Hull Magicians' Circle

08/06/2026

We are delighted to welcome Steve Dela to Hull with his latest lecture. Steve visited us a few years ago and presented a brilliant talk. His visit on Thursday 18th June promises to be a cracker. Read about Steve’s achievements, what he’s presenting and his recommendations from leading magicians -

About Steve Dela
He is a magician with over 25 first place Magic Awards.
A Member of The Inner Magic Circle with Gold Star!

He has won the British Ring IBM Close-Up competition twice!
The first time he was just 16 years old.
He’s a three times winner of the ROVI Trophy and all the way back in 2005 he was awarded The Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year trophy.

Since then, he has been creating MENTALISM and has released many effects which have worked their way into the repertoire of many top pros.

Steve will be teaching some of his all-time favourite commercial routines, effects that he uses to make his full-time living as a mentalist and magical performer..

Some are his own creations and some are twists on classic effects.

Everything is simple and easy to do.
There really will be something for everyone!

Steve will feature a special routine utilising his marked ‘Night Flight Deck’.
If you’ve ever owned a marked deck and didn’t know what to do with it, this will give you all the inspiration you need.

You’ll learn ‘Will To Read LITE’ a super clean prediction effect that fits in your wallet and is always ready to go.

‘Sneak Like A Pro’ - Steve’s take on “Sneak Thief” by Larry Becker.

‘Mind Mansion’ - Steve’s favourite routine for what is without a doubt the easiest method in mentalism… a Peek.

A named card in wallet… ANY wallet.

PLUS…
Plenty of tricks and plenty of tips.

What they say about Steve -

- David Penn MIMC
Superstar Magician

“I saw Steve Dela lecture at The Magic Circle last night… and booked him on the spot!

It was one of the most commercial mentalism lectures we’ve ever seen. Practical, clever, and packed with usable material. He also brought a fantastic range of products that sold out fast.”

—

- Phil Paxton
York Magic Circle

“Steve lectured at our club in York last month. His lecture is one of the best we have had. His effects and routines were thoroughly explained and presented with his humorous patter. Highly recommended!”

—

- Jason Deverell
Bexley Magic Society.

"We had a fantastic lecture last week from Steve Dela, who, in addition to taking the audience through some of his recent creations, showed us the level of detail he puts into his close-up routine and the thinking behind what makes it so powerful. It was a hugely entertaining and enjoyable night with an excellent turn out from both members and guests"

—

- Chris Jowett
Banished Magicians Society.

"Wow!...Steve gave us a lecture we wont forget! Not only did he teach some amazing close up workers with some brilliant methods and ideas, but we were also treated to Steves full professional routine which was full of incredible magic and tips from someone who has perfected his art. The lecture was fast moving, informative and fun. Every member of our club took so much from it no matter whether they were a beginner or a professional. We cant wait to have Steve back to show us his new lecture which he is currently working on. Thanks for a brilliant evening."

—

- John Holt
Pro Magician

“I remember seeing Steve Dela’s lecture many years ago.
I came away with so many great routines, tips and ideas.
I even got my first restaurant residency a few days later, thanks to the advice he gave in that lecture.

He knows his stuff. Solid, practical and very workable material.

If you’re a professional magician, or hope to be one, this lecture is a ‘must see’.
Get him booked for your magic club now!”

—

- Steve Cook
Amazing Magic Inventor

“Steve's lecture is one of the best out there. Highly recommended!”

Open to members, prospective members and guest magicians.
(Non-members £5)
Thursday 18th June, 7.45pm
Men in Sheds Community Centre
First Lane
Anlaby
HU10 6UE
(Log vehicle registration number on arrival)
Further information from Will Reid-Frow 07752 432689

07/06/2026

Ferrybridge Day of Magic -
Well worth a visit
Travis Perkins is pleased to announce the date for the Ferrybridge Day of Magic: Sunday 5th of July 2026.

With Lecturettes and the Showette, Dealers and traders, the day looks like it will be another fun event - put it in your diary now. More news as we approach the day!

The venue is The Community Centre, The Square, Ferrybridge, West Yorkshire WF11 8PQ. Doors open at 9.45am and the day ends at 5pm. For more information please visit our page Ferrybridge Day of Magic
or email Michael Shepherd [email protected] or Danny Hunt [email protected]

It’s that time of year!!!!!!!

Travis Perkins is pleased to announce the date for the Ferrybridge Day of Magic: Sunday 5th of July 2026.

With Lecturettes and the Showette, Dealers and traders, the day looks like it will be another fun event - put it in your diary now. More news as we approach the day!

The venue is The Community Centre, The Square, Ferrybridge, West Yorkshire WF11 8PQ. Doors open at 9.45am and the day ends at 5pm. For more information please visit our page Ferrybridge Day of Magic
or email Michael Shepherd [email protected] or Danny Hunt [email protected]

06/06/2026

Hull Magicians’ Circle
Thursday 4th June
Jon Gresham Request Night

On one of our favourite nights of our year we were joined by guest and prospective member John Scott. John had known Jon and Pat Gresham as he had been a projectionist working with them in Pocklington and Beverley at Jon’s cinemas. This evening, hosted by President Paul Baker-Kitchen and Secretary Will Reid-Frow, opened with a brief biographical tribute to Jon G. by Jon Marshall who recalled some of Jon’s career and some of Jon’s quirks including his aversion to card tricks.
The premise of the night is to enable members to anonymously make requests for demonstrations, performances or explanations of anything magical.
Topics requested included the secret workings of the Flea Circus, shuffles and cuts, electronic magic, an unbelievable mind reading prediction and some new ideas in magic.
It was a full night and we ran out of time for everyone to take part. Thanks to Ray Burrell for additional photos.
We look forward to our next meeting - The Eddie Dawes’ President’s Lecture night which features a lecture from Steve Dela.

28/05/2026

Just a week to go!
Thursday 4th June 2026 our meeting is -

The Jon Gresham Request Night.

Jon Gresham was born in 1930, he became a member of Hull Magicians’ Circle age 18. He was already making a name for himself as “Europe’s Youngest Fireeater” performing in variety venues in the UK including Hull’s Tivoli Theatre.
He became a Sideshow Showman, Pantomime Producer, Cinema Proprietor and was Secretary of HMC for 28 years.
Jon created his Request Night with the object of enabling members to anonymously ask to view a particular trick, seek help with a sleight of hand move or have an explanation of some aspect of magic and the allied arts. After Jon’s untimely death Arthur Setterington took over the organisation of this popular event. Later secretaries including Rex Stott and Ray Burrell have fulfilled the role of organiser.
Now current secretary Will Frow has taken up the reins and is receiving member’s secret requests and implementing them. False shuffles and the “backstage” workings of the Flea Circus are on the cards for this year’s annual Request Night. Contact Will with your request or query at [email protected]
7.45pm
Thursday 4th June
Men in Sheds Community Centre
First Lane
Anlaby
HU10 6UE

22/05/2026

Hull Magicians’ Circle
Thursday 21st May 2026
Celebration Night with Awards and John Morton’s Wonderland.

It was a full house as members and guests packed our club room for a Night of magic and cuelebration.
HMC President, Paul Baker-Kitchen, welcomed attendees as they arrived and soft drinks were served.
Our magical guest performer was friend of Hull Circle, John Morton venturing across the Humber to present an excerpt from his one-man show “Wonderland”. John is well know for his many magical originations and has created magical effects that have featured on Penn & Teller Fool Us - he did! In his “Wonderland” show John took us on a magical and mystical journey into the world of vaudeville, sideshow, mind-reading and the psychic, all with a dash of humour throughout. We were introduced to Madam Velina, a sideshow performer from the past and her mysterious box of emotions. There was plenty of audience interaction as John conducted a whodunit playlet that would rival Agatha Christie complete with murderer, suspects and an assassin whose identity, modus operandi and location of death were magically predicted. There was even a touch of cold reading as John revealed audience members favourite films. It was excellent entertainment with surprises, intrigue, comedy and a final blockbuster revelation to top off the show.
Paul thanked John and introduced our Secretary, Will Reid-Frow to host the presentation of awards.
Will thanked the many members who had participated in our competitions, which had, throughout the year, provided enjoyment for our audiences and raised money for the Circle and local organisations.
Of course there were winners and one in particular! Paul Baker-Kitchen swept the board with a hat trick of wins. He was awarded The Connolly Shield for Stage Performance, The Shirley Watts Close-Up Trophy and the Bob Moore Comedy Award. Will explained that as Paul was the President he could hardly give himself the prizes and so Elsie Setterington, past President’s Lady, wife of the late member, Past President and magical inventor. Arthur Setterington was invited to make the presentations. Elsie said she realised how much work went into creating magic acts and congratulated all who took part. She told how she remembered a ten- year-old Paul first attending the Young Magicians’ Workshop and how she has seen him develop into the fine professional performer he is.
The Simpson Shield is our competition held over six heats, each with a different magical theme and the winner was…….. Ian Hayward. The Maskelyne Silver Wand was given to the Circle in 1938 by renowned magician Jasper Maskelyne. Originally for creativity and invention the trophy has been repurposed as an award for the best trick on Pocket Trick Night. This year the winner was Mark Grierson.
Our latest trophy is the Eddie Dawes’ President’s Award created as a bas relief plaque by sculptor Maria Cork and presented by Eddie’s sons Adrian and Michael. This award commemorates our long serving Past President the late Eddie Dawes and his wife Amy to whom we owe so much for their work in supporting our Circle. The recipient of this honour is entirely at the discretion of the current President and this year Paul cited the outstanding contributions, effort, friendship and support shown by Will Reid-Frow who, although “thrown in the deep end”, as a newly appointed secretary he has surpassed expectations in his fulfilment of the post in many ways including creating our new web site.
Congratulations Will on this well deserved recognition.
Ray Burrell and Lorraine organised a splendid buffet and members and guests gave unanimous approval for a great night of celebration.
Thanks to Alan Carter for preparation and all members for assisting and attending.

19/05/2026

Last call to members, friends and family and visiting magicians.

This Thursday, 21st May 7.30pm is our Hull Magicians’ Circle Celebration Night.

Join us for a magical evening featuring the performance of award winning magician John Morton’s show, “Wonderland”

Following his success on Penn and Teller Fool Us John takes a nostalgic look back at fun fair games, side show mystics and the golden age of the vaudeville performer. This interactive show attempts to see if you can be influenced, answers the question is telepathy real, and could a mind reader really use his skills of perception to solve a murder? Take part in an ancient ritual that is supposed to bring good luck and see if together you can achieve the impossible.

Join us, and step into Wonderland!

"You fooled us!" Penn and Teller
"Fantastic!" - Alyson Hannigan
"Mesmerising!" - The Telegraph
"Brilliant tricks" - Insight Magazine.
"You're like a Jedi!" - Lara King.

We’ll be presenting the winners of our Stage, Close-Up and Comedy Magic trophies, announcing the winner of our Simpson Shield Competition and our President, Paul Baker-Kitchen, will reveal who will be the recipient of the Eddie Dawes’ President’s Award.
There’s buffet refreshments too.
This is an occasion not to be missed.
Thursday 21st May, 7.30pm Men in Sheds Community Centre, First Lane, Anlaby, HU10 6UE.

Tickets limited - if you are not already booked in ring Ray on 07930 927590

Members: £5 Including one guest
Visiting guests: £5

08/05/2026

Hull Magicians’ Circle
Thursday 7th May
A Tribute to David Hand with
The Royal Road to Card Magic

What a great club night - a gathering of members sharing memories of our Past President the late David Hand and celebrating his love of magic especially card and packet tricks.
It was of course an evening tinged with sadness but imbued with just the sort of ethos that David would have enjoyed, sharing laughter, secrets, magical skill and camaraderie.
The Royal Road to Card Magic by Jean Hugard and Frederick Braue was published in 1948 and is widely regarded as a seminal tome on magic with playing cards. Ray Burrell had acquired David’s copy and noticed that he had made many annotations and listed favourite tricks and routines. It was suggested that this could be the theme of a tribute night to David when members would perform presentations from the book which David had clearly studied.
That idea came to fruition in a most enjoyable way last night. Following a biographical tribute about David and his wife Ann by Jon Marshall, acknowledging David’s enthusiasm for magic and his other musical passions, President of HMC Paul Baker-Kitchen introduced our members who brought to life many of the tricks and variations from TRRTCM. Members left this memorable night ready for a nightcap and to raise a tipple to David.

07/05/2026

Hull Magicians’ Circle
Thursday 30th April
Lecture - Vinny Sagoo

What a delight to welcome Leicester based magician, creator and author Vinny Sagoo to our Circle. Although travelling up from the East Midlands his charming, warm Glaswegian accent gives away his roots where he cut his teeth in magic at Tam Shepherds’ Magic shop whose proprietor was the legendary late magician Roy Walton. In real life Vinny has practiced as a lawyer and he brought his clear and concise mind to the demonstrations and explanations of his creations.
Under the banner of his dealership Neo Magic, Vinny has published and marketed some novel and entertaining magic tricks, all practical and straightforward. Vinny is especially interested in the magic of mathematics but don’t be put off! His use of math techniques was greatly enjoyable and easier than you may think! We saw a range of some of Vinny’s pocket tricks and he had a number of these for sale at a discount and also available was his newly published book “My Head Hurts”. This evening was more than a mere dealer dem the performances, explanations, hints and tips were most enjoyable as our President Paul Baker-Kitchen expressed when he thanked Vinny for his lecture.

18/04/2026

Hull Magicians’ Circle
Thursday 16th April 2026
Lecture - Sean Goodman
We had the pleasure of welcoming Sean Goodman for his 100% Lecture, an eclectic mix of routines that form the core of his professional repertoire. Sean travelled from Norfolk, where he is one of the busiest wedding and close-up magicians.

He opened with a multi-phase Coin Box routine, assisted by Karl and Ian, using his own specially designed Coin Box, which was also available for purchase. Will and Derek then joined him for an ACAAN routine using a mobile phone. The mentalism section included a business card effect—customisable for weddings at which Sean performs—and Alan assisted with a three-digit mind-reading demonstration.

After the interval, Sean shared valuable insights into securing gigs and marketing, emphasising the benefits of upselling session packages rather than charging an hourly rate. This provided invaluable advice for both established professionals and those considering a move into professional performance—something Sean himself has been doing for over 30 years.
The second half featured a Nostradamus-themed numerology routine, followed by a birthday card effect with assistance from Paul. Sean concluded the lecture with his “Grail” coins across routine, which incorporates appearances, transpositions, and disappearances.

President Paul Baker-Kitchen closed the evening by thanking Sean for a lecture that offered excellent advice and variety of material to suit all interests.
Thanks to Ray and Will for write-up and photos.

12/04/2026

BIG Announcement!

Let us know right now how many tickets you need for our

CELEBRATION NIGHT & MAGICAL ENTERTAINMENT
Thursday 21st May -7.30
with John Morton’s Magic Show and featuring our Awards honouring the successes of our members and the announcement of the Winner of the Simpson Shield and the revelation of the name of the recipient of the Eddie Dawes’ President’s Award.
There’s a buffet and soft drinks, bring your own booze.
It’s £5 for members including one guest. Children free.
Bring family, friends and guests for a fun night.
Let our treasurer Ray know asap how many places you wish to reserve.