Phil Tilston Lecture

Phil Tilston is a highly experienced close-up magician with a strong background in practical, real-world magic. Having spent over a decade performing at Houdini’s Magic Bar as a resident magician, Phil has developed a repertoire of material designed to entertain, engage, and work consistently in live performance settings.

Alongside his professional work, Phil has built an impressive track record within the magic community, achieving multiple awards across close-up and competition environments – including wins at the North West Close Up Magic Championships and the Alakazam Magic Club competition.

Phil’s lecture focuses on material that has been refined through performance – not just theory, but routines and techniques that have stood the test of time in real working conditions.

What to Expect:

• A selection of practical close-up routines developed and refined through real-world performance

• Insights into creativity – how effects and presentations are built from initial ideas

• Lessons learned from 10 years working at Houdini’s Magic Bar

• Detailed teaching on key sleights, including the One-Hand Top Palm

• A variety of effects including:

  • Colour changing penknives

  • Out to Lunch routines

  • Thimble work

  • Card magic (approximately 50–60% of the material)

  • A 3-Fly routine

  • Okito box work

• Material released through Alakazam and used in professional settings

This is an evening focused on strong, practical magic – the kind of material that works in the real world, often requiring little or no table space, making it ideal for walkaround, restaurant, and close-up performances.

Where and When

Thursday 28th May 2026 – Nomad Theatre – KT24 6RT

Doors 7:30pm • Lecture 8:00pm • 15-min interval • Finish ~10:00pm

Hosted by the Surrey Society of Magicians.