My RSS Feedhttp://www.playingtricks.co.uk/index.htmlHot News!enloki@playingtricks.co.ukCopyright 2010 Loki2012-01-01T00:01:01+00:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:15:16 +0100HAPPY NEW YEAR!loki@playingtricks.co.ukNone2012-01-01T00:01:01+00:00http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/50f354ecbf167e7064d48a076bd10780-29.html#unique-entry-id-29http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/50f354ecbf167e7064d48a076bd10780-29.html#unique-entry-id-29
Happy New year to all from LOKi iNC HQ (aka The BATCAVE) Good Wishes for 2012. ]]>CHRiSTMAS iN CUBAloki@playingtricks.co.ukNone2011-12-12T13:32:23+00:00http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/582f85b6cb9bde8c74e419d2313d5d19-28.html#unique-entry-id-28http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/582f85b6cb9bde8c74e419d2313d5d19-28.html#unique-entry-id-28
When Columbus landed in Baracoa in 1492, he brought with him European customs, rituals, and beliefs. The introduction of Roman Catholicism into Cuba by the Spanish transformed Cuba into a Christian nation. Christmas was celebrated in Cuba for over 450 years prior to Christmas being banned by the Revolutionary Government in 1969. ]]>ONLiNE SHOPloki@playingtricks.co.ukNone2011-09-07T10:08:35+01:00http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/5bddde93510281ce10d8f5b962687cfa-27.html#unique-entry-id-27http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/5bddde93510281ce10d8f5b962687cfa-27.html#unique-entry-id-27manuel shop
The Manuel Martinez range of magic products are finally available from the new online shop. You can now purchase through the site using all major credit/debit cards and Paypal. More products will be added over the coming weeks. If you haven’t already, subscribe to the FREE newsletter which periodically informs you of all related LOKi iNC news AND includes exclusive member discounts on all products in the store.

Please use all magic responsibly and not just to get girls and free booze.]]>CASTRO CONFiRMS RUMOUR?loki@playingtricks.co.ukNone2011-09-02T12:21:28+01:00http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/b6ed6523c5472b2e64c3810bdfdf5f06-26.html#unique-entry-id-26http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/b6ed6523c5472b2e64c3810bdfdf5f06-26.html#unique-entry-id-26
In a rare public appearance, Fidel Castro hits the streets of Havana. Speculation is rife as the dictator is clearly pointing UP. Could it be the rumours that Martinez has been selected to enter Cuba’s space program and to be the first Cuban comedian in space! Watch this space for more news...on space.]]>MANUEL NEW LOGO UNVEiLED!loki@playingtricks.co.ukNone2011-08-30T09:26:57+01:00http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/333aa9f71f352ca21dc5c8e1690ee904-25.html#unique-entry-id-25http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/333aa9f71f352ca21dc5c8e1690ee904-25.html#unique-entry-id-25

The new look logo representing Manuel Martinez is finished! We’re sure you’ll see the Che reference. The logo will appear on all new printed business cards and letter heads. Expect to see the logo all over Havana town square as part of the celebrations when Manuel returns home to receive the keys of the city...]]>MANUEL MEETS JONATHAN ROSSloki@playingtricks.co.ukNone2011-08-15T11:53:12+01:00http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/6379d03b734212804b5f437efb927fc0-24.html#unique-entry-id-24http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/6379d03b734212804b5f437efb927fc0-24.html#unique-entry-id-24

Here’s looking at you. Wossy is totally bemused by the Cuban Conjurer and unable to pronounce conjurer. That bit was edited out due to watershed restrictions....]]>GO AHEAD PUNK!loki@playingtricks.co.ukNone2011-08-08T11:44:22+01:00http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/ea0827892d526baa93b394f21cad6457-23.html#unique-entry-id-23http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/ea0827892d526baa93b394f21cad6457-23.html#unique-entry-id-23

Jonthan Ross re-imagines the role of Dirty Harry. At first reluctant to fire, Martinez eventually convinced Wossy to push the trigger... ]]>PENN & TELLER FOOL USloki@playingtricks.co.ukNone2011-07-30T11:37:56+01:00http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/e176e70476918281add0faf28b5f1c93-22.html#unique-entry-id-22http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/e176e70476918281add0faf28b5f1c93-22.html#unique-entry-id-22

Witness Manuel Martinez as he attempts to entertain and hopefully fool the legendary Penn & Teller. Saturday 30th July iTV1@9pm!
]]>MANUEL SHOOTS WOSSY!loki@playingtricks.co.ukNone2011-08-07T11:31:41+01:00http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/d061a5104dcdec63f0a6a3a945448459-21.html#unique-entry-id-21http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/d061a5104dcdec63f0a6a3a945448459-21.html#unique-entry-id-21

By now the appearance of Manuel Martinez on Penn & Teller is known across the Western World. But did you know that the staple fired at Jonathan Ross’s hand WAS real and was only granted permission by Wossy himself! You can imagine the health and safety concerns over shooting at Multi Millionaire presenter JR, but the man himself waived the risks aside and allowed Manuel to fire directly at him. And YES it did genuinely hurt! JR was a true professional and a joy to work with.

]]>NEW SiTEloki@playingtricks.co.ukNone2011-06-27T21:49:36+01:00http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/966f33dfb003f88450df9f7629f87700-20.html#unique-entry-id-20http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/966f33dfb003f88450df9f7629f87700-20.html#unique-entry-id-20
A new look Manuel Martinez site is in the making. This site will deal exclusively with the Cuban conjurer & comedian. A new look logo has been designed and is in the process of being finished. Once ready we’ll start using on the LOKi iNC site and then to launch Manuel’s own site. The Che Guevara image above hints at the new logo! More to follow soon...]]>CUBA LiABLE!loki@playingtricks.co.ukNone2011-04-28T11:34:08+01:00http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/6391c6853f5fc8457ecc77e190ae15e6-19.html#unique-entry-id-19http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/6391c6853f5fc8457ecc77e190ae15e6-19.html#unique-entry-id-19Glora Estefan

Manuel Martinez in a shock claim has hit out at Simon Ledger, the racist ‘Key-tar’ playing pub singer!

Martinez (showbiz age 32) walked past Ledger, at great distance in a crowded and busy bar. At that moment, or perhaps before Ledger had even seen Manuel, he broke into a rendition of “The Rhythm is gonna get’cha” sung by the Cuban diva, Gloria Estefan!

In a statement Manuel said that he was ‘distressed and dismayed’ that Ledger would target him with the racially charged lyrics of the Cuban Latino Superstar.

Gloria Fajardo Estefan, born Sept 1, 1957 in Havana Cuba, now living in Miami with her sound machine, was unavailable for comment.

The Rhythm is Gonna Get’Cha Chorus line


O eh, o eh, o eh, o eh
O eh, oo aah, o eh, oo aah
Yah ya goh
O eh, o eh, o eh, o eh
O eh, oo aah, o eh, oo aah
O eh, o eh
Yah ya goh

Rhythm is gonna get'cha
Rhythm is gonna get'cha
Rhythm is gonna get you
The rhythm is gonna get you tonight

O eh, o eh, o eh, o eh
O eh, oo aah, o eh, oo aah
O eh, o eh, o eh, o eh
O eh, oo aah, o eh, oo aah
O eh, o eh]]>i KNOW KUNG FU!loki@playingtricks.co.ukNone2011-04-28T10:04:44+01:00http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/6aafaed03159a552f3de85bc75e381e0-18.html#unique-entry-id-18http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/6aafaed03159a552f3de85bc75e381e0-18.html#unique-entry-id-18 Carl Douglas
My mate Simon Ledger was arrested in a racism row over his singing the 1970’s Carl Douglas hit ‘Kung Fu Fighting’ The song, performed by Simon Ledger is said to have offended two Chinese people as they walked past the bar where he was singing. Simon regularly performs the song at the Driftwood Beach Bar in Sandown, on the Isle of Wight.

I have personally known Simon for many years and he doesn’t have a racist bone in his body. He regularly does much for the Asian crew members onboard the cruise ships we have worked together, personally upgrading and supplying much needed equipment for the crew recreation rooms and organising special events.

Charges have since been dropped by the Police due to a lack of evidence and perhaps the fact that it’s political correctness gone mad!

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1380971/Simon-Ledger-arrested-racism-performing-Kung-Fu-Fighting.html#ixzz1Ko72Ml00]]>HAPPY BiRTHDAY HARRYloki@playingtricks.co.ukNone2011-03-24T11:54:50+00:00http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/f8c6db19996e820b2a40e243915d3b46-17.html#unique-entry-id-17http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/f8c6db19996e820b2a40e243915d3b46-17.html#unique-entry-id-17

Harry Houdini (born Erik Weisz; March 24, 1874 – October 31, 1926) was a Hungarian-born American magician and escapologist, stunt performer, actor and film producer noted for his sensational escape acts. He was also a skeptic who set out to expose frauds purporting to be supernatural phenomena. You can read me on Wikipedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Houdini]]>FiDEL MiSSES MANUELloki@playingtricks.co.ukNone2011-02-07T15:48:38+00:00http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/de3c04122637adf7e6d917d34ee5d153-16.html#unique-entry-id-16http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/de3c04122637adf7e6d917d34ee5d153-16.html#unique-entry-id-16
Fidel Castro the president of Cuba has today admitted that he misses the comedy of beloved Cuban magician, Manuel Martinez. In a statement the leader said that Cuban entertainment just wasn’t the same. Manuel is not expected to return to Cuba as he fears he won’t get back out again. The long anticipated joint concert with Gloria Estefan looks unlikely to happen. ]]>iT KEEPS YOU RUNNiNG!loki@playingtricks.co.ukNone2011-02-07T14:49:07+00:00http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/67899adbfcb7d53f88c738698f6d48bb-15.html#unique-entry-id-15http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/67899adbfcb7d53f88c738698f6d48bb-15.html#unique-entry-id-15
Glance at my twitter feed and you’ll see the regular updates from my new nike+gps app that is currently charting my running progress. Having decided that now was a great to start running regularly I purchased the App for the iPhone and it’s great! For those of you interested the £1.19 App removes the necessity to purchase the Apple sensor for your shoe. The running is motivated with voice over through your headphones and encouragement for varying milestones (time or distance) that you reach as you progress towards your goal. I’ve only started running since the the new year, but getting into those black tights and purple tailcoat is once again a lot easier! Although the white makeup does tend to streak a little bit towards the end.]]>MANUEL MEETS FRAZER HiNESloki@playingtricks.co.ukNone2011-02-01T10:39:34+00:00http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/98f2cff6602345a06c8b3b7604b52849-14.html#unique-entry-id-14http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/98f2cff6602345a06c8b3b7604b52849-14.html#unique-entry-id-14
Working onboard the Azura this week with Celebrity speaker, Frazer Hines. Frazer a well respected actor is best remembered for his role in Emmerdale. He also informs me that he is currently the holder of the Guinness Book of records for the longest running Doctor Who assistant! Manuel & Frazer seen here in St. Marteen before their joint decision to buy Rolex’s!]]>VENTURA HiGHWAYloki@playingtricks.co.ukNone2010-12-23T12:01:08+00:00http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/5ca3aef38e36349dc6921fd76a7d16fe-13.html#unique-entry-id-13http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/5ca3aef38e36349dc6921fd76a7d16fe-13.html#unique-entry-id-13
Manuel Martinez joins Ventura day after boxing day for the New Years celebration cruise. Manuel joins in the caribbean to perform his comedy magic show before transhipping to sister ship the Azura in Fort Lauderdale. See Manuel in the caribbean escaping the snow!]]>LET iT SNOW!loki@playingtricks.co.ukNone2010-12-14T12:50:28+00:00http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/c63ae6b78debac1f7fe3cdbbe417e666-12.html#unique-entry-id-12http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/c63ae6b78debac1f7fe3cdbbe417e666-12.html#unique-entry-id-12
Reports are in that the deluge of snow seen in the UK this month is down to Loki. “With all the Christmas shows and repeated requests for my infamous snow routine I just lost track of how much snow I was producing” the normally silent clown admitted. Remember Loki is the premier supplier of the white stuff and can bring a season’s atmosphere to your venue. ]]>WAGNER EXiTloki@playingtricks.co.ukNone2010-12-14T12:45:47+00:00http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/ee67928ce7bad2923b3f47f89a5a98a5-11.html#unique-entry-id-11http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/ee67928ce7bad2923b3f47f89a5a98a5-11.html#unique-entry-id-11
Wagner is out of X Factor! Despite the support shown since revealing his ties to Manuel Martinez, the star is voted out of the competition. Such a shame as a joint co-hosted TV variety show was on the cards if he won. Farewell Wagner!
]]>WAGNER HOLDS ON!loki@playingtricks.co.ukNone2010-11-08T13:40:45+00:00http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/a33d916cf7c507334a94adfcee3e3d39-10.html#unique-entry-id-10http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/a33d916cf7c507334a94adfcee3e3d39-10.html#unique-entry-id-10
Wagner is still in the race to win the X Factor. Since revealing he is the father of Manuel Martinez, public support for the star has grown. Singing his rendition of Viva Las Vegas, Wagner has secured his appearance on next weeks’ live show. It’s simply magic!
]]>FAREWELL OVloki@playingtricks.co.ukNone2010-11-08T11:54:26+00:00http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/c64e94d9944b76325996a9b614c27c4b-9.html#unique-entry-id-9http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/c64e94d9944b76325996a9b614c27c4b-9.html#unique-entry-id-9
For the people who don’t do cruises, Ocean Village was one of a kind and second home to Manuel Martinez. After stowing away onboard from Cuba, Manuel was taken into the hearts of the thousands of passengers (and crew) that sailed this magnificent ship. Manuel’s final show was on Halloween (very apt for a magician) and apparently there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. He burst his last balloon on the theatre stage with a fitting rewording of his patter to say goodbye to a ship and her crew. Thank you Ocean Village for five fabulous years, you were the best! ]]>WAGNER CONFiRMSloki@playingtricks.co.ukNone2010-10-25T14:01:05+01:00http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/fb7aa5a9e0fe54077d5f33dba5b4d542-8.html#unique-entry-id-8http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/fb7aa5a9e0fe54077d5f33dba5b4d542-8.html#unique-entry-id-8“Wagner to win Z Factor” he is quoted as saying.

Manuel who up until now has been very secretive about his parents feels Wagner best displays his own qualities if faced with having to sing live. “Wagner’s voice is as much in tune as mine would be, which is why I do magic” he said.

Wagner]]>MANUEL MEETS GERARD KENNYloki@playingtricks.co.ukNone2010-10-25T13:41:01+01:00http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/1c5ae2538ac99105b00e839561e1aedd-7.html#unique-entry-id-7http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/1c5ae2538ac99105b00e839561e1aedd-7.html#unique-entry-id-7 IMG_0314]]>mindBENDER TESTloki@playingtricks.co.ukNone2010-10-07T10:02:19+01:00http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/6bb627dfed8a345295f5e03da8bd6ce3-6.html#unique-entry-id-6http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/6bb627dfed8a345295f5e03da8bd6ce3-6.html#unique-entry-id-6
Hire David Zambuka as a magician, mentalist, mindBENDER, thought engineer, subliminal persuasionist and more! A lot of exciting things are happening for Zambuka and now is a perfect opportunity to grab his talents for your show. Let your audience experience the mindBENDER.]]>iBM CLOSE UP GiGloki@playingtricks.co.ukNone2010-10-02T11:07:31+01:00http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/e39a8b311d12faaa018f73e918b3a997-5.html#unique-entry-id-5http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/e39a8b311d12faaa018f73e918b3a997-5.html#unique-entry-id-5
A busy week as I have only just returned from Cruising on the Ventura and Ocean Village respectively. Had the pleasure of working with John Lenahan which was great fun and he showed some great card tricks. A weeks rest at the Batcave now to see how Lucius has progressed with my new effect. Should be ready very soon now. Hope you all like the new site, I’m constantly working on new ideas to add to the pages. If there is anything YOU’D like to see, email me at the usual address.

Corporate magic in the coming months as we approach Christmas and some very nice Halloween themed events too. Magic, Magic, Magic, I love it. ]]>THiS iS HALLOWEENloki@playingtricks.co.ukNone2010-09-06T12:58:36+01:00http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/b0282dc6959dbc3c5b4fdd5fc39c6775-3.html#unique-entry-id-3http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/b0282dc6959dbc3c5b4fdd5fc39c6775-3.html#unique-entry-id-3halloween]]>PENN & TELLERloki@playingtricks.co.ukNone2010-07-27T11:27:36+01:00http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/fa90d855830e5c53e6bc17bb7457f4ee-2.html#unique-entry-id-2http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/fa90d855830e5c53e6bc17bb7457f4ee-2.html#unique-entry-id-2

I took the family to see Penn & Teller at the Hammersmith Apollo last week, great show with some very strong magic. Being a magician I love watching other magic, always gives me a sense of pride in my own work. I’ve made some changes to the Manuel Martinez show, some great new bits in. Audience tested them last week on Ocean Village, they worked.
]]>CRUiSE AROUND THE WORLDloki@playingtricks.co.ukNone2010-07-15T16:54:31+01:00http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/2447fd4e40324bb2ed4d044fd575c8a9-1.html#unique-entry-id-1http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/2447fd4e40324bb2ed4d044fd575c8a9-1.html#unique-entry-id-1NEW BLOGloki@playingtricks.co.ukHOLY NEWS!2010-07-14T16:15:26+01:00http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/3b47905e378d71a5dc7e4f3f4479a841-0.html#unique-entry-id-0http://www.playingtricks.co.uk/page5/files/3b47905e378d71a5dc7e4f3f4479a841-0.html#unique-entry-id-0