A 13-year-old magician whose middle name is Merlin has been recognised as the one of the top new stars in the business by winning the Stage Magician of the Year award from The Magic Circle's Young Magicians Club.

Harry Merlin Piper blended magic and ventriloquism to win the title on the stage of The Magic Circle theatre in London on October 22.

But he is no stranger to the stage. Harry's father, Rodney James Piper, originally from London, is the owner of the magical dinner show, "House of Illusion" in Salou, Spain where Harry was born ands lives. It was here that Harry's love for illusion was first kindled, nurtured by a father who himself is well-known in magic circles - and is a member of The Inner Magic Circle.

The Young Magicians Club, the youth initiative of The Magic Circle, provides young magicians, aged 10 - 18 with a platform to showcase their skills and study the art of magic.

"It is so heartwarming to see the exceptional confidence and talents of our young magicians. The standard just gets better and better . All the competitors impressed me greatly yesterday but the judges agreed that the winning stage act of young Harry Merlin Piper performed exceptionally and with a wonderful stage presence and cheeky swagger that belied his age. His technique was flawless. It doesn't take a mind reader to predict a great showbiz magical future for Harry."

Marvin Berglas President of The Magic Circle and The Young Magicians Club.

"The standard of The Young Magicians Club Stage Magician of the Year 2023 was so high, with a record number of competitors. We're so proud of all of the young magicians, and a huge congratulations to the well-deserved winner, Harry Merlin Piper."

Edward Hilsum and Harry De Cruz Joint Chairs of The Magic Circle Young Magicians Club

Congrats to Harry Piper on his well deserved win. Magic Seats was lucky to see Harry perform during the Summer at the TMC conference and therefore know how excellent he is.