Blake Volgt – BlackPool Magic Convention 2025

A Convention Like No Other

For three days, Blackpool transforms into a global hub for magic.

The convention, led by Russ Stevens and Russ Brown, has grown into an overwhelming spectacle of lectures, competitions, and performances. But with great magic comes great debate, and this year’s event was no exception

Day One: Highs and Lows

The convention kicked off with its usual mix of awe-inspiring performances and logistical frustrations. Registration, unfortunately, was once again a sticking point—hundreds of attendees left waiting in the cold, an issue that seems to persist year after year.

As a Canadian, perhaps this is a bit relative.

However, the first day wasn’t without its highlights:

• Blake Vogt wowed with his impossible card restorations.

• Oliver Tabor’s lecture on openers and closers was packed with practical wisdom.

• David Stone’s alter ego, Klek Entos, emerged as a standout horror-magic character.

Not all performances were equally well-received.

The International Close-Up Show had its share of misses, with some acts failing to engage the audience. One performer was even called “horribly out of her depth,” leading many to question the booking decisions.

Day Two: A Marathon of Magic

With a jam-packed schedule from 9 AM to well past midnight, Day Two tested even the most dedicated attendees. Some of the biggest moments included:

• Michael Ammar’s legendary presence: His lecture blended new material with timeless classics.

• David Stone’s comeback: A high-energy, laugh-a-minute lecture that had everyone talking.

• The One Contest: Despite a £30,000 prize, many felt the competition lacked top-tier talent.

But perhaps the most talked-about performance of the day was Jack Rhodes, the former nuclear engineer turned magician.

His innovative mix of tech, comedy, and magic resonated deeply with the audience.

As one attendee put it,

Day Three: The Grand Finale

As the convention neared its end, the performances continued at full throttle:

• Jeki Yoo charmed with his signature blend of visual magic and humor.

• Jon Armstrong delivered pure comedy gold with his ‘Tiny Plunger’ routine.

• Eric Leclerc pushed boundaries—sometimes too far—with edgy humor.

But the most controversial performance of the night belonged to Rick Thomas. While undeniably skilled, his outdated illusions and questionable stage interactions left many uneasy.

The consensus? Magic evolves, and performers must evolve with it.