Number 1333 - Saturday 10th January 2026

Do you wanna see a trick? The World's Largest Magic Convention, Blackpool Magic Convention 2026, is now just a few weeks away, yet still more names and surprises are being announced. This year the BMC will present three International Close Up Shows, the first, on Thursday at 1pm, stars Richard Saunders, Damian O'Brien, Bébel and Adrian Vega, hosted by Eric Leclerc. Keep an eye on the official Facebook group for all the latest updates! www.facebook.com/Blackpoolmagic. Main website: www.blackpoolmagicconvention.com. 10.1.26

Close-up at The Magic Circle - Every Friday live in London. A showcase of outstanding close-up magic performed in an intimate setting for a truly authentic experience. See magic live at our best-selling event - Close-up at The Magic Circle. Make your visit extra special with VIP tickets that give you the best seats in the house, and a complimentary glass of fizz, beer or a soft drink.

The Club Room is on the ground floor and The Devant Room is on the first floor. The show is the same on both floors and you’ll be able to visit both rooms on arrival and during the interval. www.seetickets.com. 10.1.26

Laura London at Ulster Society of Magicians Dinner. James Hobart writes: Delighted to announce that the featured performer for the Ulster Society of Magicians’ Ted Oldham Memorial Lecture and Chairman’s Dinner on 25th April is the incredible Laura London. The lecture will take place in the Ivanhoe Hotel at 2.30pm and will be free for USM members attending the dinner, £10 to members not attending the dinner, or non-members attending the dinner, and £25 to non-members not attending the dinner.

Dinner and Cabaret Tickets £48.95. Please reserve your place by sending the names of your guest(s) to Paula McIntyre at vippykins@icloud.com or 0771 618 3298 and their choices from the menu Click Here. Contact Paula to arrange your preferred method of payment. Final Deadline for payment and booking is 15th April 2026. For those wishing to stay overnight in Belfast 10% off the overnight rate has been arranged at The Ivanhoe Hotel and we will be arranging taxi transfers before and after the event if there is sufficient interest. Please contact the hotel directly on 028 9081 2240 to book and quote the magic dinner. 10.1.26

It's A Kind of Magic - The Phoenix Arts Club, London, 12th January. From the organisers: Join your host Chris Frost for a magical cabaret filled with magic royalty: Fay Presto, The People's Magician - Samuel Hurst, Nuerospicey Adam B and some surprise acts along the way. Expect Mind-blowing magic, illusion and mystery. Monday 12th January at 6pm at The Phoenix Arts Club, 1 Phoenix Street, London WC2H 8BU. See www.phoenixartsclub.com. 10.1.26

Anthony McDaniel Masterclass and Mini Lecture - The Order of The Magi, 27th January. Mike Sharples writes: The Order of The Magi is pleased to announce that on Tuesday the 27th January Anthony McDaniel AIMC Silver Star will be presenting a Masterclass and Mini Lecture. For over 30 years, Anthony has been captivating audiences with his extraordinary close-up and stage magic, performing at premier venues across the UK and Europe. In this lecture, Anthony will share the original card sleights and flourishes he has developed over decades of practice.

Designed for the professional and amateur alike, the session offers a valuable insight into his creative process, practical techniques and ways to refine your own repertoire. Includes Impromptu rising card (no strings attached), the fastest card to the top you will have ever seen, multiple coin production for the close-up performer, the ultimate ambitious card sleight and new card flourishes.

It is recommended that you bring a pack of cards (who wouldn't to a magic society meeting?) and a large coin e.g. half dollar. The meeting starts at 7.30pm visitors are welcome for an entry fee of £10.00 payable on the door. For more details contact secretary Mike Sharples on 07748 833666. 10.1.26

Richard Jones The Sound of Magic. Live on stage tonight in Andover - last few tickets. Whether you're a die-hard magic enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable night of wondrous entertainment, "The Sound of Magic" promises to be an experience you will be talking about for years to come. Your ticket is a golden key to a realm of inexplicable feats, unbelievable illusions, and a sense of awe that will rejuvenate your belief in the extraordinary! The show will highlight the special link between music and our imagination while taking us on an empowering feel good journey.

The show also offers an exciting VIP Ticket option, allowing fans the unique personal experience of meeting Richard Jones before the show for an exclusive 30 minutes of close-up magic, poster signing, a photo opportunity and a gift. Please note that VIP guests will be asked to attend the venue from 6pm. Saturday 10th January at 7.30pm at The Lights Theatre, West Street, Andover, Hampshire SP10 1AH. See www.thelights.ticketsolve.com. Also see www.richardjonesmagic.co.uk/tour-dates for other tour dates. 10.1.26

The Next Magic Car Boot Sale is on 1st February at the usual venue, The Austin Sports and Social Club, Tessall Lane, Longbridge, Birmingham B312SF. From the organiser: Starting at 10am admission is still only £5. Ample free parking. Next to Longbridge Railway Station. Over 30 stalls already booked in. Breakfast sandwiches and drinks available. Carvery Lunch (best to pre book - call Alec). Always a great get together apart from the thousands of bargains on sale. See it before you buy it with no postage to pay for! For any more information contact Alec Powell 07831 115448. Join us on Facebook if you are not already a member. 10.1.26

Clinton Baptiste: Spectral Intercourse - UK Tour starts next month. "Cometh the hour, cometh the man..." Clinton Baptiste is the hapless clairvoyant, medium and psychic from Peter Kay’s smash hit Channel 4 TV show Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights. He is here to conjure up his extraordinary powers for a new generation. At a Clinton show, he will give readings to the audience, offering advice from beyond the grave. He will predict your future, tell you about your past and all manner of spooky stuff an’ that. "The funniest man alive!" Joe Lycett "Such a funny man, I love him!" Rob Brydon "Absolutely hilarious." Chris Moyles. February to June 2026. See www.clintonbaptiste.com for venues and dates. 10.1.26

The MagicWeek Video Archive. A new magic clip or show every week! This week, Max Maven on Something Strange with Max Maven from 1993. See The MagicWeek Video Archive. To see more from The MagicWeek Video Archive Click Here. 10.1.26

New from Mark Leveridge Magic. The second addition in January 2026 to the MLM Select range of routines extracted for a limited time sale from the E-Club Pro vaults is a strong penetration effect called Straight Through. A small coin (10p/US quarter) is tipped from a purse and marked with a sticker bearing a spectator’s initials. It is then taken into the performer’s closed fist, the other hand being shown otherwise empty. The purse is then laid flat across the top of an examinable glass tumbler so that the top of the container is completely covered. The hand is then brought down with a slap onto the top of the purse, opening as it does so and instantly a coin is seen and heard to penetrate the purse and fall into the tumbler. With both hands clearly empty, the purse is lifted away to reveal that it is indeed the signed coin that has penetrated through and into the glass. Price for the Straight Through downloadable video instructions is just £7.00. To watch a dem of this routine plus all the others currently available in the Select list, go to www.markleveridge.co.uk. 10.1.26

Stranded with a Stranger: Elliott Hodges. "What if the strongest magic in your set isn’t the flashiest or the fastest to reset, but the piece that shines where you actually perform. Coffee shops, classrooms, living rooms? We sit down with hobbyist magician and primary school teacher Elliott Hodges to explore eight effects that prove context and clarity beat pocket space every time." YouTube. Brought to you by www.alakazam.co.uk. 10.1.26

Knowing Me, Knowing You - With Alan Partridge. Minnie Driver appears on the spoof chat show as Playboy magazine's agony aunt, who has a book to promote and a surprising revelation to make. Alan's other guests include a magician and hypnotist and two of Hollywood's biggest stars. Late night Sunday - see TV Magic for details. 10.1.26

Gordon Bruce Funeral Arrangements. Marc Caplan writes: It is with great sadness that we share the funeral arrangements for our much-loved friend and respected member of the magic community, Gordon Bruce.

Gordon’s cremation service will take place on Tuesday 27th January at 1.30pm at Clydebank Crematorium (Dalnottar), Mountblow Road, Clydebank G81 4SL. Friends and colleagues are warmly invited to gather at the funeral purvey thereafter at Boclair House, 100 Milngavie Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 2TQ. Gordon will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him. Link for streaming Gordon’s funeral: www.westreamitfunerals.co.uk/brucer. 10.1.26

Book a magic lecturer for your club today. Visit the MagicWeek Lecturers page! 10.1.26

"UK magician wants to be first entertainer to clone himself to continue his legacy" Click Here • "Tricks and giggles galore from top magician Pete" Click Here • "Gabriella Lester discusses her influences as a magician, being a part of the digital age" Click Here • "Young magician and autism advocate celebrates latest award" Click Here • "L.A.’s Young Magicians Are Blowing Minds at Clubs, Pop Video Sets, and Taco Stands" Click Here • "‘Abrakadabra’ Trailer Delivers Classic Giallo Thrills!" Click Here • Your UK magic news is always welcomed. See you next week, Duncan. 10.1.26

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