all about it in the September 2009 issue of Magic Magazine. -------------------------------------------- 4. The Fall Season For The 2009 It's Magic! Shows -------------------------------------------- Message by Milt Larsen (US) The fall season for the 2009 It's Magic! shows will end with three shows at the Gallo Performing Arts Center in Modesto, California September 25, 26 & 27, Two shows at the Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara, California November 7th and then our 53rd Annual all-star magic revue at the fabulous Kodak Theatre in Holllywood. The one-night only Kodak show at the prestigious home of the Academy Awards will culminate a week of magic events celebrating the Magic of Hollywood. The grand mansion that Bill and Milt Larsen turned into the World Famous Private Club for magicians in 1963 will celebrate its centennial on November 2 & 3. There will be a Hollywood Chamber of Commerce mixer on November 4th and other special events involving many of the magicians from all over the world attending the bi-annual Magic History Conference at Hollywood's Beverly Garland Hotel November 6 & 7. On November 8th the all-star Kodak show will feature some of the most requested acts in its long history. Confirmed at this date are Rudy Coby, Mac King, Jorge Blass, Kevin James and Company and Shimada. Two more exciting acts will round out the show along with a celebrity host and many surprises. Save the date, pack your bags and plan to be in Hollywood for this very special week of magic. Milt and Arlene Larsen celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary August 28th. -------------------------------------------- 5. John Harrison's Book On Doug Henning -------------------------------------------- Message by Ross Skiffington This week sees the launch of John Harrison's book on Doug Henning, "Spellbound: The Wonder-Filled Life of Doug Henning". In reading an article, as published in the August MUM about the book, I was reminded that on the 2nd of this month in 1975 it was the opening night of The Magic Show at the Princess Theatre here in Melbourne. Larry Anderson (from Mark Wilson's company) played the lead role of the magician, originally created for Doug, and I was his understudy. I also played the Goldfarb character as well as backup singing in the wings. Jon Finlayson was the older magician Feldman and Samantha Sang, Cal. Natalie Mosco was Charmin and later played that role in the Broadway production with Doug. The show was directed by Sammy Bayes who also directed the movie of the show. The film is out on DVD and a great record of the show with extra effects and songs incorporated into the season they ran in Canada when filming. Jon Finlayson is in the movie re-creating his role as Feldman. The illusions were custom built for the production by John Gaughan and the original production stage manager Herb Vogler came out from New York for the rehearsals. Every Thursday I got to run the show and it was simply wonderful to be able to work with such beautifully made illusions. The experience changed my perspective on magic entirely and was the beginnings of a long association with stage magic. The show ran for only 18 weeks and sadly never got to Sydney when I was to have taken over the role of magician. However, it was the springboard to many other opportunities in the world of magic. I never met Doug but certainly felt I knew something of the man and his thinking after my experience with The Magic Show. I look forward immensely to reading John's book. -------------------------------------------- 6. Remarkable Magic #8 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message from Nick Lewin (US) It's Monday Night Magic for Me. Susan and I just celebrated booking a gig that we have been trying to lock in for several years now. It isn't the biggest gig in the world and doesn't pay enough to retire on but it is one that I am really looking forward to. It all began when I returned home from a gig and Susan told me that she had seen a bunch of magicians on the 'Today' show that she really enjoyed. This, in itself, was fairly astounding, as she doesn't much like magicians anymore and after being married to one for 35 years I can't say I blame her. However she loved these guys and couldn't wait to tell me about their show in New York. That is how I first heard about Monday Night Magic. Monday Night Magic is the brainchild of Michael Chaut, Frank Brents, Todd Robbins, Peter Samelson, and Jamy Ian Swiss who function as producers and guardians. It is New York's longest-running Off-Broadway Magic Show. In 1979, realizing that New York was without a live magic venue for the first time in 20 years, Michael Chaut decided that this was unacceptable and MNM was born. The show is now staged at the Bleecker Street Theatre, in the trendy East Village of the world's most exciting city. The reason for the continued success of the show seems to be the care and attention to detail that is lavished on the show by its creators and their handpicked list of regular performers. I suggest you visit their website at www.mondaynightmagic.com and read the full story of its growth and success. It is one thing to start a magic room but quite another to have it flourish and blossom over the long haul.  I salute them. A sister club was established in Boston called the 'Mystery Lounge' which entertained audiences every Tuesday night with the crème de la crème of Boston's awesome magic talent.  After 13 years it is still going strong at the Comedy Studio in Harvard Square. Check them out at www.mysterylounge.com No matter how hard we tried, Susan and I could not organize the correct time and conditions for me to perform at the two clubs. My schedule is usually fairly crazy and in spite of our continued efforts we couldn't nail down a date that worked.  I had always regretted not working at the Magic Towne House in New York, after I visited it with my wonderfully eccentric friend Mal Cross. I didn't want to miss out on this newer magical venue. I was also itching to return to Cambridge, where I had spent many happy weeks working at 'Catch a Rising Star' and exploring the wonders of Vodka with my dear and esteemed buddy Jon Stetson. These were some of my favorite working weeks in spite of the fact the room was a curiously bizarre L shape. Very tough to work but I think the Vodka helped. However, if you keep on trying to do something, then you usually succeed and this was indeed the case with these two gigs. Out of the blue a booking arrived on Crystal Cruises that afforded me overnight stays in both New York and Boston. Even better those two nights happened to be a Monday and Tuesday. Bingo. The deed was done. During 'Magic Live' we took the opportunity to throw a little cocktail party for Monday Night Magic to celebrate the way things had turned out. I got to meet Michael Chaut in person for the first time and enjoy an all too rare re-union with Jon Stetson and Peter Samelson. If you are interested you can look at some pictures and details of the party on my blog at http://nowmagic.info/nowmagic/ So let me invite my friends in both of these great cities to join me and say hullo, even if I have never met you before, stop by and say "Hi".  I will be in Boston on November 3rd and New York on November 9th and will post all the details on my website www.nicklewin.com After all these years in the making the gigs should be a blast. As always feel free to email me at nicklewin1@me.com -------------------------------------------- 7. "Fools Magicians" - #134 - Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message by Kyle Peron (US) magic4u02@aol.com http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com I first want to thank my good friend Ed Garcia for posting a question on Facebook that became the general idea for this article. It really made me think long and hard and opened a lot of us to a great discussion. I hope this article may do the same for you. Thanks my friend. Have you ever seen a magic ad or walked into a magic shop or heard a fellow magician say the phrase, "this fools magicians?" I bet most of you have. I am probably safe to say that most of us have heard this many times over. It is a common thing to see and we as magicians get accustomed to it. But have you really stopped to think what the phrase actually means? Have you ever wondered if the statement is a bit "foolish" in many ways? Now most of us can understand why marketers of magic use such a term. In many ways magicians think like...well.magicians. We are simply in love with the technique and the moves behind what it is we do. Being fooled is still fun for a magician and when we do get fooled, we remember the experience.  However, I know that personally I have not ever bought an effect simply because it "fools magicians." Seeing that phrase on an ad or cover of an effect has never made me crave for it and buy it. The reason is quite simple. If I am a magician who is geared at entertaining a lay audience, then what matters most to me is entertainment value. Just because an effect fools a magician does not mean anything in relationship to a lay audience. Lay people think, react and are entertained in vastly different ways then a magician would be. What a magician is entertained by is vastly different then a lay person. I think it is safe to say our worlds are polar opposites. Now I do agree that as a magician, there is a level of "being able to fool an audience." After all, part of the art of magic is the ability to "fool" the senses. It is the ability to make the impossible possible. By doing so, we are in essence "fooling" people. My problem lies in the concept of magicians trying to sell me a product simply because it "fools magicians." I would much rather it just say," entertains lay audiences." That would have much more meaning and importance to me as an entertainer. But I feel strongly that entertaining an audience is foremost of importance. Now I can entertain and use "fooling" and "wowing" as part of that journey I take them on. I can use a variety of means along the journey. However, in the end these all combine to leave an entertaining experience in their minds. I never buy an effect simply because someone tells me what to say, how to say it, how to move and what comedy lines to use. I also do not buy it because it apparently is great for magicians. I want to create magic that fits my own style. Each of us is vastly different. No two magicians are the same. We each have our own character, personality and style unique to who we are on stage. This should also carry over into the magic we do. The only sure fire way of knowing if something "plays" is simply going out there and performing it yourself in front of the audience and the market you perform for. To have someone tell me this effect "fools magicians" does not tell me if it will work for me, for my style, my character or what I want to accomplish. The only person who knows that is you. The best we can do is to be intrigued by an effect we see advertised. We can then look into it. But ultimately we are the ones who have to decide if it meets our own criteria. What saddens me is that too many magicians are focused only on fooling other magicians. They feel that if it fools a magician, then it will also fool a lay audience. Well my answer is maybe yes and maybe no. How do we know for sure if it will fool them? We don't know that for sure. A trick in the hands of two magicians will be VASTLY different. That is just the nature of things. Besides, magic should not be about fooling people only. It is much more than that. So be intrigued about something that may fool a magician, but in the long run, make sure it fits who you are and that it entertains a lay audience even more. 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. - I would like to let everyone know that I just released a NEW book and E-Book to the magic Community. "Blue and Gold! The Complete Guide to Working The Scout Market!" is now available as a soft cover printed book as well as an ebook download. - "Encore! Creativity in the Art of Magic" Ebook. Order online now at: http://www.magicenhancer.com/Encore.html - "Tips and Techniques on the Chair Suspension" Ebook. Order online now at: http://www.magicenhancer.com/ChairSuspension.html -------------------------------------------- 8. Do You Remember Johnny Giordmaine -------------------------------------------- Message from John Pellatt (Canada) Do you remember Johnny Giordmaine, Canada's most beloved children's magician (1898-1974)? I've created an informal tribute site to honour his memory - that of an outstanding magical entertainer as well as a generously spirited old school gentleman. Based originally on my own modest collection of graphics and text, the site has been generously supplemented by archival materials from Johnny's own family. However, I'm also always looking for additional recollections about him from anyone influenced by his legacy in magic. The site is here: www.johngiordmaine.netfirms.com (Should it magically disappear for exceeding its monthly bandwidth, try again in 30 days!) You can also e mail me your memories of Johnny to be added to the site: jpellatt@hotmail.com Cheers, John Pellatt Canada -------------------------------------------- 9. Las Vegas Magic - September, 2009 -------------------------------------------- Compiled by David Neubauer - www.dnmagic.com Magic Production Shows: Amazed Mike Rayburn, Tim Gabrielson, Buzz Sutherland 2:30 pm - V Theatre - Planet Hollywood. Amazing Johnathan 9 pm (Dark Sun. & Mon.), Harmon Theater, Krave - Planet Hollywood. Criss Angel - Believe 7 & 10:00 pm (Dark Sun. - Mon.) - Luxor. www.cirquedusoleil.com/crissangel David Copperfield Aug. 20 - Sept. 23 7:30 & 10 pm (and 4:30 Sat.) MGM Grand. www.mgm.admission.com/cgi/guide.cgi?l=EN Dixie Dooley - Master Mystifier 7:00 pm (Dark Sun. - Tue.), Royal Resort. www.houdiniexperience.com 2 for 1 Tickets: www.vegas4locals.com/coupon_dixie_dooley.html Gerry McCambridge - The Mentalist 7:30 pm (Dark Wed.), V Theatre - Planet Hollywood. www.mentalist.com Comp. Tickets: www.mentalist.com/_images/Ticket.pdf Ignite Antonio Restivo. 11:00 pm (Dark Mon.), Greek Isles. www.ignite13.com Special Discount: $10 off www.ignite13.com/flyer.pdf Lance Burton, Master Magician 7 pm (Dark Sun. - Mon.), Monte Carlo. www.montecarlo.com/entertainment/lance.aspx Special Discount: Mention you want "The Special" at the box office to receive a 25% Discount. Mac King Comedy Magic Show 1 & 3 pm, (Dark Sun. & Mon.) - The Showroom, Harrah's. www.mackingshow.com Free tickets (buy 1 drink) are usually available at the concierge desk or handed out occasionally by showgirls. Magic's a Drag Steve Weston (aka Cashetta) 1 & 3 pm, (Dark Sun.) - Planet Hollywood. www.magicsadrag.com Nathan Burton Comedy Magic Show 4 pm - Main Showroom - Flamingo. www.nathanburton.com Special: Buy Flamingo Buffet from Box Office for $19.95, get free ticket to show. www.vegas4locals.com/couponnathanburtoncomedymagic.html Penn & Teller 9 pm, (Dark Thurs. - Fri.), Rio. www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/rlv/entertainment/entertainment_detail_00.html Rick Thomas 7 pm. 4 pm. & 7 pm. Sat. & Sun. (Dark Mon.) - Sahara. Scarlett and the Seductive Ladies of Magic 10 pm. (Dark Fri.) - Riviera. 2 for 1 Tickets: www.vegas4locals.com/couponscarlett.html Superstars of Magic 7:30 & 9:30 (Dark Tues.) Steven Best and Cassandra, Vegas Club. www.vegasclubcasino.net/entertainment/superstars_of_magic.php 2 for 1 Tickets: www.vegas4locals.com/couponsuperstarsofmagic.html Steve Wyrick 9 pm. (Dark Fri.) & 7 pm. Sun. & Mon. - Planet Hollywood. www.stevewyricktheatre.com The Dymonds - The Las Vegas Magic Revue 7 pm. (Dark Wed. - Sat.) - Royal Resort. Guest Stars: Aug. 20-22: The Great Antoine (Antonio Hoyos); Aug. 23-25: Rick Star; Aug. 26-27: TBA; Aug. 28-29: Big Daddy Cool; Aug. 30-Sep. 1: Jean Pierre; Sep. 6-8 Mike Douglas; Sep. 13: Keven Barns; Sep. 14-15: Jeff Alan; Sep. 21-22: Stoil & Ekaterina; Sep. 27-29: Paul Draper; Oct. 4-6: Luna Shimada; Oct. 11-12: Cory Haines; Oct. 13: Chuck Crespo; Oct. 18-20: Fred Turner; Oct. 25-27: Dr. Anthony Darkstone & Tony Brook. www.dymondsmagicrevue.com 2 for 1 Tickets: www.vegas4locals.com/couponthedymondsmagicrevue.html The Super Duper Kids Show Bill Robinson and B-Rad. 4 pm. (Dark Mon. - Wed.) - Royal Resort. www.superdupershowlv.com The Todd Paul Show 7 pm. (Dark Fri.) - Hooters. www.hooterscasinohotel.com/entertainment/the-todd-paul-show/ Xtreme Magic Starring Dirk Arthur 4:10 & 7 pm (Dark Tues.) (7 pm is an expanded show). Tiffany Theatre, Tropicana. www.tropicanalv.com/ent_dirkarthur.asp 2 for 1 Tickets: www.vegas4locals.com/couponxtrememagic.html Magic In Production Shows: "After the Show" Cashetta, Christopher Karpiak, S. Frank Stringham, and more. Mondays, 11 pm (seats at 10) 2 drink minimum - Harmon Theater, Planet Hollywood. Crazy Girls Tony Douglas - 9:30 pm (Dark Tues.), Riviera. www.rivierahotel.com/entertainment_crazygirls.asp 2 for 1 Tickets: www.vegas4locals.com/couponcrazygirls.html Haunted Vegas Show and Tour Jac Hayden, Robert Allen 9:30 pm, picks up at the Royal Resort. www.hauntedvegastours.com $10 off Tickets: www.vegas4locals.com/couponhauntedvegas.html The Las Vegas Seance Robert Allen, Jac Hayden, Arian Black, Samina, Victora Wayne 10:00 pm, picks up at the Royal Resort www.LasVegasSeance.com V, The Ultimate Variety Show Jason Byrne (most Tues. - Sat.) & various others. 7 & 8:30, Planet Hollywood - www.vtheshow.com Variety Showcase Christopher Karpiak & S. Frank Stringham Tuesdays, 9 pm - FREE - Sam's Town. Other Vegas Magic: Craig Keith performs bar magic at various times - Dick's Last Resort, Excalibur. Jamie Porter's Radio Side Show Sat @ 5 am, KLAV FM 1230. Las Vegas Magic Organizations Fantasma I.B.M. Ring #257, 7 pm 1st Monday each month. www.ibm257.com Boomers, 3200 Sirius Ave. Darwin's Magic Club, meets 10 pm Wednesdays. Boomers, 3200 Sirius Ave. KIDabra Las Vegas, 7 pm every 3rd Monday. Amazing Clowns, 3525 E. Flamingo. www.kidabralasvegas.com News: September, 2009 September 7-9: Magic & Mystery School - Sisters of Magic and Mystery, a Magical Conference for Women. Abigail Aft McBride, Jeff McBride. Special Guest Luna Shimada. www.magicalwisdom.com September 14-20: Nick Lewin 8:30 & 10:30 pm - Riviera Comedy Club. September 22-24: Magic & Mystery School - Magic and Martial Arts. Jeff McBride, Bryce Kuhlman, Tom Meseroll. www.magicalwisdom.com October, 2009 October 9-11: Magic & Mystery School - Focus on Street Magic. Jeff McBride. www.magicalwisdom.com October 21-24: Magic & Mystery School - The Magic and Meaning Conference - A distinctive, annual small-group conference that focuses on creating meaningful magic routines, effective scripts, and new venues for performance. Featuring keynote addresses by Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Robert E. Neale, Lawrence Hass, and a number of short talks by experts on subjects relating to the themes of the conference. www.magicalwisdom.com November, 2009 November 6-8: Magic & Mystery School - Magic and Medicine. Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith. www.magicalwisdom.com November 8-10: MINDvention - Mentalism Convention - Palace Station. www.mindvention.net November 11-13: Magic & Mystery School - Master Class for Mentalists. Special Guest: Ross Johnson, Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith. www.magicalwisdom.com December, 2009 December 7: Peter Reveen has been named Magician of the Year by the Fantasma Ring #257 Las Vegas chapter of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. On the bill (so far) to honor "Reveen, The Impossibilist" is Fielding West as MC, Lance Burton, Johnny Thompson, Anthony Rais, David and Dania (with their new Austin Powers style act), and many surprise guests! There is limited seating and seats purchased before October 1st are significantly less. www.IBM257.com. January, 2010 Jan. 18-24: Magic & Mystery School - Extended Master Class Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith. www.magicalwisdom.com March, 2010 Mar. 5-7: Magic & Mystery School - Master Class Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith. www.magicalwisdom.com April, 2010 Apr. 19-25: Magic & Mystery School - Extended Master Class Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith. www.magicalwisdom.com May, 2010 May 18-19: Magic & Mystery School - Focus on Stage Magic & Manipulation Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith. www.magicalwisdom.com June, 2010 Jun. 28-Jul 4: Magic & Mystery School - Extended Master Class Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith. www.magicalwisdom.com August, 2010 Aug. 23-29: Magic & Mystery School - Extended Master Class Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith. www.magicalwisdom.com September, 2010 Sept. 14-15: Magic & Mystery School - Focus on Stage Magic & Manipulation Jeff McBride. www.magicalwisdom.com Sept. 18-19: Magic & Mystery School - Focus on Magic and the Martial Arts Jeff McBride, Bryce Kuhlman. www.magicalwisdom.com Sept. 24-26: Magic & Mystery School - Sisters of Magic & Mystery Abigail Aft McBride, Jeff McBride. www.magicalwisdom.com October, 2010 Oct. 9-10: Magic & Mystery School - Focus on Street Magic Jeff McBride. www.magicalwisdom.com Oct. 20-23: Magic & Mystery School - The Magic and Meaning Conference - A distinctive, annual small-group conference that focuses on creating meaningful magic routines, effective scripts, and new venues for performance. Featuring keynote addresses by Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Robert E. Neale, Lawrence Hass, and a number of short talks by experts on subjects relating to the themes of the conference. www.magicalwisdom.com -------------------------------------------- 10. Latest British Ring Convention News -------------------------------------------- Message by Bob Hayden PRO to the British Ring Completing the lineup of those performing in the International Close-up is Henry Mayol. Henry is a big specialist in Close-up; his magic is simple, effective and completely unique to him. He is the complete professional artiste who always works with elegance, humour and poetry. He keeps surprising his audience with his never ending innovation capacity making him one of the cleverest creators of his generation. He will also be delivering a lecture, his experience making him an invaluable teacher in the magic community. He has also marketed many tricks and is the author of many works intended for professional magicians. You will be stimulated by the work of Henry Mayol and gain some new approaches to close-up magic from his lecture. From the very first British Ring Convention held in Cheltenham in 1931 a show devised for the children of the host town has always been included in the programme of events. Although admission to the show is not included in the registration many of the Conventioneers like to attend the show and purchase a ticket. Previously the number of seats available has been limited due to the size of the venue and we have asked those wishing to attend to occupy the rear seats leaving those in the front for the children and their accompanying adults. This year Children's Showtime is being staged in the Southport Theatre with ample space available. However if you do go please don't bag the front seats. The show this year has been devised and being produced by Clive Moore, who has assembled a strong and varied magical programme. Clive has experience in devising shows for children having been responsible for a similar kiddies show at the last two Northern Magic Circle annual convention. Clive and Jean Ellison as Clivo and Jeani will be hosting the show. Over the past 30 years they have performed their magical clown act throughout the country from private parties in homes to large theatres picking up many awards for their work along the way one of which is The Lady Diana Award for their work with children's charities. And who will they be introducing? First there is Doug Gregg with his incredible wizardry. From an age of being six years old, for Doug magic has always been an involvement in his life. Following his success in winning with his colourful stage magic act 'The Cock of the North' award at the Leeds Magic Circle's Northern Convention in1969 and the 'Alistair wand' in the British Ring stage competition in the same year he became the support act to many of the leading variety stars. In later years Doug has specialised in children's entertainment and close-up magic and currently his work is directed solely to Cruise ships where he is employed as the children's entertainer. John Kimmons is the Magical Ventriloquist and has been performing professionally for over 25 years delighting family audiences with his unique blend of magic, comedy and ventriloquism. He is the first ever children's entertainer to pick up the prestigious Ken Dodd award for Comedy and was awarded the title of 'Children's Entertainer World Champion in 2008 in Blackpool. John's show moves at a lightening pace and is packed with stunning magic and ventriloquism routines. And you never know you may even get a sample of his extraordinary balloon modelling (he can do dolphins!). With their illusion act based upon sibling rivalry, High Jinx (Michael and Siobhan Jordan) are an award winning Brother and Sister duo. They started working together in 2004 when they created an illusion act for the Young Magicians Club stage competition which they won. Since then they have continued to build on that act which they have performed not only at the massive Blackpool Opera House but for the delegates attending the Convention of the Society of American Magicians in Boston. In 2007 their act won the British Ring Shield in the stage competition. Michael at eighteen years old is already an accomplished Magician, Unicyclist, Juggler, Illusionist, Fire Eater and Guitarist. Siobhan is a brilliant actress and has appeared in a number of productions of the Huddersfield Thespians, a very proficient cornet player (a member of Halifax Concert band) as well as an excellent Illusionist and Magician. Both are members of The Magic Circle. Earlier this year they toured for Bourne Leisure, appeared at the Buxton Fringe Show and the Avalanche Dodgers Summer Spectacular plus an appearance with Thomas the Tank Engine. Closing the show is Richard Cadell with the country's most beloved puppet Sooty.  For nine years Richard has been the hand of Sooty taking over from Matthew Corbett when he retired in 2000. Sooty will of course be accompanied by Sweep and Soo and Richard is planning to use the background of the original set of houses of Harry Corbett, Sooty's creator, in the early black and white TV programmes. For the past eight years Richard has been Sooty's presenter, during which period he has updated the gang for a new younger generation with a new look TV series with them running the "Sooty Heights" hotel. A brand new TV series is in development where the emphasis is going back to the early inspirations of Harry and Matthew Corbett. This is not the first time Sooty has appeared at a British Ring Convention. In the Gala Show of the 1955 Convention one of the acts appearing was none other than Sooty with Harry Corbett. How many of you were at that Southport Convention and can remember seeing them? As at every Children's Showtime outside the Theatre will be the colourful giggle of IBM Clowns to welcome the children as they arrive with a host of zany antics to ensure that they immediately have the time of their lives. Likewise they will still be there as they leave to say goodbye and wish them a safe journey home. Tickets at for the show £8 for adults and £6 for children can be obtained from the Southport Theatre Box Office. Julie has made a great choice of Speaker for the Ladies Afternoon on Friday. It will be theatrical impresario Duggie Chapman MBE who will be giving his film show/talk 'From Musical to Variety'. He started in show business 60 years ago and is one of the UK's leading promoters specialising in the art of music hall, variety and traditional pantomime. His star studded shows play to packed houses throughout the UK year after year. Duggie has recently been awarded the MBE for his services to Light Entertainment in the Queen's birthday honours. In his talk he will be recalling some of the great variety stars in a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Duggie's love of the Music hall is evident in his excellent narrative which he includes before each film clip. After reading about Duggie's impending talk in the Budget it has come to the attention of the convention organising committee that many male Conventioneers are so anxious to attend this presentation that they are prepared to become cross dressers in a frantic attempt to do so. Don't try it chaps as the stewards will deny you access. The afternoon starts at 2.00pm prompt in the Lakeside Suite of the Floral Hall with tea being served at 2.15pm. Ladies ensure that your partner applies for your ticket when he makes his and your registration. Remember the Convention starts in just over a month's time so there is still time to make your registration and join your fellow wizards for four days of watching and learning from some of the worlds headline magicians who will be there whose magic and advice will stimulate you and encourage you to raise the standard of your own performance and at the same time of having the opportunity to socialising with one another. -------------------------------------------- 11. Broken Wand - Brian Eames ------------------------------------------ Message by Terry Herbert (UK) I am very sorry to have to report the death of a dear friend and fellow professional magician and children's entertainer Brian Eames.  He had been a pro for over 40 years and his career spanned nearly all aspects of the entertainment world including Television, Radio, Theatre, Summer Shows, Cabaret, Pantomime and Children's Entertainment.  He had been for ill for a long while and the end came peacefully on the morning of Thursday 20th August 2009.  He will be sorely missed by his many friends in the business. RIP -------------------------------------------- 12. Broken Wand - David Avadon -------------------------------------------- Message by Hal Meyers (US) Some very sad news my good friend David Avadon, magician, pickpocket, magic - film/television consultant passed away suddenly on August 22, 2009. David was 60 years old. I will try to put something together and get it to you. Also check out his website, it is wonderful: http://www.davidavadon.com/ David was also a very good friend of Ricki's and wrote several wonderful articles that appeared in various publications about Ricki and pick-pocketing. Message from William Bowers I just spoke to David Avadon's brother Joe, who told me David died last Saturday. He apparently had a heart attack at the local gym while on the treadmill exercising. David was 60 years old, and a long time performing member of the Magic Castle. His wife's name is Miranda. David will be buried this coming Sunday, August 30th, at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, 6,000 Santa Monica Blvd., at Gower Street, a few blocks east of Vine Street. The service will be in the Cemetery Chapel at 1:00 PM. The Chapel is on the right as you drive into the cemetery.  Following the burial, friends are invited to his home for a reception at 3414 South Centinela Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90066. His home is located on the back side of the Santa Monica Airport. Another sad day for magic. ------------------------- Whaley's Who's Who In Magic Copyright by Lybrary.com reproduced with permission. http://www.lybrary.com/ Avadon, David (Los Angeles, California: fl.1960s-80s) Learned at age 9 from library books. Pro intimate table & stand-up magic & pickpocket act since c1969. Society & trade show performer. Co-author of The Berg Book (1983). Tricks in Magick. Book reviewer for Epoptica & Genii. Prop reviewer for Genii since 1991. Collector. (Mag;Wh2) -------------------------------------------- 13. Superday Success In Sydney Australia -------------------------------------------- Message by Greg Britt - Elgregoe (NZ) 21st to 23rd August Not just a day, but a whole weekend of fantastic magic, lectures and activity put on by Sean and Diana Taylor of Taylors Magic Shop. I have just returned with over 12 other New Zealander's from an inspiring and eventful weekend in Sydney. The greatest mystery to me was why more magicians didn't attend what was one of Sean's best magical weekends yet. Perhaps a reflection of the more difficult economic times faced by many. David Regal delivered far more than just card tricks. His weaving of story with trick should inspire those attending to look at their patter and his appearing and vanishing glass of liquid was astonishing. Then the principals explained were simple but oh so clever. His books and props were quick sellers and I can see why he was a recipient of Lecturer of the Year from the Academy of Magical Arts. Pat Fallon, popular Irish magician scored well with the family entertainers. What I loved is the fact that he is out there busy doing the shows and this showed in his material which was easy to follow and could be worked by all attending. Yes we came away with a wealth of material we could actually do. Dean Atkinson from Melbourne Australia delivered much to the convention but for me seeing his vent work was a highlight, delivering a funny and well received routine with his dog puppet in the public show. Chuck Fayne always has an interesting story to tell and also did a workshop on the cups and balls with Dean. Sean finished with a wealth of information in his lecture called Selling the Show. So many great tips here and he says he plans to put it all in a book. I want the 1st copy! With lectures, workshops, lunch provided at Taylors Magic Shop, Gala show with too many great acts to mention and a great catch up with fellow magicians all made for a great and magical weekend. Plan to attend next year Sean is already booking top lecturers and acts, you won't be disappointed! -------------------------------------------- 14. Palmerston North Magic Circle - NZ Mini Convention -------------------------------------------- Message from Ken Bates Dear Fellow Magi, Labour Weekend 24th to 26th October 2009 I have great pleasure in inviting you to join us over this coming Labour Weekend for a fun filled weekend of magic, magic and...more magic. Headlining the event, and direct from Adelaide's Magic Convention, is Britain's acclaimed Crowned Prince of Children's Entertainers, Terry Herbert supported by a cast of thousand's (well, perhaps not thousands but certainly a good number) of NZ's home-grown and imported talent including Grand Master Greg Britt, Bill Seagraves, Michael Woolf, Joel Fenton, Zappo and Pippty-pop (aka balloonologist extraordinaire, Pip Milford-Hughes). This convention is all about sharing and learning, and of course, having fun in a relaxing and supportive environment. There will be no competitions but plenty of opportunity to mix 'n' mingle. "Want to show that routine you've been working on? - just grab a table, plonk yourself down and mystify those around you. "Need help with apple or tulip twist? Sidle up to Pip. "Can't get those cards across - ask Bill. "Want to keep your balls aloft for longer? Check out your technique with Joel, Norm or anyone else who happens to be better than you! Here's your opportunity to learn from the best - or, if you happen to have that special skill or knowledge, here's your chance to share. So don't waste anymore time. Complete the enclosed registration form, return it to us with payment (or pay by internet banking if you prefer) and we'll be in touch with more details of this not-to-be-missed Labour Weekend Event. We've already secured some great motel deals (see back page), so there really is no excuse. We're really looking forward to seeing you here..... Programme - Saturday 24th October 9.00 Registrations-Globe Theatre 10.00 Morning Tea 10.30 Welcome & Dealers' Demo 11.00 Lecture - Cards Across & Much More with Bill Seagraves 12.00 Lunch 1.30 New Zealand Magicians Entertain 3.00 Afternoon tea 3.30 Star Lecture- Entertaining Children the Herbert Way with Terry Herbert 5.00 Mix 'n' Mingle over Drinks 7.30 Cabaret Buffet with top NZ Funny Man, John Graham, Terry Herbert and Bill Seagraves-Chinatown Restaurant-BYO Sunday 25th October 9.30 Q & A with Terry Herbert-Globe Theatre 10.00 Morning Tea 10.30 Close-up workshops-Te Manawa Rooms 12.30 Lunch 1.30 Magic at the Globe Gala Show 4.30 Mix 'n' Mingle and Afternoon tea-Senior Citizens' Club Rooms 6.30 Dinner-Free Time 7.30 Our President's Star Studded Cabaret And before you leave on Monday morning Bring & Buy sale between 9 and 10am **BOOK NOW** You can get your registration form by emailing our illustrious secretary, Robin Lucas pn09convention@hotmail.com Or download it via the following link: http://www.scribd.com/doc/16434221/Registration-Form Click on the Download button (just above the "W" in "Weekend") to open in Adobe Acrobat. -------------------------------------------- 15. Family Comedy Magic Show On Auckland's North Shore -------------------------------------------- Message by Mick Peck (NZ) The "Shore Is Magic!" family comedy magic show features performances by some of the top magicians in New Zealand, illusions, ventriloquism, special guest performers, comedy magician Malcolm Silverman will MC. Four shows only - The Rose Theatre, Belmont, North Shore. Friday September 18th: 7:30pm Saturday September 19th: 1pm, 4pm and 7:30pm. Tickets are available at the door but we did have some sell-outs last year so I suggest you get your tickets in advance, details at www.scmc.co.nz and www.iticket.co.nz Be great to see some local magicians come along, we received some very good feedback from the shows we ran last year. Shore City Magicians Club Incorporated www.scmc.co.nz -------------------------------------------- 16. 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