Grab a jug of holy water and 2 paracetamol - Doomsday VIII approaches!
Every year they gather at Sneaton Castle, high upon the cliffs of Whitby overlooking the icy North Sea. From the vampire infested fishing town below and across the barren moors they come to share dark secrets and partake in forbidden rituals. The stars have aligned and the Old Ones prepare to wake from their slumber; tell the nuns to roll out the barrel for Doomsday approaches!
It only seems like yesterday that I attended the very first Doomsday event in Whitby. Now in its 8th year, the annual gathering of magical high strangeness has grown to record numbers as more international attendees fly over to see what we get up to when the sun goes down.
The High Priest and founder of Doomsday, Roni Shachnaey kindly passed me the baton and for three years I have been the event organiser. While I'm not a natural at orchestrating public events, Doomsday has the eerie ability to take care of itself. The attendees migrate to Whitby every year without any persuasion and we all pick up where we left off the previous year. I hate to use the term 'magic convention' as Doomsday is definitely not one of these and anyone who has attended will agree. It's more of a bizarre family gathering and the older adepts welcome any new initiates with open arms.
Every year we have an eclectic mix of lectures and performance and this year is no exception.
▪ We welcome back Alain the Storyteller for the opening ceremony and his Grimoire Show
▪ Dr Todd Landman also joins us after a few years absence with 'The Box'
▪ Author F.R. Maher takes us on a journey into the occult and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and the Cottingley Fairies on the 100 year anniversary of the event
▪ Prof BC, this man needs no introduction! The greatest thinker and producer in storytelling magic makes an honorary appearance once again
▪ Vlad returns to his ancestral home for a show of undead entertainment, virgins required!
▪ Alex Roemer one of Germany's top storytelling Magic performers will reveal some amazing Tarot based effects
▪ Wino Caestecker, last years Hex Factor winner returns will a full performance slot!
▪ Vince Wilson joins us from Delaware US for his Magic and Murder Mystery Show
Finally we continue with the new Saturday night tradition of The Hex Factor where 8 performer will have a 10 minute slot in which to display their magic routines, disturbing talents or anything they feel suitable for the Doomsday audience. A panel of judges will give feedback but ultimately the audience will decide the best act of the evening and the winner will be awarded the 2017 Hex Factor trophy.
If you feel brave enough to join us, Doomsday VIII takes place on 19th-20th May at Sneaton Castle in Whitby. Tickets are available here, I look forward to seeing you there.
Doomsday South - Everything you wanted to know and more!
The time has come for the much awaited Doomsday South update! Here you will find the fully confirmed lineup and timetable of events, recommended accommodation and details on how to get your tickets if you've not already got them!
This is the first ever Doomsday South event and it promises to be two days of mystery and magic set in the Gothic splendour of Simon Drake's Victorian Mansion. The eclectic selection of lectures for the Saturday will cover topics ranging from hypnosis to Vampires, ancient mysteries to mentalism and urban legends with a dash of Bad Acid.
Set in the heart of Jack the Ripper territory at Dirty Dick's Pub and Simon Drake's 200 year old Victorian Mansion. Experience an autumnal gathering of guests and performers from the world of horror, paranormal investigation and cult stage and screen!
The weekend kicks off on Friday afternoon and into the evening with a private tour of the Ripper murder sites, a Victorian operating theatre as well as other strange and unusual locations around the dark streets of London.
For a first time event we have an stunning selection of lectures given by equally mesmerising guest speakers. Lecture and performance timings are listed below.
Printable tickets for the event and directions for Simon Drake's House of Magic will be sent 4 weeks before the event via e-mail.
Event Timings
Friday 11th November
For those who like to start the weekend early we will be meeting at Dirty Dicks Pub located just outside Liverpool Street Station for a wander around London's stranger locations including The Cross Bones Graveyard, The Old Operating Theatre and Apothecary, The Wellcome Collection and even a wander down Diagon Alley.
We will then meet back at Dirty Dicks for The Whitechapel Murder Trail. Walk in the shadow of the Ripper; investigate the mystery of the Whitechapel murders and learn about FBI profiling techniques. A 2 hour walk exploring the victims of Jack The Ripper and criminal profiling, interlaced with magical experiences to entertain and enhance your investigation. This walk is limited to 20 people only so please e-mail me here to reserve your space.
Saturday 12th November
We will meet at Simon Drake's House of Magic (the secret location will be confirmed to all ticket holders a few weeks before the event but it is very close to Waterloo Station), doors open at 0930 with refreshments on arrival for a 1000 start. Timings and lecture/performance order are subject to change.
1000-1100
Gavin Murphy - A Brief History of Hypnosis - from madness to the macabre... pseudoscience to neuroscience'
The history of hypnosis is rich in strange and remarkable incidents: a captivating world populated by enthusiasts and skeptics, mystics and scientists, and studded with the unexpected. A Brief History of Hypnosis looks into the origins, development and contemporary applications of what remains a controversial practice, setting out to expose the truth behind the myths, and taking participants on a mesmerizing journey through the untapped regions of the mind. Drawing upon his background as a teacher, counselor and clinical hypnotherapist, Gavin Murphy delves deep into human behaviour and psychology to explore what hypnosis might tell us about the powers and further reaches of human thought. Scintillating and thought-provoking, this lecture provides an engaging study that brings the individuals, the science and the psychology, the drama and the dreams compellingly to life....
1100 - 1200
Matteo Borrini – The Plague Vampire Exorcism
What may have been an exorcism of a vampire in Venice is now drawing bad blood among scientists arguing over whether gravediggers were attempting to defeat an undead monster.
Matteo Borrini, a forensic anthropologist from the Liverpool John Moores Universityand star of The National Geographic documentary series made a disturbing discovery on the small island of Lazzaretto Nuovo in the Venice lagoon that supported the medieval belief that vampires were behind the spread of the Black Death. Matteo gives his personal account in a lecture not for the faint hearted or those with a weak stomach!
1200 – 1300
A light lunch and refreshments will be served.
1300 – 1400
David Chaudoir – Bad Acid
BAD ACID is the debut short film from writer/director David Chaudoir. The story of a washed up cabaret hypnotist. It blends hypnotic suggestion, hallucination and demonic apparition in a wry, tragically comedic, dark fantasy, exploring the fleeting nature of fame. Marvin gets what he wished for, but not in the way that he wanted. Bad Acid is the writer/director’s love letter to the films of Amicus and Hammer from the 1970s.
David Chaudoir, writer/director, has worked for 25 years in UK Broadcast Television and as- sociated crafts. He has directed award winning promotions for The Walking Dead and The Wire and music videos for bands such as Athlete and Starsailor.
1400 – 1500
Scott Wood - Urban Legends of the London Underground
Just as fairy tales warn of the dangers of going in to the woods alone London’s urban legends are often horror stories about going alone down in to the London underground. Plague pits seethe beneath your feet in the most unlikely places, corpses ride on the tube and news of enemy bomb attacks are never further than a trip to the shops away. Some of these urban legends are older than they appear; others are new stories posing as history. Scott will tell these contemporary folk-stories, map them across London and then take them pieces of apart to show you what they’re really made of.
Scott is the author of London Urban Legends: The Corpse on the Tube, a regular-ish writer for Londonist and co-organiser & host of the London Fortean Society.
1500 - 1600
Tracy Wise - Exploring the history and mystery of OOPARTs
Out of place artefacts are exactly as the name suggests – artefacts that don’t seem to fit into the history timeline as we know it. But are these objects evidence of advanced cultures? Of alien civilisations? Intricate hoaxes or evidence of parallel universes?
Examine the evidence, question the questionable and explore the possibilities in this foray into the world of forbidden archaeology. The truth is out there….or is it?
Tracy Wise is a respected author, presenter, lecturer and magician with a particular interest in esoteric history and in bringing new insight into ancient folklore and stories. Tracy is also passionate about keeping alive the stories of inspirational people who have left a legacy to the world but are in danger of being forgotten.
1600 - 1700
David Farrant – The Highgate Vampire
David Farrant is perhaps best well known for his investigation into an unexplained phenomenon or ‘ghost’ which centred around London’s Highgate Cemetery in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Said by some (stories invariably aided by reports in the press) to be a real life ‘vampire’, much has been written about this celebrated case, and the involvement of the British Psychic and Occult Society (BPOS) who were called in to help unravel the mystery. But events were to get out of hand, and in 1974 David Farrant was sentenced to two years eight months imprisonment at the Old Bailey amidst a flurry of allegations relating to ‘vampire hunting’, desecration, ‘witchcraft’ and Satanism then being practiced at Highgate Cemetery. Although acquitted of the most serious charges of desecration, two minor one’s stuck and were enough to ensure a custodial sentence for what were seen as ‘anti Christian activities’.
However, the Highgate case was only one of many that the B.P.O.S. investigated, and continue to investigate around the country in respect of ghosts, and unexplained apparitions which have been witnessed or reported at psychically charged locations. Such locations may prove to be of essential importance when trying to understand the validity of many hauntings and ghosts and the mysterious world in which they supposedly dwell . . .
1700 - 1800
Luke Jermay – Internationally Renown Mind Reader and Mentalist
Luke Jermay is the most incredible man you’ve probably never heard of. He can read your mind. No really; he can read your mind. He doesn’t use mind games or psychological tricks; he is not a trickster, there are no smoke and mirrors. Combining intuition and hypnosis he can simply read your mind. His awe inspiring hypnotic and intuitive abilities have gained him high profile fans such as Derren Brown, Dynamo and Uri Geller who all agree Jermay is astonishing. You will be amazed at Jermay’s incredible powers; he knows your past, present and future, sometimes better than you do.
The bar can remain open after 1800 and the raffle will be drawn and there will be ample opportunity to chat with the guest speakers over a few winter beverages.
Win a Dolly Darko MkII!
Only lucky attendee will walk away with a Dolly Darko MkII haunted doll worth over £500 or a copy of Prof BC's Phantom of the Opera Doppelganger! Raffle tickets will be available from Friday.
Accommodation
The Express Eurotraveller Hotel
The venue for the event is one tube stop away from Waterloo Station however, The Express Eurotraveller Hotel is within walking distance of Simon Drake's House of Magic and is very reasonably priced.
Address: 18 Amelia Street, Walworth, London, SE17 3PY
Telephone: 020 7358 6876
Website: www.eurotravellerhotel.com
Distance: 0.3 miles
Other noteworthy hotels near Waterloo are -
The Wellington Hotel
Opposite Waterloo station and beneath the railway lines, this traditional pub with contemporary rooms is 8 minutes’ walk from the London Eye and 3 minutes’ walk to famous theatre the Old Vic.
Rooms have a modern London theme/ All have en suite bathrooms, as well as free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, desks and tea and coffeemaking facilities.
A full cooked breakfast is included. The busy pub downstairs has dark wood panelling, leather benches and sofas, and a mural of the Battle of Waterloo.
Address: 81-83 Waterloo Rd, London SE1 8UD
Phone:020 7928 6083
Website: www.wellingtonhotelwaterloo.co.uk
Hampton by Hilton Waterloo
In an imposing corner building 0.4 miles from London Waterloo train station, this contemporary hotel is 0.7 miles from the London Eye and 1.9 miles from the Tower of London.
Casual rooms include free Wi-Fi and custom-designed beds, plus both full and lap desks (for working on the bed), flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffeemaking equipment. Some also include city views and/or sofabeds.
Free hot breakfast is served in a streamlined dining room. There's also a simple bar and a fitness room, plus meeting space and a business centre.
Address: 157 Waterloo Rd, London SE1 8XA
Phone:020 7401 8080
Website: http://hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/index.html
Travelodge
A 7-minute walk from Southwark tube station, this budget hotel in a traditional redbrick building is a 14-minute walk from both the London Eye and Tate Modern.
Simple, modern rooms come with custom-designed beds, limited free Wi-Fi, TVs and desks, plus tea and coffee making equipment. Family rooms add pull-out beds.
There’s a casual restaurant/bar offering an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet and simple dinners (kids eat free).
Address: 195-203 Waterloo Rd, London SE1 8UX
Phone:0871 984 6291
Website: www.travelodge.co.uk
Hotel Novotel London Waterloo
A 1-minute walk from Lambeth Palace bus stop, this stylish, riverside hotel in a traditional building is also 14 minutes from the London Eye and 2.4 miles from the British Museum.
The modern rooms come with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi and desks. All feature sofabeds and minibars, as well as tea and coffeemaking facilities, while upgraded rooms add iPod docks and Nespresso machines. Kids age 16 and under stay at no charge in their parents’ rooms. Room service is available 24/7.
Amenities include a bar and an international restaurant, plus an exercise room, a sauna and a hammam. There's also a play area, a business centre and meeting space.
Address: 113 Lambeth Rd, London SE1 7LS
Phone:020 7660 0674
Website: http://www.accorhotels.com
FAQs
Please post any questions in the comments box below and I will answer you as soon as possible.
Doomsday VII Review
Prologue
As I entered through the castle gate the courtyard seemed eerily quiet. The horse drawn coach that had just taken me over the treacherous moors galloped into the distance while my shadow grew fainter as the sun slowly set. Sneaton Castle sat high upon the cliffs of Whitby overlooking the icy North Sea and the vampire infested fishing town below. It would soon be dark and the once busy streets quickly became deserted. Something gave me the impression that I also needed to follow suit and find a safe sanctuary before darkness fell
I had been summoned here by telegram some weeks earlier. The mysterious note, written in a strange ink that I could only assume was a fetid concoction of fish oil and blood, informed me that an annual gathering was about to take place. Once a year, on a given day when the stars align, a door shall open and strange adepts from remote corners of the globe will gather to share dark secrets and partake in forbidden rituals. Today was that day.
Although my invitation gave a date and location there was nobody at the castle gate to greet my arrival. My coach driver thought it unusual that I had been invited here as he proclaimed that, “The old Sneaton place had been empty for years. Nobody in the village dare go up after dark, what with all the screaming and strange lights an' all.” I shrugged off his superstitious clap-trap and apprehensively started to explore further.
In the center of the courtyard stood an old gypsy caravan, the doors wide open as if someone had been unloading its contents. On the sides, painted in a quirky carnival font were the words 'Dr. Diablo' and the figure of a man with a unnerving grin. I took an inquisitive look inside to see various instruments of magic. The smell of warm latex and talcum powder hung in the air like a perverted fog. Swords and torture devices hung from the leopard skin lined walls, from this alone I knew that the mysterious owner must be from Liverpool. With no sign of the deviant owner I continued my search.
The castle towers loomed over me like watchful stone giants as I ventured up a cobbled lane flanked by empty buildings. Then I smelt it. A faint scent of burning wood and the chatter of voices. Red embers floated in the humid night air and I followed the sound and scent like a bloodhound on the hunt. I came to the end of the row of small buildings and I cautiously peered around the corner. I could see fifty or more figures silhouetted against a large fire pit. The cackle of insane laughter mixed with the crackle of the burning logs became louder and my head started to swim as an intoxicating rhythm began to pound in my ears. It was then I saw the leader of this disturbing 'fire ritual'. A short stout man with a sweaty complexion and nipple tassels jeered at the crowd as they chanted the words, “Mind Wraith! Mind Wraith!” repeatedly until the strange dwarven whipster walked slowly through the flames, unscathed by the hellish furnace.
I was so transfixed by the hypnotic spectacle I had not heard the approach of someone or something from behind. Suddenly, a heavy hand slammed on to my shoulder and I spun on my heel to confront a tall chiselled man who spoke with a German accent. “Velcome to Doomsday! You're just in time for ze burning!” As he manically laughed I started to feel myself sweat as a cloud of overwhelming humidity descended on me. What was this strange magick? My legs gave way beneath me and my vision began to blur whilst the world around me started to slowly fade.
As my eyes finally closed, in the distance I heard the German voice once again,“Voodini! Oskar! Come give me a hand! I've found a sacrifice for ze altar!”...
For the past two years I have been the event organiser of Doomsday, the annual gathering of bizarre magicians, story tellers and adepts of the alternative arts. Originally conceived by Roni Shachnaey seven years ago, Doomsday is the best convention of its type in Europe. Every year people from all over the world make the pilgrimage to Whitby for a weekend like no other. What other magic convention can claim to be hosted in the home of Dracula AND in a castle?
Doomsday has started to see a dramatic increase in attendees proving that our shadowy corner of the art is alive and more popular than ever before. It was wonderful to see familiar faces and new blood on the scene as well as meeting the rabble of regulars. Although it is promoted as a convention it is and always has been more of a family gathering. The newcomers were welcomed with open bat-winged arms and I am sure they will return year after year.
Quite a few attendees arrived in Whitby on the Thursday so that they could explore the town and take in all of the Gothic charm. The walk up to the abbey is a must and for a measly £3 you can experience stellar attractions such as The Dracula Experience, so bad it's good! For our overseas visitors there is plenty to see and do in the days prior to Doomsday so you can even make holiday of it and most do.
In a bid to save my liver from a heavy first night of socialising I headed south to Scarborough to see Roni Shachnaey. Unfortunately Roni was unable to attend Doomsday due to health issues so Alex Wallace and I decided to take Doomsday to him. Over a wonderful meal cooked by Laraine I was enlightened about the dark origins of Doomsday and how it is the estranged lovechild of another gathering that is ironically not as immortal as the name suggests.
This year we kicked off with a new event. On a small patch of land in the castle grounds two tons of wood was tossed into a pit and set alight for the Doomsday Fire Walk! Iain Jay and his industrious team of circus performers created the most memorable start to Doomsday to date. I must admit that virtually everyone was rather apprehensive at the idea of walking through a 10 foot pit of fire but it only took one volunteer to go for it and nearly everyone followed. Rather like lemmings I suppose! As the majority of us are destined to go to hell it was a nice preview of what's to come and I made two trips across the burning pit with nothing more than sooty feet and a huge grin.
We then returned to the castle for the first lecture of the weekend. Never before has there been a more suitable lecture for Doomsday. Matteo Borrini, Forensic Anthropologist and star of the National Geographic documentary series gave his personal account of the 'Plague Vampire Exorcism'. My personal highlight of the weekend was meeting Matteo who's knowledge and persona encapsulates what nearly every bizarre performer strives to be. He is a truly unique person and an asset to the community.
Doomsday then officially opened with Dr. Diablo's Carnival Macabre presented by the funniest chap I know, Michael Diamond. From a personal perspective Doomsday would not be the event it is today without Michael and his team, the charming Katie Trickett and Bendy Bendini. Nothing sets the scene more than some good old sideshow acts to amaze and disturb the punters. Human Blockhead, The Radium Girl and Bendy pushing an unhealthy amount of needles into his face; now that's entertainment!
The Doomsday ethos is certainly work hard and play hard with most of the crowd finally heading to the bar to 'catch up' until the early hours of Saturday morning. It was going to be a long day and what better way to prepare yourself than stocking up on pizza and ten pints of Hobgoblin ale? Of course, not everyone drinks alcohol and the convent next door supplied holy water on tap. I like to think it was this that gave me the 'dicky tummy' and not the Lobster Tikka Masala I had eaten a few days previous. We are denizens of darkness after all!
What better way to start Saturday morning than with a session designed to get everyone up on their feet, whooping and hollering. I knew Saturday morning would be tough for some of the Friday night party animals so I added Ian Harvey Stone as the first lecture to get the blood moving. Ian's lecture 'Finding your voice in the magical landscape' was a workshop on how to vocally present yourself on stage professionally and in the 90 minutes that followed I learnt lots. Although I'm no performer I still lecture regularly and the areas that Ian covered were worth their weight in gold. Ian served his slice of how to command the stage with energy, humour and lots of audience participation making an unforgettable and valuable start to the day.
World record breaking strongman Stuart Burrell then took to the stage to give a whole new meaning to the phrase 'he couldn't punch his way out of a wet paper bag' by ripping out of ca hained and padlocked chainmail vest. He also demonstrated ripping a tennis ball in half and breaking free from cable tied wrists. There was even a bit of real blood much to the crowds delight.
Roger Curzon then recalled the tale of Uncle Albert's Box and the dark contents concealed within. Delivered with Roger's much loved deadpan northern charm it was Doomsday's first magic performance and a satisfying one it was too. Roger is a Doomsday regular who I remember performing years ago so it was wonderful to see him back doing what he does best.
Setting up a complete cabinet of curiosities exhibition for one of the UK's largest horror conventions in 3 weeks is a challenge right? Well Andy Cooper, Nik Taylor and Tristan Stothard managed to do just that AND make money from it AND make it so popular they are also doing it again this year. Andy and Nik gave a light hearted account of how they created some intriguing exhibits to shock and disturb the punters. A possessed Mr.Punch, a mysterious Oracle and Winston, a terrible example of taxidermy all made an appearance and gave us all a motivational kick of what can be achieved with lots of enthusiasm and very little time. Unfortunately Tristan was unable to attend Doomsday this year but I'm hoping he'll bring is Psychic Pain to Whitby next year.
A swift but hearty lunch provided the Doomsday crowd with some much needed energy although a double helping of dessert left me with a post-lunch sugar crash big enough to down an elephant. Dealers dealt while arcane knowledge was whispered and shared amongst the adepts before Luke Jermay took to the stage.
To watch Luke lecture or perform is a captivating experience. His knowledge and confidence of character pushes you down into you seat and commands your attention for the entirety of the lecture. As I mention previously, I'm not a performer although every time I see Luke it makes me want to pick up a deck of cards and at least have a go. And in the past I have to much success, that's if you consider baffling your Gran and elderly Aunt successful. Other Doomsday members though who do perform will have taken huge amounts of inspiration, methods and ideas away with them. Luke even shared some routines that he'd never revealed before especially for the Doomsday crowd. It's my birthday next week and a Marksman Deck is on my list for sure!
The great thing about my good friend Oskar is that in the UK nobody has a clue who he is. Yet, back in Sweden he is the star of the TV show 'Mysteria'. Only in Sweden can you get away with a kid's TV show where a group of wizards run around Stockholm trying to catch an accidentally summoned demon with the aid of random children. They also conduct a séance with a group of 8 years olds as well as invoke the ghost of a witch. Good, clean family TV. Oskar and Robert Dahlstom, also a star of 'Mysteria', gave translated excerpts of the series and demonstrated some of the amazing props Oskar created specifically for the show.
The final act of the afternoon was Doomsday veteran Tracy Wise. Every storytelling magician should look at Tracy's act and take note as her ability to captivate the audience and spin a good yarn is impeccable. 'Nursery Crimes' presented the dark origins of some of our favourite childhood nursery rhymes while intertwining magic and music to create an unforgettable performance. Those attending Doomsday South in November will see more of what this very clever and beguiling lady can do.
The 2 hour dinner break gave the crowd a chance to head into Whitby to sample what the local fishermen had dragged ashore, served with chips and lager. The typical gloom of a British seaside town gave way to the unusual spectacle of sunshine and everyone came back fully charged for an evening of entertainment.
The Hex Factor was born out of numerous requests from magicians wanting to perform at Doomsday. Rather than stick with the usual gala show format I thought it would be more interesting to create a whole new event that would see performers competing head to head for a hideous prize. And so the Hex Factor was born and the first 8 contestants stepped up before a foaming crowd and a trio of steely judges.
The standard of the Hex Factor performances proved that those who don't normally perform for a large crowd actually should! Ewan Callison gave the evening an edgy start by talking to 'dummy', his small ventriloquist doll while performing a eerie dolls house séance. For Poe fans, Kevin Lynch's fast paced tale of numbers and messages from beyond the grave had the audience scratching their heads. Jim Critchlow not only created a great performance but also spawned a demonic mascot for Doomsday, the mighty Wucifer. The horrific helium filled satanic symbol hovered over the stage for the duration of the evening. The last slot before the interval was a touching performance from newcomer Luke Robson who's spirit slate routine about a dearly departed friend simultaneously touched and entertained.
After 20 minutes of liquid refreshment we kicked off with Matteo Borrini once again with a tale of savage Liverpudlian lycanthropy. Representing Belgium was Wino Caestecker whose performance would eventually win The Hex Factor by a considerable amount. Emotional and devilishly devious, Wino played the audience like a pro to the point where I thought he was going to have a nervous breakdown live on stage. But of course it was part of the act, or was it? Either way Wino scooped the first prize and highly deserved it was to. Adam Daniel followed with my personal Hex Factor highlight as he produced the old Victorian board game classic 'Guess Whom'. A clever, humble performance delivered with a Derbyshire drawl which reminded me of home well, the rough parts anyway! Finally Les Brown performed his Russian Roulette with BB guns routine. We all uncomfortably watched as Les fired pistols into his mouth, eyes and head, empty ones at least. He successful dodged the last bullet and poor Pauline missed the life insurance payout once again.
The Hex Factor is here to stay and entries for 2017 are already being booked. It's about time that our dark corner of the magic world had its own competition and Doomsday is the place to come if you want to win the newly coveted award.
The dates for Doomsday VIII are already set and tickets will go on sale shortly. Put a big fat cross in your diary and make sure the weekend of 19th - 21st May 2017 is free. Don't be one of the crowd who always comment on how they wished they could've been there, just do it! As always, the venue is limited on size so tickets will be limited and this year we were almost at maximum capacity so book early to avoid disappointment.
And for those unable to wait another year there is always Doomsday South in November. Set in the gothic surroundings of Simon Drake's House of Magic this will be another event not to be missed. There is more emphasis on occult & paranormal subjects than just magic so expect a diverse crowd and an excellent opportunity to network with all walks of life from the world of alternative arts. Confirmed lectures and acts for the first ever Doomsday by Gaslight are Reece Shearsmith, quarter of the award-winning comedy team The League of Gentlemen and star of Inside No.9, David Farrant will be giving his account of the Highgate Vampire incident, Scott Wood from the South East London Folklore Society will discuss urban tales of the London Underground, Matteo Borrini returns to give his Plague Vampire Exorcism lecture so be sure to bring a strong stomach! Tracy Wise who is not only an accomplished magician and forensic scientist but also an expert on OOPArt (out-of-place artifacts) will present a lecture regarding ancient objects found in a very unusual or seemingly impossible contexts. Luke Jermay will also grace the House of Magic stage with feats of mystifying mentalism and finally film director David Chaudoir will be presenting a private screening of his short 'Bad Acid', the dark tale of a washed up cabaret hypnotist who gets what he wished for, but not in the way that he wanted.
The weekend ticket includes lunch and a private Jack the Ripper walk around Whitechapel on the Friday night before the event. For those arriving early myself and Freddie Valentine will also take you on a personal tour of some of London's darkest and mysterious locations followed by the obligatory social at the Ten Bells and Dirty Dicks. If that wasn't enough to tempt you there will also be a prize draw to win a copy of Dolly Darko MkII so if you win you may need to book another seat on the train, she likes to sit alone...
Doomsday awaits those who dare, but be aware; no one who attends remains unchanged!
Designing the Doomsday Hex Factor Trophy
For the second year running I will be organsing Doomsday VII. This is the UK's top bizarre magic convention which takes place in May at Sneaton Castle in the iconic gothic seaside town of Whitby.
Every year I get numerous e-mails from people wishing to perform who either don't have enough material for a full show, want to try something new or have literally never been on stage in their life. So this year I have decided to replace the evening gala show with The Hex Factor! Each performer is given a 5-10 minute slot in which to display their magic routines, disturbing talents or anything you feel suitable for the Doomsday audience. A panel of judges will give feedback but ultimately the audience will decide the best act of the evening.
The winner will be awarded a full performance spot at Doomsday 8 and a pair of free tickets but more importantly they will win the The Hex Factor trophy! To dangle the carrot for potential entrants I thought I would get the creative wheels in motion and design the trophy.
Nothing screams occult more than a skull on a stick, especially one adorned with inverted pentagrams and glowing red eyes! I wanted the trophy to be more than your typical golden cup with a marble base. I wanted to create something that if you had it on your shelf at home it would genuinely worry visitors. What the hell did you have to do to win such a monstrosity? Satanist of the year 2016?!
The horns are 3D printed in translucent ABS. These were originally part of a Maleficent headdress but I removed the skull cap section and just printed the horns on a slightly smaller scale. The plaque on the reverse is also printed in black and translucent ABS. All that was required for the demonic red glow was a set of silver micro-string LEDs positioned in such a way to give the illusion of red pupils and a back light for the pentagram.
If you're thinking of entering the Hex Factor then you're currently in with a one in seven chance of winning the trophy. I'm going to cap the entries at 8 people so that we can have two 40 minute sections, an interval and guest performance from Brian Maxwell. So I need two more volunteers to sell their souls and be potentially ripped apart by the Doomsday dogs. However, you could walk away with the Hex Factor trophy! I can't promise you a million dollar contract and a pad in Malibu but what I can promise you is a glowing sheep skull impaled on a metal pole – I know what I'd sooner have!
