Number
1295 - Saturday 19th April 2025
Simon
Drake at The Magic Circle Convention - Sunday 22nd June. From the organisers: We are
beyond thrilled to announce that the legendary Simon Drake - master of mystery
and creator of the groundbreaking TV series The Secret Cabaret - will appear
live at this year's Magic Circle Convention!
In a rare and unmissable event, Simon will be interviewed on stage by Chris
Harding, offering a deep dive into the extraordinary mind of one of the most
innovative magicians of our time. Best known for The Secret Cabaret, Simon's
trailblazing career spans decades - from performing with Kate Bush, George
Harrison, and Iron Maiden, to consulting on iconic films like Castaway,
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, and Fairy Tale: A True Story.
He's dazzled at the Royal Variety Show, toured the globe, and brought his
unforgettable brand of theatrical magic to stages from the West End to Tokyo.
Simon is the only UK magician ever to own his own venue entirely devoted to
magic, Simon Drake's House of Magic, now in its 30th year! Don't miss this rare
opportunity to hear from a true master of magic.
Also appearing at The Magic Circle Convention 2025:
• Topas – FISM Champion, illusionist, and master of magical artistry
• Marc Paul – One of the UK's top mentalists, renowned for his mind-blowing mind
reading
• Robin Deville – European FISM winner and The ONE Blackpool champion
• Guy Hollingworth – Internationally respected sleight-of-hand expert and magic
historian
• Rafferty Coope – Young Magicians Club 'Stage Magician of the Year'
• Lucy Conley – Hosting our spectacular Gala Show
Convention highlights include: Expert lectures from master magicians including
Topas, Marc Paul, Robin Deville and Guy Hollingworth. A rare, live on-stage
interview with The Secret Cabaret's Simon Drake, hosted by Chris Harding. The
Dealers Magic Emporium at The Wesley Hotel – right next door to HQ – showcasing
the latest and greatest Magic.
Whether you're a performer, creator, or passionate fan, this is a day of magic
you simply cannot miss. Sunday 22nd June 2025. Ticket Prices: Magic Circle Members: £70, Non-Members:
£90, VIP Registration: £120 (VIP includes a limited edition Magic Circle gift,
premium seating, and an exclusive invitation to the President's pre-show
reception VIP tickets are limited - book early!) Tickets on sale now:
www.tmcshop.squarespace.com.
19.4.25
'A
Night To Remember' Celebrating 120 Years of The Magic Circle - Saturday, 21st
June. The Magic Circle write: We're thrilled to announce that tickets are
officially on sale for our spectacular gala show. Hosted by the dazzling Lucy
Conley, A Night To Remember celebrates 120 magical years of The Magic
Circle with an unforgettable lineup featuring Topas (breathtaking visual magic),
Marc Paul (mind-blowing mentalism), Guy Hollingworth (elegant sleight of hand
mastery), Robin Deville (award-winning magic), and Rafferty Coope (Young
Magicians Club 'Stage Magician of the Year'). Join us at the iconic Magic Circle
Theatre for a night of wonder, wit, and world-class magic. Tickets available
now:
www.seetickets.com.
19.4.25
2025
Enchanted Rabbit Wizards Weekender Convention, next weekend.
From the organisers: The convention is on the 26th and 27th April and the
auction is on the 25th. This full registration includes two days of lectures,
dealers and the Saturday evening gala show. We will also be open on the
afternoon and evening of Friday 25th for a jam session, for any registrants who
wish to arrive early! Separate tickets can be purchased for the Friday night
gala show, however it will be very similar to the Saturday night gala show.
Strictly limited to 100 tickets only. Venue: Gibside Hotel, Front Street,
Whickham, Newcastle upon Tyne NE16 4JG. £85 full registration from:
www.theenchantedrabbit.com.
19.4.25
Mario
the Maker Magician, 26th & 27th July, Underbelly Boulevard, London. Mario is
back by popular demand for an encore weekend of robot magic fun! Magic's "punk
rock Peter Pan philosopher" leads you through an hour-long journey of upbeat
energy, belly laughs, and maker inspiration. Mario the Maker Magician is a smash
hit, all-ages family theatre experience that has been featured on The Tonight
Show with Jimmy Fallon, Sesame Street, and live all over the world. No one
leaves the show empty-handed – or empty-hearted! 26th-27th July. 60 minutes.
Underbelly Boulevard, London, see:
www.underbellyboulevard.com.
19.4.25
Michael Ammar Lecture - Merlin Magical Society, 29th May. John Clayton
writes: On the 29th May, the Merlin Magical Society are having a lecture by
Michael Ammar, which is part of his final UK lecture tour. Michael Ammar is one
of the world's foremost teachers in the art of magic. Michael has been a
consultant of magic for many magicians over the years, and has appeared on many
television shows, including The Late Show with David Letterman and The World's
Greatest Magic, to name but a few. He has won many awards over the years,
including Magician of the Year. Michael has produced many lecture videos, which
have inspired many new, and seasoned, magicians. This lecture isn't one you will
want to miss. Michael will perform a 2 hour lecture, and has promised to fit as
much in that time as possible.
Entry is only £10.00 per person, which must be paid in advance via BACS transfer
as limited seats are available. Book via the email link on
www.merlinmagicalsociety.com. Please Note: Under 16's must be accompanied by
an adult. Doors open at 7.30pm for 8pm start on Thursday 29th May at Little
Heath Parish Hall, Thornton Road, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire EN6 1JJ.
19.4.25
"Simon
Cowell swaps places with The Hacker and gets Golden Buzzer! Auditions BGT 2025"
YouTube.
19.4.25
Dinner and a show with Neil Kelso
- The Roses of Elagabalus, Dalston. April & May Dates. From the promoter:
A magical dining experience like no other - Neil Kelso brings his unique blend
of illusion and storytelling to "The Roses of Elagabalus" in Dalston. A strictly
limited run of four shows, each featuring different magic, stories from his
adventures, a three-course meal and special guests.
Neil Kelso is a member of The Magic Circle whose work has been featured at
UNESCO in Paris, The Royal Institution of Great Britain, and on television
across the UK, USA and beyond. His unique blend of magic, music and storytelling
has earned him "Pick of the Edinburgh Fringe" three times and taken him from the
Venice Simplon Orient Express via London's West End to the Bermuda Triangle and
back.
"Dinner and a Show with Neil Kelso" is a limited run of only four dates, and
each show will be different. This is part of Neil Kelso's artistic residency at
The Roses of Elagabalus,
a queer clubhouse and restaurant in the heart of
Dalston. No photography permitted.
Wednesdays: 23rd & 30th April, and 7th & 14th May.
Dinner Served 7.30pm, Show starts at 8pm.
The Roses of Elagabalus, 578 Kingsland Road, London E8 4AH.
Tickets: £40 per person (includes three-course dinner and show)
Bookings:
www.outsavvy.com. 19.4.25
The MagicWeek Video Archive. A new magic clip or show every week!
This week,
Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee on Channel 4's 'Light Lunch', hosted by
Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkinson, on 11th February 1998. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To see more from The MagicWeek Video
Archive
Click Here.
19.4.25
"Marc
Paul's Desert Island Tricks"
YouTube.
Brought to you by www.alakazam.co.uk. 19.4.25
"Kayden
Black Rocks this Magical 'Proud Mary' performance. Auditions BGT 2025"
YouTube
[Kayden Black can be seen live on stage this evening in 'Illusion Impossible',
see below].
19.4.25
Illusion Impossible - Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford, tonight! From the promoter: Now in its 4th Year, Illusion Impossible is once again on tour. Illusionist Kayden Black returns, and is joined by award winning magician Michael Carr and award winning escapologist Andy Storm. The show has been completely revamped with Magic, Comedy, Music, Illusions, Escapes and some breathtaking moments. Saturday 19th April at Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford: www.illusionimpossible.co.uk. 19.4.25
The
House Magicians Comedy & Magic Show - Smoke & Mirrors, Bristol, tonight! The
House Magicians Comedy & Magic Show. Laugh and be entertained for 85 minutes
with interval. The House Magicians Comedy & Magic Show; previous guests have
rated our shows 5 stars on TripAdvisor. Showtime 9pm. £30.00 - £47.00.
www.smokeandmirrorsbar.com/tickets.
19.4.25
Sean
Taylor's 'Looking Forward to the Past' Lecture - Wolverhampton Circle of
Magicians, 23rd April. Jay Adkins writes: Sean Taylor is one of
Australia's best-known magicians. He's an MIMC with Gold Star. Aside
from his successful corporate magic career, he has authored 5 books for
magicians, released a dozen DVDs and more than 25 effects. Sean's magic
is practical, commercial, funny and used regularly by working
professionals all over the world. Sean has lectured for The Magic Circle
in London, MindVention in Las Vegas and more than 100 magic clubs and
conventions across 10 countries.
Looking Forward to the Past is a lecture of close-up, stand-up and
mentalism which spans Sean's many interests in magic. There are some
easy craft projects, some quirky uses for things you already know and
some new work on old favourites. Subtlety over sleights and effect over
method. There will be something for everyone and every performing
situation!
Sean has a unique range of products including new items which are being
seen for the first time on this tour. There are comprehensive lecture
notes with video clips and also a selection of books. Visiting magicians
are welcome for a fee of just £10.00 (pay on the night). The lecture
starts at 8pm at the Hollybush, 494 Penn Road, Wolverhampton WV4 4HU on
Wednesday 23rd April.
19.4.25
Masters of the Impossible BBC Radio 4 - a reminder for this evening. Psychologist and magician Professor Richard Wiseman explores the strange world of mentalism or mind magic, and meets entertainers who produce the seemingly impossible on demand. With the help of recently unearthed archive recordings, Richard explores its surreal history, its popularity and the life and legacy of David Berglas, the pioneer of mass media magic many regard as Master of the Impossible. 8pm on Saturday 19th April (1 hour) on BBC Radio 4. This programme will be available shortly after broadcast here: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002b6k1. 19.4.25
The
April/May 2025 Mark Leveridge Podcast. Always worth 45 minutes of your time,
the latest podcast from Mark Leveridge includes these interesting topics.
FISM's new competition initiative. The three main triggers for creativity.
Advice Centre question on dealing with children at weddings. Is magic held in
low esteem by other art forms? The value of keeping ideas notebooks. Info on the
latest E-Club Pro Select routines. Using spectators out of the audience. Buying
magic has changed so much over the last 40 years. The benefits of widening your
interest in magic. There are two ways to listen to this free 45 minute
podcast. You can catch it either from
www.markleveridge.co.uk/podcast-archive, or from
www.markleveridge.podbean.com where you can also sign up to be a follower
and receive each new release automatically.
19.4.25
Care
& Share Balloon Days 2025. Graham Lee writes: We have 4 days booked in so
far: Stoke 12th May, 4 hour workshop 11am till 3pm. Day before the Tix Magic
convention. Birmingham, Monday 19th May 10am till 5pm. Sutton, Wednesday 2nd
July 10am till 5pm Telford, Tuesday 22nd July 10am till 4pm. The Sutton and
Birmingham days have a beginner's workshop from 10am till 11.30am. Then all the
fun of a Care & Share Balloon Day. At the Stoke day I will be showing my
interactive balloon games and line work designs for the real world. On the
Telford day we will be running two workshops along with two other twisters who
are attending. So you will have a few balloon workshops throughout the day. To
book onto the Stoke day via the Trix organisers
Click
Here. And for the Birmingham and Sutton Days, Workshops, Qualatex Balloons,
Quality Modelling Balloon Sales go to
www.balloonartwholesale.co.uk.
19.4.25
"David
Blaine Has One More (Deadly) Trick Up His Sleeve"
Click Here • "Largs set for magical weekend with 100 magicians visiting"
Click Here • "The Scots magician who inspired the great
Houdini"
Click
Here •
"How Steve Cohen's famed Chamber Magic has become the longest-running solo magic
show in NYC history"
Click Here • Please submit all news items for next week (Saturday, 26th) by
Wednesday 23rd April. Many thanks. See you next week, Duncan.
19.4.25