THE MAGIC CIRCLE INTRODUCTION:
If you are looking to hire a magic circle magician then consider The Magic Circle itself. The magic circle is one of the oldest magic societies in the world and has branches in over 60 countries. It was founded by magicians in London’s coffee houses in 1791 and the original magic circle building was designed by Walter Cave and built in 1905. The new site of the magic circle now boasts a library and museum open to the public. The museum collection includes props used by famous magicians such as Houdini and J.N. Maskelyne, along with artifacts from early conjuring history.
Membership of the magic circle is by invitation only and an applicant must satisfy several requirements before joining including having a long term commitment to the art. In its past, the magic circles rituals were shrouded in secrecy, but today it holds performances that can be seen by the public several times a year.
There are several grades of membership available to join with the most famous magic circle magicians in the world including David Blaine, Dynamo and Derren Brown having joined over time.
The magic circle has over one hundred members who proudly call themselves magic circle magicians who are selected each year to join the society. Annual convention takes place in London where famous magicians perform to celebrate, learn and improve their skills.
WATCH DUNCAN'S CUSTOM MAGIC ROUNTINE - BRINGING MAGIC INTO THE 21ST CENTURY:
THE MAGIC CIRCLE – LONG VERSION:
The Magic Circle, is a British organisation that is dedicated to the promotion and advancement of magic where entry is subject to a written and performance-based exam.
After passing a written thesis or performance exam, applicants are eligible to become Members of The Magic Circle (M.M.C.) and can call themselves a magic circle magician. Additional distinctions could earn them the title Associate of The Inner Magic Circle (A.I.M.C) and Member Of The Inner Magic Circle (M.I.M.C). The Inner Magic Circle is limited to 300 members. The Magic Circle was established in 1905 and was initially a male-only magic club until 1991. The Young Magicians Club is the junior part of the club and is for young magicians under 18 years of age.
After 23 magicians from both amateur and professional backgrounds met at London’s Pinoli’s Restaurant, the Magic Circle was established in 1905. Servais Le Roy presided over the founders meeting. It was initially decided that the Society’s name should be the Martin Chapender Club in honor of the founding member and performer who had just died at 25. It was decided that “Magic Circle”, which shares the initials of Martin Chapender’s, would be more fitting. The Magic Circle was an exclusively male-only magic club from until 1991 when 75% of its members voted to allow women.
The Green Man pub in Soho hosted the first official meeting. However, meetings continued in a St George’s Hall room in Langham Place where John Nevil Maskelyne and David Devant were frequently seen performing.
Devant was elected the first president of The Magic Circle. In 1906, Maskelyne published the first issue The Magic Circular magazine and has been a regular magazine for members since then. The Magic Circular is the longest-running conjuring magazine in the world.
WATCH DUNCAN'S SHOWREEL BELOW:
LOCATION OF THE MAGIC CIRCLE
The Magic Circle building is centrally located in London, near Euston Station and Camden. It has been open for corporate entertainment and meetings since 1998. It was named the UK’s number one venue in the 2008 hospitality industry’s Top 20 UK Venues Poll.
The headquarters of the Magic Circle houses a theatre and library. There is also a restaurant, bar, clubroom, and a museum. The museum contains magic tricks, props and posters as well as programmes, toys, photos, artifacts, and photographs related to conjuring history. The museum contains Robert Harbin’s original Zig Zag illusion and Chung Ling Soo robes. It also has a Harry Corbett apparatus and sets of props.
GETTING THERE AND AWAY:
The address of the magic circle is:
The Magic Circle, 12 Stephenson Way, Euston, London, NW1 2HD
Getting there via underground:
The Magic Circle is easily located less than a two minutes walk from Euston Square Underground Station. (Accessible via the Circle Hammersmith and City and Metropolitan Lines). It is just five minutes walk from Warren Street (Northern and Victoria Lines), and five to ten minutes walk from Euston Station. (Accessible via the Northern and Victoria Lines and also mainline trains).
FROM WARREN STREET
When you leave Warren Street tube station, cross Tottenham Court Road and leave the station. The UCL Hospital will be right behind you. Cross over Euston Road and turn right (eastwards). Turn left onto North Gower Street and then turn right onto Stephenson Way. The Magic Circle is at No. 12 on your left as you walk down.
FROM EUSTON SQUARE
As soon as you pass the ticket barrier turn left. Walk for approximately 15 seconds, then turn right. Turn right into North Gower Street, and then turn right again into Stephenson Way. You will find The Magic Circle at No. 12 on your left.
FROM EUSTON STATION
Continue straight from the station to Euston Road. Continue walking until you reach North Gower Street. Continue straight into Stephenson Way for a bout 5 to 10 minutes. The Magic Circle is at No. 12 on your left.
TAXIS, BUSES, AND OTHER STATIONS
The Magic Circle is located an approximately ten-minute walk from St Pancras Station, and about a fifteen-minute walk from Kings Cross. There are buses that take you to Euston Square from 18-30, 73-205, 390 and 390. Taxis should be directed towards NW1 2HD
MAGIC SOCIETIES AROUND THE WORLD
There are a number of other magic societies around the world with the Society of American Magicians is a magic society with chapters in all 50 US states and over one hundred countries worldwide. Founded in 1902, it is the world’s oldest and largest organization for amateur and professional magicians. The society has two membership levels, one of which is available to the general public. The Society of American Magicians was formed when magic clubs in New York City and Cincinnati came together in 1902. Over time, it has branched out across the United States, and now has an estimated 7000 members worldwide and holds an annual magic convention in August hosted at a different location around the world each year.
Another popular organisation in America is The International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM) is the magic society with the most local chapters in the world with over 50 countries having local groups. The International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM) is the only such society where membership is not restricted by citizenship
The IBM was founded February 10, 1922 in Winnipeg, Manitoba by Len Vintus (stage name of Melvin Justus Given McMullen) when several magic clubs joined forces and it is widely regarded as one of the oldest and most prestigious magic societies in the world.
A number of famous magicians have been members of The International Brotherhood of Magicians throughout its history including Larry Jennings, Dai Vernon, Michael Ammar and Tony Curtis. The IBM hosts several magic conventions around the world each year with an estimated 6000 members attending including famous magicians from around the world. You can learn more about The Magic Circle here or discover an other magic circle magician to hire for your event.
Duncan William is a professional magician who performs both in London, as a magician in Nottingham, Birmingham, Leicester, Sheffield and beyond and around the UK. Watch his showreel below or check his fees and availability through the contact button on the top of the page.
