Number
1356 - Saturday 20th June 2026
Young
& Strange shine on America's Got Talent 2026. They've always
been MagicWeek favourites, but this really was a brilliant performance
from Young & Strange on AGT last week. In the 1960s Robert Harbin
reinvented illusion for the cabaret floor, now, in the 2020s, Young &
Strange have reinvented illusion for the close-up table! I loved every minute.
Just perfect.
DT. "Young & Strange risk it all on a World-First Grand Illusion - Up
Close! Auditions. AGT 2026"
YouTube. Young & Strange are currently starring in Champions of
Magic (June 8th - August 23rd) at the Studebaker Theater, Chicago:
www.fineartsbuilding.com.
20.6.26
Stealing
Magic. "This Documentary on magic trick theft feels like a
high-stakes thriller. Stealing Magic delves into a cat-and-mouse
game involving illusionists who travel the world to find the people
stealing their tricks online." Read the full story by Jason Newman in Rolling Stone. Also see
www.tribecafilm.com and
www.andigladwin.com/stealing-magic and "The Insider - Stealing Magic
with Andi Gladwin & Matthew Testa"
YouTube.
20.6.26
Ben
Hart to present exclusive preview of new show at Bolton Octagon, 4th
July. Ben Hart will present an exclusive preview of his new
theatrical magic show, The Labyrinth, at the Bolton Octagon ahead
of its full run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Ben Hart is known for
his television appearances and original theatre productions combining
magic, storytelling and psychological illusion.
The Labyrinth is Hart's new 55-minute theatrical magic show,
which will receive a special preview performance at the Bolton Octagon
before opening at Assembly George Square Gardens throughout August for
the 2026 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Saturday 4th July at 8pm at Octagon
Theatre, Howell Croft South BL1 1SB. Tickets and further information:
www.octagonbolton.co.uk.
20.6.26
Chat
Noir! Welcome to Paris, 1896. Step through an unassuming door in
West Kensington and London disappears. You are transported to Paris,
1896, Le Chat Noir — the legendary Parisian night club where cabaret was
born.
A three-course French banquet. Vintage cocktails. Absinthe rituals. Live
music. Magic, mime, dance, comedy, and song. Velvet, candlelight,
glamour and abandon. A room full of guests losing themselves in a world.
The critics are calling it “spellbinding and unmissable” The Spy In The
Stalls, “completely faultless” Stage to Page, “a superb and
unforgettable experience” The Upcoming, “a sumptuous, seductive triumph”
ArtsPod, and “one of the best nights out you can have at the moment” All
That Dazzles.
In the immersive cabaret experience Chat Noir! the magician is
Scottish multi-disciplinary performer and illusion designer Neil Kelso.
Kelso portrays the real-life French illusionist Joseph Buatier (also
known as Buatier De Kolta), who was a famous figure from magic's golden
age and invented legendary tricks like the Vanishing Lady. See
www.chatnoirlondon.com and
www.chatnoirlondon.com/artists.
20.6.26
Guy
Hollingworth's Desert Island Tricks.
"A magic classic finally gets its next chapter and the creator is as
thoughtful as you’d hope. We’re joined by magical royalty, Guy Hollingworth to
talk about More Drawing Room Deceptions, the highly anticipated follow-up to his
legendary Drawing Room Deceptions, plus the re-release of the original book with
a new chapter that shows how his routines have evolved through real performance.
If you care about strong plots, clean handling and material that lasts beyond
the hype cycle, this conversation is packed with gold."
YouTube. Brought to you by
www.alakazam.co.uk.
Rafferty
Coope joins Now You See Me Live cast. 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,
Enzo Weyne, Andrew Basso, Gabriella Lester & Matthew Pomeroy will unite as The
Horsemen, transforming the magic of the films into a live stage spectacle with
never-before-seen feats of wonder. Joining the cast as special guest acts will
be Britain’s Got Talent’s Eden Choi, Fraser Penman and Rafferty Coope.
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. For more information and to book visit
london.nowyouseemelive.com.
20.6.26
Ferrybridge
Day of Magic on Sunday 5th July. From the organisers: Travis
Perkins is pleased to announce this year’s star lecturers appearing at
the Ferrybridge Day of Magic on Sunday 5th July.
We will have a fabulous lecture from Andy Green.
Vinny Sagoo from Neo magic will be doing a lecture.
And Magic Circle ambassador and master escapologist Danny Hunt will be
presenting his talk In The Footsteps of Houdini.
The day is going to be another fun filled day with dealers and traders,
and showette.
Venue: The Community Centre, The Square, Ferrybridge, West Yorkshire.
WF11 8PQ. Doors open 9.45am and the day ends at 5.00pm. More information
can be obtained from: info@amethystmagic.com or
GMFS@shepherdholdings.co.uk
or
www.facebook.com.
20.6.26
The
MagicWeek Video Archive. A new magic clip or show every week! This
week, Channing Pollock and James Dimmare on John Fisher's The Best of
Magic from 4th October 1989. Hosted by Geoffrey Durham and Simon Mayo.
Performing with James Dimmare, Luna Shimada, and guest Annabel Croft. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with more from The
MagicWeek Video Archive
Click Here.
20.6.26
I.B.M.
British Ring Convention, Buxton Pavilion Arts Centre and Opera House, 19th &
20th September 2026. Artist Announcement from the organisers: Andrew Van
Buren and Allyson. Born into a magical show business family, his parents
Van Buren & Greta invented, built and performed illusions around the
world, most famously with their Vanishing Motorbike and Rider
surrounded, which was featured in FISM Brussels. Andrew’s show business
apprenticeship was unique; first time on stage at six weeks old in
Grosvenor House, London. As soon as he could walk, he helped and
performed with his parent’s illusion act and shows, both backstage and
onstage. Performing alongside veteran stage and screen stars, in
theatre, television, as well as with the Muppets, also touring in UK and
Continental circus.
Andrew’s partner Allyson is a trained dancer, make-up artist and ‘box
jumper’, with historic family links to the Buffalo Bill Wild West Shows.
Andrew developed his own career and act of unicycle, trick cycling and
juggling, which he combined with the family magic and illusions. Aged 12
he employed his first assistant who drove him to shows while helping
with his act, initially starting in nightclubs, working-men’s clubs and
raves before moving into theatre, cruises and television. Teenage Andrew
then resurrected the disappearing art of plate spinning with real
plates, becoming recognised as one of the world’s top plate spinner
experts. Andrew & Allyson will be appearing in our Gala Show. For
convention tickets
Click Here.
20.6.26
Danny Lee Grew: 24K Magic
- Dorchester Arts Centre, 25th September.
Join magician Danny Lee Grew in his brand new mystifying one man show - ‘24K
Magic’. Expect a spellbinding evening of jaw-dropping magic, astonishing
illusions, laughs, gasps and sleight of hand sorcery. No Rabbits, No Top Hats and most importantly, No magic ‘tricks’... just
miracles.
Prepare to be amazed! Prepare to be astounded! Book your tickets today before
they disappear.
Friday 25th September at 7.30pm at
Dorchester Arts Centre, High East Street, Dorchester DT1 1HF.
For info, tickets, and more tour dates, visit:
www.24kmagic.info.
20.6.26
Richard Jones: The Sound of Magic,
tonight, live on stage at The Granville Theatre, Ramsgate. A magical experience for all the family. The
Mind Has Ears… Are You Listening? What if the sounds you hear could
shape your thoughts? What if music, whispers, and silence could alter
your reality? Welcome to The Sound of Magic—a groundbreaking theatre
experience where sound and psychology intertwine to bend perception,
challenge belief, and blur the line between illusion and reality.
Prepare for a night of world class magic & psychological intrigue that
will leave you questioning: Are your thoughts really your own? VIP
Tickets available: including a 45 min pre-show close-up magic experience
with Richard, signed poster, keyring & photo opportunity. Family tickets
available.
www.thegranvilletheatre.com.
20.6.26
Jay
Gatling's Are You Watching Closely? at
The Magic Bar Live, Llandudno and The House of Secrets, Blackpool.
Magician, Wizard and possible Time Lord, Jay Gatling invites you to an evening
of astounding trickery and skill. Whether he’s solving a Rubik’s Cube
blindfolded, making random items float through the air or just casually reading
your mind, you’re certain to leave the show believing that nothing is
impossible, just a bit unlikely.
Experience the show that people are saying is: “A must see.” Tripadvisor
“Jay Gatling never disappoints” Tripadvisor “He will have you on the edge of your seat in anticipation.” Trustpilot
But perhaps this review sums up everything the best: “Navigating classical magic through Jay's eloquent, witty, and philosophical
lens really creates a wonderous and entertaining show that still has us
wondering "how did he do that?", as well as leaving us with a profound
appreciation for the *art* of magic. A great showman who knows how to interact
with a crowd as well as being sensitive to each person's level of interaction, I
would highly recommend this show to everyone!” Kirsty O - The Magic Bar Live,
Tripadvisor
Remember
to ask yourself one question. Are You Watching Closely?
The Magic Bar Live July: 10th, 22nd and 31st. August: 8th, 14th and 22nd. Tickets: Adults £12.50 Children: £10.00. The Magic Bar Live, 14 Clonmel Street, Llandudno LL30 2LE. See www.themagicbarlive.co.uk/tickets
The House of Secrets:
7pm on 1st & 20th August.
Tickets: £14.00. Russ Brown's House of Secrets, 105 Church Street, Blackpool,
Lancashire FY1 1HU. See
www.houseofsecretsmagicbar.com/upcoming.
20.6.26
The Summer Show
- West Cliff Theatre, Clacton-on-Sea.
Embrace the summer energy with a visit to The Summer Show. Join us for our
renowned offering of high-quality live entertainment, sprinkled with all the
glitz and glamour you’d expect from the longest running summer variety show in
the world! This year features Britain’s Got Talent ventriloquist Steve Hewlett,
magician Danny Lee Grew, sublime vocalists, and sensational dancers - The Summer
Show in Clacton is the perfect way to enjoy the summer holidays.
With nostalgic nods to the great summer shows of the past, whilst keeping a firm
eye on the future, The Summer Show offers plenty of variety, memories, and
laughter that the whole family will cherish. By offering a free child seat with
every adult ticket purchased, we hope to make a family visit affordable so that
everyone can experience the magic of live theatre. Book now for the variety
spectacular that has enthralled audiences since 1894!
5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 22nd August at
West Cliff Theatre, Tower Road, Clacton-on-Sea CO15 1LE.
Tickets:
www.thesummershow.uk.
20.6.26
Matthew
Garrett Lecture – British Magical Society, 23rd June. Phil Sweeting
writes: The name Matthew Garrett is synonymous with his Ninja
Rings and he is undoubtedly a master of our art. The lecture promises to
focus on strong, practical close-up magic, with particular emphasis on
structure, misdirection, and creating examinable miracles. While the
Linking Rings feature prominently, the concepts taught apply directly to
all close-up magic and are immediately usable by working magicians.
Visiting magicians welcome (£10 on the night), and there’s a free buffet. Evening starts at 7.30pm on Tuesday 23rd June at our club house, Stirchley United WMC, Hazelwell Lane, Stirchley, Birmingham B30 2PR. Good parking on site and short walk from Bourneville Station. 20.6.26
Kevin
Quantum: Invisible Force. Ed Fringe 2026. Can Quantum Harness the
Most Powerful Force in the Universe? World-class showman mixes amazing
magic with humour and charm. Our world is shaped by powerful and unseen
forces – but what are the strongest of them all and can they be mastered
by scientist and magician Kevin Quantum?
At this year’s Edinburgh Fringe, he presents a thrilling new show
blending cutting-edge illusion, psychology, audience participation and
stories from the frontiers of science. As a physicist Kevin worked to
penetrate the secrets of the universe and the fundamental forces that
make it function. Gravity shapes galaxies. Sound waves carry information
through the air. Electromagnetism drives the modern world. At the
quantum level, unseen forces govern the behaviour of reality itself.
★★★★★ "Astonishing" Evening News. ★★★★★ "Master Illusionist" The Advertiser. ★★★★★ "Art of Deception demonstrated perfectly" ThreeWeeks. Ballroom at Assembly Rooms (Venue 20). Tickets: www.edfringe.com also see www.quantummagician.com. 20.6.26
The
Leveridge Legacy Collection. Here is another recent release in the
Legacy Collection of limited quantity Mark Leveridge physical products:
Perfect Intuition. This is a very strong effect which is designed
for use at a dinner table or in an informal group where there are at
least 7 people present. A spectator selects any one of a dozen envelopes
all of which have a business card inside. She writes the name of one of
the other people present on the back of the business card in her
selected envelope and after returning it, mixes this envelope up with
five others.
The helper now indicates in any order she pleases six people round the
table and an envelope from the shuffled pile is handed to each. At any
stage that she likes, she requests that the next envelope be given to
the person whose name she has written on the card. Despite the fact that
she selected any business card, that she shuffled the envelopes herself
and that she decides which spectator gets which envelope, somehow her
named person ends up with the envelope containing the business card with
their name on! Straightforward to do, this is a strong routine in which
the spectator appears to do just about everything! £25.00. To watch a
dem of this and other items still available in the Legacy range go to
www.markleveridge.co.uk.
20.6.26
Steve
McShane Lecture - Surrey Society of Magicians, 25th June. Paul
Dickson writes: Magic Circle Member Steve McShane presents a new talk
entitled "The Anywhere Act or Spontaneous Sorcery". What to Expect: What
do you do when someone says "Show us a trick" and you have nothing on
you? In this practical and entertaining lecture, you'll learn powerful
magic that can be performed anytime, anywhere with everyday objects.
Using items such as coins, pens, notes, books, borrowed objects. These
routines create strong reactions without special props or preparation.
This is real-world magic designed for the moments magicians encounter
most: at the pub, at work, during travel or in unexpected social
situations.
Visiting Magicians are welcome with a £10 fee, payable on the door. The Surrey Society of Magicians, Nomad Theatre, Bishopsmead Parade, East Horsley, Leatherhead KT24 6RT. Doors 7.30pm. Lecture 8pm. 15-minute interval. Finish 10pm. www.surreysocietyofmagicians.co.uk. 20.6.26
Online
Circus and Magic Auction ending 7th July. Timed sale of a
single-owner collection of Circus and Magic memorabilia. Keys
Auctioneers, 23rd June to 7th July. All bidding takes place via
thesaleroom.com. See
www.keysauctions.co.uk and
www.the-saleroom.com.
20.6.26
The
Sleightly Twisted Podcast. Who's Back Catalog would we buy? Hosted
by Alan The Sleight Co and Luke from Twisted Minds Magic: After a busy
few weeks away, we’re finally back behind the microphones to catch up on
everything happening in the world of magic. This episode is a relaxed
live chat covering new releases, running a magic shop, product ideas,
branding, creating magic, and some of the biggest talking points in the
industry right now...
YouTube.
20.6.26
For
Sale & Wanted. The free MagicWeek classified ads have been going strong
since issue number 1, back in July 2000. Please double-check the T&Cs to make sure your
ad appears. For Sale
Wanted. DT.
20.6.26
"I
watched Derren Brown for the first time at Birmingham Hippodrome - and
it left me questioning reality"
Click Here • "Vanni Pulé: Still pulling wonders out of thin air"
Click Here • "Magician-Comedian Stephen
Bargatze Sets Debut Special ‘Out In A Minute’"
Click Here • "World Renowned Magician James Phelan comes to London
and Edinburgh Fringe with ‘Showman’"
Click Here • "Seven Perfect Shuffles Randomize a Deck of Cards. But
How Many Sloppy Ones?"
Click Here • "'The audience will be part of the magic': Dynamo
announces intimate Bradford show"
Click Here • "Penn & Teller call out 'flim-flam' in Supreme Court
death penalty case"
Click Here • "Magician Brings Close-Up Magic To Hitchin Streets"
Click Here • Busy week. Many thanks for all your news items, see you
next week, Duncan.
20.6.26