Latest news
Welcome to FAME (Farnborough Association of Magical Entertainers). You can find out more about us, come and visit us for one of our meetings or lectures or join us to enjoy the benefits of membership. We usually meet on the Second Monday of each month at 8pm, but please do check each date carefully to avoid disappointment.
New to magic or FAME? Why not join us?
Join us for our next meeting:
October is here, which means it’s time to unleash your darker, spookier, and most hauntingly creative magic! Join us for this month’s meeting as we dive headfirst into all things Halloween-themed.
Past meetings
Prepare for an unforgettable evening as we welcome multi-award-winning comedy magician, creator, and Penn & Teller: Fool Us alumnus Sean Ridgeway to FAME! Sean is crossing the pond to share his unique, highly interactive blend of laugh-out-loud comedy, visual sleight of hand, and clever mentalism.
It’s time to step away from the lecture hall and relax! For our August meeting, we are taking a break from the formal routines and head scratching to host a completely informal, laid-back summer social night. We will be gathering at the Gloster Pub (Farnborough) for an evening of great food, refreshing drinks, and excellent company.
Get ready for an action-packed, interactive evening as we welcome David O'Connor for a fantastic meeting on "Game Show Nights!"
June: - The Gambler’s Table
MONDAY 8th JUNE
Step into the world of the high-roller at our June meeting! This month, we’re exploring the fascinating crossover between magic and the art of the hustle. Whether you’re interested in demonstrating a perfect poker deal, a baffling 3-card monte, or some clever "luck" with a pair of dice, we want to see it. Bring along your favourite gambling-themed routine—be it cards, coins, or games of chance—and share your techniques with the group. It’s all about the stories we tell and the sleights we use to "beat the house!"
May: Workshop and Works-in-progress
MONDAY 11th MAY
This month is all about development! We’re asking everyone to bring along a trick they are currently working on. There is absolutely no pressure to be "show-ready"—in fact, we’d love to see the bits you’re struggling with! Perform or show your latest effect and get friendly feedback and creative ideas from the rest of the club. It’s the perfect way to polish your magic before it hits your professional repertoire.
April: AGM and magic!
MONDAY 13th APRIL
Join us this month for our Annual General Meeting, where we will vote on important issues. Attendance is important for this meeting, so we hope you can join us. The AGM portion will be followed by magic! Bring your newest effect. Perhaps something you are working on, even if we have seen it before, to try out changes and styles. Perform or show it and get feedback and ideas from other members of the group.
March: Rough Diamonds & New Ideas
MONDAY 9th MARCH
FAME is built on the idea of helping every magician feel more comfortable in their ability. This month, we invite you to share a "work in progress." Don't worry about being performance-ready—this evening is all about the journey, not the finished product. Bring an effect you’re currently working on to share with the group. We’ll offer feedback on everything from subtle word changes to hand positioning, helping you bridge the gap between "learning the trick" and "mastering the magic."
February Lecture - FISM Winner Matthew Wright
MONDAY 9th FEBRUARY
Two-time Fism award winner and past Magic Circle Close-up Magician of the Year Matthew Wright is back in the UK for a brand new lecture tour packed full of magic, philosophy and humour. Anyone who has seen Matthew lecture knows that the passion he has for performing and practising is transferred into his teaching effortlessly and will leave you with not only some new skills and tricks but also with the inspiration to go away and practise what they already have.
January: President's Command Performance
MONDAY 12th JANUARY
We hope you can make our January meeting, the president's command performance. For 2026, our president would like to see your favourite effect: the one you perform because you know it will have a good reaction. Perform whatever your favourite is: cards, coins, illusions, mentalism, or prediction. You are encouraged to invite family or friends to come and see what we all get up to! There will be tea and coffee, and the performances will probably take up the whole evening, finishing before 10. Doors open 7:45 pm for a prompt start at 8:00 pm.
December: Christmas Social
MONDAY 8th DECEMBER
Celebrate the festive season with fellow magic enthusiasts at our December Christmas Social, led by Dave! Join us for an informal and joyful gathering to connect, share some cheer, and enjoy the magic of friendship.
November: DIY magic
MONDAY 10th NOVEMBER
Have something you've built yourself? Bring it along and show everyone! Dave will be hosting a session on "DIY Magic," exploring members' own uniquely created illusions and props. Whether you've built something amazing or have ideas brewing, bring your ideas along and discover the magic in homemade creations.
October: Mentalism
MONDAY 13th OCTOBER
Unleash the power of the mind at our October meeting! Richard will lead a fascinating lecture delving into the captivating world of mentalism and its performance.
September: Three mini lectures
MONDAY 8th SEPTEMBER
Get ready for triple the magic this September with three mini-lectures! Dave will present on enhancing your act during trick transitions, and we're also looking for presenters – contact Dave if you'd like to lead a mini-lecture yourself!
August: Fame BBQ social
MONDAY 18th AUGUST
Dave and Lindzi are putting on the annual BBQ in August. We do not have the hall in August so we fill ourselves up with food and drink instead. Please check your emails for details as they will not be appearing on the website. If you do not get our regular emails then please contact us via the website form. Please be aware that it may take a couple of days for us to process it.
July: Off the table
MONDAY 14th JULY
Discover a world of magic beyond the tabletop at our July meeting! Ross will lead an insightful lecture on "Off the Table" effects, showcasing captivating illusions you can perform anywhere, anytime.
January: President's Command Performance
MONDAY 12th JANUARY
We hope you can make our January meeting, the president's command performance. This is when you are commanded (well actually you volunteer as nobody is ever under pressure to perform) to do a presentation for your partners and loved ones. Yes, you can invite family to come and see what we all get up to! There will be tea and coffee and the performances will probably take up the whole evening finishing before 10. Doors open 7:45 pm for a prompt start at 8:00 pm.
June: Scripting magic
MONDAY 9th JUNE
Join us in June as John presents an interactive workshop on "Scripting Magic"! Learn as we discuss practical techniques to personalize your tricks, enhance your performance, and make your magic more entertaining for any audience.
May: AGM & My New Effect
MONDAY 12th MAY
Mark your calendars for our important AGM this May, where your participation matters! This will be followed by an interactive "My New Effect" sharing session led by Mike. Bring along a new magical creation you're developing to showcase and receive valuable feedback from fellow members.
April: Effects for close-up and stage
MONDAY 14th APRIL
Join us this April as we explore the fascinating crossover between close-up and stage magic, discovering effects that captivate audiences whether you're performing inches away or on a grand stage. This meeting promises to equip you with versatile techniques that can elevate your magic to new heights, giving you the tools to engage and mesmerise any crowd. Get ready for an evening filled with creativity, innovation, and the shared joy of magic that transcends both intimate gatherings and larger performances.
March: Jared Gale lecture
MONDAY 10th MARCH
Please join us in February for an enchanting evening with renowned magician Jared Gale, who will present a captivating lecture blending the art of close-up magic for both kids and adults. This unique opportunity promises to inspire and entertain as we explore innovative tricks and techniques that will elevate your magical repertoire. Don't miss this chance to learn from one of the best in the business and spark your creativity in a fun and supportive environment at Fame Magic Club.
February: President's command performance
MONDAY 10th FEBRUARY
We hope you can make our February meeting, the president's command performance. This is when you are commanded (well actually you volunteer as nobody is ever under pressure to perform) to do a presentation for your partners and loved ones. Yes, you can invite family to come and see what we all get up to! There will be tea and coffee and the performances will probably take up the whole evening finishing before 10. Doors open 7:45 pm for a prompt start at 8:00 pm.
January: Guest lecture by Harri Harrington (Lord Harri Magic)
MONDAY 13th JANUARY
Join us in January for an inspiring guest lecture by the renowned Harri Harrington, also known as Lord Harri Magic. Prepare to be captivated as he shares his unique insights and mastery of the magical arts, blending wit with wonder in an unforgettable evening that promises to elevate your skills and ignite your passion for magic. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the most talented magicians in the field and connect with fellow magic enthusiasts.
December: Christmas social and President's challenge
MONDAY 9th DECEMBER
Join us for a night of festive magic and intrigue at our Christmas social. This year, the President's mystery challenge promises to test your creative flair and improvisation skills, as you incorporate unexpected elements into your performances. A few years ago, he had a problem with his left hand and arm, and had to learn to perform with the other hand. So the challenge this year is to perform one-handed! Bring your holiday spirit and a dash of curiosity as we celebrate the season with camaraderie and magical surprises. Best of luck everyone!
November: Card night
MONDAY 11th NOVEMBER
Join us in November for a captivating evening dedicated to the art of card magic. Whether you're a newcomer keen to learn the fundamentals or a seasoned magician looking to refine your tricks, this meeting will unveil secrets and techniques that will elevate your card skills. Prepare to be amazed as we share innovative routines, clever sleights, or fun challenges designed to spark your creativity and enhance your performance.
October: Halloween or supernatural magic
MONDAY 14th OCTOBER
Join us this October as we delve into the enchanting world of Halloween and supernatural magic. Immerse yourself in an evening filled with spine-tingling tricks and mysterious illusions that pay homage to the mystical spirit of the season. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or simply curious about the darker side of magic, this meeting promises to be an unforgettable exploration of all things eerie and extraordinary.
September: Sale of props and effects
MONDAY 9th SEPTEMBER
We'll be selling the props and effects of a former member. If you know one of the effects you will have the opportunity to demo it and try to get somebody else to buy it. The person who demos stuff and gets the most money wins a prize! All money raised with either go to the club funds or be part of our donation on behalf of the family to a local charity.
August: Fame BBQ social
MONDAY 19th AUGUST (a week later than usual)
Dave and Lindzi are putting on the annual BBQ in August. We do not have the hall in August so we fill ourselves up with food and drink instead. Please check your emails for details as they will not be appearing on the website. If you do not get our regular emails then please contact us via the website form. Please be aware that it may take a couple of days for us to process it.
July: Boxes show and tell
MONDAY 8th JULY 8:00 pm
What is it about Magicians and Boxes, we are obsessed with them, from magic props to carry on tables, storage and prop dumps... We just can't pass a box without buying it, altering it, altering it again and generally having a play. Join our very own Mike who will present the evening and bring your proudest prop to make us all green with envy.
June: Performance and feedback night
MONDAY 10th JUNE 8:00 pm
This meeting is an opportunity for a member to perform and receive feedback. In the past this has been used for Magic Circle auditions and other live performances. While performing for magicians can be nerve-wracking, we foster a supportive learning environment to make this less terrifying! If you are interested in performing, please contact Lenny.
May: AGM and propless
MONDAY 13th MAY 8:00 pm
We know the word AGM fills most of us with fear and boredom in equal measure. At FAME we pride ourselves on getting these over very quickly. In fact very quickly indeed. We need as many of you to attend as possible to make it a valid meeting. Dave will also be leading us through a lecture on "propless" magic that can be done anytime, anywhere!
April: Two effects to be taught
MONDAY 8th APRIL 8:00 pm
This is a great opportunity to learn something new! Two of our members will teach us an effect we can learn with "hands-on" experience. If you are interested in teaching an effect please contact Dave. It should involve a "prop" that all members present can easily be furnished with or bring (coins, cards, rubber bands, etc.)
March: EGM, sales of tricks and entertaining kids and adults
MONDAY 11th MARCH 8:00 pm
The first part of this meeting will be an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) to discuss raising the fees for next year, along with the sale of tricks. The second part will be a lecture from Lenny on entertaining kids and adults.
February: A trick from a Book
MONDAY 12th FEBRUARY 8:00 pm
February's meeting will be an effect from a book. Not a stand-alone marketed effect but a little gem you found in a book. If you can bring the book then that's even better. There is real gold dust often missed in the printed page and indeed some fantastic effects came from overlooked tricks that just needed an extra twist. So get your thinking caps on and start going through all those books on your shelf you bought five years ago but only half read!
January: President's Command Performance
As is traditional, the January meeting is the president's command performance. This is when you are commanded (well actually you volunteer as nobody is ever under pressure to perform) to do a presentation for your partners and loved ones. Yes, you can invite family to come and see what we all get up to! There will be tea and coffee (bring unwanted Xmas nibbles?) and the performances will probably take up the whole evening finishing before 10. Doors open 7:45 pm for a prompt start at 8:00 pm.
December: President's Challenge
The presidents challenge this year relates to your improv skills. Please bring along something that you know well. Before you start you will chose an envelope containing your challenge, it may be something you must include in your performance, it may be the style in which you must perform, words you must include in your patter, or things you must not include.
November: Three Mini Lectures
Three of our members will each give a mini-lecture on a topic of their choice, followed by the usual share and help session between members that makes FAME the unique club it is.