Rochdale Magician Jonathan Royle Takes Key Roles at Historic Manchester Magic Society
Rochdale, Greater Manchester – 26 March 2026 – Rochdale-based magician, mind reader, and hypnotist Jonathan Royle has been elected to two prominent positions—Public Relations Officer and Entertainments Officer—at The Order of the Magi, one of England’s oldest and most respected magical societies.
Founded in 1909, The Order of the Magi is Manchester’s long-standing hub for magical arts and is widely recognised as England’s third oldest magical society.
The organisation boasts a rich heritage, having never missed a monthly meeting or issue of its members-only publication, The Magi, since its inception.
Royle, aged 50 and originally from Heywood, brings nearly five decades of experience in the entertainment industry to his new roles.
Having first stepped onto the stage at just three years old as “Flap the Clown” in 1978 with Gandey’s Circus, he has since built an international reputation as a performer, author, and consultant within the magic and mentalism community.
“I am delighted to take on these roles within such a historic and respected society,” said Royle. “The Order of the Magi has played an important part in my own journey, as I first attended a meeting back in 1987 at the age of 12 which I was taken to by Heywood resident The Late Police Seargent Jack Griggs who that same year had just been made a Fellow of the Order and was my Magical Mentor for many years.
It’s an honour to now help shape its future while preserving its proud traditions.”
Throughout his career, Royle has achieved numerous magical milestones.
At age 16, he published his first book, Original Magic, and became the top-selling Marvin’s Magic demonstrator in England during the 1991 Christmas season.
He has also contributed to major illusion performances, including supplying methods used in high-profile theatrical productions and televised events.
In 2004, Royle gained national media attention after completing a dangerous underwater escape involving handcuffs, chains, and restraints—an event that earned him the nickname “The New Houdini.”
More recently, in 2017, he won multiple awards from The Order of the Magi, including Best Cabaret Magic Act, Best Close-Up Performance, and Best Card Trick.
Beyond performance, Royle is also recognised for his educational contributions to the magic community, having authored numerous training materials praised by leading figures in the field.
He has lectured at The Order of the Magi on several occasions (2011, 2014 & 2016) and is scheduled to return as a guest lecturer in February 2027.
The Order of the Magi itself has a remarkable history, originating from informal gatherings of magicians in early 20th-century Manchester before formally establishing in 1909.
Over the decades, it has counted many notable performers among its members and continues to serve as a centre for innovation, collaboration, and preservation of magical traditions.
Now meeting twice monthly at the Irish World Heritage Centre in Cheetham Hill, the society hosts lectures, competitions, and performances for both amateur and professional magicians.
As part of his new role, Royle has announced that a full calendar of upcoming events—including lectures, competitions, and special performances—will be published on the society’s official website of www.orderofthemagi.co.uk within the next couple of weeks.
ENDS
Media Contact:
Jonathan Royle
Email: royle@magicalguru.com
Phone: 07956-323339
Royle’s Website: https://www.magicalguru.com/royle-magician-magic-shows-lectures/
Club History - https://www.orderofthemagi.co.uk/history
Notes to Editors:
The Order of the Magi was founded in Manchester in 1909 and is one of the UK’s oldest magical societies.
The society has maintained an unbroken record of monthly meetings and publications since its formation.
Membership includes both amateur and professional magicians dedicated to advancing the art of magic.
