Michael O’Brien Magic Lecture in Manchester

Tuesday 17th February 2026, 7.30pm

A Perfect Warm-Up to Blackpool Magic Convention

Master of the close-up Linking Rings and creator of some truly elegant magical moments, Michael O’Brien will be lecturing in Manchester for The Order of the Magi, just days before appearing at the Blackpool Magic Convention.

Michael will, of course, be lecturing at Blackpool, but there are several excellent reasons why magicians may wish to join us in Manchester for this special event.

Why attend the Manchester lecture?

A more intimate experience

Our Manchester lecture offers a relaxed and intimate setting, ideal for enjoying Michael’s work up close. With a smaller audience, everyone benefits from a clear view, detailed explanations, and the chance to fully engage with the material.

This is a wonderful environment for magicians who enjoy asking questions, exploring specific moves in more detail, or revisiting moments that deserve a second look. It allows the lecture to feel like a genuine working session, with space for curiosity, discussion, and shared insight.

More time with Michael

The format of our evening allows for a generous amount of time with Michael, creating a lecture that unfolds at a comfortable and natural pace. This extra breathing space allows him to expand on ideas, explain subtleties, and share the thinking behind the magic, not just the mechanics.

The result is an unhurried, conversational, and deeply rewarding experience that many magicians find both inspiring and practical.

The perfect start to Blackpool week

If you are heading to Blackpool, this lecture is a fantastic way to begin your convention week. You will arrive already inspired, already thinking creatively, and already familiar with Michael’s approach and material.

You can then enjoy his Blackpool lecture as a second viewing, where ideas often land even more strongly, or use that time to explore other events, visit the dealers hall, or simply grab food and catch up with friends.

Ideal for travelling magicians

For magicians travelling to Blackpool from abroad, Manchester makes an excellent early stop. If you are arriving in the region ahead of the convention, this lecture offers a relaxed and welcoming evening with local magicians.

The event takes place at the Irish World Heritage Centre, and there is a well-regarded hotel directly across the road, NIU Loom, making it especially convenient for visitors.

It is a great opportunity to meet Manchester magicians, exchange ideas, and ease into the UK magic scene before the energy and excitement of Blackpool begins.

A lecture worth seeing twice

Michael O’Brien’s magic is rich in detail, structure, and subtlety. Seeing the lecture in Manchester allows you to absorb the material in depth, then revisit it at Blackpool with fresh eyes. Many magicians find that a second viewing reveals new ideas, refinements, and inspiration that might otherwise be missed.

Whether or not you are attending Blackpool, this Manchester lecture promises a thoughtful, high-quality evening of close-up magic in the company of one of the art’s finest performers.

Guests are very welcome by prior arrangement at £10pp, and we look forward to welcoming magicians from near and far.

Venue:
Irish World Heritage Centre
Irish Town Way, off Queens Road
Cheetham Hill, Manchester

Contact:
Mike Sharples on 07748 833666
Email: secretary@orderofthemagi.co.uk

To find out more about Michael O’Brien, visit:
https://www.obrienmagic.com/about.html