Fresh ideas, clever props and a busy October ahead
Welcome to this week’s round-up of magic news, products and events. From a new chapter for UK magic education to live shows and conventions coming up, there’s plenty to keep performers and enthusiasts inspired.
✨ On the New shelf at Discount Magic
A snapshot of products currently highlighted in Discount Magic’s live “New” catalogue. Each card links directly to its shop page; prices are as displayed when checked on 9 October 2026.
Levitating Light Bulb
A striking levitation-style prop for a floating-light-bulb moment in a parlour or stage routine.
Diamond Monte (Bicycle)
A compact, card-based Monte effect for close-up sets and informal performances.
Pop Dog by Rick Green
A colourful, playful addition for magicians who like their routines to bring comedy and personality to the table.
X-RAY Which Hand
A hidden-choice guessing effect with a mentalism feel—useful for performers who enjoy direct audience interaction.
Money Maker by Smagic Productions
A money-themed visual effect from Smagic Productions, offering a different texture from the usual card-and-coin repertoire.
First Class by Spooky Nyman
A travel-destination prediction using custom vintage airline-inspired cards. The product page showed one in stock when checked; availability can change.
Catalogue note: this is a current “New” category spotlight, not a claim that every featured item was first released during the past seven days. Stock and prices may change after publication.
📰 The stories everyone in magic should know
A UK hub for the FISM Academy
MagicWeek reports the launch of a UK Hub for the FISM Academy, intended to create more opportunities for learning, connection and development within the international magic community. It’s a welcome signal that education and the next generation of performers remain priorities.
Read the MagicWeek update →Derren Brown’s Only Human opens in London
The West End season begins on 10 October at the Apollo Theatre and is scheduled to run through 30 January 2027. The show brings psychological illusion and storytelling back to a major London stage following its UK and Ireland tour.
Show information →Hullusion returns this Sunday
Hullusion II takes place on 11 October in Hull, with a programme including Peter Turner, Paul Draper, Paul Martin, Laura London, Fay Presto and John Bannon, plus lectures, demonstrations and a dealers’ hall.
Convention details →Houdini’s centenary gets a radio series
MagicWeek reports that How Houdini Made Magic, a ten-part series presented by Derren Brown, is due to begin on BBC Radio 4 on 19 October and will also be available on BBC Sounds. The timing leads into the centenary of Houdini’s death on Halloween.
Read the announcement →South Tyneside festival is next weekend
The South Tyneside International Magic Festival is scheduled for 17–18 October. Its announced line-up includes David Penn & D4RYL, Yann Frisch, Andrew Frost, Gabriel Werlen, Bron Ivy, Mark Bennett, Lee Thompson, Iain Bailey, Sid Quatrine and Steffen Peddie.
Convention listing →More live magic across the UK
MagicWeek’s listings also flag October dates for touring productions including Evolution of Magic in Blackpool, Illusion Impossible around the UK and comedy-magic duo Hudson & Hudson. Check organisers’ pages for final schedules and ticket availability.
Browse the What’s On guide →🃏 Murphy’s Magic: catalogue watch
These are current items visible in Murphy’s Magic’s online catalogue. Their presence is confirmed, but the available public pages do not establish that each one launched during this particular week.
The Office Playing Cards by theory11
A themed playing-card deck built around the television comedy, with custom artwork and references for fans. It’s an example of how entertainment licences continue to give collectible decks a clear identity beyond standard card design.
Specula by Midnight Spell
A theatrical mirror-based effect positioned for spooky, atmosphere-led presentations—particularly timely as performers plan Halloween material.
Pocket Rocket by Steve Fearson
A compact utility accessory designed to make an invisible-thread reel easier to carry and access during performance. A reminder that small practical improvements can be as relevant to working magicians as headline effects.
Murphy’s Magic is a wholesale distributor; availability and retail pricing will vary by dealer and territory. No third-party product photography is used in this section.
💡 The week’s takeaway
The market continues to span several audiences at once: practical close-up workers, collectors drawn to themed decks, family entertainers looking for character and comedy, and performers building seasonal material. Discount Magic’s catalogue reflects that range—from accessible card tricks to visual props and mentalism pieces. Explore the latest catalogue highlights →
For performers planning ahead: this weekend brings Hullusion II; next weekend brings the South Tyneside International Magic Festival. It’s a good time to review routines, refresh working props and keep an eye on the new ideas coming out of lectures and dealers’ rooms.
Find your next favourite effect
Whether you’re looking for a small close-up surprise, a visual stage moment or a new idea to develop, browse the New section at Discount Magic and explore the wider Discount Magic shop.
