A CUMBRIAN magician has been formally accepted into world-famous secret society, The Magic Circle.

Stuart Hodgson, from Bowness-on-Windermere, has been performing as a full-time professional entertainer for more than 19 years.

Earlier this week he was formally presented with his membership certificate for The Magic Circle.

Stu applied to the Magic Circle in 2023 and following a successful audition passed through to the examination process before being confirmed as a member earlier this year.

On Monday July 29, Stu travelled to London where he was officially presented with his membership by the President of the Magic Circle Marvin Berglas MIMC.

The world’s most famous magic society was founded in 1905 to promote and advance the art of magic and has over 1,700 members worldwide.

Membership extends to many top magicians including David Copperfield, Dynamo, Jamie Raven, Fay Presto, Richard Jones, Debbie McGee and Magic Bones. These famous names are joined by King Charles III, Stephen Fry, Nigel Mansell – and Sooty.

Stu said: “It has been a dream of mine to become a member of the Magic Circle for many years after receiving my first magic set from Santa at eight years old.

“I am very proud to be a member amongst so many friends, peers and heroes in magic.”

The popular family entertainer, who goes by the name Stu-Di-Doo, is often seen enthralling audiences at holiday parks, visitor attractions and schools, as well as at countless birthday parties and family celebrations throughout the year.

His act with cards, ropes and balloons is a firm favourite with families throughout the UK and beyond.

Stu has blazed an impressive career working as resident magician at Cadbury World in Birmingham for seven years before moving on to Blackpool Tower.

He has previously worked with leisure company Haven, making appearances across a number of their holiday parks in the UK, as well as Centre Parcs and Parkdean, who also offer UK breaks.

Stu was recently hired by TUI travel agency who flew him out to Turkey to perform a show at one of their all-inclusive getaway destinations.

He said: “It’s been an incredibly busy year so far. This week alone I’ve had shows in Cumbria, Lancashire and even Turkey so when I was booked to perform at The Magic Circle Theatre on Sunday it was perfect timing to have my certificate presented on Monday.”

Stu said his magic is all about fun and laughter, if you’d like to see him at a birthday party or celebration, book here: https://www.stu-di-doo.com/contacts.html