Christmas magic stage show

We book stage and cabaret magicians for Christmas parties, balls and awards nights, from a short spot after dinner to a full headline act.

Cabaret spot or full show

A cabaret spot is a short set to the whole room, usually after dinner. It's often booked with close-up magic earlier in the night, as a finale. Ed the Magician does exactly this, using the spot to bring everyone together before awards, speeches or the band.

A full stage show is longer and needs more planning. Ed can perform one for up to 400 guests, and at the top end Jay & Joss bring the large-scale illusion and stunts they've performed on Britain's Got Talent and in UK theatres.

Comedy, mind reading or illusion

Stage magic comes in different flavours. Mark the Magician is a comedy magician with 12 national awards, whose second Fool Us appearance was on its holiday special. Stephen the Magician does mind reading, hypnosis and pickpocketing, with your guests becoming the stars of his cabaret.

The Unusualist is something else again, a witty, old-world style of magic that sold out his own show at The Ned. And Ashley the Magician can perform and compere, so one act can run the stage side of your evening.

What a stage show needs

Every room is different, but most shows need a clear performing area that the whole audience can see, a microphone and PA, and decent lighting. Bigger acts send a technical rider listing exactly what they need. We'll pass it to your venue early so there are no surprises on the night.

Think about sightlines too. In a long, narrow room or one with pillars, people at the back can miss out. Raised staging helps a lot.

If you're not sure your room is suitable, send us photos or a floor plan. We'll check with the act before you commit, rather than finding out the stage is too small on the night.

Outdoor marquees and barn venues can work too. They just need a bit more thought about power, lighting and where the audience sits.

Getting the timing right

The sweet spot for a Christmas show is after the main course or dessert, when everyone's seated and before the drink takes over. Leave it too late and you'll be competing with the dance floor.

If you're running awards, a stage act is a great way to open or close them. It gives the night a shape and stops the presentations feeling like a work meeting.

Keep it short and sharp. A tight set that leaves people wanting more beats a long show that runs into the band's slot. The act will work with you, and the venue, to make sure the timings hold together.

Booking a stage act

Stage shows are priced individually, depending on the act and the production involved. Tell us about your event, including the venue, numbers and the date, and we'll suggest who'd suit it. December Fridays and Saturdays go first, so the sooner the better.