For those of you who have been to The Secret Castle of Magic you will know what a fantastic evening it is. This October The Castle will be two years old and has been going from strength to strength. Now one of Dublin's most popular visitor attractions they have been moving up the 
very popular web site of trip advisor each week climbing higher and higher up the list which is rated by visitors. This week the castle entered the top 10 list moving to number 7 out of almost 300 attractions in Dublin rated. Well done guys well deserved.

One of the regular magicians performing at the castle since the start is Irish stage and close up magician 2010 winner Nevin Cody.  Nevin told IrishMagicNews, "we are really excited about this.  Ronan, Pat , myself and the rest of the team have been working hard to build up the castle, it is a fantastic venue and a great nights entertainment real value for money.  Most important it is a venue for people to see magic on a regular basis helping us promote our art and we hope it will continue to grow.  We continue to change, improve and develop things at the castle and we are always seeking feedback to help us deliver a better night for 
all. Thank you to all who have supported us."

Irish magic news want to wish the team continued success and if u have not been go and visit. It's a night not to be missed and advance booking is essential.  More details form www.secretcastleofmagic.com

Billy Bubbles will perform as the centre-piece entertainment attraction at this years Failte Ireland RDS Horse Show.  Billy will perform his award winning Magic and Punch & Judy Show four times daily throughout the show save Thursday.  For more information please visit www.dublinhorseshow.com

While strolling on Grafton Street on the day of the world cup final I stumbled accross a Canadian magician performing a Gazzoesque Cups and Balls routine.  Some great lines and a nice way with Dublin crowds saw him fill a pretty good hat.  In chatting afterwards over coffee he mentioned he will be around Dublin for  a while.  So if your around Grafton Street be sure to catch him. 

You will notice I cannot remember the name of said individual as I lost his contact information he gave me, so if you are reading this please e-mail me here, thanks.

Your editor was a special guest on Dodd Vickers' Magic News Wire podcast ealier today.  The podcast is part of Dodd's This Week in Magic series and joined Dodd, Cameron Ramsey, Scott Wells, Brian Brushwood, Richard Hatch and Chase Goforth where he talked about The Essential Magic Conference and plugged next years Shenanigans.  The episode in question should be online within the next day or so but in the mean time keep an eye on www.linkingpage.com

As an aside we have mentioned Dodd's terrific site before but we urge you to check out his interview series,  it really is superb listening.

Hope you are all having a good summer.  Hope to see some of you at the Horse Show.  Please stop by if you are around.  Till were back again, mind yourselves.  Brendan

Street Performance World Championships Winner 2010 Jack Wise joins us for a conversation.  We chat about his start in magic, his early days as a close up magician in the VIP areas of Dublin top nightclubs, his career as a children's entertainer and more recently his stand-up and street careers.  Only two weeks ago Jack was crowned champion at the Street Performance World Championships and we are delighted to bring this chat to you.  Listen or download below now or at anytime by clicking on his name in the left margin.

Running time 45:52

Magician James Ryan will be performing a show in Caherconlish Community Centre Limerick in August.  We don't have the exact date or ticket price but are told, "There is going to be some really great magic and a bit of hypnotism.  There will also be sick magic such as thread from eye and needle swallowing".  Check out James' Youtube page at www.youtube.com/user/ryanjjrj0726 

Till next time enjoy youselves...and each other,  Brendan

Yesterday, Sunday 20th June, Jack Wise won the 2010 AIB Street Performance World Championship.  Heartfelt congratulations to SIM member Jack who competed over weekends in Cork and Dublin.  IrishMagicNews caught up with Jack on the Friday before his win for a quick chat which you can view below. 

Jack has put a huge amount of work in to his act over the last few years and all this hard work is evident as the crowd young and old lap it up.  Jack uses his quirky sense of humour to bally up his crowd before launching into his main act which includes smashed and restored watch, found in a stuffed teddy bear, sword swallowing while walking on broken glass and finishing off with his vent mask routine.

Also competing over the weekends were the amazing quick-change act of David and Dania.  They have travelled all over the world, headlined on Royal Caribbean cruises, came second on AGT and performed in front of the British Royal Family and 3 US presidents.  This is not a street act per se but all the more amazing when seen at these close quarters.  Your editor was sitting less then 3 yards from them and you still couldn't see a thing.  Check out the Youtube footage below.

Also spotted attending over the weekends were magicians Barry Sinclair, Harry Guinness, Michael Lahiffe, Steve Thompson, Anthony Galvin and Ger Kearney. Some of you will remember a then young magician Michael Abrahams.  Michael, pictured, was the man behind the official balloon modellers for the festival and it was nice to catch up with him again.

The AIB Street Performance World Championships is fast becoming one of the events of the summer.  The organisers are hoping to expand further by adding a list of more cities and towns to host a weekend of the Championships.  For all information please check out the SPWC Website 

Congratulations a again to Jack Wise and watch this space for a full "Conversation with...Jack" in the near future. 

Pat Fallon is back at The Mill Theatre Dundrum next Saturday the 26th June and sent on the following..."The Show is a called Route 66 and is a variety show in aid of the children's hospital in Crumlin. It is being organised by Pay Nolan (an actor from Fair City) in conjunction with a charity motor bike ride, hence the connection to Route 66 and is on in the Mill Theatre in Dundrum."  This should be a great night and anyone interested is encouraged to check out The Mill Theatre Website

Things seem to be hotting up for Limerick Magician Steve Spade.  Nearly every time your editor checks his Facebook Steve has come form one meeting or another.  He is also recording a lot of stuff for Youtube in addition to performing at some high profile events such as the Rhianna after show party.  Perhaps a TV show is in the pipeline?  Steve have you something to share with us?  If you so inclined you can head over to Steve's Facebook to follow his goings on.

Magicians Paul Phelan and Nevin Cody recently put on two nights  of variety at Kilkenny's River Court Hotel.  Pat Fallon was kind enough to capture it in pictures for IrishMagicNews.

BRIEFS - our tidbits of news
Very slow time of the year for news so excuse the lack of it this issue  Best wishes to SIM member Ciaran McCormack who ties the knot with his beautiful fiance Gemma this Saturday  Neville Wiltshire's Vandonini story will continue next issue...we promise  As we enter our second year some peoples stint as Leprechauns comes to a close also.  We would like to thanks Eamonn Murphy, Neville Wiltshire, Martn Duffy, Ruairi O Connor and Nevin Cody for their support ovet he last year.  Lads, if you would like to continue to support IrishMagicNews we welcome it with open arms.  You know what to do.  If anyone else reading would like to support this effort you can do so by clicking on The Become a Leprechaun Button or donate in oerson when you see me.  Cheers, Brendan.

All being well see you in two weeks.  Mind you,  Brendan

SIM member Jack Wise and  David & Dania are two of the acts that will take part in this years Street Performers World Championships (SPWC) in both Cork and Dublin.  The Cork leg takes place over the 12th & 13th June at Fitzgerald Park and The Mardyke Sports Ground.  The Dublin leg takes place 17th - 20th June at Merrion Square.  To get filled in head over to the SPWC Website 

After a long hiatus we are back with our "conversation with.." series.  This time joined by Nevin Cody and Joe O'Donnell.  Joe has an amazing rich history in theatre and variety and Nevin has been on a personal journey in developing an award winning act.  Hear what both men have to say below.

These interviews were recorded live at the May SIM meeting and as a result suffer a little on audio quality particularly during our interview with Joe.  You might find you have to crank the volume up to hear Joe and then when I come in you will get your ears blasted off you.  I  have tried to correct the audio as best as possible in post.  Thanks for your understanding.

Running time 36:59

Listen here
 

or download the mp3

Neville Wiltshire will explain tricks, tell yarns and generally hold court at the USM meeting on the 1st July.  I have been privileged to see Neville in action a number of times and always come away with at least 3 ideas or bits that go straight into my professional repertoire.  Fore more information visit the USM website

In other Neville news he recently performed at his 21st Leixlip Festival.  There must be a record in that somewhere.  Congratulations Neville, here is to another 21 eh?

Neville has kindly being supplying us with the tales of Vandonini which will be continued in our next issue.

Paul Wilson lectured at the SIM for their June meeting to help celebrate John Bowden's 30 years in magic.  A huge crowd, many travelling long distances, were on hand to lap up the stunning magic Paul performed and thought.  Paul has incredible technique and is quite capable of dealing seconds , middles and bottoms all night long but the material featured in his lecture was kept within the technical grasp of everyone present.  His card at any number was a particular highlight for your editor.  You an view the photos of the night on our Flickr stream by clicking on the link on the right menu.

As an aside, it was really wonderful to see such a great turnout. Hopefully we can all continue to support events like this all over the country.  Well done everyone.

Following on from the above, don't forget to put the following dates in your diary.  Michael Ammar will lecture at the USM in Belfast and SIM Dublin this coming October.  Michael lectures at The USM Monday 4th and The SIM Tuesday 5th October.  To see what's in store check out his recent appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman below.

Harry Guinness writes to mention that the Ant Jacquin Hypnosis Course will take place 26 - 27th of June 2010 at the Central Hotel Dublin.  The event is open to anyone interested in learning hypnosis and cost £400 Strl. Full information on the course by clicking here or contact Harry Guinness here

BRIEFS - our tidbits of news
Magicians Owen Rice and Tony Thursby are off to Italy on a pilgimage and while there they will be entertaining with their special brand of magic    Patsy Murphy aka Gemini has been poorly recently, get well soon Patsy     Keith Barry is on practically every TV and Radio show at the moment to publicise his upcoming run at The Olympia for nearly the whole month of July.  Check out www.keithbarry.com for more details    Dublin magician Steven Thompson is looking for a good quality himber ring, if any of you can help you can mail Steven here

As summer approaches it is usally a quiet time for industry business so please make sure if you have any news your forward it on to us please.  See ye in another two weeks.  Muchos Thankos, Brendanos.

Don't forget that Paul Wilson will lecture in Tuesday week the 1st June at The SIM.  The lecture is free to any member of a recognised magic society and takes place at Cassidy's Hotel, Dublin 1 at 8pm.  Lectures by Paul are very rare.  This is a night not to be missed.

Shenanigans, The Irish Magic Convention in association with IBM Ring 85 and hosted by The SIM - Shenanigans organisers recently payed a site visit to their headquarters hotel to talk over the logistics of their convention.  As you will see from the information below the facilities are top class and both organisers and the hotel are really looking forward to this event.

Shenanigans will take place in a private secure convention annex of the 4 star Crown Plaza Blanchardstown.  The Heather Suite, as seen on the image below left, will host the dealers lounge and lecture area in addition to the Banquet Dinner & Gala Show.  The Breakout suite is a secure bar/coffee area. 

With STAR magician David Williamson already confirmed and more great names to be announced this is one event you must attend.  Although no registration rates have been announced it is hoped to keep them in line with recent Irish conventions.  It all takes place April 29th - May 1st 2011 in Dublin

You can find out more about Shenanigans, register your interest in attending, find them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter by visiting The Shenanigans Website

Padini aka Paddy Ward lectured for the Munster Society of Magicians and Pat Fallon was thereto catch it for IrishMagicNews.

"John Bowden and myself joined forces and made the trip to Limerick for the Munster Society of Magicians final event of this years calendar, Rope Magic with Paddy Ward. It is during a night like this that you realize how versatile a piece of rope can be and the vast number of different tricks that are possible with such a simple object.

We were treated to several different versions of cut and restored rope,
linking ropes, ropes through body, rope with four ends and an array of
sliding and vanishing knots. Unequal ropes also featured as did silk off
rope and Harold Taylor's cords, glass and silk. I had seen Paddy present many of these routines in his numerous winning competition acts over the years at the annual IBM Irish ring convention and I very much enjoyed another viewing. They were all well constructed and highly polished routines hat were perfected over many years of performing in different environments.

We were also treated to a virtual workshop on magnets and the correct way to fit them into the core of a rope and also to the value of 3M's Micro-poretape for the invisible joining of rope ends. This tip alone was for me worth the trip, so I need say no more except if you do rope magic, get this tape from the chemist as it will change your life. Paddy also shared an idea that impressed Juan Moral about his own rope trick when he performed and lectured at the convention in Limerick some years ago. Anyone who performs this effect with a fan will understand that by simply putting a staple in the fan it will greatly assist in helping to line up the magnets before the instant restoration of the rope.

Overall this was a very enjoyable evening but it was a great pity that so few people turned out to support the event. For me the new meeting venue lacks any sort of atmosphere and with a small crowd it could difficult for the performer to give his best, but Paddy Ward gave it his all. My only small gripe would be that Paddy could not credit the originators of many of the routines he demonstrated as he has been performing them for so long mow that he has forgotten where he got the from. Except of course 'The Conway Rope Trick' which is a very funny story that you deserve to hear from Paddy Wards own lips.

The long distance travellers, Pat Meany, John Bowden and myself headed to Supermacks' for some light refreshments and further discussion on magic and illusion before heading our separate ways."

You can view all the photo's from the night on our Flickr Stream by clicking on the Flickr logo on the right menu.

Magician Ruairi O'Connor recently took part in the Docklands Fun Run supporting Unicef.  If you would like to add to his fundraising kitty so far please visit here

Magician Ian McCarthy runs MagicIreland.com and recently posted the following on facebook - "Sickening.  One of the lads on a forum I use managed to find mint copies of Pure Effect and Absolute Magic in a charity shop for €3 each."  For those not in the know, these are out of print Derren Brown books and are worth considerably, considerably more then €3 each.

Thank you to Limerick magician Paddy Ward for his recent donation.  These donations are really what keeps this site going.  Thanks again to you all.  If you would like to join Paddy and become a Leprechaun you can do so by donating in person or through Paypal on the site.

Our Leprechauns stay on the list for one year from their date of donation.  Both Pat Fallon and John Bowden re-donated and find themselves back on the top of the list from this issue.  Thanks to both of you for your continued support of IrishMagicNews.  Those who have donated will be notified when your year end is coming up, giving you the option to re-donate.  We realise times are financially tough for everyone so please don't feel obliged.  We appreciate the support you have already provided.  That being said new or repeat Leprechauns are warmly welcomed.

Read the next installment of the wonderful world of Vandonini by Neville Wiltshire here.  The story of Vandonini is © of Neville and may not be reproduced in any form without his prior consent. You can contact Neville through his e-mail here

This is our first issue of our 2nd year.  Last year was a tough one for people in our business, keep faith in your future & till next issue mind yourselves.  Brendan

Congratulations to The USM and IBM Ring 85 for a great weekend of magic at their recent convention in Belfast.  As always with Irish conventions it is the atmosphere created by the acts and convention goer's that make it all happen and Belfast proved this in droves.  A high quality line up of acts and pleasant company coupled with probably the best produced Gala show of recent years, including the ones your editor co-produced, ensured a smashing time for one and all.  The highlight of the weekend for most that I chatted to was John Kimmons.  John is a superb magician & vent and his Gala show performance and lecture were quite simply hysterical.  Many thanks to organisers James Hobart, Alan Kennedy and George Bleeks.  You can check out some pictures from the weekend on our photo stream by clicking on the flickr image on the right.

The competition results we as follows -

The Gemini Award (For best under 18/young magician) - Paddy Gibson (SIM)

Close-up competitions.

The John Bowden Trophy (for IBM members) - Nevin Cody (SIM)

The Tony Thursby Award (for non IBM members) - Paddy Gibson (SIM)

Stage Competitions.

The IBM Shield (for IBM members) - Nevin Cody (SIM)

The 4 Provinces Trophy (for non IBM members) - Magic George (USM)

 

The Eric Pollock award went to The Society of Irish Magicians.

Speaking of Nevin, at the last SIM meeting your editor recorded a live interview with both Nevin and Joe O'Donnell which we hope to have up on our next issue.  Pictured are Caolan McBride & Nicola with outgoing IBM Ring 85 President Paul Gomac.

Next years organisers met with IBM Ring 85 over the weekend in Belfast and agreed to a resting of the competitions for 2011.  You can read more about the 2011 event further down.

Paul Wilson Lecture June 1st SIM - Paul Wilson lectures at the SIM in Dublin on 1st June.  Don't miss this chance to catch Paul lecture as it is a very rare occurrence.  The night is free to all members of a recognised magic society.  Bone-fide magicians who are not members of magic societies will be charged €20. The lecture takes place at 8pm Tuesday 1st June at Cassidy's Hotel, Dublin 1.

David Williamson will star at Shenanigans, the new name for the Dublin leg of the Irish Magic Convention which will take place 29th Apr - 1st May 2011.  Shenanigans is being hosted by The SIM and in association with IBM Ring 85.

A word from Shenanigans organisers - "For the few who may be unaware of just how good David is, a full biog of his appearances is available on wikipedia here  As the saying goes 'he's worth the price of the convention.'

Big things are planed for Shenanigans, with the help of our sponsors Tourism Dublin we hope to deliver a world class, intimate convention for the Irish magic scene.  Our new headquarters hotel, which you can read about on our website, offers superb facilities, secure convention centre that is exclusively ours for the duration of the convention, mouthwatering food & beverages and very reasonable and competitive room rates.

All of this plus more exciting performers and lecturer's to be announced means we are very excited about the future of Irish magic and hope that with the support and goodwill of all on this island that we all benefit form what lies ahead.

We have developed a designated convention site for Shenanigans which you can view at www.irishmagicconvention.com  There you will be able to register your interest in attending, become a fan on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to keep abreast of developments."

The Secret Castle of Magic will now run every Sunday at Castle Dracula, Westwood, Clontarf Dublin 3. 

Joerg Steegmueller, Publisher of the “Dublin Event Guide”-   “I had sooooo much fun! It is really a great evening and you should definitely go to see their show. Astonishing Magic, a lot of fun and a nice measure of spookiness are the ingredients that make this hugely entertaining show worth a visit.”

Tickets are €12 and all relevant information is available from www.secretcastleofmagic.com

Thank you to Jim Harvey for his recent donation.  Jim is now officially a Leprechaun.  Many thanks to all who have donated thus far.  If you or your Society or club would like to donate you can do so in person or through Paypal on the appropriate link on this site.

Read the next installment of the wonderful world of Vandonini by Neville Wiltshire here.  The story of Vandonini is © of Neville and may not be reproduced in any form without his prior consent. You can contact Neville through his e-mail here

This issue marks our 1st birthday.  Yes a full year of IrishMagicNews thanks for  your donations and news and kind words and for joining in with us and for visting the site.   Till next time, mind yourselves, Brendan.