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NMC News Round-Up 2026: Issue 4
Member Spotlight: Nev
This month we shine the spotlight on Nev, a magician whose thinking is rooted in clarity, directness, and a genuine love of the social side of magic.
For Nev, a favourite effect is never fixed for long.
What is your favourite effect to perform, and why does it resonate with you?
“It changes depending on what I’m into. A year or so ago I came up with an effect called ‘Backwards’. I love seeing the look on laymen’s faces. It fools and also messes with them a bit.”
That focus on strong reactions carries through into the effects he continues to refine.
Which effect do you wish you could perform brilliantly, but haven’t quite mastered yet?
“I love performing Triumph but I’m never 100% satisfied with my performance.”
Nev’s introduction to magic will be familiar to many.
What first sparked your interest in magic?
“Paul Daniels’ Magic Tricks”
Today, it is the people around magic that keep that interest alive.
What keeps your love of magic alive today?
“The social side, jamming and session-ing.”
His influences reflect a philosophy of efficiency and authenticity in performance.
Who has most influenced your style or approach to magic?
“Geoff Latta… he didn’t care what you thought of him. He just enjoyed doing magic.
Also Mike Gallo just wanted to get from A to B without adding anything unnecessary.
A lot of routines are killed by too much yapping or trying to show how clever you are.”
That thinking is distilled neatly into how he describes his own style.
How would you describe your performing style in three words?
“Clean as possible”
For Nev, the essence of memorable magic is simple and direct.
What do you think makes a magic performance truly memorable?
“Fooling someone… you can’t beat the feeling of being fooled.”
His preferred performing environment reflects that same close, focused approach.
Do you prefer close-up, parlour, or stage, and what draws you to that setting?
“Close-up… being able to be seated.”
Nev speaks warmly about the role the Newcastle Magic Circle plays in his life.
What does being part of the Newcastle Magic Circle mean to you?
“Socialising with friends that have 100% the same interests as you (doing magic).”
Looking ahead, he is keen to see members play an even bigger role in shaping our club’s activity.
What are your hopes for the future of the club?
“More involvement of members in meetings and other events. We are well known as having premium lectures but there should be an equal amount of member lead events and evenings.”
He builds on this with a clear view of how the club can continue to grow.
How can the club best support magicians at different stages of their journey?
“To continue from the previous question… we should encourage more involvement. There is a huge amount of talent in the Circle but not enough encouragement for those people to perform more and be involved in the evenings. However, it is much better than when I first joined.”
Finally, Nev offers grounded advice drawn from experience.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to a new magician joining the club?
“Enjoy yourself. It’s just magic. It’s a form of entertainment – nothing more and nothing less.”
What’s something you wish you had learned earlier in your magic journey?
“Maybe to get out and perform more for laymen. I was so obsessed with coins I didn’t really care about doing other more commercial stuff.”
Nev’s reflections are a reminder that at its heart, magic is about connection, clarity, and the simple joy of sharing something impossible with others.
On 11th May, Nev took a trip down the A19 to visit our friends at the Middlesbrough Circle of Magicians, bringing along his “At the Table” lecture. Known for his mastery of coins and coin boxes, Nev served up a feast of close up conjuring…
Those in attendance were treated to slick sleights, clever thinking, and routines polished to a mirror shine, with coins appearing, vanishing, and behaving in ways that would make loose change think twice about jangling in your pocket again.
The reception was, by all accounts, first class, with plenty of appreciation for both the technical skill and the engaging presentation. It is always good to see NMC members spreading a little magical mischief across the region.
Our next meeting is on Monday 22nd June with Alex McAleer.
