Forth Valley Magic Circle

Magic at the Fringe

Compiled by Peter McLanachan

Children’s

The Amazing Bubble Man
C too, St Columba’s by the Castle, Johnston Terrace
Breathtaking bubbles, people-inside-bubbbles, square bubbles, amazing bubble colours, sculptural bubbles, special effect bubbles. A show for kids of all ages to thrill, laugh, love and learn about the world of Bubble-Ology. Book early.
Aug 5-6,16,23-24: 12:30 (45m) £7.50 (£6.50) (£5.50 C)
Aug 5-6,16,23-24: 13:30 (45m) £7.50 (£6.50) (£5.50 C)
Aug 7-10,14-15,21-22,28-30: 12:30 (45m) £9.50 (£8.50) (£7.50 C)
Aug 7-10,14-15,21-22,28-30: 13:30 (45m) £9.50 (£8.50) (£7.50 C)
Aug 11-13,18-20,25-27: 12:30 (45m) £8.50 (£7.50) (£6.50 C)
Aug 11-13,18-20,25-27: 13:30 (45m) £8.50 (£7.50) (£6.50 C)

The Classics of Magic!
Laughing Horse @ The Counting House, 38 West Nicolson Street
Peter Campbell-Wells bravely attempts the most famous illusions in the history of magic. Magicians worldwide spend years perfecting these classics. Pete didn’t have time to practice but what could possibly go wrong? Free show. www.parlourmagic.co.uk
Aug 19-29: 14:30 (1h) (Free Non-ticketed)

The I Hate Children Children’s Show
Zoo Roxy, 2 Roxburgh Place
Fun-filled romp with Unkle Paul Nathan: magician – comic – curmudgeon. See Paul perform the most dangerous magic trick in the world. Hear! Laughter and applause. Smell the seat cushions.
Aug 6-30: 12:00 (1h) £5.00

Prince of Cringe Gag Reflex Management
Gilded Balloon Teviot, Bristo Square
A simple story with a sideshow twist. Flying axes, walking on raw eggs and a trick with balloons that will leave you speechless or gagging. ‘The Prince of Cringe’ promises to entertain young and old alike.
Aug 5-7: 12:15 (1h) £5.00
Aug 8-12,17-19,23-26: 12:15 (1h) £7.00 (£6.00)
Aug 13-15,20-22,27-29: 12:15 (1h) £8.00 (£7.00)

Comedy

Ali Cook: Pieces of Strange
Gilded Balloon Teviot, Bristo Square
Star of Channel 4’s ‘Dirty Tricks’ and Five’s ‘Monkey Magic’. Award-winning TV magician Ali Cook returns to Edinburgh after his sell-out debut. ‘A sharp irreverent magician’ (Daily Star); ‘Immensely funny’ (Daily Telegraph). www.alicook.com
Aug 4-6: 21:45 (1h) £6.00
Aug 7-8,13-15,20-22,27-29: 21:45 (1h) £12.00 (£11.00)
Aug 9-10,12,16-17,19,23-26,30: 21:45 (1h) £11.00 (£9.50)

Barry & Stuart – 98% Séance
Underbelly, Cowgate, 56 Cowgate (entrances on Cowgate and Victoria Street)
Experience a mind-blowing séance hosted by ‘genuinely remarkable’ (Sunday Telegraph) Scottish BAFTA nominated magicians as they raise the dead for fun and profit; ‘Pure magic’
(List). www.barryandstuart.com, www.bbc.co.uk/barryandstuart
Aug 5-6: 22:20 (1h) £6.00
Aug 7-8,11-12,18-19,25-26: 22:20 (1h) £10.00 (£9.00)
Aug 9-10,13-15,20-22,27-29: 22:20 (1h) £12.00 (£11.00)
Aug 16-17,23-24: 22:20 (1h) £6.50

Carole Jahme Is Bio-diverse!
Zoo Southside, 117 Nicolson Street
A comedy exploring evolved differences between men and women. A gorilla and a Stone Age man will be summoned up before the dramatic finalé. Carole Jahme is the Guardian’s Evolutionary Agony Aunt, ‘Ask Carole’. www.guardian.co.uk/science/series/ask-carole
Aug 6-7: 19:45 (55m) £6.00
Aug 8-30: 19:45 (55m) £8.00 (£7.00)

Comedy Mentalist Hank Stone
Columcille Centre, 2 Newbattle Terrace
‘You have to see it to believe it!’ Critics have called his show, ‘smart, funny and entertaining’. From Los Angeles to Las Vegas, Vancouver to Toronto and now here in the UK. He will
amaze you!
Aug 7-8: 18:00 (2h) £3.00 (£2.00)

Devil in the Deck
The Zoo, 140 The Pleasance
Dealing cards and cheating death… This innovative pairing of theatre and magic by actor/magician Paul Nathan and guitarist John Anaya brings you the life of Jack Swindle: lover,
adventurer, con-man. ‘Beautifully executed magic…’ (SF Chronicle).
Aug 6-15: 22:50 (1h) £10.00 (£8.00)

Frisco Fred’s Comedy Hour
Laughing Horse @ The Counting House, 38 West Nicolson Street
From San Francisco to the Great Wall of China to the Fringe! A fun-filled hour with the world’s only nearsighted comic, magician, juggler, escape artist and tightrope walker.
Aug 5-16,18-29: 21:00 (1h) (Free Non-ticketed)

I Said I Wouldn’t Do This Again!
The Zoo, 140 The Pleasance
Ian Kendall returns in his nineteenth year with one show. Book early for the only chance to see his ‘slick, stylish sleight of hand’ (BroadwayBaby.com). **** from pretty much everyone who matters. www.IanKendall.com
Aug 21: 22:50 (1h) £9.50

Legend of the Card Ninja
Assembly @ Assembly Hall, Mound Place
Comedian, magician, ninja, Jav Jarquin debuts with a show that combines his acclaimed stand-up and his dazzling card ninja act. Hard-hitting comedy and feats with cards you would have never thought possible.
Aug 5-6: 21:15 (1h) £5.00
Aug 7-8,13-15,20-22,27-29: 21:15 (1h) £11.00 (£10.00)
Aug 9-12,17-19,24-26: 21:15 (1h) £10.00 (£9.00)

Lies, Trickery and Deceit: A Magic Show! – Free
Laughing Horse @ The Newsroom, 5-11 Leith Street
This is literally where the magic happens. It’s lies, sure, but good lies. An intimate evening of astonishing, honest to goodness trickery. Embrace the deception, welcome to wonderful.
Aug 15-29: 19:30 (1h) (Free Non-ticketed)

Mages Thru the Ages – Free
Laughing Horse @ The Newsroom, 5-11 Leith Street
Three magicians whisk you on a whistle-stop tour of magic past, present and future. Doves appear, needles are swallowed and time is paused, as we cram 100 years of magic into 60 magical minutes. www.freefestival.co.uk
Aug 23-29: 12:00 (1h) (Free Non-ticketed)

Magicians! Behind the Magic!
Just The Tonic at the Caves, Enter from The Rowantree Bar (under South Bridge), 253 Cowgate
Fabuloso and Dupont present an intimate lunchtime soirée of love and toast and magic.
And magic. A charmingly riotous tale of spangly leggings, French accents and bad hair. Sometimes, magic is a four-letter word.
Aug 5-6: 12:00 (1h) £5.00
Aug 7-8,13-15,20-22,27-29: 12:00 (1h) £8.50
Aug 9-12,17-19,23-26: 12:00 (1h) £7.50

Mandy Muden: Sleight of Tongue
The Voodoo Rooms, West Register Street
Award-winning magician Mandy Muden will be performing an hour of comedy and magic. ‘The lovely Mandy updates magic with a campy bitchy comedy slant. She’ll win you over in a flash’ (Attitude). ‘Superb’ (Evening Standard).
Aug 9-15,17-22,24-27: 18:05 (1h) (Free Non-ticketed)

Marc Salem’s Mind Games
Assembly @ Princes St Gardens, West Princes St Gardens, Princes St
‘Surefire “you-gotta-see-this- show”’ (Variety). World renowned mentalist takes his audience on a captivating excursion into the possibilities of the human mind through hilarious, astounding and mystifying mind games. ‘Quick-witted family fun’ (New York Times).
Aug 16-18: 18:15 (1h) £13.00 (£12.00)
Aug 19-22: 18:15 (1h) £14.00 (£13.00)

Mind-Reading for Breakfast
Sweet Grassmarket, Apex City Hotel, 61 Grassmarket
What does a psychic want for breakfast? You! ‘Psychic’ Psychologist, Rob Bailey, demonstrates ESP, predictions, lie-detection or just clever psychology? ‘…very funny… very engaging,’ (Oxford Times). Free coffee/croissants. Prizes for best nightwear; come in your pyjamas. www.psychicpsychologist.co.uk
Aug 5-22: 10:35 (1h10m) £8.00 (£7.00)

Morgan & West: Time Travelling Magicians
Gilded Balloon Teviot, Bristo Square
Great Scott! Victorian magic duo Morgan & West travel 100 years into the future presenting baffling magic, unparalleled precognitive powers and a totally genuine ability to travel through time. Sell-out show, 2009.
Aug 4-6: 15:45 (1h) £5.00
Aug 7-12,16-19,23-26: 15:45 (1h) £8.50 (£7.50)
Aug 13-15,20-22,27-29: 15:45 (1h) £9.50 (£8.50)

Nothing Up My Sleeve!
The Voodoo Rooms, West Register Street
International comedy magician Paul Dabek delves into his box of tricks with a quick wit and theatrical flair that will leave you spellbound! ‘Paul Dabek is quite simply superb!’ (Stage).
Aug 9-10,12-17,19-24,26-27: 21:15 (1h) (Free Non-ticketed)

Paul Zerdin – Sponge Fest Revisited
Assembly @ George Street, Assembly Rooms, 54 George Street
Arguably Britain’s most talented and leading ventriloquist and comedian, as seen on ‘Royal Variety Performance’ and recently on ITV’s ‘Comedy Rocks’. ‘Technically immaculate’ (Guardian); ‘The best ventriloquist Britain has discovered for many years’ (Times).
Aug 5: 20:25 (1h) £10.00
Aug 6-15: 20:25 (1h) £15.00 (£14.00)

Paul Zenon – Lounge Wizard
Fringe at Le Monde, 16 George Street
See TV’s legendary snake-oil salesman up close and personal in his natural habitat – a bar. A happy-hour priced cocktail of cons, conjuring and comedy. ‘Countdown’s wild man of the wand’ (Independent).
Aug 4-5: 21:15 (45m) £5.00
Aug 6-8,10-15,17-30: 21:15 (45m) £5.00

Pete Firman: Jokes and Tricks
Pleasance Dome, Potterow, 1 Bristo Square
Be amazed and amused by Britain’s leading comedy magician, returning with ‘the best tricks in the universe’ (Independent). Sell-out 2007- 2009. ‘Funnier than most comedians… more magical than Dumbledore on a good day’ (Time Out). www.petefirman.co.uk
Aug 4-6: 19:10 (1h) £6.00
Aug 7-12,17-19,23-26,30: 19:10 (1h) £12.00 (£10.50)
Aug 13-15,20-22,27-29: 19:10 (1h) £14.00 (£12.50)

The Phil Knoxville Superhero Sideshow
Laughing Horse @ Espionage, 4 India Buildings, Victoria Street (entrances on Cowgate and Victoria Street)
Join Phil Knoxville on a rollercoaster ride of comedy and twisted magic. Proving a mild-mannered comedian can possess superhuman powers. If variety is the spice of life then this will blow your pants off!
Aug 6-15: 19:45 (45m) (Free Non-ticketed)

Piff the Magic Dragon: Piff-tacular 2 – Get Rich Or Die Trying
Just The Tonic at the Caves, Enter from The Rowantree Bar (under South Bridge), 253 Cowgate
Lock up your princesses! Piff’s back with brand new tricks and a magic performing Chihuahua… This time he means business. ‘Unbelievable’ (BBC1). ‘Standing room only’ – **** (BroadwayBaby.com).
Aug 5-8: 15:15 (1h) £5.00
Aug 9-12,16,18-19,23-26: 15:15 (1h) £6.00 (£5.00)
Aug 13-15,20-22,27-29: 15:15 (1h) £7.00 (£6.00)

Psychic?
Laughing Horse @ City Cafe, 19 Blair Street
Peter Campbell-Wells returns to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to blow big raspberries at the serious po-faced world of psychic entertainment. Mind reading and clairvoyance is absurd
and Pete’s show revels in the daftness of it all! Free Show. www.petesmental.co.uk
Aug 16-29: 23:30 (1h) (Free Non-ticketed)

Shrink: The Outrageous Hypnotist
HMV Picture House, 31 Lothian Road
Outrageous and definitely not for the easily offended, hypnotist Shrink is back with more late night lunacy. Astounding, mesmerizing mind control. Absolutely f#%*ing hilarious. Come and laugh your arse off. Strong language, adult content – over 18s only.
Aug 13,21,28: 23:55 (2h5m) £13.50

Thought Thief 2.0
Sweet Grassmarket, Apex City Hotel, 61 Grassmarket
Is your mind safe? Learn the true story of Peter Antoniou’s journey into the merky world of ‘psychic’ espionage. See him demonstrate his amazing abilities, and learn how they are already being used against you. **** (ThreeWeeks).
Aug 18-30: 14:55 (1h) £7.00 (£5.00)

Exhibitions

Reveries
Cafe Andaluz, 77b George Street
Magic, flavours and illusion as never experienced before by your senses. Taste the exquisite Spanish cuisine at Café Andaluz and enjoy magic from the hand of the best magician in the world. Enjoy your evening with loved ones…dare to dream.
Aug 6-30 (not 19): Sun-Thu 20:00-22:00 £30.00; Fri-Sat 15:00-17:00 £15.00

Theatre

Babbling Comedy: The Perfordian Show
C central, Carlton Hotel, North Bridge
No words, but laughs for everybody. Using mime, magic, juggling, beatboxing, this high-energy show will have you looking at ordinary objects in a whole new way! Captivating hit physical
comedy from Korea. www.perfordian.wordpress.com
Aug 5-6,16,23-24: 17:00 (1h) £8.50 (£7.50) (£5.50 C)
Aug 7-10,14-15,21-22, 28-30: 17:00 (1h) £10.50 (£9.50) (£7.50 C)
Aug 11-13,18-20,25-27: 17:00 (1h) £9.50 (£8.50) (£6.50 C)

Reality Vaccine – Free
Laughing Horse @ The Newsroom, 5-11 Leith Street
Volunteers required for a psychological illusion experiment. Mentalist Ian Souch is about to commit surgery on your mind! Aided by his psychiatric nurse Nikki, come and enjoy magic,
suggestion, psychology and fun. Be brave, it will only hurt a little… www.mentalmagicman.co.uk
Aug 5: 18:15 (1h) (Free Non-ticketed)
Aug 6-15,17-23: 18:15 (1h) (Free Non-ticketed)

S1L3NC3: Mind Reader
theSpaces @ Surgeons Hall, Nicolson Street
An underground artist whose canvas is your mind. An encounter you will never forget. Disturbing? Always. Predictable? Never. You will be stunned into ‘S1L3NC3’. Time Out London Critics’ Choice. ‘F**k me, that’s twisted’ (Pete Doherty). www.realityabuse.com
Aug 6-7: 22:10 (50m) £6.00
Aug 9-12,16-19: 22:10 (50m) £8.50 (£7.50)
Aug 13-14,20-21: 22:10 (50m) £9.50 (£8.50)

The Seven Wonders of Magic
C aquila, Roman Eagle Lodge, Johnston Terrace
All magic, from appearances to transformations, is composed of only seven elements. This breathtaking and original show is a rare opportunity to witness them all. ‘Charming and hugely
impressive’ (FringeGuru.com). ‘A virtuoso’ (List). www.lewisbarlow.com
Aug 15,20-22,27-30: 18:15 (55m) £10.50 (£9.50)
Aug 16-17,23-24: 18:15 (55m) £8.50 (£7.50)
Aug 18-19,25-26: 18:15 (55m) £9.50 (£8.50)

Time Warper – Free
Laughing Horse @ City Cafe, 19 Blair Street
Magician-turned-time traveller Oliver Meech takes you on an amazing adventure through time. Like ‘Back to the Future’, but live! History is altered, clocks are stopped, and we holiday in 2060AD. Time waits for one man! www.magicmeech.com
Aug 23-29: 15:45 (1h) (Free Non-ticketed)

Just a quick final reminder about the Edinburgh International Magic Festival happening in a few weeks 7th – 11th July 2010.

I’ve posted some new info below for you and your members. 

Many thanks,
Kevin

2 For 1 Tickets at the Edinburgh International Magic Festival

Over 20 of the most amazing illusionists, sleight of hand masters and the funniest comedy magicians will descend upon the Capital, as the first ever Edinburgh International Magic Festival gets into swing across the city.

Celebs and Royalty are the typical audience for these top magic pros. Most have never performed publically in Scotland before and may never again.

Fan’s of the BBC’s ‘The Real Hustle’, will get the chance to see the world’s foremost authority on con-artistry and casino scams Paul Wilson up close and personal, while ‘Trisha’ followers will recognise a familiar name, when Drew McAdam aka ‘The Human Lie Detector’ takes to the stage to demonstrate his unique skills of persuasion to predict and influence your thoughts.

Across four wonderfully atmospheric venues around Edinburgh’s historic Old town, all just 5 minutes walk from each other, Edinburgh International Magic Festival aims to shine a spotlight on this fantastic genre of the arts with the best in Mind Reading, Close Up, Comedy Magic and Classic Variety Magic, but it’s not just about the shows, as during the 5 day festival, audiences will be treated to magical movies, (at the FilmHouse) a magic school for kids and ‘War of the Wizards’, where the best local magicians will compete for honour, glory and a cash prize.

Don’t miss our limited ticket offer!

Currently we are selling tickets 2 for 1 for opening night shows (7th July 2010)
Please quote “magicfest” if booking online, no quote required for bookings in person or on the phone.

MagicFest Magic and Variety Gala Show at the Lyceum

MagicFest’s Gala Show happens on the last day of the festival (11th July) at the Royal Lyceum theatre. Comedy, colour, illusion, a perfect show for the whole family to go and see. There are many acts performing including:

Keelan and Charlotteare the worlds fastest quick change act. They combine dance and illusion to create a fantastic visual performance that has won awards all over the world. Even Simon Cowell loved their act when they performed on Britain’s Got Talent.

The Great Nardini’s hilarious act is past winner of ‘Comedy Magic’ section of the World Championship of Magic, held once every three years. The Great Nardini is one of only two Scottish acts to have ever won an award at the magic version of the Olympics.

The Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre are the comedy double act that has to be seen to be believed. The stars of BBC 3′s Comedy Shuffle and Upstaged, and MTV’s Best Show Ever, they also won Edinburgh Festival Insider Comedy Award 2009 with their sell-out show.

Click here for more info.
Click here to Buy Tickets.

Magic School for kids aged 7-12

Do you have any young friends or family interested in learning how to create and perform their own magic? Many children receive a Magic Set for Christmas but have no idea how to start using it. We have the answer…

Magic School is a series of one off workshops designed to get kids started in magic and give them the confidence to go out and perform in front of friends and family. The President of the Edinburgh Magic Circle, and one of Scotland’s most magical kids entertainers, Gary James will be leading the workshops ensuring that the children get the best training possible.

Parents can relax in the Café downstairs overlooking the Grassmarket, or go shopping confident their kids are being looked after by an experienced team of magicians and child minders and HAVING A REALLY GOOD TIME!

Click here for more information and how to buy tickets

No stooges, No Camera tricks, 5 days of the best magic has to offer, ‘Just Like That’.

More info on www.magicfest.co.uk

How To Buy Tickets

Online: www.magicfest.co.uk

Telephone: 0131 473 2000

In person: Hub Tickets (The Hub, Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NE)

Kevin McMahon
Artistic Director

Edinburgh International Magic Festival
t:  +44 (0) 131 226 1918
e:  kevin@magicfest.co.uk
w: www.magicfest.co.uk

A reminder that the West Lothian Magic Circle next meeting is on Thursday (24th) this week. It is, of course, a lecture by their honorary member, Walt Lees. Hopefully you will all manage along; and feel free to bring along like minded souls who will, unfortunately, have to pay £5.

The Edinburgh International Magic Festival is looking for competitors to enter into its inaugural magic competitions.

There are 2 categories: under 18 and over 18. The first place prize for the over 18s competition is £200 in magic vouchers from magictricks.co.uk and the opportunity to have your own show at magicfest 2011

The first place prize for the under 18s competition is £100 in magic vouchers from magictricks.co.uk

Further information can be found at www.magicfest.co.uk/competitions.html

Read the rest of this entry »

Our thanks again to club member Kenny Mullan and special guests George and Janet Colvan for providing pictures of the night. The general concensus was that it was our best show yet. Our special thanks go to the Festival organisers for helping us put on the show, Laura for helping back stage and especially to George and Janet Colvan for making it through from Glasgow and helping us make it a very special night.

The West Lothian Magic Circle President’s Cup Competition held after the A.G.M. in the Pigeon Club, East Calder, on the 22nd April 2010

President Greg said that it had been a very close competition and he was delighted to announce that Gary James had been declared the winner. After presentation of the Cup, Gary said that he was very honoured to have been declared the winner.

Forth Valley Magic Circle will once again be hosting their “Tricks at the Tryst” show on Saturday 15th May 2010, doors open at 6:30pm for a 7.00pm start at Falkirk Town Hall.

The format of the show will be a mix of cabaret magic and close-up magic suitable for the whole family, performed by members of the circle.

Tickets are £5 each and can be booked via email through Peter Kinney at pkinney@tiscali.co.uk or by phone 07799 624408. PayPal accepted.

Following last year’s sell out show, we will be holding the show on the main stage in the main arena of the Town Hall, but to avoid disappointment please contact Pete in advance if you would like tickets.

West Lothian Magic Circle is proud to present a lecture by our honorary member Walt Lees.

The lecture will take place in the East Calder & District Homing Society Social Club, Oakbank Road, East Calder, West Lothian, EH53 0BT on Thursday 24th June 2010,
at 7.30pm

The cost will be £5 for non-members and Walt will have Lecture Notes, books and DVDs for sale.

If you visited the Forth Valley Magic Circle website and all you found was a blank page, don’t worry. We’ve been busy upgrading some of our software and as a result the website was offline for a couple of hours.