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 Subscriptions for 2009 - 2010 will be due on 1st May 2009. All members will be receiving a letter with details on how to pay their subscriptions for the coming year, if you have not received your letter and subscription information please contact Simon Williams - treasurer@hcms.org.uk
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Shows
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Ian Keable - Conjuring Up Comedy With VAT |
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Shows
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Written by Keith Churcher
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Sunday, 31 May 2009 15:55 |
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Conjuring Up Comedy with VAT (Very Amusing Tricks) played to an enthusiastic audience last Saturday evening at The Swallowfield Parish Hall when Ian Keable presented his one man evening of comedy and magic. Sorry that no other members were present to both enjoy and learn from a skilled master of his trade, who performs to a standard that we should be seeking ourselves. The first half was a well arranged performance of various effects which illustrated the different aspects of the magical art interspersed with the decidedly wicked humour that is Ian’s trade-mark. All without giving any offence due to the slight smile and tongue-in-cheek delivery. Cut and restored rope, torn and restored newspaper, coin pail, a cod cards up the sleeve routine led into Sympathetic Silks (good to see this classic effect) flowing into a combination of audience-thought items which culminated in Ian’s very personal presentation of Confabulation. A Dictionary Test, Add a Number led to a Telephone Directory revelation followed by a baffling Newspaper Headline Prediction to close the first half.
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Richard Young Reviews, Alex Lodge - Vision, The Haymarket, Basingstoke |
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Shows
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Written by Richard Young
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Friday, 06 March 2009 20:42 |
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Alex Lodge – Vision, The Haymarket Theatre, Basingstoke. March 5th 2009 Alex Lodge took a massive risk on Thursday night. He hired a 400 seat theatre in the centre of Basingstoke and put his name as the headliner above the door. Alex has spent the last few months promoting the show locally in newspapers and local schools in the hope that people would turn up. It was great to see the venue packed and a mainly “lay” enthusiastic audience ready for an evening of magic and illusion, which as we all know is sadly a rare thing in theatres across the UK nowadays. Alex was accompanied by his assistant Haylee and five dancing girls. He was supported by Max Somerset of Max Magic and The Sorcerers Apprentice. The show opened with a well choreographed dance sequence and great lighting as Alex made his appearance in the smoke chamber, this was followed by the Crystal Casket illusion appearance of Haylee. It was a good opening that had clearly been well rehearsed. |
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Keith Churcher Reviews, Alex Lodge - Vision at The Haymarket Theatre |
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Shows
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Written by Keith Churcher
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Friday, 06 March 2009 00:00 |
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 Alex Lodge, a former regular at the Reading Junior Days and a winner of the John Hart Trophy presented, 'Vision', his Magic and Illusion Show at The Haymarket Theatre, Basingstoke last evening and scored well with the almost fully filled house.
The show was well supported by an attractive team from the Basingstoke Academy of Dancing who, in addition to their own "spots" supported Alex in presenting the illusions. Midway through the first half there was a guest appearance by Max Somerset (the Sorcerer from the BBC2 Sunday morning show) who did just one item with a "Willing Audience Volunteer" who allowed his watch to be "bagged" and included with the five brought along by Max. By a process of elimination and apparently random choice five envelopes were "well battered" by Max, and audience member and the "W. A. V." who all welded a mighty steel hammer with great gusto. Thankfully the remaining "unbattered" envelope contained the "W.A.V.'s" own watch so all ended well. |
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Simon Drakes House of Magic |
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Shows
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Written by Andrew Webb
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Tuesday, 30 September 2008 09:17 |
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 Many of you probably know that I'll be getting married this weekend (4th October 2008), traditionally I'm meant to have a stag do, and in fitting style, Simon Drake's House of Magic seemed the ideal choice.
Behind high red metal gates at a secret location, hides a secret world of illusion, magic, and enchantment. Simon was kind enough to me hold my stag evening there this Friday, and I fully recommend it as a night out (even if your not getting married!)… From the very outset, Simon was helpful, friendly and went out of his way to accommodate us, The house of Magic is located just inside central london (about 30 minutes on the tube from Paddington), run by Simon Drake, the star of The Secret Cabaret, horror, gothic and gruesome magic he set up a permanently theme 4,000 square foot Victorian residence back in 1996 for evening shows of his signature magic. The venue is now open to the public on a once a month basis for shows, drinks and dancing, as well as being available for private hire. But it’s much more than just a show. It’s an experience, with everything from a whispering chair that will tell your fortune, to a haunted cellar full of surprises. Simons evening show captures the feel of the Secret Cabaret, and without a word spoken, leaves you totally in awe of his performance..There is no need to talk about what effects he does in the show, since that would spoil some of the surprises, but Simon presents almost an hour of polished, excellent stage magic and illusion. The ticket price includes food, and entertainment, the evening runs from 7pm until 12:15am and personally I think is cheap for the entertainment you see during the evening.. After the show we talked with Simon about a recent shoot in the venue and his house above the theater for Bizarre Magazine. The Halloween issue which comes out 15th October in the UK features an extensive article on the venue, show, Simon and his Gothic horror magic. With some rare and unique shots normally reserved for only very special guests and Simon’s crew, the article captures Simon Drake and the essence of the House of Magic.. For HCMS members I'll be putting some photos and information inside the site later this week, about some of the things we saw, and did during the evening.. |
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Siegfried and Roy - A Tribute at The London Palladium 28th September 2008 |
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Shows
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Written by David Hawkins
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Monday, 29 September 2008 18:47 |
This was one of the most anticipated magical events ever staged, and even before the show started there was huge excitement in the audience as, unannounced, Siegfried and Roy took their seats in the Royal Box. It was also interesting to see a lot of television cameras around the theatre – apparently the show was being recorded for later showing on TV. Apologies to anyone that eventually sees this – I had a camera very close to me for most of the evening so may well be appearing in some of the ‘reaction shots’.
As well as a tribute to Siegfried and Roy, the evening marked the launch of MagiCares, The Magic Charity set up to make a real difference to the lives of people suffering hardship around the world. A wonderful touch was that the superb colour brochure was given, free, to every member of the audience but included a donation envelope for anyone who wished to support the charity.
The show started with an overture by The MagiCares Big Band under the leadership of Ian MacGregor. As soon as M.C. Jeff Hobson walked on stage you knew it was going to be a special night. With such a packed programme Jeff kept introductions to a minimum, but, during the evening, performed his wonderful Card in Mouth, and Egg Bag. In both cases he had chosen wonderful spectators to help (one of whom had come from Australia just to see the show). Throughout the evening there were video extracts from the S&R show. Shown on a huge video screen this gave an excellent impression of what it must have been like to see the S&R show live. Also shown on video were messages of congratulations from Sir Anthony Hopkins, Cher and Steve Wynn.
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Reviews and Reports 
