London

Where to buy
International Magic
This friendly and welcoming family-run magic emporium not only provides expert advice on what tricks to buy, but will also demonstrate how they work, combining each shopping experience with a free magic show.
89 Clerkenwell Rd, EC1 (020 7405 7324/www.internationalmagic.com).

Davenports
Hidden away in the uninviting subways of Charing Cross tube station, this long-established specialist magic shop sells all manner of books and tricks.
5, 6 & 7 Charing Cross Underground Parade, WC2 (020 7836 0408/www.davenportsmagic.co.uk).

David Drummond
With a theatre background that includes performing as clown character Lord Pandrum, Drummond stocks a vast collection of books, posters, playbills and postcards on theatrical history, magic and the performing arts.
11 Cecil Court, Charing Cross Rd, WC2 (020 7836 1142). Feature continues

Where to watch
The Magic Circle
The twice-monthly public ‘meet the Magic Circle’ evenings at the HQ of this 101-year-old magic institution include close-up magic performances, a stage show, a talk on the history of magic, coffee and sandwiches, and an opportunity to see the Magic Circle museum.
Centre for the Magic Arts, 12 Stephenson Way, NW1 (020 7387 2222/ www.themagiccircle.co.uk).

Simon Drake’s House of Magic
Set in a secret south London location, public nights at this fun gothic playground complete with enchanted garden, include tours of a haunted cellar, fortune telling, close-up magicians, drinks and a buffet dinner, all followed by a entertaining camp horror magic show by proprietor and magician Simon Drake.
(020 7735 3434/www.houseofmagic.co.uk).

The Magic Cavern
Stages weekly family magic shows, plus a season of Christmas ghost stories from December 20-January 7 2007 (suitable for ages nine and above).
Barons Court Theatre, beneath The Curtain’s Up pub, 28a Comeragh Rd, W14 (020 8932 4747).

Where to learn
International Magic’s next eight-session, beginners weekly magic course, covering close-up magic, card magic, coin magic, sleight of hand, misdirection, classics of magic and more, begins on March 14 2007 at the Rugby Tavern, 19 Great James St, WC1N 3ES. For full details and costs contact International Magic on 020 7405 7324 or email marco@internationalmagic.com putting ‘Magic course 2007’ in the subject header.

For more on all magic-related events in London visit www.magicweek.co.uk