Remembering Alan Shaxon: The Legacy of a Sophisticated Sorcerer

 Fourteen years after his death in October 2012, Alan Shaxon remains a magician worth discovering—or rediscovering. A distinguished cabaret performer, author, and former president of The Magic Circle, Shaxon built a career around polished presentations and memorable magic.

His story offers a useful reminder that a magician’s legacy lives through more than recordings. It also survives in books, routines, and the impressions left on fellow performers.

A Career Built on Showmanship

Shaxon’s repertoire included the Hydrostatic Glass, Confabulation, Thumb Tie, Aerial Fishing, and the Human Gasometer. His career took him to television, luxury cruise ships, and Buckingham Palace, where he entertained on four occasions. He also appeared as magician Eddie Spangle in the Mr. Bean episode “Mr. Bean Goes to Town.”

These different settings called for magic that could communicate clearly. A cabaret audience needs to understand an effect quickly, while the performer’s personality gives that effect its character.

A Connection to Robert Harbin

Shaxon was a friend and confidant of Robert Harbin and inherited many of his props after Harbin’s death in 1978. He continued presenting Harbin illusions, including Blades of Opah II.

That connection represents an important part of magic history: performers preserving another artist’s work by keeping it onstage. Apparatus can survive in a collection, but performance preserves something else—the timing, theatrical choices, and audience experience surrounding it.

Remembered With Affection

MagicWeek’s contemporary tribute described Shaxon as modest and kind, remembering both his abilities and the pleasure of his company. Its notice also directed memorial donations toward The Maskelyne Endowment Fund, supporting projects that advance magic.

That is a fitting way to remember him. Alongside the effects and appearances stands the example of a respected professional whose relationships mattered to his community.

Readers exploring classic British television magic can also revisit our Paul Daniels coverage, available through our blog archive search.

Discover books, effects, and inspiration for your own performances at www.magiciansmagicshop.com.