Number
1348 - Saturday 25th April 2026
TRIX,
the convention for Family Entertainers, takes place on Tuesday 19th
and Wednesday 20th May in the DoubleTree by Hilton Stoke on Trent.
Brilliant lectures from Ken Scott (USA), Mike Norden (Canada), Magazine
Gaia (Italy) and Lee Alex (Turkey), plus TRIX talks, a fantastic Dealers
Room, Gala Show and Secret Cabaret! Not to be missed. Tickets and more
details:
www.trixinthestix.uk.
25.4.26
Derren
Brown Only Human Live in the West End. 10th October 2026 - 30th
January 2027, Apollo Theatre, London. Following a sold-out UK & Ireland
tour, multi-award-winning master showman Derren Brown brings his
extraordinary new live show Only Human to the West End.
In this brand-new production, Derren Brown combines mind-reading,
psychological illusion, and breathtaking storytelling in a way that is
both deeply personal and utterly electrifying. Only Human
explores what it means to be human — our perceptions, our beliefs, and
the fragile line between reality and illusion.
Smart, unsettling, and wildly entertaining, this is theatre at its most
compelling. Some experiences stay with you. This one could change you.
Prepare to have your mind blown! See
www.london.derrenbrown.co.uk.
25.4.26
Northamptonshire
Magicians’ Club – LADs Centenary Convention, Sunday 27th September 2026.
Joy Payne writes:
An incredible Magic convention featuring international lecturers and
world-class dealers travelling from all over the world to inspire
magicians in Northamptonshire. It’s happening. LADs (Lectures and
Dealers) is back - for one final time - and this time, it’s going to be
something truly special.
Organised once again by David Penn, Patron of the Northamptonshire
Magicians Club, LADs became the biggest one-day magic convention in the
UK - attracting over 300 delegates every year. But for the past few
years, magicians have kept asking the same thing: "Can we do it one more
time?" Well, now we are.
To celebrate the roots of it all - and the club where it all began -
members of the Northamptonshire Magicians Club have spent the last five
years raising funds to bring back LADs for one final event, marking the
club's centenary. Let's celebrate 100 years of magic together!
We currently have 3 international acts booked. Expect a full day of
international lectures, inspiring power talks (presented in a TED-style
format), a dedicated lecture environment, and a completely separate
dealers’ area, featuring the best names in magic retail.
Only 200 tickets will be available due to venue capacity. This will sell
out - book early to avoid disappointment.
LADs 2026 - The NMC Centenary Convention.
Sunday 27th September 2026. 10am–8pm.
Delta Hotels, Eagle Drive, Northampton NN4 7HW.
Tickets £45 per person:
www.northamptonshiremagicians.uk/lads2026.
25.4.26
John
Lenahan to feature at Irish Magic-Fest, September 12th and 13th in
Dublin. From the organisers: John, no stranger to Ireland, will be
lecturing and also performing on the Gala Cabaret. In the early 80s John
Lenahan came across the Atlantic from his native Philadelphia for a
short trip, and never quite made it back.
2004 saw him starring in a new primetime BBC1 show, Secrets of Magic.
His own BBC2 series, Stuff The White Rabbit, achieved record
ratings for the slot. Other TV credits include presenting the travelogue
Open Road, playing the voice of the toaster in Red Dwarf,
and guest appearances on everything from TFI Friday to
Celebrity Squares. He also fronted HoaxBusters, an ITV
network show lifting the lid on scams and hoaxes.
John has performed onstage all over the world, from Beijing and Dubai to
Dublin. He has toured alongside Jack Dee, Victoria Wood, Lenny Henry and
Michael Ball. John has been described by The Guardian as "the mascot of
a magical renaissance".
The 2026 Irish Magic Convention will be held at The Teachers' Club,
Parnell Square, Dublin on Saturday and Sunday 12th and 13th September.
Why not come and enjoy Irish hospitality and magic, or even make a
longer stay of it and tie it in with a holiday, as many of our overseas
visitors do. Further details and registration will be announced shortly.
In the meantime, it's a date for your diary.
25.4.26
Evolution of Magic - Summer 2026, Blackpool. Step into the
unknown with The Evolution of Magic, one of the longest-running magic shows in
the UK. Returning in 2026, this is a show where reality glitches, time bends,
and the impossible unfolds before your eyes. In an intimate Las Vegas-style
showroom, world-class magicians Craig Christian and Elizabeth—two-time Britain’s
Got Talent semi-finalist (2019, 2024)—invite you to experience illusions that
defy explanation.
Craig’s mastery of ordinary objects like cards and coins will leave you questioning what’s possible, while his unpredictable and mysterious performances keep you on the edge of your seat. Elizabeth’s magic connects directly with the audience, blending mentalism with visual wonders that challenge your perception of reality. You won’t just watch the magic—you’ll feel it around you. The show moves fast, with moments that blur the line between illusion and reality. Stories weave in and out, hinting at deeper mysteries, leaving you wondering what lies beneath the surface. Is it real? Is it an illusion? You’ll have to find out for yourself... if you dare.
The Evolution of Magic is not just a show—it’s an unforgettable experience. One of the most anticipated events in Blackpool, perfect for families, friends, or anyone seeking a night of mystery and magic. Book your tickets now and be part of the mystery that’s been captivating audiences across the UK for nearly a decade. 3rd July to 29th August [Plus two extra dates, just announced: 23rd & 26th May]. See www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com. 25.4.26
New
Magic Lighters at DiscountMagic.co.uk The new Magic Lighters are here at last.
They had their first outing at
the 'Up North' Magic Convention last weekend and proved and absolute hit
with the attendees.
A solid metal petrol lighter, in black with a knurled design, these will
light under your control. A snap of the fingers, a spoken word, or any
other sound. Also work with motion.
Imagine opening your lighter on the table and then with a snap of the
fingers it lights on its own. A great addition to any PK effect or
anywhere that you use fire/flash.
As a special launch offer these are available with 10% off until the end
of the month. Just use code MAGICLIGHTER26
www.discountmagic.co.uk.
25.4.26
Stranded
with a Stranger: John France.
"You can learn a lot about a magician by the eight tricks they refuse to
live without, and John France’s list is built for the real world: restaurant
tables, family events, and close-up sets where you need fast impact, clear
plots, and resets that don’t slow you down. John’s also a refreshing reminder
that you don’t have to start young to start strong..."
YouTube. Brought to you by
www.alakazam.co.uk.
25.4.26
The
Sleightly Twisted Podcast:
What Do Real Pros Actually Carry? Episode: 006.
In this episode of The Sleightly Twisted Podcast, Allan and Luke dive into what
working magicians really carry when heading out to gigs.
Is it just a deck of cards and a Sharpie... or should a real pro be carrying a
full arsenal of props?
We chat about: Everyday carry for magicians. The difference between social media magic and real-world performance.
The tricks that actually hit hard with real people.
TV rights, deluxe versions, and review copies. How magic has changed in the social media era.
Plus some brilliant chat on new releases, old-school classics, and the return of
street-style magic. See
YouTube.
25.4.26
Britain's Got Talent - Live Semi Finals. Ant and Dec host the first live semi-final as acts that made it through the audition rounds perform in front of the judges and a live audience for a chance at a place in the final. Viewers hold the power to vote for their favourite acts, and the judges have their Golden Buzzer. 7pm tonight on ITV1. 25.4.26
The MagicWeek Video Archive.
A new magic clip or show every week! This week, Noah Kelly on 'The Big Big
Talent Show with Jonathan Ross', introduced by Wayne Dobson, on 17th August
1996. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To see more from The MagicWeek Video
Archive
Click Here.
25.4.26
Critically
acclaimed magic mentalist Max Davidson set to return to Edinburgh Fringe
this August.
What are you thinking?... Max Davidson already knows! Following two
successful sell-out US tours, and a Fringe run with Tess Tregellas
(Betches Media, 245k followers on Instagram) in 2025, magician and
mentalist Max Davidson is set to make his return to the Edinburgh
Festival Fringe this August, with his solo show Strangers.
Audiences can expect an interactive mind-reading show, with Davidson
memorising the names of every audience member, guessing your phone
password and your childhood memories, and even stopping his own
heartbeat. Each night the show is a unique creation, because it's made
up of the audience's thoughts - and there’s a mind boggling finale that
changes every night. A full-time magician performing nationwide,
Davidson specialises in mentalism – whether that be guessing someone’s
password, discovering their star sign, or even solving a Rubik’s cube
while blindfolded. Davidson has performed at the world-famous Magic
Castle, Caesars Palace, and the Chicago Magic Lounge, and been featured
in the New York Times. He is also a keen endurance sportsman with 11
marathons and an Ironman to his name. Davidson states that no matter
where he performs, he understands that "ultimately, we crave the
opportunity to create memories with the people we love". Praise for
Davidson: "Oh my god!" Steve Martin. "The magic is literally unreal – see
it ASAP" ... "Downright amazing" (audience reviews).
Strangers is performing at Edinburgh Festival Fringe 6th - 30th August at 5.40pm (60 minutes), Just The Tonic at The Subway, at Just The Tonic Legends (venue 27). Tickets are available to purchase online from edinburgh.justthetonic.com or the venue box office, edfringe.com, or the Fringe Society at 180 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1QS. See www.maxdavidsonmagic.com. Show trailer: YouTube. 25.4.26
Laura London Ted Oldham Memorial Lecture - 2.30pm today! James Hobart writes: Laura London is presenting the annual Ted Oldham Memorial Lecture this afternoon for The Ulster Society of Magicians. The lecture will take place in the Ivanhoe Hotel at 2.30pm and will be free for USM members attending the Chairman’s dinner, £10 to members not attending the dinner, or non-members attending the dinner, and £25 to non-members not attending the dinner. While not essential to book for the lecture in advance, it would be helpful to let us know if you plan to attend to ensure there is adequate seating provided. Please email the Secretary James Hobart: j.hobart@btinternet.com. 25.4.26
MLM
Web Offers April/May 26. Mark Leveridge’s digital range of magic is
already stunning value, but you can get even better deals if you take
advantage of his Web Offers. Here are the latest discounted products. 1.
Forever Flapping Plus. This is Mark’s famous e-book on special
gimmicked envelopes. Learn how to construct innocent looking envelopes
that will secretly help you to create strong magic for close up, stand
up and mentalism. As well as the gimmicks and the many routines using
them, Mark also describes a number of further effects using regular
envelopes. £12.00 (save £8), 2. Copy Ring. A borrowed ring is
taken into the performer’s closed fist from where it becomes invisible.
The transformed ring is dropped into a small empty container where
moments later it reappears in solid form. Great commercial effect for
close up shows. £4.00 (save £3). To get more details of both these items
go to
www.markleveridge.co.uk.
25.4.26
Oliver
Meech's Effervescent Membership Issue 11 – out now. This month:
Tricks that use a classic procedure, in two very different ways. One is
a fingertip-sight routine that feels really fair, with a choice of
endings. The other is a double prediction themed around streaming
movies. 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.
25.4.26
First Dates. Former nanny Amber wants to have beautiful babies on a farm - but it remains to be seen whether her dashing date has the film star looks she is after. Magician Clint is keen to conjure up a meaningful connection with kooky artist Sanna from Finland, while 79-year-old man about town Jan hopes to be free-spirited 74-year-old widow Chrissy's perfect leading man. From 2013. 11pm on Sunday 26th April - see TV Magic for details. 25.4.26
"Original
Sooty & Sweep puppets bought in Blackpool to be sold at Hansons
Auctioneers in Etwall"
Click Here, [and here's how they did:
Click Here] • "Houdini’s reappearing act: David Haig’s new play lays
bare the magician’s dispute with Conan Doyle"
Click Here • "Illusionist sets three records with the latest bag of
tricks"
Click Here • "Razor sharp wit and whip-smart crowd work – comic &
magician Lucy is a darling on stage"
Click Here • "Britain’s Got Talent finalist Ben Hart to perform in
Winchester"
Click Here • "Why Is a Magician Hosting the White House
Correspondents’ Dinner?"
Click Here • "Ayrton Veloce supports magician Shin Lim in Las Vegas"
Click Here • Your UK magic news is always welcomed, see you next
week, Duncan.
25.4.26