NMC News Round-Up 2026: Issue 3

NEWS ROUND-UP 2026

At our last meeting, MagicBox was in good hands (quite literally) as Martin walked us through his handling of the ever-baffling “Card Warp”. What begins as a simple folding sequence soon bends both pasteboard and perception, and Martin’s touches made the whole thing feel smoother than a well-practised second deal. His thinking on timing and display was particularly valuable, showing how a small adjustment can turn a curious puzzle into a proper moment of magic. Even those familiar with Roy Walton’s classic found a few new twists to take away, and it was a reminder that strong magic often lives in the subtleties rather than the sleights.

Adam Dadswell Lecture

We then moved from warped cards to razor-sharp thinking with Adam Dadswell’s lecture, packed with material that was not just clever, but genuinely workable. Adam shared how early encouragement from Lewis LeVal nudged him into releasing his ideas, and the evening showed just how much thinking he has been quietly stockpiling. Highlights included a punchy “which hand” routine using the Alexander Marsh peek, and a smart “Here and There” presentation that channels the spirit of the ten-card poker deal without a single playing card in sight.

There was plenty for the working performer. A card matching routine let the spectator take centre stage (and the applause), with phases including an “off by one” kicker and a clever nod to Al Koran’s thinking in “Double Thought”, all underpinned by a boldly marked deck. Martin and Michael explored “Gradient”, using colour swatch cards with layered marking systems, alongside a slick wallet reveal that will have many revisiting their everyday carry.

Other standouts came thick and fast, from a deceptively simple envelope choice (with a sharp little surprise lurking within) to visual ESP-style flashes using “C-Wave Pro”. Adam also teased newer ideas, including “Sentinel”, a charming drawing duplication framed around a child’s object, and a multi-phase routine where mixed cards impossibly resolve themselves within a freshly memorised deck. Practical, commercial, and just the right side of cheeky, it was an evening that left everyone with something to work on and plenty to think about.

Member Spotlight: Simon

We begin our new Member Spotlight series with Simon, a magician whose passion for performance, deep respect for the craft, and sharp sense of humour make him a valued member of the Newcastle Magic Circle.

Choosing a favourite effect is no simple task for Simon.

What is your favourite effect to perform, and why does it resonate with you?
“That’s like asking me to choose my favourite child! Or picking between my only child and the dog…which is actually much easier!! I think my absolute favourite is the newspaper tear that I do in my cabaret show. It took years upon years of developing to the point where it is and, even if I say so, it’s really good. The reason it resonates with me so much is the torn and restored newspaper is one of the first effects I can ever remember. It was the Great Suprendo…the speed of that restoration was incredible and is what I wanted when I developed my own. But ask me again tomorrow and I’ll probably have changed my mind.”

When it comes to skills still to conquer, Simon’s focus is firmly on precision and mastery.

Which effect do you wish you could perform brilliantly, but haven’t quite mastered yet?
“It’s less an effect and more a skill. I think I’m well known for loving card magic and especially gambling sleight of hand. Something that eludes me is the tabled Faro.

If you don’t know, the Faro shuffle is weaving two packets together perfectly so they alternate (for example) red, black, red, black. I first saw this on a John Bannon DVD about 15 years ago. Six months of solid practice and now I can perform an in-hands Faro 99.99% of the time. But tabled Faro…that’s a whole different level. Even Jason England, who is considered one of the best card workers, says he can’t hit it every time. If I can hit it 97% perfect I’m happy and call it a win. By that I mean if I can easily fix it by moving at the most three cards from the top or bottom, anything in the middle or more than three is a fail. One day I might get there.”

Simon’s journey into magic stretches back to childhood, with a familiar and much-loved influence.

What first sparked your interest in magic?
“I’m a child of the 80s so Paul Daniels was a HUGE influence. I wanted to be a magician from the first moment I saw him perform. I had the magic sets that every nephew gets and a few beginner books but never knew how to get further. Then I fell into acting and did that from 21–28. Between contracts I attended an engagement party and a magician (sadly no idea who) was working the tables and the passion was re-ignited. I went home and Googled magic and the internet exploded with so many sites to buy magic. I decided I would wrap in touring and start doing magic instead.”

That passion has never faded, sustained by both performance and the reactions it creates.

What keeps your love of magic alive today?
“I think what keeps my love of magic alive is just how much joy it can bring. When you see that look of wonder on someone’s face, there really is nothing like it. Also, I just love seeing beautiful magic, whether that’s a top of the bill act or something a friend at the NMC shows me.”

His influences reflect a blend of magic and comedy, shaping a distinctive performing voice.

Who has most influenced your style or approach to magic?
“I think a big influence is Paul Zenon, who is incredibly under-rated and doesn’t get the plaudits for popularising street magic. I also love gambling sleight of hand so definitely Jason England and Richard Turner. But my biggest influence isn’t in magic, it is a comedian. Rik Mayall. I basically based my entire sense of humour on him in Drop Dead Fred, The Young Ones, Bottom. I still remember the day he died. I was truly devastated, like a part of my childhood died.”

That mix of humour and performance comes through clearly in how Simon describes his style.

How would you describe your performing style in three words?
“That’s not easy…no that wasn’t the three words. Errr…how about what I try to make: funny, memorable, end-of-the-pier-cheek.”

For Simon, memorable magic is about something deeper than method or effect.

What do you think makes a magic performance truly memorable?
“I think anything that makes you forget about the humdrum of life for a while. Makes you forget you have bills to pay, dogs to walk, a regular job…and you just live in that moment of wonder.”

Although much of his work is in close-up, his ambitions lie on a larger stage.

Do you prefer close-up, parlour, or stage, and what draws you to that setting?
“I work more in close-up but I prefer parlour or stage. I would love to perform only for a paying audience who had gone to the venue with sole intention of watching me perform.”

Simon speaks with real pride about the Newcastle Magic Circle and its development.

What does being part of the Newcastle Magic Circle mean to you?
“Being part of the NMC is a huge part of my life. I’m very proud of being a member and in the years since I’ve joined it’s gone from strength to strength.”

Looking ahead, he offers a thoughtful idea for supporting members as they grow.

How can the club best support magicians at different stages of their journey?
“I think part of the application process should be ‘what do you want to get out of the circle’. If someone says ‘to get better’ then they are given a mentor to help their progress and learning.”

Finally, Simon shares advice grounded in patience, perspective, and a touch of humour.

What’s one piece of advice you would give to a new magician joining the club?
“My advice would be to get the core skills down first. You don’t decide to become a chef and then get a Michelin star. You peel a million potatoes. Also, you can’t compare your chapter one to someone else’s chapter ten. But just because you can’t do that today doesn’t mean you won’t ever. My kiddo once said ‘magic is art and art takes time’.”

What’s something you wish you had learned earlier in your magic journey?
“That MagicBox existed and was only a train ride away!!”

Simon’s reflections set a strong tone for this new series, a reminder that magic is built on dedication, creativity, and the joy of sharing moments of wonder with others.

Saturdays

Our Saturday sessions continue every couple of weeks.

If you are free, do come along to share, learn and laugh!

Our next meeting is Lee Alex’s Lecture on Monday 25th May @ MagicBox