Magic New Zealand® E-zine

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* Magic New Zealand®
* Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment Ltd (New Zealand)
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Issue Number: #1625
Date: Sunday 27th June 2021
Editor: Alan Watson QSM
www.watson.co.nz
E-mail: editor@magicnewzealand.com
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Hi here is the latest news
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1. Editor's Message
2. Paul Daniels Chop Cup Sold For $16,000 US
3. The Magic Word Podcast
4. Magical Women With Connie Boyd
5. Mark Fallows Podcast From New York
6. Gypsy CAAN - John Carey #124
7. S.A.M. National Convention Is Going Back To Las Vegas
8. Melbourne Magic Festival 2021
9. No Stone Unturned - Paul Stone - Article #17
10. The Orchante Saga - Beginnings
11. E-zine Archives
12. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice

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1. Editor's Message
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If you would like to read the Magic New Zealand e-zine in HTML format
go to: http://www.magicnewzealand.com/ezine-archive/2021-Jan-to-Dec-2021/1625-Jun27-2021.html

If you would like to write a regular column for Magic New Zealand or have some magic news drop me a line:
Editor@MagicNewZealand.com

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2. Paul Daniels Chop Cup Sold For $16,000 US
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Message by Wayne McEwan (New Zealand)

o Lot #253, a 1960s-era Ken Brooke Master Chop Cup, is estimated at $3,000-5,000. This 4" tall spun aluminum example was owned and used by British magician and TV personality Paul Daniels (1938-2016) for years. At its peak, his BBC program "The Paul Daniels Magic Show" was viewed by some 18-million people - approximately one third of the entire population of Britain.

Paul Daniels Chop Cup sold for $16,000 US at Potter and Potter.

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3. The Magic Word Podcast
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Message by Scott Wells, M.I.M.C. with Gold Star

U.K. Kid Show Magicians and Jeff Hobson on The Magic Word Podcast

Last week we had a delightful conversation with three entertainers from the U.K. who specialize in children's magic shows. Martin Cox coordinated this effort by asking two of his mates to be on the podcast. So we welcomed Paul "Colonel Custard" Megram along with "Magic Dave" Allen who both perform magic for kid's parties and Martin "Mr. Biscuit" Cox who performs family shows. We compared and contrasted the business of kid's shows in the U.K. versus the U.S.

You can listen to that episode wherever you get your podcasts, but for more information, photos and videos, then please visit:
https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagic/617-uk-kid-show

This week we have a proper chat with the "Host of Las Vegas", comedy magician Jeff Hobson. Not only was he known with that moniker, but also he has attained an even higher credit as he has compeered "The Illusionists" world touring show for many years. As a result, he is known and respected by not only magicians but laypeople alike. He has now settled in La Quina, California where he runs "Marvyn's Magic Theatre".

Once again, you can listen to this fun podcast wherever you get your podcasts, but please visit our website for more content at:
https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagic/618-jeff-hobson

And you can get even more content by viewing (and subscribing to) my YouTube channel where Jeff gives us a tour of his theater. You can watch that video at: https://youtu.be/vFm2I-oXrzs

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4. Magical Women With Connie Boyd
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Message by Connie Boyd (USA)

Dania Diaz Winning TWICE a Golden Buzzer on Spains Got Talent + AGT-the Champions Winners Circle #1

Dania Diaz's life changed forever one night in 2018 after she appeared on Spain's Got Talent. The Venezuelan magician performed a magic number that told the story of her own personal journey with magic and cards. Her ability to connect with the audience and break through a virtual barrier, touching people in their homes was magical. Her magic added meaning to her words and her words added meaning to her magic. She was an instant success.

Dania says, "not even in my wildest dreams did I imagine getting the golden buzzer for my audition piece." Dania's magic went viral, from the minute her performance on Spain's Got Talent aired. Everything blew up overnight and she was not prepared for the skyrocket to almost instant stardom.

"I think that my story connected with so many people that they remembered me", Dania states.

**Many thanks to Dania's and Magical Women's viewers and subscribers who sent questions to Dania for these talks.

Content - Dania Diaz

00:00 - 1:05 - Introduction
1:05 - 1:19 - Dania's MW Magic
1:19 - 3:15 - How AGT Spain changed her life overnight
3:15 - 5:54 - Discovering combining stories with magic
5:54 - 6:48 - What she values from her AGT experiences
6:48 - 7:56 - Receiving 2 golden buzzers
7:56 - 10:16 - Being a Latina on AGT the Champions
10:16 - 10:38 - Magical Women's Call to Action

Dania Diaz website: https://daniadiazillusionist.com

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5. Mark Fallows Podcast From New York
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Message by Romany (UK)

Latest guest appearance on the Mark Fallows podcast from New York.
https://theimpossiblenetwork.com/podcast/romany-romany/

Romany - Guest overview

There is no simple explanation for this week's guest. I have struggled with how to do justice to her incredible journey. Romany - aka 'Romany The Diva of Magic' is living evidence that when one sets their mind to something and takes action, anything is possible.in time…for there is no overnight success where skill is required. Especially magic, where countless hours of training are required to make an attentive audience believe the magic they witness.

For anyone struggling with life, unsure of direction, or feeling a pull to a place or life, alien to where you are now, Romany's story will empower you to take action to create your own life arc.
Romany was born and raised in England, was driven by a visceral early ambition to perform, was pulled off course by Corporate life that led to a breakdown and bulimia, which in turn opened the pathway to her steller life in Magic.

Having performed for Queen Elizabeth at her 80th, won the prestigious Las Vegas World of Magic Awards, and wowed audiences around the world, she has recently written a book called Spun Into Gold to recount her life story and impart her wisdom. However her journey is anything less than plain sailing as she describes in the podcast,

Her story is defined by the patience and persistence to pursue her bigger dreams, but as many of us find, ambitions change, leaving us to reassess our priorities.

I hope you enjoy the vivacious, loquacious, and flamboyant Romany.

Thanks to Alan Digweed for the recommendation.

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6. Gypsy CAAN - John Carey #124
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Message by John Carey (UK)
http://www.johncareymagic.co.uk/

"Cards are not just used by magicians. Casinos around the world throw their doors open to gamblers who want to try their luck at Poker or Blackjack. But playing cards actually have a very interesting history dating back centuries and pre date the Tarot and were used as a tool for divination by Psychics, Seers and Fortune Tellers. With that in mind, would you please shuffle the deck? I want you to put a bit of your personality into it.

Just by the way that you mixed those cards I can tell that you are quite an efficient person who likes to get a job done properly. Now would you cut the deck into three face down packets. They say that all good things come in threes. Before we proceed, let me write a thought down. I need to take notes more as I get older! Now would you turn the top card of each packet over? Interesting cards. The Seven of Hearts, the Four of Spades and the Ten of Diamonds and remember, you shuffled.

That heart tells me you are quite a loving, giving person and family time is precious to you. When I see Spades, I think of a shovel and work. You certainly aren't frightened of hard work and that Diamond Card indicates wealth. You may never be a millionaire, but you work hard to earn good money to lead a decent lifestyle for both you and your loved ones. But maybe the cards are telling us something else? If we add up those three numbers, we get? Twenty one is correct. But it truly could have been any total as you shuffled and cut. Please deal twenty one cards into my hand out loud. Now put the rest down and we will take the last card dealt. Remember earlier I wrote a message down? Please turn it over and read it out. The Five of Clubs. And the card at the number you formed is the Five of Clubs. Truly strange things can happen when we least expect them!"

After they cut the deck into three packets and turn the top card of each packet face up, those cards are pushed forward by you and then you gather up the deck. Execute an overhand shuffle with the faces to the left and remember the face card and shuffle it to the rear/top of the deck,
which you then set face down. This is a very casual moment. Write your 'message' down and table it sight unseen.

Segue into the cartomancy, keeping it interesting and not too heavy. Next have the values added up as per my presentation and ask the spectator to deal that total face down into your hand. Get them to set the balance down as your execute a bottom deal, getting your target card in play. Have the message read out and then slowly turn the card over to successfully conclude the mystery.

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7. S.A.M. National Convention Is Going Back To Las Vegas
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The S.A.M. National Convention is going back to Las Vegas, January 15-18, 2022. Limited to only 600 registrations. Arrive early for the kick-off event the evening of January 14, 2022.

https://www.magicsam.com

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8. Melbourne Magic Festival 2021
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The Melbourne Magic Festival casts its spell across Melbourne from June 28 to July 10, 2021, and promises to take you to the extreme end of visual theatre with over 150 performances of 35 different shows including top international guest magicians from all over Australia!

The Melbourne Magic Festival is now officially recognized as the largest festival of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and attracts magicians and magic fans from all over the country and beyond!

Have you ever seen someone levitate right in front of your eyes? Would you like to be hypnotised or have your mind read? Are you looking for a family friendly show that will appeal to all ages, or maybe an astonishing demonstrating of pure sleight of hand? How about learning a trick or two yourself?

Be amazed as Melbourne becomes a magical hub in winter for 14 days only with special events, workshops, and live shows for everyone from child friendly to adults only.

The Melbourne Magic Festival was created in 2008 by The Australian Institute of Magic with the two-fold aim of giving Melbournians the opportunity to see world class performances of magic in a theatrical environment, and the chance for performers to create shows that express themselves as artists.

https://melbournemagicfestival.com/

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9. No Stone Unturned - Paul Stone - Article #17
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Message by Paul Stone (US)

Last week my featured performer was Paul Daniels, and in my article I mentioned that Paul had made his name performing in the Workingmens Clubs in the North of England.

For anyone not familiar with these clubs, I thought it would be interesting to tell you a little more about them. There were literally hundreds of them, and they could be found in virtually every town in the North of England, the Midlands and also in Wales.

Essentially, they were social drinking clubs for the local working men who would get together after work for a pint. There were miners clubs, British Legion clubs, and clubs with political affiliations. Some weren't that big, and others, like some of the Welsh Miners clubs were huge and could accommodate over two thousand people.

There was always a stage, and a resident duo, comprising of keyboard and drums, that played background music throughout the evening. Most clubs would also feature a 'turn' or performer who would do two 30 or 45 minute spots. These were mostly singers or comedians, but there were some speciality acts too, including magicians and the occasional ventriloquist.

The main interest for the punters, apart from the beer, was Bingo. This was far more important to them than any entertainment, and the Concert Secretary, the man in charge, normally with an over inflated ego, would call the Bingo and also introduce the acts.

It was tough, particularly for magicians, as the working conditions were less than ideal, and the dressing rooms were often no more than a storage cupboard. But it was a place to learn your trade.

It was a great training ground, and something that is definitely missing from the world we live in today. It is really difficult for any performer coming into the business to gain experience of working to live audiences. It was hard, but it was invaluable.

In the UK, there were several Holiday Camps where families, particularly less well-off families, went for their summer holidays. The two best known Holiday Camps were Butlins and Pontins.

This was the entrée into the entertainment business for thousands of would be entertainers, and indeed many top British TV stars came into the business via this route.

The Butlins entertainment staff were, and still are to this day, called Redcoats, and Pontins were Bluecoats. The department was run by the Entertainment Director, and the job of the entertainment staff was to keep the campers happy at all times!

The Redcoat (and Bluecoat) duties included running competitions like Glamorous Grandmother and Knobbly Knees, running singalongs, and performing a spot in the weekly Redcoat shows.

This show was their opportunity to shine and in a similar way to working the clubs, it afforded them time on stage to work in front of a live, well mostly live, audience!

I started out my career as a Redcoat at the Butlins Metropole Hotel in Blackpool, (now the location of the world's largest magic Convention). It was whilst there that I met a local Agent who booked acts into a few Workingmens Clubs.

I had put together a magic act, which I mistakenly thought was pretty good because when I performed it for the campers in Butlins it seemed to be well received. They were obviously starved of real entertainment, as I was soon to find out. I persuaded the Agent to book me into a Workingmens club in Wales. He hadn't seen me perform but I remember him asking me if I did any comedy in my act. In reality, I didn't, but I told him that I did because I didn't want to lose the gig. So, I then learned three jokes, parrot fashion, thinking this would suffice.

On the day of the gig, I drove a couple of hours to the club in Wales, my estate car loaded to the hilt with all sorts of props, including tables, feather flowers and giant playing cards.

As soon as I arrived, I could sense this was not going to go well. This particular club was one very long brick building and on the wall was a huge poster with the words 'Appearing Tonight … direct from Summer Season in Blackpool, sensational comedian …. PAUL STONE.'

I walked inside and was I met by a smiling Concert Secretary, and I introduced myself. He said, so you're the comedian, and I answered, well, comedy magician. His demeanour changed instantly, … magician, they hate magicians here, I told the Agent never to book a magician again!

To say that it turned out to be a tough night is an understatement. Let's just say that it was character building! If you ever meet me, I'll be glad to elaborate!

I worked the clubs for four years, starting when I was 18 years old, and the memory of those first few gigs are forever etched in my mind! But I wouldn't swap that experience for anything, and I'm pleased to say that it did get better!

Next week, I'm going to tell you about a great friend of mine, another entertainer from England, a man who also started out as a Butlins Redcoat with a magic act, and went on to become a Star comedian, actor, and producer and who is still appearing regularly on TV at the age of 84 years young!

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The Orchante Saga - Beginnings
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Written by the late Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)

- Richard Webster -

'New Zealand's Most Successful & Best-selling Author!'

In my Saga, I wrote that on the 18th October 2002, we had a surprise visit from fellow New Zealander Richard Webster, whom I hadn't seen for 18 years - 1984 to be exact. Richard had travelled all the way from New Zealand to our home here in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England. The purpose of Richard's visit was to present my wife and I with the prestigious: 'Magic New Zealand' Lifetime Achievement Award - 'In Recognition Of A Lifetime Dedicated To Excellence In The Magic Arts'. The 'Magic New Zealand' Awards Committee and their sponsors, Alan and Michele Watson, could not have chosen a more ideal personage than
Richard to personally present and honour us with this award, on their behalf.

I had also stated: "For those of you who don't know who Richard Webster is, you should be ashamed of yourselves - I'll enlighten you in a future episode"; Well, I'm about to put you in the picture and, for the millions of you around the world who do know Richard's book writing/work, the following stories of his life, up to the present day will, I'm sure, be of great interest to you as well.

Richard Webster was born in Auckland, New Zealand on December 9th 1946 and became interested in magic when he was about eight or nine years of age, after seeing a magician's performance, much the same as how the rest of us 'magic makers' were introduced
into the wondrous world of the magic and other associated arts. After procuring a book of magic tricks from the local library, he stuck a sign on the front fence, offering his services.
"Fortunately" he says, "No one took up the offer!" As a child he was also interested in ventriloquism, marionettes and music, and later, over the ensuing years, managed to make his living from each of these interests.

It was while he still going to school that Richard became interested in hypnotism after seeing - The Fabulous 'Franquin' Show several times. In those pre- television days, Franquin would
spend six weeks at His Majesty's Theatre in Auckland (I have both of Franquin's 1959 & 1968 souvenir programmes from that theatre), and because Franquin (Pat Quinn) and Richard's father were friends they received free tickets. Richard says: "One day at school I thought 'I could do that', you know, hypnotise, and to my amazement it worked. I used to hypnotise the other kids on the train going to and from school.

This was great fun until one of the other passengers complained to the principal, and I was almost expelled!" (Richard's early hypnotic experiments at school sounds rather familiar to me, especially in the 'almost getting expelled' department! Richard says, "I went to a school reunion a few years ago, and was remembered solely because of this. Not One Of My 79 Published Books Was In The School Library!"

Richard was educated at King's School and King's College, thanks to the generosity of a maiden aunt in Australia whom he has never met, and he was also fortunate in that his parents were
interested in the 'psychic world', and he grew up among likeminded people, which kinda' put him in the ballpark, as it were, at a very early age. Is it not any wonder then that he eventually became the world's foremost authority and writer on the various 'New Age' subjects and disciplines!

There was a fascinating bookshop in Auckland that, in the early sixties, I used to haunt on a regular basis. It was called: Goodey's 'New Age' Bookshop; the address was, 14 The Strand
Arcade. Walking in, you could 'feel' the strange musty atmosphere that seemed to enfold you; it was quite eerie. I can still recall the anticipation of reaching up to a shelf that was almost out of
reach, and pulling down dusty old tomes that would send shivers running up and down my spine, as I opened the heavy covers to discover what ancient, mysterious secrets would be revealed to
me.

I still have various books that I bought there - e.g. hypnosis books by Melvin Powers; and William Walker Atkinson, who wrote many New Age books when Richard and I were still wearing nappies! It's a wonder that Richard and I didn't rub shoulders in that wonderful, curious little bookshop full of mystical treasure troves. Maybe we did, but didn't know it! It was most convenient when in 1965, Mary Throll, my very first agent, opened her new booking office, 'Throll Entertainment Agency', upstairs in the same arcade, five years after she sold out her 'Fullers Entertainment Bureau' to George Tollerton.

Continues Next Week

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E-zine Archives
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Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e- zine go to:
www.magicnewzealand.com

Click on the red button centre right "Archives"

When you enter the archive the e- zines are in issue order in folders for each year and are Coded, e.g. 001 Nov06 1999.txt first three numbers (001) denote issue number, then the date (Nov06) and the last figures the year (1999)

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Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice
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Magic New Zealand® E-zine is published each Sunday.

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