talkmagic.co.uk

Hi everyone

I know that one or two years ago there was a radio show dedicated to the subject of magic here in the U.K. However i was wandering whether there is anything similar today or even if there are podcasts of this show. Does anyone know anything about this?

Many thanks!

There have been shows off and through the years, most of them with a Mind Reader's slant in that Mentalism is far easier to demonstrate via radio vs. normal magic.

There is a "MagicRadio.com" group as well; an on-line radio station. I've not been there in ages but I'm certain it's still viable given some of the personalities behind it.

This site has good online shows
http://www.magicbroadcast.com/

HenryHoudini wrote:This site has good online shows
http://www.magicbroadcast.com/

Yep... that's who I was thinking of

Sounds a funny place to present Magic but it has been done, several times.
In World War 2 we had Sirdani, the Radio magician. His catch phrase, 'Don't be Fight' echoed round the nation. He'd originated this in the Great War, when performing in the trenches; saying it to the troops as shells whammed overhead. On the BBC he was mainly heard in Navy Mixture, performing then explaining (sometimes the week after) the trick, puzzle or stunt he was showing the audience. These ranged from oldies, like tying a knot without letting go of the ends, card discoveries, mindreading with matches & vanishing coins etc. I have several of his actual scripts and his book (1946) called, 'Don't Be Fright' of course. Most of the explanations were complicated so whether the listeners followed him I can only surmise.I was a mere toddler at the time!
He toured the Music Halls, dressed in suit & Fez and had an accent which was a mixture of Cockney & Jewish.

Then came the sensations of the UK or Great Britain as we were then, The Piddingtons. A mind reading husband & wife team which baffled the nation both on the radio & on the halls. You can still buy a CD & notes (Barry Wiley 2001) of some of their work & history via Martin Breese or Magick Enterprises, Sheffield. They roused magicians all over who couldn't but help exposing magic principles.
Later Sydney divorced his wife, married another and she too, took up the Act back in Australia.You will still find copies of Russell Brandon's book,
(He was in Changi with Sydney) The 'Piddingtons'. Werner Laurie London 1950)
A lot of the book deals with Sydney's time in Changi Jail and how he developed the Act then as it was presented ion the BBC with Lesley plus pics. I'm lucky to have a copy autographed by all 3. No not directly from them, though I did see them on the halls. My original copy was the second editiion. An old magician friend gave me his first editiin and had met them.

Barry H. Wiley also wrote a great 8 page article, with pics, on The Piddingtons in The Linking Ring December 1998, pages 58 to 65

We've also had The History of Magic broadcast, about?? 7years ago. And I think PD did a programme. My audio tapes are in drawers but buried under piles of books at the moment.
Then there was a play about Robert Houdin & last year Geoffrey Durham, brilliantly capturing the dark side of Kalanag in Smoke & Mirrors; a half hour, imaginary situation, play.
Earlier this year there was a session on Radio 4 but I missed it!!

America had Blackstone & Chandu radio series. Sort of detective/murder series. One or both of these are still available from?? either The Miracle factory (Todd Karr) or Steve Wyberry( E books & recording) the magic Lyberry. (his spelling)

My only experience with Magic On The Radio was on one of the 7 or 8 interviews on Radio Nottingham when I baffled the interviewer with Bob Casasidy's 'Chronologue.' On leaving the car park attendant, who was listening on his portable radfio said, " Mr. T. How the hell did you do that?". So, it did go over.

Kovari in one of his lectures had a great radio stunt. The presenter selected a card, rang his home and a voice said, 'He was unavailable then proceeded to name the card!'
Keith Bennett has a similar one with a mobile phone.

Allen Tipton
PS. A NOTE for ddnathan of Stourbridge. I was trained in Classical Ballet & Drama at the Henwood Academy of Dance & Dramatic Art in Stourbridge!

there is, or was a copy of dont be fright on ebay recently.

In Dunninger's Brain Busters - i remember reading about him shattering a sheet of glass live! on the radio!

I can recommend Verbal Magic by Juan Tamariz for some great ideas.

I had fun doing a bit of mind reading on the mobile phone chatting with the anchor from BBC Suffolk....

Gosh Craig, I'd forgotten Dunninger.

He first tried Radio in 1929 with a short series that did not attact much following. Then in 1943, in Philadelphia he tried again. This time--- A Smash Hit-- and he worked Radio till 1948 then graduated to TV.

Also in th Dante Trunk Book ( for those who do not know this is the huge publicity book- approx. 20 inches by 13 inches that Dante had printed in Czechoslovakia around 1931. He wasn't allowed to bring the actual money he'd earned, out of the country so a lot was poured into valuable publicity items); Well in the Trunk book, there are about 4 Radio Talks that Dante gave; alas not on Magic but on Good health, Chiropractics etc.

Also at the back of my mind is the thought that someone like John Wade
(just acquired his booklet on Compereing.) wrote either a booklet, a short series or several articles on Magic On The Radio-- in Abra, years ago.

Allen Tipton