London

Travelling widely as a performer, Ron MacMillan knew and worked with the best British and international magicians, bringing them all together in 1972 when he established London’s International Magic Convention. This weekend, London will play host to the thirty-fifth Convention at the Shaw Theatre in Euston – with two-and-a-half days of lectures and competitions aimed at professional, amateur and trainee performers, followed by a public Gala show on Saturday and Sunday evening. Showcasing the best stage magic from around the world, this year’s wonderfully diverse line-up includes Tony Chapek, who interacts with his own on-screen persona; juggling German skateboarder TJ (honestly) and billiard ball manipulator Ray Crowe.

‘The first convention in December 1972 was a one-day gathering for magicians at what used to be the Empire Rooms on Tottenham Court Road,’ explains Martin. The crowd, watching a straitjacketed Santa escaping from a burning rope suspended outside the venue, caused a major traffic jam ‘and it’s grown from there, with a lot of magicians gaining their first public exposure at the Gala shows, including an unknown Paul Daniels in 1976.’ Feature continues

Martin’s sister Georgie later became secretary to Daniels, one of many now world-famous magicians who have been part of International Magic over the years. ‘I grew up surrounded by great magic performers,’ says MacMillan. ‘Tommy Cooper was great fun and a regular in the shop in the 1960s and ’70s and became a good family friend. He would get together with dad and talk and then we’d all go for a drink in the Duke of York across the road. David Nixon, Ali Bongo and later Daniels were also regulars around that time, as is Derren Brown now.’

It’s not unusual for longstanding International Magic customers to move from one side of the counter to the other, demonstrating tricks or answering the phone when the shop’s busy. Comedian and close-up magician Jerry Sadowitz is one and Professional magician Marco, who also helps organise and film the demonstrations for the magic course, can be seen showing card tricks to customers. ‘When I’m not around any more, they’ll be no shortage of people who will take over and run the shop,’ says MacMillan, ‘because magic is one of those things that we all do and share for the love of it.’

International Magic Convention Gala show 7.30pm, doors open 6.15pm Sat Nov 25 and Sun 26 at the Shaw Theatre, Novotel Euston, 100/110 Euston Rd, NW1 (020 7405 7324). Tickets £25.