Number
1337 - Saturday 7th February 2026
Mathew
Knight is The Magic Circle Close-up Magician of the Year 2026! Charlie
Burgess reports: Mathew Knight was a double winner at The Magic Circle’s
Close-Up Magician of the Year Competition 2026, which took place on Monday, 2nd
February. Not only did the Nottingham performer win the overall award from a
small panel of judges but he also took home the Audience Choice Award - voted on
by over 100 members watching in the club’s theatre at their London HQ and over
100 watching online.
Mathew, who joined the Society 11 years ago, was overwhelmed by his win. “I’m
flabbergasted,” he said, paying particular tribute to his mentor, fellow
Nottingham magician Marc Oberon. He beat seven other finalists to the title.
James Pritchard was declared the Runner Up. The other finalists were Damian
Surr, Shang Ma, Alex Sprackling, Sid Quatrine, Alexander Crawford and Jason
Ouyang.
The Magic Circle President Marvin Berglas said: “The competition represented a
diverse mix of styles and talent and it was a real pleasure for our packed
audience. Mathew Knight was a popular winner - performing his signature
Invisible Date effect and some surprising productions. With the club going from
strength to strength I hope this year’s competition inspires more of our members
to try and win this prestigious title in the future.” Photo by
Brendan Rodrigues
Photography. Also see
www.mathewknightmagician.co.uk and
www.themagiccircle.co.uk.
7.2.26
The
"Up North" Magic Convention by Chris Cross & Enchanted Rabbit Magic,
17th-19th April 2026 at The Gibside Hotel, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. From
the organisers: Get your full weekend, single day or gala-show-only
tickets now:
www.theenchantedrabbit.com
Friday 17th April: Evening Magic Show with
Chris Cross and Luke Jermay. Saturday 18th April: Dealers Showcase.
Lectures from Simon South, Oliver Tabor, Luke Jermay, Prof. Richard
Wiseman. Saturday Gala Show. Sunday 19th April: Kids Shows from Chris
Cross & Hayden Parker. Lectures from Marc Oberon, Quentin Reynolds and
Craig Petty.
What to expect:
• Up-close professional lectures
• A curated dealers area packed with rare magic
• Two spectacular evening Gala Shows
• Workshops, social sessions and networking opportunities
• A magical Sunday Kids Show for families
Spaces are intentionally limited to keep the experience personal and
immersive. Tickets are now available (full weekend & day options).
Secure your place here:
www.theenchantedrabbit.com. We look forward to welcoming you to a
magical weekend away up North! Chris Cross & Co.
7.2.26
Film
footage of Paul Daniels' "The Eldanis" from 1964. David
Britland just published this in
Cardopolis 48 and
thought MagicWeek readers would enjoy it too, and writes:
I was surprised to find this. It is a film of Paul Daniels and then wife
Jackie performing as The Eldanis. The show, put on by the Middlesbrough
Magic Circle in 1964, was filmed by Betty Cook of the Cleveland Cine
Club.
I remember Paul talking about The Eldanis act. He worked the clubs with
it before he found fame with his comedy. Paul and Jackie also performed
the act at magic conventions where they won a couple of competition
trophies. Their Liberace-style costumes and simultaneous card fans
performed to ‘beat music’ was widely praised. Here is a typical
reference from Abracadabra (24th April, 1965) published just a few
months after Betty Cook made her film: "On the other hand, speed was the essence of the show presented by the
Eldanis, featuring manipulations of cards and billiard balls, some silk
work, a good Zombie and, at the close, a silken cascade on which the
curtain fell and rose and fell again — it seemed never-ending."
While there is no sound to this video, Betty Cook has captured pretty
much the entire act. You’ll find it here at the Yorkshire and North East
Film Archive:
Paul
Daniels & The Eldanis - 1964. [Many thanks David, really good to
see this. I was amused that although it was silent it looked like he was
adlibbing something to an audience member at one point, offering just a
hint at what was to become his forte just a few years later.
Cardopolis is published monthly. See
www.cardopolis.substack.com DT].
7.2.26
Funky
Snake Magic Theatre - Leighton Buzzard, 13th February. From the
organisers: Friday
13th February is going to be another epic night of magic at Funky Snake
Magic Theatre. Get your tickets at
www.funkysnakeescape.co.uk. Since opening, our magic nights
have been a huge success! We bring you the best magicians from around
the UK.
5 star reviews across the board.
A thrilling atmosphere and always fantastic audiences.
On this show we will be joined by the awesome performers Pete Heat and
Garath Kaylan, hosted by Dave Allen.
7.2.26
Magic
at the Gatehouse, London. Join us, once a season, for an evening of Magic at
the Gatehouse presented by an exciting line-up of top magicians. Witness
miracles manifest before your eyes in an intimate theatre that puts you
at the heart of the magic.
Featuring: Tom Brace, Liam Ball, Wayne Fox and Marc Paul. 7.30pm (doors
7pm) on 16th February at Upstairs at the Gatehouse, 1 North Road,
Highgate Village, London N6 4BD. Book here:
www.upstairsatthegatehouse.com.
7.2.26
Matthew
Wright Lecture - The Ulster Society of Magicians, 12th February.
From the organisers: The Ulster Society of Magicians are hosting the
“Hook” lecture by Matthew Wright on Thursday 12th February 2026 in
Belfast. Three-time FISM award winner Matthew Wright has built a
reputation for creating magic that resonates — close-up, parlour, or
stage, his work blends character, storytelling, comedy, and astonishment
into unforgettable performances.
In his new lecture The Hook, Matthew shares the ideas and philosophies
that shape his magic. Rather than focusing on methods and mechanics, he
explores the deeper questions: Why this effect? When should it be
performed? Where does the meaning truly lie? Drawing on his own creative
process, Matthew demonstrates material from his professional repertoire,
then dissects not just how it works, but why it connects. You’ll
discover how to craft presentations that reflect your own personality
and passions, transforming a trick into an experience your audiences
will care about.
This lecture is for everyone — from the curious hobbyist to the seasoned
professional. You’ll learn practical tools to strengthen your
presentations, develop stronger narratives, and most importantly, to
“hook” your audiences from the very first moment. As a student of Eugene
Burger, Matthew learned to search for depth and meaning in magic. In The
Hook, he passes on those lessons, showing how you too can elevate your
performances into something memorable, personal, and powerful. Thursday
12th February. The lecture is open to visiting magicians by prior
arrangement with the Secretary for a fee of £25.
www.ulstersocietyofmagicians.com.
7.2.26
Craig
Petty's Desert Island Tricks.
"If you’ve ever been told to perfect five tricks and repeat them forever,
prepare to toss that rule out. Craig Petty joins us to make a fearless case for
evolving your set, testing ideas in the wild, and embracing marketing as part of
the craft. Please note: There is strong language throughout this podcast and
therefore, it might not be appropriate for some of our younger listeners."
YouTube. Brought to you by
www.alakazam.co.uk.
The MagicWeek Video Archive.
A new magic clip or show every week! This week, Omar Pasha on John Fisher's
The Best of Magic from 3rd October 1990. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To see more from The MagicWeek Video
Archive
Click Here.
7.2.26
Matthew
Wright Lecture - Medway Magical Society, 17th February. From the
organisers: Three-time FISM award winner Matthew Wright creates magic
that stays with you long after the applause fades. Across close-up,
parlour, and stage, his performances fuse storytelling, character,
comedy, and astonishment into moments audiences don’t just watch — they
feel. In his powerful new lecture, The Hook, Matthew goes beyond
methods and mechanics to reveal what truly makes magic connect. Instead
of asking how an effect works, he asks the questions that matter most:
Why this effect? When is the right moment to perform it? How do you give
it meaning?
Through demonstrations drawn from his professional repertoire, Matthew breaks down not just the workings of his material but the thinking behind it. You’ll learn how to shape presentations that reflect your personality, your passions, and your point of view — turning tricks into experiences your audiences genuinely care about. Perfect for hobbyists and professionals alike, this lecture delivers practical, immediately usable tools to help you: Create stronger openings. Build engaging narratives. Instantly “hook” your audience from the first moment.
A former student of Eugene Burger, Matthew brings depth, intention, and
humanity to every piece of magic he performs. In The Hook, he shares
those lessons openly, showing you how to elevate your magic into
something memorable, meaningful, and uniquely yours. Tuesday 17th
February. Tickets: £5 members, £10 non-members. Email the club secretary
secretary@medwaymagicalsociety.org.uk for tickets. Medway Magical
Society, The George, 344 City Way, Rochester, Kent ME1 2BH.
7.2.26
Luke
Oseland
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 "Luke Oseland returns to
discuss his incredible rise in magic"
YouTube.
7.2.26
The
E-Video Newsletter Feb 2026. Mark Leveridge is pleased to announce
the availability of his latest 45 minute online video presentation,
which features: The Teach In – this time Mark explains a way of
showing, with one ribbon spread, that any one of four cards is the only
printed card in a double blank deck. Pro Peeks – a Mark’s Monthly
Message video discussing how to start your act strongly has been lifted
from the E-Club Pro files. The Table Magician Unplugged – part 16
from The Table Magician e-book rounds up a selection of do’s and don’ts
when working at restaurant tables. The Trick Box – here is a
simple effect called Business Card Swap which teaches a versatile
envelope switch requiring no stack or gimmicks. Web Offers – save
money on The Security Pen coin and purse routine and the penetration
effect called Missing The Point. 60 Seconds To Success – advice
is offered on why you should prevent a booker from interfering with your
dinner function table plans. To watch the complete 45 minute
presentation, simply sign up to Mark's free E-Club Lite at
www.markleveridge.co.uk/#e-prices which also provides you with his
monthly email newsletter, and the weekly Back-Chat blog.
7.2.26
Potter
& Potter Auctions - The Games We Play: Puzzles, Games, & Playing Cards.
February 19th. Following on the heels of our 'Artifacts of Play'
auction, this sale will celebrate the pastimes of yesteryear and the
recent past. The auction will feature antique and modern playing cards
and gambling memorabilia, elaborate vintage board games, and puzzles and
curiosities (including an extensive offering of rare paper dolls) from
various collections.
www.potterauctions.com.
7.2.26
Potter
& Potter Auctions - Literature of Legerdemain. February 28th.
Featuring the collection of magic bibliographer Stephen Forrester, this
premier sale will feature highlights from his library of rare, old, and
unusual conjuring books from the seventeenth century to the present day.
www.potterauctions.com.
7.2.26
The Wheeltappers and Shunters Social Club, 12th February. "Tony Christie sings Amarillo and Old Man River, and Frances Yip sings Make My Life a Bit Brighter. Terri Rogers, Alan Randall and Eddie Flanagan also star." See TV Magic for details. 7.2.26
"Nothing
less than magic"
Click Here • "Notts man crowned 'Best Close Up Magician of the
Year'"
Click Here • "Prudhoe's Paul Innes named UK’s top wedding magician"
Click Here • "Is magic back? Or did it never leave? A magician
weighs in on the trend"
Click Here • "Conjuring up the cash - An Evening of Magic in aid of
Portrush Lifeboats"
Click Here • Your UK magic news is always welcomed - big and small!
See you next week, Duncan.
7.2.26
MagicWeek TM magic magazine - Created and Published weekly by Duncan Trillo MIMC © 2000-2026
Number
1336 - Saturday 31st January 2026
Steven
Frayne: Up Close and Magical - London 4-week run. After a
highly sought after run in early 2025, Steven Frayne returns to Underbelly Boulevard Soho with
Up Close and Magical for a limited 4-week run – offering audiences of all
ages a new, unique showcase of magic from across his incredible career to date.
Whether you’re a first-time audience member, or you think you’ve seen the show
before, this residency promises brand new magic that will blow your mind and
leave you scratching your head! Best known for his headline grabbing stunts,
boundary breaking cinematic TV specials and awe-inspiring arena shows across the
world, Steven Frayne is back, and Up Close and Magical is the perfect
opportunity to experience the power and wonder of his magic up close with
nothing to hide.
To 28th February.
www.underbellyboulevard.com.
31.1.26
Charlie
Caper: Blackpool 2026. Charlie Caper was the first magician in the
world to win a 'Got Talent', taking home Sweden’s Got Talent in 2009. He
has performed in 73 countries, lived for a decade from the money people
put in his hat, and is a pioneer in tech magic using iPads, robots and
AI.
Charlie performs his one-man show at BMC for the very first time and we know he'll be one of the hits of this year's convention. As well as performing, Charlie will also be lecturing. He has created several full evening shows and once even had to create 30 different acts for television. He will discuss lessons from those processes with a focus on creativity, character and narrative, and will also be including his thoughts on street performing. www.blackpoolmagicconvention.com. 31.1.26
Wessex
Magical Association 2026 Convention. We’re excited to announce that
the Wessex Magical Association's 2026 Magic Convention will take place
on Sunday 29th March. Join us for another great One Day Convention,
culminating in a Gala Show in the evening. Lecturers confirmed: Andi
Gladwin, John Morton, Oliver Tabor and Jamie Williams. Plus magic dealers during
the day. There are two links for Day and Gala tickets.
Day ticket:
www.ticketsource.co.uk.
Gala Show ticket:
www.ticketsource.co.uk. Bournemouth School for Girls Main Hall,
Bournemouth BH8 9UJ. Sunday 29th March 2026 from 9am. Also see
www.wmagic.co.uk.
31.1.26
My
Mind Rocks - February Update.
February at My Mind Rocks focuses on one of the most powerful and
underused skills in mentalism: contact mind reading, also known as
muscle reading.
This month’s core workshop explores the classical foundations of the
technique alongside modern, real-world applications. Members are guided
step by step from basic directional tests through to more advanced
object-location and performance scenarios, with a strong emphasis on
developing genuine sensitivity rather than relying solely on gimmicks.
The contact mind reading series is hosted by Looch alongside David
Bolton, with additional insight from Drew McAdam, who contributes a
bonus discussion on finger-tension and micro muscle-reading techniques.
February also features a special guest lecture from Radek Hoffman,
author of The Art of Revealing, a release that was enthusiastically
received by the MMR community. Radek’s session focuses on revelation
structure, clarity, and emotional impact – principles that dovetail
naturally with the month’s contact mind reading theme.
Alongside the featured content, MMR continues its weekly live Members
Jams, providing a regular space for discussion, experimentation, and
shared problem-solving. Members also receive 20% off all items in
Looch’s online store as part of their ongoing membership benefits.
February continues MMR’s commitment to preserving classic mentalism
techniques while presenting them in a modern, practical, and
commercially usable way.
www.mymind.rocks.
31.1.26
Michael
O'Brien Lecture - The Order of The Magi, Manchester, 17th February. Jonathan
Royle writes: Live in Manchester, on Tuesday 17th February
at 7.30pm, Master
of the Close-Up Linking Rings and other Magical Miracles Michael O'Brien.
Michael has made
many appearances over the years both in person and on
television, has performed in the Magic Castle's most prestigious rooms including the Close-up
Gallery and Parlour of Prestidigitation and has
also performed and lectured at the Penguin Magic Theatre in Columbus,
Ohio, at the famous Magic Circle in London, and at the world's
largest magic convention in Blackpool. Now he is coming to England's 3rd Oldest
Magical
Society, The Order of The Magi in Manchester!
Guests are welcome on the night for just £10 at The Irish World Heritage Centre, Irish Town Way, off Queens Road, Cheetham Hill, Manchester. For more information check the website www.orderofthemagi.co.uk or contact Mike Sharples 07748 833666 secretary@orderofthemagi.co.uk. 31.1.26
Hudson
& Hudson: Married at First Sleight - Jacksons Lane, London, 20th March.
The hilarious, feel good magic show from a real-life couple who mix
marriage, magic and mind-reading. Think tricks, twists and the
occasional tiff. Perfect for dates, mates, and anyone who’s ever argued
over the remote. Hudson & Hudson have appeared on TV shows including
Britain’s Got Talent and Penn & Teller: Fool Us. Friday 20th
May at 7.30pm at Jacksons Lane, 269a Archway Road, London N6 5AA
www.jacksonslane.org.uk.
31.1.26
Steve
Dela Lecture - South Staffordshire Society of Magicians, 9th February. Ian Brennan
writes: The South Staffordshire Society of Magicians
will be welcoming Steve Dela for his latest lecture on Monday 9th
February at The Greenheath Club in Cannock.
Visiting magicians are welcome; price £10 on the door.
Steve is a multi award-winning magician; a member of the 4F; the creator
of Dela props including the Night Flight Deck range which is loved by
many magicians. Steve even has his portrait hanging in The Magic Circle
Headquarters.
This lecture is packed full of real world magic from many years of
experience. Steve is a very genuine and down to earth person who is
happy to answer questions. This is one not to be missed!
For more information drop a message to South Staffordshire Society Of
Magicians via Facebook. We look forward to seeing you there. The South
Staffordshire Society of Magicians, Greenheath Progressive Working Mens Club, 21
Blewitt Street, Cannock WS12 4BE.
Meetings start at 8pm.
31.1.26
The MagicWeek Video Archive.
A new magic clip or show every week! This week, Geoffrey Durham on John
Fisher's The Best of Magic from 3rd October 1990. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To see more from The MagicWeek Video
Archive
Click Here.
31.1.26
An Evening of Comedy & Magic with Chris
Cross - Close House Golf Club, 13th February. From the organiser:
Charity is Magic with Chris Cross & Sir Graham Wylie! On Friday 13th February - something magical this way comes!
The first of 10 events in 2026 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of The
Sir Graham Wylie Foundation has been confirmed - and it promises to be a
spellbinding evening!
Friday 13th is a date considered unlucky for some, however, anyone
with a ticket can consider themselves very lucky - as only 80 seats will
be available to watch Chris Cross in action!
This intimate and exclusive theatre-style magic show will run for 90
minutes, taking place at the No.19 Clubhouse at Close House Golf Club,
within the grounds of the Close House Estate. Doors 7.45pm Show
8pm-9.30pm. The restaurant bar, next door, will be open all day serving food and
hot & cold beverages.
Restrictions: Over 18's Only (parts of the show may only be suitable for
adults). Close House Golf Club, Heddon-on-the-Wall, Newcastle upon Tyne
NE15 0HT.
Tickets: £25 on a first come first served basis, available via email:
valerie.wilkinson@sirgrahamwyliefoundation.org.uk. Also see
www.facebook.com.
31.1.26
E-Club
Pro New Membership Sign Up Returns. Following some issues with
PayPal, new sign-ups to Mark Leveridge’s online resource E-Club Pro had
to be temporarily suspended. Although current members were not affected,
others wishing to join were unable to do so. Now after two months, the
error has been corrected and so new enrolments are once again possible.
This is great news for anyone who is looking to get access to thousands
of video, audio and PDF files featuring a wide range of Mark Leveridge’s
creative output. There are hundreds of routines suitable for close-up,
strolling, stand-up, mentalism and children’s shows, as well as in-depth
advice and help on everything to do with the magic lives of amateurs,
semi-pros and full timers. E-Club Pro costs just £12 a month on an
automatic rolling PayPal payment schedule, and membership can be
terminated at any time as there is no fixed subscription period. So join
other members from around the world and give your magic life a New Year
boost! For more info and to sign up go to
www.markleveridge.co.uk/#e-prices.
31.1.26
Color
Match Taskmaster by Tony Anverdi - now available from Merlins. Merlins have just received the latest
release from Anverdi:
Anverdi's Color Match Taskmaster.
From the mind of Anverdi comes a revolution in mentalism!
Perform anywhere: close-up, parlor, stage, or television, Taskmaster adapts to every environment.
Your imagination is the only boundary. Find out all about it at
www.merlinswakefield.com.
31.1.26
Gary
Jones Lecture - South Downs Magicians, 4th February.
Des King writes:
Gary Jones will be lecturing at South Downs Magicians
on Wednesday 4th February. Gary is an
award-winning professional magician with over 35 years of experience, performing
worldwide for celebrities, royalty, and top companies. A member of The Inner
Magic Circle with Gold Star, Gary has appeared on BBC’s Now You See It and
The
Graham Norton Show, earning a reputation for his engaging style, sleight-of-hand
mastery, and unforgettable performances.
Every effect presented in Gary Jones's lectures has been rigorously tested and
refined through real-world performances, ensuring its practicality and impact.
Visiting magicians are welcome to attend for a fee of £8.00. 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.
31.1.26
Jon
Allen's Desert Island Tricks.
"A great trick hits harder when the audience already cares. That’s the
heartbeat of this conversation with creator and worker Jon Allen, where we
unpack eight routines he’d take to a desert island and the principles that make
them land: meaningful framing, suspense over flash, and full-circle reveals."
YouTube. Brought to you by
www.alakazam.co.uk.
31.1.26
February
Festival of Circus and Magic, Blackpool. From the organisers:
Roll-up, roll-up! Love magic and mystery? From 19th-22nd February,
February Festival of Circus and Magic is bringing an exciting blend of
live performances and show-stopping variety to Blackpool. Enjoy
cutting-edge street acts, mind-blowing tricks from magicians and fun
entertainment for all the family. Take a look at the jam-packed schedule
below, take your pick or experience the whole lot! For more info see
www.visitblackpool.com.
31.1.26
Desert
Island Tricks: SOS Peter Nardi.
"A sliced finger, a kiwi, and a lesson in checking your props!"
YouTube. Brought to you by
www.alakazam.co.uk.
31.1.26
Showzam!
From the organisers: Blackpool is set to welcome something truly magical
this February half-term as Showzam! brings an exciting blend of live
performances, illusions, and variety acts to town. Running from February
14th to 22nd, this brand-new event promises a week of unforgettable
entertainment for visitors of all ages.
Prepare for a week of Street Stunts & Outdoor Performances, Spectacular
Shows, and hands-on Workshops & Experiences. With incredible street
acts, world-class magicians, and plenty of family fun, there’s something
for everyone. See
www.blackpooltourismbid.co.uk.
31.1.26
Modern Magic - Charlotte Street Hotel, London, tonight! Back for 2026! Downstairs in the sumptuous screening room at the Charlotte Street Hotel, the audience will have their minds read, senses manipulated and experience some of the most astonishing feats of modern magic. Sit down and relax as Jake takes you on a journey of dapper deception, sophisticated sleight of hand and mischievous mind games.
So many people see magic on television and don't believe it, now you have the
chance to witness the miracles, up close and live, before your very eyes!
During the Golden Age of Magic, at the turn of the 20th Century, illusions were
performed in private rooms by parlour magicians. Rarely does an audience today
get this up close and intimate view of great magic. Jake’s new show brings magic right up to date
by amazing his audience with incredible
sleight of hand, pure mind reading and baffling illusion.
This is Jake's latest magic show in London, featuring a range of new and
incredible pieces of magic... Expect Jake’s unique magical blend of expert
sleight of hand and cheeky showmanship. This is a night not to be missed. Do not
miss out as tickets will sell out very fast!
Charlotte Street Hotel, 15-17 Charlotte Street, London W1T 1RJ. See
www.modernmagic.co.uk
for full details.
31.1.26
Bargain Loving Brits in the Sun. "Burnley magician Matt recently lost seven stone in weight, and he's hoping he's fit enough to reintroduce his old favourite straitjacket escape into his act." Monday 9th February on 5Star. See TV Magic for details. 31.1.26
"Jude
Law shows off fuller hairline as he and Andrew Garfield transform into
tiger taming magicians Siegfried and Roy"
Click Here • "Series about legendary magician duo Siegfried and Roy
uses CGI tigers"
Click Here • "Hey presto! Magicians are
sexy now and we’re all under their spell"
Click Here •
"BGT winner Harry Moulding to return to Pleasure Beach Resort this half
term for special show"
Click Here • "Is The Session Worth it?" asks The Daily Magician
[the answer is "yes!"]
YouTube • "With comic magician Pete Firman. Adam Dowling on BBC
Radio Surrey"
Click Here [at 34' 40"] • "MagicArt Fest brings international
magicians to Romania next week"
Click Here • "Review: Now You See Me at Crown Theatre"
Click Here • That's it for another week. Your UK magic news is
always welcomed. See you next week, Duncan.
31.1.26