Number
1334 - Saturday 17th January 2026
Northern
Magic Circle Platinum Convention! 70 Years of Magic in the North, 10th-12th
April 2026 at the Crown Hotel, Harrogate. Secretary Brian Lead writes: Recent
additions to our line-up include Sabi Molnar from Budapest, Hungary – the
birthplace of Houdini. This will be Sabi’s first appearance in the UK, with a
spot in the after-dinner cabaret, his manipulation act on the gala show, and a
lecture on mentalism – specifically ESP, on which he has written a book based
upon his own routines. He will be joined by Steve Gore "the happiest magician on
the planet", and the ever-popular Darren Mac.
Already on board are headliners Griffin & Jones, pioneers of Slapdash Magic; the
multi-talented mystifier John Hotowka; Matt Pritchard, Curator of Wonder,
Douglas Tilston, the Mad Hatter of Magic; Jon Marshall with tales from The
Repair Shop; Geoffrey Newton, recreating the magic of Ian Adair; Neil
Roberts with his own Northern (High) Lights, and Master of Mystery Adrian
Sullivan – with more still to be announced. For booking details and rolling news
visit
shop.northernmagiccircle.org.uk.
17.1.26
Copperfield
in the UK, 30 Years On. The Magicians' Podcast Documentary, now free to listen
to on YouTube. In the mid-90s, David Copperfield brought magic to Britain on
a scale never seen before. Arena crowds roared, royalty looked on, as the
British press worked ruthlessly to tear down what America had built up. Written
and narrated by Richard Young, and featuring voices from those who were there,
this immersive audio documentary explores two turbulent years that ignited a
generation of magicians, but left the world’s greatest illusionist
disillusioned.
YouTube.
17.1.26
The
Evolution of Magic returns to Blackpool for its 10th Anniversary. The
Evolution of Magic returns to the Horseshoe Theatre, Blackpool Pleasure Beach on
14th February, celebrating 10 years of performances in Blackpool. Starring
magicians Craig Christian and Elizabeth, a two-time Britain’s Got Talent
semi-finalist, the show combines modern magic, mind reading and audience
interaction in an intimate theatre setting.
Over the past decade, The Evolution of Magic has become a favourite in
Blackpool, earning a 4.9-star rating from over 900 Google reviews. The show will
be running throughout Blackpool Magic Convention week, (14th -21st February),
making it an ideal show option for magicians arriving in town early for the
convention. Tickets and dates:
bookings.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com
To mark our 10th year in Blackpool, we’re offering the first 25 tickets at 25%
off for the opening week, including the Blackpool Magic Convention period. Book
here:
www.universe.com and use the ticket code: EVOMAGIC.
17.1.26
Étienne Pradier Lecture - British Magical Society, 27th January. Renowned French magician Étienne Pradier needs little introduction, but how about: Gold Star Member of The Inner Magic Circle, past winner of the Blackpool Magician's Club Close-up Magic Championships, creator of effects, writer of books and a much in-demand performer. Expect creative, strong close-up magic and the odd Gallic shrug. Visiting magicians welcome (£10 on the night), and there’s a free buffet. Evening starts at 7.30pm at our club house, Stirchley United WMC, Hazelwell Lane, Stirchley, Birmingham B30 2PR. Good parking on site and short walk from Bourneville Station. Phil Sweeting. 17.1.26
James Phelan The Man Who Was Magic
- tonight in Sutton Coldfield. From the promoter: Following an
unprecedented 5 years of sold-out shows around the world – this five
star magic show guarantees to leave you aching with laughter and dizzy
in disbelief.
Presented by world-renowned award winning magician James Phelan, the
first magician in history to sell out a solo-run at The Magic Circle –
and most infamous for jamming the BBC switchboard after he correctly
predicted the lottery. Don't miss what The Standard calls "An
unforgettable evening we can't stop talking about". See
www.manwhowasmagic.com for tonight's show and all UK tour dates.
17.1.26
The MagicWeek Video Archive.
A new magic clip or show every week! This week, the ever inventive Rudy Coby
on John Fisher's Magic Comedy Hour from 11th September 1991. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To see more from The MagicWeek Video
Archive
Click Here.
17.1.26
Jeff
McBride - Grand Master, on Scott Wells's 'The Magic Word' podacst. "There
are those few in our craft of magic that are well-known, but few who are as
universally respected as Jeff McBride. Having been awarded nearly every
conceivable trophy and accolade in the magic community, Jeff continues to build
and personally contribute to the coterie, performing and teaching around the
world."
www.themagicwordpodcast.com.
17.1.26
Dan
Rhodes: How to Become YouTube’s Biggest Magician (26 Million Followers).
"This episode is a deep, honest look at what it actually takes to build a
creative career on the internet, not in theory, but in practice." Ben Hanlin's
What's The Trick?
YouTube.
[First things first... get yourself a black & white plaid jacket! DT].
17.1.26
South Coast Table Top Sale with Lectures - Southampton, 15th
February.
Timmy Taylor writes: From 9am on Sunday 15th February. £10 entrance, £15
per table. The Peartree Pub, Peartree Road,
Southampton SO19 7GZ. Call Timmy Taylor on 07733 535908 email
timmy@timmytaylor.co.uk. Special parlour show with Matthew Wright all the way
from Spain, with others to be confirmed.
17.1.26
"Jude
Law and Andrew Garfield. We're the Mane Attraction... First Look at
Tiger Magicians Siegfried & Roy"
www.tmz.com.
17.1.26
New
For January in the Leveridge Legacy Collection. Here are the latest physical
items released into the Mark Leveridge’s Legacy Collection. 1. Perfect Crime.
The magical way to "steal" a lady’s valuable ring! Two brass boxes are shown,
one with a green base and lid, the other silver. A spectator drops her ring into
the silver one and the lid is screwed on. A 1p coin belonging to the performer
is dropped by the spectator into the green box. The green box is placed on one
spectator’s hand, the silver on another. Without touching the boxes, the
performer causes the coin and ring to magically change places, leaving him with
the ring and the lady with the 1p! High quality props and an ingenious method
make this a straightforward effect to do. Comes with brass boxes, fakes and
carrying bags. £60.00
2. ESP Match Up. Two sets of ESP cards are shown. A spectator shuffles
one set, the performer the other. The performer places one card face down on the
table. The spectator selects any of his designs and places it face down opposite
the magician’s choice. This process is repeated for all 5 symbols. When the
cards are collected up and turned over, all five sets of ESP symbols match
perfectly! Very straightforward, yet clean method. No double faced cards,
awkward moves or multiple ‘outs’. This version of the classic card matching plot
is one of the most direct and baffling available. Comes with all cards, plastic
carrying wallet and full instructions. £25.00
For more information and dems, plus all the other Legacy items still
available, go to
www.markleveridge.co.uk.
17.1.26
Matthew
Wright Lecture - Farnborough Association of Magical Entertainers, 9th February.
Danny Jurmann writes:
In his new lecture The Hook, 3 times FISM winner Matthew Wright shares the ideas
and philosophies that shape his magic. Rather than focusing on methods and
mechanics, he explores the deeper questions:
Why this effect? When should it be performed? Where does the meaning truly lie?
Drawing on his own creative process, Matthew demonstrates material from his
professional repertoire, then dissects not just how it works, but why it
connects. You’ll discover how to craft presentations that reflect your own
personality and passions, transforming a trick into an experience your audiences
will care about.
This lecture is for everyone — from the curious hobbyist to the seasoned
professional. You’ll learn practical tools to strengthen your presentations,
develop stronger narratives, and most importantly, to "hook" your audiences from
the very first moment, showing how you too can elevate your performances into
something memorable, personal, and powerful. Monday 9th February at 8pm at
Farnborough Association of Magical Entertainers, St Marks Church Hall, Guildford
Road East, Farnborough GU14 6QE.
Visitors: £10 (pay on the night).
Contact: danny@redhatmagic.co.uk
for more information.
17.1.26
Funky
Snake Magic Theatre. Get your tickets for our next show on Friday 30th
January. Funky Snake Magic Theatre's monthly magic night hosts two of the UK's
best magicians. We have the brilliant Christian Lee, and the multi award-winning
JeZo. Hosted by Dave Allen. Friday 30th January at 8pm at Funky Snake Escape, 46
High Street, Leighton Buzzard. Go to
www.funkysnakeescape.co.uk and grab your tickets today.
17.1.26
Chris
Congreave Lecture - The Surrey Society of Magicians, 22nd January. Paul
Dickson writes: Chris Congreave is a close-up magician and creator, known for
practical, commercial material designed for real-world performance conditions.
What to Expect: Worker-focused close-up routines with cards and coins (including
openers, callbacks, and strong "table-ready" structure). Commercial card
material (including self-working and impromptu approaches) designed for real
audiences. Coin magic with impossible-location plots, including signed-coin
handling. Practical thinking on spectator management and how he develops and
stress-tests material.
Chris has worked professionally as a close-up magician for over 15 years, and is
a member of The Magic Circle. Alongside performance work, he’s released multiple
books, effects, and recorded lectures aimed at working magicians. If you enjoy
practical close-up that’s built for real people (rather than "demo-only" magic),
this should be a friendly, high-value evening. Whether you perform for paying
audiences or you simply want stronger, more reliable material, you’ll leave with
plenty to chew on.
Doors open at 7.30pm on Thursday 22nd January at The Surrey Society of
Magicians, Nomad Theatre, Bishopsmead Parade, East Horsley, Leatherhead KT24
6RT. Members are free and visiting Magicians are welcome for a £10 entrance fee
payable on the door. For more information contact Paul Dickson
info.surreysociety@gmail.com.
17.1.26
Steve
Gore's 'Classics Reimagined!' Lecture - The Associated Wizards of the South,
20th January. The lecture will include lots of Steve’s well known effects,
all explained in full, including his most recently released collection: The
Famous Five!
The Associated Wizards of the South from Southampton are proud to host a lecture by Steve Gore. He will be presenting his new lecture entitled ‘Classics Reimagined!’ Tuesday 20th January at 7.45pm. Visitors welcome (£10, pay on the night). The Associated Wizards of the South, Southern Parishes Conservative Club, The Hill, Hedge End, Southampton S030 4BB. 17.1.26
Desert Island Tricks
SOS: Liam Montier.
"Stranded for two years with a snooker table and a legendary list, Liam Montier
finally gets a rescue and uses it to rethink everything."
YouTube. Brought to you by
www.alakazam.co.uk.
17.1.26
Kieron
Lefever
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 "Kieron Lefever -
Creating staples of magic and revolutionising social media magic"
YouTube.
17.1.26
Pawn Stars "Siegfried and Rick". A customer presents a signature worthy of presidential praise. Later, a magician has a car once owned by Siegfried and Roy. Sunday 25th January on Blaze. See TV Magic for details. 17.1.26
Mike
Wallis. Mike Wallis is remembered by Paul Henri,
Click Here. "Tributes paid
to Great Yarmouth entertainer Mike Wallis"
www.edp24.co.uk/news.
17.1.26
"Magician
who tricked David Beckham coming to Beccles"
Click Here • "Young magician and autism advocate celebrates latest
award"
Click Here • "Stone Cross care home hosts night of magic and
laughter"
Click Here • "The magician making wonder real"
Click Here • "Houdini’s Famous Illusion To Be Performed By Magician
Ben Pratt at Park Theatre"
Click Here • "Mentalist and Magician Asi Wind"
Click Here • "Derren Brown talks ahead of his Southampton stage
return"
Click Here • Thanks for all your news - have a good week and see you
next week, Duncan.
17.1.26