Number
1340 - Saturday 28th February 2026
The
Magic Circle Presents 'All
Done By Kindness' - London, 18th March.
On Wednesday 18th March, the most exclusive private members’ club for
the world’s greatest magicians, will open its doors for a very special
event.
At The Magic Circle Headquarters, you will witness amazing sleight of
hand miracles and learn some of the fascinating history of mystery as
you explore the clubroom and first floor reception room in London’s most
magical venue, a fascinating building where every corner is packed with
exhibits and illusions from one of the largest magical collections in
the world.
Then it’s Showtime! Climb the floating spiral staircase to one of our
best kept secrets, The Magic Circle Theatre, and experience a full stage
show, for one night only, featuring more illusions, mind reading,
sleight of hand, comedy and jaw-dropping prestidigitation.
Every ticket includes one free entry in a prize draw to be announced on
the night. A magical auction of just three very special lots will be
conducted on the evening
And if you are lucky enough to book VIP tickets, you’ll be making a
complimentary glass of bubbly disappear before enjoying a special guided
tour of The Magic Circle Museum, where you will find priceless magic
tricks and apparatus from famous names like Penn & Teller, Dynamo, Sooty
and HM King Charles III.
Strictly one night only, this is a rare opportunity to experience a
world class show from the stars of The Magic Circle. Wednesday 18th
March.
Doors and Bar open at 7pm.
Sleight of hand magic from 7.15pm.
Guided Museum experience (VIP Tickets only) at 7.25pm.
Theatre Show at 8pm
We are very grateful to the superstar performers and other volunteers
who have agreed to donate their time for this fundraising event. All
proceeds are being donated to The Magic Circle Benevolent Fund
(Registered Charity 222408) which helps magicians and/or their families
when they need it most.
www.seetickets.com.
28.2.26
Blackpool
Magic Convention 2027. Following the huge success of this year's
convention with "best-ever" being heard everywhere, the dates have been
set for next year: 18th-21st February 2027. If you are currently
suffering from withdrawal symptoms and want to keep that magic buzz
alive, then the best remedy is without a doubt Richard Young's The
Magicians' Podcast Network. The team and guests covered every day, as it
happened, and wrapped things up post-convention with a full "no holds
barred debrief", where hosts Young & Hudson were joined by Russ Stevens
and Russ Brown. Here's the trailer for that episode
YouTube
- a veritable festival of f-bombs awaits! DT.
The
Magicians' Podcast Network features multiple new magic podcasts every week. Become a paid
subscriber and access the vast archive as well.
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/MagiciansPodcast
Subscribe on Spotify:
www.spotify.com
Subscribe on Apple:
www.podcasts.apple.com.
28.2.26
Britain's Got Talent. Magic Catch-up from the past 7 days:
"When singing meets sorcery: John Danbury takes on Sinatra!"
YouTube.
"Fraser Penman turns his rare condition into a magical lesson!"
YouTube.
"Craig Roe transports the Judges on holiday... with magic!" (from 'BGT
Unseen' on ITVX)
YouTube.
"Series 18 winner Harry Moulding shares his magical journey to the top"
YouTube.
28.2.26
Bron
Ivy is Blackpool Magic Convention's Family Entertainer of the Year.
Charlie
Burgess reports:
Magic Circle member Bron Ivy has become the first woman to be crowned
Family Entertainer of the Year at the Blackpool Magic Convention, the
world’s largest magic convention. Bron performed in the 2,800 seater
Opera House in the Winter Gardens.
The award recognises excellence in family magic performance, combining
technical skill, stagecraft and audience connection.
One of the judges, Craig Petty, described Bron’s act as “simply
phenomenal”, praising its structure, emotive subject matter and
technicality.
Bron, 39, is originally from Hull and now lives with her family in
South West London. She is an AIMC (Associate Member of the Inner Magic
Circle).
“It’s still sinking in,” she said. “I could never have guessed that I’d
win a prestigious, international event like Family Entertainer of the
Year when I started learning magic 10 years ago. Family entertainment is
powerful. It brings generations together and can share a message that is
remembered. It’s important to make the story we tell one that matters.”
President of The Magic Circle Marvin Berglas said, “The Magic Circle is
delighted to see that Bron’s skill, dedication and ability to entertain
has been recognised by the judges at the world’s biggest magic
convention. The Magic Circle is so proud of her. She represents
everything that is wonderful about our Society.”
Bron’s modern, warm style has earned her bookings across theatre
settings, schools and luxury hotels.
Beyond theatre stages, she has also performed in schools, including SEN
settings, and in community spaces where live entertainment provides
connection and relief for families facing challenging circumstances.
With the international title now secured, Bron is available for
festivals, family events, theatres and media appearances across the UK.
www.bronivymagic.com.
Photo credit:
www.edenphotography.co.uk.
28.2.26
My
Mind Rocks - March 2026: Deep Dives into Readings. March marks the
start of a major focus on readings and oracles here at My Mind Rocks,
beginning on 1st March with the release of a rare filmed conversation
with Richard Webster.
In this two-part session, Richard reflects on his career and discusses
his influential work Psychometry A-Z, a structured approach to
readings that has shaped performers and readers for more than four
decades. It’s uncommon to see Richard speak on camera about this
material, making this a valuable archive for anyone serious about
developing authentic reading ability.
On Tuesday 4th March at 7pm GMT (one hour earlier than usual), Stuart
Nolan presents a bonus live session: How to Train an Empath - Lessons
from a Mind Reader. Stuart explores muscle reading and embodied
intuition in a practical, experience-led way that performers can
immediately apply.
Throughout March, our weekly Tuesday Jam Sessions continue, alongside
brand-new Sunday Billet Sessions, hosted by Dave Moses every Sunday at
7pm GMT. These live practice sessions allow members to test material,
refine technique, and receive real-time feedback in a focused,
supportive environment.
The month concludes with a modern perspective on reading systems from
Aazan Makdhoomi, reflecting the past, present and future of structured
readings with his exclusive book launch: 'Readings for the Mentalist'
which will be LIVE on March 18th at 7pm
If you’ve been considering joining My Mind Rocks, March is the ideal
time. With rare legacy insight, practical live training, and hands-on
weekly development sessions, it represents exceptional value for
performers who want to deepen their craft rather than just collect
methods.
Full details and membership information at
www.mymind.rocks.
28.2.26
The MagicWeek Video Archive.
A new magic clip or show every week! This week, magic and mime from Donimo
on Beadle's Box of Tricks from 1989. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To see more from The MagicWeek Video
Archive
Click Here.
28.2.26
Mandy
Muden Lecture - The Surrey Society of Magicians, 5th March.
Paul Dickson writes: Mandy Muden is known for mixing
sharp stand-up with strong magic and lively audience interaction. She is
a Member of The Inner Magic Circle with Gold Star and has been
recognised with The Magic Circle’s Carlton Award for Comedy.
Mandy’s performances are known for being funny, bold, and highly
engaging—perfect inspiration if you’re interested in comedy timing,
persona, and keeping an audience with you from start to finish.
If you enjoy comedy magic (or want to learn how to make your magic
funnier without losing impact), this should be a great night. Expect
plenty of energy, strong audience management, and a refreshing
performer’s perspective.
Thursday 5th March. The Surrey Society of Magicians,
Nomad Theatre, Bishopsmead Parade, East Horsley, Leatherhead KT24 6RT.
Doors 7.30pm. Lecture 8pm. 15-minute interval. Finish 10.15pm.
Visiting Magicians are welcome with a £10 fee, payable on the door.
www.surreysocietyofmagicians.co.uk.
28.2.26
Dave
Forrest Lecture - Liverpool Mahatma Magic Circle, 12th March.
Matthew Gill writes: Liverpool Mahatma Magic Circle is proud to present
a lecture evening with Dave Forrest. Dave Forrest is a world-renowned,
award-winning magician based in the west of Scotland with over 25 years
of experience. A four-time performer at The World Famous Magic Castle in
Hollywood, he is known for his funny, engaging and interactive
performances that leave his audiences amazed and thoroughly entertained.
Dave is also a highly regarded creator of magic, having invented some of
the most popular magic effects that feature in the repertoires of
professional magicians worldwide. Dave’s new lecture ‘Sleight Returns’
sees a return to the close-up sleight of hand for which Dave was once
better known. The lecture will include a range of original card and
non-card material and will include something for magicians of all skill
levels including material that looks more like sleight of hand than it
actually is! Comprising mostly all new material, Dave will demonstrate
how attainable sleight of hand can be and how to structure your routines
to eradicate the ‘nervous tells’ that are often associated with it.
Thursday 12th March at 8pm at Liverpool Mahatma Magic Circle, St Stephen’s Church Hall, St Stephen’s Road, Hightown, Liverpool L38 0BL. Entry is free for members and £15.00 for visiting magicians (pay on the night). 28.2.26
Steve
Gore Lecture - Hull Magicians Circle, 5th March. From the
organisers: Steve Gore is presenting his brand new lecture, Classics Reimagined, for Hull
Magicians Circle on Thursday 5th March.
It will include all his latest effects including ‘The Famous Five’, ‘The
Casino Con’, relaunched with Alakazam. The No 1 best seller effect on
Penguin Magic… ‘Flight Deck’ & ‘Together Forever’ also released with
Penguin. Plus his ‘Book to the Future’ which was distributed by Murphys!
Plus... there are lots of classic plots that have been reimagined that you
can make yourself using items you probably already own. There really is
something for everyone from close uppers to stage and family
entertainers and even a couple for the mentalists! Everything is
explained in full details.
He is officially known as "The Happiest Magician on the Planet!"
according to Google and is a truly versatile magical entertainer who
regularly performs magic of all types and has been performing magic
professionally for over thirty five years.
Steve is a Past President of the Northern Magic Circle, two time
President for the Bradford Magic Circle, and is also a proud member of
The Magic Circle!
Visiting Door charges:
Affiliated societies (e.g. Leeds, Bradford, York) pay £5.
Non-affiliated visitors £10.
Starts at 7.45pm, Hull Magicians' Circle, Anlaby Community Centre, First Lane, Anlaby, Hull HU10
6UE.
28.2.26
Ulster
Society of Magicians’ Ted Oldham Memorial Lecture and Chairman’s 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 McIntyre to arrange your preferred method of payment
usm.treasurer@outlook.com. 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.
28.2.26
Jamie Williams Lecture
- Leicester Magic Circle, 3rd March.
Jamie Williams writes:
Monday 3rd March at 7.30pm at Braunstone Civic Centre,
209 Kingsway, Leicester LE3 2PP. Come and see "one of the best lectures at
Blackpool Convention 2026" as Jamie presents his amazing lecture
and lots of fun!
28.2.26
Erik
Tait's Desert Island Tricks.
"What makes a close-up set survive bars, restaurants, conventions, and The
Magic Castle without..."
YouTube. Brought to you by
www.alakazam.co.uk.
28.2.26
Back-Chat,
The Weekly Blog. Each Saturday Mark Leveridge sends out a special
email called Back-Chat which features a thought provoking and
interesting blog taken from his extensive Chatter blog archive. A wide
range of topics have been covered, and to give you an idea, here are the
subjects from the last ten weeks. No Camera Tricks? The Charity Guilt
Trip. Patter Isn't Everything. The Difference Between 'Magic' And
'Tricks'. Just Not Enough Time. Pre-Show Anxiety May Not Be Nerves. The
Huge Importance Of The Audience Attention Span. The View From In Front
Of The Stand. Magic Room 101. Revealing The 'Human' Side Of Magicians.
Each blog only takes a few minutes to read and hopefully provides you
with a great magic start to your weekend. If you would like to receive
the weekly Back-Chat email, simply sign up for any of E-Club Lite,
E-Club Pro or E-Club Elite by going to
www.markleveridge.co.uk and you will be added to the Back-Chat list.
To access the most recent selection of monthly blogs and/or to download
any of the previous Chatter volumes stretching back to September 1992!,
go to
www.markleveridge.co.uk/blog.
28.2.26
Russ
Appleby Lecture - York Magic Circle, 2nd March. Adrian Salamon
writes: Our next meeting is with Hull's own Russ Appleby. You may know
him from organising
Hullusion 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. Contact Adrian for more details on 07849
123560
www.yorkmagiccircle.co.uk.
28.2.26
Grand
Auction and Sale - The Modern Mystic League (Blackburn), Sunday 15th
March. Brian Lead, Events Secretary of The Modern Mystic League
writes: “Roll up! Roll up!” for a Grand Auction and sale of items from
three of our late members; Trevor Dawson, Bryce Lea and John Pye. The
lots will comprise books, booklets, DVDs, tricks, apparatus, lecture
notes and catalogues, including some ‘collectables’. The books include a
full set of Card College by Roberto Giobbi and volumes from, among
others, Nick Trost, John Bannon and Paul Gordon. The tricks are mainly
close-up and cabaret items, including Martin Lewis's ‘Cardiographic’
(large size), the Anverdi rising cards, Astor's ‘Mental Epic’ and many
card and coin items.
As we know at the MML, essential to any good auction is the good-natured
banter which ensues, and we can guarantee that will be in good supply –
along with complimentary tea and cakes. There will also be plenty of
free magazines for you to take away. The date is Sunday, 15th March,
with viewing from 1 pm and selling commencing promptly at 2 o’clock. The
venue is Woodlands United Reform Church Hall, 457, Preston Old Road,
Cherry Tree, Blackburn BB2 5ND.
28.2.26
Perth
Magic Circle Table Top Sale, 6th May.
Adrian Harris writes:
Perth Magic Circle is hosting a Table Top Sale on Wednesday 6th May in
the Ex-Service Mens Club commencing 7.30pm. The event is in memory of
our late member, Jimmy Craig who passed away last October. Jimmy was the
founder of the annual Auction Sales which were held for many years in
Kircaldy and which attracted magicians from all parts of Scotland.
As space is limited, Sellers must book a table in advance by contacting
the Hon Sec. (Adrian.Harris@Blueyonder.co.uk). There is no charge for a
table and all visiting magicians will also get free admission and are
welcome to come and join in the fun, have some banter and hopefully grab
some great bargains! Even if you are unable to find your latest miracle,
you can enjoy your refreshments of choice in one of the cheapest
establishments in Perth!
Remember, this is a free event, so note the date in your diary now.
28.2.26
Russ Appleby
Lecture, 3rd March, and New Venue Information - Northamptonshire
Magicians Club.
Joy Payne writes:
Our first guest lecturer in our new venue is Russ Appleby.
Russ has been performing magic since the age of four and has developed a deep
understanding of the art. He is a member of the prestigious Magic Circle and
Equity, which underscores his professionalism and commitment to the craft. In
2023 he was awarded 3rd Prize in The Magic Circle's Close Up Magician of the Year
competition, highlighting his skill and recognition within the magic community. His
ability to adapt to different audiences and settings has made him one of the
most sought-after entertainers in Britain.
He specialises in close-up magic, which involves performing tricks and illusions
using everyday objects like coins, rings, and notes. His performances are
characterised by stunning sleight of hand, psychological subtleties, and a
charming personality that captivates audiences. He also performs Pickpocketing
Magic, a unique twist that adds an element of surprise and humour to his
performances.
3rd March 2026, at 8pm.
Members free, magicians’ guest fee £15 – pay on the night.
Northamptonshire Magicians Club meetings will now be held at:
Woody’s Bar & Restaurant, Clannell Road, (Tesco Car Park), East Hunsbury,
Northampton, NN4 0JF
www.woodysbar.uk/menu-restaurant.
Parking information (important):
Woody’s is located in the Tesco Mereway car park.
You receive up to four hours free parking while the store is open.
You must validate your vehicle registration using the iPad inside the venue.
Please make this the first thing you do when you arrive.
Arrival time is completely up to you! Woody’s has a separate bar area where you
can meet and socialise with food or a drink before the meeting starts.
We’re looking forward to seeing you there and sharing what’s sure to be many
more great nights at the NMC.
www.northamptonshiremagicians.uk.
28.2.26
Oliver
Meech's Effervescent Membership Issue 9 – out now. This month,
Oliver's tricks explore the intriguing worlds of gambling mythology and
secret agents. In this issue, you'll find: “The Secret Steps” – a
participant follows a series of moves, making choices along the way, and
ends up with two killer poker hands. And “Codecks” – a spy-worthy way to
encode hidden messages into the order of a standard deck. Plus access to
all previous issues at no extra cost. If you like fresh plots,
streamlined methods and playful audience interaction, then join the fun
here:
www.ko-fi.com/effervescentmembership.
28.2.26
If
you grew up in the 60s puppets were a mainstay of children's
television, so it is so nice to see the care that has gone into restoring
many much loved Gerry Anderson productions from that time, including this
just released 'Thunderbirds 60th Anniversary
Collectors Edition'
YouTube.
28.2.26
"Britain's
Got Talent fans say 'we have our winner' as Simon Cowell claims 'no one
will believe this'"
Click Here • "Magician's record-breaking show lasts for 50 hours!"
Click Here • "'He pulled up in a taxi & came straight in'- magician
David Blaine visits Quilligan's Café Bar in Blackpool"
Click Here • "Dumbarton magician wows crowd on Britain's Got Talent"
Click Here • "Who won BGT in 2025? The magician who won the 18th
series"
Click Here • "The Magician Who Became an Artist"
Click Here • "13 spellbounding pics from the Blackpool Magic
Convention held at the Winter Gardens"
Click Here • "Donning the dragon: A magician’s way to fame"
Click Here • Magician fails to stop Louis Theroux using ‘alien
autopsy’ film"
Click Here [subscription] • Many thanks for your news contributions
this week - always welcomed! See you nest week, Duncan.
28.2.26