NEWS

Catch Us at Orange Pip Market This Summer!

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The Middlesbrough Circle of Magicians is proud to be part of the Orange Pip Market — bringing street magic and sleight of hand to the heart of the town centre. You’ll find us there on the last Saturday of each month throughout the summer.

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Last month was our first appearance, and it was a brilliant day filled with laughs, gasps, and plenty of dropped jaws. Our magicians performed close-up magic right at the stall, chatted with passers-by, and showcased just a little of what the Circle is all about.

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We’ll be back for the next two markets, and we’d love for you to come say hello. Whether you’re a fan of magic, looking to learn a few tricks, or just fancy seeing something unusual while you are enjoying the pip! Look for our stand with our iconic logo and see what we're all about!

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We’re always open to new members — and not just adults. We also run a Young Magicians Club for budding performers aged 10 and up, offering a fun and friendly place to learn and grow.

Pop by, see some magic, and find out how you could get involved.

To mark its 70th anniversary, the Middlesbrough Circle of Magicians launched a special exhibition at the Dorman Museum, inviting the public behind the curtain for a rare look at the secrets, stories, and history of the Circle.

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The exhibition celebrated seven decades of wonder with a mix of hands-on illusions, vintage props, iconic posters, and rare memorabilia from past members. Visitors could explore the history of the club through old photographs, newspaper clippings, and personal stories from performers who helped shape the magic scene in Teesside.

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Highlights included a classic “head-on-a-plate” illusion for visitors to try, a peek inside traditional illusion boxes, and a Hall of Fame honouring some of the most influential magicians to have graced the Circle’s ranks.

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The exhibition wasn’t just for show — members also hosted live magic performances inside the space itself, delighting families, school groups, and curious visitors with close-up miracles and engaging mini-shows throughout the run.

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It was a celebration not just of the past, but of a living tradition. With packed-out performances and glowing feedback, the exhibition proved that magic in Middlesbrough is as strong as ever — and still full of surprises.

On Wednesday 18th October 2024, the Middlesbrough Circle of Magicians celebrated an incredible 70 years of magic with a spectacular stage show, Spellbound, held at the iconic Middlesbrough Theatre.

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The night brought together some of the Circle’s finest performers for an evening of illusions, laughs, and sleight of hand, compered by the ever-charismatic Gary Bainbridge. Audiences were treated to performances by Eamonn McClurey, Nimmo Clarke, Chris Cowl, Mark Warman, Marty Quigly, and Matt Cooper, each bringing their own unique style to the stage.

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In a moment of reflection and celebration, club president Neil Armstrong took to the stage mid-show to speak about the Circle’s proud history and its thriving future.

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Closing the night in spectacular fashion was headline act John Archer – star of Britain’s Got Talent and the first magician to fool Penn & Teller on Fool Us. His comedy magic brought the house down and ended the night on a high.

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Spellbound was not just a celebration of the Circle’s past, but a strong reminder of the magic still to come.

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If you wern't lucky enough to get a ticket you can watch everyones performance HERE.

We are excited to announce that Martin Daniels will be the headline act at the Middlesbrough Circle of Magicians Annual Dinner on the 4th November 2023 held at the Middlesbrough Football Stadium. Don't miss out and book your tickets early. 

Several members of the circle drove the short journey up to Durham to visit The Magic Corner. For those who have not been before it is highly recommended. Tom Bolton put on a great one man show full of spooky magic and wizardry. Tom has sequenced together some great effects and the venue is perfect to build the atmosphere. Thanks Tom.

Tickets for the MCM Annual Dinner are now on sale. This yearsevent will be held in the Legends Lounge at Middlesbrough Football Club, TS3 6RS. Tickets are priced at £45.00. Don't miss out. Book early. 

8 x MCM members performed a 2.5 hour stage show to a full house at the Middlesbrough Bowling Club. The audience were "right up for it" from the start. Gary Bainbridge  compered and was the cement behind a wide range of diverse performances from the circle members. A repeat booking has already been requested. 

A magical night at the West End Bowling Club, Hartburn where members of the MCM entertained a great crowd with parlour and close up magic. Thanks to Dan Roberts for organising a fantastic night.

Over a dozen members of the circle attended the Blackpool Magic Convention this weekend. This is the BIGGEST magic convention in the World with over 4,000 delegates from all around the World. A great chance for members to socialise, learn new magic and mix with our heroes.

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Check out the video here: Blackpool Magic Convention 2023

A small group of the Middlesbrough Circle of Magicians made themselves present at the Christmas Orange Pip Market held in Middlesbrough. Street magic is rapidly becoming a very popular branch of the art and the MCM are leading the way in the North East. If you are looking for street magicians the MCM can make some appear!!!

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Check out the video here: MCM at The Orange Pip

Monday 17th October saw an excellent evening of magic from 6 performers who competed for the Jimmy Green Wand Trophy for Cabaret Magic. They also entertained a good crowd of magicians, friends, and family. Neil Armstrong, Eamonn McClurey, Tom Daws, James Baker, Gary Bainbridge, and Brian Lesko were the competitors. The standard was very high and the judges had a tough decision to make!

The eventual winner was Eamonn McClurey with Neil Armstrong runner up.

Monday 26th September 2022 saw the Middlesbrough Circle of Magicians entertain the Newcastle Magic Circle at MagicBox in Newcastle.

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There were 9 performers and a really good variety of magic seen. Tony Southwick (President) was the MC for the evening. Neil Armstrong opened with his very atmospheric, 'Jean the Code Breaker' routine. Steve Lewis performed his road sign routine as well as some card predictions torn into newspaper. Daniel Roberts performed his 'Heads Up' post-it card prediction routine.​

Graeme Smith performed his Coin + Cork Cylinder Routine followed by his Mini Chairs Routine.​

Brian Lesko performed ropes, coins and his paper balls into sponge balls from hat routine to music.​

Martin performed a memory effect with a full deck of cards.

Tom Daws performed his fork bending routine followed by a Wild Card Pokemon effect. Nimmo Clarke performed a disappearing drink miracle followed by some lovely card predictions. Eamonn McClurey performed his sympathetic matchboxes followed by his legendary Egg routine. A great night was had by all and it was really nice to share another night of magic with our friends at Newcastle Magic Circle.