Despite their habit of revealing secrets

Comedy magicians Penn & Teller have finally been inducted into the Magic Circle, 50 years after first performing together. 

They pari had previously been  refused membership of the organisation due to their tendency to reveal how tricks are done during performances, breaking the secrets of the trade.

In a statement, the pair  said: ‘We're honoured that the Magic Circle has invited us to be members, after we've violated its cardinal rule - don't give away secrets - for five decades.  This is going to be fun.’

The presentation took place on the steps of the  London Palladium today where the duo are halfway through their first ever West End residency.

Magic circle President Marvin Berglas said: ‘I’m thrilled to finally welcome Penn and Teller to become honorary members of The Inner Magic Circle - our highest honour. 

‘They have done so much for magic and inspired so many magicians. For me magic is all about originality, creativity and showmanship and Penn and Teller have been synonymous with all those qualities during their remarkable 50-year career.

‘In the past they may have been known as the bad ​boys of magic with their sometimes controversial and hard hitting choice of material. 

‘There was criticism from some in the past for their apparently exposing magical secrets. However for those in the know, the real magic was always with their original and artistic performances whereby audiences thought they understood how something may have been done only to be utterly amazed with an entirely different original method. 

‘For this, Penn and Teller are the kings. These days The Magic Circle is the place for a truly diverse group of creative minds and talented performers.’ 

The Magic Circle was formed in 1905 and now has around 1,750 members all around the world –  including the King, who performed a cups and balls routine for his audition 50 years ago.

Penn & Teller first performed together on August 19, 1975, at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, a recreation, of sorts, of 16th Century merrie olde England.

They performed for a while with Weir Chrisemer as a trio called The Asparagus Valley Cultural Society’.

With their residency at The Rio in Las Vegas, they are longest-running headliners to play at the same hotel in the Nevada city’s history.

 They have also hosted 11 series of Penn & Teller: Fool Us, which started on ITV before moving The CW in the States, and which involves them trying to figure out how other magicians do their tricks.

» Review of Penn & Teller’s 50th Anniversary Tour

Published: 19 Sep 2025