Next Meeting:
Tuesday 13th May, 7.30pm
Designing Deceptions: The Dr Matt Pritchard Lecture
Optical illusions have both an aesthetic and scientific appeal as they question our perception of reality. This talk will deconstruct the development process of creating new illusions. Charting the journey from first inspiration, through practical hurdles, to the final design and public impact. It will also explain how optical principles, smart materials, and even typographical word play can be exploited in magic effects. The speaker, Dr Matt Pritchard, is a previous winner of the international Best Illusion of the Year Contest. Since the pandemic lockdown, his work has focused on creating novel illusion videos that have delighted/frustrated the magic community and have been described by Popular Mechanics as “charmingly analogue”.
Biography
Dr Matt Pritchard is a science magician and illusion designer. Previously Matt conducted atomic physics research at Durham University, UK. He subsequently went on to work within the Education department at Thinktank Science Museum before setting up his own science communication company.
In addition to this experience, he has spent the last 21 years working as a professional magician and is an Associate of the Inner Magic Circle. He is a two-time winner of the international Best Illusion of the Year contest.
Guests and Non members welcome by prior arrangement with the committee. £10pp
Upcoming Events:
Tuesday 27th May
7.30pm
Jamming Session
Tuesday 10th June
7.30pm
The Good, The Bad, The GRUESOME:
The Kevin Cunliffe Lecture
Over quarter of a century in the making. Performing magic and entertaining audiences in their thousands from all around the world and entertaining both magicians and general public. Now is your chance to see this fascinating and informative Magic Lecture.
Kevin Cunliffe (aka Psycho Kev) was raised with touring circuses and has magic running through his veins, born as a fifth-generation entertainer. Kevin is one of only a small number of entertainers in the world to have won the prestigious ‘ACE MAGICIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD’ three times. Kevin also owns several Guinness World Records for his performances.
Whilst performing the most mindboggling Sideshow routines and visual stage illusions, Kevin also has an alter ego called ‘Psycho Kev’ and was chosen to appear within the infamous touring sideshow ‘Circus of Horrors’. He has also appeared on National Radio and Television (Including the BBC & ITV Granada). Kevin has also appeared at various Theatres & Festival Events in front of thousands, alongside many musical artists including Hawkwind (HAWKFEST 2022), Toploader (Lancaster Grand Theatre) Bugzy Malone & James (Kendal Calling festival), A Splendid Day Out (Steampunk Festival), The Harley Davidson Biker Festival, Fringe Festivals & Comedy Festivals. Kevin has also worked with several well-known Theme Park Attractions and also various Scare Attractions.
He has also gone on to design and create illusions and train some of the world’s leading entertainers. Kevin has finally decided to compile together some of his most closely guarded secrets, that have helped him along the way over these years.
Consisting of fully time-tested Routines and Methods. Many of these routines and methods have come about by challenging circumstances, and many are methods that have aided him through challenging circumstances.
It is from these circumstances that gave the title to this lecture ‘The Good, The Bad & The Gruesome’, this does not reflect the quality of the effects and methods included but that of the situations of certain shows and circumstances that gave birth to these effects and methods.
Within the lecture Kevin will be covering that of EDC, Close-up, Mind Reading, Stage Illusion, Sleight of Hand and Sideshow.
Prepare to experience the weird and wonderful world of Kevin Cunliffe aka PSYCHO KEV.
Guests by prior arrangement with the Secretary or President. £10pp
The Order of The Magi at Poynton Arts Festival
Tuesday 24th June, 7.30pm
Back by Popular Demand!
Magicians from the Order of The Magi return for a magical variety evening at Poynton Arts Festival.
Visitors:
Visitors are welcome to attend up to three meetings or lectures per Magi syllabus year (April – March) with prior approval from the President or Secretary. The entry fee is £10 per person, per event, with open events like sales, auctions, and competitions excluded from this limit.
For those interested in attending all lectures and meetings throughout the year, as well as enjoying full membership benefits, click here to explore our membership options
Have a Magical Lecture or Event Idea?
The Order of The Magi is always looking to keep our event line-up fresh and exciting. From lectures and competitions to hands-on workshops and brainstorming sessions, we love adding new, unique, and inspiring experiences to our calendar.
If you have a lecture idea or a creative concept that you think our members would enjoy, please drop an email to our Secretary with the details. And if you’re a member with a fun event idea, be sure to let Mike know – we’d love to hear it!
The Order of The Magi News
An Evening of Magic & Mentalism returns to Poynton
We are pleased to announce that The Order of The Magi returns to Poynton Arts Festival for a cabaret-style Magic & Mentalism show at The Royal British Legion Club, in 2025. More details to follow!
Members: Annual Subs Now Due!
Members should note that your annual subs are now due. Please see the latest magazine for details, or contact the Treasurer.
Student Discount
Students in Full Time Education now benefit from a new discounted membership rate. Read More…
115 Years of Magic in Manchester
Since 1909, The Order of The Magi has been Manchester’s hub for magicians and magic enthusiasts alike, offering a welcoming space for everyone passionate about the art of illusion. From magic tricks to children’s entertainment and balloon modelling, our society embraces all aspects of the magical arts. We gather twice a month at The Irish World Heritage Centre in Cheetham Hill, sharing ideas, learning from renowned magic lecturers, and hosting fun, friendly competitions.
Whether you’re a seasoned magician or just starting out, if you’re in Manchester or nearby, come and see the magic we can create together. Take a look at our Membership Page to explore the benefits and join one of the UK’s oldest magic clubs.
Latest Blog Post:
A History of Magic in Manchester
The article below, written by the Order of the Magi’s past editor Bayard Grimshaw, has been reproduced from “Magi Magoria” published by Supreme Magic in 1974, and covers a very brief history of Magic in Manchester and of course the Order of the Magi – one of the oldest societies for performing magicians in the world, up until the publication date.
Perhaps, one day, our current members could put together a further article dealing with the history of Magic in Manchester from 1974 to the present date…
MAGIC IN MANCHESTER
(Not just we Magi but also)
BAYARD GRIMSHAW
Understandably, the origins of Magic are obscure and a matter for speculation. We may assume that among our remote ancestors, as far back as the beginnings of community life, there came to the fore the “wise men”, those whose special knowledge of natural principles enabled them to keep a step ahead of the rest and to astound their fellows by their ability to bring about strange and awe-inspiring results. They would use their power for the common good, or for personal prestige, and perhaps – who knows ? – to amuse and entertain, too.
Membership
Membership is open to anyone with a serious interest in the performance of magic, and / or the history of the noble art.
more
History
Read our History to see just why Manchester’s The Order of the Magi, is such a popular and respected Magic Club all over the world.
more
Programme
We host a wide range of exciting magical activities in Manchester, including competitions, lectures and auctions every year.
more
Magazine
The Magi Magazine is the Order of The Magi’s Club Periodical, and has never missed an monthly publication.
more
