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HOW FEMALE MAGICIANS BROKE THROUGH THE MAGIC CIRCLE’S BOYS’ CLUB..

HOW FEMALE MAGICIANS BROKE THROUGH THE MAGIC CIRCLE’S BOYS’ CLUB..

(Pic..The Magic Circle)  In a year that Britain appointed only its second female Prime Minister in Theresa May and Hillary Clinton is on the cusp of her own historic presidential race in the United States, female magicians across the world are also celebrating a milestone: 2016 marks 25 years since the elusive and prestigious Magic Circle allowed entry to its first female members.

Founded in 1905, The Magic Circle is the secretive society that illusionists across the world want to join. Its current members include David Copperfield, arguably the most famous magician alive, and British magician Dynamo. The late Paul Daniels was also a member. Its most famous member isn’t a trickster by trade—but royalty; Prince Charlesgained entry in 1975 by performing a cups-and-balls trick.

Gaining membership is the ultimate approval of a magician’s showmanship; before joining, he or she must complete a rigorous process that includes being recommended by two current members, complete an interview with the Magic Circle’s council and, finally, perform a show in front of a panel of judges and members. “You get judged on three counts. It was terrifying, I don’t think I’ve ever practised so much for anything in my life,” the British mentalist Katherine Mills tells Newsweek. “It was a landmark in my career. I wanted to be part of the Magic Circle so much.”  Read more….

http://www.newsweek.com/how-female-magicians-broke-through-magic-circles-boys-club-504185

Leading Magician killed when tree he was cutting down fell on top of him..

Leading Magician killed when tree he was cutting down fell on top of him..

  • By ANTHONY JOSEPH FOR MAILONLINE

  • Hugh Nightingale was chopping trees at his farm in Speldhurst, Kent
  • His family stated that the tree fell in a ‘bizarre way’ and crushed him
  • Mr Nightingale began performing 25 years ago and head of the Magic Circle
  • Tributes have today flooded in for the ‘lovely’ 62-year-old man

In a tribute to the magician – who had three children to his first marriage to Juliet – Robert, Lucy and Marianne – and two step-children, Felicity and Penny, with new wife Chloe, who he married in 2008, was remembered as a ‘gentleman magician for his unique charm, wit and talent’

A family tribute from his children read: ‘We have been so touched, hearing so many stories about our father over the last few days from his time as a farmer and as a magician.

‘We are exceptionally proud to have had such a diversely talented, loving and dedicated man as our dad.

‘He was loved by so many and we will miss him terribly.’  

A tribute on the Magic Daily website states: ‘We have just heard from the President of The Magic Circle, Scott Penrose, that Hugh Nightingale died in a tragic accident at the age of 62.

‘We understand that Hugh was cutting a tree on his farm and a branch fell on him.’

In a tribute to the magician, it stated: ‘Hugh could be seen at the most prestigious venues, working alongside top names in entertainment for world famous clients.  Read more…

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3401148/Magician-62-killed-tree-cutting-fell-farm.html

Magician conjures up best trick accolade..

Magician conjures up best trick accolade..

A top magician from the Ripon area has just scooped a major national award in recognition of his craft – and one trick in particular.

West Tanfield magician James Ward had cause to celebrate after landing the prestigious Cecil Lyle Award for Magical Innovation.

The trophy is awarded annually by the world-famous Magic Circle for what is judged to be the best trick published in its members’ magazine, The Magic Circular.

James, who is a comedy magician and children’s entertainer, won with a mind-reading routine involving the use of any borrowed banknote.

Cecil Lyle himself was one of the country’s last great touring illusionists.

Billed as ‘The Greatest Living Exponent of Magic,’ he appeared at Harrogate’s Royal Hall in September 1946.

James, who has originated almost a hundred magic tricks over the years, co-authored books on magic, and even performed on TV and radio, said the award was a huge, but wonderful surprise.Read more..

http://www.harrogateadvertiser.co.uk/news/local/magician-conjures-up-best-trick-accolade-1-7524953

How the glamorous assistants are taking over: Women make better magicians than men, claims president of the Magic Circle..

How the glamorous assistants are taking over: Women make better magicians than men, claims president of the Magic Circle..

Women are taking a leading role in magic which could soon see men ‘dressed in Spandex’ and being sawn in half after nearly a century of being excluded.

The Magic Circle was founded as a gentleman’s club in 1905 but women were not allowed to join until 1991.

But after such a long time being excluded, the club’s president Scott Penrose now thinks that women could become better magicians than men.

In an interview with The Independent, he said that the tide is turning on the male-dominated art, and that women’s bodies may even be better suited to certain tricks. Read more and watch the videos at:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3190207/How-glamorous-assistants-taking-Women-make-better-magicians-men-claims-president-Magic-Circle.html