Number
1350 - Saturday 9th May 2026
Now
You See Me Live - Limited London Season. From the
promoter:
From the Producers of The Illusionists, and inspired by Lionsgate's
worldwide blockbuster film franchise, comes the London premiere of Now
You See Me Live.
The acclaimed stage illusion spectacular has captivated audiences across
the globe, bringing magic to life with an explosive mix of high-tech
illusions, solo stunts and jaw-dropping spectacles.
For a strictly limited five-week summer season at the iconic London
Coliseum, four world-class illusionists will unite as The Horsemen,
transforming the magic of the films into a live stage spectacle with
never-before-seen feats of wonder.
The production will feature a distinguished cast, including
internationally acclaimed illusionist Enzo Weyne [to August 10th], world-leading
escapologist Andrew Basso, rising talent Gabriella Lester, and
award-winning British magician Matthew Pomeroy. Collectively, these illusionists have performed thousands of shows in
hundreds of cities, including sell-out residencies on Broadway and
across Australia, Asia and Las Vegas — leaving audiences spellbound and
questioning the very limits of possibility. July 31st - September 6th.
"A high-energy blend of wonder, humour,
and jaw-dropping illusions" Broadway World
"A mind-blowing spectacle of illusion and storytelling" The
Sydney Morning Herald. See
www.londoncoliseum.org.
9.5.26
Jonathan
Goodwin settles legal action against the makers of America's Got Talent.
"Happy ending for Strictly's Amanda Abbington - and a payout for her
stuntman fiancé. Joyous news for Amanda Abbington and her fiancé, former
stuntman and escapologist Jonathan Goodwin, as he has finally settled
his legal action against the makers of America's Got Talent", writes
Alison Boshoff for the Daily Mail. Read the full story:
www.dailymail.com.
9.5.26
Magic
- World Premiere, Chichester Festival Theatre. "Exclude the
impossible and what is left, however improbable, must be the truth."
Harry Houdini is the greatest illusionist the world has ever known.
Arthur Conan Doyle is the creator of literature’s most brilliant
detective, Sherlock Holmes. Their mutual admiration blossoms into a
profound friendship, even as they discover a shared obsession with
spiritualism. Conan Doyle believes fervently in the psychic world and
the promise of reunion with his dead son; Houdini is determined to
demonstrate it’s a cruel fraud. Which of these sparring partners will be
proved right: the genius writer of fiction or the infallible magician?
Based on extraordinary historical events, Magic asks what we’re
prepared to believe, and why. Starring David Haig and Hadley Fraser.
Written by David Haig. John Bulleid Illusion Designer. Chichester
Festival Theatre to Saturday 16th May. Book Here:
www.cft.org.uk.
"Magic review – spellbinding standoff between Houdini and Conan Doyle" www.theguardian.com. 9.5.26
Cambridge
Pentacle Club Present's Comedian and Ventriloquist Max Fullham. Hugh
Newsam writes: Well known to the magic community, in this lecture Max
will cover ventriloquism and puppetry techniques as well as ways to
kickstart your creativity and generate ideas. A lecture that should have
takeaways for all sorts of performers, even if you never intend to pick
up a puppet! Date: Tuesday 26th May. Doors Open at 7.30pm, Lecture
starts at 8pm and Finishes about 10pm. Guests are £10 (simply pay on the
night). Location: St Andrews Church Hall, Cheery Hintoin, Cambridge CB1
3JS
www.pentacleclub.com.
9.5.26
Your
invitation to Midsummer Magic with the Northern Magic Circle!
Brian Lead writes: The NMC was founded
by seven magic enthusiasts on 15th April, 1956, and so is celebrating
its 70th anniversary. In the wake of a most successful Easter
convention, you are now cordially invited to join us for a celebration
lunch in the very same room in which the Northern Magic Circle was
created.
This Platinum luncheon, followed by a cabaret, will take place in the
Scotch Corner Holiday Inn (at Junction 53 of the A1 M) on Sunday 7th
June. You are welcome to arrive from mid-day. The meal will start at 1
o’clock, and the day will finish by 6pm. You can see menu choices and
book online at
shop.northernmagiccircle.org.uk or contact John Russell 07412 617856
john.russell@northernmagiccircle.org.uk for alternative ways to
book. We do hope you'll join us to continue the celebrations.
9.5.26
Brian
Conley's Big Night of Magic - The Magic Circle, London, 4th July.
From the organisers: Join showbusiness legend Brian Conley for a one-off
Saturday-night spectacular packed with amazing magic and world-class
performers. Taking place inside The Magic Circle, this unmissable event
showcases some of the finest magicians in a fast-paced, high-impact
evening of mystery, laughter and amazement. This show will help to raise
funds for the MS Society. Book here:
tickets.themagiccircle.live.
9.5.26
Merlins
Magic Auction at the shop - Sunday 17th May. Come along and join us
for a fun day and pick up plenty of magical bargains. Doors open at 10am
for viewing, Auction starts at 10.30am (ends around 3pm), with over 200 items and more to
come. Entrance is only £5.00 which includes refreshments. Advance
booking essential - just 6 places left!
Book Here. Merlins, 15 The Springs, Wakefield WF1 1QE 01924 339933.
9.5.26
Matthew
Garrett Lecture - Ilford Magical Society, 10th June. Peter Meacham
writes: Mr Matthew Garrett MIMC, will be our guest lecturer at 8pm on
Wednesday 10th June at Ilford Magical Society. Expect some amazing and
beautiful magic from this esteemed performer. Guests welcome for the
usual £10 fee (pay on the night). Ilford Magical Society, The Parkside
community Association, 176 Goodmayes Lane, Ilford IG3 9PP.
9.5.26
The
MagicWeek Video Archive. A new magic clip or show every week! This
week, Paul Daniels and the Willow pattern plate mystery, from 19th
October 1985. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with more from The
MagicWeek Video Archive
Click Here.
9.5.26
Britain's Got Talent. Magic Catch-up from the past 7 days:
"Fabian Fox reads KSI's mind and surprises him with primary school teacher! Semi-Finals BGT 2026 YouTube.
"Fabian Fox wins public vote and joins Alesha's Golden Buzzer act in Final" YouTube. 9.5.26
New
Release in the MLM Select Range. This month Mark has extracted from
the E-Club Pro files close-up routine Big Money. The performer
offers to demonstrate how professional poker players make big money from
their games. A deck is removed from its box and shuffled. Spreading the
cards, the magician invites a spectator to touch any five cards in order
to create a random poker hand. Extracting the selected cards, the
performer shows the hand and even though it may not look very promising,
he claims it can still produce big money. At which point, the cards are
pulled away to reveal the sudden appearance of a giant coin! No gimmicks
required, this effect has no reset. As with all the effects included in
the Select list, Big Money costs just £7.00 for the video download and
it will be available for a limited period only. For more info and to
watch a dem go to
www.markleveridge.co.uk.
9.5.26
Steve
Day - Surrey Society of Magicians Close-up Competition Winner 2026.
Paul Dickson reports: The Surrey Society of Magicians Close-up
competition took place on the 30th of April. Big congratulations to
Steve Day who took first place, and runners-up: Paul Tomlinson and Rob
Hamilton. The Mary Oberoi Comedy Trophy went to Barry Voice. It was a
very high standard this year as always, so congratulations to all who
took part.
We would like to give a big thank you to the two lay judges and also to
our magical judge James Fortune; thank you for your hard work and
difficult decisions. We would also like to thank all the audience
members who we are sure had a great evening and our time keeper Nick
Frisby. Last, but not least, thank you to our brilliant compère Geoff
Pescud. (Photos L to R: James Fortune, Steve Day, Geoff Pescud, and
Geoff Pescud with Barry Voice.)
www.surreysocietyofmagicians.co.uk.
9.5.26
Join
the Hidden Magic Club! The Hidden Magic Club is an exciting new
magic night taking place in an actual fort on the Isle of Wight!
Founded by comedy magician Luke Lamont and his company, Shuffles Events,
in collaboration with The Eventure Collective and Bembridge Fort, the
Hidden Magic Club has established a strong reputation and is quickly
becoming one of the best nights out in the South. Enjoy an entire night
of entertainment in a unique location, featuring close-up magic,
delicious cocktails, great music, a magic and cabaret show, and a fun
casino—all within an intimate theatre setting in a Victorian fort.
Exciting performers such as Simon Vertue, Bill Sharpe, Chris Campos,
Klause Fantastiche and Luke Lamont have already contributed to this
fantastic venture! Luke is also seeking new magicians of all types who
would like to be considered for paid stage spots in future shows.
Upcoming dates: July 18th, September 5th, October 17th (bring your scary
acts!), December 12th. For more information on stage spots or to claim
your magician-only discount to watch the show, email Luke at
Luke@shufflesevents.co.uk.
9.5.26
Oliver
Tabor Lecture – British Magical Society, 12th May.
Phil Sweeting writes:
Oliver Tabor presents a dynamic lecture on crafting powerful openings and
unforgettable finales. Expect visual, practical material for close‑up, parlour,
stage, and mentalism, plus expert insights on stagecraft, movement, and audience
connection.
Oliver is a member of The Magic Circle with Gold Star, a past President of the I.B.M. British Ring No. 25, and an award winner in the stage category at the FISM European Championships. His long running show West End Magic has been resident at the Leicester Square Theatre for over 10 years and continues to tour the UK. This is a rare chance to learn real‑world routines and performance finesse from a leading professional magician. 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. 9.5.26
Exonian 90th Anniversary Magic Convention - Crediton, 7th October. Ozzy D writes: Wednesday 7th October 2026 at The Waie Inn, Zeal Monachorum, Crediton, Devon EX17 6DF. With 4 lectures, a close-up magic show, a workshop, a three-course meal and an evening show. £75 full convention. Daytime only registrations also available. Featuring John Archer, Nikola Arkane, Eric Tait and Johnny Clavo, with more names to be announced. Only 80 places available and this always sell out, so if you are considering attending for the full day now is the time to get your tickets: www.facebook.com. 9.5.26
Just
Alan—Not Just Magic. Six years in the making, this limited
Collector’s Edition book, Just Alan—Not Just Magic documents the
work and philosophy of award-winning theatrical magician Just Alan. For
sixty years, Alan has been exploring how to create real magic. Part
memoir, part masterclass, this archival edition shares the material,
thinking and personal reflections behind a lifetime of performance.
Inside the book are Alan’s most celebrated routines including The Three
Treasures, The Sands, Needle Through Arm and others, presented with full
scripts, performance insights and behind-the-scenes context. The book
also includes a complete unreleased one-man show, Alan’s approach to
tarot as theatre and the quiet, deeply considered philosophies that
underpin his work on stage.
The volume contains over 110 original illustrations and opening and
closing portraits. With a foreword by Jeff McBride and editorial
oversight by Larry Hass, the book is an archival edition limited to only
500 copies. Each with a signed and numbered bookplate by Jay Fortune and
Just Alan. Slipcased, bound in Wibalin and with gold foil blocking.
Printed and bound in Great Britain. Available exclusively from
store.jayfortune.co.uk.
9.5.26
Craig Petty Lecture - Liverpool
Mahatma Magic Circle, 14th May.
Matthew Gill writes: On Thursday 14th May, Liverpool Mahatma Magic Circle presents a lecture
evening with Craig Petty.
Craig is one of the UK’s most respected and prolific creators in modern
magic. A member of The Inner Magic Circle and a multiple award winner, he
has built a reputation for producing strong, commercial material that
performers actually use.
His lectures are known for being engaging, practical, and full of real-world magic, with a focus not just on effects, but the thinking behind them. Expect an evening of powerful routines, clever methods, and ideas you can take straight into performance. Thursday 14th May at 8pm at St Stephen’s Church Hall, St Stephen’s Road, Hightown, Liverpool L38 0BL. Entry is free for members and £15 for visiting magicians (pay on the night). 9.5.26
New tour dates added for Masters Of Deception.
From the promoter:
Masters Of Deception is the ultimate hot magic & illusion show - it brings
together two of the very best magic and illusion acts in the country, combining
their skills and distinctive styles to create a unique, entertaining and
spectacular show.
Featuring Richard Jones "The Military Mind-Reader". As the first magician to win
Britain's Got Talent, Richard combines his training from his 12 years serving in
the British Army and expert knowledge of deception to bring you the very best in
cutting edge magic and psychological illusion.
He'll be joined by Matricks Illusion, who, having recently starred in the global
magic stunt for the premiere of the film "Now You See Me: Now You Don't" as well
as being featured on Cbeebies, Britain's Got Talent and Disney+, bring their
unique and innovative style to the stage. Direct from London's West End and the
O2 Arena, they combine elements of danger, comedy and charm to create a truly
mesmerising experience.
Checkout tour dates on the website:
www.mastersofdeception.co.uk.
9.5.26
Covent
Garden May Fayre and Puppet Festival, Sunday, 10th May.
Welcome to the 51st Annual Covent Garden May
Fayre and Puppet Festival, a joyful celebration in the heart of the West
End and the country’s longest‑running puppet festival. Each year,
puppeteers from around the world gather to perform, share ideas, and
inspire new generations while honoring centuries of tradition.
The festival marks 9th May 1662, when Samuel Pepys recorded seeing "an
Italian puppet play" in Covent Garden—the first written account of a
Punch & Judy show in England. A plaque on the wall of St Paul’s Church,
commemorates this moment. Inspired by this history, the first May Fayre
was launched in 1976, and it has been held every second Sunday in May
ever since.
Festivities begin at 11am in the garden of St Paul’s Church, Bedford
Street, with a grand procession led by a brass band, followed by a toast
to Mr Punch at the plaque. At 12 noon, a special service takes place
inside St Paul's, often featuring Mr Punch in the pulpit. Visitors can enjoy Punch & Judy shows, puppetry
from Britain and abroad, clowns, stilt walkers, magicians, folk dancing,
stalls, workshops and refreshments.
All Punch & Judy Professors, puppeteers, clowns and family entertainers
are invited to take part. See
www.mayfayre.uk for
further information. Produced by Small Pond Theatre.
9.5.26
Tommy Cooper: 30 Greatest Moments. "A two-hour celebration of one of the most-loved British comedians of all time, a man recognised by his red fez alone who made a career out of his apparent lack of conjuring skills. The programme traces Tommy's career." 9pm on Sunday 10th May on 5Select. 9.5.26
News
Submissions. MagicWeek welcomes your UK magic news (major and
minor), but please remember the news deadline: Thursday if possible. Final
deadline: 12 noon Friday. Many thanks, DT.
9.5.26
PIFFTV
- Magic Reinvented Nightly with Mat Franco
YouTube • "Michael Dervan: I reconnected with magic 10 years ago to
keep my mind off things"
Click Here • "Magic tricks can reduce stress, pain and anxiety for
children during vaccinations"
Click Here • "Where’s Marty: Maryland illusionist Spencer Horsman at
Illusions Bar & Theater"
Click Here • "Award-winning magician Danny Lee Grew to perform in
Seend"
Click Here • "David Copperfield plays final show at MGM Grand after
25 years"
Click Here • Your UK magic news is always welcome - see you next
week, Duncan.
9.5.26