Pick A Card, Any Card! = Join Manchester's Magic Club & Magical Society for Magician's & Illusionist's To rub shoulders with Legends of Card Magic Tricks & Magical Creation
Several of our members are also World Renowned Magical, Mentalism, Hypnosis & Bizarre Magick Creators & are extremely generous with their knowledge at meetings
Manchester’s Magic Club for Magician’s, Mind Reader’s, Illusionists & exponents of the Allied Art’s “The Order of the Magi” was founded in March 1909 with the first copy of its club magazine “The Magi” being published as reported in advance by the September issue of THE WIZARD magazine in October 1909.
As the 3rd Oldest Magic Association in England we have just celebrated 117 years of Magic in Manchester and have a packed programme of events for our 118th year as
shown at - https://www.orderofthemagi.co.uk/2026-27-programme-of-events
In this short article I shall be taking a look at some of our current members who have particular skills & expertise in Pasteboard Prestidigitation or in layman’s terms they are expert in Card Magic & Card Tricks.
Our first member to shine the spotlight on is ANDREW NORMANSELL
Andrew Normansell is a British magician, mentalist, author, lecturer, and creator of commercial magic effects who has built a respected reputation within the international magic community over more than thirty-five years of professional performance.
Based in Manchester, England, he has performed extensively throughout the United Kingdom and abroad, combining sleight of hand, mentalism, comedy, and psychological entertainment into a distinctive performance style
Known for both close-up and stage performance, Normansell has become especially recognised for his work in mentalism and bizarre magic, as well as for creating practical routines designed for working magicians. His performances are often noted for blending humour, audience interaction, and strong commercial material that appeals to both corporate and theatrical audiences.
Andrew Normansell is a prolific inventor of original & often ingenious Magic tricks, Mentalism & Mind Reading Effects and also Bizarre Magick with many of his creations being available from leading Magic Dealers & Magic Shops around the world as well as from his own website - https://andrewnormansell.co.uk/
Alongside his live performances, Andrew Normansell is a prolific creator and author within the magic industry. He has written numerous books and lecture notes on magic and mind reading, including titles such as Ace Fantasy, Thinking Inside the Box, The Man From Tomorrow, Elaborate Hoaxes, Fool’s Gold, Club Sandwich, Tempest, and Harlem Shuffle & Other Mysteries. Many of these works have become highly regarded among professional magicians for their practical methods and strong presentation ideas.
Over the past few decades Andrew has released some Killer Card Magic through companies including JB Magic (Mark Mason) as well as various DVDS through companies such as Alakazam, RSVP & Big Blind Media to mention just a few.
Normansell has also developed a number of successful commercial magic effects and routines, including Jinx, Club Sandwich, Zen Coin Collection, Collector’s Edition, and Hades’ Pennies. His teaching material and DVDs are widely used by magicians seeking performance-ready routines for professional environments.
Over the years, he has lectured at many prestigious magic organisations and conventions, including the IBM International Convention, the Swedish Magic Circle Convention alongside Wayne Dobson, the Edinburgh Magic Circle, and the British Magical Society. Fellow magicians frequently praise his lectures for their practical advice, commercial thinking, and creative approach to performance.
In addition to performing and lecturing, Andrew Normansell has contributed behind the scenes as a consultant for television productions, including the BBC drama series Life on Mars. He also appeared in the Guinness Book of Records as part of the “Stand Up 100” project in 2002.
Today, Andrew Normansell continues to perform, lecture, publish material, and supply professional magic effects through his official website. He remains highly respected among magicians for his creativity, commercial expertise, and dedication to the art of magical entertainment.
Andrew regularly submits articles revealing original and ingenious Card Magic Tricks to our monthly magazine “The Magi” which all members are sent a digital PDF copy of each month - https://www.orderofthemagi.co.uk/membership
There are so many videos of Andrew on You-Tube performing many of his Amazing Card Tricks & other non card Magical Creations and as such I have decided to just select Six videos at random for your enjoyment as follows
This second video is not actually Andrew but rather someone performing Andrew’s excellent effect “Club Sandwich” which was released through JB Magic (Mark Mason)
This next short video was/is the promotional video for a marketed release by Andrew Normansell called Xpresso
This comes from Andrew’s marketed DVD 100% Commercial Close-Up
In this next video the guys at Alakazam present Andrew’s trick Cyclist effect
And finally another from that same DVD release 100% Commercial Close-Up
Incidentally Andrew Normansell will be lecturing to the Order of the Magi with many of his “Bizarre Magick” creations on Tuesday 8th December 2026 as per
https://www.ticketsource.com/order-of-the-magi/magic-lecture-andrew-normansell-cabaret-obscura-revisiting-occult-bizarre-magick-manchester/2026-12-08/19:30/t-kddnlga
Next in terms of Card Magic, although just like Andrew they have created many more miracles than just Card Tricks is Adrian Sullivan our Master of Mystery a familiar face at many Magic Conventions & Clubs with his lectures and dealers stand
Manchester-based magician Adrian Sullivan is a respected performer, creator, lecturer, and innovator within the British magic community, best known as the creator of the acclaimed mentalism effect Just Think. With decades of experience in close-up, parlour, and stage magic, Sullivan has earned a strong reputation for producing practical, commercial material designed for real-world performance.
A long-standing member and former President of The Order of The Magi, Adrian Sullivan has been an influential figure in the Manchester magic scene for many years. His performances combine direct methods, audience engagement, and strong presentations, making his work highly regarded among both professional magicians and enthusiasts alike.
Sullivan is particularly recognised for creating Just Think, a commercial mind-reading effect that became popular among working magicians for its simplicity, reliability, and powerful audience reactions. The routine allows a performer to apparently reveal a merely thought-of playing card under impossible conditions, and it received enthusiastic reviews across magic forums and among professional performers.
In addition to Just Think, Adrian Sullivan also developed other respected routines including Eliminator and several practical effects aimed at close-up and parlour performers. His creations are known for focusing on entertainment value rather than technical complexity, allowing magicians to concentrate on presentation and audience connection
As a lecturer, Sullivan has shared his knowledge and experience with magic clubs and societies throughout the UK. His lectures are praised for offering workable routines, creative thinking, and insights gained from years of live performance experience. Whether performing intimate close-up magic or larger stage presentations, Adrian Sullivan’s philosophy has always centred on strong effects delivered with clarity, simplicity, and impact
Today, Adrian Sullivan remains a respected name in British magic, admired for his contributions as both a creator and performer. Through his inventive effects and dedication to practical magical entertainment, he continues to influence magicians seeking powerful material that connects with modern audiences.
In the video above Mark Mason demonstrates “Just Think” which was created by Adrian Sullivan and released through his company JB Magic
In the video below Peter Nardi of Alakazam Magic demonstrates Version 2.0 of Adrian Sullivan’s Eliminator Card Magic Miracle
Magi Member Adrian Sullivan will be presenting an amazing Lecture at our Manchester HQ on Tuesday 9th March 2027 at 7.30pm as per:
https://www.ticketsource.com/order-of-the-magi/magic-lecture-adrian-sullivan-miracles-for-close-up-parlour-stage-manchester/2027-03-09/19:30/t-yzzxmoe
Next up it’s me! - Yes me Jonathan Royle (formerly known as Alex-Le-Roy)
Jonathan Royle (formerly known as Alex-Le-Roy) was born Alex William Smith on 13th August 1975 into a travelling showbusiness and circus family, is a British magician, hypnotist, mentalist, lecturer, author, and entertainer whose career in magic and variety entertainment has spanned nearly five decades. He first appeared on stage at the age of three as “Flap the Clown” while performing with Gandey’s Circus, making him at the time Britain’s youngest professional circus performers.
During the 1980s and early 1990s, Royle became active in the British magic scene under the stage name Alex-Le-Roy. As a teenage magician he contributed tricks, routines, and articles to a number of respected British magic publications and quickly developed a reputation for energetic performances and inventive thinking. His early magical material later became collected in publications such as The Early Years.
ALMOST THE BERGLAS EFFECT IS AVAILABLE FROM
https://jonathanroyle.sellfy.store/p/almost-the-berglas-effct-real-world-solutions-to-a-c-a-a-n/
One of his earliest achievements came through his association with Marvin's Magic, where, at the age of fifteen, he became one of the youngest demonstrators employed by the company. During the 1991 Christmas season, Royle reportedly became the highest-selling Marvin’s Magic demonstrator in the United Kingdom, earning recognition for his ability to entertain crowds while pitching Svengali decks and novelty magic effects.
As Alex-Le-Roy, Royle also gained attention for developing practical close-up and stage material. His “Ultimate Ambitious Card Routine,” first published while he was still a teenager, became one of his best-known magical creations and remained part of his professional repertoire for decades. He later released numerous books, lecture notes, downloads, and instructional works covering magic, mentalism, hypnotism, psychic entertainment, publicity methods, and showmanship
In addition to conventional magic performance, Royle expanded into comedy hypnosis, mind reading, psychic entertainment, escapology, and motivational speaking. By the early 1990s he had begun appearing on British television, including an appearance on Channel 4’s The Word alongside hypnotist Peter Powers while still in his teens. Over the following decades he appeared on television and radio productions internationally as both performer and consultant.
Royle’s career also included live lecture appearances for magic societies and conventions throughout the United Kingdom. He lectured multiple times for Manchester’s The Order of The Magi and presented workshops on magic, mentalism, and hypnosis at conventions including the Southern England Magic Convention. Reviews of these lectures frequently highlighted his practical commercial knowledge and unconventional presentation style.
Indeed Royle will be lecturing for The Order of the Magi in Manchester again for the Fourth time on Tuesday 9th February 2027 as per
https://www.ticketsource.com/order-of-the-magi/magic-lecture-jonathan-royle-royle-reveals-magic-mentalism-hypno-tricks-manchester/2027-02-09/19:30/t-rzzvgkk
Outside magic, Jonathan Royle became widely known for his work in stage hypnosis and hypnotherapy, eventually being inducted into the Hypnosis Hall of Fame in 2016. He has authored dozens of books and training courses and has described himself as combining entertainment, psychology, suggestion, and motivational techniques into a unique performance style.
Throughout his career Royle has remained a controversial and outspoken figure within both the magic and hypnosis industries, attracting both strong supporters and critics. Nevertheless, his long-standing contribution to British magical entertainment — from circus performer and teenage magician to lecturer, creator, hypnotist, and media personality — has made him a distinctive and widely recognised figure in modern British showbusiness.
Our final video within which you will see me Jonathan Royle now follows, however before you see me, you will see another Magi Member KEVIN POTTER performing Mo Howarth’s “Chinese Poker” routine for which I bought the sales rights from him when he closed his Stockport Based Aladdin’s Magic Shop some years ago.
The routine is available from - https://jonathanroyle.sellfy.store/p/3aph/
Incidentally I also regularly submit articles revealing original and ingenious Magic & Mentalism effects to our monthly magazine “The Magi” which all members are sent a digital PDF copy of each month - https://www.orderofthemagi.co.uk/membership
Next up we take a look at Magi Member IAN HIRST
The Order of The Magi member Ian Hirst is a Manchester magician, lecturer, teacher, and magical thinker whose involvement in the art of magic has spanned several decades. Known within the North West magic scene for his creative presentations, engaging performances, and thoughtful approach to magical entertainment, Hirst has earned respect among fellow magicians for combining practical performance experience with a genuine passion for the art
Ian’s interest in magic began at the age of eight after discovering classic children’s magic effects from an old magic book. Early routines included simple apparatus tricks, vanishing effects, and comedy magic performed for family and friends. Although his first exposure to magic was through beginner props and Christmas magic sets, the fascination quickly developed into a lifelong passion
A turning point came when Ian’s younger brother returned home from working aboard Mediterranean cruise ships and introduced him to the classic illusion “Crazy Man’s Handcuffs.” The effect rekindled his enthusiasm for magic and inspired him to study the craft more seriously. Ian soon immersed himself in magical literature, particularly after discovering Mark Wilson’s Course in Magic and learning about the famous Tarbell Course and Supreme Magic Company publications.
During his early working life at the British Aerospace factory in Chadderton, Ian became widely known among colleagues for constantly demonstrating card tricks, sleight of hand, and close-up effects around the workplace. His growing confidence as a performer eventually led to children’s shows, restaurant magic, and corporate close-up engagements throughout the Manchester area.
(Ian Hirst Pictured 3rd from the left at Blackpool Magic Convention 2026)
On 25th November 2025, our member IAN HIRST presented his “Hirst Hypothesis” lecture at our Order of the Magi Manchester Magic Club HQ at The Irish World Heritage Centre and a review of that excellent lecture can be seen here
https://www.facebook.com/alexthehypnotist/posts/pfbid0LdCPtNfFgetauarNyqdZhBUmUEFF5yzHsXHF4RcajWJfZniiNkUompWrzmsEFp41l
One of the highlights of the lecture was a trick, actually I would more accurately say miracle rising card effect which Ian first released around 30 years ago when he ran “The Manchester Magic Castle” Magic Shop inside Manchester’s Affleck Palace before some years later handing over the reins to another Magi Member Andrew Normansell.
Ian’s dedication to improving his craft eventually earned him membership in The Order of The Magi, one of the oldest magical societies in the United Kingdom. After an unsuccessful first audition, he refined his act and later impressed the membership panel with an animated sword card routine that secured his acceptance into the society.
In 1992, following redundancy from British Aerospace, Ian used the opportunity to pursue magic more seriously by opening the Manchester Magic Castle, helping to create a local hub for magical entertainment and enthusiasts in the region. Over the years, he became recognised not only as a performer but also as a mentor and teacher who valued magical presentation and audience experience above mere puzzle-solving.
After a period focusing on his teaching career, Ian later returned to active magical performance and lecturing with renewed enthusiasm. His lecture, The Hirst Hypothesis, reflects his philosophy that magic should create “moments of wonder” rather than simply present tricks to be solved. Combining classic material with updated thinking, his work emphasises mystery, emotional engagement, and theatrical experience.
Today, Ian Hirst continues to contribute to Manchester’s rich magical tradition through performances, lectures, and his ongoing involvement with The Order of The Magi, helping inspire both established magicians and newcomers to the art alike.
Ian Hirst’s Ascension truly is the cleanest version of the Rising Card Illusion that I have ever witnessed where the deck can be shuffled by the spectator and then their card (signed if desired) rises out of the deck as you can witness in this short video where Ian presents it
Next we take a look at some of the Card Magic work of our recently joined member Stephen Ablett
Amazing Stephen is an award winning professional magician, ventriloquist, guest speaker, balloon artist, festival performer and children’s entertainer. He performs his Magic & Puppet Show, Party Dancing Games, Balloon Animals, Magic Lessons and Circus Skills Workshops around the Stockport and Manchester area.
He has won five magic competitions; his latest winning performance was in 2025 at The Manchester Circle of Magician’s.
Many of his Magical Effects & routines are available from Magic Dealers around the world including his Cabaret Find the Lady as featured in this video
And in the next video Stephen shows us his Story Deck Routine “Jack Spade”
And let’s not forget Alex Fisher an Award Winning Magician of decades of real world experience and success who has also recently joined us at The Magi and whom I have known for decades, indeed we both did the Christmas 1991 season for Marvin’s Magic
Alex is pictured above seconds after making a lolly appear for my daughter Ash many years ago now at an Italian Restaurant near Hollingworth Lake in Littleborough where Alex was performing his amazing Close-Up Magic every week to critical acclaim!
Why not join us as a member today as we have a packed calendar of events for 2026 to 2027 as per - https://www.orderofthemagi.co.uk/2026-27-programme-of-events
As part of our yearly Close-Up Magic Competition, as well as awarding a Trophy for the best overall Close-Up Magical Performance which I am Proud to say I won in 2017 (the only year I have entered) and which you can see being awarded to me by Brian Lead from the Modern Mystic League who was one of the guest judges that year, we also award the “Sly Smith Shield for the Best Card Trick”
I am Proud to say that back in 2017 (the only time I’ve entered) I also won the Sly Smith Best Card Trick Trophy and am pictured below being awarded such by Sly himself who is sadly no longer with us.
During the course of that same Magi Year I also entered and won the Cabaret Competition and below can be seen being awarded the trophy by the Late Alan Johnston
This meant that having won them, I held the Best Close-Up Magical Performance, Best Card Trick and Best Cabaret/Stage Magic Awards at that time
Perhaps you could win these awards in our next competitions?
Why not join us as a member today so you can then enter these competitions to win these prestigious awards?
https://www.orderofthemagi.co.uk/membership
Why not join us as a member today so you can then enter these competitions to win these prestigious awards?
https://www.orderofthemagi.co.uk/membership
Why not join us as a member today so you can then enter these competitions to win these prestigious awards?
https://www.orderofthemagi.co.uk/membership
Before I bring this article themed around “Card Magic Tricks” to an end I feel I must give a name check to my long time friend IAIN MORAN with whom I am pictured above when he came to see one of my past Order of the Magi Lectures.
Iain was a member of the Magi decades ago when the Late Jack Griggs started to smuggle me into meetings and that is where Iain and myself first met as detailed in my article here:
Memories of Past Order of the Magi President & Former Editor of the IBM Budget Magazine Magician Jack Griggs
JACK GRIGGS - MY MAGICAL MENTOR FROM 1987 ONWARDS..
It was Iain that first showed me up close some amazing ways to do Spoon, Fork & other Metal Bending Miracles and then kindly lent me the book “Gellerism Revealed” by Ben Harris which led to me a couple of weeks later being featured in the Manchester Evening News as “The New Uri Geller” with my then clearly obvious Ginger Hair….
Iain was also there when I performed at The Order of the Magi’s Theatre Church Magic Show in 1992 despite the fact I was not officially a member as per
And now that I am Public Relations Officer and Entertainments Officer for The Order of the Magi, Manchester’s Magic Club & Magical Society for Magician’s, it is my aim to convince Iain to agree to come along and do a lecture for us during the 2027 to 2028 Magi Academic year which runs from the start of April 2027 to end of March 2028…
He has always been a supportive friend and is a true Magical Genius especially with cards….
Iain Moran is a Manchester-based close-up and card magician known for his technical skill, engaging performance style, and long-standing reputation within the British magic community. Over a career spanning more than two decades, Moran has built a profile as both a professional entertainer and an influential creator of card magic techniques and routines. He performs regularly at corporate events, weddings, theatres, and private functions across the UK and internationally
From an early age, Moran developed a fascination with magic after watching performers such as Paul Daniels on television. By the age of twelve he was already performing professionally at children’s parties and community events, steadily refining the close-up style that would later become his trademark. He later joined Manchester’s historic magic society, The Order of the Magi, where he won early recognition in close-up competition performance.
Moran became especially respected for his expertise in card magic, though his performances also incorporate coins, banknotes, rings, ropes, Rubik’s Cubes, and mentalism. His approach emphasises natural presentation and strong audience interaction rather than traditional stage-magician clichés. He has often described close-up magic as the most rewarding form of performance because of the direct connection it creates with spectators.
A member of The Magic Circle, Moran later achieved the distinction of Associate of The Inner Magic Circle with Silver Star, an honour recognising high performance ability and contribution to the art of magic. He regularly performs at the organisation’s London headquarters during public events and showcases.
Within the international magic fraternity, Moran is particularly known for his instructional releases and original routines. His DVDs Covert Magic and The Cullfather, produced by Big Blind Media, became bestsellers among magicians and earned praise for their practical yet sophisticated sleight-of-hand techniques. His material has also appeared in specialist publications and magazines, including contributions to the influential invitation-only Ego Magazine.
Moran has lectured and demonstrated his magic internationally, including appearances at conventions in Britain and Italy. In 2010, he performed before an audience of more than 3,000 magicians at one of the world’s largest magic conventions. His work has earned multiple awards, including recognition from The Order of the Magi and Italian close-up magic organisations.
Beyond the magic world, Moran has entertained celebrities, sports figures, business leaders, and royalty. In 2012 he performed for Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras al Khaimah, at the Banyan Tree Resort near Dubai, later returning for further VIP performances. He has also appeared on television teaching magic to former England cricketer Andrew Flintoff
Today, Iain Moran remains one of the UK’s most respected close-up magicians, admired both for his polished public performances and for the creativity and technical excellence of his card magic. His influence continues through live appearances, lectures, publications, and mentorship within the magic community.
Why not join us as a member today as we have a packed calendar of events for 2026 to 2027 as per - https://www.orderofthemagi.co.uk/2026-27-programme-of-events
And I am already working on getting Lectures from Genius Magician’s Like Iain Moran for the 2027 to 2028 Magi Academic year
So come join us today - https://www.orderofthemagi.co.uk/membership
