I.B.M. British Ring 88th Annual Convention 2026

Andrew began his career as a magician/standup comedian and actor in theatre and television.
Notable roles include Bill Snibson in ‘Me And My Girl’ and the title role in ‘Barnum’. In 1997 he retired from performing to concentrate on writing, producing and directing.
Television
Co-founder of Objective Productions which he ran from 1996 - 2015. During that time he created/produced dozens of television series. Key credits include ‘Peep Show’, Derren Brown's series and specials, ‘Star Stories’, The Real Hustle, ‘The Cube’, ‘Fresh Meat’.
Through his new company VAUDEVILLE he produces GRACE for ITV (currently shooting series 7) and the forthcoming INCOGNITO for Channel 4.
Andrew’s TV shows have been nominated for over 50 national and international awards and have won: 4 BAFTA awards, a Golden Rose, a Silver Rose, a South Bank Show Award, three RTS Awards and four British Comedy Awards.
Theatre
Directing credits include: ‘42nd Street’, ‘The Odd Couple’ (female version - West End), ‘The Nerd’, ‘Anything Goes’ and DERREN BROWN: ONLY HUMAN which will open in the West End in Oct 26.
Co-producer/director of: Unbelievable, Derren Brown Showman, Derren Brown Miracle and Derren Brown Secret which played off and on Broadway and won the Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical experience.
Andrew’s theatrical productions have been nominated for four, and won two, Olivier Awards.
Film
Director/Producer/co-writer - ‘Magicians’ which won Best Comedy at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival and was nominated for a US BAFTA for Best British Comedy Film.
Producer - ‘That Awkward Moment’.
Director/Producer/co-writer ‘May The Best Man Win’. The film had its world premiere at the SXSW Film Festival.
Magic
As well as working with Derren Brown on all of his TV and stage shows he created/produced many other TV magic shows including: Monkey Magic, Dirty Tricks, Tricks From The Bible, The Magic Of Jesus, The Quick Trick Show, Extreme Magic Extreme Danger, The Next Great Magician and Secrets Of Magic (a show that caused him to be thrown out of The Magic Circle).
Andrew has collaborated with: Pat Page, Ali Bongo, James Steinmeyer, Paul Kieve and Andy Nyman and he played a key role in the early TV careers of Jonathan Goodwin, Pete Firman and Barry And Stuart.
Perhaps most importantly of all, Andrew was the winner of The Young Magician Of The Year in 1981.
Andrew will be In Conversation for the Jeffery Atkins Memorial Lecture, Saturday 4:30pm.

Born into a magical show business family, his parents Van Buren & Greta invented, built and performed illusions around the world, most famously with their Vanishing Motorbike and Rider surrounded, which was featured at FISM Brussels. Andrew's show business apprenticeship was unique - first on stage at just six weeks old, at Grosvenor House in London.

As soon as he could walk, Andrew helped and performed with his parents' illusion act both backstage and onstage, alongside veteran stage and screen stars in theatre, television, and with the Muppets, and touring in UK and Continental circus.

Andrew's partner Allyson is a trained dancer, make-up artist and 'box jumper', with historic family links to the Buffalo Bill Wild West Shows.

Andrew developed his own act of unicycle, trick cycling and juggling, combining it with the family magic and illusions. At age 12 he employed his first assistant. He later became recognised as one of the world's top plate spinning experts. Andrew is also a Judge for the Stage Competition.

Fritz has performed in over 80 cities across 30 countries on six continents, including appearances at the prestigious Magic Castle in Hollywood and the Magic Circle in London.

A leading figure in the Dutch magic scene, he is one of the busiest working magicians in the Netherlands and the producer of the monthly Amsterdam Magic Show. He also serves as president of the Amsterdam Magic Society - the only English-speaking magic society in the Netherlands.

Fritz will be performing his One Man Show at The Pavilion Arts Centre at 8pm on Sunday 20 September.

This year our History of Mystery talk is back at our annual convention. Every year this is one of the most fascinating things to see. We understand that magic is always moving forward but it is also important to look back and see where we have come from!
Brian Lead will be presenting Norman Snodgrass — a ventriloquial figure which first saw the light of day at the beginning of the Great War — along with lady ventriloquist Josephine Langley.
Roy Field, British Ring historian, presents ‘Bewildering Buxton — Magical Conventions in a Spa Town’, detailing the ways in which magicians have ‘bewildered Buxton’ over the years, including some of the hair-raising outdoor stunts used to publicise conventions, with new material from our more recent visits.

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 present his lecture 'Inspired By Chris' on Saturday at 3:15pm — new effects inspired by a selection of material from Chris's many books, some of which James was involved in as Chris's editor. And, it being for Chris, there will be one reference to chocolate (and possibly two). James also joins the Chris Wardle Tribute Show on Sunday afternoon.

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.
John opens the Convention on Saturday with his lecture 'Crossing Over' at 10am — how do you create a children's show that keeps the kids entertained without leaving the adults checking their phones? Drawing on years of experience, John explores the art of creating family entertainment with genuine crossover appeal. He also performs in An Evening of Magic and hosts the Late Night Event.

Matricks is a powerhouse in the world of illusion, with a proven track record of delivering mesmerizing performances at top events and venues worldwide. Their presence on prestigious stages like the West End's 'Wonderville' and The O2 and Wembley Arena in London is a testament to their undeniable talent.
Having shared the stage with music legends like Westlife and Adam Lambert, as well as renowned acts like Cirque du Soleil, Matricks continues to set the bar high for the world of magic and illusion.
With appearances on numerous hit TV shows and events like Britain's Got Talent, ITV's Big Bash and Disney Plus and alongside internet influencers like The Sidemen & Mr Beast, Matricks has been seen by over 300+ million people worldwide.
They certainly have solidified their standing as one of the best in the business! Matricks is The Illusion Act to see live. Whether you see them in theatre, stadium or on TV shows you will be entertained, surprised and amazed.
Matricks Illusion will be performing in An Evening of Magic on Saturday, and on Sunday at 3pm Alex Jesson of Matricks Illusion gives a lecture, 'Illusion Techniques for Close-Up & Stage Magic' — a practical look at how ideas from the world of illusion can be used to strengthen magic in both close-up and stage settings. Alex is also a Judge for the Stage Competition. They will also have their dealer stand at the Convention, stocking posters, mugs, coasters and key rings featuring Alex's original artwork.

Michael Carr is known for blending classic magic and modern mentalism with a playful sense of humour, entertaining audiences across the country for over 25 years. A Gold Star Member of The Inner Magic Circle, he was awarded The British Ring Tom Harris Cup for Comedy in 2025, recognising his ability to keep audiences smiling and occasionally questioning their life choices.
He is currently touring the UK in his fourth season as host of the magical spectacular Illusion Impossible.
Michael will be hosting An Evening of Magic, our Saturday Night Gala Show, and is also one of the Judges for the Stage Competition.

A single sheet of paper becomes a flying object. It folds itself as if by magic, glides through the air and appears to cross the line between reality and the impossible. With his award-winning Paperplane Act, Nikolai Striebel tells a quiet, almost fairytale-like story: one of lightness, wonder, and the beauty hidden in small moments.
Striebel has gained international recognition for his poetic style and modern approach to magic. With this act, he has been named European Champion, and most recently, Vice World Champion of General Magic. Even the legendary duo Penn & Teller were fooled by him on their hit US show Fool Us - an honour achieved by only a select few worldwide. A contemporary magical moment full of poetry, precision, and unexpected beauty.
Nikolai performs in An Evening of Magic at the Opera House on Saturday night, and on Sunday at 11am gives his lecture 'What To Do With An Idea?' — the FISM-winner opens up his creative process: ideas that worked, ideas that didn't, effects that were discarded, and the decisions and experiments that eventually shaped the final performance. Not a formula for creating an act, but an insight into his own playful way of working — and he'll perform and explain several pieces from his repertoire along the way.

The current International I.B.M. President - Jason Michaels!
Jason Michaels is a professional magician, keynote speaker, and author who blends world-class sleight of hand with powerful storytelling. Born with Tourette Syndrome, Jason shares a deeply personal journey of resilience, turning adversity into an unforgettable performance experience. With over two decades of experience and performances in more than 50 countries his work bridges entertainment and inspiration. Jason's unique style combines humour, emotional depth, and masterful magic, leaving audiences both amazed and moved. Whether on stage or in intimate settings, he delivers a message that is as meaningful as it is impossible to forget.
Jason appears in An Evening of Magic at The Opera House on Saturday night, and at 1:45pm presents his lecture 'Professional Routines and a Grain of Salt' — professional magic routines straight out of Jason's working repertoire, suitable for both stand-up and close-up settings, plus real-world lessons on connecting with audiences and increasing the impact your magic makes.

Richard has presented The Sooty Show on stage and television for over 25 years. He is also an award winning illusionist having performed all over the world. Richard is an established pantomime star and this year will be playing lead comic and directing Christopher Biggins and Alexandra Burke in Sleeping Beauty at the Milton Keynes Theatre.

Richard will be performing in An Evening of Magic with special guest Sooty on Saturday night, and returns on Sunday for the Chris Wardle Tribute Show, performing an effect created specifically for Sooty by Chris himself — if it doesn't work perfectly, it's Sooty's fault of course!