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Convention News
23rd July
Tony Chapek returns once again to this country to perform his incredible ‘Interactive Media Magic’ routine, this time at the British Ring Convention. Those of you who have yet to see this unequalled act are in for a treat and those who have seen it will relish the chance of seeing it again.
So what is ‘Interactive Media Magic’? Described as Reality TV, it’s a fascinating and hilarious live performance that combines the latest in video technology with traditional sleight-of-hand to produce stunning “never before seen” illusion, combined with a full script of comedy dialogue, it has proven to be one of the most captivating and entertaining performances imaginable.
And what is the biography of this beyond belief entertainer whose act causes a sensation wherever it is performed? Tony developed the first version of the act over 20 years ago with it having its first outing before the Georgia Magic Club in 1985. Since then it has undergone around fifteen major developments to get it to its present state, rapid advances in technology helping him to perfect the act. In the early days he admits to having to work hard to overcome his weaknesses as a performer. But years of performing have helped him to hone his skills. As technology changes Tony continues to come up with new ideas. Is it possible that we will be seeing any of these at Eastbourne? We hope we are.
How did it all start for Tony? He has always had an interest in filmmaking and special effects. His father, although not a magician, taught him, as a child, basic card tricks and optical illusions and started him in film production by letting him use his super 8mm cine camera. As a young adult he got into magic and that became more than a hobby, it became an obsession. By combining his two hobbies magic and film making things began to happen for him but only after overcoming a natural shyness did it enabled him to perform in front of audiences.
The act has won him two international competitions and the Originality Award from IBM and SAM. He concedes other magicians have done interactive video presentations, but what he does totally sets him apart. His original creations are not being done by anyone else in the entertainment industry. In his act every effect has a purpose. It is a logical piece of theatre. This doesn’t always happen in a lot of magical acts and when combined with unique visual effects and concepts, a one-of-a-kind performance is produced. “With Tony’s Act, we may be glimpsing the future of magic” This is what Dan Garrett recorded in Genii Magazine.
We are eagerly looking forward to seeing and meeting Tony Chapek in September.
Tony Chapek is just one of the acts in Saturday night’s headline show. And what a show it will be! Jeff Hobson will be hosting it and joining Tony will be Jason Byrne, Raymond Crowe, Michael Finney, Norm Nielson, Claudius Specht and Kalin & Jinger. This will be the most spectacular show ever staged at a British Ring Convention. We have had some really excellent ones in the past so it will be up to you to judge if this claim to be correct or not.
Guy Hollingworth has not participated in a British Ring Convention for over a decade. It was in 1995 in the International Close-up Show that his immaculate card work was so admired by the Conventioneers. His award winning sleight-of-hand is unmistakably unsurpassed. Highly original, yet traditional in style, his baffling illusions mystify not only members of the public but his fellow magicians alike. It is as a lecturer that Guy will be appearing this year, delivering a lecture that we have been waiting to hear for a long time.
A scholar at St Paul’s School, Guy’s interest in magic had its beginnings in the school’s magic club, The Prestige Society. Although boasting only two members at the time, Guy and his friend Ben reinvigorated the club when asked to put on a magic show for the school’s Open day. His early intention was to perform a stage act inspired by seeing a clip of Channing Pollock on The Best of Magic TV Show performing his dove and card manipulation act. A little while later, Guy was equally impressed by Ricky Jay on another television show, Simon Drake’s The Secret Cabaret. This turned his interest in conjuring towards close-up and gambling themed effects.
Although graduating in Industrial Design and The Law, Guy has maintained his interest in magic and a very busy performing schedule has taken him over North America and Europe as well as Australia, Argentina and Japan. Guy has performed in a wide variety of settings and for a wide range of people; private functions in the Imperial Palace Vienna, stately homes in England; corporate functions at many of the world’s finest hotels; intimate shows in small theatres in London, Bath, Edinburgh and Munich; the Magic Castle in Hollywood and a traditional comedy club in Japan.
Guy is the author of a book on original card conjuring ‘Drawing Room Deceptions’. It has become a best selling publication of Mike Caveney’s Magic Words being reprinted on numerous occasions. He has also produced lecture notes and three videocassettes to accompany his lectures for the benefit of magicians anxious to learn his methods and techniques. Guy’s best-known and most influential effect is The Reformation, an effect that was featured as one of The Fifty Greatest Magic Tricks in the British television programme of the same name.
Guy Hollingworth is just one of the other 15 star lecturers who will be sharing their knowledge, expertise and experience to enable you to raise your performances to a higher level both in technique and presentation. These other lecturers are Geoffrey Durham, Jeff Hobson, Kalin & Jinger, Juan Tarmariz, Nicholas Einhorn, Bill Herz, Oscar Munoz, Gene Anderson, Levent, Bob Kohler, Mike Bent, Michael Finney, Michael Weber and for you Finger Flickers Derek DelGaudio and Jason England. So whether you are a close-up worker, a stand-up magician, a children’s entertainer, a mentalist (sorry no specialist lecturer this year), a cardician or a stage magician there will be lecture to benefit you.
If you have any queries or would like any further information give our Public Relations Officer Bob Hayden a call on 023 8032 0277 or e.mail him at roberthayden2@ntlworld.com
16th July
Another first timer at a British Ring Convention is Levent. Levent is a rarity in the field of comedy magic. Working at an extraordinary fast pace he uses an incredibly unique and brilliant combination of masterful comedy and world-class sleight-of –hand. This has been gained from a culmination of over 30 years of experience that has made him a much sought after entertainer and has earned him great respect from his fellow peers. He has an original style drawn as much from the irreverent approach exemplified by the likes of Robin Williams and Steve Martin as from the flair of his magical idols amongst whom he includes Roy Benson, Cardini, and Richiardi Junior.
Levent started performing at a young age throughout his native New York City. At only 17 years of age he was awarded 1st prize for stage magic at the International Brotherhood of Magicians National Convention. This led to a two year engagement at Resorts International Casino Hotel in Atlantic City where he was twice nominated “Best Act in a Production Show” followed by a lifetime career in top class Casinos, Cruise Ships and Comedy Clubs.
Levent is the author with Todd Karr of a highly acclaimed book ‘Roy Benson by Starlight’. Roy Benson was a legendary performer, a brilliant magician, and a superb manipulator whose ingenious techniques baffled his peers. When giving his lecture to us in Eastbourne, we hope Levent will feature Roy Benson’s famous Billiard Ball routine as well as his salt pour effect. When the lecture was presented at the Magic Live Convention in Las Vegas in 2004, Genii Magazine described it as captivating.
You too will be captivated by Levent’s lecture and performance.
2008 has us returning to Eastbourne for our Convention for the fourteenth time, the first being in 1958. The President for that year was Les Levante – The Great Levante and looking through the Souvenir Programme for that year the majority of those who participated sadly are no longer with us. Thankfully some still are. These include Timothy Dill–Russell billed then as “the teenage Houdini” who performed the outside stunt escaping from a Block of Ice isolated in an Eldorado Cold-storage van, Elizabeth Warlock who appeared in the After Banquet Show (now the Late Late Gala), Roy Van Dyke in the Children’s Playtime and in the Grand International Gala of Magic and taking the stage for the first time for the British Ring Eddie Dawes and Amy.
Fifty years on Eddie takes to the stage again, not as in 1958 in the Floral Hall with its severely restricted space, but on the stage of the well-equipped Congress Theatre with his themed show on Friday afternoon just as he has done at each Convention since 1985. His theme for this year is “Jubilee Jubilations”, an apt title as the show embraces a selection of acts to celebrate what for Eddie is a personal golden jubilee at Eastbourne. And what a line-up of artistes he has arranged to fulfil his celebration!
The show opens in dynamic fashion with the exuberant Roy Davenport. It is not the first time that Roy has appeared in one of Eddie’s shows. When he was assembling his 1996 show “Six Magical Decades” Eddie put a suggestion to Roy that it would be appropriate if he re-create his great grandfather Lewis Davenport’s act for the occasion especially as Lewis had performed at the first Convention in Cheltenham in 1931. This Roy brilliantly did using a number of props belonging to Lewis and including Lewis’s famous trademark, the constantly colour changing waistcoat. Roy has continued to further develop the recreation of Lewis’s work that has gone from strength to strength as will be witnessed.
Eddie’s strong magical link with Scotland is emphasised with the next two acts. Alex Proctor is first when he brings his charming characterisation of an old time magician typical of the earlier years of the twentieth century and featuring among other effects a lovely Floating Ball. Following Alex is the FISM award winning comedic act of The Great Nardini with Paul struggling against all the odds and Mhairi with her subtle touches so delightfully portraying his long suffering assistant.
Glamour is the watchword when Romany ‘Diva of Magic’ takes the stage as the penultimate performer whether she is in a fabulous costume, diamonds and feathers or an elegant gown. She is a hit on the cabaret and high society gala dinner circuit with her own brand of zany close-up magic and became The Magic Circle Stage Magician of the Year in 2006. Charismatic, very funny, being dubbed the British Bette Midler by Jeff McBride, Romany is just as at home on stage as she is in cabaret.
The show closes in the grand manner with illusions featured by Amethyst, the exuberant duo of Danny and Annette Claire. This delightful couple have a sparkling enthusiasm for their craft that shines through all of their magic and for this occasion they will be introducing a new illusion.
“Jubilee Jubilations” is an all British Show that will demonstrate to all that Britain has an abundance of magical talent!
This is just one of the six stage shows that are included in the Convention. Performing in four of the others are Jeff Hobson, Kalin & Jinger, Norm Neilson, Jason Byrne, Tony Chapek, Raymond Crowe, Michael Finney, Claudius Specht, Mike Close, Gene Anderson, Mel Mellers, Oscar Munoz, Safire, John Archer, Levent, Mark Mitton, Mark Raffles, Richard McDougall, Michael Weber, and Denny Haney. Those appearing in The Stars of the Future Show will be announced shortly.
For you close-up devotees in the International Close-up Gala there are Nick Einhorn, Bob Kohler, Derek DelGaudio, Glenn Farrington, Jon Armstrong and Jason England. In addition Juan Tamariz will be performing a one-man Close-up Show. And don’t forget there are two Late Night Sessions of stand-up magic on hand for those of you who might find difficulty to sleep and who are not suffering from magical indigestion
Throughout the Convention varied lectures/workshops are in abundance coming from Juan Tamariz, Geoffrey Durham, Jeff Hobson, Nich Einhorn, Kalin & Jinger, Levent, Guy Hollingworth, Mike Bent, Michael Finney, Bill Herz, Oscar Munoz, Bob Kohler, Gene Anderson and Michael Weber. Another innovation especially for you specialist Finger Flickers is a “Hard Core Card” session by Jason England and Derek Delgaudio.
All of this and a seminar on More History of Mystery featuring subjects from Paul Freeman, Michael Symes, Roy Field and John Palfreyman, two competitions, one for The British Ring Shield for stage magic and The Zina Bennett Trophy for close-up magic both attracting handsome cash prizes, Ali Bongo’s Micro Magic Marathon and a mammoth Dealer’s Exhibition are all in the registration fee of £125 per person (£100 for British Ring Members and their Partners). This is a real bargain. The lectures alone must be worth the fee.
And for an additional £7.50 you can attend the Children’s Showtime with Terry Herbert, Dave Andrews, Jonathon Shotton, The Safire Magic Light Puppets and Mike Bent.
Any of you interested in having a Midnight Session on the Friday with Juan Tamariz, tickets will be available from the Registration Desk from Thursday onwards at £20. This session is strictly limited to 60 people.
Register straight away here or e.mail Bob Hayden at Roberthayden2@ntlworld for a brochure and application form. Daily registrations are available.
9th July
Mark Kalin & Jinger are an award-winning American magic couple known for large-scale stage shows and for appearances in network television specials. Currently they are appearing at the Magic Underground Theatre in Reno Nevada. The show opened in 2004 and was regarded as a bold experiment in the art – one of only several venues in the world devoted to magic and illusion. The Magic Underground Theatre was carefully designed to show many astonishing examples of magic – including sleight of hand that can be appreciated by audience sitting close to the action. Since opening, the Magic Underground Theatre has established itself in Reno as a unique evening of theatre and a special collection of wonders. Sadly it is not possible to bring the whole show to the stage of the Congress Theatre in Eastbourne. But be assured the act they will be performing will include a selection of their scintillating illusions.
As a boy, Mark wanted to be a puppeteer until he found a book on magic. He tried to do a few tricks and found it was something he could master. In particular he was hooked on a sleight-of-hand trick with a billiard ball that endlessly fascinated him. It still does. At twelve Mark was performing at birthday parties. Ten years later he was recognized as a top magician with his innovative routines. It was then he met a performer Jinger Leigh. Jigger started dancing aged four and at fifteen she was working as a professional dancer touring with artistes like The Beach Boys, Tony Bennett and Cab Callaway. At a resort in Guam she met Mark and was instantly impressed by his magic and his rapport with the audience. As they began working together, Jinger became an integral part of the show.
“I saw learning magic as a real challenge” Jinger recalls. “Magicians think about things differently than dancers – it’s just a completely different focus. But I also knew that magic and dance could be combined to make the right blend for me. Working with Mark made a dramatic difference, and changed both our lives, on and offstage”.
“From the start, I realised that those standard ‘magician and assistant’ roles did not fit in” Mark explains. “We had to find a special combination that made the most of our performances and created our own sort of magic.”
Working together rapidly drew attention to Mark’s skilful magic and his personal approach and Jinger’s elegance and theatricality. They became known for their fast dramatic performance and quickly their magic was in demand around the world. In 1998 the prestigious Academy of Magic Arts – Hollywood’s Magic Castle, voted as Magicians of the Year, Kalin & Jinger.
Writing on their performance given at the Magic Castle’s Palace of Mystery, a difficult room for any Illusionist to work, Quinlan’s Inside Magic Review for the Magic News Network awarded them Five out of Five – their highest! In his report he wrote “Kalin & Jinger performed the finest show he had ever seen. Their dedication, enthusiasm, choice of magical effects and unique charisma were just some of the reasons for making such an unequivocal statement”. And his advice? “Do not miss Kalin & Jinger – in fact affirmatively seek out their next live performance. Life is so uncertain and there is no sense putting off such a wonderful experience”.
You don’t have to seek out Kalin & Jinger’s next U.K. appearance. It will be at the British Ring Convention in Eastbourne in September. Take Quinlan’s advice and be there to see them!
At last year’s Royal Variety Show Raymond Crowe made a highly successful appearance as he did in February in the David Letterman Show at Caesars Palace Las Vegas. This year he makes his debut at a British Ring Convention. He is described as one of Australia’s leading contemporary magicians and Australia’s only Unusualist. His innovative fresh approach delights audiences both intimate and grand. With his warm sense of humour, modern approach and highly skilled traditional techniques Raymond invites his audience to impart on a journey that transcends belief.
Raymond’s self-inflicted magic is sprinkled with witty, charming comedy, fun audience interaction-participation and sleight-of-hand manoeuvres that have to be seen not to be believed. The act is a collage of his most sought after sketches that have amazed audiences throughout the world. His incomparable brand of entertainment includes a fine understanding of the art of ventriloquism, which when tempered with Ray’s gentle good nature let the ‘volunteers’ become the stars of the show.
Norman Pace of Hale & Pace says of Raymond “You are a fantastic performer bound for stardom. Gareth and I have worked with many acts over the years in the UK and Australia. You are one of the most innovative, creative and professional of all of them”.
There is no doubt Raymond Crowe will be bringing an entirely fresh form of entertainment to this year’s Convention.
Michael Finney is rated by his peers as one of the Funniest Magic Acts in the business. Many of you will know him after seeing him perform in N.B.C.’s TV Spectaculars “World’s Greatest Magic” and “World’s Wildest Magic”. When interviewed by Steve Allen for Magic Magazine Michael was asked if he considered himself a magician doing comedy or a comic doing magic. Michael’s reply was emphatic. He was a magician doing comedy magic at the same time agreeing he was lucky enough to have written stand-up comedy to go with it. He insisted he wanted to be a magician but even more so he wanted to be an entertainer. Comedy magic was his tool to entertain.
He went on to reveal he didn’t start doing magic until he was 24 years old and had no prior knowledge of the art. In his early development he wasn’t influenced by anyone but he had a great admiration of Larry Wilson and Ricky Jay because they were able to entertain while doing magic on talk shows. His magical career started as a magic bartender at Phoenix’s Golden Eagle Restaurant followed by three years as ‘house magician’ at the Legend City Amusement Park. When the park closed it became his mission to get into the comedy clubs doing comedy magic. So he went to Los Angeles and sought out every club. It was the right move and it paid off.
When further asked what criteria he used to evaluate what tricks would work for him Michael considered that to get laughs it is not right to be mean a good trick. Magic is magic and that’s what the audience has come to see.
His advice to anyone who aspires to be a comedy magician is to view their act like film – it takes time to develop. Everybody is funny or can be funny once in a while. It takes practice to be funny all the time. Don’t be afraid. Fear is excitement when entertaining.
Michael Finney will not only be appearing on stage but will be giving a lecture. So if your forte is doing comedy magic or if you are aspiring to do so you will learn a lot from a grand master of this form of entertainment.
These are just three of the stars of magic who are coming to Eastbourne. Let us remind you of the others who will be joining them: Norm Nielsen, Geoffrey Durham, Jeff Hobson, Jason Byrne, Juan Tamariz Nicholas Einhorn, Derek DelGaudio, Tony Chapek, Guy Hollingworth, Michael Close, Gene Anderson, Richard McDougall, Bob Kohler, Denny Haney, Mel Mellers, Levant, Mark Mitton, Terry Herbert, Safire, Jason England, Mark Raffles, Oscar Munoz, Bill Herz, Mike Bent, Jon Armstrong, Glenn Farrington, Claudius Specht, John Archer and Michael Weber.
Have YOU yet to make that registration that will enable you to see this galaxy of the greats of magic at a single Convention? E.mail our Registration Officer with Neville Johnson at nevillejohnson25@aol.com or register on line by going to the Payments Page on this website. If you would like a brochure and application form e.mail our PRO Bob Hayden at bobring25@aol.com and he will send you one.
25th June
Our Executive Producer of the Convention Paul Stone has been hard at it arranging a galaxy of so many Stars of Magic to come and perform and lecture at Eastbourne in September. Here are four of those Stars who for the very first time appear at a British Ring Convention. So we are pleased to welcome, from the United States, Michael Weber, Jon Armstrong, Jason Byrne and Oscar Munoz.
Michael Weber is just a phenomenal magician and one of the most sought after talents on the corporate circuit across the USA. He is a terrific lecturer, close-up and stage performer. For more than two decades Michael has been creating and performing his own remarkable style of entertainment and has demonstrated his amazing talents throughout the United States, Western Europe, South America and the Far East.
What must it feel like to meet someone face to face who has the ability to determine your thoughts? Concentrate on a word, an idea, any number or image and Michael is able entertainingly to capture that thought with almost scientific precision. With style, wit, charm and absolute discretion, Michael utilizes these thoughts to create entertaining and mind shattering results.
He has performed for two U.S. Presidents. His style and originality has made him the personal performer for a host of celebrities like Arnold Schwartzeneger, Sharon Stone, Frank Sinatra, Steven Spielberg and Johnny Carson for their own private events.
Michael is the author of a book ”Life Savers”. It is a collection of techniques and routines that can be performed with ordinary materials, ingredients to particular locations. These routines can be quickly improvised in a variety of location (the office, restaurants, bars or a friend’s home).
It is a real coup for us to be able to get Michael Weber to Eastbourne.
Jon Armstrong grew up in Orlando Florida becoming fascinated by the magic he saw in the theme parks around him and dreamt of having his own show. His dream came true when Disney asked him to bring his act to Epcot where he became the resident magician at Walt Disney World. He was just 20. After spending 5 years there, Las Vegas called and found Jon on a semi-regular basis inside the Secret Pagoda at Caesar’s Magical Empire. He is also a frequent performer at the famous Magic Castle and was named Close-up Magician of the Year by The Academy of Magical Arts in 2007.
Using an amazing blend of dynamic personality and imaginative presentation, he brings wonder to all who experience him. By combining card magic, humour and audience participation Jon will keep you laughing and well entertained and making the unexpected happen.
The magicians who have seen Jon Armstrong perform on his two visits to this country confirm his work is awe-inspiring as they watched in disbelief. You too will be awe struck when Jon performs for you.
Jason Byrne was born in Fribourg Switzerland but has spent most of his life in the USA. From the age of 6, when he first became fascinated with magic, Jason was destined to become a world-class performer.
Jason started his show business career by becoming a regular performer at local Dinner Theatres, Wizardz - The Comedy and Magic Club and the Magic Castle. His style and approach impressed producer Gary Ouellette that led him to perform on NBC’s ”Worlds Greatest Magic” to be followed by Fox’s ”Magic on the Edge”.
Jason has earned several major distinctions including the Golden Lions Head Award presented by those magical legends Siegfried and Roy. Then for two years in succession he was voted Stage Magician of the Year by The Academy of Magical Arts.
Around the world Jason has performed at the Lido in Paris, the Wintergarten in Berlin and the Shinagawa Prince Hotel in Tokyo. He is no stranger to Las Vegas having appeared in such Revue Shows as ”Splash” at the Riviera and ”Folies Bergeres” at the Tropicana. He is currently performing twice nightly at ”V” - The Ultimate Variety Show at the Venetian and Planet Hollywood.
We await with great excitement the chance of seeing his ”Post Modern” magic act in the main Gala Show, when he will be joined by other top class acts. Not only is Eastbourne Jason Byrne’s debut at a British Ring Convention, it is his first UK appearance.
Oscar Munoz is an award winning illusionist and humorist with a powerful message in his act. Throughout the United States, Mexico and the Far East he has presented his brand of comedy magic to the delight of adults and children of all ages.
Renowned as a motivational speaker with over 15 years experience Oscar uses his brand of magic as a vehicle to transport his audience to a world of wonderment and empowerment. In his home state of Texas he is known as a leading specialist in the field of motivational presentations. He was the hit of last year’s Abbott’s Convention.
Be prepared for something different when Oscar Munoz lectures and performs.
So here you have brief biographs of just four of the 34 headliners who will be making Eastbourne 2008 the finest Convention the British Ring has ever presented. It is no idle boast of ours that we don’t believe there is another Convention in the world that compares with the line-up we are assembling and value for money for what we are offering. So if you haven’t made a registration, DO IT NOW! Our Registration Officer Neville Johnson is waiting to receive your application. Get in touch with him immediately by telephone on 01202 873234 or by e.mail: nevillejohnson25@aol.com or of course you can always use the Payments Page on this website.
18th June
Two of the best of this country’s comedy magicians have been added to the list of artistes who will be appearing at Eastbourne. They are John Archer and Mel Mellers.
John Archer is recognised as a stand-up Comedy magician with a penchant for the visual pun and full-on audience combat with a mentalist slant. He attacks the audience with the skill and panache of a rampant bull and takes them on a roller-coaster ride of idiotic sight gags and baffling magic.
The genesis of John’s interest in magic started in 1981 when he was studying for a BA Honours degree in Industrial Design. He became noticed after teaming up with fellow member of the Middlesborough Circle of Magicians Mike Smith in an act called Archini & Smith winning the ”Alistair Wand” in the Ring’s stage competition in 1995.
Since becoming a solo full time entertainer in 1996, John’s newfound career has never faltered. Over the years he has had several prestigious awards conferred upon him. Be prepared to rock with laughter in your seats when John Archer emcees the Thursday Night Show.
Mel Mellers is just a hilarious comedy performer. He is a comedy magician with an unbelievably sharp wit. His act is completely original with a unique combination of intrigue and comedy. It is alive with action, laughter and mental challenges you just won’t believe.
As one of his client’s confirmed: “The content and balance of your programme was judged to perfection, the mix keeping everybody alert. Had you chosen to entertain until breakfast the audience would have remained totally entranced”.
Mel Mellers is just one bundle of fun. You will love him.
”Magic in the Corporate World” is the title of the lecture to be given by Bill Herz. It is a lecture that will be immediately followed by a practical workshop. Bill is probably the most successful performing magician and Agent in magic, booking all the great magicians including David Copperfield, Lance Burton, Mac King and many others for his numerous corporate clients.
At the age of 5 when most children were reading comic books, Bill was learning to shuffle a pack of cards with one hand. His distinctive mix of comedy and magic has been applauded throughout the North American, European and Asian continents. As a theatrical consultant Bill designs and creates special effects for Broadway shows, major motion pictures and television commercials.
Bill’s performances are always custom-tailored to the particular audience, his slick sleight of hand integrating audience participation, humour and unforgettable wizardry are what ensures every event is truly special.
As George Ort of the AT&T Telecommunications Corporation says of Bill ”You are a fabulous magician and entertainer. Your ability to charm, surprise, and overwhelm the audience with your magic is without equal. It is no wonder that everyone present now wants to know how to get in touch with you”.
Bill Herz’s lecture and workshop will be hugely valuable to every working magician.
Have you made your registration yet for what will be a fabulous Convention? You haven’t! Don’t procrastinate anymore, do it straight away. You can do it on line by going to the Payments page and making payment by Credit Card, Debit Card or PayPal. Or get in touch with Neville Johnson on 01202873234 or by e.mail: nevillejohnson25@aol.com
If you have never attended a Magical Convention before make Eastbourne 2008 your first. It will be an experience you will remember forever.
11th June
As well as including a wide range of magical brilliance from around the world some of the very best of top British talent has not been overlooked. One is Geoffrey Durham who is still enjoying a most successful career in the world of entertainment. And what is more he has done everything, not only as an actor, presenter, director, celebrity, broadcaster, after dinner speaker, magician but initially as a stagehand and busker.
It is fitting will be delivering the annual Jeffery Atkins Memorial Lecture as Jeffery was a great admirer of Geoffrey’s work and was hugely impressed by his one man show, ”One Man’s Intrepid Journey Up His Own Sleeve” after seeing it launched at the Kings Head Islington.
Geoffrey is entitling his lecture ”Finding the Magic Ingredient” It is an entirely brand new lecture that he has created exclusively for the Eastbourne Convention. In it he will be exploring the techniques, which raise magic from “someone showing off some tricks” to a performance skill, which can launch an entire career spent in the public gaze. Drawing on his thirty-five years experience as a professional magician, Geoffrey will be demonstrating and explaining material from every stage of his development as an entertainer, none of it having been featured in his lectures before - and will show how he succeeded in making these great routines his own. And there is a rumour that, for one day only there may be even a guest appearance of The Great Soprendo!
He has recently published “Geoffrey Durham’s Professional Secrets - A Life in Magic” a 250 page book, a book that not only details on how to make a living from magic but how to entertain. Everybody who wants to be a magician should have this book in his or her magical library. More important it should not just linger on the shelf collecting dust. It should be constantly read and re-read, the advice absorbed and acted upon.
Make sure you are present when Geoffrey Durham gives what is bound to be a spellbinding and engrossing lecture.
As well as presenting the “Safire Magic Light Puppet Show” in the Children’s Showtime, Safire the illusionists will appear in one of the six stage shows. Stuart and Jayne are to be congratulated on the constant updating of their act and devising novel and entertaining twists to several of the well-established illusions. This has been witnessed in the recent 60-date tour of the “Chuckle Brothers Indiana Chuckle and the Kingdom of the Mythical Silk” show. This extensive tour will be followed with a number of dates with the Jimmy Tarbuck Show prior to a lengthy summer season in Bridlington and Blackpool. What a pleasure it is to report to the success of this engaging couple, who over the years have been such staunch supporters of the British Ring.
By the way those of you who were knocked over by their Magic Light Puppet Show in Southport in 2005 will be more than impressed by their latest presentation as were the audience, both young and old that packed the Kings Theatre Southsea on this Spring Bank Holiday Monday.
Whenever and whenever he has performed over the past 70 years Mark Raffles has always been a joy to watch whether it be with doves, chicks, dogs, or manipulating cards, billiard balls, cigarettes, or pick pocketing. To think that this all started with, as Mark reveals in his book “Diamond Jubilee Memoirs”, with an act consisting of Card in Sand Frame, Die Box, Egg-bag, ropes through the coat, coil streamers from opera crush hat, Goldfish Bowl Production and concluding with a Goodnight Banner in a talent show that he won and received 10/- at the Grand Theatre Failsworth Manchester. His first professional engagement in 1938 was at the Queens Park Hippodrome Manchester as Ray St Clair with a silent manipulative act and spent the following years with this act touring the Variety Theatres throughout the United Kingdom.
When during WWII he was working for ENSA he had to perform two spots. Inspired and influenced by Giovanni, who he had seen pre-war, he developed a pick-pocketing act for which he had to speak. In doing so it helped him to overcome his stammer and evolve a delivery that has become his trademark. With his act he changed his name to Mark Raffles and instead of finding himself down among “the wines and spirits” on the bill he was headlining it. With the closing of the majority of the Variety Theatres, Mark adapted his act, just as successfully to suit a cabaret audience.
Mark still wows audiences that can only come from seven decades of experience in the business. He will be wowing you in Eastbourne.
In 2000 at Eastbourne a smart confident young man gave a lecture that many considered to be the best at that Convention. In the main his magic was his own presentation of standard effects but each had a touch of originality in presentation and method that only comes from frequent performance. And who was that young man? Nicholas Einhorn
He’s back again this year with another lecture having spent the intervening years becoming one of the most sought after magicians for private parties, corporate events and trade shows. So how has this success come about? Not only having great technical Skill and a radiant personality but also making his magic visual that takes his audience by surprise and having every effect very clear so as to be clearly understood.
In magical competitions Nicholas has been outstanding. In 1996 and 2002 he was “The Magic Circle Close-up Magician of the Year” and in 2003 came second in the Micro Magic category at F.I.S.M. the World Championships of Magic. Additionally in 2005 he was voted “The Magic Circle Centenary Close-up Magician” as part of this prestigious magical society’s centenary event.
Nicholas is the author of two very successful books ”The Art of Magic” and ”Magical Illusions” selling 500,000 copies. He is constantly marketing new concepts and magical effects for the magical fraternity. His ”Haunted Deck” is a best seller for the close-up worker and his ”In Flight”, a self-levitation has been used by Paul Daniels in one of his TV programmes. For the mentalist he offers ”Word in a Million”.
If it is your ambition to be a sought after close-up magician or to enter the world of corporate engagements be at Eastbourne where you will learn from a master of his craft Nicholas Einhorn. Besides lecturing Nicholas will also be part of the International Close-up Gala team so you will be able to see at first hand that he practices what he preaches.
These are just four of the headliners that will be making Eastbourne 2008 the Quality Magical Convention of the year. Others are Mark Kalin & Jinger, Derek DelGaudio, Raymond Crowe, Bob Kohler, Denny Haney, Michael Finney, Tony Chapek, Levent, Mark Mitton, Mike Close, Paul Wilson, Jason England, Oscar Munoz, Bill Herz, Richard MacDougall, Terry Herbert, Mike Bent, Gene Anderson, Jon Armstrong, Glenn Farrington, Jason Byrne, and Claudius Specht. With six stage shows, an International Close-up gala, fourteen lectures/workshops, Late Night Close-up Sessions, two competitions, seminars and a giant Dealers Exhibition at £125 per person (£100 for British Ring Members and their Partners) this really is value for money.
There is still time to enter this year’s Close-up Competition for the Zina Bennett Cup plus a Cash Award of £1000 as 1st prize, £500 cash for second prize and £250 cash for third prize. In addition the Rovi Trophy may also be presented to the competitor exhibiting a high level of skill with playing cards in an entertaining manner.
There is no entrance fee but each contestant must be a paid up member of the British Ring and have registered for the whole Convention. Application forms to enter can be obtained from Steve Evans 22 Old Fallings Lane Wolverhampton WV10 8BH mobile number 079001 191958 E.mail: stevemagicbloke@aol.com Application forms must be returned BEFORE 23rd July. You haven’t got much time left to apply so if you decide to enter apply NOW.
The Registration desk is open and Neville Johnson is waiting to take your call either by telephone on 01202 873234 or by e.mail at nevillejohnson@aol.com. You can also book on line. Go to our website www.britishring.org.uk for details.
15th May
Let us turn the spotlight on four of the headliners who will be at Eastbourne this year, three making a very welcome return and one who surprisingly makes his debut at a British Ring Convention.
It was two years ago that we met Las Vegas mega star Jeff Hobson. And what an impression he made on us both as Master of Ceremonies of the International Gala Show and as a lecturer. As Elizabeth Warlock recorded in the Budget of November 2006 “He had the audience eating out of his hands between the acts with his own style of camp pieces with great comedy lines and interplay with members of the audience combined with some wonderful facial expressions and body movements as only he can do them”
In his lecture Jeff not only performed some standard magical effects in his own inimitable style but also was able to show that with some innovation it is not necessary to clone presentations of others derived from a D.V.D. But his main theme centred around three main rules he has utilised throughout his career, three rules that have put him at the top of his profession. His rules? Dependability, Reliability and Flexibility, rules that should be emulated by all performers.
Jeff Hobson returns his year and we all look forward to be in the company of this gifted performer, astute lecturer and great guy.
The last time we had the opportunity of having Gene Anderson with us was in 1998. The majority of magicians throughout the six continents of the world are familiar with Gene’s renowned and unique Newspaper Magic, which he both performs and lectures upon.
Gene is a natural teacher and like so many great teachers he is not only an expert on his specialist subject but he is an expert in presenting it. When you attend a Gene Anderson lecture you will learn. And you will laugh too. There’s no nodding off when he speaks. Right from his opening remarks you will be enthralled by Gene’s presentation, his puckish wit and some inspiring magic. You will come away with a fund of knowledge and skills that you can apply to enhance your career as a magician.
From his earliest performances Gene quickly realised that laughter is magical by itself and by using his twinkling and often-impish sense of humour he skilfully weaves laughter at all levels of his performance. Watch how in his act he involves delightful audience participation pieces and note how carefully he provides the laughs without embarrassment to his helpers.
Welcome back Gene Anderson.
We were disappointed last year when Michael Close reluctantly had to withdraw from coming to Southport, as it was imperative that he remained at home. He made a pledge that he would be with us this year and needless to say that pledge has been fulfilled. It is always exciting to see Michael working whether it be at the close-up table, lecturing or behind a keyboard.
In Michael’s life what came first music or magic? In a conversation with Romany in Las Vegas some years ago he revealed as a child he didn’t have any ambitions either way, he just wanted to know everything about jazz. With no teacher available to advise him everything he knows about playing jazz piano he has figured out himself not intuitively but analytically. His library of jazz theory and transcribed solos of jazz players is huge, the same amount of information as in his magic library. He confesses he didn’t get going on the piano until he started his Master’s degree in composition at 22.
His magic was learnt from books and developed after a visit to the Magic Castle at 19. He had a wonderful mentor in Harry Riser but what he taught him wasn’t going to work in a restaurant as he found out in1978 when he was invited to take over a friends job at Max and Erma’s. He was reluctant to do magic as a pro as he was doing music professionally. He developed his own individual style and methods with the reality of the effect being of more importance than being concerned with the technique. To this approach he coupled humorous patter. To Michael comedy is important but has to be injected into any effect so as not to interrupt the normal flow of a trick. There is so much more than just doing tricks.
If you haven’t seen Michael Close work don’t miss this chance to see this captivating magician in action.
An international magician who is admired and respected worldwide for his magic is Juan Tamariz. It is therefore astonishing that he has never appeared at a British Ring Convention. This serious omission is now rectified as this year Juan will be giving a solo show as well as delivering a lecture. In addition for those of you willing to pay a fee he will be holding an instructional workshop for a very limited number. If you are interested in joining this class, in due course, we will be advising you how you can apply.
Juan with his trademark top hat and sparkling eyes that even his large spectacles cannot obscure is a charismatic cardician, a magician specialising in magic with playing cards. But what makes him so special? To many of his peers he is a true master of his art and is considered to be the authority in the field of misdirection. He is the author of four books in English and many, influenced by his approach, have become winning champions.
Some sound advise to all of you fledging cardicians is that you make sure you are in Eastbourne between September 24th & 28th and enjoy a master-class by Juan Tamariz in your specialised brand of magic.
400 have already registered including many from around the world. If you haven’t done so, do it today by using the on line facility or contacting the registration officer Neville Johnson direct on 01202 873234 or by e. mail at nevillejohnson25@aol.com
April 28nd
Terry Herbert is recognised and respected by magicians throughout the world as being one of the leaders in the field of Children’s Entertainment both as a performer and a lecturer. It therefore comes as no great surprise that last year he was invited to participate in ’Kidabra’ International Convention in Pigeon Forge Tennessee U.S.A. organised by the Association of Family and Kidshow Performers. Another attending this Convention was Mike Bent, whose work so impressed Terry that when he returned to this country he did not hesitate to immediately contact our Convention Committee and suggest Mike be invited to be the specialist Children’s Magic lecturer at Eastbourne. The Committee agreed and Mike was taken on board without delay.
So who is Mike Bent? Mike hails from Boston with his career in magic began at age 6, when he read his first magic book that he had obtained from the library. This started him on the path to a lifetime love of learning, creativity and performing. At 15 he was performing and by the time he graduated from the Emerson College his original magic and comedy routine had been seen at clubs and colleges throughout the country. For 17 years he has been teaching professional comedy writing at the Emerson College. Mike’s life changed again when he became a Dad dedicating himself to providing quality children’s entertainment. As a performer, parent and teacher Mike knows how to use comedy magic and story telling to educate and motive children.
This is what M.U.M. Magazine; the official publication of The Society of American Magicians reported: ”There is no one in the universe that creates magic routines and comedy sight gags as novel and astounding as Mike Bent. Throughout the hilarity the magic he performs he doesn’t let the gags get in the way of the mystery. Mike’s relationship with volunteers from the audience is superlative. He brought up a hyperactive seven year old to participate in a hilarious linking ring routine and had things completely under his control, making the child into a hero and masterly playing off the tykes rambunctiousness - turning a potential liability into theatrical asset.”
Mike’s Best lecture is one that is a must for all of you who entertain children.
Over many years at Eastbourne Conventions the production and direction of Children’s Showtime has been entrusted to Terry Herbert. His ability to produce a successful and balanced show is well documented. For 2008 he has again put a show together that will not only bring yells of delight from the audience of youngsters but also will equally bring pleasure to their parents.
So who will be appearing in this years show? Terry himself will not only be introducing his special guests but to ensure that there is laughter right from the onset in the Devonshire Park Theatre he will be performing his own brand of unrivalled comedy magic
And who are Terry’s special guests? Firstly there is Dave Andrews with his friend Jessica. Dave is an entertaining and polished ventriloquist with an excellent technique and a jocular repartee with Jessica. If you want to see a ventriloquist with a different slant to his act then you will want to see Dave. So what makes his act different? Be in the audience and you will find out.
Following will be The Safire Magic Light Puppets. Over the past months they have been on an extended tour with the Chuckle Brothers Indiana Chuckle and the Kingdom of the Mythical Silk show. Their act has been highly praised and has become one of the highlights of the show. Be warned. This is not a traditional puppet show. The Safire Magic Light Puppets have advanced the ancient art of puppetry to an exceptional height of excellence.
Jonathan Shotton is a young rising star of magic, whose warm and friendly approach endears him to any audience. His multi award-winning act has gained him international recognition. With his likeable personality he has the ability to make you relax and be able to fully enjoy the entertainment. Jonathan has style and sophistication at the heart of his act that has a spellbinding effect on those who watch.
Closing the show will be Terry’s very special guest Mike Bent. Mike has devised a state of the art magic show ’Abrakidabda’ that combines amazing magic, big laughs and hilarious surprises for a completely interactive experience. The children become part of the show. They make the ’magic’ happen. In his hometown of Boston he is the only magician to have won the prestigious ’Best of Boston’ award from the editors of Boston Magazine while the Boston Globe has called him ’wonderfully wacky’ and ’a brilliantly original talent’. Prepare to be enchanted by Mike best.
As at every Children’s Showtime the IBM Clowns will be on hand to welcome the children as they arrive at the theatre on the Saturday morning and sending them on their way at the conclusion of the show.
Just a reminder. The show is primary arranged for the children of our host town but Conventioneers are invited to attend. They are however requested to take their seats in the circle leaving the stalls available for the younger audience. Seats at £7.00 will be available from the Theatre Box Office or can be booked by telephone on 01323 412000 from 1st September 2008.
So now you have some more good reasons why you should be in Eastbourne September 24th-28th. If you haven’t already done so register today. Do it now!
11th April 2008
Wow! You must be impressed by the vast line-up of world wide magical talent that is being arranged by the Ring’s Executive Producer for our convention in Eastbourne. To be able to see live or learn from the experience of these stars of magic, many of whom are appearing in this country for the first time, is reason enough to make the journey to and be in Eastbourne between 24th - 28th September. In the coming weeks we will be bringing you bio graphs of some of the performers whose names may not to be familiar to you as well as all the other events.
For magicians whatever their status whether it be professional, semi professional, amateur or hobbyist the Convention should be more than just watching, listening and learning. Writing in the Ring’s magazine The Budget Ali Bongo asks if magicians have forgotten what Conventions are for. By definition he goes on to say ”it is a coming together, in our case a gathering of like minded souls who perform, watch, buy, sell, discuss and love magic. An assembly of enthusiasts who want to meet friends they may not have seen for a year, to chat, to reminisce, to swap ideas, to grumble about the way things are in the world“ in other words to socialize.
To facilitate the chance to socialize Ali has suggested the introduction of an event that would have any number of magicians who wish to perform real close-up magic to groups of conventioneers in a convivial atmosphere in a ”Micro Magic Marathon” This suggestion has been taken on board and is being implemented by the Organising Committee.
Ali sees it working like this. The number of performers will not be limited and each will be given a number. They will perform for as many tables and groups a possible in the time allocated. All conventioneers will have cards to register their thoughts and at the end will put down just the number of their favourite performer. The cards will be collected and the performer with his or her number on most of the cards will be the winner. So as not to compete with the official close-up competition there will be no official prize but some token presentation will be made and the glory and satisfaction of being the ‘Peoples Choice’.
It is up to individual performers how they approach the challenge. How to maximise the number of tables that can be entertained together with the choice of material will be important. Originality, diversity, brevity, stamina, charm and charisma will be paramount. This will be real close-up. The M.M.M. will take place in the Floral Hall before one of the evening shows. The intention is to fill two desirable objectives, more under the nose magic and more socializing. This will make everyone participators instead of being purely spectators.
Another area in which you can be involved is The Hospital and Special Shows. Each year Derek McFaull arranges a number of shows to entertain the Children of Special needs schools, Convalescent homes and Senior Citizen Clubs. He is not allowing his Presidential duties interfere with him organising this year’s event. The shows are always welcomed and greatly appreciated by the audiences and bring a change to their daily routines. Why not give Derek a call now on 01249 815016 and offer your services for one of the shows. Not only will it make his task easier, but will bring pleasure to the audiences entertained and give you a sense of satisfaction of a job well done.
This, the 72nd Convention organised by the British Ring will be its finest to date and will be talked about in glowing terms long after the curtain closes on the final event.
Have you made your registration yet? If you haven’t, do it today. Call Neville Johnson today on 01202 873234 or e.mail him on Nevillejohnson25@aol.com Alternatively you can go to the payment page on this website and register on line pay via paypal.
Photos of the Stars of Eastbourne 2008 here!
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