Photos from David Haig’s MAGIC

Here is a collection of photos from David Haig’s Magic, which is currently playing at the Chichester Festival Theatre until May 16, 2026. The play features Haig as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Hadley Fraser as Houdini, and Jenna Augen as Bess.

You can see more images and buy tickets to Magic at the Chichester Festival Theatre website.

Related:

• See MAGIC at the Chichester Festival Theatre
• The real story of Houdini & Doyle
• 'Houdini Speaks to the Living' 2026 tour

David Copperfield concludes his 25-year MGM run

The big news in magic this week is that David Copperfield has closed his MGM show after a remarkable 25 years. An incredible run with an incredible show. I can't wait to see what comes next for David because he is as active and creative as ever. If I were the moon, I would be very nervous today.

As I revealed here, my upcoming book, Handcuff King: The Conquests of Harry Houdini, 1900-1909, will be an official presentation of David Copperfield's International Museum and Library of the Conjuring Arts. It's still a few months away (I feel like it wants to be October), but maybe we can think of this as the first post-MGM David Copperfield production? I know I'm working hard to make it worthy of the Copperfield name. A Houdini book that will put Doug Henning's to shame! Haha.

Congratulations to David and his team on a remarkable run. You beat Houdini's record by 24 years and 7 months!

Related:

• David Copperfield ending his MGM show on April 30
• There's a Houdiniesque David Copperfield poster out there (update)
• OFFICIAL POLICE NEWS!

Adventures in AI

I know I'm late to the party, but I've recently been experimenting with using AI in my Houdini work. To be clear, I use NO generative AI for writing. For better or worse, every word of this blog and my new book is written by me. My book is also being edited by a human, Janet Davis, and I'm doing the design myself.

However, there are tasks that AI is pretty darn good at, such as translation. My ability to quickly and easily translate German, Russian, French, and Dutch Houdini posters and newspaper articles has unlocked new information about Houdini's performances in these countries. It's a game-changer that has gone a long way in helping me solve the Germany problem, and has greatly benefited my book.

However, things get trickier when it comes to using AI for research. While it's very good at very specific tasks – such as finding a street address for a long-gone circus building in 1901 – it's not good at deep Houdini research. Its knowledge of Houdini is basic and largely inaccurate. Also, as I recently discovered, it will lie. Not "hallucinate." That's a word people use, but I think it's too polite. AI will deliberately lie and even fabricate evidence for that lie. I know because it happened to me.

I spelled out my experience for my patrons below and have also provided the entire chat between Gemini and me. I think you will be as shocked as I was. There's also a good discussion in the comments.

It's a wild new world! Be careful out there.

Related:

• How to spot AI writing
• Houdini A.I. is inaccurate, artless, and everywhere
• A.I. finally gets Houdini right and... Wow!

Houdini Returns: The Centennial Auction

Here's something to add to your 2026 Houdini calendar. Potter & Potter have announced "Houdini Returns: The Centennial Auction" for October 31, 2026. The auction will be held at The Magic Castle in Hollywood.

Marking 100 years since the death of Harry Houdini, Potter & Potter will present a landmark sale of Houdini memorabilia on October 31, 2026 at the famed Magic Castle in Hollywood, California. The sale brings to the public for the very first time 100 historic items from the collection of Kevin Connolly, many of which were personally owned by Houdini.

Click here to view a few preview auction items, including the famed Welsh Bros group photo that graces the cover of Escaping Obscurity: The Travel Diary of Harry Houdini, 1897-1899. This should be a good one!

Related:

• Potter & Potter Houdiniana head scratcher
• When the Welsh Bros. came to town
• The Magic Castle reorganizes with Houdini's help

Lafayette musical with Houdini

A new musical based on the life of magician Lafayette (Sigmund Neuberger ) is set to debut at the Studio Theatre in Edinburgh on May 9, 2026. Houdini, played by Mathew McKenna, is part of the show. In fact, he's third-billed, so he might play a major role.

Blending bold storytelling, breathtaking moments of illusion and a soaring original score, Lafayette explores the cost of greatness and asks what must be sacrificed to become unforgettable.

Inspired by the life and legend of acclaimed illusionist Sigmund Neuberger, better known as The Great Lafayette. On 9th May 1911, whilst performing one of his most famous illusions at Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre – then called the Empire Palace Theatre – the world-famous Lafayette was killed by a fire that engulfed the stage. Now, 115 years to the day, a brand new musical will unearth the great magician’s story once again.

Please note this show is a work in progress.

The show is sold out, but you can get more information at the Caption Theatres website.

Thanks to Lance Rich for the tip.

Related:

• For the dogs
• The Magic Detective is hot on the trail of Houdini's lost funeral films
• The first Houdini stage musical, MAN OF MAGIC

LINK: Ask Vance: Harry Houdini in Memphis

Why is Houdini’s name engraved on a brass star outside the Orpheum in Memphis? Don't ask me, Ask Vance! Click the headline or image below for the answer.

Related:

• Ashley Drew discovers Houdini in Memphis (update)
• Houdini hangs in Memphis (the first time)
• Houdini in Memphis

Journey to "The Other Side" on May 9

On Saturday, May 9, The Bob McClure Chautauqua Playreaders (Friends of Chautauqua Theater) will be reading THE OTHER SIDE, a new play about Houdini and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle written by Tony-nominated playwright, Jerome Coopersmith, and directed by Jeff Provost.

The reading will be held at 4pm at The Marion Lawrance Room at Hurlbut Memorial (United Methodist) Church, 21 Scott Avenue, Chautauqua, NY 14722.

Tickets are $10.00 at the door. For reservations, email Karen Schwarzwalder at: kschwarzwalder@gmail.com.

Related:

• The real story of Houdini & Doyle
• 'Houdini Speaks to the Living' 2026 tour
• See MAGIC at the Chichester Festival Theatre

"Blood of Houdini" cinematic pop anthem

This is a little overwrought (and likely AI), but I think that's the style of "cinematic pop anthem," and I can't help but get the feels because, you know, he's singing about his connection to Houdini! 🎵 I may not be him, but I carry the flame.🎵 This one might stick in your head.

Related:

• Zabrecky conjures OUR MAGIC
• Dua Lipa unlocks 'Houdini'
• Musicians remain wild about Harry

Margery & Me by Maryka Biaggio

Today sees the release of Margery & Me by Maryka Biaggio, a new historical fiction novel from Regal House Publishing. But who is the "me" of the title?

In the 1920s, Margery Crandon captivated both Boston society and psychic researchers with her astonishing seances. At her gatherings, her deceased brother Walter regularly appeared, entertaining the circle with his witty and cheeky remarks. Margery’ s abilities earned her the admiration of luminaries, including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and William Butler Yeats. But one man stood in opposition: Harry Houdini, the legendary magician, who was determined to expose her as a fraud. Margery and Me tells the true story of the medium who mystified scientists, challenged skeptics, and sparked a sensation across America and Europe. As Houdini and Margery clashed in a battle of wits and wills, the question remained: Could the master illusionist unmask her, or would her extraordinary powers be enough to convert even the most resolute of doubters?

Purchase Margery & Me from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk, or directly from Regal House Publishing.

Related:

• The 2026 Houdini Centennial Bookshelf 📚
• Houdini vs. Margery II: The rematch that wasn't
• 100 years ago on Lime Street

Potter & Potter Houdiniana head scratcher

Yesterday was Potter & Potter's latest auction of "Houdiniana and Magic Memorabilia." As always, some real gems were passed on to some lucky buyers. Among these were a copy of Houdini's Paper Magic, lovingly inscribed by Houdini to Bess ($31,200), candid Bess photographs and memorabilia from her family, a Buried Alive poster ($9,600), and some nice Ian McColl handcuff reproductions, including the Mirror Handcuffs ($10,200).

But the lot that made my head spin was this packing case challenge from Koch & Co., which sold for a whopping $19,200 (including buyer's premium). This was actually the third-highest-selling lot of the entire auction. But I have NO idea why this went so high. To my eye, this is a standard Houdini challenge handbill. It isn't particularly rare, nor was this a historic challenge. Baffling.

I have noticed Houdini challenges from New York-based department stores have been going higher than one would expect lately. So maybe New York department stores are the focus of two competing collectors, and Koch & Co. was yesterday's prize?

In case you are wondering, H.C.F. Koch & Co. was a Harlem-based department store located on 125th Street between Lenox and 7th Avenues. Houdini took on this challenge at Keith & Proctor's 125th Street Theatre on April 12, 1907.

Koch & Co. closed in 1930, but the building still stands today, which is pretty cool.

Congratulations to all the sellers and buyers at yesterday's auction. We love Potter & Potter!

Related:

• Guest Blog: The Replica Mirror Cuffs
• The Challenge Packing Case escape

The Grimm Life Collective Houdini mystery art

Here's another video from our friends at The Grimm Life Collective. This time, Michael and Jessica visit the home of a private collector of movie memorabilia. If you have a keen eye, you can spot a Houdini image in the background of several shots.

Michael and Jessica do not discuss this Houdini piece. At first, I thought it was the painting from a pub in Avignon, but this one is a little different. So, what's the story with this Houdini mystery art?

You can watch the full video below.

Related:

• Houdini spotted in Avignon
• The Grimm Life Collective: Houdini in Pittsburgh
• Grimm Life Collective visits the Knickerbocker

LINK: Illusionist Harry Houdini reappears in Austin 100 years after his death

Here's a nice article in the Austin Statesman about all the upcoming Houdini happenings in Austin, Texas, including Katie Bender's play Instructions for a Séance,  the Harry Ransom Center's upcoming exhibition, Houdini's Library, and Eric Colleary's new book of the same name. Click the image below or on the headline to have a read.

Related:

• Houdini’s Library coming to the HRC in Fall 2026
• Houdini’s Library will also be a book!
• Instructions for a Séance with Katie Bender

Bonkers About Bessie!

Our friend Dean Carnegie at The Magic Detective Podcast has an episode devoted to Bess Houdini. Some stories here I've not heard. Enjoy.

Dean also has a lengthy post about Bess on his Magic Detective blog: The Life of Bessie Houdini. As Dean says, we're "Bonkers About Bessie" for this month! 

Related:

• Dean Carnegie dials in Houdini's Radio of 1950
• Dean Carnegie on Tony Curtis, The Other Houdini
• Magic Detective Podcast: The Houdini Wonder Show

Sid Krofft passes away

Sid Krofft in David Copperfield's museum.

Sad news today that legendary children's television producer and visionary Sid Krofft has passed away. His good friend David Copperfield paid tribute to him on his Facebook page.

In an odd way, Sid & Marty Krofft played a role in my own Houdini awakening. If you're curious about that, check out the 2017 post by clicking the image below.

RIP, Mr. Krofft.