Discover our top tips for hiring a great magician for your next event.
Magic shows are always a brilliant way to entertain a crowd, but if you’re not a professional event planner, it can be hard to know what to look for. How do you choose a magician who will truly wow your guests and suit the style of your event?
1. Who is the Audience?
Start by thinking about your guests. The key is to understand who they are and what kind of entertainment will keep them engaged.
Most audiences fall into one of three categories:
- Kids
- Families
- Adults
The audience will influence who you hire.
Your choice of magician should reflect the type of crowd you’re entertaining.
Pro tip: If you’re unsure, go with a magician who specialises in adult audiences. They’ll usually be versatile enough to entertain children too.
Fun-tip: If you have children at home, check out the PartyWizz Home Entertainment Series. PartyWizz magicians Yvan, Carl and Oisin taught some easy tricks kids can learn to do themselves.
2. What Show Format is the Most Suitable?
There are different magic show formats, and each one suits a different type of event.
Close up magic
With close-up magic, the magician moves around and performs for small groups at a time. It’s also known as strolling magic, walkaround magic, table hopping, or mix and mingle magic.
Ideal for:
- Wedding receptions
- Private parties
- Corporate events.
Stage shows
Stage magic is designed for larger audiences and is performed either on an actual stage or in a designated area, like a living room or event space. It’s sometimes called stand-up magic.
Audience sizes can vary from ten to over a hundred people.
This is ideal for
- Kid’s birthdays
- Communion parties
- Private events
- Corporate events
“Stand” shows
In this format, the magician stays at a fixed stand, table, or room. Guests come over on their own to enjoy a mini-show.
Ideal for:
- Festivals
- Trade shows
- Open days
3. What will the Party Atmosphere Be?
Think about the mood you want to create. Will your guests enjoy a dramatic, mind-bending performance, or something light-hearted and funny?
Event type
This will depend on the type of event you’re hosting. A family celebration will naturally have a different energy than a formal corporate function.
Decide on the atmosphere you want and use that to guide your choice of magician.
For example, would a mentalist or mind reading show be a good fit, or would a comedy magic show work better?
There’s no right or wrong answer, just what suits your event best.
Event size
Guest numbers matter too.
If you’re booking a magician for close-up magic, keep in mind they can usually perform for around 100 guests in two hours.
If your event is larger, consider a stage show instead, or book an additional magician to make sure everyone gets to experience the magic.
4. Consider the Venue Itself
Before booking a magician, take a moment to think about the space they’ll be performing in, especially if the venue is your own home.
Space
Will there be plenty of room, or will things be a bit tight?
For example, at a child’s birthday party, is there space for the kids to sit comfortably on the floor?
A close-up magician doesn’t need much space, but a stage-style performance will need enough room for both the setup and audience.
Set-up
Close-up magicians usually need very little (just a small table to store their props between sets).
Stage or stand-up magicians will likely need 15 minutes or more to get ready. Make sure that setup time fits smoothly into your party timeline.
If you’re also hiring other entertainment, like a band or DJ, check that everyone can transition on and off stage with minimal disruption.
Audio-visual equipment
Some magicians bring their own sound systems, while others might need a mic or speaker provided.
If your venue already has AV equipment, great, but if not, it’s worth confirming what the magician needs ahead of time.
Pro tip: If you’re unsure, always check. It’s far easier to switch off a speaker than to scramble to find one mid-party.
5. Check for Photos and Videos
IBefore you book a magician, it’s helpful to get a visual feel for their style and stage presence. While seeing them live isn’t usually possible, high-quality photos and short videos can give you a good idea of what to expect.
Look out for:
- Footage of live performances (especially with real audiences)
- Photos that show their stage setup, props, or interaction with guests
You can find videos and images directly on each magician’s profile on PartyWizz.
6. Look for Testimonials and Reviews
If you can’t get a personal recommendation, the next best thing is honest feedback from other customers.
Reviews will tell you:
- How well the magician engaged the crowd
- Whether the performance matched expectations
- If the experience was good value for money
Every magician on PartyWizz has a dedicated profile page where you can read verified customer reviews. Don’t be afraid to ask around too, word of mouth can go a long way.
As a last resort check for Facebook reviews, google reviews and independent platform reviews. Just keep in mind that not all reviews are always authentic.
7. Check for a Quality Vetting System
If possible, choose a magician who has been vetted through a reputable platform. While it’s not essential, it does give you extra peace of mind—especially if you haven’t seen them perform before.
At PartyWizz, every magician goes through a strict vetting process to make sure they consistently deliver high-quality performances.
You can also look out for membership in professional organisations, like The Magic Circle in the UK or the Society of Irish Magicians in Ireland. These are strong indicators of experience and credibility.
8. How Experienced Are They?
Experience really does count when it comes to live performance. A magician who has performed at a range of events will know how to read the room, adapt their tricks, and handle surprises with ease.
That doesn’t mean you need to rule out younger entertainers altogether. Just make sure they’ve got a few shows under their belt and are confident performing in your chosen setting.
At PartyWizz, we handpick our entertainers based on experience and reliability, so you can feel confident they’ll deliver a great performance every time.
9. Are they Available?
Now that you know what you’re looking for, it’s time to check availability.
On PartyWizz, you can easily find magicians available in your area. Simply enter your event details and the system will show you a list of performers who are free on your chosen date.
This takes the stress out of back-and-forth messages and makes booking smoother and faster.
Bonus Magic: Create a Memorable Moment
Want your event to truly stand out? Think about creating one magical moment that guests will remember long after the final trick.
It could be:
- A big reveal with the birthday child’s name
- A company message appearing during a trick
- A surprise appearance of the wedding rings
Small touches like this can turn a great magic show into a truly unforgettable experience. If you plan in advance, your magician may be able to build this moment right into their routine. So take a little time to think about what would make your celebration extra special, and don’t be afraid to ask your entertainer to help bring it to life, they’ll likely be thrilled to be included in bringing your special moment to life!
You’re now ready to book a magician with confidence. From birthday parties to corporate events, the right entertainer can add a touch of magic to any celebration.
PartyWizz helps you book the best entertainers and party services in UK and Ireland. From magicians and face painters to DJs and photographers, you’ll find those in your area on our easy-to-use platform. Whether you’re planning a corporate event, a wedding, kids or other private party, go to PartyWizz to find the perfect service providers in just a few clicks!
