MAGICIAN BLOG
The latest going-ons in the world of a professional close up magician.
HARRY HOUDINI - THE MAN BEHIND THE MAGIC
Jul 10
21
Harry Houdini is hands down one of the most famous magicians in all of history. His “tricks” are that of legend and still leave even some of the most highly-esteemed, professional magicians baffled as to how they were done. The sheer complexity and danger of some of the acts performed by Houdini are what made him one of the most talked about magicians of our time. Although there is no shortage of great performers, whether they are stage or table magicians, even today, with all of our advancements, there is still no one who comes close to the showmanship and unparalleled talent of this world-class magician.
Born in 1874 as Erik Weisz, this Hungarian-American focused much of his career on performing “real magic”. Not interested in the many fraudulent supernatural phenomena of the time, his stunts were based much more in reality than his other contemporary performers. While he started out, in typical fashion, with small sideshows and card-tricks, Harry Houdini quickly became taken with the idea of performing escape acts. Logistically, the most advanced of all types of magic, these stunts also carried with them very real safety risks, causing the majority of magicians to shy away from them.
However, the challenge of escape acts was probably what drew Harry Houdini to them in the first place. Specializing in escaping from various locations while wearing shackles, he soon became known as the “Handcuff King”. Escaping from foreign prisons, jails, and so forth, one of the most awe-inspiring elements of his act was the fact that these tricks were often performed in plain sight of his audience. Without all the smoke and mirrors of traditional types of magic, this sort of performance art gained both a domestic as well as a worldwide following in a fairly short amount of time.
Constantly wanting to further challenge himself as well as impress his audience members, Houdini moved on to develop even more technically advanced escape acts. These included such feats as escaping from locked, water-filled milk can as well as his, most famous, Chinese Water Torture Cell. In this act, he was hung, upside-down in a cabinet made of glass and steel that was filled to the brim with water. Because of this, the famed magician not only needed to escape, but also had the physical challenge of holding his breath for over 3 minutes. Eventually becoming his one and only act, Harry Houdini and his many previous magical feats still amaze magicians and non-magicians alike.
Anyway I’ve been playing around with some video projects testing things for my future showreel, so here’s a quick performance trick back stage with Stavros Flatley at the Dorchester Hotel London.
MAGIC CASTLE - THE WORLDS MOST EXCLUSIVE CLUB FOR MAGICIANS
May 10
14
The Magic Castle is one of the world’s most exclusive clubs for magicians. Shrouded in all of the mystery that comes with this hobby and profession, the castle itself is a unique landmark located in Hollywood, CA. With entrance typically limited to members and guests only, invitations to this exclusive venue are highly coveted among not only industry professionals, but also any number of people around the world.
Gaining access is sure to result in an experience not soon to be forgotten. However, in addition to exclusive events and membership, the castle also serves to develop public interest in both the art and history of magic.
The Magic Castle, which opened in 1963, also serves as the home for the Academy of Magical Arts which originally started with a charter membership of only 150 members.
This organization focuses on advancing the art of magic and also as a place for other enthusiasts to congregate and share their passion for the craft. The building itself is a beautiful, Victorian-style mansion that contains no doors that are visible to the interior. Entrance to the building is gained by a secret password, even furthering its already established mystery.
The privacy that the castle and the academy maintain only makes sense as magic is made up of many well-guarded secrets that have been passed down throughout the years.
Even with its inherent exclusivity, the Academy at the Magic Castle, nonetheless, offers a magic class open to adult beginners. It is part of the organization’s commitment to furthering public interest in the art of magic. However, other more private offerings include dinners in the castle’s elegant ambiance as well as nightly performances. There are several theaters that cater to different types of magic, including close-up, stage-illusions, and so forth. There are also informal performances given around the castle’s five bars.
Beyond its entertainment value and novelty, the Magic Castle is deeply devoted to preserving and furthering the history and interest in this unique art form. There are plenty of opportunities for research and skill-development with its extensive library and magician only lectures.
No matter what your level of interest in magic, there are varying level of membership opportunities. Although not everyone gains access to this famous organization, if magic is your passion, it is worth considering putting in an application. After all, in the world of magic, this is truly the place to see and be seen.
CARD SHUFFLING FARO WORLD RECORD
Apr 10
8
So this week Tuesday 6th April 2010 – didn‘t have a booking, so I decided to beat a Guinness World Record, I applied to break the record back in september.
I heard about the previous record achieved at the Magic Castle in Hollywood by John Walton in August 2009 was 2,784 ‘Faro’ shuffles in 12 hours.
I kicked this well and truly into touch, starting my attempt at 9am and completing 2,784 ‘Faro’ shuffles in just 7 hours 10 minutes and 15 seconds. I then went on to complete 2,904 shuffles before taking a break at 4.35pm. On resuming the session at 5.15, I raised the record to 3,200 shuffles, at which point I stopped at 6.15pm having well and truly become the new world record holder.
I achieved the largest number of consecutive, perfect ‘Faro’ shuffles in the world at Illusions Magic Bar in Bristol., used just one deck of Bicycle cards from United States Playing Card Company, bought locally.
One mistake of one card in any one shuffle, at any time, would have invalidated the whole record attempt.
In a perfect Faro shuffle, the deck is split into equal halves of 26 cards which are then pushed together so they interweave perfectly.
When eight perfect Faro shuffles are performed in a row, then the deck of 52 cards will be restored to the original order. This counts as one cycle.
The record-breaking session was witnessed, photographed and videoed. Guinness World Records has been formally notified and is expected to adjudicate the record within 6 weeks.
I hope to set an even bigger World Record in the future going flat out for the full 12 hours, so if you know any Las Vegas hotels that have a nice comfortable chair.
A TOUCH OF MAGIC IN LIVERPOOL
Apr 10
2
Added a touch of magic to a launch party of the closet, at a great venue in Liverpool’s Albert Dock, called Circo it was an invitation only event covered by OK magazine checkout the snaps next issue.
I was working with another Liverpool magician entertaining most of the cast of Hollyoaks and other celebrities, Jennifer Metcalfe, Claire Cooper and Leah Hackett better known as the McQueen sisters in Hollyoaks brought you the event to promote there new venture “thecloset” an online boutique, aimed at providing ‘A loan of Luxury’ the dresses stocked which were once owned by celebrities are now available to the public to hire for that wedding or special occasion.
Picture: Paparazzi busy outside taking snaps.
Had to leave before Victoria Beckham’s entrance, she was running late.
A UNIQUE CLUB FOR MAGICIANS THE MAGIC CIRCLE
Mar 10
30
The Magic Circle is one of the only clubs for magicians of its kind. With planned events, a revered venue, and the camaraderie of having fellow magicians to interact with, it is a unique group that is made up of people with some of the most talent in the business. As magic tends to be a one-man show of sorts, it is helpful, but also fun, to have others who share your same interests and passions. You can discuss trade secrets as well as learn new skills and techniques that are not only interesting, but can enhance your career as well.
Picture idea Alan Hudson
As a member of the Magic Circle, you will have the privilege of attending certain, exclusive events. Some of these include suppers and award banquets, but, also, there are several competitions in which to both participate and enjoy. These competitions are for all sorts of magic, including platform, cabaret, and stage performers. Additionally, there is the Young Magician of the Year competition, which caters specifically to younger, but no less talented, magicians. The prestige of the club is very apparent when you take a look at some of the most successful magicians of today and realize that they have participated in these exact competitions.
The physical headquarters of the Magic Circle is awe-inspiring in and of itself. Located conveniently in London, is one of the most revered magic centres in the entire world. The Clubroom, Devant room, and lower ground floor serve as a museum of sorts, showcasing various memorabilia of magic’s vast, interesting, and diverse history. However, they also house a distinct library as well, containing both practical and novel, noteworthy books pertaining to many different areas of magic. In addition to these resources, there is also a professional theatre on which many shows are performed.
In a profession shrouded in mystery, it can sometimes be difficult to find a place in which to socialize and learn from your fellow peers. Fortunately, with the formation of this magicians club in 1905, there is now finally a venue in which to do just that. Expanding not only professional magician’s knowledge, but also fostering the future generation of talented performers, the Magic Circle has had a long-standing history of unique resources and events that are able to be enjoyed by its members. Its opportunities for magicians are unlike any other offered and help to enhance the rich history of magic for all involved.
