David De-Val Award
David De-Val was a master escape artist and magician from the UK, over his career he escaped from handcuffs and other restraints, as well as performing many spectacular escapes, many of which were from prison cells.
The De-Val award is awarded for the best Escape / public demonstration or promotion of Escapology by an Escape Artist / performer in the twelve months between the AGM meetings.
Winner 2025
Andy Storm
Illusionist Andy Storm has been awarded the prestigious David De-Val Award, a recognition that celebrates excellence in escapology and honours those pushing the boundaries of the craft. Known for years as an illusionist who occasionally dabbled in escapes, Andy has in recent times embraced escapology more fully, inspired by his own unique and often daring ideas. This shift has marked a significant evolution in his career, bringing a bold and innovative energy to the world of escape artistry. A highlight of Andy’s escapology journey has been his work on the touring theatre show Illusion:Impossible, where he was cast as the danger and escape act. It was during this tour that he debuted his original and now infamous escape — The Death Trap — a suspense-filled piece co-created with the guidance of renowned magician Scott Penrose. Performing this act, Andy was mindful to pay tribute to the great escapologists who came before him, ensuring that his work echoed the courage and creativity of his heroes. Receiving the David De-Val Award — named after one of the greatest escapologists of our time — is not only a personal milestone for Andy but also a humbling honour. To be listed alongside names such as Andrew Basso and Jonathan Goodwin is something he does not take lightly, and serves as motivation to continue pushing limits in the world of illusion and escape.
Winner 2024
Jonathan Goodwin
Jonathan Goodwin has been called “the closest thing we can boast to a real life superhero”, and “the worlds greatest theatrical stunt performer”. Jonathan has been hanged, buried alive, locked in a box while covered in 200,000 bees, attacked by sharks, bitten by rattlesnakes and hung from his toes from helicopters. Jonathan has performed on every continent except Antarctica and in every US State except Alaska. Goodwin has played Broadway, London’s West End, Sydney Opera House and Radio City Music Hall.
Winner 2023
Andrew Basso
After 10 years as the star of the blockbuster world tour magic show "THE ILLUSIONISTS'", Andrew Basso launches his new One-Man-Show "Believe in the Impossible" exclusively in Italy.
Acclaimed as the true successor of Harry Houdini and the rockstar of magic, Andrew will bring a spectacular 90-minute show to the Teatro Sociale in Trento during which he will present his best repertoire of magic and dangerous, breathtaking escapes.
During 90 fast-paced minutes, spectators will take part in exhilarating moments including incredible sleight of hand demonstrations with a deck of cards projected on the big screen, even more incredible close-up effects of magic, and adrenaline-pumping moments in which Andrew will risk his own life.
"I will be presenting some of my best magic acts that I have performed on the world's biggest stages, while also interacting directly with the audience," Basso says.
"But a lot of the show will have never-before-seen acts. I returned to Italy with this new show because I want to take the breath away of anyone who will come to see it."
Winner 2022
Chris Gower
The godfather of Handcuffs - what else can we say. Chris is a legend !
Winner 2021
Jake Bullet
Jake bullet has been a collector of all things restraint for a little over 40 years. He has amassed one of if not the biggest collections in the world of such items. Jake is always keen to show off his collection and regularly hosts guests at Doncaster restraint museum. He and his wife Clare have a Google claim to fame, type in “prison van prom” and watch them both take their friend’s kids to a prom and you’ll be adding to the 5.5m views so far. Jake’s no stranger to stunts and has worked with the UKEA on a number of projects to help raise ours and his museums online awareness . You’ll always find him fun on our nights out as he works his way through handcuffing everyone in the building!
Winner 2020
Allan James Taylor
Chairman of the UKEA
Winner 2019
Chris Gower
The godfather of Handcuffs - what else can we say. Chris is a legend !
Winner 2018
Andy Robertson
Prison breaking Scottish Escapologist.
