International Magic are thrilled to announce that Simon Drake will be giving his first ever live lecture at their annual Convention later this year at The Mermaid Theatre (November 16-18 2012).

Simon has been at the forefront of magic developments over the last twenty three years from his creation and starring role in the ground breaking TV series, ‘The Secret Cabaret’ where his dark, Grand Guignol presentations stood out dramatically from the other glossy packaged magic shows, to the creation of his own venue the ‘The House of Magic‘ where audiences are fully immersed in an evening of enchanting magic and original illusions set in his fantasy world of mystery and intrigue.

Noel Britten, who co-organises the Convention says

“His full-time involvement with this unique, magical venue has kept Simon below the magical radar for the last few years. If you do not know of his work I’d suggest you check out some of his beautifully macabre routines he performed with Iron Maiden

and his more classy, timeless work:

Alongside his lecture where Simon will be tipping some of the secrets of his signature effects, he will also be performing a short special guest spot in the Gala Show – two more reasons – as if appearances by Juan Tamariz, Eric Mead, Jeff McBride and Joanie Spina aren’t enough! – that will make this weekend unmissable.”

You can read further news and updates on this years International Magic Convention as well as registering for the convention and festival at the International Magic website

International Magic Convention (November 16-18 2012 at The Mermaid Theatre, London) is very proud to announce that Joanie Spina will be joining us not only for a lecture at the weekend but also as one of the guest speakers on the previous Monday (November 12th) at the all-day seminar on Directions at The Bridewell Theatre.

As principal performer, choreographer, and artistic consultant to David Copperfield for eleven years, Joanie Spina redressed the ancient art of magic with the flair and calibre of Broadway and Hollywood productions, and in association with David raised the stature of magic to new heights. Her regular column in Magic magazine is an unmissable read with advice that’s worth its weight in gold.

During these two London appearances you will have the chance to see and hear Joanie as she explains and illustrates what it takes to raise your game. Jim Steinmeyer says

“When it comes to secrets, Joanie Spina is the secret weapon behind some of the most successful magicians of our generation. As a consultant and director, she makes ordinary magic extraordinary, and turns good performances into great performances. There’s no question about it, she’s the magician that great magicians depend upon.”

“But the most exciting part of Joanie’s visit” says Noel Britten, co-organiser of the Convention, “is that we will be able to offer personal and private artistic direction sessions with her in the week leading up to the Convention. You can take this rare opportunity to book a time slot with Joanie and receive her full attention as she works with any element of your performance that you desire. I strongly recommend that you visit her website www.joaniespina.com and read the plaudits that her work so richly deserves and then jump at this chance – I guarantee it will be money well-spent. Her attitude in development of an act or performance is nurturing and encouraging, and her warm and reassuring personality would make anyone feel comfortable enough to stretch themselves, take chances and improve their act beyond measure. I’ve seen her work with all types of performers from patter to silent, stage to close up and all have benefitted from her advice and guidance”

There are only a limited number of spaces available for this opportunity. Please contact noelbritten@talk21.com to book your time slot

As well as Juan Tamariz and Jeff Mcbride, who have already been announced, Stephen Bargatze, Rick Merrill and Joanie Spina will be joining the line up at The International Magic Convention at The Mermaid Theatre in central London later this year for this years festival and convention.

The 41st Convention (known affectionately as Ron’s Day after it’s founder Ron MacMillan) will run from the 16th to the 18th of November 2012 and will continue it’s long standing reputation of bringing you some of the best known names in magic along with underground stars and breaking talent at, what are widely regarded as, the best Magic Convention facilities in the UK.

Juan Tamariz and Jeff McBride are the first two of many headline names to be announced to appear at The International Magic Convention at The Mermaid Theatre in central London later this year. The 41st Convention (known affectionately as Ron’s Day after it’s founder Ron MacMillan) will run from the 16th to the 18th of November 2012 and will continue it’s long standing reputation of bringing you some of the best known names in magic along with underground stars and breaking talent at, what are widely regarded as, the best Magic Convention facilities in the UK.

Juan will be lecturing and performing within the Convention and also presenting his One Man Show on the Saturday Night as an extra event. This show will be held at The Bridewell Theatre and continues the Convention’s desire to showcase some of the world’s greatest performers in a solo show environment. We know that the audience this year will experience the same sort theatrical and memorable event as those who have attended Rene Lavand and Max Maven’s shows in previous years. Tickets to this show will be sold separately to the main Convention and will act as an alternative to the Gala Show on the Saturday (but don’t worry if you want to see the Gala Show it will be repeated as always on the Sunday night too – Martin MacMillan who runs the Convention has always been keen that Conventioneers get the chance to see ALL the events of the weekend and not have to make choices between one event and lecture or another).
Jeff McBride, another universally recognised figure in the world of magic will also be appearing over the weekend not only as a lecturer but we are also delighted that he will be performing several of his pieces that have become modern day classics in the Gala Show. More names will be announced over the next few weeks along with full details of the Festival Of Magic (Nov 12th – 16th).
The Festival runs at the Bridewell Theatre in the week leading up to the Convention (12th-16th November) with each day being themed around a particular aspect of magic allowing real in-depth analysis of themes, performance and technique. Tickets will be available for individual days and also discounts will be available for multiple day purchases – so check out the full programme of days before making your purchase. The Festival ran for the first time last year and was an unqualified success in allowing magicians to spend more time with some of the stars of the Convention in a more ‘niche’ environment than the general Convention allows.

“Last years Convention celebrated the 40th annual Convention and we pulled out all the stops with people saying it was one of our best ever. We set the bar high and look forward to reaching it again this year.” - Noel Britten, Convention Event Co-ordinator

The wonderful International Magic Convention (also known as ‘Rons Day’) will again be back for another year at the Bridewell Theatre, London. Mark the dates in your calendar, the International Magic Convention itself from 16th to 18th November 2012.

More Information to follow nearer the event

Following on from the success of the London Festival of Magic that coincided with the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the International Magic Convention. Organisers of the International Magic convention and the International Magic Festival have announced that they will be repeating the events back to back in 2012.

From the 12th to the 16th of November 2012, the Bridewell Theatre, London will once again host a series of one day seminars and fantastic evening shows. Themes for the days include plans for Mentalism, Coins, Showmanship & Direction and The Magic of Magic, with a couple of extra surprises still to come.

For information to follow nearer to the event.