Close-Up Magician Manchester & North West

Close-up magic is an interactive style of magic performed directly in front of your guests rather than from a stage.

There are no distant seats or large theatrical sets. Your guests become part of the performance, experiencing the magic at extremely close range.

Pete’s performances can include sleight of hand, cards, everyday objects, visual magic, illusions and elements of mind reading, all delivered with natural humour and plenty of audience interaction.

Because close-up magic can be performed almost anywhere, it’s incredibly versatile. It works particularly well at weddings, drinks receptions, dinner tables, birthday celebrations, corporate events and networking occasions.

Pete can perform for one small group before moving naturally onto the next, allowing entertainment to take place around the event without interrupting everything else that’s happening.

One of the biggest advantages of hiring a close-up magician is what happens after the magic.

People talk about it.

Guests who may not have known each other a few minutes earlier suddenly have something in common:

“How did he do that?”

That’s why Pete sees close-up magic as much more than performing a series of tricks.

Used properly, magic is a fantastic icebreaker.

At weddings it can bring different groups of family and friends together. At corporate events it can encourage conversation between colleagues and clients. At parties it creates laughter, reactions and memorable moments throughout the room.

Pete’s relaxed approach allows him to become part of your event without taking it over.

Mix-and-mingle magic is ideal when guests are standing, drinking and socialising.

Rather than asking everyone to stop what they’re doing and watch a formal performance, Pete moves naturally between small groups and performs directly for them.

This works particularly well during:

• Wedding drinks receptions
• Corporate networking events
• Drinks before dinner
• Birthday parties
• Anniversary celebrations
• Charity events
• Christmas parties
• Private functions

Pete can quickly judge the atmosphere and adapt his performance accordingly.

Some groups love getting heavily involved. Others prefer to stand back and watch. Years of performing professionally have given Pete the experience to recognise the difference.

The result is entertainment that feels natural rather than forced.

Close-up table magic is another highly effective way of entertaining guests.

Pete moves from table to table, performing a short selection of magic for each group.

It’s particularly effective during wedding breakfasts, gala dinners, awards evenings, corporate dinners and private celebrations.

At a large meal there will inevitably be periods when some tables have finished eating while others are waiting to be served. A table magician can help fill these natural gaps and keep the atmosphere lively.

Pete works around the venue staff rather than getting in their way, adapting his timing so that the entertainment complements the meal.

Close-up magic and weddings are a particularly good combination.

Wedding days naturally contain periods when guests are waiting – perhaps while photographs are being taken, before the wedding breakfast begins or while the venue prepares the room for the evening reception.

These are ideal opportunities for Pete to entertain.

Magic can also help break the ice between guests from different sides of the wedding who may be meeting for the first time.

Pete can perform during the drinks reception, around the tables during the wedding breakfast or at the beginning of the evening reception.

If you’re planning your wedding, discover more about hiring Pete as your Wedding Magician.

Creating the right atmosphere at a corporate event can be challenging, particularly when guests, employees or clients don’t already know one another. Close-up magic gives people an immediate shared experience.

Pete can mingle amongst delegates and guests, entertaining small groups without interrupting the main event.

Close-up magic can work particularly well for:

• Conferences
• Gala dinners
• Awards evenings
• Networking events
• Product launches
• Staff parties
• Client entertainment
• Christmas parties
• Hospitality events

Pete has performed at countless business and corporate events and understands the importance of representing both himself and your organisation professionally.

Find out more about hiring Pete as your Corporate Magician.

You don’t need a huge venue or hundreds of guests to enjoy close-up magic.

Pete regularly performs at birthday parties, anniversaries, christenings and other private celebrations.

Close-up magic works especially well at these occasions because Pete can move amongst your guests rather than requiring a dedicated stage or performance area.

Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a large celebration, Pete can adapt the style and duration of his performance to suit the occasion.

You can find out more about entertainment for birthdays and celebrations on the Event Magician page.

Choosing a magician isn’t simply about finding somebody who knows how to perform magic.

The performer needs to understand people.

Pete has spent more than 20 years developing both his magic and his ability to interact with different audiences.

With more than 4,000 performances behind him, he knows when to approach a group, when to involve somebody in the magic and, just as importantly, when to stand back.

Pete’s style is friendly, professional and interactive without being overbearing.

His aim isn’t to become the centre of your event. It’s to enhance it.

Whether he’s entertaining wedding guests, company directors, families or a group of sceptics determined to catch him out, Pete adapts his performance to the people standing in front of him.

Watching magic on television is one thing.

Watching something seemingly impossible happen right in front of you is completely different.

There are no camera angles or television edits when Pete is standing only a few feet away.

That’s part of what makes professional close-up magic so memorable.

Guests can watch carefully, get involved and experience the magic for themselves.

And yes – Pete is quite happy performing with his sleeves rolled up!

How does a close-up magician perform?

A close-up magician normally performs for small groups of guests at a time. Pete can move between groups during a drinks reception or perform table-to-table during a seated meal. This allows everyone to experience the magic without requiring a formal stage show.

How long should I hire a close-up magician for?

This depends on the number of guests and the type of event. Smaller celebrations may require a shorter performance, while larger weddings and corporate events can benefit from Pete performing across a longer period. Tell Pete approximately how many guests you’re expecting and he can recommend an appropriate option.

When is the best time for close-up magic at a wedding?

Popular times include the drinks reception while photographs are being taken, during the wedding breakfast and at the start of the evening reception. The best option depends on the structure of your wedding day.

Does close-up magic work at corporate events?

Yes. It can be particularly effective at networking events, drinks receptions, gala dinners and company celebrations because the magic gives guests an immediate conversation starter.

Do you need a stage or special equipment?

Generally, no. That’s one of the advantages of close-up magic. Pete can perform amongst your guests and adapt to many different venues and event formats.

Which areas does Pete Turner cover?

Pete is based in Warrington and regularly performs throughout Manchester, Cheshire, Liverpool, Chester and the wider North West. He can also travel further afield for suitable events.

How does a close-up magician perform?

A close-up magician normally performs for small groups of guests at a time. Pete can move between groups during a drinks reception or perform table-to-table during a seated meal. This allows everyone to experience the magic without requiring a formal stage show.

How long should I hire a close-up magician for?

This depends on the number of guests and the type of event. Smaller celebrations may require a shorter performance, while larger weddings and corporate events can benefit from Pete performing across a longer period. Tell Pete approximately how many guests you’re expecting and he can recommend an appropriate option.

When is the best time for close-up magic at a wedding?

Popular times include the drinks reception while photographs are being taken, during the wedding breakfast and at the start of the evening reception. The best option depends on the structure of your wedding day.

Does close-up magic work at corporate events?

Yes. It can be particularly effective at networking events, drinks receptions, gala dinners and company celebrations because the magic gives guests an immediate conversation starter.

Do you need a stage or special equipment?

Generally, no. That’s one of the advantages of close-up magic. Pete can perform amongst your guests and adapt to many different venues and event formats.

Which areas does Pete Turner cover?

Pete is based in Warrington and regularly performs throughout Manchester, Cheshire, Liverpool, Chester and the wider North West. He can also travel further afield for suitable events.