Number
1365 - Saturday 22nd August 2026
Juan
Tamariz 18th October 1942 - 18th August 2026
"The last 'chan-tatachán' of Juan Tamariz: the magician who marked several generations dies at 83. His daughter Ana has confirmed the death of the Madrid artist, world champion in 1973, unforgettable television face and generous master of several generations of illusionists", writes Jaime Barrionuevo in www.elconstitucional.es.
"Magician Juan Tamariz dies at 83 years old" en.ara.cat.
There was a real outpouring of love and affection for the wonderful Juan Tamariz across magic social media during the week. Everyone who knew him either as a friend or as an audience member will have their own special memories. Live and up close he ignited audiences like no other. Duncan Trillo. 22.8.26
Juan
Tamariz in 1989. This week, from The MagicWeek Video Archive, Juan Tamariz in a guest appearance on John Fisher's
The Best of Magic,
from October 1989. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with past weeks
Click Here.
22.8.26
Guy
Hollingworth: The Drawing Room Grand Tour - Monday, August 24th at The Magic
Circle, London. For the London stop of the Drawing Room Grand Tour, Guy
Hollingworth returns home to The Magic Circle, for an evening devoted to his new
book More Drawing Room Deceptions.
Rather than a lecture or workshop, the London event will take the form of an intimate book talk and conversation, centered around this long-awaited sequel to Drawing Room Deceptions. Guy will discuss the origins of the new material, the years of development behind the routines, and the philosophy that shaped the book itself. Select pieces from More Drawing Room Deceptions will also be demonstrated throughout the evening, offering guests a rare opportunity to experience the material performed live in an intimate setting. See www.vanishingincmagic.co.uk for Magic Circle non-member ticket information. 22.8.26
British
Ring Convention Chris Wardle Tribute.
Carol Tynan writes:
An important part of The I.B.M. British Ring Convention will be a Tribute Show
in memory of Chris Wardle who was, in the words of Host Geoffrey Durham, "a
uniquely talented magician with an astounding facility for magical invention".
Geoffrey will introduce fellow magicians Richard Cadell & Sooty, Alan Maskell,
JezO, Philip Partridge and Rick Tynan, who will share their memories of Chris
and his magic, and perform some of his excellent effects and routines.
Entry to this event is included with registration for the Convention, 19th and 20th
September, at Buxton Pavilion Arts Centre.
For more convention information and to register
Click Here.
22.8.26
Northamptonshire
LADs Centenary Convention - Sunday, 27th September.
From the organisers:
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 is back - for one final time.
After eight years of sold-out events and unforgettable lectures, LADs (Lectures
and Dealers) returns in 2026 - 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 upcoming 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. For further
information please see our website:
www.northamptonshiremagicians.uk. Sunday 27th September from 10am – 8pm at
Delta Hotels, Eagle Drive, Northampton NN4 7HW. Tickets £45 per person. Due to
venue capacity ticket numbers are limited to 200. There are still a few
available through the website:
www.northamptonshiremagicians.uk/lads2026.
22.8.26
Magic on the Fringe...
"Review: Mario the Maker Magician, Fringe
2026"
www.edinburgh-reviews.co.uk
"Ben Hart: Labyrinth review [subscription]"
www.thestage.co.uk
"Edinburgh 2026: Review: Colin Cloud: Hoax at Pleasance Courtyard, The Grand" www.broadwayworld.com
"Blackbox review – a legendary escape from slavery is told with magic tricks" www.theguardian.com
"Review: All New Crazy Puppet Magic Show, Fringe 2026" www.edinburgh-reviews.co.uk. 22.8.26
Illusionist
James More joins the main cast of Now You See Me Live until the run
ends on 6th September. From the promoter:
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. See
www.londoncoliseum.org.
22.8.26
Kieron
Johnson's Desert Island Tricks.
"The easiest way to spot a real magician isn't the trick, it's what happens
when something goes wrong. Kieron Johnson joins us to talk about the skills you
can't fake: audience management, timing, trust and the grind of making strong
material work night after night. Kieron has been at the top of modern close-up
creation for years and he's also performing in the West End production "Come
Alive, The Greatest Showman," where he runs multiple sets across parlour, stage,
close-up and an eye-melting bubble show..."
YouTube. Brought to you by
www.alakazam.co.uk.
22.8.26
Kevin
Quantum's journey into magic began in one of the strangest ways imaginable: four
weeks on Channel 4's Faking It, being transformed from a physicist into a
magician and attempting to fool Paul Daniels into believing he was already a
professional. He was taught by some extraordinary names in magic,
including Pat Page, Mandy Muden and Penn & Teller.
Twenty years later, in his new TEDx talk, Kevin looks back at that experience to
explore why such an unlikely transformation actually worked – and what those
four intense weeks taught him about our ability to change far more quickly than
we think. There's even a magic trick along the way! See
YouTube. [The original 'Faking It' part one
YouTube,
part two
YouTube].
22.8.26
Cillian
O'Connor added to Irish Magic-Fest lineup. Quentin Reynolds writes:
Magician Cillian O'Connor is a Britain's Got Talent finalist with over 500
million views online, and an Autism Awareness Key Speaker.
His incredible performances have not only wowed audiences in his home country of
Ireland and the UK, but have also taken him across the world to the United
States, Monte Carlo and Korea.
But he's not just about entertainment. Cillian is also a passionate advocate for
autism awareness. His inspiring TEDx and Stanford University Talk on his
personal journey with autism has touched the hearts of many and has made him a
sought-after speaker on this important topic.
Chris Congreave, Chris Power, John Lenahan, Jack Sharp from Australia and Joe
Barry are some of the other performers and/or lecturers.
In addition Chris Power will be holding a Masterclass on Commercial Close-Up
Magic and Joe Barry a Masterclass on Improvising With Card Magic.
The Masterclasses are limited and nearly sold out.
The convention is in Dublin on the 12th and 13th September. Full details at
www.irishmagicfest.com.
22.8.26
Alex
McAleer Lecture - The Ulster Society of Magicians, 25th August. James
Hobart writes: On Tuesday August 25th The Ulster Society of Magicians will be
welcoming back to the society Alex McAleer.
Visiting magicians welcome by advance agreement with the Secretary James Hobart,
email: j.hobart@btinternet.com. Admission £25 payable at the door.
Alexander Marsh is the pen name of professional mentalist Alex McAleer. His
creations have been performed by magicians and mentalists around the world, and
he has presented two Penguin Live Lectures, released best-selling effects
including Forgotten Princess and Thy Will Be Done, and, with The 1914, produced
acclaimed masterclasses on stagecraft and billet work.
As Alex McAleer, he has appeared on ITV's Good Morning Britain, NBC's Access
Hollywood, Seven Network's Today Tonight, and BBC's Blue Peter. He spent a
decade touring internationally as a principal performer with Champions of Magic
before launching his own solo theatre show, which continues to tour the UK.
www.ulstersocietyofmagicians.com.
22.8.26
"The List"
Fringe nominations this year feature two magic shows and a ventriloquist show:
"Fringe - Best Cabaret" Nomination: Kevin Quantum: Invisible Force
"Fringe - Best Cabaret" Nomination: Colin Cloud: Hoax
"Fringe – Best Kids" Nomination: Max Fulham's Monkey Business
See www.list.co.uk. 22.8.26
Bron Ivy's
'The Forgotten Art of Kindness' Lecture - South London Magic Society, 1st
September.
Simon Rosselli writes: In her lecture, Bron shares her alterative approach to
connecting with an audience and how to create an engaging and emotive story
through your magic. This is an approach that Bron uses in all her shows, from
children's shows to family shows, from parlour shows to stage acts. It's this
approach that has won her several competitions and commendations, as well as
recognition from her peers. The Forgotten Art of Kindness is not just for family
entertainers as any magician who wants to make a meaningful and memorable
connection with their audience will find this an inspiring and thought-provoking
talk.
Bron is a storyteller at heart, and through the power of narrative and the
secret magic of kindness she won the 2026 Family Entertainer of the Year finals
in Blackpool, to become the first woman to win in the history of the competition. Bron has
been booked time and again by luxury venues for her beautiful magic that
enchants all ages at a level that is personal and emotive. Tuesday
1st of September 8pm – 10pm at South London Magic Society, West Beck Social Club, 1
Sidney Road, Beckenham BR3 4PX. £10 for non-members (which can go towards membership
of £35, if you decide to join). Pay on the night.
22.8.26
Amazing
Roy Bond Lecture - The Nottingham Guild of Magicians, 3rd September. Andrew Hickling writes: The Nottingham Guild of Magicians presents the Amazing
Roy Bond lecture on 3rd September at Pondhill Lane Community Centre, Arnold, NG5
8DR.
Roy Bond is an award winning Close-Up mix and mingle magician based in Nottingham,
with over 20 years professional experience.
Specialising in close-up magic for many events, Roy has performed
internationally in Egypt, New Zealand,
Germany, and Hong Kong.
Come and join us for what will be a fantastic lecture from one of our own.
Visiting magicians £5 on the door or via
www.thenottinghamguildofmagicians.co.uk.
22.8.26
The North
Western Society of Magicians
Magic Cabaret 2026. Louise Taylor writes:
This year we are at The Soccer Bar, Wilkie Road, Barrow-in-Furness LA14 5UQ on
Saturday 14th November. 7pm start £25 per person, including dinner, with a stage show
featuring Philip Partridge as compère, Emma & Harry Williams
from the Magic Bar Llandudno and Louise Andrée Douglas-Mirza to close, with an
after disco with Mad Matty.
To book your place please email nwsm.secretary@outlook.com.
22.8.26
MLM
Web Offer Aug/Sept 2026. Mark Leveridge's product range already offers great
value, but the Web Offers make it even more so. Here is one of the latest deals.
Co-inci-mental. This is a direct and simplified handling for the classic
You-Do-As-I-Do plot. Two identical sets of 26 cards are brought out, one set
having red backs, the other blue. A spectator shuffles the blue set, while the
magician mixes the red, and then both are ribbon spread face down across the
table.
The magician reaches across and pulls out one of the cards from the spectator's
blue backed set and drops it on the top of the blue pile. The spectator then
randomly pulls out any of the performer's red backed cards and drops it on the
top of the red pile. Both halves are then collected and squared and left on the
table.
Despite the fact that both halves were thoroughly shuffled, that both cards were
selected sight unseen with the cards face down, and that the performer chose his
before the spectator did, when the two top cards are turned over, they
match! This is quite a coincidence, but even more amazing is that both piles are
now flipped face up and ribbon spread to reveal that the two chosen cards are
the only black suit cards in an otherwise entirely red suit collection! This
great routine is easy to perform and available as a TricKlipXtra Video Download
for just £4.00 (normal price £7.00). To watch a dem and to order go to
www.markleveridge.co.uk.
22.8.26
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." Saturday 29th August on Channel 5. See TV Magic. 22.8.26
Border Force: America's Gatekeepers. Packages of cocaine are found concealed in the chassis of a bus, officers receive a tip-off about a vehicle loaded with cartel cash, and a magician comes under scrutiny. Friday 28th August on U&Dave. See TV Magic. 22.8.26
"The
magic of the West Show: Performer hails community event"
Click Here • "Magicians and margarine: 10 of the funniest jokes from the
Edinburgh fringe 2026"
Click Here • "Popular Vegas Influencer Turns Childhood Magic Dream Into
Reality With New Show 'Hacked'"
Click Here • "Luxembourg magician David Goldrake wins major award, reflects
on changing industry"
Click Here• "Magician Dan White Stuns Jimmy Fallon and Questlove With Dart
Trick on The Tonight Show"
Click Here • "Fringe review: Houdini amazes and entertains"
Click Here •
Thanks for your news, it's always welcomed. Have a
great weekend now that it's cooled down a little. See you next week, Duncan.
22.8.26