HISTORY | Middlesbrough Circle of Magicians

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MIDDLESBROUGH CIRCLE OF MAGICIANS

Middlesbrough Circle of Magicians Members 1964

Middlesbrough Circle Members 1964

Get to Know Us

The Middlesbrough Circle of Magicians was born in the middle of a snowstorm in December 1953. James Scott and Martin 'Martini' Marshall met in the street and despite the weather stood and talked of all things magical. Nearly one year later 'Martini' wrote to 15 local magicians inviting them to a meeting on the 13th of January 1954

Thirteen magicians responded and attended the first gathering, and the Middlesbrough Circle of Magicians was formed with 'Jim' Scott as it's first President and 'Martini' as the Honorary Secretary and Treasurer. The original thirteen members were:

Albert Trebla Allen
Albert Chapman
Terry Flavell
Will Fleet
F. W. Hebblethwaite
Eddie Fudson
Ken Johnson
Martin "Martini" Marshall
Peter Morton
Bill Ripley
Jim Scott
Bill Tate
Harry Thomas

During the following two years, the small group went from strength to strength with the original monthly meetings becoming bi-monthly.

The circle logo, designed by 'Martini' incorporates a rabbit, top hat, and wand within a circle. It remains the symbol of the circle to this day.

Middlesbrough Circle Members 1964

Founder Member: Martin Marshall

Founder Member: Jim Scott

Founder Member: Bill Ripley

Founder Member: Ken Johnson

The MCM Hall of Fame

Paul Daniels

Perhaps the most famous member to emerge from the Middlesbrough Circle of Magicians. Paul rose to fame with his TV Show and West End Shows. We liked him "a lot".

John Archer

John is a past winner of the Magic Circle Stage Magician of the Year competition and in 2019 was a semi-finalist on Britain's Got Talent. Perhaps he is most famous for being the first magician to fool Penn and Teller.

Pete Firman

Pete is one of the countries leading comedy magicians with many TV appearance including: The Generation Game, The Next Great Magician, Tonight at the London Palladium to name but a few. Pete regularly performs at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Martin Sanderson

Over 20 years experience as a full time professional, Martin guarantees to astonish his audiences with his unique style of close up magic. Martin specialises in corporate functions and weddings.

Tom Rolfe

Tom is the owner of Tom Rolfe Productions. As well as being an accomplished magician Tom also stars in the shows and pantomimes that he creates, produces and directs. "Oh yes he does!"

Kevin Reay

Kevin was one of the Worlds leading card and coin magicians and famously entertained Micheal Jackson during his Bad tour. Kevin was always know as a magicians' magician. He was one of only a few UK magicians to appear on the Paul Daniels Magic Show.

The MCM members 2024