A Scottish magic society will stage an exhibition charting 100 years of magic as part of its centenary celebrations.
Aberdeen Magical Society’s centenary exhibition will run from August 17 to September 7, 2026, at Aberdeen Arts Centre.
The free-to-view exhibition charts the society’s progress from its founding in 1926 to the present day. More information can be found at https://www.aberdeenartscentre.com/whats-on/aberdeen-magical-society-centenary-exhibition.
Aberdeen Magical Society committee member Nicolas Maulet MMC has curated the exhibition.
“I can’t wait for people to uncover the amazing history of Aberdeen Magical Society during the exhibition at Aberdeen Arts Centre,” he said.
“For over 100 years, Aberdeen Magical Society has promoted the art of magic in the North-east of Scotland, and I am proud to share that journey with the public later this month.
“From famous faces and award-winning stars to underground talents and local achievements, this exhibition will shine a light on a group that is normally shrouded in secrecy."
The exhibition will run alongside two showstopping performances by Aberdeen Magical Society’s members at Aberdeen Arts Centre on September 4-5, 2026. All proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Save Aberdeen Arts Centre campaign, launched in May 2025, which aims to preserve the 350-seater theatre for the benefit of the local community.
Tickets are available now from https://www.aberdeenartscentre.com/whats-on/100-years-of-magic.
About Aberdeen Magical Society
Formed in 1926 by a group of amateur conjurors including acclaimed architect T. Scott Sutherland, Aberdeen Magical Society is one of the most active magic clubs in the country, meeting twice a month to give its members the chance to socialise and further the art of magic. A varied programme of events takes place each year including public shows; three competition nights for close-up magic, card magic and entertainment; guest lecturers visiting from across the globe; and themed nights run by the members themselves.
The society builds on a tradition of magic in the North-east, following in the footsteps of giants like electro-magic pioneer Walford Bodie (1869-1939) and John Henry Anderson (1814-1974) – named the Great Wizard of the North by Sir Walter Scott – who popularised the deadly ‘bullet catch’. A great inspiration to Harry Houdini, when the famous escapologist visited Aberdeen to perform in the Palace Theatre in 1909, he paid for the upkeep of Anderson’s grave, which still stands in St Nicholas Kirkyard today.
Aberdeen Magical Society has spawned its own magicians of note, too. In the 1990s, member Bill Duncan presented Bill’s Magic Box for Grampian TV. More recently, macabre comedy magic duo Barry and Stuart rose to fame with a string of hit shows for the BBC, Channel 4, ITV and Watch after first meeting at the society.
Membership of Aberdeen Magical Society is open to anyone aged 18+ with a genuine interest in performing or studying magic – from amateurs and newcomers to the arts to seasoned professionals. For more information visit www.aberdeenmagic.com or follow Aberdeen Magical Society on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
About Aberdeen Arts Centre
Aberdeen Arts Centre is an independent arts venue in the heart of Aberdeen, operated by registered charity Castlegate Arts Ltd for over a quarter of a century.
For more than 60 years, Aberdeen Arts Centre has played a crucial role in the North-east’s vibrant arts scene through its programme of performances, Creative Learning Programme for children and adults, and an Artist Development Programme to support local professional creatives.
In May 2025, the centre launched the Save Aberdeen Arts Centre campaign – a three-year fundraising drive to raise £660,000 to secure its future. Individuals and corporate sponsors can find out more and donate at https://www.aberdeenartscentre.com/save-aberdeen-arts-centre.
Aberdeen Arts Centre encompasses a 350-seater auditorium; café bar; flexible spaces for performances, events, exhibitions and meetings; and the Children’s Theatre, opened by Catherine Hollingworth in the 1950s as a pioneering youth theatre (the first of its kind in the UK) and now used as a vital resource for professional artist development.
For more information, visit www.aberdeenartscentre.com or follow Aberdeen Arts Centre on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube at @AberdeenArtsCentre.