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Keith Bennett 20th April 1948 - 11th October 2025
Remembered by Barry Allen
It
is with great personal sadness that I have to advise the community of the
passing of my good friend, Keith Bennett.
Keith sadly left us during the early hours of Saturday 11th October 2025, due to
complications following major surgery.
Keith became interested in Magic as a young boy, his initial trick to master
being the Spot Paddles. This ignited a fire within and his passion for Magic
continued throughout his life. He joined The British Magical Society (BMS) as a
junior and this association lasted for many years.
Aside from his interest in Magic, Keith's other passion was photography. This
led to him becoming a professional photographer and running his own studio.
Many reading this will of course remember Keith as a Magic Dealer. Starting out
as a mail order business, Keith opened a shop in Oldbury, that became a mecca
for visiting magicians. He also nurtured new magicians into the fold with advice
and guidance for their progression into performers. Indeed, upon meeting
Romanian Magician Abel at the BMS, they created an effect that completely fooled
the judges on the TV show 'Romania's Got Talent'.
During this period, many will remember that Keith introduced 'Bicycle Seconds'
onto the UK market, having convinced the United States Playing Card Company that
"all that Magicians ever tend to do is write on them, fold them and tear them up
anyway". However, 'Keith Bennett Magic' quickly established itself as a dealer
who could provide much more than cards - supplying a raft of books, DVD's and
Coin Magic from across the Globe.
As a well-known and trusted dealer, Keith attended Magic Conventions worldwide -
from Blackpool to FISM in Japan. Often accompanied by his good friends; Paul
Hancox from the BMS and David Charles (Hocus Pocus Magic); Keith introduced
countless magicians to his range of commercial products. Keith and the brilliant
John Carey, who was also so close to Keith over many years, ventured across
Europe with Keith's support during his lecture tours, with Keith's knowledge of
French and German being particularly useful.
Of particular note was Keith's ability to take classic plots and offer
simplified routines, to cater for newer magicians, or for those who found
sleights particularly difficult. Alongside this, he also introduced his own
creativity onto the scene, including his brilliant KickBack (KB) Monte,
redesigned wallets and practical, creative routines for his range of coin gaffs.
Over most recent years, Keith supplied the exceptionally well-made Tango range
of coins from Argentina, which sparked the interest of many to dip their toe
into pursuing Coin Magic for the first time.
As a lecturer, Keith was in popular demand at magic clubs. His passion was
Misdirection - and to learn directly from him was a pure masterclass in this far
too often misunderstood subject. His work on the Classic Force, Top Change and
Coin Magic brought these within reach of those who may have needed guidance.
Keith Bennett will be sorely missed - from his very good friend Jake in
Cambridge, Abel from Romania and myself, to name just a few. Undoubtedly, many
more will miss him greatly. He was a fountain of magical knowledge and a trusted
dealer. I'll certainly miss our weekly curry - and magic sessions though to 4am,
more than he'd have ever realised.
Of particular note, I must mention his long-term friend and more recently his
carer, Tigger. A truly remarkable woman who has been there for Keith with such
unselfish care and love for when he needed support most. A beautiful person who
I know, truly held a very special place in his heart.
No specific details are available at this time regarding Keith's funeral or
celebration of life event but anyone interested is more than welcome to email
me.
Thanks for the advice, companionship and laughs over the decades Keith. Rest In
Peace mate.
Barry Allen, BarryAllenMagic@aol.com October 2025