What are the BEST Magic Shows in London England for 2021?
Whether in London as an eager-eyed tourist or a tube-saavy local, you can catch the magic by seeing one of many shows such as Derren Brown, Conjuring at the Court, The Magic Hour, and The Gentleman Cheater Magic Show to name a few.
As every grade-school child will tell you, Great Britain is the home of magic because of Harry Potter. Older, more seasoned magic buffs have known about Merlin's magical abilities for centuries. It is only natural then that London would be a city thriving with magical treats and illusionists par excellence. So whether you get there on an iconic double-decker bus, or know how to navigate London's underground tube, there are plenty of ways to find yourself at one of London's magical parlours, or a London magicians' well-crafted show. And if you really try, you might even find yourself magically transported to Hogwarts, unless of course you're a muggle.
What are the Best Magic Shows in London Now?
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Penn & Teller
O2 Apollo Manchester
Stockport Rd
Manchester, M12 6AP
The "bad boys of magic" have been wowing audiences in Las Vegas for over 20 years. Why bad boys you say? Well, they have the bad habit of revealing how it's done! But it never seems to take away from the amazing wow factor of what they do! Their act is surprising, clownish, and well... unconventional. They have been making headlines for years with their many TV shows, Broadway performances, and sold out runs. The chemistry between this duo is magical and P&T tricks are some of the best in the business. They love to meet their fans, so don't miss the "meet and greet" after the show.
Age Restriction: Over 14 only.
Parking: There are two pay car parks adjacent to the building.
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Penn & Teller
The Alexandra, Birmingham
Station Street
Birmingham, B5 4DS
The "bad boys of magic" have been wowing audiences in Las Vegas for over 20 years. Why bad boys you say? Well, they have the bad habit of revealing how it's done! But it never seems to take away from the amazing wow factor of what they do! Their act is surprising, clownish, and well... unconventional. They have been making headlines for years with their many TV shows, Broadway performances, and sold out runs. The chemistry between this duo is magical and P&T tricks are some of the best in the business. They love to meet their fans, so don't miss the "meet and greet" after the show.
Age Restriction: Over 16 only.
Parking: There is a car park one-minutes walk away.
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Penn & Teller
Eventim Apollo
Queen Caroline Street
London, W6 9QH
The "bad boys of magic" have been wowing audiences in Las Vegas for over 20 years. Why bad boys you say? Well, they have the bad habit of revealing how it's done! But it never seems to take away from the amazing wow factor of what they do! Their act is surprising, clownish, and well... unconventional. They have been making headlines for years with their many TV shows, Broadway performances, and sold out runs. The chemistry between this duo is magical and P&T tricks are some of the best in the business. They love to meet their fans, so don't miss the "meet and greet" after the show.
Parking: Please note that there is no local parking near the venue. Travelling via public transport is advised.
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The Session - Close Up Magic Convention
The Park Inn
Bath Road, Heathrow
London Healthrow, UB7 0DU
The Session is the UK's only close-up magic convention. You will find some of the world's best magicians in attendance. Choose to attend online or in person at a location just minutes away from London's Heathrow airport. Three days of amazing magic with a growing list of performers and speakers. In person attendance will be limited, but online attendance is not, so if you want to catch the magic in person, be sure to sign up early. So come and enjoy the passion of magic with others from around the world. Or join us from the comfort of your own home. Either way you will have an amazing time at The Session.
Food and Drink: The conference attendees will have exclusive use of the bar.
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The Ehrlich Brothers
SSE Arena Wembly
Arena Square, Engineers Way
London, HA9 0AA
These young brothers from Germany are a huge sensation in Europe, selling out whole stadiums with their grand illusion show. Their huge stage show is full of very flashy Vegas style illusions, each one more mind-blowing than the last. Their youthful energy and up-to-date illusions have made them akin to rock stars in the magic world. They are bringing their show to the UK again, after wowing the European continent. So join Chris and Andreas Ehrlich, and their trendy spiky hairdos, for a stage show that is sure to knock your socks off.
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Magic Goes Wrong
Vaudeville Theatre
404 Strand, Covent Garden
London, WC2R 0NH
Mischief Theatre conjures up another "Goes Wrong' play where just about everything that can go wrong does... all for the fun of it! Co-written with magic legends Penn and Teller, this romp through what happens when hapless magicians try to present a charity event is magically fun. Of course everything spirals out of control in the most delicious and hilarious way. Presented by the Mischief Theatre who also brought the West End "The Play that Goes Wrong". Please note, co-creators Penn and Teller will not be appearing in the show.
Show Duration: The show is 2 hours, 30 minutes long.
Age Restriction: 12+. All patrons under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Children under the age of 5 years old cannot be admitted
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The Magic Circle
The Centre for the Magic Arts
12 Stephenson Way, Kings Cross
London, NW1 2HD
This members club for magicians began in 1905 with 23 professional and amateur magicians and now has over 1500 members worldwide. Even if you are not a member, they host several regular events that are open to the public. You will be able to learn a little about the history of magic, view magic memorabilia and of course see a magic show, where many of the world's best magicians today are showcased. Make sure you buy tickets for these events in advance. The Magic Circle also has its own line-up of awards given out to magicians in special categories. Some awards include the close-up magician of the year and the young magician of the year awards.
Food and Drink: There is a bar offering beverages on premises.
Age Restriction: Check individual shows for age restrictions as they vary by show.
Parking: Accessible by tube, bus or taxi.
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Conjuring at the Court
Drayton Court Hotel
2 The Avenue
London, W13 8PH
Every month, Conjuring at the Court brings to the stage four different performers, including mentalists, illusionists, jugglers and more. Each show is different and is jam-packed full of entertainment. You get a full 2 hours of unbelievable magic. Tickets are very reasonably priced and the food in the hotel is decent, so you can grab a bite to eat before the show. Seating is limited, so be sure to purchase in advance or arrive early. It is common to see Magic Circle members here enjoying a show.
Show Duration: This is a 2 hour show with an intermission.
Food and Drink: Food and drink available for purchase in the hotel.
Parking: Accessible by tube, train, and taxi. Also there is a small carpark onsite (Gordon Road) and a few free spaces at the front of the Drayton Court.
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The Magic Hour
Sheraton park Lane Hotel
Piccadilly, Mayfair
London, W1J 7BX
Travel back in time to the early days of parlour magic with Tony Middleton 'Sonic'. His show, "The Magic Hour" is filled with stories of Victorian magicians and their secrets, while he amazes you with his up-close talents. The evening takes place in a plush room with seats for only 68 people. Children above the age of 10 are welcome. Tony is a very personable and engaging entertainer who like to get to know his audience before and after the show.
Show Duration: The show is 1 hour and 45 minutes with an intermission.
Food and Drink: There is both a restaurant and lounge onsite at the Sheraton Park Lane Hotel.
Age Restriction: Ages 10 and up.
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Sleight of Hand on the Strand
Savoy Hotel
100 Strand
London, WC2R 0EZ
Spend a classy evening at a renowned hotel with two of London's best magicians. Tony Middleton of The Magic Hour (see above) and Dominick Zwolinski host a one hour and fifteen-minute parlour show. Located in a private room in the Savoy hotel, a five-star luxury hotel opened in 1889, the show is limited to 58 people and is suitable for the whole family. Just be warned that the performers are not up on a stage and if you sit in the back rows, you may have an obstructed view if you are not tall enough to see over the heads of those in front of you. The show garners great reviews, complimenting both the talent of the magicians and the fabulous location.
Show Duration: The show is 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Food and Drink: Food and drink are available for purchase in the hotel.
Age Restriction: Ages 10 and up.
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West End Magic
Leicester Square Theatre
6 Leicester Pl, West End
London, WC2H 7BX
Come and see various magicians showcase their talents. Award-winning magician Oliver Tabor is joined by magicians and variety acts from all over Great Britain. The show is suitable for ages 5 and up. You can also sign up your young budding Houdini for magic classes, where they can learn some basics of magic, and go home and impress their friends and family. Props and materials are provided.
Show Duration: The show is 2 hours with an intermission.
Age Restriction: Suitable for the whole family ages 5+.
Parking: Accessible by tube, bus or taxi. The closest parking garage is in China Town.
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The Gentleman Cheater Magic Show
Nadler Soho Hotel
10 Carlisle St, Soho
London, W1D 3BR
Christian Gambin, a French magician, travels to London once a month to present an interactive show at the Nadler Soho Hotel in London. Christian is the Gentleman Cheater whose life is the game! You will soon discover, as the audience plays cards with him, that his passion is winning and he never loses. He performs to a very small audience, doing what he loves. You feel as if you might be a select group of friends coming together to spend an enjoyable evening of cards. Christian draws you in with his mock card game, and this is card magic at its best, the tricks coming so fast you barely have time to be amazed before another stunning feat of close-up magic is happening before you. And if you are lucky, he will sing for you too.
Food and Drink: There is a restaurant serving food and drink in the hotel.
Age Restriction: Suitable for ages 7+
Parking: Accessible by tube, bus or taxi.
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Simon Drake's House of Magic
Secret Central London Location
London,
Simon's house is like no other. This 4,000 sq. ft. mansion is all decked out for an evening of magic and mayhem. Walk through the spooky enchanted garden, explore the haunted cellar, enjoy dinner and a show and then top it all off with dancing, because who wants to go home after having all that fun? Simon Drake has worked extensively in theatre, stage, and film as well as being a premiere magician. His home has been turned into a unique entertainment experience, and you get to explore each sumptuous room, filled with curiosities and unique magic treasures. Although the House of Magic is often booked for private parties, there are several public events throughout the year, so plan your trip, get your tickets and enjoy a unique evening out at a fascination London magic show.
Show Duration: Public events: Doors open at 7pm and the venue closes at 12:15am
Food and Drink: Public event tickets include a 2 course buffet dinner, drinks are available for purchase.
Age Restriction: Ages 18+.
Parking: Accessible by tube.
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The Illusioneer
Belair House
5 Gallery Rd, Dulwich
London, SE21 7AB
This magical performance company specializes in. . . you guessed it. . . illusions! They have many public performances throughout the year, often featuring special guest performers. They are based out of Belair House in Dulwich, a gorgeous 18th century mansion. Owner and performer Barry Westwell is joined by a host of performers in the magic arts, all of whom bring something special and unique to the team. Relax at the bar, tour the mansion and be prepared to be amazed.
Be sure to purchase tickets early as they WILL sell out.
Show Duration: 2 Hours and 30 minutes with an intermission. The venue will be open from 6pm to midnight.
Food and Drink: Cocktails and bowl food available from the bar.
Parking: Accessible by train or bus. Car parking available.
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Jamie Raven
Various Theatres
London,
Jamie came to magic enthusiasts attention when he performed on Britain's Got Talent in 2015. He went on to wow audiences as a headliner in London's West End version of "The Illusionists". This autumn, he will be taking his show, "Making Magic", on tour in Great Britain. You will find him performing in several towns, including some not too far from London's center.
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Richard Leigh
Barons Court Theatre
London,
Richard has been producing, designing and performing magic shows in London since 2002. He has a list of shows including two afternoon shows that are fun for the whole family. His first show is The Magic Cavern, which takes place in the small and intimate space known as Barons Court Theatre. It is a mysterious and dark space where the seemingly impossible happens before your eyes. His second show, The Fun Fair at the Magic Cavern involves several fair games and contraptions, where magic is woven into an immersive theatre show. The show is 1 hour and 15 minutes of fun and fairground surprises. Some of his other shows include The Magic Symphony and Cave 13. You will delight at Richards creative and artistic scenery that he makes himself, and will find his shows to be a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.
Show Duration: The shows typically run about 75 minutes.
Food and Drink: Drinks are available for purchase at the bar upstairs.
Age Restriction: Most shows are family friendly with age recommendations ranging from 6 to 8 years of age for the different shows.
Parking: Accessible by tube, train or bus.
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Magic, Mind-Reading and Mayhem Show
The Ivy House
40 Stuart Rd
London, SE15 3BE
Two magicians from the Magic Circle, Roberto Forzoni and Simon Rosselli got together to create this magical holiday show for families, that happens twice a year around Christmas and again at Easter. This show is great for the kids, and lots of fun for adults too. You get a lot of magic for your money. You get two very different acts along with the added bonus of other playful performances such as juggling or ventriloquism. Every show is different, and so you can make it a holiday tradition for your whole family. Children get to leave with an extra treat such a million dollar pound note or bunny copters. You may want to go to the show just to find out what a bunny copter is!
Show Duration: This show is 1 hour long.
Age Restriction: Family friendly.
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Morgan and West
Various Theatres
London,
These two chaps met at Oxford and decided that spending a lifetime performing "miracles" and yucking it up on stage would be much more fun than becoming scientists. The "time-traveling" duo look as if they've stepped off a train in the latter half of the 19th century, swirly mustaches and all. They have several shows to choose from, ones for all ages, and the others that are geared specifically towards children. You will find them performing in many different communities and theatres as well as having occasional London dates. There is plenty of wit, whimsy, and magic to be had at a Morgan and West show.
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Now That's Magic
Fiddler's Elbow
1 Malden Rd, Chalk Farm
London, NW5 3HS
London's only magic open mic night... and it's free! Don't worry about tickets, reservations or even making plans. Show up, grab a seat and hang out to catch 8 different acts. Sometimes it will be miraculous and sometimes not so much, but its all magical, fun and free. Come early and catch some close-up magic, then the show starts at 8pm.
London, home of wizards, pixies, fairies, and magic!
Of all the cities of western Europe, none have had a front seat to shaping the face of the globe quite like London. From nation building to conquering new lands to influencing modern society, London has been a key player in the history of the world. But if you look deeper, that history has quite a bit of magic to it.
Before there were bangers and mash, strange names for everyday objects (it's a cookie, not a biscuit) or strict adherence to the metric system, London was a lush, green piece of land with access to the ocean via the river Thames. The earliest settlers of London were Iron Age people known as the Trinovantes. This early, Pagan-Celtic people practiced their own religion that bordered on mysticism along with nature worship. Later, leaders of this culture and religion were referred to as Druids. The Druids took pagan worship up a few notches when they erected a bunch of huge rocks fondly called Stonehenge. Still a mystery as to why the very formation elicits feelings of the mystical.
Passing from one conqueror to the next, London (and the rest of England) changed hands multiple times before the modern era. And with each conquest came the unpleasant task of learning a new language coupled with the magic of new mystical beliefs or the having preexisting beliefs suppressed.
By the eleventh century, London was shaping up to become the thriving commercial and political center it is today. At that time, travel shared ideas and the idea of buskers, or street performers, became a popular profession in London. The first performers started out with song and dance then quickly moved on to feats of magic, sleight of hand, illusion, and even simple alchemy. Buskers were good for attracting business to shops, but some were also good at picking pockets as well. Around this time, the now well-known wizard Merlin started to appear in various literary works, the character being pulled from Welsh poetry and myths. His supernatural powers are told, in one version, to come from the fact that he is born of a mortal woman and an incubus. Certainly the idea of otherworldly powers was starting to have a popular hold on the general public.
By the time the Renaissance rolled around, back in London, well-established street magic was a part of London life permeating other mediums as well. Some of Shakespeare's plays—the bane of many a high school student—used magic as a major plot device (Macbeth and the witches anyone?). The Bard used the power and fear of the mystical to drive his plays and keep people interested and coming back for more.
As London became the hub of a powerful country, its influence spread and attracted numerous performers. The great Harry Houdini even used London as his home base as he toured Europe and performed some of his most daring escapes. Also in the early 20th century, the British magician David Devant was the talk of the town, and was sought after for Royal Command Performances. He was the first president of London's famed Magic Circle and his easy banter and suave, witty style won him many fans, some calling him England's greatest magician.
Modern day London still embraces magic and honors its long history in illusions. Davenports' Magic Shop is the oldest magic shop and school in London. Established in the late 1800s, Davenports is still offering classes and fun tricks to try out. London is also home to world-class magicians who perform for celebrities and royalty alike. Performers such as Etienne Pradier, Tariq Knight, and Drummond Money-Coutts, have made a name for themselves with their mastery of sleight of hand and illusion for the rich and famous. And then there is Derren Brown! A master mentalist with truly mind-bending capabilities in hypnotism and the power of suggestion, Brown will make you question many things. Watch an episode of Mind Control and you'll be a believer as well.
London has always been a place of rich culture, heritage, and magic. This is true both in London and Great Britain in general and has led to the birth of the hugely popular magical phenomenon—the Harry Potter series. The power, imagination, and joy of magic has obviously not been lost on the English.
PAST Magic Shows London
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David Blaine
Eventim Apollo
45 Queen Caroline St, Hammersmith
London, W6 9QH
David Blaine is very well known for his TV special "Street Magic" wherein audiences were treated to new era of magic. He was fresh, different and street smart. Since that time, David has gone on to do some pretty crazy stuff. From being buried alive for seven days to tricks named "Frozen in Time" and "Vertigo", he has endured things that astound and amaze. In David's touring show you will witness amazing and daring escapes and magic that continues to blow audiences away. Be sure not to miss this master artist at work.
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Mandy Muden: Cunning Stunts
Simon Drake's House of Magic
London,
Mandy Muden is taking her talents and her show Cunning Stunts on a tour of Great Britain with fourteen dates. Her comic genius and magical skills are a wonderful blend, creating for a super entertaining evening. Mandy was seen (and loved) on Britain's Got Talent, and has traveled the world, being one of only a handful of great female comic magicians. Her show includes audience participation, and a charming wit that just doesn't quit. The show is suitable for ages 14 and up.
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So as you can see, there is plenty of mystery, magic and bedazzling entertainment in the buzzing streets of London. Keep checking back, as our list is always changing, just like this delightful city. Enjoy your many magical London adventures! Check out more great London events today.
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