"Most people who are as attractive, witty and intelligent as I am, are usually conceited."
Joan Rivers


Hello.  My name is James Ward.    A former criminal lawyer turned writer and magician,  I'm a member of the world-famous Magic Circle, the International Brotherhood of Magicians and Equity.  I'm also the current President of the Harrogate Society of Magicians.

Based in the Ripon/Bedale area of North Yorkshire,  I'm available to perform at a variety of functions, large or small.    Whether it's mind magic, card magic, in-your-hand magic,  or children's magic, I perform with a light, humorous touch, and no one gets sawn in half - not even if they ask nicely.

In March 2008 I performed magic live on BBC Radio Newcastle, and, a few days later, appeared on BBC TV's 'Look North'.   

I also hold a PCertLAM (with a Distinction) from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, - the oldest drama school of its kind in Europe - so I  vaguely know how to walk and talk...

Venues I've performed at, and appearances made on,  include:  BBC 1 ('Look North'); BBC Radio Newcastle ('Drive Time' show);  Aradhona Restaurant, Ripon; Best Western Premier Mount Pleasant Hotel, Doncaster;  Bridge House Hotel, Catterick;  Bull Inn, West Tanfield;   Calcutt Village Hall, Knaresborough;  Claro Army Barracks, Ripon;   Frazer Theatre, Knaresborough;  Hollybush Farm,  Thirsk;  Majestic Hotel, Harrogate;   Old Station House, Masham;  Rabindra Bhaban Theatre, Chandannagar, India;  Ripley Town Hall, Harrogate;  Ripon Golf Club; Ripon Rugby Club;  Skirfare Bridge Barn, Kilnsey;  Staveley Village Hall, Harrogate;  Stray FM;  The Old Swan Hotel,  Harrogate;  West Tanfield Village Hall.

 



Pick a card, any card. Preferably this one...


With Bob McBratney MMC of McBratney Magic (Majestic Hotel, Harrogate, October 2008)


Though I'm happy to travel further if necessary, I perform primarily in and around Harrogate, Ripon, Galphay,  Kirkby Malzeard,  Masham,  Middleham, Leyburn,  Bedale,  Wath,  Northallerton and Thirsk.