Number
1361 - Saturday 25th July 2026
Now You See Me Live - opens at the London Coliseum on Friday! From the promoter: Now you see it. Soon you won't. For a limited time only - this is one trick you won't want to miss. Inspired by Lionsgate's worldwide blockbuster film franchise, this explosive stage spectacular brings world-class illusionists together for their UK premiere at the iconic London Coliseum. With special guest acts from Britain's Got Talent: Eden Choi, Fraser Penman and Rafferty Coope, this is five weeks of pure, jaw-dropping magic. Playing 31st July to 6th September only. See www.londoncoliseum.org. 18.7.26
Magic,
Mirth & Music with Martin Daniels - Gorleston Pavilion Theatre, 7th August.
From the promoter: Bad Monkey Promotions is pleased to bring you "Magic, Mirth &
Music" with Martin Daniels, (son of the legendary Paul Daniels) plus a special
musical guest!
Martin often appeared on his father's TV show and later went on to present two
seasons of Game For a Laugh and Lingo as well as appearing for five seasons on
the Les Dennis Laughter Show. He has performed five times on the Children's
Royal Variety Show and is a member of the Grand Order of Water Rats, which is
the oldest and most exclusive theatrical fraternity in the world.
Martin's show "Magic, Mirth & Music" brings to you the man's very own sharp wit
and extraordinary magic skills in a show that is sure to be a fun packed family
night out for all. Plus there is supporting musical guest Sarah Jameson, to
complete your evening's entertainment! "Magic, Mirth & Music", a night not to be
missed! Pavilion Theatre, Pier Gardens, Gorleston-on-Sea, Norfolk NR31 6PP. See
www.gorlestonpavilion.co.uk.
25.7.26
James
Ward - I.B.M. British Ring Convention, Buxton Pavilion Arts Centre and
Opera House, 19th & 20th September 2026. Artist Announcement from the
organisers: James Ward has written for many magazines over the years,
among them Abra, The Magician, Secrets and The Magic Circular. He has also
authored and edited several magic books, some with his great friend, the late
Chris Wardle, with whom he co-wrote the Key Ring's long-running 'Collaborative
Conjuring' column. He has performed on radio and TV and lectured around the
country and as far away as India. A member of The Magic Circle and The British
Ring, he has won the Cecil Lyle Award, the Hoffmann Memorial Award and, with the
late Chris Wardle, the Eddie Dawes Award.
James will be presenting a lecture. For Convention
tickets
Click Here.
25.7.26
Tom
Stone's Desert Island Tricks.
"The fastest way to kill your creativity is to make it easy. Tom Stone
explains why he keeps raising the bar for himself, how he avoids falling into a
'system', and why a little struggle is often the best sign your magic is still
alive..." YouTube. Brought to you by
www.alakazam.co.uk.
25.7.26
Paul
Zerdin: What happens after you win America's Got Talent.
"Paul Zerdin shares the truth about winning America's Got Talent, revealing how
25 years of preparation, relentless refinement and calculated risks led to one
of the biggest moments of his career. Sharing the reality of Las Vegas and
burnout, to building world-class performances that work anywhere, this is a
conversation about success, creativity and what it really takes to stay at the
top..." Ben Hanlin's What's The Trick?
YouTube.
The
MagicWeek Video Archive. A new magic clip or show every week! This
week, Uri Geller's Time machine on John Fisher's 'The Best of Magic'
from 5th September 1990. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with more from The
MagicWeek Video Archive
Click Here.
18.7.26
"What
can comedians do to get paid on time?" Magician and writer Martyn Rowland,
founder of the Entertainers' platform
Giggio, writes in
www.chortle.co.uk.
25.7.26
Back-Chat,
The Weekly Blog. Each Saturday Mark Leveridge sends out a special email
called Back-Chat which features a thought provoking and interesting blog taken
from his extensive Chatter blog archive. A wide range of topics have been
covered, and to give you an idea, here are the subjects from the last ten weeks.
Is It Better To Learn From Books Or Video? Ruining The Party. Secrets Are
Soon Forgotten. When Does A Trick Become Public Domain? The 'Too Perfect'
Theory. Magic Is Bad For Your Health. The Business Of Selling Magic.
Understanding Your Audience's Mood. What People Say To Dealers. Don't Get Taken
Advantage Of. Each blog only takes a few minutes to read and hopefully
provides you with a great magic start to your weekend. If you would like to
receive the weekly Back-Chat email, simply sign up for any of E-Club Lite,
E-Club Pro or E-Club Elite by going to www.markleveridge.co.uk/#e-prices and you
will be added to the Back-Chat list. To access the most recent selection of
monthly blogs and/or to download any of the previous Chatter volumes stretching
back to Sept 1992 (!), go to
www.markleveridge.co.uk/blog.
25.7.26
Paul
Regan Lecture – British Magical Society, 28th July. Phil Sweeting writes:
Paul, a street magician who's come in from the cold, can tell the same story
about his background that most professional magicians can. So instead let's
focus on his views on what magic can do. From running Magic is for Girls, a
women's only magic class to encourage more women into magic, to taking over The
Magic Circle Education Days and expanding them to help facilitate groups with
additional needs, Paul sees magic as a universal language to be enjoyed and
shared. In his lecture, The Magician's Choice, Paul explores ideas and asks
questions, helping us to focus in on what makes a good trick; and what makes a
good magician. Visiting magicians welcome (£10 on the night), and there's a free
buffet. Evening starts at 7.30pm at our club house, Stirchley United WMC,
Hazelwell Lane, Stirchley, Birmingham B30 2PR. Good parking on site and short
walk from Bourneville Station.
25.7.26
Step
back in time in the magical city of Edinburgh. Heading up to Edinburgh for
the Fringe? Or interested in magic history? Richard Wiseman has put together a
free, self-guided, magic-based walking tour of the city. It contains lots of
stories and photographs, including those related to Harry Houdini, The Great
Lafayette, Charles Cameron and many more. Some of the stories will be new to
many magicians, including the link between John Henry Anderson and Sir Walter
Scott, and philosopher David Hume's contribution to magic! Wiseman hopes that we
all do the same for our own area, and so together create a magical map of the UK.
Anyone interested in helping out should contact Richard. The walk is part of the
Edinburgh Magic Circle's 80th celebrations. To take yourself on the walk, or to
just to see the material, visit
www.magicwalk.co.uk.
25.7.26
Jack
Rhodes 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. "Jack Rhodes Returns - Becoming one of
the worlds most popular magicians"
YouTube.
25.7.26
Phil
Hitchcock can be seen in Goldilocks and The Three Bears at the Woking Theatre
from 5th December to 3rd January. From the promoter: Roll Up, Roll Up This
Pantomime Season! Olivier-nominated stage, screen and comedy star Brian Conley
appears in Goldilocks and the Three Bears for Woking's 2026 pantomime! This
circus-themed version based on the classic tale sees the golden-haired young
Goldilocks heading up her own circus, but when the evil ringmaster of a rival
circus tries to spoil the show, it's going to take a little bit of help from
three large furry mammals to save the Big Top!
Expect a classic panto romp, with hilarious jokes, dazzling sets, circus stunts
and lavish costumes, plus of course, the audience participation that makes
panto, panto! Don't miss this new story, which the whole family will enjoy.
www.wokingtheatre.co.uk.
25.7.26
The
All-New Summer Show - Gorleston Pavilion Theatre. Join us this summer for an
evening packed with outstanding live entertainment, featuring spectacular
vocals, dazzling dance routines, comedy, magic and variety from some of the
region's finest performers. Starring popular entertainers Eddie Bushell and
Joshua Pickering, alongside powerhouse vocalists Ben Carruthers, Nina Taylor and
Craig Catchpole, this fast-moving production brings together great music, big
production numbers and plenty of surprises along the way.
Backed by our talented company of dancers, The All-New Summer Show celebrates
everything audiences love about live variety entertainment, with chart
favourites, classic hits, magic, laughter and moments of genuine spectacle.
Whether you're visiting the coast or enjoying a night out closer to home, this
is feel-good entertainment for all ages in the unique surroundings of the
Pavilion Theatre. Pavilion Theatre, Pier Gardens, Gorleston-on-Sea, Norfolk NR31
6PP. See
www.gorlestonpavilion.co.uk.
25.7.26
It
is Robomon. "My dream is to travel all around the world creating performance
videos, and I can't wait for the day I get to visit your country and dance
there!"
YouTube [Brilliant! DT].
25.7.26
"An
absolute Triumph at the Leamington and Warwick Magic Society Day of Magic!"
writes Dwayne Dawson
Click Here •
"Performers welcome 'magical' Punch and Judy return"
Click
Here • "Samantha Morton on her acting Odyssey from magician's assistant to a
standout role as sorceress Circe"
Click Here • "International magician Mind Bender's show comes to Norwich"
Click Here • "Magician wows crowds in Newcastle with dramatic upside-down
escape stunt"
Click Here • "Aidan Corcoran's Incredible Magic Makes Sofia Vergara Scream!
Auditions AGT 2026"
Click Here •
Many thanks for your UK magic news as always, see you next week, Duncan.
25.7.26
MagicWeek TM magic magazine - Created and Published weekly by Duncan Trillo MIMC © 2000-2026
Number
1360 - Saturday 18th July 2026
A
Message from Phil Peters of Merlins: As many of you may have heard,
after more than 30 years in business with Mark Lee at Merlins, I have
now officially retired. I would like to take this opportunity to thank
everyone we have met, supplied, and worked with over the years. Without
your amazing support, we would never have been able to keep our
bricks-and-mortar magic shop going for so long. We have always prided
ourselves on being the best we could be and, hopefully, bringing a
little magic into our customers' lives. Over the years, many customers
have become good friends, and I truly appreciate all the kind words,
encouragement, and constructive advice we have received along the way.
I have now sold my half of the business to Danny Malin. Many of you will
know Danny from his food reviews, but you may not realise that he has
had a passion for magic for many years. In fact, he even owned his own
magic shop in Doncaster some years ago. Looking ahead, Mark and Danny
will continue to run Merlins as usual while introducing new ideas and
exciting initiatives to make the experience even better for everyone. I
wish them both every success for the future, and I'll still be around
from time to time to lend a hand.
Thank you once again for your friendship, loyalty, and support over the
past three decades. It has been an incredible journey, and I feel very
fortunate to have shared it with so many wonderful people. All the very
best, Phil Peters MMC. (Photo L to R: Mark, Phil and Danny)
www.merlinswakefield.com.
"Danny Malin: I've just bought the Wakefield magic shop that sparked my childhood dream" www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk
[I'd like to wish Phil a very happy and relaxed retirement. Thank you Phil for being such a rock solid MagicWeek advertiser for the past 25 years. Merlins, as well as running an online magic shop, have one of the country's finest actual magic shops at 15 The Springs, Wakefield WF1 1QE. Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10am - 3.30pm. Very best wishes to Mark's new business partner Danny too. Danny is a natural showman as anyone who has ever watched his YouTube videos will already know! DT]. 18.7.26
Part-Time
Wizard, Full-Time Moron. Jack Rhodes presents his debut comedy magic
special: 'Part-Time Wizard, Full-Time Moron'. Written, performed,
directed and edited by Jack Rhodes.
YouTube.
18.7.26
"Joel
M shatters Howie's Phone In A Shocking Magic Trick. Auditions AGT 2026"
YouTube.
"Co Down magician Joel M smashes his way through to next round of America's Got Talent" www.msn.com.
"Joel M hammers home magic skills on America's Got Talent" www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk. 18.7.26
Mark
Shortland and Steve Dela at Funky Snake Magic theatre, Leighton Buzzard! Join us in our air conditioned theatre for an unforgettable evening of
amazement at our monthly Magic Nights! Watch in awe as some of the UK's
top magicians dazzle you with mind-blowing illusions and unbelievable
feats of magic. Whether you're a lifelong fan of magic or just looking
for a unique night out, our performances promise to leave you wanting
more. Don't miss out on the chance to witness world-class magic. Book
your tickets now and prepare to be amazed! Friday 31st July at 46 High
Street, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire LU7 1EAM. See
www.funkysnakeescape.co.uk/magic-theatre.
18.7.26
Luke Jermay
Lecture -
Northamptonshire Magicians' Club, 21st July.
Joy Payne writes:
The third of our jam-packed July lectures sees us welcoming Luke Jermay.
Luke is a British magician, mentalist, and writer renowned for blending
psychological illusion, suggestion, and mind reading. Performing since
he was 12, he published his influential book 7 Deceptions at the age of
15. He's created signature feats like pulse cessation and The Chair
Prediction, authored over 30 works on mentalism, and consulted for major
magicians and TV shows including Derren Brown, Criss Angel: Mindfreak,
and The Mentalist.
Do not miss this chance to learn from a genuine modern-day master - it's
going to be another memorable night at NMC!
Start time 7.30pm.
Members free, magicians' guest fee £20 – pay on the night.
Northamptonshire Magicians' Club meetings are held at
Woody's Bar & Restaurant, Clannell Road, (Tesco Car Park), East Hunsbury,
Northampton NN4 0JF. 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.
18.7.26
Coded
by Adam Fahn, now available from DiscountMagic.co.uk: Adam has been
performing these routines for years using this brilliant but simple
marking system, and that is how it may well have stayed without the
encouragement of John Morton at Blackpool Magic Convention 2026. Now
Adam has released the system, materials and worked routines to the wider
magic community.
Coded is a professional utility gimmick that lets you secretly
identify and distinguish seemingly identical props in full view of your
audience, with nothing to hide. The method is near invisible. The
applications near limitless.
Whether you're running a Sneak Thief, a Second Spot, a Kurotsuke, or
your own bespoke routine,
Coded gives you the knowledge you need the moment you need it. Use
it with pads and pens, boxes and silks, tubes, packets, jars - the
gimmick is always there, hidden in plain site. If you have multiple
identical props, Coded can mark them. The only limit is your imagination
and practice time.
Sneak Thief: A Larry Becker Sneak Thief Style routine. Instantly know
who has written in which pad or book, or on which slate or white board
etc. Return the item to the spectator or reveal their thoughts with
patter to suit.
Second Spot: A Maurice Fogel Second Spot style routine. Instantly know
who has put what in which box, bag, packet etc. Return the right
contents to each spectator with a patter to suit your style.
Kurotsuke: As Max Maven style routine. Instantly know which of your 6
spectators swapped their identical item for the different item on the
table. Packets, tubes, jars, and boxes work well with this routine.
Divine Revelation: A classic follow on from Second Spot. This time you
see the items go in and pick a box seemingly at random and instead of
returning the item to the spectator the contents are revealed without
looking inside the package. In stock! See
www.discountmagic.co.uk for more info and to order.
18.7.26
John
Kimmons - I.B.M.
British Ring Convention, Buxton Pavilion Arts Centre and Opera House,
19th & 20th September 2026. Artist Announcement from the
organisers: John Kimmons (Kimmo) started performing magic at 15 as a
children's entertainer and quickly built a reputation for his unique mix
of comedy and magic. A former demonstrator for Supreme Magic in the late
'80s, he went on to win the Children's Entertainer World Championships
in 2008, along with the Ken Dodd Award for Comedy at the Blackpool Opera
House.
John now performs and lectures worldwide. His TV credits include The
Sorcerer's Apprentice, The Slammer, and Crackerjack. He has appeared at
the Magic Castle in Hollywood and has been a featured variety act with
Disney Cruise Line for over 10 years. He is also the organiser of the
world-famous Trix Convention for family entertainers. For Convention
tickets
Click Here.
18.7.26
Christopher
Carter's Desert Island Tricks.
"If you've ever watched mentalism drag under too much procedure,
Christopher Carter brings a refreshing counterpoint: move fast, stay direct and
make the audience feel the mind reading before they think about the method. We
talk about why attention spans are shrinking across the board, how that shift
changed the college show market and what still holds up when you're working
corporate events, theatres and even cruise ships..."
YouTube. Brought to you by
www.alakazam.co.uk.
18.7.26
The
MagicWeek Video Archive. A new magic clip or show every week! This
week, a Bian Lian "face-changing" artist on Penn & Teller's Magic and
Mystery Tour in China, in 2001. [Really nice this one. If anyone can
help with the artist's actual name please let me know, so that I can
update on YouTube. DT] See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with more from The
MagicWeek Video Archive
Click Here.
18.7.26
Live
Auction: Modern Magic Masters, Potter & Potter Auctions, 15th August.
This auction features relics, posters, books, and props from the shows,
collections and workshops of modern magic masters. Included are items
owned or used by The Amazing Johnathan, Johnny Thompson and Tom Mullica.
www.potterauctions.com.
18.7.26
Aberdeen
Arts Centre's Big Variety Show. On 2nd & 3rd October, Aberdeen Arts
Centre's Big Variety Show brings together top variety talent from across
the north east of Scotland to raise funds for the Save Aberdeen Arts
Centre campaign. Alongside the best in theatre, music, dance and
gymnastics, the two-night celebration will feature award winning magic
ensemble Four Magicians, a performance from members of Aberdeen
Magical Society, and will be hosted by globe-trotting comedy magic duo
Smith & Burns. Tickets are £18-20 + booking fee, from
www.aberdeenartscentre.com.
18.7.26
E-Club
Pro Select Release July '26. The Magic Card. The entertainer reveals
that every pack of magicians' cards contains a special 'magic card' that helps
the other cards in the deck to do their tricks, and he invites a spectator to
guess which card is the 'magic card' in his particular pack. Let's imagine the
spectator suggests the 4D. The performer says that although this is a good
guess, it is in fact the 8S, and he removes said card from the pack. Handing
over the balance of the deck to the onlooker, the magician asks her to shuffle
the cards. The 'magic card' is then placed face up on the face down mixed pack
and the spectator cuts the cards to send the 8S somewhere into the centre.
Giving the pack a quick shake, the magician claims that the 'magic card' will
now find the freely named 4D chosen at the very start. Spreading through the
cards until the face up 8S is reached, the card right next to it is flipped face
up to reveal somehow it is the randomly named 4D! No set up or get ready, this
just uses your regular deck. Supplied as a downloadable video file for just
£7.00 (£3.50 for members of E-Club Pro). Go to
www.markleveridge.co.uk to order.
18.7.26
New tour dates added for Masters
of Deception.
From the promoter:
Two of the UK's most incredible magic acts come together for one unforgettable
night of mind-reading, illusion, and edge-of-your-seat spectacle.
Starring Richard Jones, "The Military Mind-Reader" and winner of Britain's Got
Talent, alongside World Famous Matricks Illusion, delivering high-energy
illusions packed with danger, comedy and charm.
Due to popular demand, new dates have been added across 2026 and 2027.
Find all tour dates on the Masters of Deception
website: www.mastersofdeception.co.uk/shows.
18.7.26
Ian
Hirst Crowned Close-Up Magic Champion at The Order of the Magi's Annual
Competition. Members of Manchester's Magic Club & Magical Society
for Magicians The Order of the Magi, gathered on Tuesday, 14th July, for
their annual Close-Up Magic Competition, held at the Irish World
Heritage Centre in Manchester. Four talented magicians competed for the
coveted title, showcasing an impressive range of sleight of hand,
illusion and magical entertainment. The competitors were Ian Fenton, Ian
Hirst, Guy Samuels and Alex Fisher. The evening featured an exciting
display of close-up magic, leaving both the audience and judges amazed
by the high standard of performances.
Judging the competition was a panel that included members of Blackburn's
magic club, The Modern Mystic League, who faced the difficult task of
selecting an overall winner. Following careful deliberation, the judges
awarded first place to Ian Hirst, 60, from Failsworth, whose polished
performance, originality and exceptional technical skill earned him the
title of The Order of the Magi Close-Up Magic Champion 2026. He also was
awarded the Sly Smith Shield for the Best Card trick performed on the
night!
Public Relations & Entertainments officer
for The Order of the Magi, Jonathan Royle, said: "The standard of this
year's competition was exceptionally high, with each performer
demonstrating remarkable talent and creativity. Congratulations to Ian
Hurst on a well-deserved victory, and to all of the competitors for
making it such an entertaining evening."
The annual Close-Up Magic Competition is one of the highlights of The
Order of the Magi's calendar, bringing together members to celebrate the
art of magic, encourage excellence and showcase the talents of local
magicians. The Order of the Magi was founded in 1909 and is England's 3rd
Oldest Magic Club.
www.orderofthemagi.co.uk.
18.7.26
A
Day of Fantasy and Mystery, as a Magical Event Comes to East Grinstead
today! Featuring a just published Book Signing "By Order of The
Shaman" by Stephen J Willis. Special live shows during the day by
celebrated magician and mind reader Neb - Magician to the Stars
www.nebmagic.com
and Tarot Readings by a Tarot Master and Grand Master of the Major and
Egyptian Arcana, with over 50 years of study and practice. The Book
Shop, High Street, East Grinstead, today, Saturday 18th July, from 11am
- 5pm. This event is open to the public. Free entry. It's going to be
magical!
18.7.26
Kevin
Cunliffe Lecture - The Medway Magical Society, 21st July. Guy Wade
writes: The Medway Magical Society is delighted to be hosting a lecture
by Kevin Cunliffe. Magicians are welcome to join us on Tuesday 21st July
at The George Pub, 344 City Way, Rochester ME1 2BH. The lecture starts
at 8pm. Non-members welcome. £15 charge, pay on the night. This
critically acclaimed lecture includes close-up, stage, mentalism and
sideshow effects. Prepare to experience the weird and wonderful world of
Kevin Cunliffe.
18.7.26
"Gold
Coast magician Daniel Hidden's family reveals his remarkable life after
scattering his ashes at his favourite places"
www.7news.com.au.
18.7.26
News
Deadline reminder. Please submit news by Thursday if possible - absolute
deadline 12 noon Friday, no exceptions. Many thanks, DT.
18.7.26
"One man's mission to stop pirates stealing magic"
Click Here • "How Did He Do That?! Kameron Marshall's Impossible
Card Magic Auditions AGT"
YouTube • "How a magician made a throne for Ozzy Osbourne"
Click Here • "Mario the Maker Magician"
Click Here • More World
Cup results and predictions from Jonathan Royle:
Click Here and
Click Here • "Award-winning magician coming to Swindon can entertain
all"
Click Here • "Magician Penn Jillette: I'm 6ft 7in and drive an
electric Fiat 500 - I'm so frugal I steal power from the casino to
charge it"
Click Here • That's about it for this week, your UK magic news is
always welcomed, see you next week, Duncan.
18.7.26