Number
1286 - Saturday 15th February 2025
FISM
ITALY July 2025 - more names just announced!
Yu Hojin: Renowned for his breathtaking manipulation, Yu is the first Asian magician to win the FISM Grand Prix in 2012. His act, a mesmerizing display of skill and artistry, will be featured in the Grand Prix Gala Show.
Dani DaOrtiz: A risk-taking card magician from Spain, known for his dynamic routines and improvisation. He also edits ElManuscrito, a magazine offering deep dives into magic theory and techniques.
Luke Jermay: A master of mentalism, his performances have left audiences
in awe, with reviews praising his ability to seemingly read minds and challenge
perceptions of reality.
Alain Choquette: A seasoned performer with over 2 million tickets sold,
Choquette promises to offer an interactive and enigmatic experience with his new
show, Entre histoires et illusions.
Florian Sainvet: Known for his futuristic and visually intense "Human
Robot" act, Sainvet blends stage manipulation with a robotic, video
effect-inspired style.
These are just a few of the names recently announced by the organisers, joining
the incredible lineup that includes Mac King, Hector Mancha, Topas, Jason
Latimer, David Williamson and Armando Lucero. For more information on how to
participate, register, or purchase tickets, visit the official website
www.fismitaly2025.com.
15.2.25
Showzam!
Now to February 22nd in Blackpool! Something magical for February
half-term. Love magic and mystery? From 14th-22nd February, Showzam! is bringing
an exciting blend of live performances, incredible illusions, and show-stopping
variety to Blackpool. Enjoy cutting-edge street acts, mind-blowing tricks from
world-class magicians, and fun-packed entertainment for all the family. Pictured
here, the sensational Andrew Basso. See
www.visitblackpool.com/showzam and
www.facebook.com for more information. "World famous magician brings
death-defying Houdini inspired show to Showzam Blackpool"
www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk.
15.2.25
"Magic
Singh's full mind-blowing performance on Penn & Teller: Fool Us"
YouTube.
15.2.25
Harry
& Peter Nardi Craig
Petty's Magic TV: 'Talk Magic'. Every week Craig Petty sits down and chats
with a well known magician; a creator, a performer, or someone who has had a
positive impact on the Magic Community. This week: "Alakazam Magic at
Blackpool 2025"
YouTube.
15.2.25
James
Phelan: The Dreamer - Additional UK Tour Dates! From the promoter: This astonishing,
enigmatic, five star rated magic show will leave you aching with
laughter and dizzy in disbelief. Presented by James Phelan, the
award-winning magician most infamous for jamming the BBC switchboard
after he correctly predicted the lottery. From making audience members
forget their own names, to making live snow fill the auditorium - this
jaw-dropping show is unlike anything you've seen before. Don't miss what The Standard calls "An
unforgettable evening we can't stop talking about." It's time
to believe in magic... dreams come true.
The Dreamer is returning with a series of spectacular productions in Circus Tents across the country: Trentham Gardens, Stoke-on-Trent; Merry Hill, near Dudley; Trafford Centre, Manchester; Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool; Bodafin Fields, Llandudno. See What's On and for tickets visit www.thedreamerlive.com. 15.2.25
Tarot
– Origins & Afterlives, London Exhibition. Dr Jonathan Allen writes: Tarot –
Origins & Afterlives opened a few weeks ago at London's Warburg Institute,
curated by myself, Martina Mazzotta and Bill Sherman.
The Institute holds a unique research collection relating to tarot, and its
founder Aby Warburg was among the first modern scholars to take a serious look
at its evolution. Spanning almost six hundred years, the exhibition presents a
sequence of critical moments from tarot's long history, and shows how a form
devoted to opening up the future takes us, time and again, back into the past.
It includes the Austin Spare tarot deck; one of The Magic Circle's treasures.
Entry is free but you'll need to book a time slot,
Click Here. The exhibition is open until April 30th, Tuesday to Friday 10am
to 6pm, Saturday 10am to 5pm. The Warburg Institute is in Woburn Square, London
WC1H 0AB, nearest tubes: Euston, Goodge Street and Warren Street.
15.2.25
Matthew Wright
Lecture - Liverpool Mahatma Magic Circle, 20th February.
Matthew Gill writes:
On Thursday 20th February Liverpool Mahatma Magic Circle presents a lecture
evening with Matthew Wright!
A puppeteer, comedian, proprietor, magician extraordinaire! A devoted student of
prestidigitation, Mr. Wright is a practiced and
experienced practitioner of his craft. He studied Theatre Practice at the
Central School of Speech and Drama, a school that has produced such luminaries
as Sir Lawrence Olivier and Dame Judy Dench.
Following that, he also obtained a BA in special effects, where he specifically
learned how to design and craft exciting and never-before-seen magic tricks.
These efforts have won him several awards, including 2009s The International
Champion of Close-up Magic and 2008s Magic Circle's Close-up Magician of the
Year, and he's ready to bring these skills and unique tricks to the Liverpool
Mahatma Magic Circle! Thursday 20th February at 8pm at St Stephen's Church Hall, St Stephen's Road, Hightown, Liverpool L38
0BL.
Entry is free for members and £15 for visiting magicians.
15.2.25
Zac Coveney The Wonderist
- Etcetera Theatre, London, 1st March.
Prepare to be transported into a world where the impossible feels tangible and
wonder is just within reach.
Zac Coveney invites you on a journey through mind-bending illusions, heartfelt
stories, and jaw-dropping moments that explore the magic hidden in our everyday
lives. From dazzling feats of sleight of hand to deeply human connections, The
Wonderist is an unforgettable experience that will leave you asking: What makes
you wonder?
Etcetera Theatre, Camden, London NW1 7BU on
Saturday, 1st March at 9pm. Tickets available from Etcetera Theatre Camden
www.etceteratheatrecamden.com. See
www.zaccoveney.com for all live show dates.
15.2.25
Hull
Magicians' Circle Dinner and Theatre Show - Saturday 12th April. Jon
Marshall writes: Hull Magicians' Circle invites you to join members, friends and
magic fans to be amazed and dine in style with a four-course meal and the
brilliant West End Magic show featuring Oliver Tabor, Vicky Butterfly, Wayne
Trice and Mat Ricardo.
West End Magic is London's longest running theatre magic show. You can expect
award-winning magic, illusion, audience participation, mind magic, perilous
knife juggling and comedy magic. West End Magic has had a permanent home in
London at the Leicester Square Theatre for nearly 12 years and is currently on a
UK tour. Saturday 12th April, 6.30pm for 7pm at University of Hull. Tickets £50.
Contact: secretaryhullmc@gmail.com
07930 927590 to book.
15.2.25
Dan
Hudson's Evening of Magic - The Mill at Sonning, 4th March. Come and join us
for a night of fun, including magicians from the world famous Magic Circle. Dan
Hudson presents the show with his magical friends who will astound, amaze and
leave you asking for more. Tickets will include a delicious Two Course Meal in
our restaurant before the show. On Tuesday 4th March Dan will be joined by Marc
Paul, Scott Penrose and Mark Bennett. Bar from 6pm. Dinner from 6.15pm.
Performance from 8.15pm. Tickets include two-course meal. The Mill at Sonning,
Sonning Eye, Reading RG4 6TY
www.millatsonning.com.
15.2.25
Kevin
Gallagher Lecture – British Magical Society, 25th February. Phil Sweeting
writes: Kevin has enjoyed several decades working as a professional magician at
Exhibitions and Promotions, Corporate Events and Private Functions. He has
previously lectured or performed at many UK and European magic societies and
events, and was summer resident magician at 'Accademia Italiana Arte Magica'.
The lecture includes sleight of hand magic suitable for almost all conditions using no special props, perfect for impromptu situations. Visiting magicians welcome (£10 on the night). Lecture starts at 7.30pm at our wonderful new club house, Stirchley United WMC, Hazelwell Lane, Stirchley, Birmingham B30 2PR. Good parking on site and just a short walk from Bourneville Station. 15.2.25
Northern
Magic Circle Convention, 19th and 20th April (date correction). NMC
Secretary Brian Lead writes: "Off by one!" No, that's not the punchline for a
trick but refers to the time-slip which occurred in last week's news. This year,
Easter weekend falls on 19th/20th April, not 18th/19th as stated... although
there will be a welcome meal, close-up competition and cabaret on the evening of
Friday 18th. It gives us the opportunity, anyway, to add madcap magician Peter
Dean to the gala show bill and announce that Geoffrey Newton will also be
presenting his talk on Tommy Cooper, featuring some of Tommy's own props. Please
refer to last week's publicity for details of the participants so far. The venue
is the Crown Hotel in Harrogate, and here is the direct booking link:
www.shop.northernmagiccircle.org.uk.
15.2.25
The MagicWeek Video Archive. A new magic clip or show every week!
This week, Heap & Wall on Beadle's Box of Tricks from 15th July 1989. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To see more from The MagicWeek Video
Archive
Click Here.
15.2.25
Adrian
Sullivan Lecture - The Order of The Magi, 25th February. Mike Sharples
writes: Our very own man of mystery will be opening up his familiar red case and
imparting his vast array of knowledge. Come along and support one of our own and
make this a great night for someone who has supported our society and so many
other societies around the world so much in the past. The lecture starts at
7.30pm. Visiting magicians are welcome via prior arrangement for a small
entrance fee of £10.00. For more information please contact Mike Sharples on
0774 8833666 or email
secretary@orderofthemagi.co.uk.
15.2.25
Merlins
of Wakefield are attending the Blackpool Magic Convention this weekend and
the shop will be closed until Wednesday 19th February. Any online orders will be
posted out as soon as possible after Wednesday 19th February. If you are
attending the Convention, we will be in the Main Hall, so call by and see what
exclusive offers we have!
www.merlinswakefield.com.
15.2.25
MLM
Web Offers Feb/Mar 2025. Mark Leveridge's range of exclusive download
routines and products is already great value, but every couple of months Mark
selects two items at random and prices them even lower! Here are the latest
offers. Beer Money. Learn how to produce two coins and then a banknote
without palming or any sleight of hand from between two ungimmicked and freely
displayed beer mats! Ingenious handling makes this a practical triple
production. The instructional TricKlip Video can be downloaded for just £4
(saving £3). Colour Confusion. This is an up-in-the-hands colour changing
deck routine that is easy to do and which can be re-set in front of spectators
in 2 seconds, thus making it great as a walkabout effect. Download this Premier
E-Routine (comprising pdf instructions with a link to additional video footage)
for only £6 (saving £4). For more details and to watch dems of both these Web
Offers go to
www.markleveridge.co.uk.
15.2.25
Vintage
Magic Evening - Merlin Magical Society, Hertfordshire, 22nd February. John
Clayton, Secretary of the Merlin Magical Society writes: On February 22nd the
Merlin is having a lecture by Ali-Cardabra, entitled "Vintage Magic", which will
be performed by a vintage magician. It's an hour demonstration with lecture
including many effects from the 1930s. Then the evening is open to members to
contribute. Visiting Magicians most welcome, £5 at the door. For full details
visit:
www.merlinmagicalsociety.com.
15.2.25
"Etienne
Pradier - the world famous magician returns to Worthing for talk in May"
Click Here • "'Manipulative magic is certainly not easy' - Shropshire
magician reveals his secrets"
Click Here • "QI Card Shuffling - 52 Factorial"
YouTube
• "French illusionist explores the magical spirit of the City of Light"
Click Here • "Boy with cerebral palsy breaking barriers as a magician"
Click Here • Paul Sturgess reviews Mark James's 'The Anatomy of a Magician'
lecture,
Click
Here • "Wakefield magician hosts shows at district schools"
Click Here • "Spotlight on Rembrandt's pupil: 'illusionist' van Hoogstraten"
Click Here • "Andrew Lloyd Webber and Michael Harrison tease The Illusionist
musical: 'We're inching forwards'"
Click Here • Thanks as always for your UK magic news - see you next week, Duncan.
15.2.25