Number
1353 - Saturday 30th May 2026
The
Magicians Table. The wait is nearly over. In just a few days, The
Magicians Table opens the doors to its brand new home — The Vaults in
Waterloo — and a new chapter begins. This is the show you know and love,
reimagined. Now with 20% more magic, a brand new VIP experience, and a
venue built for nothing less than astonishment. Two hours of
breathtaking close-up magic, live music and expertly mixed cocktails,
brought to you up close by the UK's finest magicians.
50,000 tickets sold. Over 2,000 five-star reviews. Extended seven times
by popular demand. And now, the next act. Grand opening week runs 3–7
June 2026. The very first audiences will be the first to step inside —
and trust us, you'll want to be among them. Prepare to be astonished.
Prepare to be left speechless. The table is set!
www.magicianstablelive.com.
30.5.26
I.B.M.
British Ring Convention, Buxton Pavilion Arts Centre and Opera House, 19th &
20th September 2026. Artist Announcement: The current International I.B.M.
President - Jason Michaels! Jason Michaels is a professional magician, keynote
speaker, and author who blends world-class sleight of hand with powerful
storytelling. Born with Tourette Syndrome, Jason shares a deeply personal
journey of resilience, turning adversity into an unforgettable performance
experience.
With over two decades of experience and performances in more than 50 countries his work bridges entertainment and inspiration. Jason’s unique style combines humour, emotional depth, and masterful magic, leaving audiences both amazed and moved. Whether on stage or in intimate settings, he delivers a message that is as meaningful as it is impossible to forget. Jason will be appearing in our Gala Show at The Opera House on Saturday night and presenting a lecture! Tickets Click Here. 30.5.26
Neil
Kelso at The Magic Circle History Day, Saturday 6th June. A late addition to
The Magic Circle History Day next Saturday, 6th June, is Neil Kelso, who is
presently starring as the French magician Buatier de Kolta in the Chat Noir show
in London’s Earl’s Court. Neil will be giving a talk about his researches and
how he went about stepping into the shoes of the inventor of the De Kolta Chair
and the Vanishing Birdcage. Included will be some demonstrations of ‘De Kolta’
magic. This is a must-see talk for anyone interested in paying their own homage
to magicians of the past.
Neil joins the brilliant line up of diverse speakers that include Paul Kieve, Will Houstoun and David Wood, with subjects ranging from children’s magic to Houdini to macabre talking heads to card magic to scam games. 9.30am- 5.30pm at The magic Circle HQ in London. To book tickets: www.tmcshop.squarespace.com. 30.5.26
Britain's Got Talent: Magic Catch-up with Jake Banfield, and tonight's live Grand Final:
"Jake Banfield and his daughter create a magical moment in time! Semi-Finals BGT 2026" YouTube.
Tonight's live final is at 7pm with competing magic acts Rafferty Coope and Fabian Fox, and a guest spot from last year's winner Harry Moulding. 30.5.26
"Stand
by for action. Anything can happen in the next half hour..." That may be
from Stingray, and kind of gives my age away (#obvs), but it could
equally be applied to The Magicians' Podcast, where anything really can
and does happen, which makes it so watcha/listenable! And it lasts much longer
than half an hour too. This is the one MagicWeek watches or listens to, as each
week's MagicWeek is put together. DT.
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/MagiciansPodcast.
Subscribe on Spotify:
www.spotify.com.
Subscribe on Apple:
www.podcasts.apple.com.
30.5.26
The
MagicWeek Video Archive. A new magic clip or show every week! This
week, Joe Pasquale on The Royal Variety Performance from 6th December
1997. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with more from The
MagicWeek Video Archive
Click Here.
30.5.26
Matthew
Garrett Lecture - South Downs Magicians, 3rd June.
Des King writes:
Matthew is an award-winning close-up magician, and a member of The Inner
Magic Circle with Gold Star, a former winner of The Magic Circle Close-Up Magician
of the Year, Matthew is recognised as one of the leading close-up
magicians in the UK.
His modern, fast-paced style combines high-impact sleight of hand with
original visual magic, creating unforgettable moments right in front of
your eyes. A deep dive into the Close Up Linking Rings, Matthew is a
leading world expert and you can learn his original ideas and theory
with clear tuition, so your rings routine will elevate to the next level.
Plus: 'Monty The Spiv', creating photo moments with 'The Platted Heart' and 'The Jumbo Fan'
(perfect double tier fan, every time, for photos) and more.
Visiting magicians are welcome to attend for a fee of £8. The meeting
starts at 8pm and is held at The Parish Hall, High Street, Handcross,
near Crawley, West Sussex RH17 6BJ
www.southdownsmagicians.co.uk.
30.5.26
Jean
Luc Bertrand's Desert Island Tricks.
"The magic that stays with you isn’t always the trick you can describe,
it’s the feeling you can’t shake. That’s where our conversation with French
magician, creator, hypnotist and theatre performer Jean-Luc Bertrand begins: the
rare moments that make a seasoned performer feel like a five-year-old seeing
impossibility for the first time, and how we can build shows that give audiences
that same hit of wonder..."
YouTube. Brought to you by
www.alakazam.co.uk.
30.5.26
Level-up
your card control. Studio52 write: Ben Earl is releasing his three favourite
shuffle controls as part of The Family. He breaks down exactly how to get
the most out of these techniques and the psychology behind why shuffling is the
most deceptive form of control. If you can hold a break, you can master these
controls. 30-day, no-questions-asked money-back guarantee.
thefamily.studio52magic.com.
30.5.26
Oliver
Tabor Lecture - Northamptonshire Magicians' Club, 2nd June. Joy Payne writes:
We’re absolutely thrilled to announce a very special lecture night at NMC with
the fantastic Oliver Tabor.
Oliver will be sharing brilliant effects, routines, and ideas suitable for
close-up, mentalism, parlour, and stage magic—focusing especially on those
crucial opening and closing moments in your act.
As a full-time professional magician, former President of the IBM British Ring
No. 25, British Magical Champion, and FISM European Stage Magic 3rd prize award winner
(2017),
Oliver truly knows his stuff. His long-running show “West End Magic” has
entertained London audiences for over 10 years, and he’s the founder of a unique
theatre dedicated solely to magic.
Oliver’s insights into performance psychology, stagecraft, and presentation are
invaluable, whether you’re performing close-up or commanding a theatre audience.
2nd June, start time 8pm.
Members free, magicians’ guest fee £15 – pay on the night.
Northamptonshire Magicians' Club meetings are now held at:
Woody’s Bar & Restaurant, Clannell Road, (Tesco Car Park), East Hunsbury,
Northampton NN4 0JF
Important parking information: Woody’s is located in the Tesco Mereway car park. You receive up to four hours free parking while the store is open. You must validate your vehicle registration using the iPad inside the venue. Please make this the first thing you do when you arrive. Arrival time is completely up to you! Woody’s has a separate bar area where you can meet and socialise with food or a drink before the meeting starts. We’re looking forward to seeing you there, please support the raffle. Further information: www.northamptonshiremagicians.uk. 30.5.26
Oliver
Meech's Effervescent Membership reaches one year with Issue 12 – out now.
The first birthday issue features two tricks with wildly different gestation
times, from 20 minutes to 20 years. One uses a gag card to bring about an
efficient force and vanish. The other takes a neoclassic, involving multiple
faros, and makes it easy to do, with a ten-second reset. Plus access to all
previous issues (23 more tricks) at no extra cost. As Liam Montier says, "it
will make your brain fizz". If you like fresh plots, streamlined methods and
playful audience interaction, then join the fun here:
www.ko-fi.com/effervescentmembership.
30.5.26
Mark Bennet
Lecture - Nottingham Guild of Magicians, 4th July. Andrew Hickling writes:
The Nottingham Guild of Magicians presents Mark Bennet's 'Crowd Work' lecture at
the Ponds Hill Community Centre, Ponds Hill Lane, Arnold, Nottingham NG5 8DR on
Thursday 4th July at 7pm.
"You already have the personality. Now learn how to use it".
Visitors £10.00 on the door.
Doors 7pm.
30.5.26
Ian
Rowland Lecture - The Order of the Magi, Manchester, 9th June. Jonathan
Royle writes: We are delighted to welcome Ian Rowland to The Order of the Magi
in Manchester on Tuesday 9th June for what promises to be a highly engaging and
informative lecture, entitled 'The Best Secrets I’ve Learned in Almost 50 Years
of Magic & Mentalism'.
Within the world of magic and mentalism, Ian has performed and lectured internationally. His appearances include multiple lectures at The Magic Circle, Blackpool, and Magic Live in Las Vegas, as well as MindVention and other major conventions. He has also delivered two Penguin Live lectures and is widely known for his writing, including over 200 articles in the magic press. His book The Full Facts of Cold Reading has been described by Derren Brown as “the definitive work on the subject”.
This lecture is both entertaining and practical, structured in three main parts: First, Ian shares some of the most effective and accessible techniques he has developed over more than four decades, focusing on strong methods to create the impression of genuine mind reading. Second, he explores the world of corporate speaking and training, offering insight into how magicians can successfully enter this rewarding and often overlooked area of work. Finally, he looks at cold reading, breaking it down into clear, usable ideas and demonstrating why it can be both highly effective and genuinely enjoyable to perform.
Tickets are £10 per person when booked online in advance, or £15 on the night. See www.ticketsource.com for full details and to book. Members attend at no extra cost www.orderofthemagi.co.uk/membership. 30.5.26
Leamington and Warwick Magic Society presents A Day of Magic on 14th July. Dwayne Dawson writes: Leamington and Warwick Magic Society is delighted to announce the return of its legendary Day of Magic on Tuesday 14th July! Join us for a full day of unmissable action featuring top class lecturers, dealers, and hands on sessions for magicians of all levels — all building towards our spectacular Champion of Champions Magic Competition, which opens to the public from 6.30pm onwards. Expect big tricks, bold personalities, and edge of your seat entertainment as performers battle it out for the ultimate title. Whether you’re a magician, a magic fan, or simply love being amazed, this is the one event you won’t want to miss. Magic, mayhem, and unforgettable moments — all in one incredible day. Doors open 9.30am, tickets £5 on the door. For further details, contact Magic Matt Redmond on 07905 176230 or see www.lawms.wordpress.com/programme-of-events. 30.5.26
The
Greatest Magic Show. Join Tim Lichfield and Andy Larmouth in this
fast-paced, interactive magic show at Luton Library Theatre on Thursday, June
4th. Expect mind-bending moments and laugh-out loud audience interaction at "The
Greatest Magic Show" (according to Andy's Mum!). With special guest, Stephen
Barry, it'll be a night of amazing magic!
Book tickets via the website:
www.librarytheatre.net. The show starts at 7.30pm on Thursday June 4th at
Luton Library Theatre, Luton Central Library, St. George's Square, Luton LU1
2NG.
30.5.26
Jeff
Salmon's Sleight of Mind. From the organisers: Sleight of Mind is a mind-boggling journey into the power and possibilities of
the human mind; a tantalising puzzle that will leave you amazed and baffled.
Using psychological techniques, a fast-as-light-eye and a razor-sharp wit, Jeff
Salmon engages his audience with a series of mesmerising and utterly mystifying
mind games. With a mixture of applied psychology, misdirection and showmanship,
this is one man who can seemingly predict and control human behaviour. Whatever
you're about to think, he'll have not only thought it first but written it down
before the words have entered your brain let alone past your lips.
However you choose to categorise it, Sleight of Mind will amaze and unsettle
you. You won't understand how he does it, but one thing's for sure, you'll enjoy
this fast-moving and fascinating rollercoaster of a ride which explores the
human psyche. This live show does not have the luxury of television camera
trickery or sneaky editing. Simply put, what you see is what you get, and you'll
leave the show totally convinced that Jeff Salmon has just achieved the
impossible.
All profits from this production will be donated to Great Ormond Street Hospital and other selected charities. 8th - 22nd June at Upstairs at the Gatehouse, 1 North Road, Highgate Village, London N6 4BD. Book here: www.upstairsatthegatehouse.com. 30.5.26
"What
happened to Britain's Got Talent 2025 winner Harry Moulding the
magician?"
Click Here •
"Britain's Got Talent winner you probably forgot about who’s enjoying
huge success"
Click Here • "Meet the tech magician from
Northampton bringing humanoid robots to The Magic Circle"
Click Here • "We Broke Nicolas Cage With
Magic. Interview With A Magician"
Click Here • Please submit news by Thursday if possible -
absolute deadline 12 noon Friday, no exceptions. Many thanks, see you
next week, Duncan.
30.5.26
MagicWeek TM magic magazine - Created and Published weekly by Duncan Trillo MIMC © 2000-2026
Number
1352 - Saturday 23rd May 2026
Aberdeen
Magical Society has unveiled the line-up for its centenary show, 100
Years of Magic - a two-night celebration at Aberdeen Arts Centre on
4th & 5th September at 7pm. The performances will raise funds for the
Save Aberdeen Arts Centre campaign, a drive launched in 2025 to secure
the future of the 350-seat venue. A core group of performers will appear
on both nights: Garry Seagraves, Four Magicians, Dave Goulding, Carl
Howse (The Great Hootini), James Dickson, Smith & Burns, and Eoin Smith.
The Friday programme is completed by David Anderson (The Magician’s
Apprentice), Paul Rae, Jim Aitken, and Chris Begg as Kreestan Sennachie.
The Saturday line-up features Sid Ozalid, Stuart Sharkey (The Collieston
Conjurer), Steve Meredith, and Magic Jono.
The shows will showcase a wide range of magical styles, from close-up sleight of hand and comedy to mind reading, escapology and large-scale illusion. With different acts each night, audiences can experience varied programmes across the two performances. Tickets are on sale now via www.aberdeenartscentre.com. 23.5.26
Cinderella
at The London Palladium, Christmas 2026. You shall go to the most
magical ball in the land this Christmas as the world-famous London
Palladium invites you to the dazzling rags-to-riches fairytale
Cinderella. Comedy legends Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders reunite on
the West End stage for the first time in 17 years as the wickedly
hilarious Ugly Sisters, with incomparable panto sensation Julian Clary,
wand in hand, as the glittering Fairy Godfather.
Palladium panto favourites Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers and Rob Madge are
back by popular demand, joined by acclaimed TV and theatre star Dex Lee
as Prince Charming, with musical theatre’s Hope Dawe stepping into the
glass slippers as Cinderella. Expect the most spectacular costumes in
Pantoland, dazzling special effects, riotous laughter and all the magic
that has made The London Palladium the true home of pantomime for the
past decade. 5th December - 10th January
www.palladiumpantomime.com.
23.5.26
Potter
& Potter Auctions: Magicana of the Golden Age, June 20th. Highlights
of this closely-curated sale include remarkable rarities from the golden
age of conjuring: a diverse array of Houdiniana, Victorian magic
apparatus, relics from the stages of St. George's Hall, rare posters,
select modern props, and choice ephemera. See
www.potterauctions.com.
23.5.26
The
MagicWeek Video Archive. A new magic clip or show every week! This
week, Lance Burton Master Magician: On the Road, shown here in
the UK in April 2002 (featuring lots of famous magic faces throughout!). See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with more from The
MagicWeek Video Archive
Click Here.
23.5.26
Britain's Got Talent. Magic Catch-up from the past 7 days:
"Don't stop him now... Rafferty Coope turns Magic into Music!
Semi-Finals BGT 2026"
YouTube
"Young magician, Rafferty Coope wins Semi-Final 4's public vote! Semi-Finals BGT
2026"
YouTube
Tonight's last of the semi-finals at 7pm features the return of Jake Banfield, competing for a place in the Final which will take place live, next Saturday. 23.5.26
Brighton
Fringe returns for its 21st year, running to 31st May. We are an
open-access festival, meaning that anyone can pay our registration fee,
find a venue and put on an event as part of Brighton Fringe. Here are
five magic shows playing the final week:
Kane & Abel,
Andrew Frost,
Danny Lee Grew,
Katherine Rhodes,
Seska.
23.5.26
Dave
Forrest Lecture - York Magic Circle, 1st June.
Adrian Salamon writes:
Our next meeting on the 1st of June is a lecture with Dave Forrest. Most of you
will know who he is, but for those who don't, from his own site....
"Dave Forrest is a world-renowned, award-winning magician based in the west of
Scotland with over 25 years of experience. A four-time performer at The World
Famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, he is known for his funny, engaging and
interactive performances that leave his audiences amazed and thoroughly
entertained.
Dave is also a highly regarded creator of magic, having invented some of the
most popular magic effects that feature in the repertoires of professional
magicians world-wide."
Open to all -
Associate societies: £5
Everyone else: £10. Doors will open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. York Magic
Circle,
302 Thanet Road, York YO24 2NW
www.yorkmagiccircle.co.uk.
23.5.26
"Derren
Litten: How One Sketch Became Benidorm" Ben Hanlin's What's The Trick?
YouTube.
23.5.26
Jungle
Adventure: A Magical Expedition. Join Andy Green on a thrilling
quest to return the mythical Akiki bird to its home deep in the
enchanted jungle! Along the way, you'll discover magical creatures,
laugh at Andy’s wild conservation capers, and experience jaw-dropping
illusions. Expect the unexpected in this wild expedition... A
fun-filled, family-friendly show of magic, wildlife, and laughs for all
ages! Find out more on Facebook & Instagram @jungleadventurelive.
Chorley Theatre: Tuesday 26th May at 2.30pm
www.ticketsource.co.uk
Rotherham Civic Theatre: Wednesday 27th May at 2pm
www.rotherhamtheatres.com
Arlington Arts Centre Newbury: Thursday 28th May at 2pm
www.arlington-arts.com.
23.5.26
New
in the MLM Select Range. Jumbo Duo. Two Jumbo cards are
freely displayed and left in view on the table. A regular sized deck is
shuffled and cards are dealt onto the table in a pile until a spectator
calls ‘stop’. The card stopped at is left on top of one of the Jumbo
cards to one side. The deck is given another shuffle and then left
squared on the table. The other Jumbo card is tapped on the pack, and
when it is spread face down, now in the deck’s centre is one face up
card, and its value matches the Jumbo card that was tapped on the deck.
Finally, the card dealt down to at random at the start is now turned
over to reveal it is the perfect match of the Jumbo card it has been
sitting on. Jumbo Duo is easy to do and comes as a downloadable
video file costing just £7.00. To watch a dem and to order go to
www.markleveridge.co.uk.
23.5.26
Nuns!
- a new medieval comedy by all-female comedy trio Dog Complex Theatre.
Co-written and directed by Police Cops’ Zachary Hunt. Our show will
contain live magic created by The Hunger Games OnStage's magic
consultant Patrick Ashe - we think this show would be right up your
street!
The Place: Bavaria. The Year: Medieval. The Teeth: Rotten. Sister
Gertrude wants to be the holiest nun: forgoing sin, fearing desire, yet
secretly wondering what lies beneath Monk Bertram’s robes… So when
whispers of witches start to plague the convent, Gertrude teams up with
mysterious witch-hunter Yarrow and sets forth to rid the world of
devilry and naughty lustful thoughts. Expect action-packed physical
comedy, astounding magic and an all-female soundtrack (except that one
Evanescence song where the guy says “wake me up”).
Performed by only three women, this absurd and hilarious epic follows
two women battling their own shame, and portrays self-love as an act of
defiance in a world built on repression and fear. Ed Fringe 2026:
Assembly George Square - Studio 5. August 7th-31st (not 17th & 25th).
8.45pm. 60 minutes.
23.5.26
Phil
Tilston Lecture - Surrey Society of Magicians, 28th May. Paul
Dickson writes: Phil Tilston is a highly experienced close-up magician
with a strong background in practical, real-world magic. Having spent
over a decade performing at Houdini’s Magic Bar as a resident magician,
Phil has developed a repertoire of material designed to entertain,
engage, and work consistently in live performance settings.
Alongside his professional work, Phil has built an impressive track
record within the magic community, achieving multiple awards across
close-up and competition environments – including wins at the North West
Close Up Magic Championships and the Alakazam Magic Club competition.
Phil’s lecture focuses on material that has been refined through
performance – not just theory, but routines and techniques that have
stood the test of time in real working conditions. What to Expect: A
selection of practical close-up routines developed and refined through
real-world performance. Insights into creativity – how effects and
presentations are built from initial ideas. Lessons learned from 10
years working at Houdini’s Magic Bar. Detailed teaching on key sleights,
including the One-Hand Top Palm. And a variety of effects including:
Colour changing penknives. Out to Lunch routines. Thimble work. Card
magic (approximately 50–60% of the material). A 3-Fly routine. Okito box
work. Material released through Alakazam and used in professional
settings
This is an evening focused on strong, practical magic – the kind of
material that works in the real world, often requiring little or no
table space, making it ideal for walkaround, restaurant, and close-up
performances. Thursday 28th May at
The Surrey Society of Magicians, Nomad Theatre, Bishopsmead Parade, East Horsley,
Leatherhead KT24 6RT. Doors 7.30pm. Lecture 8pm. 15-minute interval. Finish
10pm. Visiting Magicians are welcome with a £10 fee, payable on the
door.
www.surreysocietyofmagicians.co.uk.
23.5.26
Bron
Ivy
on Craig Petty's Magic TV: 'Talk Magic'. Every week Craig Petty sits down and chats
with a well known magician; a creator, a performer, or someone who has had a
positive impact on the Magic Community. This week "Bron Ivy - Moving from
hobby to professional and becoming Family Entertainer of The Year."
YouTube.
23.5.26
Watford Association of Magicians Fish & Chip Supper, 26th May. Lee Bell writes: WAM Fish & Chip Supper, 26th May. Tickets now on sale. £26.00. Doors open at 7.15pm, when the close-up performers will begin. Food served from 7.45pm. Awards at 8.25pm. Surprise Cabaret begins at 8.35pm until approximately 10.15pm. The Venue: Henderson Hub, High Street, Abbots Langley, Watford WD5 0AR. Email Barry Harris barybazz@aol.com for menu options and payment details. We look forward to see as many of you as possible. 23.5.26
The Wheeltappers and Shunters Social Club, 28th May. Featuring ventriloquist Neville King, Jingles, Samantha Jones, and magic act Chris North & Jill. Series 5, Episode 6. From 1976. Thursday 28th May on Talking Pictures TV. See TV Magic for details. 23.5.26
Monumental
Magic! Around 20 years ago the team at Magicbox performed at the top
of Grey’s Monument in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. Now, just last week, Chris
"The Great Magician of the North" Cross found himself up there,
performing a little magic! A spectator's chosen card printed itself onto
a previously plain handkerchief, 120 feet in the air, high over the city
below.
YouTube. Cross said: "I've always wanted to go up to the top of
Grey’s Monument and it’s brilliant that
Newcastle City Guides are making this happen! They operate tours for
the public. It’s always incredible to be doing new things in the city I
love. I do hope Earl Grey was looking down enjoyed it. When I got home,
I even had a cup of Earl Grey to celebrate!"
23.5.26
Free
Magic & Mentalism Mind Reading Video Lecture Download. Jonathan
Royle Writes: To celebrate the 10th Year Anniversary of the 3rd Lecture
I gave for England's 3rd Oldest Magical Society, Manchester's Order of
the Magi (where I will lecture again in February 2027), I am giving away
to help promote the club and attract new members a video download
package of my 2016 Magi Lecture, at no charge until 31st May:
Click Here.
23.5.26
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.
23.5.26
"Derren
Brown: Only Human – combining magic, misdirection and mentalism to great
effect (Grand Opera House until Saturday 23 May)"
Click Here • "Essex magician in ITV Britain's Got Talent
semi-finals"
Click Here • "Jame Phelan and The Man Who Was Magic coming to
Winchester"
Click Here • "Comedy legends lovingly revisited in The Last Laugh at
The Kings Theatre, Southsea. Review"
Click Here • That's all for this week. Your UK
magic news is always welcomed. Have a good bank holiday weekend,
Duncan.
23.5.26