Rafael is appearing at this years International Magic Convention, being held November 28th-30th at the Shaw Theatre, London.

We caught up with Rafael to talk about how he got started in magic, his career, a close call with a water escape, and his new premier of acts at this years convention…

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Full registration details on the International Magic Convention Site. The Magic Convention Guide also provides a guide to hotel booking in the area, and all the latest information as we reporting it can be found here

The 25th International Magic Close Up Competition for the ‘Kevin Reay Trophy’ takes place on the morning of Saturday 29th November during the 37th Annual International Magic Convention.

This is one of the world’s most prestigious magic competitions, attracting some of the most respected names in the magic world to compete during the past 25 years. This year looks to be no exception, with a total of 16 performers from 10 different countries.

This years competitors are released today in order of appearance…

1. Troy von Schreibner (U.K.)
2. Vittorio Belloni (Italy)
3. Woody Aragón (Spain)
4. Kolos Parkanyi (Hungary)
5. Igor De Ruitz (Italy)
6. Tatsuya Mishimagi (Japan)
7. Shawn Farquhar (Canada)
8. Matthew Wright (U.K.)
9. Gary Charm (Hong Kong)
10. Dynamo (U.K.)
11. Toto (Japan)
12. Johan Stahl (Sweden)
13. Giacomo De Carlo (Italy)
14. Richard Turner (U.S.A.)
15. Kiko Pastur (Spain)
16. René Frotscher (Germany)

All events held at the Shaw Theatre/Novotel Euston, 100 – 110 Euston Road, London NW1 Competition starts at 10.00 am

Full registration details on the International Magic Convention Site. The Magic Convention Guide also provides a guide to hotel booking in the area, and all the latest information as we reporting it can be found here

Noel Britten is the talent booker for the International Magic Convention, being held November 28th-30th at the Shaw Theatre, London.

He took time out to talk with us about the convention, and some of the highlights of this years event, including the acts that will be appearing that haven’t been announced…

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Full registration details on the International Magic Convention Site. The Magic Convention Guide also provides a guide to hotel booking in the area, and all the latest information as we reporting it can be found here

This starts our run up to the convention, and we’ll have more interviews over the next few weeks with some of the artists appearing over the weekend.

The Close Up Competition at this years International Magic Convention (28th-30th November) is set to be one of the most international yet with competitors from 13 different countries all jostling for the £1000 First Prize.

As regular attendees at the Convention will know, the pre FISM year always seems to be of a particularly high standard with many competitors seeing it as a “warm up” Competition. Previous winners include Lennart Green, Gazzo, Gary Kurtz and Shoot Ogawa and this year’s winner will join those impressive names.

The Competition remains in its usual Saturday morning slot, followed by lectures and the Gala Show in the evening. The Sunday itinerary contains more lectures, the Close Up Gala and the Special Surprise Event.

Full registration details on the International Magic Convention Site. The Magic Convention Guide also provides a guide to hotel booking in the area, and all the latest information as we reporting it can be found here

The Manipulative Magic of Hungarian Soma Hajnoczy has been added to the bill of this years International Magic Convention (Shaw Theatre London, November 28-30).

Soma was a strongly placed competitior in the Stage Competition at this years combined IBM/SAM Convention and will making his debut at a British Magic Convention with this booking.

His act joins an already impressive list of names including Rafael (Belgium), Andrew Goldenhersh (USA), Hun Lee (Korea), David Kaplan (USA), & Peter Samelson (USA) all of whom will be making their UK Convention debut or performing new routines not previously seen on these shores.

Noel Britten, Show Booker and Compere has said, ” I am particularily pleased that we have been able to put this bill together this year. All the artists have distinctively different styles and I feel we are covering the full gamut of the art from manipulation to illusions, from broad comedy to artistry of the highest level, from patter acts to visual spectacle, from mentalism to world class specialty acts.”

The Gala Show is repeated on the Saturday and Sunday nights and with tickets available for this event without access to the rest of the Convention it’s a great show for the whole family, and an ideal performance to bring your friends to, to show how varied a magic show really can be.

Full registration details on the International Magic Convention Site. The Magic Convention Guide also provides a guide to hotel booking in the area, and all the latest information as we reporting it can be found here

The specialty act often steals the show at any Magic Convention, but this is almost guaranteed at this years International Magic Convention (Nov 28-30) at the Novotel, Euston, London with the booking of Rod Laver.

He is a world record holder, and beyond being an accomplished juggler he also has one of the funniest speciality acts you will ever see. He will appear in the Gala Show. Last year both Gala Shows sold out and  with tickets selling fast it is recommended that if you’re planning on going to the Convention this year you book as soon as possible.

Full registration details on the International Magic Convention Site. The Magic Convention Guide also provides a guide to hotel booking in the area, and all the latest information as we reporting it can be found here