Number
1321 - Saturday 18th October 2025
The Magic Circle Awards Night 2025.
Juan Tamariz, Penn & Teller, and the late Wayne Dobson were among those
recognised and awarded for their magic at The Magic Circle Awards Night on
Sunday, 12th October. [This is the official press release, followed by a short
note from me, at the bottom. DT]
The David Devant Award for Services to International Magic
Juan Tamariz was awarded The David Devant Award for his contributions to international magic. Marvin Berglas, the President of The Magic Circle, paid tribute: "Juan is celebrated as one of the greatest living close-up magicians, having created some of the most impactful material over many decades. His extraordinary blend of humour and magic makes him unique. He is not only a household name in his native Spain but a beloved hero and cherished icon to magicians throughout the world." The award was presented to his daughter Ana, live on stage, to a huge ovation, as Juan was unable to travel. A pre-recorded acceptance video from Juan Tamariz was played. [All live photos by www.joel-ryder.com. L to R: Rodney James Piper, Ana Tamariz, Marvin Berglas].
The David Berglas Award for Showmanship,
Creativity and Originality in Magic
The David Berglas Award went to Penn
& Teller who were finally admitted into The Magic Circle when they were in
London last month.
Marvin said: "I was delighted to personally present them the Award during their
recent shows at the London Palladium, especially as my late father David Berglas
had wanted to honour and recognise this iconic duo as they have profoundly
influenced the magic industry and captivated countless fans with their unique
style. They continue to hold the title for the longest-running magic show in Las
Vegas." A pre-recorded acceptance video from Penn & Teller was played.
The Maskelyne Award for Services to British
Magic
Duncan Trillo received the Maskelyne Award for his dedication to British magic. Marvin said: "For many years Duncan performed his elegant award-winning manipulation act, but for the past 25 years he has been the producer of MagicWeek, the weekly online magic magazine that keeps magicians informed and up to date about the latest news, events and developments in the industry. It has consistently been the go-to platform for magicians". [L to R: Harry Moulding, Duncan Trillo, Marvin Berglas].
The Carlton Award for Comedy Magic
The Carlton Award was presented posthumously to Wayne Dobson for his contributions to comedy magic. Marvin said: "Wayne was not only one of the UK's most beloved magicians, but also a truly inspiring person with a hilarious, wicked and cheeky sense of humour that shone throughout his life and all his performances. He was also an incredible innovator and creator of magic that is performed by magicians around the world".
The Eddie Dawes Award for Services to Magic
Literature
The Eddie Dawes award for services to magic literature went to Fergus Roy. Marvin said: "Fergus is a familiar name among historians and magicians globally, from his comprehensive research on Will Goldston and Murray to the unbelievable work that went into creating the four volumes of The Davenport Story, The Magic Circle are very happy to be giving this award in the year that Fergus celebrates his 90th birthday." [L to R: Laura London, Fergus Roy].
The Chapender Award for Services to the Wider Community
Matt Pritchard won the Chapender Award - given to those who make great contributions using magic beyond pure entertainment. Marvin said: "Matt uniquely blends science and performance to spark curiosity and explore the intersection of magic and science. He educates and encourages people to ask the big questions." [L to R: Rodney James Piper, Matt Pritchard].
The Cecil Lyle Award for the best item
published in The Magic Circular during the year
The Cecil Lyle Award went to Laura London, Stuart Scott and Charlie Burgess for The Sophie Lloyd Story, their piece on the woman who dressed as a man to become a member, and was thrown out when her 'deception' was revealed. The trio told Sophie Lloyd's story and how The Magic Circle found her and got her back. Sophie presented the award. [L to R: Charlie Burgess, Will Houstoun, Sophie Lloyd, Laura London, Stuart Scott].
The Silver Wand for Outstanding Service to The
Magic Circle
Silver Wands, awarded for service to The Magic Circle itself, went to three
members - the first two went to Katherine Rhodes, who over many years served as
Secretary and latterly vice-President of the Society and Rodney James Piper,
chair of the Live Events Committee who, Marvin said, consistently "strives to
push The Magic Circle forward using his experience, dynamism, flair and
professionalism." The third went to Charlie Burgess, the Society's media
adviser. [L to R: Rodney James Piper, Katherine Rhodes, Charlie Burgess].
And finally... On a personal note I'd like to say how happy I was to have been awarded The Maskelyne Award for Services to British Magic. Time flies as we all know, but it flies just that little bit faster when you have a weekly deadline! Thank you Marvin, The Awards Committee, and The Magic Circle. Amongst the evening's highlights for me: seeing Ana Tamariz on stage accepting The David Devant Award on behalf of her father, Fergus Roy receiving The Eddie Dawes Award, and an incredible performance from Yann Frisch, one of my all-time favourite magic acts. DT. 18.10.25
The MagicWeek Video Archive. This week,
let's dip into the archive for a second look at the brilliant Juan Tamariz, seen
here on John Fisher's The Magic Comedy Strip on 6th April 1992. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To see more from The MagicWeek Video
Archive
Click Here.
18.10.25
Illusions,
Laughter, Shape Shifters and Dark Mysteries – It’s MagicFest 2025. This year
we have two highly innovative world premieres, plus Kevin Quantum’s ever-popular
Christmas Show and performances by some of the country’s very best stage
magicians. The full MagicFest 2025 Programme is now live! The 16th Edition of
the festival starts on 17th December 2025 - it'll soon be time to 'unleash your
inner magic'! See
www.magicfest.co.uk for all shows, tickets and more info, and sign up to our
newsletter to get the news first! Organiser and co-founder of MagicFest Kevin
Quantum said: "It's hard to believe that Edinburgh has now had its own festival
of magic for 16 years, and it just gets more exciting. For 2025 we not only have
some of the top acts from Edinburgh, Scotland and beyond, but have two brand new
shows." (Photo: Taylor & Rebecca with their high-energy blend of visual magic,
illusions, and circus artistry)
www.magicfest.co.uk.
18.10.25
Blackpool
Magic Convention 2026. The acts are now being announced thick and fast...
keep an eye on
www.facebook.com/Blackpoolmagic for almost daily additions. Book Now!
www.blackpoolmagicconvention.com.
18.10.25
The Doomsday Gathering - Derby Conference Centre, 15th & 16th May. The Doomsday
Gathering takes place in a stunning Grade II-listed building. Formerly the
British Rail Training College, its elegant, art deco exterior and distinctive
sunken lounge provide the ideal setting for the event. Expect a captivating
weekend filled with enlightening lectures, interactive workshops, and
mesmerising performances by some of the brightest minds and most talented
artists in Bizarre Magic. This year's lineup: Dr Richard Wiseman, Anthony
Charles Heads, Tiffany Allen, Andy Morgan, Tom Cassani and Careena Fenton. For
more information and to book, visit
www.doomsdaygathering.com.
18.10.25
Patrick
Redford Joins My Mind Rocks – Live on 22nd October. My Mind Rocks is
thrilled to announce that Patrick Redford will be joining us live on Tuesday
22nd October at 8pm (UK time) for an exclusive session with members. Patrick is
an exceptional thinker and performer, best known for creating the infamous
“Prevaricator” – the hands-off lie detection effect that became a modern
classic. After spending several years away from the spotlight, this marks his
first major appearance back within the mentalism community, and we’re honoured
to welcome him inside MMR.
To celebrate his return, we’re also releasing a special bonus session later this
week, featuring Patrick and Looch in conversation. In this bonus content,
Patrick performs and teaches one of Looch’s favourite effects from his
repertoire: "One Minute Into the Future" – a powerful routine that floored Looch
when Patrick first performed it for him over lunch in Columbus, Ohio back in
2015.
MMR members also gain instant access to over 320 exclusive pieces of content,
weekly live jam sessions, a private community forum, and 20% off all purchases
at Read My Mind Ltd. New members are welcome. Join now at:
www.mymind.rocks.
18.10.25
Paul
Zerdin: Jaw Drop UK Tour -Friday 7th & Saturday 8th November,
Leicester Square Theatre, London. Get ready for a night of laughter and
jaw-dropping entertainment with the Paul Zerdin: Jaw Drop UK Comedy Tour!
Featuring the remarkable talents of ventriloquist Paul Zerdin, the show brings
to life a delightful cast of characters including Sam, the cocky teenager,
Albert, the 96 year old with a razor sharp wit and the Baby, who hilariously
believes the world revolves around him. Adding to the hilarity are Paul’s
dim-witted American bodyguard Roger and an outrageous Urban Fox. This tour also
marks the return of Paul’s TV and Radio personality character Alasdair Rimmer
who is eager to make a comeback with Paul’s help.
As a former America’s Got Talent winner, Paul promises an evening of top-notch
stand-up comedy and ventriloquism, including his famous human dummy routine with
an exciting new twist. Don’t miss this unforgettable show! See
www.leicestersquaretheatre.com. Also see
www.paulzerdin.com/#tour
for all tour dates.
18.10.25
Jamie
Leonard at the Edinburgh International Magic Festival. Following a hugely
successful 2025 Edinburgh Fringe run — with five-star reviews and a nomination
for Best Show of the Fringe — magician and comedian Jamie Leonard brings his hit
show Wonder Boy to the Edinburgh International Magic Festival on 28th December.
A fast, funny, and feel-good hour of modern magic and wonder. Tickets:
www.magicfest.co.uk.
18.10.25
Ben
Williams - Desert Island Tricks.
"A lot of magicians are taught to copy the script, dress the part, and
never take off their shoe! We sit down with Ben to map the journey from shop
counter to full-time pro, and how ditching ego, reading people, and letting
effects breathe turned solid tricks into lasting moments."
YouTube. Brought to you by
www.alakazam.co.uk.
18.10.25
Jeki
Yoo Lecture - Northamptonshire Magicians Club, 21st October. Joy Payne
writes: We’re absolutely thrilled to announce a very special lecture night at
NMC with the fantastic Jeki Yoo.
In 2006, as a high school student, Jeki Yoo won
Asia’s premier magic contest, The Busan International Magic Festival, and
quickly began captivating audiences worldwide. Like a comet, he swept through
international competitions, inspiring fellow magicians and winning applause for
his fresh, innovative style. In 2009, he earned a close-up magic award from the
International Brotherhood of Magicians, one of the world’s largest magic
organizations, which further fueled his rise. In 2011, he won the Grand Prix in
Close-Up at the FISM continental qualifiers, and in 2012, he placed third in
card magic at Blackpool. Jeki’s journey led him to the stage of America’s Got
Talent, where his unique close-up magic wowed over 13 million viewers.
From fooling Penn and Teller on “Fool Us” to appearing on The Steve Harvey Show
and Access Hollywood, Jeki has become a recognised name in magic, constantly
pushing the boundaries of his craft. His journey continues to inspire and
captivate audiences around the world. We look forward to welcoming him to the
club on 21st October 2025. Start time 8pm – club room opens 7.30pm. Due to
Health and Safety requirements admittance to the venue is via the front entrance
to the bar. Members free, magicians’ guest fee £20 – pay on the night.
Northamptonshire Magicians Club, Brafield Working Men’s Club, 35 Bedford Road,
Brafield-on-the-Green, Northampton NN7 1BD.
www.northamptonshiremagicians.uk.
18.10.25
Ian
Keable Lecture – British Magical Society, 28th October. Phil Sweeting
writes: Ian needs little introduction – a professional magician since 1990
working mainly in Comedy Clubs and at corporate events, his lecture focuses not
just on tricks, but how to put them across, deal with your audience and how to
be funny. Likely to be as entertaining as it is informative, this is a lecture
not to be missed. Visiting magicians welcome (£10 on the night). Lecture starts
at 7.30pm. Please note – we have a one-off venue for this lecture – we will be
in the Terrace at The Best Western Plough and Harrow, 135 Hagley Road,
Birmingham B16 8LS. Plenty of parking on site or a 20 minute walk from Five Ways
station.
18.10.25
Stephen
Ablett
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 "Stephen Ablett - The
Amazing Stephen, jack of all magic trades"
YouTube.
18.10.25
Pete
Firman: Tricks & Giggles, live on stage tonight, Saturday 18th October, at the
Rhoda McGaw Theatre, Woking. Join him for an evening of 'Tricks & Giggles',
as Pete brings his trademark blend of magic and comedy from the small screen to
stages around the UK with this brand-new show. Expect impossible feats, sleight
of hand and big laughs from one of magic's most exciting performers!
www.atgtickets.com.
18.10.25
'Radio
Loco' from Wayne Slater (aka El Loco & The Dentist Chair). Wayne writes:
After publishing my second book, ‘Staged’, it reignited my imagination to
complete a show I started writing back in 1997. Now complete, and after a
successful summer season touring holiday parks and various venues throughout the
UK, I would like to introduce you to ‘Radio Loco’ - a visual comedy, mime &
magical history tour, covering the past 100 years of radio. Featuring over 10
special-effect radios that deliver more than 250 snippets of music, news
headlines, sports reports, adverts, voice-overs and sound fx. El Loco interacts
with every single one without speaking a word. For further details and booking
enquiries visit
www.ellococomedyact.co.uk.
18.10.25
Rory
Adams Lecture - The Zodiac Magical Society, London, 22nd October. Donato
Capitella writes: On Wednesday, 22nd October, the Zodiac Magical Society in
London is delighted to host a lecture by Rory Adams. Consulting globally for TV,
corporate, and stage performers, Rory understands audiences and creates
striking, original, material. In this lecture, you’ll learn the creative
strategies and tools used by top magicians to build unique and compelling
routines. The event will take place from 8pm to 10pm at our club room, just a
five-minute walk from the Northfields Tube station on the Piccadilly Line. There
is a £10 charge for visitors. To reserve your spot, please email
membership@zodiacmagicalsociety.co.uk as soon as possible, as places are
limited. Visit our website at
www.zodiacmagicalsociety.co.uk, and follow us on Instagram for more updates.
18.10.25
The
Mark Leveridge November Podcast. The latest audio podcast is
available for your listening pleasure and covers a number of interesting
topics. Stuart Bowie's magic project. Creativity is not a linear
process. Understanding how spectators feel when a magician approaches.
Do you absorb magic passively or analytically? Info on the latest E-Club
Pro Select new releases. The inspiration afforded by spending time with
Jay Fortune. The power, yet danger, of motor memory. Keeping performance
mistakes in proportion. The tale of the frisky rabbit! 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.
18.10.25
Claudia
& Michael Late have officially been recognized by Guinness World Records as
the first-ever holders of the title "Largest playing cards used in a card
trick." Their illusion features playing cards over two meters tall, presented
live as part of their project Magic from the Mountains in Liezen, Austria. The
record was officially confirmed by Guinness World Records this month.
18.10.25
Magic
On Tap Halloween Special at The Sampling Room, Harrogate, is reviewed by
John Walker this week
Click Here.
18.10.25
90
Magic Clubs across the UK, from A-Z.
Click Here!
18.10.25
Keith
Bennett. 20th April 1948 - 11th October 2025. Keith Bennett sadly died in
the early hours of Saturday, 11th October, due to complications following major
surgery. Known to so many as a magic dealer at countless magic conventions over
the years, Keith is remembered by Barry Allen
Click Here
and John Carey
Click Here.
18.10.25
James
Craig, remembered by Ruby Penman (Jimmy’s great granddaughter). James Craig,
also known as Jim or Jimmy to most, passed away in the early hours of Wednesday,
15th October 2025, aged 97. He was a founder of the Kirkcaldy Magic Circle in
the 1950s, and then in 1996, when it ceased meeting due to a serious decrease in
members, he, along with the five remaining members, joined the Perth Magic
Circle.
Although it was a one-hour drive up to Perth, Jimmy made sure he was there
weekly, only missing a few meetings in the ensuing years.
Jimmy was well known in the magic industry as he travelled the world attending
magic conventions with his late wife, Nancy. He was a well-respected children’s
entertainer in Kirkcaldy and across the Kingdom of Fife, appearing at many major
venues, fairs, and gala days. He was a former President of the Scottish
Association of Magical Societies and attended more of its conventions than any
other magician. He was also a regular attendee of the I.B.M. British Ring
Conventions and participated in F.I.S.M.
In August, to mark his 97th birthday and 25 years as a member of the club, the
Perth Magic Circle elected Jim an Honorary Life Member of the society.
Jimmy will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Anyone who had the pleasure of
meeting him will know how much of an impact he had on the magic community.
18.10.25
"Guinness
World Record magician Martin Rees in Weymouth"
Click Here • "Internationally celebrated magician Ben Hart brings
tour home to Hampshire"
Click Here • "Isle of Wight magician Randini reaches 1,500 road
safety shows"
Click Here • "Criss Angel splits from 'narcissist' wife again as she
denies cheating on the Vegas magician with a rock star"
Click Here • "One An’s One–Man Act"
Click Here • "Belfast magician aims to cast her spell on the global
stage"
Click Here • "Call to replace disgraced entertainer Rolf Harris’s
name on Blackpool’s Comedy Carpet with local comedy legend Ken Webster"
Click Here and "Petition launched"
Click Here • "Jay Chou Reportedly In S$4Mil Dispute With Magician
Friend"
Click Here • That's it for another week. Your UK magic news is
always welcomed. See you next week, Duncan.
18.10.25