I write to officially give my resignation from the Order of the Magi.
Due to Family Holidays & other commitments I have been unable to write this letter and address these matters until now, for which I apologise.
I shall also be emailing this to all members for whom I have direct contact emails and/or am connected to via Social Media.
I joined the Order of the Magi after having been encouraged to do so by former member Jonathan Royle who himself resigned from the Magi at the 2018 AGM earlier this year, I was not present at the AGM but I have been told a few different version of events that took place that night.
According to Jonathan he was disgusted by the lack of apparent motivation or action being taken to help the club obtain new members and grow and was shocked to discover that the club had the previous year spent a couple of hundred pounds more on expenses than it had brought in through subscriptions.
I now find myself regrettably feeling that I too have no choice but to resign from the Magi due to the way that Jonathan Royle was treated by Mike Sharples (supposedly on behalf of club members) on the evening of 14th August 2018.
Ultimately Mike Sharples turned Jonathan Royle away at the door and refused him entry to the Adrian Sullivan Presidents Lecture in a manner that was unfounded and also highly embarrassing for Jonathan.
I am aware (as I was there on the night in question) that Jonathan approached the door to go into the room the lecture was taking place and was stopped by Mike Sharples who said words along the lines of “You Can’t Come in as you’re not a member and have been to 2 meetings during this club year”
Jonathan replied to this by saying “Yes I know I can’t come in without renewing my membership as stated on the club website and so here is the money to pay for my renewal of membership” and then he tried to hand the money to Mike who refused.
Not only did Mike refuse Jonathans membership money he also told Jonathan “You’re Not Welcome” and when asked why he replied “We’ve had lots of complaints about you from members” this seems to be misleading, as Jonathan had already spoken with a number of members who had already told Jonathan to just ignore the new rule and come along to the meetings as they would like to see him there.
Since the meeting I have investigated and to the best of my knowledge we as members were not ever asked whether Jonathan should be “refused entry” or “banned from re-joining” and thus I fail to see how such action and behaviour towards him was fair in any manner.
I am aware that at the AGM Jonathan’s language got quite heated and maybe offensive, however I am also aware that since then he has:
1) Apologised directly to anyone who seemed to be offended on the night including directly to Mike Sharples who confirmed that he had accepted such apology hence welcoming Jonathan along to the Magi Auction which took place a few weeks after the AGM.
2) Jonathan has attended Two Lectures Since the AGM and Mike was happy to take his entry money on both occasions with nothing negative being said to him.
3) Jonathan also attended the Close-Up Competition and again nothing negative was said to him by anyone.
4) On the night in question (14th August) Jonathan was sat with myself and a few other Magi member’s downstairs in the Irish Heritage Centre before the Lecture and nobody said anything negative to him at all.
5) Since the 14th August I have been made aware that the first any of the club’s members knew of Jonathan apparently not being welcome was when Jonathan contacted them after the event and/or spoke to them after the meeting which again illustrates that it seems no vote has ever been made on the matter and that the behaviour shown towards Jonathan is unfair.
6) Given that Mike Sharples as Secretary had the chance to tell Jonathan he was not welcome at The Magi Auction, Close-Up Competition and 2 Lectures all of which Jonathan attended and at all of which Mike Sharples and the Magi were happy to take his money at, it becomes clear that all is most certainly not what it seems.
7) The new rule of people to quote the website:
“Visitors are welcome to attend meetings and lectures by prior arrangement with either the President or Secretary for a fee of £5 (unless otherwise stated). Please note – This is restricted to two visits per person per Magi syllabus year, not including auctions and competitions. To attend all lectures and meetings, and to benefit from full Magi membership, please apply below”.
This seems to be something that was not discussed at the AGM, nor voted on democratically by the committee and instead seems to have been added AFTER Jonathan has resigned and AFTER he had attended the auction and a lecture, some may say it was instigated to force Jonathan out of attending, it certainly would seem that way.
In any event it is a ridiculous change as potentially this could lose the club money as some people may want to attend 3 events (or more) in a year at £5 = £15 for club’s funds but would only be allowed to attend 2 unless they joined which some may not wish to do.
Given that the club has spent more than it brought in last year surely it would be wise to bring every penny possible into club funds and that includes the fact it would have been wiser to accept Jonathan’s money on 14th August rather than Mike telling him he was and is not welcome?
9) Jonathan being refused entry in the manner he was is even more alarming when it is considered what an active member of the club he was including such things as him:
**Helping to set up and pack away.
**Taking photographs of meetings which went into the magazine monthly.
**Negotiating discounts for club members.
**Participating in the Magi competitions.
**Participating in Magi auctions.
**Always offering help, advice and insights to members when questions were raised.
**Often being asked to clarify things by and for visiting lecturers who have always thanked him.
**He Lectured at the Club 3 times before he joined.
**Having recently been asked by Max Townsend if he had another New Lecture available and in response offering to give such lecture to the club free of charge,
**Actively trying to get things happening to help get new members into the club and back on track to where it once used to be.
Despite all of the above and despite the fact that Jonathan had already apologised (and had his apology accepted) for his language used and any offence he had caused to those present at the AGM whilst resigning all of the aforementioned things it seems have been purposely ignored and subsequently refused membership.
It sadly seems as though those at the helm of the club have no real desire to do what is right for the club and rather are making decisions (without consulting other members or the club council) and taking actions aligned to their own personal agendas.
This raises the question “What is the purpose of a committee or council if important decisions which may directly affect the future of the club are being made by those in direct control.
I am not wishing to cause offence here but this is my honest opinion and I cannot remain silent on these issues hence I am officially withdrawing my membership from the club.
Should these matters be fully rectified and put right fully in the future, then I may possibly reconsider my position at that time, but for now I can no longer remain a member of the Order of the Magi.
I would urge all members to consider these matters seriously when choosing who to vote for at the next AGM, the future of your club depends on it.
Yours Truly
Ryan Robertson.
PS: I have for some strange reason been removed from the magi mailing list & so am not able to find email addresses for other members hence I have sent this
letter to Jonathan Royle and given him permission to post it on his blog page.
_______________________________________________________________
FURTHER DETAILS ON WHAT HAPPENED TO JONATHAN ROYLE
Following events which took place at the last Order of the Magi meeting (Adrian Sullivan Presidents Lecture) on Tuesday 14th August 2018, namely the fact I was (by Secretary Mike Sharple’s) turned away, my money was refused and I was told that I was/am not welcome any longer as apparently I have upset too many members with my comments at the AGM I am sending this message to ensure the full facts are known by all.
Therefore I am sending this letter to all members of the Magi for whom I have (or could easily find) contact details, either by direct email and/or by way of inbox to your Facebook or other Social Media Account.
(I will also publish it openly & publicly on my WordPress Blog Page)
Firstly to anyone who attended the AGM on 27th March 2018, at which I resigned as a member of the Magi, may I once again in writing repeat that which I have already communicated to various people both verbally in person and also by email/text, namely that if anyone was in any manner offended or upset by any of the language used by myself that I offer my sincere apologies for any upset/offense caused.
However for the record (as communicated to Club Secretary Mike Sharples via Whatsapp Messages & then at a later date in person) I stand by everything I said at the AGM as it was all stated with only the best interests of the future success and growth of the club at heart.
For those who may not know I started attending the Order of the Magi back in Circa 1989 onwards when they were located at The Post Office Club and was very kindly taken to meetings by life member Jack Griggs.
Due to issues which are now water under the bridge relating to Derek Lever I never actually joined the Magi until after I had done three heavily attended and positively received Lectures for your members, where at the end of the 3rd Lecture I joined & became an active member of the club.
With the exception of when I had paid Professional Bookings and/or Television interviews I attended at all Lectures, all informal club meetings and even entered competitions regularly, resulting in me winning the 2016 Cabaret Magic Trophy and both the Best Card Trick Shield and also the outright Close-Up Magic Trophy in the 2017 event.
I would regularly help to set out chairs, clear stuff away after lectures and take photographs during events which appeared on an almost monthly basis within the pages of the Magi magazine.
I came up with the idea of getting discounts from Magic Dealers for our members (and to help entice new members) and indeed I then negotiated such with the dealers. For the year of 2017-2018 there were approx 18 dealers giving members such discounts, for the present year of 2018 to 2019 you will notice on the magi site on the membership page located at this link: https://www.orderofthemagi.co.uk/membershipthat I was able to negotiate more discounts for members (You should have been sent a PDF with all the discount codes) and now you have 34 dealers you can save money with.
Bearing in mind all of the above and the fact that I have known many of the Magi members since I was in my early teens and indeed some members such as Jack Steel worked with me when I was around 12, it is with great regret and sadness that on Tuesday 14th August I discovered that I am no longer welcome in any manner and so it would seem at any time at the Order of the Magi.
In a nutshell as mentioned earlier I resigned my membership at the AGM on 27th March 2018, however on 22nd May after having communicated with Mike Sharples by Whatsapp & text Messages during which I had again apologised for any offense my language may have caused anyone at the AGM it was confirmed by Mike that I was welcome to attend the Magi Auction that evening which indeed I did and as always at such events I bought numerous items thus helping to raise funds for the club in the process.
On the 12th of June it was the Andrew Normansell Lecture and on 26th June it was the Paul Roberts Lectures, I attended both events and paid my £5 visiting non magic member attendance fee to Mike Sharples who happily took my money.
On 10th July I attended the Close-Up Competition and just like had occurred at the 2 lectures, various members (you know who you are) were encouraging me to rejoin and so I said I would give it some serious consideration.
It had also recently been brought to my attention that the Magi website had been updated with this sentence:
“This is restricted to two visits per person per Magi syllabus year, not including auctions and competitions.”
Which had been added to the sentence about visiting non members so that in full and in context it now read:
Visitors are welcome to attend meetings and lectures by prior arrangement with either the President or Secretary for a fee of £5 (unless otherwise stated). This is restricted to two visits per person per Magi syllabus year, not including auctions and competitions. To attend all lectures and meetings, and to benefit from full Magi membership, Click Here.
I mentioned this to various members who seemed to be hearing about this for the first time and several commented that such rule was ridiculous and not in the best interests of the club.
My observation is that whilst some clubs such as the Magic Circle have such a rule, they only have such on the basis that they already have lots & lots of members and want to ensure there is always enough room for their registered members to attend.
Sadly no such membership level or issue currently exists with the Magi, and whilst some may think limiting attendance to 2 meetings and then forcing people to join is the way to get more members, I would disagree and point out that currently the more visitors you can get paying £5 a time the more there will be for club funds to pay for more and bigger name lecturers who in turn would attract more paying guests and more funds to the club.
Ultimately in time as bigger names are appearing more regularly some of these people would then join of their own accord due to membership having then become more desirable and beneficial to them.
Anyhow the point is when I attended on 14th August I knew about the 2 meeting rule and so was prepared to pay my £35 subscription fee to rejoin.
I was met at the door by Mike who said “You Can’t Come In” and proceeded to mention the 2 meeting rule to which I replied “That’s fine I understand and that’s why here is my £35 subs money”and tried to hand him the payment.
However Mike refused to take such and said “Your Not welcome, you’ve upset too many members and we’ve had too many complaints” I can only assume by “we” he meant the committee?
Given the AGM was on 27th March 2018 and that I after the event had apologised for the few choice words I used whilst resigning and had subsequently been welcomed back for the auction, 2 lectures and a competition without a single word about “not being welcome” ever being said to me by anybody I was as you can imagine somewhat surprised to say the least by this reaction.
Having spoken to several Magi Members since I was turned away at the door it seems many had absolutely no idea about the new “2 meetings as a visitor rule” and most certainly had no idea that I was apparently no longer welcome at the club.
Several mentioned that members were certainly not asked to vote on whether I was welcome any longer or not and that they doubt that a proper Committee meeting has been held about the matter (or the new 2 meeting rule) as they are aware proper committee meetings in line with the rules of the club have, it seems not taken place for a long time.
So to the members I’ve known for years and those who have become friends in recent years, please do keep in touch and I hope to see you soon.
To those who were encouraging me to rejoin which I tried to do on Tuesday night, thanks again, but it seems I am not welcome any longer.
I’ve only ever wanted the best for the club, for it to grow and return to the kind of success it has enjoyed previously, unfortunately that has not been possible.
I wish you all Health, Happiness and Success for the future. Kind Regards
JONATHAN ROYLE
PS: I’ve not (yet) been able to find an email address for Dave McGee, Kaye or David and as there may possibly be a few others I’ve missed, it would be massively appreciated if you could, please forward this email to them (and any other members) so that everyone knows what is going on.
_____________________________________________________________
RYAN ROBERTSON’S RESIGNATION LETTER TO THE MAGI
Dated Tuesday 11th September 2018 can be seen here:
ABOVE: Magician Ian Brown Presents the 2017 Trophy for Close-Up Magical Champion to Jonathan Royle at Manchester’s Order of the Magi.
ABOVE: Sly Smith Presenting The Sly Smith Shield for Best Card Trick 2017 to Jonathan Royle at Manchesters Order of the Magi.
Rochdale Magician, Mind-Reader & Hypnotist Wins Close-Up Magical Champion Trophy & The Sly Smith Shield for Best Card Trick in Magic Competition Run by England’s 3rd Oldest Magical Society Manchester Based The Order of the Magi.
Below are the Three Reviews of the Three Lectures I have given to the Order of the Magi in the past which were always positively received and very well attended.
a) You already have a Free advert on our website or:
b) You may wish to obtain a Free advert on our website.
(Details of How to Secure Your No Cost Advert follow Shortly)
If you have an existing Free Listing on our website (thus meaning you have offered some kind of discount or voucher code or exclusive offer to our members) then now is the time to confirm that you would like this listing to continue as our AGM and New Year starts at end of March.
However our webmaster needs to update the website before then so any discount code would need to please be active from right NOW up to and including the last day of March 2019.
NEW MAGIC SHOPS = For those who are not yet listed on the site, all we ask is that you offer our members some kind of voucher/discount code that they can enter at checkout and/or a password they can quote over the telephone or in person at your store to claim a discount off their purchases.
There can of course be a sensible (e.g. £20 or so) minimum order level to claim the discount using the code you supply to be entered at checkout or to be quoted over the telephone.
In exchange we will put your company logo onto this page of our website
And this will of course link directly to your website and thus maybe help to improve your Google Ratings.
It could certainly send visitors from our site who are not Magi members yet to yours and thus help generate full price sales for you from non Magi members.
It is out intention to be starting a major Social Media Advertising Campaign in our clubs New Year and so we are anticipating lots more website visitors and also ultimately new members, both of which can only prove to be positive & beneficial for those who secure their place on our site and offer our members a discount of some kind.
WHAT TO DO NEXT.
Please get back to me URGENTLY & no later than this coming Friday on my direct email of royle@magicalguru.com
We need to know:
1) Your Website Address you want promoting on our page.
2) What level of discount (and terms) you will offer our members.
3) What voucher code they are to enter at checkout on your site or password they are to quote over the telephone or in person at your store.
4) Confirmation that the codes are active NOW so we can start adding you to the site and informing members.
5) Confirmation that the codes/discount will remain active until at least 31st March 2019.
Many thanks in advance for your time, consideration and anticipated rapdi response to this email.
Jonathan Royle The Order of the Magi Close-Up Magical Champion 2017 & Winner of The Sly Smith Shield for Best Card Trick
On the evening of Tuesday 13th June 2017, Rochdale Resident Jonathan Royle, aged 41 who resides in the Spotland area with his Wife Rachel and 7 year old daughter Ashleigh was awarded both the Winners Cup for outright Best Magical Performance and also the Sly Smith Shield for Best Card Trick in the 2017 Order of the Magi Close-Up Magic Competition.
The Order of the Magi is the 3rd Oldest Magical Society & Magicians Club in England and has its headquarters at The New Irish Heritage Centre in Manchester.
Jonathan Royle is the Current Winner of the Cabaret Magic Trophy as well as the Close-Up Cup and Sly Smith Shield for Best Card Trick from The Order of the Magi
Towards the end of 2016, Royle was also awarded the Cabaret Competition Trophy
by the then President and fellow Rochdale Resident Alan Johnston who can be seen
in the picture below awarding him the trophy.
Jonathan Royle being awarded the 2016 Cabaret Magic Trophy by the then President Alan Johnston
Further details on Royle’s 2016 Cabaret Magic Competition win along with a short
video of his Award Winning Magical Performance can be seen at this link:
And in the picture below you can see Magician Sly Smith presenting the Order of the Magi’s Sly Smith Shield for Best Card Trick 2017 to Jonathan Royle…
Sly Smith Presenting The Sly Smith Shield for Best Card Trick 2017 to Jonathan Royle at Manchesters Order of the Magi
And below is Magician Ian Brown from The Modern Mystic League in Blackburn who due to the Current Order of the Magi President Rochdale Resident Stuart Cassels being ill Presented the outright Close-Up Magical Champion Trophy to Jonathan Royle.
Magician Ian Brown Presents the Trophy for Close-Up Magical Champion to Jonathan Royle at Manchester’s Order of the Magi
And for those interested in the kinds of Card Magic Tricks that Royle performed last night take a look at this short video of him performing just a few of his favorite effects.
Jonathan was born whilst his parents were travelling with Gandey’s Circus and he made his Stage Debut aged 3 as Flap The Clown.
Aged 4 he appeared alongside his dad “Tizzy the Clown” on Blackpool’s Golden Mile helping to present a Neck Guillotine Illusion whereby a large blade penetrated a persons neck without harm.
This was an outdoor attraction to entice people to come inside The Paul Daniels Magic Museum and was the first time (of many) that Royle met Paul Daniels over the years.
Jonathan Royle with his Wife Rachel & current Order of the Magi President Rochdale Resident Stuart Cassels one evening with the Late & Great Paul Daniels.
By the time his age had hit double figures, Royle in his former stage name of Alex-LeRoy was performing Large Stage Illusions such as impaling his assistant with Swords and Producing Doves from Mid air…
Jonathan Royle in his former Stage Name of Alex-Le-Roy performing Large Scale Stage Illusions like David Copperfield
Aged 15, along with help from his fellow Magicians Jamie Allan & David Arkay, they supplied to Television Illusionist Simon Drake their version and method of the Impaled Illusion which he then used on his UK Theatre Tour and also on the Iron Maiden “Raising Hell” Farewell Show which was broadcast on Television around the world.
Simon Drake Impaled on a Sword – This prop having been Devised & Supplied by the Joint efforts of Jonathan Royle, Jamie Allan & David Arkay
Over the past 25+ Years as well as travelling the World Himself with his Comedy Stage Hypnosis, Mind-Reading and also Magical Style Shows, Royle has also become a Consultant and Adviser to Fellow Magicians, Hypnotists & Psychic Entertainers around the world and his Training Books, DVDs and Courses are now on sale from all Major
Magical Dealers Worldwide as can be seen along with glowing reviews of his Magic Lectures at this link: http://www.magicalguru.com/magical-lectures/
Buying Tricks off Television Magician Wayne Dobson at Blackpool Magic Convention
Royle has also performed at The Southern England Magic Convention on two occasions and Lectured at Magic Clubs to fellow Magicians sharing his own original creations on many occasions.
Award Winning Magician & Hypnotist Jonathan Royle
As well as being a Multiple Award Winning Magician, Royle is also an Award Winning Hypnotist, having last year been made only the Fourth Hypnotist in the World to ever be inducted into the South African Academy of Hypnosis Hall of Fame as per:
The Order of the Magi Based in Manchester is Englands 3rd Oldest Magical Society
More details on The Order of the Magi which is based in Manchester and is Englands 3rd Oldest Magical Society & Magicians Club can be seen on their official website at:
Jonathan Royle’s Books on Magic, Hypnosis & Mentalism are bought by Magicians, Mentalists & Hypnotists Worldwide
Here are some pictures of some of the other Competitors of the Order of the Magi’s 2017 Close-Up Magic Competition which was held at The New Irish Heritage Centre in Manchester.
Magician Mike Sharples aka Mick the Trick
Above is Mike Sharples aka Mick the Trick from Royton, near Oldham in Greater Manchester and below is Mind Magician Ryan Robertson from Oldham.
Mind Magician Ryan Robertson
Below is Manchester Magician Michael Bates performing his style of Magic..
Michael Bates Performs
There were 4 judges in all, two of whom were members of the Public and the other Two who were Magical Judges for the Competition.
The Magical Judges were Ian Brown & Dr. Roger Woods of The Modern Mystic League in Blackburn, Lancashire.
Ian Brown Member of the Modern Mystic League in Blackburn Entertains whilst the Judges Scores are added up
In the picture above Ian Brown Member of the Modern Mystic League in Blackburn performs some Magical Wizardry to entertain the audience whilst the Judges votes are counted and checked at The Order of the Magi’s 2017 Close-Up Magic Competition.
And finally here are some photos of the Outright Winner of the Close-Up Magical Cup and also the Sly Smith Shield for Best Card Trick Jonathan Royle Performing during the competition..
Jonathan Royle Performing Card Magic at The Order of the Magi’s 2017 Close-Up Magic Competition
Jonathan Royle Performing Card Magic at The Order of the Magi’s 2017 Close-Up Magic Competition
Jonathan Royle Performing Card Magic at The Order of the Magi’s 2017 Close-Up Magic Competition
Jonathan Royle Performing Card Magic at The Order of the Magi’s 2017 Close-Up Magic Competition
FOR MEDIA INTERVIEWS PLEASE CONTACT JONATHAN VIA HIS WEBSITE www.magicalguru.com or email royle@magicalguru.com
Dr. Jonathan Royle – Visual Coding Displacement Therapy (VCDT) Practitioner
Jonathan Royle Being Awarded the Cabaret Magic Trophy 2016 by Order of the Magi President Alan Johnston. Both Are Residents of Rochdale.
Magician & Hypnotist Jonathan Royle, aged 41 of Spotland, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, last night, Tuesday 11th October 2016, was awarded the Cabaret
Magic Trophy in the annual Comedy & Cabaret Magic Competition at England’s
third oldest Magical Society & Club, namely Manchester’s Order of the Magi.
In the picture above Jonathan who was born into a showbiz family whilst travelling
with Gandey’s Circus and made his stage debut aged 3 as Flap The Clown, can be
seen being awarded the trophy by another Rochdale Resident, current order of the
Magi club president Alan Johnston who resides close to Highfield Hospital.
His Award Winning Routine at The New Irish Heritage Centre in Manchester, started with the amazing Production of a Four Foot long sweeping brush from nowhere, A heavy bowling ball appearing from an empty bag and even a Bowling Pin being produced from an impossibly small package.
Royle then made a bottle of Whiskey Disappear, before he produced a Bottle of Wine from out of thin air whilst teaching the audience how to recite the Alphabet Backwards, proved that he had predicted what random price an audience member would decide his suit had cost and even made several large boxes of flowers appear to a comical story about his daughter Ashleigh.
It was a fast paced 15 minutes of high impact visual Magic & Illusion, which won
the Cabaret Competition Trophy 2016 for Royle, whilst the Comedy Trophy was
won by Royton Based Magician Mike Sharples who is pictured below.
Royton Based Mike Sharples Wins the Order of the Magi Comedy Magic Trophy 2016
Royle who was born plain Alex William Smith and attended both St. Lukes Primary
and also Siddal Moor High Schools in Heywood performed his first magic aged 4
on the Golden Mile in Blackpool when helping his Showbiz Father Tizzy the Clown to
perform a Head Guillotine Illusion as part of the Paul Daniels Magic Museum Exhibition
show.
He has performed his own unique brand of Magic, Illusion and Comedy Mind Control
and Hypnosis all over the World and has even been fortunate enough to have made
his own Six Part European Television Series “Life in The Bus Lane” which can now
be watched Free of Charge online via his website at:
Royle regularly advises Famous Magicians & Mind Readers around the World on
how to improve their performances, he has 100’s of training products on sale from
Magic Shops around the world teaching his own original routines and is very much
looking forward to Monday 19th June 2017 when he is engaged to Lecture to his fellow
Magicians at the World Famous Magic Circle in London.
MAGIC & MENTALISM LECTURE – Tuesday 9th August 2016.
(Jonathan Royle Live at the Order of The Magi, Manchester’s Magical Society )
NEWS UPDATE = The first 14 People to come to me and hand me £20 either
before the Lecture or During the Interval can grab over £900+ of Magic, Mentalism
& Hypnosis Goodies for just Twenty Pounds as per the information at this link:
ROYLE REVEALS – (A Working Pro’s Survival Guide to The Mystery Arts)
On Tuesday 9th August, Controversial Magician, Mentalist, Psychic Entertainer and Hypnotist Jonathan Royle returns to “The Order of the Magi” at The New Irish Heritage Centre in Manchester with a truly Unique, Entertaining and Thought Provoking Lecture that is sure to contain much worth for everyone who attends whatever their preferred area of Magic is!
Born on the 13th August 1975 into a Showbiz Family whilst Travelling with Gandey’s Circus, Royle made his Stage Debut aged 3 as Flap The Clown, aged 4 worked doing Illusions with his showbiz father Tizzy The Clown aka Les-Le-Roy at The Paul Daniels Magic Museum on the Golden Mile in Blackpool and has worked extensively in most every area of the Mystery Arts and Variety Entertainment Industries ever since.
Aged 15 he became the youngest (at the time) person to ever be employed by Marvins Magic and became their top seller that season selling over 400+ Svengali Decks in one day alone and thus outselling even London’s Top Store demonstrators!
From Barbados to Bahrain, London to Las Vegas, Crete to California, Florida to the Bahamas and numerous other destinations, Royle’s Acts and talents have taken him all over the world performing in Theatres, Circus, 5 Star Hotel’s, Exclusive Celebrity Private Parties, and even in Schools, Nursery’s and peoples houses when he first started out in the Childrens Parties arena.
During his almost 39 years in Showbusiness, Royle has worked in every genre from Kids Shows and Close-Up through to Doves and Large Stage Illusions on the one hand to Mentalism and Hypnosis along with Comedy Clubs, Theatre and even Circus on the other.
Together with 100’s of TV Shows around the world including having had his own One Hour Hypnosis TV Special on German RTL in 1994 and filming his own Six Part European Comedy Magic, Mentalism and Hypnosis Television Series in Amstedam during 2001, he has much varied knowledge and experience to share.
This Lecture will contain a Mix of Commercial Magic & Mentalism, Secrets of Cold Reading & Hypnosis and even insider tips on how to make more money from Magic.
Amongst the numerous Tricks, Routines, Techniques and Professional Insights, Wisdom and often Career Enhancing and Life Saving Advice that Royle will Share and Reveal Are:
*The exact opening routine which warms up your audience, involving an unexpected Bottle Production that he used when supporting Comedy Legend Lee Evans at Manchesters “Buzz” Comedy venue.
*What do you do when you land in for example Bahrain as Royle once did to perform at The Hilton Hotel only to discover that all your luggage is still in Amsterdam and your meant to be on Stage doing a two hour show in just a few hours time?? This was one of the biggest learning curves of Royle’s Career and he reveals all so you are always prepared.
*His Unique Psychic Belly Button Reading Routine which has been featured on ITV’s “Funky Bunker” and also Sky Livings “Live At Three” Television Shows as well at high profile corporate events around the world and has even been adapted successfully for use in product launches.
*Several of Royle’s Favourite “Impromptu” and “Close-Up” Magic Tricks will be performed and explained, along with insider advice on for example such issues as how to perform in very noisy nightclub environments such as for example the now closed but still Legendary Hacienda Club in Manchester which Royle appeared at on a number of occasions.
*A Stunning and Miraculous seeming Word Prediction Routine which has it’s root in ideas by Ron Chatburn, Max Maven, Stewart James and Arun Bonerjee amongst others. A Real audience fooler and reputation making routine.
*Royles thoughts, tips and experiences on Larry Beckers “Make The Cards Match” with numerous ideas of how to make the routine more entertaining and how to draw truly massive applause from your audiences with this every time.
*Royles “Power of Words” a pack flat stage filling routine that looks like genuine Hypnosis and yet nobody is ever Hypnotised. Some will even talk about this and say that they witnessed somebody being levitated. Royle used elements of this on Granada Breeze’s “Psychic Livetime” TV Show with much impact and success.
*The True Inside Secrets of what happened behind the scenes of Royles 1993 Channel Four appearance on the cult TV Show “The Word” when he was head to head against Hypnotist Peter Powers. In conjunction with the Mobile Phone Hypnotic Routine that he will also demonstrate and a few “Hypno-Tricks” that are Guaranteed to work every time, these Real World Secrets will help make you look like an Instant Hypnotist with ease!
*Should time permit, Royle will also reveal some little known Secrets of Cold & Hot Reading for the Psychic Entertainer that can also be utilized by the Magician and Mentalist to help increase the impact to and reactions from the routines they choose to perform.
*All interspersed with insider Secrets and Real World Advice of how to get more shows, obtain higher fees and make way more money from your Shows, Acts and Related Talents whilst gaining far more positive Audience reactions, longer lasting memories and ultimately far more positive reviews and testimonials for your shows.
In short there will be something for everybody at this event, as Royle will also explain along the way how various things can easily be adapted for different ages of audience and also different styles of performing venue.
Reviews of Royles Past Two Critically Acclaimed Lectures at The Magi can be seen here:
Non Members are welcome at this event for a fee of £10 on the night. Details of how to find the venue and about the club are at – http://www.orderofthemagi.org.uk/
NEWS UPDATE = The first 14 People to come to me and hand me £20 either
before the Lecture or During the Interval can grab over £900+ of Magic, Mentalism
& Hypnosis Goodies for just Twenty Pounds as per the information at this link:
PLUS GRAB SOME AMAZING FREE GIFT’S FOR
MAGICIAN’S – MENTALIST’S & HYPNOTIST’S
Hi Guys & Girl’s
It’s Jonathan Royle here of http://www.magicalguru.com and boy have I got some great news for Magic Club and Convention Organisers around the world..
Also at the end of this Blog Posting I have got some Amazing 100% Free Hypnosis and Mentalism Training Videos and Also Free Ebooks for you to instantly download as my way of wishing you a truly tremendous 2017…
Please do feel free to share this blog page web link with everyone you know so they may come here and grab the Free Gifts as well…
You See many People Don’t seem to realise, but as well as being a Hypnotist, I am also an experienced Magician, Mentalist and Variety Entertainer of many years and am available to Lecture at Magic Club’s, Conventions and also for NLP and Hypnosis Groups and such like…
Indeed over the past 25+ Years I’ve acted as a Magical, Mentalism and Hypnosis Consultant to some major, major names in this business around the world.
In truth I was advising people on how to Combine Hypnosis and NLP techniques with Magic and Mentalism routines many, many years before the sudden craze for this genre became so “public” and Hypnosis wise I was the original teacher of some major names around the world and am also consulted regularly for advice from Established Professionals and Television names.
I’ve also been (in my former Stage Name of Alex-Leroy) a Columnist for such magazines as Supreme Magic’s “Magigram” and Repro Magic’s “Club 71” – whilst also having received positive reviews for my Magical & Mentalism Creations that have appeared in my own publications and also those published by Kenton Knepper and Paul Romhany amongst others!
Indeed my first book “Original Magic” was published back in 1991 when I was aged just 16 and the very first copy was purchased rapidly by none other than Legendary Television Magician, the man himself Paul Daniels…
I’ve now got a new Lecture and also Workshop available entitled “The Magic of Showbiz” which is available for Magic Club & Convention bookings during 2012.
Royle Reveals – The Jonathan Royle Lecture at The Order of The Magi
Tuesday 9th August 2016
Report by Stuart Cassels
President Elect of The Order of the Magi
The second of a series of three great Summer lectures at The Order of the Magi saw the return of my good friend and colleague, Hypnotist, Magician & Mentalist Jonathan Royle. This was Royle’s third visit to the Magi, and with each lecture the sometimes controversial character brings something different to the table. Not surprisingly, he didn’t disappoint.
Whilst it appeared at first that he was to leave the Hypnosis to one side whilst he concentrated on Magical Effects and Mentalism, it soon became apparent that much thought and psychology, drawn from JR’s 28 years of experience with hypnosis was put into the handling and presentation of tricks, even starting his lecture with an emotional ploy to set-up a standing ovation 2 hours later!
This was not a lecture designed with the primary aim of teaching a group of magicians* a collection of tricks – and whilst every effect was certainly a real-world workable effect – the theme was to look at taking older effects and with a bit of thought revamp them to make them suitable for today’s audiences. In fact it was interesting to note that the majority of routines discussed originated at least 40 years ago, with some dating back to at least the 1930’s… Jonathan summed this up perfectly, if not with a little tongue in cheek, with the quote –
“If you want to hide something from a magician, write it in a book!”
One effect of particular note was Jonathan’s new ideas on a Mentalism / Chance effect which I have had the pleasure of seeing him perform many times whilst he was touring his successful, but strangely titled “Egg Sausage Peas” show, now given a twist of wife-swapping! The original effect using jumbo ESP Zenner Cards packs small, but plays big – and always gets a great reaction from audiences. In Jonathan’s standard presentation, he remains on the stage by himself, with 5 music stands to display 5 pairs of cards – and this in itself is large enough to fill a small stage. His new presentation sees him joined by 5 married couples from the audience. Immediately a trick that would work just as well as a close-up effect has been supersized to fill a large performance area, yet the basic props required would fit inside an A4 envelope! Add a few comedy wigs and some innuendo, and you start to see the thought processes that have developed through JR’s time working as not only a Mentalist, but also as a Comedy Hypnotist. I suspect that very few members will be putting this new twist into their act as it now stands, however it was demonstrated to show that even the more serious and mundane effects can be presented very differently, and on a larger scale, with some thought.
During his two hour lectumagic lecturee, Jonathan referred to being able to arrive in a new town or city without props, but being able to quickly buy a few small items which required little preparation before presenting a full cabaret or stage show. This was demonstrated perfectly with an envelope, washing line, clothes pegs, A5 cards and a marker pen; all of which can be obtained from a Pound Shop, and be used to make an impossible word prediction that would play well in front of hundreds. Interestingly, the routine originally dates back to 1937, yet bares a little similarity to recently released effects, although using very different methods.
Amongst the other effects revealed were a signed card to box, Jonathan’s Pseudo Psychometry routine, Belly Button reading, thoughts on the Floating Light Bulb, and a “simple” and impromptu routine revealing which bottle cap a coin was hidden under, that had a hint of Smash & Stab, without the danger – which, judging by the reactions of the audience when the method was revealed, is a real fooler.
It seemed that Jonathan would have happily continued his lecture into the early hours of the morning. However time was against us, and his two hour lecture was over far too soon. Not surprisingly he was given a standing ovation by the members of the Magi – was it because of the information packed lecture, or because of the psychology used at the very opening of his presentation? I’m sure it’s the former, but I’ll let you decide.
After attending Order of the Magi lectures, auctions and having been invited to lecture three times over the past 5 years, Jonathan Royle has finally decided to join the Order of the Magi, and I know the other members will make him feel very welcome.
* What is the collective noun of a group of magicians? Suggestions on the back of a postcard to the Editor!
On the 9th of August we had the pleasure of Jonathan Royle’s
lecture who again seemed to know nearly everybody in the
room. We were impressed when he produced a Full Wine
bottle on removing his jacket, but in the past has been known
to produce a small fish bowl, a fine effect of magic, but risky! It
was a very good evening of magic with a standing applause at
the end (however he did put the idea into our head during his
lecture). Another memorable evening of Magic at The Magi.
Alan Johnston – President of The Order of the Magi. Quoted from the August 2016 Edition of the Magi Magazine
Jonathan Royle is a Magician, Hypnotist, Mentalist, Comedian and Psychic and according to his opening trick (which I’ll mention shortly), a w@#*er.
But on top of this, Jonathan is obviously very good at what he does and is very experienced. His skills and shows have taken him around the world and back again.
As he begins the Lecture he honestly and opnely explains, that what he’s about to show us, is magically not very hard to do but very effective and wows the “muggles”.
Starting with a prediction effect, he shows an envelope with JR is a _ _ _ _ on it.
He then shows a deck of cards with words written on the faces and allows an audience member, to seemingly have a free choice, by picking a card behind his back.
Tonight this card said w@#*er. He then opens the envelope to reveal a match!
Now this looks very good, but is deviously simple, however this opener is not about the magic but about psychology.
This trick lowers the guard of the audience, gets laughs and gets them on side as, Jonathan repeats many times through the night “Public don’t like magic”.
He follows with another prediction style effect. Again he admits this is to bring the audience on your side.
Using a play on words at the start to get laughs, this trick would surely lower the audience’s expectations.
Using some classic gags, it has a hard hitting climax with a randomly selected celebrity, which is correctly predicted.
Jonathan talks a lot about psychology and audience management. By lowering their expectations they’ll think what you do later will be truly amazing!
On to the next effect, a very entertaining and clever effect which is guaranteed to get the audiences attention.
Using 5 volunteers, celebrity face masks and showbiz stars on the floor, this is 10 minutes of pure entertainment, with a triple whammy ending.
Russian Roulette! Now I perform one of the effects Jonathan doesn’t like (Devil’s Nail) and have never had an issue but he teaches a very safe, on the fly method, that works, poses little if any risk and is relatively cheap to make.
He does however recommend an even safer method which he now uses instead of his own called T-2 Sterile by Randi Rain
Although I’ll be sticking with the method I’m comfortable with, I learnt a lot from this section. Playing music that raises the tension in the room and clips of the routine going wrong builds up the drama to create an atmosphere of unease amongst the crowd which is perfect for this routine.
He finished with a very novel effect inspired by his daughter’s bedtime routine. The doting dad comes
out in this effect as he talks about his daughter, (the audience will be well and truly onside with this!) Using a book of children’s TV Characters and number flash cards, 4 volunteers come on stage.
This is a mind reading trick with a sucker effect climax which would get a standing ovation every time.
Unfortunately, Jonathan has so much material that we would need a good few lectures to get through all of it.
That being said I think everyone would have learnt something from tonight.
On top of a very good night, Jonathan offered a bargain of a deal on his lecture notes and other material so I hope you all took advantage!
He has recently signed a deal with Murphy’s Magic to release his material, so take a look at your favorite Magic Dealer.
By: Stephen Manford in “The Magi” Magazine.
AN EVENING WITH JONATHAN ROYLE – (22nd November 2011)
Venue – The Order of the Magi – Manchester
Reported by Jack Griggs
(Order of The Magi – Manchester & Former Editor of IBM’s “The Budget”)
I suspect that many of our members had no prior knowledge of Jonathan Royle, but the notice of his coming visit in the last Magi Magazine, with what some probably thought were exaggerated claims of what he would deliver, must have whetted their appetite because there was a good turn out of members.
He began by giving information of his beginning in show business, at the age of 3 as a Clown assisting his father in a touring Circus. He wasn’t happy with this and turned to Magic with the aid of library books. He later at the ripe old age of 14 turned to Mentalism & Cold Readings.
This was when I first met him, as having got my address he called at my house. I saw him performing and was surprised at his ability in this field. I can attest to his claim to have made a lot of money at it.
However he gave this up as he was uncomfortable with people believing that he was a genuine Psychic and went back into Magic and Hypnotism.
He went on to describe methods of getting publicity and more bookings and demonstrated how to enhance your performances by using psychological techniques to add impact and heightened audience reactions.
He demonstrated his hypnotic technique with two volunteers. When he stood behind one of them and without touching or saying a word to him caused him to fall backwards, I heard a gasp of surprise from a member sat near to me.
In the second half he performed a couple of Mentalism effects using the techniques and methods of presentation he had been describing. They would not have fooled a highly knowledgeable Magician, but would have appeared IMPOSSIBLE to a layman!
Jonathan has an abundance of confidence and is a most lucid and fluent speaker. Did he deliver what was promised? Well Members of the Order of the Magi must have thought so as they rushed forward to buy his DVD’s which were on sale at a very reasonable price.
NOTE: The Above review was published in The Order of The Magi’s Club Magazine and the quote that follows was said by Jack Griggs (the reviewer) live in person on the night of the event to all who were in the audience after I had finished my lecture..
“If you have not learnt something of immense value tonight that will make you a far better performer, then you don’t deserve to be here!” Jack Griggs – 22nd November 2011.
THE SOUTHERN ENGLAND MAGIC CONVENTION – 2011 & 2012
After my performance on the Gala Show of the Southern England Magic Convention 2011 in Bournemouth, experienced Magician Mike Danata of http://www.mikedanatasmagicstudio.co.uk/ stated on the Magic Bunny internet forum that:
“Jonathan Royle has a total “Professional” appearance & very commanding Stage Presence, he totally owns the stage”
At the 2011 SEMC – http://www.semagicconvention.com I ran a Hypnosis & Mentalism Workshop on the Saturday evening and then on the Sunday I did a Magic & Mentalism Lecture & appeared on the Gala Show, after the event, convention organiser Collin Richardson stated:
“Many thanks for all your help, for giving a truly educational Hypnosis Workshop, a controversial magical and mentalism lecture and for a totally professional & entertaining Gala Show Performance” Collin Richardson – http://www.semagicconvention.com
Indeed I must have done something right as this year (2012) I’ve been invited back and am running a Marketing, Publicity & Promotion Success Workshop on the Friday night – http://www.semagicconvention.com/9.html
WHAT SOME BIG NAME’S HAVE SAID ABOUT MY MAGIC – MENTALISM & HYPNOSIS PUBLICATION’S
Here are a few example comments that have been written about Royle’s Various Magic – Mentalism & Psychic Style Entertainment Training Seminars, Books, Products and DVD’s:
“A collection sure to upset many Mentalists and Psychic Entertainers with its revelations and details!” KENTON KNEPPER – http://www.wonderwizards.com
“Thanks for “The Holy Grail of Mentalism”. There is some seriously good thinking here, I particularly like the section on how to create “real miracles”. I have always believed that truly inexplicable mentalism is only achieved by going that extra mile; you obviously believe the same” MARC PAUL – http://www.marcpaul.com
“The methods that Jonathan explains are both practical and professional and indeed for the modern publicity and success seeking Psychic Entertainer they should prove invaluable! Royle made his name almost a household word in the UKand in his book he generously reveals his bizarre and unique methods, for the very first time! I feel that all Mentalists, Psychics and Hypnotists can learn much from his modern & pioneering approach!” MR EDDIE BURKE – MENTALIST & HYPNOTIST –http://www.mreenterprises.co.uk
“Mr Royles suggestions, advice and routines are solid, practical and seem to be grounded in experience! Someone who tried this approach would probably recoup their investment quite quickly and its true to say that Jonathan Royle has used the techniques he reveals to garner an awful lot of Publicity” MICHAEL CLOSE – MARKETPLACE SECTION – MAGIC MAGAZINE – JUNE 2002 – http://www.magicmagazine.com
“This is interesting, Strange, but interesting. In fact I think that it is the strangest book on Mentalism that I have ever read” KENNEDY – http://www.mindofkennedy.co.uk
“This is a decent quality release. I love the effect, I am happy with the method and pleasantly surprised at the level of detail in the PDF. The effect on the audience is that they have experienced the perfect Berglas Effect. As the author points out to achieve that there must be a compromise, there is no Holy Grail. The benefits of the compromise used far outweigh the drawbacks. The effect is written up clearly with good explanation and justification for the simple moves that make it work. It is in my mind best used as a stage effect with three people who do not know each other but could be used in other environments. All in all this is a nice piece of work. Well referenced and definitely worth the money” ANTHONY JACQUIN – http://www.anthonyjacquin.com
“Some of my own favourite material and ruses are in this book – it’s a steal!” KENTON KNEPPER – http://www.wonderwizards.com
“Jonathan Royle, unconventional hypnotist and mind magician, has been a controversial personality throughout most of his unusual and varied career. But he knows his stuff. Last weekend I was one of a small group of people from a range of disciplines who attended his Mind Magic two-day seminar in Manchester. The group included magicians, hypnotists, therapists, and NLP practitioners, which made for interesting discussions in the bar… The seminar covered magical (’mind reading’) techniques and routines as well as hypnotic techniques. The intention was to provide those attending with the building blocks to apply the techniques and develop routines and applications to suit their own specific requirements. I’ve certainly attended nothing quite like it. (And I mean that in a good way!)This training, I’m sure, is invaluable to anyone who wishes to work in the fascinating field of mind magic.” Russell J. Hall – http://www.magick2go.com
COMMENT’S ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTION’S I HAVE MADE TO OTHER LEADING NAME’S PUBLICATON’S
Mental Epic Compendium by Paul Rohmany….
Check out this online review by Kris Johnson of Paul Rohmany’s amazing book “Mental Epci Compendium” –
“Personally, one of the most mind-blowing routines in the entire book is Johnathan Royle’s “Royle’s Thoughts on the One-Ahead Principle.” I challenge you to read this section of the book and not feel energized by what appears to be a simple card routine. It is, for me, one of the most stunning routines I’ve ever read. I only wish I could have seen it performed and experienced the impossibility of it before reading about the work.
While I don’t expect any Mentalist who hates using playing cards in his/her act to be totally converted after reading that section, I do believe that this routine has the BEST chance to cause some of these folks to re-consider some of their views.”
KILLER KONCEPTION’S 2010 – By KENTON KNEPPER
NOTE: The Mentalism Routine referred to below as “HYPNOTIC KILLER” is my routine which appears under my name in this book by Kenton Knepper ofhttp://www.wonderwizards.com
Killer Konceptions 2010 Review by Shane at online-visions.com – check it out here –
Personally, I found three presentations to be worth the price of the book: “A Haunted Hotel Room” which uses “KK” with pictures of hotel room doors that is just plain creepy; “Hypnotic Killer” which seemingly induces a “KK”-type hallucination onto a spectator; and “Astro Killer”, an idea that moves “KK” into the realm of astrological divination. I’d have been happy if any one of these routines was put up for sale; I’m more so with these ideas being joined by so many other good ideas.
OTHER COMMENT’S ABOUT MY LECTURE’S – SEMINARS & PRODUCT’S…
If you’ve not already made that intelligent decision to contact me via http://www.magicalguru.com to discuss booking me for a Lecture, Workshop and/or Performance at your Magic Club or Convention then take a look at the few links that follow which should illustrate how invaluable what I have to offer will be to all who attend your event that you book me for…
Yes that’s right all of the amazing Videos below are 100% Free and will teach you many Secrets of Hypnosis & Also Some Magical Trickery…
ROYLE PERFORM’S MOBILE PHONE MENTALISM…
SECRET’S OF RAPID & INSTANT INDUCTIONS – PART ONE
SECRET’S OF RAPID & INSTANT INDUCTIONS – PART TWO
SECRET’S OF RAPID & INSTANT INDUCTIONS – PART THREE
HOT HEAT – MENTALISM EFFECT – IT’S USE WITH HYPNOSIS…
AND NOW FOR SOMETHING THAT SHOULD GIVE YOU A GIGGLE…..
Some Clips from Jonathan Royles SURREAL European Comedy TV
Series “Life In The Bus Lane”
NOTE: This is “character” comedy and the show was described as a “Variety Show Sitcom” where Royle plays many of the characters including his own Sister Mesmerelda..
For the record Royle can do all of the tricks PERFECTLY that he mucks up in the videos, the character he is playing is a strange cross between “Tommy Cooper on Acid and a Nutty Professor type”..
WARNING = This Footage was filmed around 10 years ago now (when Royle Made a One Hour European Television Special and also Six Half Hours in Amsterdam)… and to make total sense you’d be wise to look at the Show Information at….
NOW TO REDEEM MYSELF – (For those who may not have realised that the clips above from my European TV Series were meant to have things going wrong…. here’s some clips from my Hypnosis shows from around the world in venues of all sizes from Pubs, Clubs and Hotels all the way up to Large Theatres, Universites and TV Shows)
klearthoughtsmentalismhypnosis 