International Magic Shop

As soon as I step inside, there is that sense of being engulfed with mystery, magic and make-believe that ignites the imagination. Let’s all pray to the God of magic, which is probably Paul Daniels, that London never loses such charmingly indispensable points of uniqueness.

As the affable owner states, in addition to the more prosaic tricks, pranks and paraphernalia that you would expect to find, they also offer more professional items and comprehensive magic classes for those seeking a career change, a new challenge or some harmless fun (unless you accidentally saw someone in half that is).

Alternatively, owners of a puerile sense of humour (sadly, an accusation that has been regularly laid at my doorstep) can be satisfied with an everyday false moustache, pop-out eye, sliced finger, fake dogsh*t etc. etc.

The shops itself is traditional and informal and often described as a "Tardis" as the small red door is as deceiving as it's contents! Pop in to see for your self.

We organise magic lessons for beginners, host regular magic lectures (more advanced) and of course of Annual International Magic Convention - now in its 38th year in central London and a must for the Magicians Calendar. This event also features an evening of magic and variety where families and non-magicians are welcome.

This is a neat little shop. I visited by chance - I was passing, and the dusky interior seemed to beckon me in.

The shop is packed - every wall, shelf and table is covered with novelties, books or magic tricks. It is a tiny shop, but just full of stuff. It is very old fashioned looking, and some of the stock looks like it’s been there forever, but in a good way (if you know what I mean) - it really is a flavour of yesteryear.

When I went in, there was an older gentleman performing card tricks with great aplomb. He was charming, involved his audience (me, a mum and her child of around eight), and talented.

Whilst I didn’t buy anything, I was utterly charmed, and would certainly visit again.

This is a lovely friendly little shop, run by people with a passion for magic. It does stock both ends of the market. At the lower end you’ve got the tackier stuff, like fake moustaches, devils horns and fake sick. At the other end they do serious magic stuff: instruction manuals and media, and boxed tricks. In a package you’ll get all the props needed to perform a professional-looking magic trick. I’ve found they are good at advising on what to buy. Apparently they also run magic courses. Of course the shop is only small, so nothing big like cabinets for chopping people in half, but I have a suspicion they could help you get one should you so desire!

Their website is: http://www.internationalmagic.com/