Number
1292 - Saturday 29th March 2025
Steven
Frayne: Up Close and Magical opens. Steven Frayne's Up Close and Magical,
Underbelly Boulevard Soho from 28th of March through to 11th of May –
offering audiences of all ages a unique showcase of magic taken from his
incredible career.
Best known for his headline grabbing stunts, boundary breaking cinematic
TV specials and awe-inspiring arena shows across the world, after a
decade off stage, Steven Frayne's Up Close and Magical is an opportunity
to experience the power and wonder of Steven's magic up close with
nothing to hide. Underbelly Boulevard, Soho, London. 28th
March to 11th May. 47 Shows, 33 Dates. Tickets:
www.underbellyboulevard.com.
"Steven 'Dynamo' Frayne: 'Performing is where I don't feel pain. I need it'" [subscription] www.thetimes.com.
"Magician Steven Frayne, formerly known as Dynamo, leaves Chunkz and Olivia completely mesmerised with a breathtaking card trick." www.skysports.com. 29.3.25
The
David Berglas Award 2025. Many congratulations to Michael Vincent,
this year's recipient of The David Berglas Award at The British Magical
Society's annual dinner last week. Formed in Birmingham in 1905, The
British Magical Society is the oldest magical society in Europe. The
first President was David Devant, who was also the first President of
The Magic Circle. The Trophy is awarded annually to a British magician
for "Outstanding Contribution to Magic" and I can't think of anyone more
deserving than Michael, who through his magic has inspired so many. We
first met when I was working in the magic dept of Hamleys in 1977/8 and
he was still at school, but already so passionate about magic! Many
congratulations Michael, DT.
29.3.25
As
if by magic, 3 becomes 4... Blackpool Magic Convention 2026. Next
year's convention will be a full 4 days featuring amazing gala shows,
world class performers, star lectures, late night fringe shows, the
extensive Dealers Hall and so much more.
Blackpool Magic Convention promises a world class lineup of
international, award-winning magicians, illusionists and acts, brought
together in one fantastic venue to provide a weekend like no other.
19th-22nd February 2026. Registration opens at 10am on Wednesday April
2nd
www.blackpoolmagicconvention.com.
29.3.25
My
Mind Rocks – April Update. April marks an exciting milestone inside
My Mind Rocks as we officially launch our brand-new feature:
Members Spotlight. This unique series shines a light on the talent
within our community, and we're kicking things off with an in-depth
session featuring Colombian mentalist Ricardo Montoya. With nearly
60,000 TikTok followers, Ricardo shares his creative journey and teaches
three of his personal effects—complete with live performances, deep
dives, and bonus ideas.
Also this month, we're thrilled to welcome Colin McLeod as our special
guest. Colin joins us live from Las Vegas on Thursday 10th April at 8pm
(GMT) to discuss the topic: Creating a Mentalism Show. This is an
exclusive opportunity to learn directly from one of the most respected
minds in the industry.
Our weekly live members jam sessions continue to grow in popularity,
with performers from around the world collaborating, sharing, and
building better mentalism together.
If you're ready to be part of something special, come join the community
built by mentalists, for mentalists. Sign up here:
www.mymind.rocks.
29.3.25
An
Evening with Romany - Nottingham Guild of Magicians, 3rd April. Paul
Temple writes: Romany Diva of Magic performs beautiful, visual magic and
quirky comedy. Winner of the World Magic Awards in Las Vegas, and The
Magic Circle Stage Magician of the Year, invited to entertain for King
Charles, and featured on Penn & Teller Fool Us, Romany's charismatic
solo theatre show is an adventure of lyrical sleight of hand and chaotic
comic audience participation.
By the time Romany arrives in Nottingham this year, she will have
performed as the Mistress of Ceremonies in Magic World, Vienna
throughout February, and completed 8 shows in one week on the new Queen
Anne cruise ship sailing from Oz to Hong Kong. Her lecture is a mix of
topics including classic magic, looking for original performance angles,
overcoming stage fright, and finding your character.
Thursday 3rd April at 7pm at the Nottingham Guild of Magicians, Pond Hills Lane Community Centre, Arnold, Nottingham NG5 8DR. Tickets are £10 and can be booked online Click Here. 29.3.25
Michael Vincent Lecture
- Nottingham
Guild of Magicians, 15th May.
Paul Temple writes: The Nottingham Guild of Magicians is delighted to
announce the appearance of Michael Vincent - Maskelyne Award Winner, coming to
Nottingham for a fantastic lecture.
A legend of the magic fraternity and a must-see lecture for any
magician.
Thursday 15th May.
Doors open 7pm. Tickets £15.
Find us at Pond Hills Lane Community Centre, Arnold, Nottingham, NG5 8DR.
Book your ticket now:
Click Here.
29.3.25
BAFTA
TV Craft Award Nominations 2025. Congratulations to Steven Frayne
and team, Jon Richards, Robert Pound, Tom Elderfield, Darren Sarsby,
Peter Turner and Adam Hutchings on being nominated under 'Entertainment
Craft Team' for Miracles. The 2025 BAFTA TV Craft Awards will
take place on Sunday 27th April and will once again be hosted by Stacey
Dooley.
29.3.25
MagiCon
2025 Show Ticket Offers. James Hobart writes: Two of the public
shows at MagiCon 2025 currently have ticket offers available. Tickets
for The FizzWizzPop Magic Show at 10am on Saturday are reduced by
25% to £7.50 until 3rd April, and a family ticket to cover two adults
and two children (maximum) for Stars of Magic at 7.45pm on Sunday
is available for £50 - saving £30 on tickets bought individually. Gala
Show Tickets can be included in the relevant convention registration but
why not book some for friends and family too?
www.ulstersocietyofmagicians.com.
29.3.25
"I
made Teller stop production! What really happened on Fool Us!" Magic
Singh.
YouTube.
29.3.25
Wayne
Fox Lecture - The Order of The Magi, 8th April. The Order of The
Magi which this year is celebrating 116 years of magic in Manchester, is
incredibly pleased and excited to announce that the first lecture of our
new year on Tuesday the 8th April is The Amazing Mr. Wayne Fox. This
lecture promises to be an amazing night, here are some brief details:
Wayne Fox, Member of The Inner Magic Circle with Gold Star for
Performance, is introducing a magic lecture like no other. This will be
a fully immersive, interactive, and designed for real learning. Instead
of just watching from your seat, you'll be part of the event. The room
is divided into groups, and Wayne will personally teach several powerful
routines and sleights, moving from group to group for a hands-on,
one-to-one coaching experience. Engage, learn, and elevate your magic!
This is The Tutorials. This brand-new workshop style teaching has a
mixture of basic and advance skills of Magic, including sleight of hand
technique, misdirection, handling magic gimmicks. At the start of the
evening there will be an introduction then Wayne will perform his 20
minute Magic Circle standup routine. Then the members and visitors will
be encouraged to split up into groups of 2 to 5 people. Wayne will
demonstrate the set pieces of magic, routines and moves and then
practice will start, he will then make his way from group to group for
all the one-to-one guidance that the members need. Subjects covered:
Basic card skills. Card Palm, Double Lifts, Side Steal, Chop Cup, magic
choices for everyday carry, Crazy Man's Handcuffs, Thumb Tips and Bottle
through Table. This is great opportunity to have a close-up workshop
with one of the best known names in magic.
Date 8th April, Venue: The Order of The Magi Headquarters, Irish World
heritage Centre, Irish Town Way, off Queen's Road, Cheetham Hill,
Manchester. The lecture starts at 7.45pm. Visiting magicians are welcome
by prior arrangement with Mike Sharples 0774 8833666 or
secretary@orderofthemagi.co.uk. Entrance fee is £10.00 payable on
the night.
29.3.25
"Harry
Moulding does unbelievable magic act on Rollercoaster! Auditions BGT
2025"
YouTube.
29.3.25
"Jannick
Holste will spice up your life with fabulous magic act! Auditions BGT
2025"
YouTube.
29.3.25
Nottingham Guild
of
Magicians Magic Auction - free entrance!
Paul Temple writes:
After a successful return to the calendar in 2023 and 2024, our Auction
of Magic is back! It's free entry for anyone that would like to check,
bid and potentially take home magic props, books and memorabilia. Card
and cash accepted.
If you have any magic gear you'd like to sell at the event, we can
arrange this for a small commission.
Please email: nottmguild@hotmail.com
The more the merrier. Thursday 19th June at Nottingham Guild of
Magicians, Pond Hills Lane Community Centre, Arnold, Nottingham NG5 8DR.
Doors open at 7pm. All welcome - free entrance!
29.3.25
"Eden
Choi's impossible magic will have you questioning everything! Auditions
BGT 2025"
YouTube
(BGT, this evening at 7pm).
29.3.25
The MagicWeek Video Archive. A new magic clip or show every week!
This week,
Sonny Hayes & Co on ITV's 3-2-1 in November 1986, with their take on
Torvill and Dean's Boléro. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To see more from The MagicWeek Video
Archive
Click Here.
29.3.25
"David
Blaine shocks Kelly Clarkson audience with epic magic trick"
YouTube.
"David Blaine Do Not Attempt review – the moment where he flees a lethal cobra is oddly adorable" www.theguardian.com.
"David Blaine's Do Not Attempt Embraces the Extreme in Stunning New Comic Posters (Exclusive)" www.comicbook.com.
"David Blaine: Do Not Attempt Review - I Wasn't Able To Look Away From Visually Stunning Series As Death-Defying Stunts Push Human Limits" www.screenrant.com.
"David Blaine Talks 'South Park' Parody, Exploring Real-Life Magic and Pushing His Limits in New Series 'Do Not Attempt'" www.variety.com.
"David Blaine reveals the one reason why he hesitated to kiss a snake while filming his new series" abc7ny.com. 29.3.25
Alex
Jesson on 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: "Alex Jesson: Life after
BGT and opening a magic shop"
YouTube.
29.3.25
Northern
Magic Circle 'Easter Parade' Convention: 18th-20th April at the Crown
Hotel in Harrogate. From the organisers: The NMC is proud to
announce its stellar line-up of performers for 2025: Dave Loosley (Magic
Circle Close-up Magician of the Year), the Stars of West End Magic,
London's longest-running magic show (Oliver Tabor, Vicky Butterfly,
Wayne Trice and Jezo), along with Stuart Brown and Peter Dean. Lecturing
will be Vinny Sagoo (Neo Magic), Geoffrey Newton (tricks from the Key
Ring, plus an item on Tommy Cooper), Joy Spencer (on Ron and Nancy:
'Minds in Harmony'), Dave Loosley, Rick Tynan (the 'Alchemy' lecture)
Ian Fenn (‘Magic on the Air' – radio magic) and Aidan Heritage
(on-screen magic nostalgia).
The special Crown Hotel rates are the best in town, and convention
registration rates have been held for another year; so treat yourself to
an Easter weekend of magic at its best. "It's what every convention
should be like!" Direct booking link:
www.shop.northernmagiccircle.org.uk.
29.3.25
Andrew
Dean Lecture - The Surrey Society of Magicians, 3rd April. Adam
Mosley writes: Andy is a top working pro based in the north of England,
with over 20 years of experience, and his lecture is jammed packed with
truly commercial material featuring both new and innovative ideas, as
well as some fantastic slants on classic effects. With magic that is
suitable for hobbyists and full-time professionals there is something
for everyone.
Members are free and visiting magicians are welcome for a £10 entrance
fee. The lecture takes place in East Horsley, Surrey at 8pm. For full
details see our website
www.surreysocietyofmagicians.co.uk or contact Adam Mosley,
addmoses@hotmail.com.
29.3.25
The
Professional Worker Series Complete Collection. One of the hardest
things to find in magic is professional advice about the important
aspects behind performance and marketing. Learning exactly how to cope
properly with the working conditions likely to be encountered when doing
walkabout gigs, or when entertaining at tables, or when helping
businesses at trade shows, for example, can be a frustrating task since
the information is rarely collected in one place. Fortunately, the six
e-books contained in Mark Leveridge's Professional Worker Series
will provide answers to your questions and supply you with quality
advice and information gained from over four decades of performing
experience. The Collection comprises of Going Walkabout, The Table
Magician, Trade Show Magic, Marketing Yourself, Keeping Control and
Learning From Experience, which in total supply nearly 200 pages
of essential, targeted advice to help you become a better commercial
magician. Each title is available on its own for £10.00, or you can buy
the complete collection for the bargain price of just £39.00. For more
details go to
www.markleveridge.co.uk.
29.3.25
Mischief
in Motion: The Cheeky Trickster & Friends. Starring Alex Sprackling,
The Magic Circle's award-winning "Cheeky Trickster". From the promoter:
'Mischief in Motion' promises a thrilling afternoon of devious sleight
of hand, playful pickpocketing, and mischievous charm. Magician Alex
Sprackling will be joined by two other esteemed members of The Magic
Circle (to be announced) for an afternoon you will never forget. Expect
laughter, surprise, and fun in this edgy reimagining of the classic
magic show.
As seen on TV's Love Island and by Chelsea FC, Alex Sprackling is
a master of sleight of hand, confidence tricks, and pickpocket magic,
whose charisma and witty persona make him a standout entertainer across
the UK and the Channel Islands. Over the past decade, Alex has crafted a
unique style of performance blending jaw-dropping magic with
light-hearted trickery, often taking guests by surprise with his
audacious, yet humorous ability to steal watches or wallets, only to
return them with a smile!
Sunday, 6th April from 4pm to 5pm (doors open at 3.50pm). Ticket deal:
£10 for 2 for 1 entry. Suitable for ages 12+ venue: The Cavendish Arms,
128 Hartington Road, Stockwell, London SW8 2HJ. Please note: This show
will be recorded for the performers' professional usage. By purchasing a
ticket, you consent to being filmed. Tickets:
www.eventbrite.co.uk.
29.3.25
Chris Frost Lecture
- Nottingham Guild of
Magicians, 5th June.
Paul Temple writes:
The Nottingham Guild of Magicians is delighted to announce the
appearance of Chris Frost and his exciting new lecture as it comes to
Nottingham. Thursday 5th June.
Doors open at 7pm.
Tickets £10.
Find us at Pond Hills Lane Community Centre, Arnold, Nottingham NG5 8DR.
Book your tickets now Click Here:
Click Here.
29.3.25
Freddie
Firth Appreciation Trophy Competition. The Zodiac Magical Society
held its annual Freddie Firth Appreciation Trophy on Tuesday, 26th
March, with nine members competing in a stage magic contest judged by a
panel of five. The winners were Harold Straker and Donato Capitella in
joint first place, with John Ryeland taking third. Visit our website at
www.zodiacmagicalsociety.co.uk and follow us on Instagram for more
updates.
29.3.25
Northamptonshire
Magicians Club, Annual Patron's Lecture: Bob Pound 'The Real Invisible
Man'. Joy Payne writes: Our Patron, David Penn, will introduce his
special guest - Bob Pound - 'The Real Invisible Man'. Bob Pound (also
known as Robert Pound) is a highly respected British magician,
mentalist, and lead consultant for Dynamo, with over 30 years of
experience in magic. He has performed for the British Armed Forces, the
Royal Family, and top celebrities. In addition to his live performances,
he has played a key role in consulting for major TV magic projects,
bringing cutting-edge illusions to mainstream audiences.
This lecture offers a rare opportunity to delve into the mind of a
master magician who has not only performed globally but also shaped
modern magic through his consultancy work. Bob's experiences, from
overcoming personal challenges such as dyslexia to achieving excellence
in his craft, promise to inspire and educate. Attendees can anticipate a
blend of performance, storytelling, and invaluable insights into the art
of magic.
As with all our Patron's Lectures, this event is set to be a highlight
of the year. We look forward to seeing you there for an unforgettable
evening of magic and camaraderie! Tuesday 1st April at 8pm – club room
opens 7.30pm, admittance to the bar via the front entrance from 7.05pm.
Members free, guest fee £20. Don't forget we will be having a raffle,
you've got to be in it to win it! Brafield Working Men's Club, 35
Bedford Road, Brafield-on-the-Green, Northampton NN7 1BD
www.northamptonshiremagicians.uk.
29.3.25
British
Hypnotist Ken Webster makes it to Australia in Charity Fund Raising
Challenge to raise funds for Brian House Children's Hospice in
Blackpool writes Jonathan Royle. He managed to travel all the way
leaving Scarborough on 22nd January and getting to Darwen Australia on
28th March without using aeroplanes except for the last 400 Miles from
Timur. Full details of his "Ken Down Under" challenge and how you can
help at no cost raise to funds are in this video:
YouTube.
29.3.25
News
Deadline reminder. Please submit news by Thursday if possible - absolute
deadline 12 noon Friday, no exceptions. Many thanks, DT.
29.3.25
"Penn
& Teller Perform a 50th Anniversary Magic Trick with Jimmy's Credit Card"
YouTube • "Magician or detective? Armagh illusionist details
his journey from reading books to reading people"
Click Here • "Magician David Kwong talks new book"
Click Here • "Gogia Pasha, the Indian magician who fooled
Hitler with his illusion"
Click Here • "Magician who wowed royal family and stars brings fun to
Oxford"
Click Here • "Bradford magician Steven Frayne on how city shaped him"
Click Here • "Magician Angus Baskerville solo tour to stop across Cotswolds"
Click Here • That's it! See you next week, Duncan.
29.3.25