Okay, I know I seem to be the only TMer to attend the South Tyneside Magic Festival, but details of 2009's convention have just gone public, and I think it's well worth publicising.
I've signed up for it already.
Details (as published on Magicbox's website) are pasted below, but if you just want three simple reasons to attend, try this for starters:
Banachek
David Williamson
Rick Maue
Oh Lordy I'm giddy with excitement.
Only seven months to wait.
Goody goody goody goody goody....
Pete
South Tyneside International Magic Festival
Friday 13th: Saturday 14th: Sunday 15th March 2009
It is a joy to announce that the 6th annual ‘International Magic Convention’
Once again both ourselves and The Customs House Theatre have sponsored this event which is due to take place on 13th to 15th March 2009.
The convention will be hosted by the Customs House Theatre in South Shields and the Sea Hotel will again be the venue for the Welcome Evening and the Midnight Show.
Providing you book early (before 1st November) all past delegate are rewarded with the opportunity to pay last years fee of £55.
However if you're slow in getting your registration form in then the fee goes up after this date.
You can download you application form here: 2009 Application Form
Acts booked to date (subject to contracts!)
David Williamson ~ USA
This man dazzles audiences with a unique and delightful brand of entertainment, blending heart-stopping magic with side-splitting hilarity. A born showman and an unusually accomplished sleight of hand artist. As host of the United Kingdom’s acclaimed television series The Magic Comedy Strip, David’s irresistible mix of humour and skill helped make it one of the highest rated shows in the country. He has created illusions for and performed in several commercials and has developed TV shows for Walt Disney Productions and ABC, as well as consulting for illusionists David Copperfield’s and David Blaine’s TV specials.
Rick Maue ~ USA FIRST EVER UK APPEARANCE!!
Ricks current lecture contains items from just about all of his releases. Routines range from mentalism and standard magical effects to haunted items. In addition a number of utility moves and techniques are demonstrated.
Banachek ~ USA
Described as the “Cream of the Crop” when it comes to entertainers, Banachek is the world’s leading Mentalist. His talents are so incredible that he is the only mentalist ever to fool scientists into believing he possessed ‘psychic powers’ only to later reveal he was fooling them.
Performers around the world such as the colourful Penn & Teller, the Amazing James Randi and television’s unique street magician Criss Angel seek his performing expertise. Companies and theatres seek him for his outstanding performing abilities.
Steve Axtell ~ USA FIRST EVER UK APPEARANCE!!
Steve Axtell has been teaching puppet workshops for years and has created a huge puppet related web resource. His puppet designs have been in movies, on television, on Broadway, on Vegas stages, and schools all over the world. Thousands of performers in the entertainment industry find Axtell puppets to be the top of the line.
After his spot in the kids show Steve will present a 1 hour lecture on creativity including showing his latest creations and inventions followed by questions and answers.
Don Driver ~ USA FIRST EVER UK APPEARANCE!!
Don has been in the magic game for over 50 years. This should be one of the most unusual lectures you will ever see. The real work behind the “pitchmen.” Want to know what a “jam auction” is? Did you ever wonder how those Svengali Deck pitchmen make so much money? Did you ever wonder what it’s like to work a carnival side show? There are very few men left in this business who can tell you the real work behind the scenes.
Don’s lecture will prove to be like none other you ever have been to. He will teach you how to MAKE MONEY not tricks. He will talk about building an edge for busking, pitching the Svengali deck and Squirmles at flea markets and fairs and tell some really funny stories. It going to be a great time so be sure to come out for a fun night.
Bob Sheets ~ USA
From Washington, D.C. via San Diego, Chicago, & Aspen. Behind Bob’s humorous presentation style is experience gained from one of the most diverse work histories in Magic. Serious credentials in a variety of venues include Circus and Side Show performer, Shopping Centre Magic promotions, Magic Bartender, Street Magician, Bar/Restaurant Owner, Renaissance Festival performer, Magic Dinner Theatre entrepreneur, Trade Show crowd stopper, and Sales Meeting wake-up artist. Bob lectures and performs for magicians all over the world, including England, Holland, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Australia, Japan and India.
Paul Dabek ~ UK
From the stages of London’s West end to the elegant ballroom of Dalgatie Castle, from the theatres of the world’s top cruise lines to grand halls, audiences have been enchanted by the stage artistry of Paul Dabek. His spellbinding performances combine stage illusion, slight of hand, comedy, audience participation, flash and colour into a theatrical tour of wonders.
Jasper ~ UK
Jasper Blakeley is an entertainer who happens to be a magician. Probably best known for his Russian-esque mentalist character ‘Kockov’, Jasper will be showcasing other parts of his performance repertoire. As well as being a close-up and cabaret character magician, Jasper also works as himself as a children’s entertainer. Its part of his children’s show he’ll be performing at the convention. Not being a believer in typical children’s magic props, Jasper uses his training as an actor and professional idiot to create genuine laughter from the simplest of situations. Jasper believes by creating a full 45 minute show that fits into a shoebox he has to work harder without relying on shiny tubes and bunny rabbits.
Russ Stevens ~ UK
Russ Stevens’ career started in 1977 when, at the age of sixteen, he won the coveted Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year Competition. Later that year he starred in their annual show in London’s West-End, and was an immediate hit turning professional at the beginning of 1978.
He performed 3 seasons in Mystique at Blackpool
Last September his full illusion show was flown out to Las Vegas where he performed for 4000 delegates at the Mandalay Bay Hotel
Midnight Show
The Midnight Show will be held at the Sea Hotel after the Gala Show on Friday 13th March. Food will be available from 10.30pm – 11.30pm.
The midnight show is available to registered delegates only and must be pre-booked on your convention registration form.
Featuring:~
Kockov and Uncle Al the Kiddie’s PalAs the inventor of 13 original performance characters, Jasper has agreed to unleash one of his most notorious and subversive creations, deranged children’s entertainer, ‘Uncle Al the Kiddie’s Pal’. This truly foul-mouthed North-East accented kids entertainer is strictly for adults, and whilst he was designed for the stand-up comedy circuit, anybody who is a children’s entertainer can easily identify with him. Embodying all that is politically and socially incorrect about a man supposedly doing a child’s birthday party, Uncle Al will shock and amuse you in equal measure. Truly offensive, truly un-PC and truly memorable. You are invited to a birthday party with a difference – prepare to meet ‘Uncle Al the Kiddie’s Pal’.
GALA SHOWS
The two shows this year will be held at the Customs House Theatre, Mill Dam, South Shields. If you require extra tickets for your friends or family you can either book them direct with the Customs House, but doing it this way you will not be able to sit together. Should you wish to sit together you need to inform me at the time of booking your delegates place and I shall organise this for you. Ticket price £13 and £12 for concessions
Other names not previously mentioned who will be appearing in the gala shows are:
John Archer and Stephen Williams + more to be announced
The theatre has a licensed bar!
Telephone 0191 454 1234 ~ this is an automative service.
If you wish to attend its simple, just download and fill in the application form and return to the address shown along with your cheque!
