There's been quite a lot of magic on TV over Christmas and New Year and there's more to come, some good, some not so good but at least it's a change from the usual TV dross! With appologies to those of you who don't get UK TV, the following list is courtesy of http://www.magicweek.co.uk" target="_blank:
- 1.1.12
Heroes of Comedy - Tommy Cooper (Rpt)
3.40pm on Sunday 1st January (1 hour 50 minutes) on Gold.
"When Tommy Cooper died on stage in 1984, he left behind an enduring, unforgettable legacy of comedy mixed with magic. His lumbering bulk, maniacal laugh and anxious features were enough to induce hysteria without a word being spoken. And his talent for both visual and verbal gags had any audience of any age convulsed in seconds. Among those paying tribute to his genius are Sir Anthony Hopkins, Bob Monkhouse and Eric Sykes."
1.1.12
Derren Brown Plays Russian Roulette - Reloaded (Rpt)
11pm on Sunday 1st January (1 hour 40 minutes) on 4Music.
"Another chance to see the now infamous stunt performed by psychological illusionist Derren Brown, first screened live in October 2003, as well as new unseen footage."
2.1.12
Dirty Tricks (Rpt)
4am on Monday 2nd January (40 minutes) on 4Music.
"Dirty Tricks get filthy as Barry and Stuart pull a rabbit from a beaver, Pete Firman shows Zo? Ball his fag trick and escape artist Jonathan Goodwin takes a bath with his dad."
2.1.12
Secret World of Magic (Rpt)
4.20am on Monday 2nd January (50 minutes) on Sky2.
"New York City. The magicians blag their way into performing at the Big Apple's premiere magic venue, to a sell-out crowd. Pete fulfills an ambition by performing at Coney Island."
2.1.12
The Channel 4 Mash Up
From 6.30pm on Monday 2nd January.
To launch the celebration of 30 years of Channel 4, we bring you something very special indeed... For one night only, Channel 4 hosts are going to be pushed right out of their comfort zones - by job swapping with each other. Derren Brown and Mary Portas will host the evening that sees much loved shows and much loved faces in different roles. How will they all cope?
2.1.12
TV's 50 Greatest Magic Tricks (Rpt)
9pm on Monday 2nd January (3 hours) on Channel 5*.
"A countdown of the greatest TV magic tricks of all time. From the astonishing set pieces of Penn and Teller to the mindbending of Derren Brown and the street magic of David Blane, be prepared to be amazed and mystified. Contributions come from magic's greatest stars, including Paul Daniels and Debbie Magee, new magician wonderkid Dynamo, Penn and Teller, and magic fans Joe Pasquale, Stephen Mulhern, and Dick and Dom."
2.1.12
Derren Brown: Seance (Rpt)
9pm on Monday 2nd January (1 hour 10 minutes) on 4Music.
"The psychological illusionist hosts a special programme bringing 12 members of the public together to re-create a seance. Brown uses his skills to challenge the most prevalent myths surrounding spiritualism as the seance is conducted along traditional lines with a Ouija board and automatic writing."
2.1.12
Criss Angel: Mindfreak (Rpt)
10.10pm +10.40pm on Monday 2nd January (30 + 30 minutes) on 4Music.
Street magician Criss Angel performs a range of tricks and stunts.
3.1.12
Coming Up: Magic (Rpt) (Late night Monday)
1.05am on Tuesday 3rd January (25 minutes) on Channel 4.
"The local branch of magic enthusiasts suspect their chairwoman Felicity has some involvement in the death of their favourite magician. So when she suggests a dramatic and spectacular finale for the society, the members resolve to stop Felicity at any cost." Starring: Jane Horrocks
3.1.12
Derren Brown Mind Control 2 (Rpt)
9pm on Tuesday 3rd January (1 hour 5 minutes) on 4Music.
"In this mesmerising one hour special, Derren uses his unique abilities to anticipate and manipulate people's everyday reactions. Just by spending a few minutes with random subjects, he can pick up on signals and unconscious clues that they give away and use them to influence their train of thought." Reviewed in MagicWeek: Click Here
3.1.12
Dynamo: Magician Impossible (Rpt)
9pm on Tuesday 3rd January (1 hour) on Watch.
Street magician Dynamo performs a spectacular Matrix-style levitation, physically moves a girl's tan line and performs magic with rock star Ian Brown.
31.12.11
Criss Angel: Mindfreak (Rpt) (Late night Friday)
1.10am + 1.40am on Saturday 31st December (30 + 25 minutes) on 4Music.
Street magician Criss Angel performs a range of tricks and stunts.
31.12.11
Criss Angel: Mindfreak (Rpt) (Late night Friday)
1.10am + 1.40am on Saturday 31st December (30 + 25 minutes) on 4Music.
Street magician Criss Angel performs a range of tricks and stunts.
31.12.11
Criss Angel: Mindfreak (Rpt) (Late night Friday)
1.10am + 1.40am on Saturday 31st December (30 + 25 minutes) on 4Music.
Street magician Criss Angel performs a range of tricks and stunts.
31.12.11
Criss Angel: Mindfreak (Rpt) (Late night Friday)
1.10am + 1.40am on Saturday 31st December (30 + 25 minutes) on 4Music.
Street magician Criss Angel performs a range of tricks and stunts.
3.1.12
Criss Angel: Mindfreak (Rpt)
10.05pm on Tuesday 3rd January (1 hour) on 4Music.
Street magician Criss Angel performs a range of tricks and stunts.
3.1.12
The Art of Tommy Cooper (Rpt)
11pm on Tuesday 3rd January (30 minutes) on BBC 4.
"Documentary about the life and work of comedian Tommy Cooper. Cooper was a national comedy institution whose catchphrases remain in the language today. This bumbling giant with outsized feet and hands, whose mere entrance on stage had audiences erupting with uncontrollable laughter, was born in Caerphilly in 1921. We look at the life and art of the man in the fez whose clumsy, fumbling stage magic tricks hid his real talent as a magician."
4.1.12
Derren Brown Mind Control 3 (Rpt)
9pm on Wednesday 4th January (1 hour 5 minutes) on 4Music
"Psychological entertainer Derren Brown presents more amazing mind games with the public. Using his unique abilities to anticipate and manipulate people's everyday reactions, the former magician pushes the right buttons to read the human mind.
4.1.12
Criss Angel: Mindfreak (Rpt)
10.05pm +10.35pm on Wednesday 4th January (30 + 25 minutes) on 4Music.
Street magician Criss Angel performs a range of tricks and stunts.
5.1.12
Derren Brown Plays Russian Roulette Live (Rpt)
11pm on Thursday 5th January (1 hour 5 minutes) on 4Music.
"Psychological illusionist Derren Brown performs his most dangerous stunt to date as a member of the public loads a handgun with one bullet. Brown will hold the gun to his head, pulling the trigger repeatedly until he comes to the live chamber."
6.1.12
Criss Angel: Mindfreak (Rpt) (Late night Thursday)
0.05am +0.35am on Friday 6th January (30 + 25 minutes) on 4Music.
Street magician Criss Angel performs a range of tricks and stunts.
6.1.12
Derren Brown - Something Wicked This Way Comes (Rpt)
9pm on Friday 6th January (1 hour 40 minutes) on E4.
A specially televised version of Derren Brown's award-winning live show, fusing magic, suggestion and psychology. Filmed in front of a packed audience at the Old Vic in London.
6.1.12
Derren Brown Mind Control 2 (Rpt)
11pm on Friday 6th January (1 hour 5 minutes) on 4Music.
"In this mesmerising one hour special, Derren uses his unique abilities to anticipate and manipulate people's everyday reactions. Just by spending a few minutes with random subjects, he can pick up on signals and unconscious clues that they give away and use them to influence their train of thought." Reviewed in MagicWeek: Click Here
7.1.12
Derren Brown - Something Wicked This Way Comes (Rpt) (Late night Friday)
2am on Saturday 7th January (1 hour 20 minutes) on E4.
A specially televised version of Derren Brown's award-winning live show, fusing magic, suggestion and psychology. Filmed in front of a packed audience at the Old Vic in London.
7.1.12
Dynamo: Magician Impossible (Rpt)
6pm on Saturday 7th January (1 hour) on Watch.
Street magician Dynamo performs a spectacular Matrix-style levitation, physically moves a girl's tan line and performs magic with rock star Ian Brown.
7.1.12
The Magicians. Series 2. 1/6
6.35pm on Saturday 7th January (1 hour 15 minutes) on BBC 1.
"The Magicians returns with a show-stopping live format and viewer vote. Presented by Darren McMullen, the first show of six sees magicians Barry and Stuart paired with stars of Outnumbered, Tyger Drew-Honey and Daniel Roche; World Champion of Magic, Latimer, with Strictly Come Dancing's Flavia Cacace; and comedy magician Pete Firman is joined by Coronation Street and Boyzone's Keith Duffy. With more daring, dangerous and mind-blowing magic than ever before, each act performs four tricks - and two are live, so anything could happen. The first show includes a jaw-dropping escape, a spectacular laser routine and an astonishing live stage illusion. Once all three acts have performed, viewers get to vote for their favourite, with the losing team having to face a terrifying live forfeit. Who will it be?"
8.1.12
Secret World of Magic (Rpt)
4.20am on Sunday 8th January (50 minutes) on Sky2.
"New York City. The magicians blag their way into performing at the Big Apple's premiere magic venue, to a sell-out crowd. Pete fulfills an ambition by performing at Coney Island."
8.1.12
Derren Brown: Seance (Rpt)
10.50pm on Sunday 8th January (1 hour 5 minutes) on 4Music.
"The psychological illusionist hosts a special programme bringing 12 members of the public together to re-create a seance. Brown uses his skills to challenge the most prevalent myths surrounding spiritualism as the seance is conducted along traditional lines with a Ouija board and automatic writing."
9.1.12
Secret World of Magic (Rpt)
4.20am on Monday 9th January (50 minutes) on Sky2.
"France. Magicians Pete and Ali find it takes more than 'Is this your card?' to impress the ladies. They also meet France's answer to Tommy Cooper and struggle with the language barrier."
9.1.12
Countdown with guest Paul Zenon
3.10pm on Monday 9th January (50 minutes) on Channel 4.
New presenter Nick Hewer joins the show to host with Rachel Riley, as contestants race against the clock to pit their wits against vowels, consonants and numbers. With guest Paul Zenon.
9.1.12
Derren Brown: The Heist (Rpt)
9pm on Monday 9th January (1 hour 5 minutes) on 4Music.
"The controversial, award-winning psychological illusionist Derren Brown returns to Channel 4 in a brand new one-off special. Under the guise of a motivational seminar and a follow-up documentary, can Derren persuade any of his group of responsible, middle-management businessmen and women to steal £100,000 in an armed robbery? Such is the premise for the most ambitious and challenging of Derren's specials to date."
9.1.12
Criss Angel: Mindfreak (Rpt)
10.05pm on Monday 9th January (1 hour) on 4Music.
Street magician Criss Angel performs a range of tricks and stunts.
9.1.12
Heroes of Comedy - Tommy Cooper (Rpt)
11.35pm on Monday 9th January (1 hour 5 minutes) on More4.
"When Tommy Cooper died on stage in 1984, he left behind an enduring, unforgettable legacy of comedy mixed with magic. His lumbering bulk, maniacal laugh and anxious features were enough to induce hysteria without a word being spoken. And his talent for both visual and verbal gags had any audience of any age convulsed in seconds. Among those paying tribute to his genius are Sir Anthony Hopkins, Bob Monkhouse and Eric Sykes."
10.1.12
Countdown with guest Paul Zenon
3.10pm on Tuesday 10th January (50 minutes) on Channel 4.
New presenter Nick Hewer joins the show to host with Rachel Riley, as contestants race against the clock to pit their wits against vowels, consonants and numbers. With guest Paul Zenon.
10.1.12
Houdini (Rpt)
3.15pm on Tuesday 10th January (1 hour 55 minutes) on Sky Movies Classics.
"The story of how struggling performer Harry Houdini became a success in Europe and, following his return to the USA, began to establish himself, by way of his death-defying feats, as the greatest escapologist of all time." Movie, 1953, Starring: Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh.
10.1.12
Dynamo: Magician Impossible (Rpt)
9pm on Tuesday 10th January (1 hour) on Watch.
Street magician Dynamo turns snow into diamonds, amazes ex-Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt in a London jewellers, and leaves Rio Ferdinand speechless.
10.1.12
Derren Brown: The Gathering (Rpt)
9pm on Tuesday 10th January (1 hour 5 minutes) on 4Music.
Prepare for plenty of Derren Brown's brand of magic and mind games in this specially-made recording of a live show shot in a mystery location in front of an invited audience of magic experts and celebrity fans. This one-hour fusion of magic, suggestion, psychology and misdirection gives the cynics the chance to decide: is Derren a fraud... or should he be burnt at the stake? "I've always loved performing live and of course it gives people a chance to see that everything's fair. The audience will be made up of interested parties; some famous faces, some psychics, magicians, psychologists and so on. Part of the fun of it for me is having very little control over who I use on stage. The volunteers will all be randomly selected from the unprepared audience. It's not something I've done on TV before, although it is a taste of what I do on tour. Hopefully it will be a very memorable evening for all concerned."
10.1.12
Criss Angel: Mindfreak (Rpt)
10.05pm + 10.40pm on Tuesday 10th January (35 + 25 minutes) on 4Music.
Street magician Criss Angel performs a range of tricks and stunts.
11.1.12
Countdown with guest Paul Zenon
3.10pm on Wednesday 11th January (50 minutes) on Channel 4.
New presenter Nick Hewer joins the show to host with Rachel Riley, as contestants race against the clock to pit their wits against vowels, consonants and numbers. With guest Paul Zenon.
11.1.12
Derren Brown: Messiah (Rpt)
9pm on Wednesday 11th January (1 hour 5 minutes) on 4Music.
"The psychological illusionist hosts a special programme, challenging belief systems and our capacity not to question them. In particular, he promises to test the tendency for people to accept directions from someone in authority."
11.1.12
Criss Angel: Mindfreak (Rpt)
10.05pm on Wednesday 11th January (1 hour) on 4Music.
Street magician Criss Angel performs a range of tricks and stunts.
12.1.12
Countdown with guest Paul Zenon
3.10pm on Thursday 12th January (50 minutes) on Channel 4.
New presenter Nick Hewer joins the show to host with Rachel Riley, as contestants race against the clock to pit their wits against vowels, consonants and numbers. With guest Paul Zenon.
12.1.12
Derren Brown: The Heist (Rpt)
11pm on Thursday 12th January (1 hour) on 4Music.
"The controversial, award-winning psychological illusionist Derren Brown returns to Channel 4 in a brand new one-off special. Under the guise of a motivational seminar and a follow-up documentary, can Derren persuade any of his group of responsible, middle-management businessmen and women to steal £100,000 in an armed robbery? Such is the premise for the most ambitious and challenging of Derren's specials to date."
12.1.12
Criss Angel: Mindfreak (Rpt)
12midnight and 30 minutes past midnight on Thursday 12th January (30 + 30 minutes) on 4Music.
Street magician Criss Angel performs a range of tricks and stunts.
13.1.12
Countdown with guest Paul Zenon
3.10pm on Friday 13th January (50 minutes) on Channel 4.
New presenter Nick Hewer joins the show to host with Rachel Riley, as contestants race against the clock to pit their wits against vowels, consonants and numbers. With guest Paul Zenon.
