Number
1335 - Saturday 24th January 2026
Jamie
Harrison Talk: Blackpool 2026. Jamie Harrison is co-artistic director of Vox
Motus and has co-created, co-directed, and designed all of the company’s work;
most recently Flight (Vox Motus/Edinburgh International Festival) and
Dragon (Vox Motus/National Theatre Scotland/Tianjin People’s Theatre,
China).
More recent work includes set and illusion design for Mozart’s The Magic Flute (Ex Machina/Quebec Opera Festival) directed by Robert Lepage, magic and illusion design for The Ocean at the End of the Lane (National Theatre) and Pinocchio (National Theatre/Disney Theatrical Productions). He created the magic and illusions for the multiple Olivier and Tony award winning production Harry Potter and the Cursed Child directed by John Tiffany (Sonia Friedman Productions/Colin Callender) in London’s West End, on Broadway, in San Francisco, Melbourne and Hamburg. Jamie also designed the puppets and illusions for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Warner Brothers/Neal Street Productions) at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London, directed by Sam Mendes, and Stranger Things: The First Shadow, currently playing at the Phoenix Theatre in London's West End.
Jamie is currently co-directing and set designing a project for Michael Harrison
Productions and Disney Theatrical Productions, and developing a new idea for a
novel theatrical experience for Vox Motus. Jamie's Blackpool Convention talk
will be a fascinating look behind the scenes with one of the world’s leading
theatrical magic and illusion designers.
www.blackpoolmagicconvention.com.
24.1.26
Stellar
Magic presents CCC The Midlands Convention on 18th & 19th April at
Longford House, Watling Street, Cannock WS11 1SJ. Chris Congreve writes:
This is the third convention that I have organised and the first two
have been absolutely fantastic! The line up is Lord Harri, Eddie McColl,
Mark Bennett, Christian Grace, John Hotowka and a surprise lecture! But
be quick, as numbers are limited and once we’re sold out, that’s it! See
www.stellarmagicshop.com.
24.1.26
I
Gave Up Nuclear Engineering to Tour a Comedy Magic Show... Fresh from
finishing runner-up on Britain’s Got Talent, Jack Rhodes is taking his debut
comedy magic show all around the UK!
With a background in close-up magic and stand up comedy, Jack has amassed over
250 million views online with his ‘comedy, magic and nonsense’ videos and has
firmly established his presence as a magician who doesn’t take himself too
seriously. Combining self-deprecation and trickery with an off-beat northern
approach, Jack’s unique delivery of comedy and world-class sleight of hand
dexterity ensures even non-magic fans will enjoy the show.
Join Jack for a night of tricks and giggles and see why Simon Cowell describes
him as ‘one in a million’. And why his Dad describes him as a ‘part-time wizard,
full-time moron’... See
www.jackrhodes.net for
tour dates.
24.1.26
Netflix
Star Search. This new show airs as a five-week event, with two live episodes
every Tuesday and Wednesday. Contestants compete in categories including Music
(Solo and Group), Dance, Comedy, Variety (Magic/Illusionists), and Juniors.
Performers go head to head in each category, aiming for the $500,000 prize in the
final. This Netflix revival aims to recapture the original 1983–1995 series that
went out in the States, which helped launch the careers of Beyoncé, Britney
Spears, Justin Timberlake and Dave Chappelle. Featuring a number of mgicians,
including The Magic Circle's Young Magician of the Year Harry Merlin Piper.
24.1.26
The MagicWeek Video Archive.
A new magic clip or show every week! This week, John Lenahan on Channel 4's
Funny Business, with host Iain Coyle, from 20th February 1997. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To see more from The MagicWeek Video
Archive
Click Here.
24.1.26
BMC
International Close-up - Day 2. The World's Largest Magic Convention,
Blackpool Magic Convention 2026. This year the BMC will present three
International Close Up Shows, the second, on Friday at 1pm, stars Tobias Dostal,
Paul Gertner, Myung Joon Lee and Dean Lahan. Hosted by Paul Zenon. Keep an
eye on the official Facebook group for all the latest updates!
www.facebook.com/Blackpoolmagic. Main website:
www.blackpoolmagicconvention.com.
24.1.26
Tom
Bolton's Desert Island Tricks.
"A locked gate marked 19½, a tiny office, and a stubborn 19‑year‑old
knocking on every bar and hotel in Durham, this is how The Magic Corner
began..." YouTube. Brought to you by
www.alakazam.co.uk.
24.1.26
Holmes
and Watson: The Curious Case of the Masked Magician - UK Theatre Tour.
Presented by The Great Baldini and Peter Clifford. This family friendly theatre
show is set in London in 1906, during the Golden Age of magic. When a famous
masked magician disappears mid performance, Scotland Yard turns to Sherlock
Holmes for help. Holmes, joined by Dr Watson, is drawn into the secretive world
of Edwardian stage magic. As they question fellow magicians and follow a trail
of clues, the mystery deepens and Holmes finds his logic challenged by moments
of wonder and illusion. The production blends drama, mystery and theatrical
magic, inviting audiences to decide whether some secrets are better left
unsolved. See
www.masquedmagician.com for tour dates and to book.
24.1.26
British
Magical Society Annual Dinner and Cabaret - Westmead Hotel Birmingham, 20th
March. Phil Sweeting, President of the BMS would love to invite you to our
119th Annual Dinner. Tickets are on sale now. Enjoy a delicious three course
dinner, and then after speeches and presentations of awards, experience an
amazing magical cabaret featuring Bertie Pearce, Lyndon Webb and Berglas Award
Winner Ian Keable, compered by the inimitable Ali Cardabra. Venue: The Westmead
Hotel, Redditch Road, Hopwood B48 7AL. Reception 7pm for 7.30pm start. Carriages
at midnight. Tickets are £50 - but why not gather some friends and have a table
for 10 - and your 10th ticket will be free - or you can share the discount among
you if you're feeling generous! For more information see our website:
www.britishmagicalsociety.co.uk.
24.1.26
The
Mesmerist - Watford Palace Theatre,
2nd to 21st March.
In 2020, Rufus Hound learnt of the death of his estranged grandfather. The last
five years have been a dizzying journey of discovery for Rufus, which culminates
in the headline production of Watford Palace Theatre’s spring season, The
Mesmerist.
The production is a collaboration between Rufus and Watford Palace Theatre, as
he takes his family history and weaves in the discovery that his grandad had
been a magician with the stage name The Mesmerist.
Old boxes Rufus inherited were filled with illusions, journals and props from
his grandfather’s final magic show, previously performed in its entirety only
once at Watford Palace Theatre in 1983. Intrigued, fascinated, out of work
during lockdown and looking for a new project, Rufus learnt the show. This is
that show. That labour of rediscovery and reinvention is uncovered and ready to
be shared, as The Mesmerist is born from a legacy, resurrected from a forgotten
past.
Prepare for magic, mystery and unforgettable theatre as multi-talented actor,
comedian and presenter Rufus Hound (One Man, Two Guvnors, National Theatre; A
Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story, Birmingham Repertory Theatre) takes centre
stage. 2nd to 21st March.
Director: Steve Marmion. Magic Consultant: Scott Penrose. 2nd to 21st March at Watford Palace
Theatre, 20 Clarendon Road, Watford WD17 1JZ.
www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk.
24.1.26
Modern
Magic -
Back for 2026! Downstairs in the sumptuous screening room at the Charlotte
Street Hotel, the audience will have their minds read, senses manipulated
and experience some of the most astonishing feats of modern magic. Sit down and
relax as Jake takes you on a journey of dapper deception, sophisticated sleight
of hand and mischievous mind games.
So many people see magic on television and don't believe it, now you have the
chance to witness the miracles, up close and live, before your very eyes!
During the Golden Age of Magic, at the turn of the 20th Century, illusions were
performed in private rooms by parlour magicians. Rarely does an audience today
get this up close and intimate view of great magic. Jake’s new show brings magic right up to date
by amazing his audience with incredible
sleight of hand, pure mind reading and baffling illusion.
This is Jake's latest magic show in London, featuring a range of new and
incredible pieces of magic... Expect Jake’s unique magical blend of expert
sleight of hand and cheeky showmanship. This is a night not to be missed. Do not
miss out as tickets will sell out very fast!
Saturday 31st January, Saturday 28th February and Saturday 28th March.
Charlotte Street Hotel, 15-17 Charlotte Street, London W1T 1RJ. See
www.modernmagic.co.uk
for full details.
24.1.26
Greg
Rostami
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 "Greg Rostami - The King
of App Magic Returns!"
YouTube.
24.1.26
Russ Appleby Lecture - York Magic Circle, 2nd February. Adrian Salamon
writes:
York Magic Circle's next meeting is a lecture from Hull's own Russ Appleby on
the 2nd of February.
You may know him for co-creating the one day Hullusion convention, or his
TikTok pickpocketing videos that get millions of views!
It will be an interesting night... and don't mention clip-on ties!
Doors 7pm. Start 7.30pm.
Non-members £10. Affiliated Clubs £5. York Magic Circle, York & District Indoor
Bowls Club, 302 Thanet Road, Dringhouses, York YO24 2NW.
24.1.26
Magic Car Boot Sale - Longbridge, Birmingham, Sunday 1st February. 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! The Austin Sports and Social Club, Tessall Lane, Longbridge, Birmingham B31 2SF. For any more information contact Alec Powell 07831 115448. Join us on Facebook if you are not already a member. 24.1.26
Magic
Live 2026. General Registration for Magic Live 2026 opens on Tuesday,
January 27th, at 10am PT. We’re using the new registration system that we
introduced last year. That means that you will be selecting your convention
event schedule — when you register! No more waiting for months to plan your
nights at Live! Now you can begin organizing your trip right away, setting your
daily events, arranging meals with friends, and maybe even squeezing in a Vegas
show or two.
In the past, our show schedules could be a little complicated. We’ve rectified
that by building a number of complete Show Tracks for you to choose from. One
click, and you’re done! If you’re looking to enjoy the convention with a group,
all you and your friends need to do is select the same Show Track and Session,
and you’re set to go. See
www.magicconvention.com for more information and to book.
24.1.26
A Magician Amongst the Spirit by Bert Coules. Houdini becomes world famous but has lost his beloved mother, so he approaches a medium in an attempt to be reunited with her. Starring Barry Dennen. First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1982. Saturday 31st January (1 hour 30 minutes) on BBC Radio 4 Extra at 6am, repeated at 11am, 5pm and 1am. 24.1.26
"Steven Frayne Reveals How Magic Saved
Him from Bullying & Stuns Chris Evans with Live Studio Magic!"
YouTube • "Jamie Allan is the newest magic man coming to NY — a bit
he’s been doing all his life"
Click Here • "Harry Houdini was the Original Ghostbuster"
Click Here • "Magician Penn Jillette Sidelined by Broken Ankle, Penn
& Teller Las Vegas Shows Paused"
Click Here • "Derren Brown returns 3-7 March"
Click Here • MagicWeek always welcomes your UK magic news! See you
next week, Duncan.
24.1.26