The 84th Annual Convention of I.B.M. British Ring No.25, held in Eastbourne — four days of world-class performance, lectures, competitions and An Evening of Magic.
The 84th Annual Convention of I.B.M. British Ring No.25, held 1st–4th September 2022 in Eastbourne, with events across the Welcome Building, Devonshire Park Theatre, and the Winter Gardens. Featuring international performers, lectures, the British Ring Shield stage competition, the British Ring close-up competition, Sooty and Friends, An Evening of Magic, and the History of Mystery presentations.
Meet the performers, lecturers, hosts and special guests appearing at this convention.
International illusionists Danny Hunt and Stephanie Clarke, highly acclaimed as one of the UK’s top magic and illusion acts.
Amethyst are international illusionists Danny Hunt and Stephanie Clarke. Highly acclaimed as one of the UK’s top magic and illusion acts with their fresh and dynamic approach they lead the way in entertainment for cruise ships, corporate and private events.
Creator of the bestselling effect ‘Good Intuition’, known for his amazingly strong magic, unique style, creativity, and extreme card skills.
The creator of the bestselling effect ‘Good Intuition’, Bernardo is known for his amazingly strong magic, unique style, creativity, and extreme card skills.
Base their work on a mixture of different artistic disciplines: Theatre, Mime and Juggling with Magic.
Brando and Silvana base their work on a mixture of different artistic disciplines: Theatre, Mime and Juggling with Magic.
Immediate Past President; one of only a handful of people to have received the Hoffmann Award for contributions to magic literature.
Immediate Past President Brian is one of only a handful of people to have received the Hoffmann Award for contributions to magic literature, and is also the recipient of an Award of Excellence from the I.B.M. for his monthly column ‘From our UK Correspondent’ in The Linking Ring.
World-class event host, magician, and mind-reader originally from Edinburgh, now based in Toronto, Canada.
Cameron is a world-class event host, magician, and mind-reader originally from Edinburgh, Scotland. He is currently based in Toronto, Canada, where he is the creative lead, consultant, and head magician on Illusionarium, Toronto, and Magic Immersive, Chicago.
Best known for his incredible award-winning tricks and performances, having risen through many challenges over the last 25 years.
Craig is best known for his incredible award-winning tricks and performances and over the last 25 years he has risen through many challenges and achieved success like no other.
The most diverse, creative, and theatrical illusionist in the world - his work is a treat for the imagination.
Dion is the most diverse, creative, and theatrical illusionist in the world - his work is a treat for the imagination.
Legendary former editor of Abracadabra — if the magic world had ‘national treasures’, one would surely be Donald.
If the magic world had ‘national treasures’, one would surely be the legendary former editor of Abracadabra, Donald Bevan.
Has been performing sideshow feats since he was a teenager, and is now one of the forefront performers in the bizarre world.
Dr Diablo has been performing sideshow feats since he was a teenager after a keen interest developed into a career. He is now one of the forefront performers in this industry and is known extensively in the bizarre world for his talent and knowledge.
Bringing his show direct from the Edinburgh Fringe, where he has performed for 9 years running. Winner of the Sonny Day Edinburgh Close-Up Magician of the Year.
Bringing his show direct from the Edinburgh Fringe where he has performed for 9 years running. Elliot headlined at the Magic Castle in their virtual show in 2021 and is the current ‘WINNER of the Sonny Day Edinburgh Close-Up Magician of the Year’.
Creates exciting and fully engaging theatrical performances with unique magic. Won the British Ring Stage Competition in 2019.
Fraser creates exciting and fully engaging theatrical performances with unique magic. He won the British Ring Stage Competition in 2019 and the Dittia Shield for Manipulation in 2018 and 2019.
A professional magician who specialises in entertaining both adults and children in and around Southampton.
Ian Marriott is a professional magician who specialises in entertaining both adults and children, performing close-up magic, table magic and children’s magic shows in and around Southampton.
One of the world’s leading female sleight of hand artists and an acclaimed lecturer on the history of magic.
Laura is one of the world’s leading female sleight of hand artists, a highly skilled close-up magician, cabaret performer, motivational speaker, and an acclaimed lecturer on various aspects of the history of magic.
Combines expert sleight of hand magic with comedy, juggling and other vaudevillian variety skills.
Mark combines expert sleight of hand magic with comedy, juggling and other vaudevillian variety skills to create a unique and amazing show. Having performed for all ages, nationalities, and demographics around the world, you can be sure you’re in safe hands with Mark.
Has entertained audiences around the world, with regular performances at The Magic Castle and on ‘Penn & Teller: Merry Fool Us’.
Mark has entertained audiences around the world, with regular performances at The Magic Castle and a starring role on the U.S. TV show holiday special ‘Penn & Teller: Merry Fool Us’.
Specialises in Educational Magic in Schools; his material can be applied anywhere magic is used to draw a crowd to deliver a message.
Martin specialises in Educational Magic in Schools. His material can be applied anywhere magic is being used to draw a crowd to deliver a message.
The Tricky Comic; for the past ten years has been visiting holiday resorts and bobbing around the seas with his unique brand of fun.
For the past ten years Martyn James, The Tricky Comic, has been visiting holiday resorts and bobbing around the seas with his unique brand of fun. He will read your mind, attempt world records, baffle you with his magic and just make you laugh with his ‘off the wall’ humour.
M.I.M.C. (with Gold Star) and O.B.E. (One Boiled Egg) — a multi-talented comedy entertainer who has worked around the world.
Mel Harvey M.I.M.C. (with Gold Star) and O.B.E. (One Boiled Egg), is a multi-talented comedy entertainer who has worked around the world at corporate events, in theatres, at clubs, on cruises and on television.
Performing his unique combination of magic, mentalism, and tongue in cheek humour for over 25 years; co-founder of ‘Close Up Entertainment’.
Michael has been performing his unique combination of magic, mentalism, and tongue in cheek humour for over 25 years and as a co-founder of ‘Close Up Entertainment’ can be found entertaining audiences at private and corporate events across the country.
Former British Ring President and President Elect of the Northern Magic Circle, a natural raconteur and winner of many performing awards.
Former British Ring President and President Elect of the Northern Magic Circle, Neil Roberts is a natural raconteur. He has been the winner of many performing awards, most notably with his act as a street performer and his authentic recreation of The Mandarin.
Best known for his character Mr Swallow, portrayed across stage and television for over a decade.
Best known for his character Mr Swallow which he has portrayed across both stage and television for over a decade, Nick is a star in the comedy world, and is increasingly in demand as an actor and comedian.
Shares an inspirational blog on her journey as a performer; semi-finalist on Sweden’s ‘Talang’ (Sweden’s Got Talent).
Nikola shares an inspirational blog on her journey as a performer and has also written two books and two sets of lecture notes. This year, she auditioned for Sweden’s ‘Talang’ (Sweden’s Got Talent) and became a semi-finalist with her unique theatrical style.
Multi-award winner, film advisor, producer, creator and incoming President of the British Ring.
Multi-award winner, film advisor, producer, creator and soon to be President of the British Ring. His versatility and excellence has become world renowned.
A professional close-up magician and entertainer, best-selling author, and popular magic lecturer.
Paul Gordon is a professional close-up magician and entertainer, best-selling author, and popular magic lecturer.
Now living in Las Vegas, he uses his lifelong show business skills as a producer, writer, and keynote speaker.
Paul’s love of show business began as a boy when his parents took him to a Royal Variety Show at the London Palladium. Now living in Las Vegas, he uses his lifelong skills as a producer, writer, and keynote speaker to help people live better and more fulfilled lives.
An outstanding stage artiste who has travelled the world performing on the biggest stages, including Britain’s Got Talent.
Rebecca Foyle is an outstanding stage artiste. She has travelled the world performing on the biggest stages including Australia, Las Vegas, and Britain’s Got Talent Live Semi Finals. As children we are told not to play with fire, Rebecca is here to show you what happens when you do.
Past President Richard is a British illusionist, puppeteer, actor, and screenwriter, the in-vision presenter and hand of puppet Sooty since 1998.
Past President Richard is a British illusionist, puppeteer, actor, and screenwriter, best known for being the in-vision presenter and the hand of puppet Sooty since succeeding Matthew Corbett in 1998.
Interested in magic since a boy; now writes and researches magic history.
Interested in magic since a boy, Roy gave his first public show at a Wolf Cub concert. When actively performing, he concentrated on cabaret magic and children’s entertainment, but now writes and researches magic history.
Only 9 years old, Ryland has been performing magic for over 7 years and was a semi finalist on Britain’s Got Talent.
Even though he is only 9 years old, Ryland has been performing magic for over 7 years already. Most recently you may have caught his amazing performances on Britain’s Got Talent where he was a semi finalist. There is no doubt at all that the future will be bright for this future star of magic.
One of the UK’s Best Loved Comedy Ventriloquists; author of the upcoming book ‘Ventriloquest’.
One of the UK’s Best Loved Comedy Ventriloquists, Steve kept busy during Lockdowns 1-3 editing his upcoming Book ‘Ventriloquest’ paying tribute to his peers in the Art of Ventriloquism. Steve also launched his Podcast, ‘Eyes & Teeth’, talking to his Comedy & Variety favourites from TV, Radio, Theatre, Comedy Clubs and Cruises.
Professor of Political Science and Pro Vice Chancellor at the University of Nottingham; creator and author of many books, routines and effects.
Todd is Professor of Political Science, Executive Director of the Rights Lab, and Pro Vice Chancellor of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Nottingham. He is the creator and author of many books, routines, and effects for the discerning mystery entertainer.
Not a comedian, but he will leave you laughing. Not a magician, but he will leave you scratching your head.
Tom is not a comedian, but he will leave you laughing. He’s not a magician, but he will leave you scratching your head. He’s not a juggler, but he will leave you with your jaw on the floor.
Gained a reputation for his practical innovations and knowledge about misdirection; author of ‘Vortex’ and ‘Maelstrom’.
Through the years Tom has gained a reputation for his practical innovations and his knowledge about misdirection. His two books, ‘Vortex’ and ‘Maelstrom’, are known as modern classics.
Presents his all new show of unique fun, comedy, and his own mesmerising brand of magic.
Wayne will present his all new show of unique fun, comedy, and his own mesmerising brand of magic - an inspiring insight into his philosophy of life that he has repeatedly yelled gleefully into the face of his condition: “I may have got MS, but MS hasn’t got me...yet!”
Browse shows, lectures, competitions, workshops and social events day by day.
Explore the lectures and specialist sessions in the programme.
Elliot dives straight into his working set — with no fluff — sharing ideas and routines that have served him well in close-up and stage environments.
Hands-on card skills workshop
A hands-on workshop with Paul. Want to increase your card skills? This is where to go!
Mark explains select pieces from his earlier performance along with a chat about what makes the difference between a selection of tricks and a show.
Paul Stone’s commercial magic lecture, with tried and tested tricks and tips for success.
Roy looks at how the concept of seaside resorts developed and how entertainments moved from Pierrots on the beach, to summer theatres with concert parties and Fol de Rols, to summer show extravaganzas. He explores how magicians fitted into these styles, usually as speciality acts but occasionally as headliners.
Joint lecture
Across the years Craig has published some of the bestselling products ever released to magicians, and he shares some of his close-up effects.
Steve Hewlett talks about his favourite ventriloquist routines over the years from Music Hall to TikTok. Join Steve to see how ventriloquism has advanced over the decades and find out if it really is a dying art.
Psychology, theories, and subtleties in magic.
Although aimed at children’s entertainers you don’t HAVE to be one to use the material Martin talks about — all of it can be used for trade shows and exhibitions.
A selection of performance pieces; a highly interactive and engaging lecture combining methodological explanations and philosophical underpinnings for each effect, with a free guide and a special I.B.M. discount offer of digital resources comprising lecture notes, books, slides, images, and bonus effects totalling over 450 pages of material.
Las Vegas Magic — From Siegfried & Roy to Shin Lim
Why Las Vegas is the undisputed magic capital of the world.
Q&A Session with Nick Mohammed
Presented annually as a fitting tribute to a long serving and dedicated member of the British Ring. This year takes the form of a Q&A Session with Nick Mohammed.
It doesn’t mean anything but was something someone wrote on a card when Mark asked them to sign it! To find out about this lecture, you best be there.
Competition information, entry details, rules, timings and locations.
Organised by Oliver Tabor. Compered and introduced by Don Greenberg. Competitors (running order): Wayne Trice (Croydon), Nigel Quinn (Leighton Buzzard), Danny Lee Grew (Clacton-on-Sea), Andy Storm (Loughborough), Griffin & Jones (Surrey), Yollin Lee (London).
The British Ring Shield may be awarded only to an act achieving outstanding magical excellence. 1st Place — British Ring Trophy plus £500 for the most entertaining magic act. 2nd Place — Theo Speaker Cup plus £250. 3rd Place — Alastair Wand plus £100. Conventioneers Trophy may be awarded for originality shown in effect, method, or presentation. Dittia Shield may be awarded for Manipulation. Tom Harris Cup may be awarded for Comedy. Chair of Judges: Neil Roberts. Judges: Tom Stone, Nikola Arkane, Billy Hsueh, and Michael Carr. Timekeeper: Tony Brooks. Assistant Timekeeper: Chris Poole. Followed by the Award Ceremony and a performance by Tom Crosbie.
Organised and introduced by Bill Simpson. Competitors (running order): Adam Black (Dunblane), Kevin Peel (West Sussex), Chris Taylor (Cumbria), Phil Tilston (Kent), Shane Miller (Nottingham), Mike Sullivan (Kent), Douglas Tilston (Warwickshire), Oliver Ward (Essex).
1st prize the Zina Bennett Trophy plus £500. 2nd prize £250. 3rd prize £100. The ‘Rovi’ Trophy may be awarded for the most entertaining and skilful act using cards. Judges: Steve Short (Chair), Elliot Bibby, Laura London, Chris Wardle. Timekeeper: Tony Brooks. Assistant Timekeeper: Chris Poole. Stage Manager: Aidan Heritage.
A fun micro-magic competition, with competitors visiting as many tables as possible in around an hour and the winner decided by audience vote.
Awarded for the Ali Bongo Micro Marathon Trophy.
Awarded to the dealer presenting the most attractive stand at the Dealers' Magical Trade Fair. Historically also known as the Craig Trophy / Craig Cup.
Judged during Convention week; awarded for the best-presented dealer stand at the Trade Fair.
Discover the dealers, creators and magical suppliers attending the convention.
Find the buildings, halls, theatres and rooms used throughout the convention.
Celebrating the performers recognised through the British Ring competition programme.
British Ring Close Up Competition
British Ring Shield Competition
British Ring Shield Competition
Dealers Trophy
British Ring Close Up Competition
British Ring Shield Competition
Ali Bongo Micro Marathon
British Ring Shield Competition
British Ring Close Up Competition
British Ring Close Up Competition
British Ring Shield Competition
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