I.B.M. British Ring 86th Convention
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I.B.M. British Ring 86th Convention

Llandudno
From the Convention Archive

Welcome to I.B.M. British Ring 86th Convention

The 86th Convention of I.B.M. British Ring No.25, held at Venue Cymru, Llandudno, with additional events at Theatr Colwyn and The Magic Bar Live.

Convention Line-up

Meet the Artists

Meet the performers, lecturers, hosts and special guests appearing at this convention.

Aaron Crow

An Evening Of Magic
An Evening Of Magic

Multi award-winning magician who has toured with some of the biggest productions in the world.

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Multi award-winning Aaron Crow has toured with some of the biggest productions in the world and has featured on Broadway, London's West-End and the iconic Sydney opera house.

Ada Campe

An Evening Of Magic
An Evening Of Magic

Variety artiste, cabaret performer, comedian and magician with an eclectic portfolio.

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Ada Campe is a variety artiste, cabaret performer, comedian and magician with an eclectic portfolio. As well as cabaret shows in London's West End, she regularly hosts and performs across the UK cabaret and comedy circuits, for Comedy Club 4 Kids and Variety Club 4 Kids, and at corporate events, Museum Lates and festivals!

Billy Reid

Lecture & Stars of Close-Up
Lecture: DecadeStars of Close-Up

Two-time Scottish Champion of Magic, passionate about creative, artistic, storytelling magic.

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Billy Reid is passionate about creative, artistic, storytelling magic. Billy is a two-time Scottish Champion of Magic, and his show, Watch Closely, has been running monthly in Glasgow for 6 years.
DECADE
A collection of original sleights, commercial tricks, and practical ideas that Billy has created & refined over the last 10 years as a working pro. He will share 5 original sleights, 10 incredible tricks (including a couple of 'magician foolers'!), and an in-depth "Ideas" section covering everything from performance preparation and audience management to gig "Best Practices" & lots more...

Brian Lead

History Of Mystery
History Of Mystery

One of only a handful of people to have received the Hoffmann Award for contributions to magic literature.

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Fifty Years of Magic History
Brian Lead is one of only a handful of people to have received the Hoffmann Award for contributions to magic literature. For this golden celebration of the History of Mystery session, founded by Eddie Dawes in 1973, current host Brian Lead will be tracing its highlights as he recalls some of the outstanding speakers and their wide range of topics.

Chris Williams

Opening Show
Opening Show

Performs circus and magic as Harley The Clown; now owner and host of The Magic Bar Live.

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Chris Williams has spent the last 23 years performing circus and magic as Harley The Clown at some of the largest festivals in Wales and as the resident entertainment at Greenwood Family Park for the last 13 years. He is now the owner and host of The Magic Bar Live. Chris is really excited to welcome everyone to Llandudno and even more excited to perform some of his favourite magic as the Opening Show!

Fraser Stokes

Sooty and Friends & Lecture
Sooty and Friends Magic ShowLecture: Take It Or Leave It

Has been performing for families since the age of 8, sharing lessons learned from family entertainment.

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Take it or leave it: tips and tricks I have learned from family entertainment
Fraser has been performing for families since the age of 8. No, really he genuinely has! Fraser will share some things he has learned performing family magic. He shares his experience openly with the understanding some things aren't for everyone. Simply he says β€œtake it or leave it”.

Joel Dickinson

Lecture, Stars Of Close-Up & Closing Show
Lecture: From Concept To PerformanceStars Of Close-UpClosing Show: Magic Tricks

Has been making events and parties worldwide unforgettable for twenty years, blending classic illusions with cutting-edge tricks.

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Joel has been making events and parties worldwide unforgettable for twenty years and counting. His secret? A passion for the seemingly impossible - magic, misdirection, and entertainment right under your nose.
From Concept to Performance: Inside the Mind of a Magic Creator
Joel will share a variety of magic that has been designed and developed over many years, alongside brand-new tricks. Discover the techniques and inspirations that fuel his innovative performances and learn how to transform a simple concept into a captivating act. Perfect for magicians of all levels.
Magic Tricks with Joel Dickinson
Joel Dickinson's experience as a performer in magic is, well... odd! He has captivated audiences in a variety of settings, from traveling circuses to theatres, and from cabaret clubs to schools. Here he will be showcasing the very best of his repertoire, blending classic illusions with cutting-edge tricks, ensuring an unforgettable magical experience.

Kay Murray

History Of Mystery
History Of Mystery

Daughter of magician Trixie Queen, in conversation with Roy Field about her mother's life and career.

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My Mother, Trixie Queen
Trixie Queen, who had her birth certificate signed by Emmeline Pankhurst, went on to become a renowned female magician, performing into her 90s. Join Trixie's daughter, Kay Murray, in conversation with Roy Field and hear fascinating first-hand tales from Trixie's full and adventurous life, and see many of her personal props and effects . . . including a copy of that birth certificate!

Mark James

An Evening of Magic
An Evening of Magic

Combines expert sleight of hand magic with comedy, juggling and other vaudevillian variety skills.

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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.

Max Fulham

An Evening of Magic & Lecture
An Evening of MagicLecture: Thoughts Of A Ventriloquist

Comedian and ventriloquist working professionally since his teenage years, with viral TikTok success.

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Max Fulham is a comedian and ventriloquist who has been working professionally since his teenage years. He combines stand-up comedy with his skilled ventriloquism and puppetry to bring a contemporary twist to traditional variety entertainment. Max performs around the country in comedy clubs and cabaret shows and internationally on cruise ships. Described as "skilled and quick-witted" by The Stage and with viral success on TikTok amassing 2 million likes, Max is a performer not to be missed.
Thoughts of a Ventriloquist
In this lecture Max will delve into his techniques for ventriloquism and puppetry as well as his thoughts on creating ideas and performing comedy. Whether you want to add a puppet to your act, want to develop your comedy, or just want to sit in a room for a bit - come along!

Michael Jordan

Sooty and Friends Show
Sooty and Friends Show

Established variety artiste whose speciality act, High Jinx, features magic, illusion, juggling, unicycling, escapology and stilt-walking.

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Michael Jordan is an established variety artiste whose speciality act, High Jinx, features a wide range of live, visual family entertainment that includes magic, illusion, juggling, unicycling, escapology, stilt-walking and much, much more.

Dr Naomi Paxton

Lecture
Lecture: Conjuring Votes For Women

Researcher, performer and broadcaster who has published widely on theatre professionals and the Votes for Women campaign.

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Dr Naomi Paxton is a researcher, performer and broadcaster. She has published widely on the contribution of theatre professionals to the Votes for Women campaign, curated exhibitions for UK Parliament and the National Theatre, and is a BBC Radio 3/AHRC New Generation Thinker. An Associate Artist of feminist production hub Scary Little Girls, Naomi also performs comedy, cabaret and magic as her alter ego Ada Campe.
Conjuring Votes for Women: magic, persuasion and misdirection in the Edwardian suffrage campaign.
Exploring some of the connections between magic, performance, and the suffrage movement - from suffragettes disappearing into post boxes at the Egyptian Hall, to sΓ©ance entertainments at suffrage fairs, to the use of disguise and doppelgangers for evading police capture. Drawing from a wide variety of archival sources, this talk will investigate the use and effect of magical arts across public and popular entertainments both for and against the campaign for Votes for Women, bringing together a history of suffragist magic practitioners and practices for the first time.

Norman Barrett MBE

Jeffery Atkins Memorial Lecture
Jeffery Atkins Memorial Lecture

Probably the best-known circus personality in the UK, regarded by many as 'The World's Greatest Ringmaster'.

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Norman Barrett MBE - probably the best-known circus personality in the UK and regarded, by many, as 'The World's Greatest Ringmaster'. He was born in 1935 and made his debut in the ring at the age of twelve where he presented horses and a team of dogs with Barrett's Canadian Circus. Norman became ringmaster for the first time with the Roberts Brothers in 1956-1957 but his big chance in show business came when he joined Bertram Mills Circus as an assistant animal trainer and presenter. His outstanding contribution to circus was recognised with the award of MBE. Norman is now enjoying his retirement years in Blackpool but is still making personal appearances to share his life stories.

Olivier Henning

An Evening of Magic
An Evening of Magic

Fifteen-year-old magician from the Netherlands, regularly booked for gala performances across Europe.

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Fifteen-year-old Olivier Henning from the Netherlands embraced magic just three years ago. His stage debut was in July 2022 and since then he has managed to gather an impressive trophy cabinet after starting to compete in September 2022.
Olivier is regularly booked for gala performances all around Europe. Everything in his life revolves around magic, day in and day out, though he does also juggle and play the piano! He strives to be the best magician in the world one day.

Rebecca Foyle

An Evening of Magic
An Evening of Magic

Outstanding stage artiste who has travelled the world performing on stages including Australia and Las Vegas.

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Rebecca Foyle is an outstanding stage artiste and will wow our audience in An Evening of Magic. She has travelled the world performing on some of the biggest stages including Australia and Las Vegas!

Richard Cadell and Sooty

Sooty and Friends Show
Sooty and Friends Show

Has worked with Sooty for more than 20 years, writing and presenting over 100 TV episodes of The Sooty Show.

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Richard has worked with Sooty for more than 20 years, writing and presenting over 100 TV episodes of The Sooty Show. Sooty has just celebrated 75 magical years and is the longest running children's television show in the world!

Russ Brown

Lecture, Sooty and Friends & Stars Of Close-Up
Lecture: Yes Man!Sooty and Friends Magic ShowStars Of Close-Up

Stage Manager and joint organiser of the annual Blackpool Magic Convention, with numerous TV appearances.

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Russ was intrigued and captivated by magic from a young age. His first magic set, a Paul Daniels set, remains a prized possession. He has starred in several long-running shows at different venues around Blackpool, beginning with the Mystique show at Blackpool Pleasure Beach where Russ worked alongside Russ Stevens for several years. He has most recently returned to the Horseshoe Showbar at the Pleasure Beach alongside Britain's Got Talent finalist Steve Royle in the hit show, Comedy Chaos. Russ has numerous TV appearances to his credit alongside a wealth of experience in the Corporate market. He also has his own entertainment consultancy which produces shows in Europe and the UK. He is also the Stage Manager and joint organizer for the annual Blackpool Magic Convention.
Yes Man!
β€œYes man” features some of Russ's favourite effects, some brand new ideas and discusses the scary world of saying yes to ideas and projects that scare you and then diving in head first!!

Stuart Loughland

An Audience With
An Audience With

Four decades of experience in entertainment, from the illusion act 'Safire' in Las Vegas to fourteen tours with BBC's Chuckle Brothers.

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Stuart has four decades of experience in the entertainment industry. From gaining international acclaim with his illusion act 'Safire', including shows at the Tropicana, Las Vegas, to performing as the Dame at Theatr Colwyn for thirteen years. Stuart has shared the stage with Ken Dodd, Joanna Lumley, Peter Kay, Suranne Jones and Bradley Walsh, and completed fourteen tours with BBC's Chuckle Brothers. He is a co-owner of Magic Light Productions and he also designs and performs with 'The Magic Light Puppets'. A member of the Inner Magic Circle, Stuart conducts workshops in prop-making, magic, slapstick and puppetry. He is currently working on a new series for ITV as a magic illusion consultant.
An Audience With Stuart Loughland
In conversation with Rick Tynan, hear about Stuart's experiences, the good and the not so good, in the world of magic and entertainment!

Taylor Morgan

An Evening of Magic
An Evening of Magic

Direct from FISM Europe, known for a unique style of emotion and beauty added to the amazement of his magic.

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Direct from FISM Europe Taylor Morgan will amaze our audience in An Evening of Magic. His unique style of emotion and beauty added to the amazement of his magic is something that has had audiences all around the world in awe.

Your Convention Programme

What's On

Browse shows, lectures, competitions, workshops and social events day by day.

Thursday 12 September 2024
16:00

Screening: Lost In The Shuffle

Other The Magic Bar Live
19:00

Members' AGM

Meeting The Magic Bar Live
Also available via Zoom.
20:45

Ali Bongo Micro-Marathon

Social The Magic Bar Live
All British Ring Members are invited to take part. To enter please see Rick Tynan.
Friday 13 September 2024
09:00

Registration Desk Open

General Venue Cymru Orme Suite
10:00

Official Convention Opening

General Venue Cymru The Hall
10:15

Opening Show: Chris Williams

Show Chris Williams Venue Cymru The Hall
11:00

Dealers Open

Dealer Venue Cymru Orme Suite
11:30

Lecture: Russ Brown - Yes Man!

Lecture Russ Brown Venue Cymru The Hall
13:45

Close-Up Competition

Competition Venue Cymru The Hall
16:00

History of Mystery: Brian Lead & Kay Murray

Other Brian Lead Venue Cymru The Hall
17:00

Dealers Hall and Registration Desk Close

Dealer Venue Cymru Orme Suite
18:50

Buses Leave

Other Venue Cymru
Outside the Conference Entrance at Venue Cymru, for Theatr Colwyn.
19:30

Stage Competition

Competition Theatr Colwyn
Saturday 14 September 2024
09:00

Registration Desk Open

General Venue Cymru Orme Suite
09:00

Dealers Hall Open

Dealer Venue Cymru Orme Suite
09:30

Lecture: Joel Dickinson - From Concept To Performance

Lecture Joel Dickinson Venue Cymru The Hall
10:30

Sooty and Friends

Show Richard Cadell and Sooty Venue Cymru Theatre Auditorium
Tickets not included in any registration but can be purchased direct from the Box Office.
11:00

Lecture: Billy Reid - Decade

Lecture Billy Reid Venue Cymru The Hall
13:15

Stars Of Close-Up

Show Venue Cymru The Hall
Introduced by Rick Tynan: Joel Dickinson, Russ Brown & Billy Reid.
15:00

Jeffery Atkins Memorial Lecture: Norman Barrett MBE

Lecture Norman Barrett MBE Venue Cymru The Hall
16:30

Lecture: Fraser Stokes - Take It Or Leave It

Lecture Fraser Stokes Venue Cymru The Hall
17:30

Dealers Hall and Registration Desk Close

Dealer Venue Cymru Orme Suite
19:30

An Evening Of Magic

Show Ada Campe Venue Cymru Theatre Auditorium
Hosted by Ada Campe, with Aaron Crow, Olivier Henning, Taylor Morgan, Rebecca Foyle, Mark James and Max Fulham.
Sunday 15 September 2024
09:00

Registration Desk Open

General Venue Cymru Orme Suite
09:00

Dealers Hall Open

Dealer Venue Cymru Orme Suite
09:30

An Audience With Stuart Loughland

Other Stuart Loughland Venue Cymru The Hall
In conversation with Rick Tynan.
11:15

Stars Of The Future

Show Venue Cymru The Hall
Hosted by Oliver Bell. Featuring young magicians Ella Rose, Emma Williams, Harry Williams, Josh Baker, Macauley Knight and Nia Evans.
13:00

Registration Desk Closed

General Venue Cymru Orme Suite
13:30

Lecture: Dr Naomi Paxton - Conjuring Votes For Women

Lecture Dr Naomi Paxton Venue Cymru The Hall
14:45

Lecture: Max Fulham - Thoughts Of A Ventriloquist

Lecture Max Fulham Venue Cymru The Hall
16:00

Dealers Hall Closed

Dealer Venue Cymru Orme Suite
16:00

Closing Show: Joel Dickinson - Magic Tricks

Show Joel Dickinson Venue Cymru The Hall
17:15

Installation of New President and Close of Convention

General Venue Cymru The Hall
Learn From the Artists

Convention Lectures

Explore the lectures and specialist sessions in the programme.

Yes Man!

From Concept To Performance

Inside the Mind of a Magic Creator

Decade

Jeffery Atkins Memorial Lecture

Norman Barrett MBE

Take It Or Leave It

Conjuring Votes For Women

Magic, persuasion and misdirection in the Edwardian suffrage campaign

Thoughts Of A Ventriloquist

British Ring Competitions

Competition Programme

Competition information, entry details, rules, timings and locations.

Close-Up Competition

Organised and introduced by Cameron Gibson. Competitors (in alphabetical order): Alex Cahill (Nottingham), Billy Hsueh (Canada), Dave Baker (Prestatyn), David Gemmell (Tonyrefail), Louise Taylor (Ulverston), Mark Newsome (Macclesfield), Oliver Bell (Rhyl).

Competition details & rules

1st Place - the Zina Bennett Trophy plus Β£500. 2nd Place - Β£250. 3rd Place - Β£100. The 'Rovi' Trophy may be awarded for the most entertaining and skilful act using cards. Chair of Judges: Doug Gregg. Judges: Mike Dunagan, Chris Congreave and Billy Reid. Timekeeper: Chris Poole. Assistant Timekeeper: Robert Moss.

Stage Competition

Organised and introduced by Oliver Tabor. Competitors (in alphabetical order): Danny Lee Grew (Clacton On Sea), Jay Gatling (Llandudno), Magic Matt Redmond (Nuneaton), Oliver Bell (Rhyl), The Imagination of Chris Taylor and Louise (Ulverston), Thomas Edwin (Canvey Island).

Competition details & rules

The British Ring Shield may be awarded to an act that achieves outstanding magical excellence. 1st Place - British Ring Trophy for the most entertaining magic act plus Β£500. 2nd Place - Theo Speaker Cup plus Β£250. 3rd Place - Alastair Wand plus Β£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: Don Greenberg. Judges: Russ Brown, Dr Naomi Paxton, Michael Jordan and Taylor Morgan. Timekeeper: Chris Poole. Assistant Timekeeper: Robert Moss.

Ali Bongo Micro Marathon

A fun micro-magic competition, with competitors visiting as many tables as possible in around an hour and the winner decided by audience vote.

Competition details & rules

Awarded for the Ali Bongo Micro Marathon Trophy.

Dealers 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.

Competition details & rules

Judged during Convention week; awarded for the best-presented dealer stand at the Trade Fair.

Dealer Exhibition

Meet the Dealers

Discover the dealers, creators and magical suppliers attending the convention.

Chris Congreave

The name Chris Congreave is synonymous with commercial close up routines and ideas. (All day Friday & Saturday morning)

Visit Website

Deceptive Secrets

Adam specialises in Card Magic and Mentalism. Head on over to the Deceptive Secrets Dealer Booth to discover the mentalism secret weapon 'Gradient' and learn more about the Deceptive Secrets 'Monthly Membership' in which Adam shares his most closely guarded secrets! (Full Convention)

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Hocus Pocus Magic

The UK's top magic specialist, catering to your performance needs in: stage magic, coin magic, card tricks, clothing and much more. (Full Convention)

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Iain Bailey

Iain's magic is always fun & practical. With such a diverse array of props and plots there is bound to be a product that will fit your show. (Full Convention)

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Magical Puppets

Deluxe Animatronic Talk-Tech Remote Control Puppet Stand, with a budget version also available. Also launching the Magnetic AbraCadabury effect as well as bargains clearing out old stock. (Full Convention)

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Magic World

MagicWorld and Printbymagic offer unique magical creations by James Anthony as well as custom printing onto Bicycle Playing Cards. (Full Convention)

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Magick Words

Established in Sheffield in 1977, stocking a wide range of general magic. Magick specialises in bizarre and story-telling props and effects, and a well-known range of second-hand, out-of-print and rare books, plus their own range of books under the Magick Words imprint. (Full Convention)

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Pocket Miracles

Visit the stand at Llandudno and ask about: Hung, Drawn & Quartered, Where in the World using What 3 Words, and In Cloud Cuckoo Land. Plus limited copies of Harri-O & Harri-O gummi Ring, Minify, Harris little helper & Propcorn. (Full Convention)

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Red Dragon Magic

From parlour magic to packet tricks, beginners to professionals, something for everyone - every trick has been tested by the team in the real world, and they only sell the ones that get the best reactions. (Full Convention)

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SOLO Next-Gen Show Control

SOLO is the most advanced, yet simplest, next-gen show control system available. Cue audio, images, videos & live cameras with objects, props and even gestures! Must be seen to be believed. (Saturday & Sunday)

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Wonder & Co.

Edinburgh's first magic shop comes to Llandudno! Shop in person or online. (Full Convention)

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Getting Around

Convention Venues

Find the buildings, halls, theatres and rooms used throughout the convention.

Main Venue

Venue Cymru

The Hall
Orme Suite
Theatre Auditorium
Competition

Theatr Colwyn

Social

The Magic Bar Live

14 Clonmel Street, Llandudno

Competition Results

Convention Winners

Celebrating the performers recognised through the British Ring competition programme.

David Gemmell

Rovi Trophy β€” Best Card Act

Close-Up Competition

Not Awarded

Dittia Shield β€” Manipulation

Stage Competition

Not Awarded

Conventioneers Trophy β€” Originality

Stage Competition

Not Awarded

Tom Harris Cup β€” Comedy

Stage Competition

Danny Lee Grew

1st Place β€” British Ring Trophy

Stage Competition

David Gemmell

1st Place β€” Zina Bennett Trophy

Close-Up Competition

David Gemmell

Ali Bongo Micro Marathon Winner

Ali Bongo Micro Marathon

Red Dragon Magic

Dealers Trophy β€” Best Stand

Dealers Trophy

Billy Hsueh

2nd Place

Close-Up Competition

Jay Gatling

2nd Place β€” Theo Speaker Cup

Stage Competition

Alex Cahill

3rd Place

Close-Up Competition

Chris Taylor & Louise

3rd Place β€” Alastair Wand

Stage Competition

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