Magic has been around since man began to think for himself, in fact the word ‘magic’ itself is derived from the Greek word magika. That being the case, why do most of us believe that it all began with the Paul Daniels Magic Set by Peter Pan Playthings?
One family who most certainly do not believe that codswallop, are the MacMillan family who have owned the International Magic Shop in Clerkenwell for two generations.
Started by the award-winning magician Ron Macmillan almost 50 years ago, the shop is now run by his son, Martin Macmillan. Aside from the area around the shop, little has changed here (including its façade) and a love of magic remains at its heart. A special place for those who practice the craft, the shop is a meeting place or community hub – children settle in the store for hours at a time, engaging the experts and exploring the trickery.
The International Magic Shop deals with two aspects of the genre. If you’re in the market for ‘hilarious’ wigs for fancy dress, fake thumb caps, whoopee cushions, fake blood, fake dog pooh, fake teeth, fake gum and fake anything else you can think of, this is the pace to come. However, proceed to the rear of the shop and you will discover the magic of true practitioners. The real illusions.
Dynamo has been a regular along with countless other magicians in the past and that’s thanks to the magic literature and complicated tricks that the shop owns. Converse with Martin Macmillan and his assistants about the tricks, sure, they’ll be happy to talk, just don’t think you’re going to find out how they’re done. Ask and you’ll probably be served a sharp, sarcastic riposte that will make you cry – or maybe that’s just us.
The great thing about the shop is the accessibility. Anybody can buy a trick that suits their ability and if you want to learn the more ingenious illusions then you can.
International Magic run lectures and magic courses suitable for a range of abilities. If that doesn’t suit you then head to the shop and hang around with the others keen to soak up 50 years of magic knowledge.
Just remember, bring a hanky if you’re determined to enquire about the mechanics of the tricks!
The International Magic Shop
Hang around to soak up 50 years of magic knowledge
This article is connected to International Magic Shop
Published Nov 2, 2012