Who doesn’t like a bit of razzle dazzle and some magic in their life – particularly when the weather is so Baltic. Luckily for you dear reader, our beloved capital has plenty to choose from. Here’s a roundup of 12 of the best magic shows in London:
1. The Magic Hour
Kicking off this roundup of the best magic shows in London is The Magic Hour – the longest-running parlour magic show in the capital and one of the top immersive experiences in the entire capital. Running every week at the five-star Sheraton Grand Park Lane hotel, it has received TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence year on year, and is designed to take the audience on an real experiential journey throughout its one hour 45-minute run time.
You’ll listen to acclaimed magician Tony Middleton – otherwise known as ‘Sonic’ – who has pioneered the immersive magic show format in London and has received extensive critical acclaim. As well as the original show ‘The Magic Hour’, there’s also ‘Magic & Mind-Reading’ – a fun and fast-paced journey through magic’s history featuring Victorian illusion, mind-reading, and ‘feats of the impossible’. You can find out more here.
📍You’ll find The Magic Hour at the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane, Piccadilly, London, W1J 7BX.
🚇 Nearest station is Green Park.
2. The Gentleman Cheater
Next up on this roundup of the best The Gentleman Cheater – an excellent and interactive show from the award-winning magician Christian Gambin who is playing for the first time in London’s West End.
Expect the unexpected as you play against him and see if you can beat his sleight of hand. Be prepared however – he never loses! Or does he…
📍You’ll find The Gentleman Cheater at the Radisson Blu Edwardian Mercer Street Hotel, 20 Mercer Street, London, WC2H 9HD.
🚇 Nearest stations are Covent Garden and Tottenham Court Road.
3. Penn & Teller at the Eventim Apollo
Now these two iconic magicians need no introduction. The longest running – and one of the most-beloved resident headline acts in Las Vegas’ history – magic’s legendary duo continues to defy labels.
They’re coming back to London Town for six consecutive nights at the Eventim Apollo with their tour entitled ‘The First Final UK Tour’. Following a triumphant six-week return to Broadway, they’re guaranteed to give you a night to remember. Grab your tickets now here.
📍You’ll find the Eventim Apollo at 45 Queen Caroline Street, London W6 9QH.
🚇 Nearest station is Hammersmith.
4. Derren Brown at the Apollo Theatre
Another man who needs no introduction, the legend that is Derren Brown is back with his excellent show entitled ‘SHOWMAN’ – coming to the West End for the very first time.
An interactive show, it’s brought about some of the best reviews of his career thus far, and will incorporate his award-winning mix of mind control and psychological illusion throughout.
📍You’ll find the Apollo Theatre at Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7EZ.
🚇 Nearest station is Piccadilly Circus.
5. Simon Drake’s House of Magic
Next up on this roundup of the best magic shows in London is one of London’s best-kept secrets – something we love here at Secret London. Tucked down a quiet backstreet in Elephant and Castle and run by the renowned magician, illusionist and entertainer Simon Drake, the House of Magic has held theatrical parties and cabaret for over 20 years now.
It’s hosted everyone from Kate Bush to Lady Gaga, and has everything from burlesque to magic shows on the bill. You can find out more here.
📍You’ll find Simon Drake’s House of Magic at 9 Chapter Road, London, SE17 3ES.
🚇 Nearest station is Kennington.
6. The Illusioneer
The Illusioneer are an esteemed magic and illusion performance company based in Herne Hill, who regularly brings together some of London’s most talented magicians for a full evening of sophisticated entertainment.
The show itself is a must-see for lovers of magic, for those with good taste and for anyone with a desire to have their understanding of the laws of physics questioned. Including puzzles, illusions, close-up and parlour magic, it’s a magical (sorry) couple of hours that is only open to eight patrons – so you’d better book ahead!
📍You’ll find The Illusioneer at 280 Milkwood Road Herne Hill Railway Arches, London, SE24 0DS.
🚇 Nearest station is Herne Hill.
7. Conjuring at the Court
London’s long-running monthly magic show, Conjuring at the Court is hosted by Stephen Barry – a multi award winning magician, mind reader, hypnotist and pickpocket who shatters the illusion of being a magician.
Featuring regular guest performances, it’s a fantastic night out at The Drayton Court Hotel – a stunning four-star hotel based in leafy West Ealing.
📍You’ll find Conjuring at the Court at 2 The Avenue, London, W13 8AG.
🚇 Nearest station is West Ealing.
8. The Magic Circle
Next up on this roundup of the best magic shows in London is The Magic Circle – home of the most famous magic society in the world. You’ll get to witness amazing live magic, visit the society’s headquarters and learn about the fascinating history of the venue.
There are various different types of magic shows shown here – including ‘The Magic Circle Mysteries’ and ‘History and Mystery at The Magic Circle’ – so there’s something for everyone here.
📍You’ll find The Magic Circle at the Centre for the Magic Arts, 12 Stephenson Way, London, NW1 2HD.
🚇 Nearest station is Euston.
9. West End Magic
West End Magic began in 2007 at the Albany Theatre in Deptford and was born in a young magicians’ club. It then transformed into ‘A Night of Magic’ in 2007, which moved to the West End Magic, now at its permanent home at the Leicester Square Theatre.
They feature various different magic and variety acts from all over the UK throughout the year, including the multi-award winning illusionist Oliver Tabor. They’ve got a variety of different upcoming shows on the bill, and you can check what’s on here.
📍You’ll find West End Magic at the Leicester Square Theatre, 6 Leicester Place, London, WC2H 7BX.
🚇 Nearest station is Leicester Square.
10. Magical Bottomless Brunch
A magic show with a bit of a difference here it has to be said… If you’ve ever wanted to be dazzled by a performance from a resident host, magician and mind reader AND enjoy 90 minutes’ worth of bottomless cocktails – then you’re in luck! This one ticks all those boxes.
Expect some hypnosis, an excellent selection of brunch dishes and a whole lotta abracadabra! Sounds like a jolly old time to us – you can grab your tickets for the event here.
📍You’ll find Magical Bottomless Brunch at The Last Talisman, 171-173 Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 3UW.
🚇 Nearest station is London Bridge.
11. Matricks Illusion: A Magical Christmas Spectacular
Britain’s Got Talent finalists Matricks Illusion return to London’s Wonderville with a magical show for the whole family this Christmas. You’ll get to experience a wondrous and unique performance of magic, illusion and music, and will combine both comedy and thrills to create one rollicking good night.
The 70-minute show will feature everything from illusions to original set pieces – all accompanied by a dynamic soundtrack. Cop your tickets here.
📍You’ll find Matricks Illusion: A Magical Christmas Spectacular at Wonderville at 57-60 Haymarket, St. James’s, London, SW1Y 4QX.
🚇 Nearest station is Piccadilly Circus.
12. The Impossible Magic of Steve Price: Live at Wonderville
Rounding off this list of the best magic shows in London is ‘The Impossible Magic of Steve Price’ – a live experience that is bound to bring a bit of Christmas joy to you this year.
Prepare to be amazed and amused by one of the UK’s top magicians during an evening of thrilling, mind-boggling entertainment. With over fifteen years of experience performing to audiences all over the world, Steve Price has honed his unique blend of laughs, mystery, and stunning sleight of hand, and is no stranger to using his talents to transform ordinary objects into extraordinary memories. Grab your tickets for it now here.
📍You’ll find The Impossible Magic of Steve Price: Live at Wonderville at 57-60 Haymarket, St. James’s, London, SW1Y 4QX.
🚇 Nearest station is Piccadilly Circus.
So there we have it – a roundup of the best magic shows in London. So if you’re looking for something a bit different to do on a night out then we’re sure that this list has got you covered.