Looking for a way to learn magic?
Check Out Paul's Easy guide
Books
There are hundreds of magic books in print. They are often considered the best way to learn magic as learning from books can help you develop your own style of performance.
Downloads
A relatively new way of learning. Quality can vary massively depending on the source and content. Check out reviews closely before investing.
Shops
If you are lucky enough to have a local magic shop then this can be the best starting point. Staff are generally well informed and able to match your requirements.
Magic Clubs
Magic Clubs meet regularly and provide a brilliant resource of advice and opportunities to perform. Visiting lecturers can be a great way to see magic performed live.
Learn Magic
Do you want to learn magic? Magic is a fantastic hobby, but one that requires practice and some work. If you want to learn to be a magician or just learn a few tricks to show your friends there are several routes available. Almost too many routes in fact! The internet is full of websites selling magic DVD’s, tricks and books. There are even downloads available. How can you choose what is right for you? You don’t want to spend money and be disappointed!
Tips from a
North East Magician
I’d certainly recommend a visit. They can help if you want close-up magic, cabaret or even stage illusions. Note: The Northumberland Street branch of Magic Box is mostly a (brilliant) fancy dress shop.
Learn Magic at a Club
As you progress you might consider attending a magic club where magicians gather. Here you can discuss magic, try out material, enter competitions and see lectures. Newcastle Magic Circle used to meet at The Copthorne Hotel (Newcastle Quayside, NE1 3RT) but have moved their base to Magicbox 3, Strand House Camperdown Industrial Estate, Locomotion Way, Newcastle upon Tyne NE12 5US. It is advisable to contact the secretary of the circle before the meeting. Make sure it is a meeting open to visitors and suitable for you.
The Northern Magic Circle is a large umbrella organisation. They have a local branch meeting on the first Wednesday of each month at the 3 Mile Inn , Gosforth, NE3 2DS.
Darlington Magic Circle meet twice a month at The Railway Institute Club (93 North Road, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 2PP), please contact the secretary if you would like to attend.
I’d advise juniors (under 16’s) looking to progress with magic to contact the wonderful Su Jayne. She runs The Neptune Magic Society which nurtures magicians of all ages. They are rightly proud to have winners of the prestigious Magic Circles Young Magician of the Year amongst its membership. Email: info@neptunemagicsociety.com .
Magic Conventions
Magicians have their own conventions. The nearest to Newcastle is South Tyneside International Magic Convention (STIMF) held each year at the Customs House and Sea Hotel in South Shields. The convention welcomes a wide range of talented magicians to perform and give lectures. There are usually at least two large theatre shows and it is excellent value for money.
For the last three years local magician Michael Murray has organised the Minds convention in Newcastle. This is a convention specifically for Mentalists. ‘Mentalist’ being a term for magicians who do mind magic such as thought reading, not just ‘crazies’. Although I haven’t attended this event it comes highly recommended. So if you want to learn magic of this type it may well be just the thing for you. Get details at MindFX.
Whatever route you choose, practice well and enjoy sharing the magic you’ve learned, but keep the secret.
Good luck with your journey in magic!”
Paul Dewhurst