Close-up is the style most of our magicians specialise in, and it suits almost any event where people are mingling or sitting at tables. Here's what it involves and how to get the most from it.
What is close up magic?
Close-up magic, sometimes called walk-around or mix and mingle magic, is performed for small groups of around three to ten people at a time. The magician moves around the room, spending a few minutes with each group before moving on.
Because everything happens within arm's reach, guests often take part directly: choosing and signing a card, holding a coin that changes in their palm, or lending a ring. The skill behind it is sleight of hand, practised for years until it looks effortless.
Walk-around or table magic?
Walk-around magic suits standing events such as drinks receptions, networking evenings and house parties. The magician approaches groups as they form and makes sure nobody is missed.
Table magic is for seated guests, usually between courses at a dinner. The magician performs for one table at a time, which suits rooms where moving between standing groups isn't practical.
How many guests, and for how long?
As a rough guide, one close up magician can comfortably entertain somewhere between 60 and 100 guests in a two-hour booking, depending on the layout of the room. For larger events, book longer or have two magicians working different areas.
For a small gathering, a shorter booking can work well, though most professional magicians have a minimum booking length. Ask when you enquire.
Why close-up works so well
It's personal, for a start. Guests aren't watching from the back of a room; they're part of the moment, and they'll be retelling it for the rest of the night.
And it's practical. A close up magician needs no stage, lighting, power or sound, so the magic fits into venues of any size, indoors or out, and moves with the flow of the event.
Choosing a close up magician
Look at footage of the magician performing for real people, ideally at an event like yours. Watch how they talk to guests as well as the tricks themselves: in close-up, personality matters as much as skill.
Our close-up magicians have different styles, from classic sleight of hand to modern, fast-paced and comedy-led. Pop a few lines about your guests in the quote form and we'll suggest who'd fit.
Getting the most from your booking
Tell the magician roughly where guests will be and when, and who the key people are, like the birthday girl, the bride and groom or the boss. A couple of minutes' briefing at the start makes a real difference.
And give them space to work. If guests are packed shoulder to shoulder at a bar, the magic is harder to see, so a room where people can stand in small groups is ideal.
