London has a remarkable history of magic – and there are still some fantastic places to experience live magic in the capital today.
For more than a century, the capital has been home to some of the world’s most celebrated magicians, magic shops and theatres. If you’re looking for live magic in London, there are still several ways to experience it — from intimate close-up performances to dedicated magic shows and even a walking tour exploring the city’s magical history.
As a London magician, I’ve been fortunate to experience the city’s magic scene from several different perspectives. I’m a member of The Magic Circle, regularly perform at its headquarters, and am also the founder and host of London Magic Tour. I also regularly perform at The Magicians Table, a dedicated live magic show in London.
Here are some of the places and experiences I’d recommend if you’d like to see great magic in London.
The Magic Circle
The Magic Circle is one of the world’s most famous magic organisations. Founded in London in 1905, it has an international membership of professional and amateur magicians and has played an important role in the development of modern magic.
Its headquarters in Euston are home to a fascinating museum and performance spaces, and selected events are open to the public.
Depending on the event, visitors can experience close-up magic, stage performances and lectures from some of the leading magicians working today. The atmosphere is particularly special because you’re experiencing magic in the home of an organisation that has been at the heart of the magic community for more than a century.
I regularly perform at The Magic Circle, and it remains one of my favourite places in London to experience magic.
See upcoming public events at The Magic Circle.
London Magic Tour
If you’re interested in the history behind London’s magic, London Magic Tour offers a rather different experience.
I founded and host the tour, which explores the West End through the extraordinary story of magic in London.
We visit places associated with legendary performers including Harry Houdini and John Nevil Maskelyne, while exploring the theatres, magic shops and other locations where some of the capital’s most remarkable magical stories took place.
It’s part walking tour, part history lesson and part magic performance. Along the way, I demonstrate some of the magic that brings these stories to life.
The tour finishes with a private magic show, giving guests the opportunity to experience close-up magic in a more intimate setting.
Find out more about London Magic Tour.
The Magicians Table
The Magicians’ Table is a dedicated live magic show in London, designed for audiences who want to experience close-up magic in an intimate setting.
The show features professional magicians and combines close-up magic with storytelling, comedy and audience interaction. It’s a great option if you’re looking for an evening of live entertainment rather than a historical tour.
I regularly perform at The Magicians Table, and it’s one of the places I’d recommend to anyone wanting to experience high-quality close-up magic in London. Plus the cocktails are excellent!
Which London magic experience is right for you?
Each offers something quite different:
- The Magic Circle – for an opportunity to experience magic at the headquarters of one of the world’s most prestigious magic organisations.
- London Magic Tour – for anyone interested in London’s fascinating history of magic, combined with live demonstrations and a private show.
- The Magicians Table – for an intimate evening of live close-up magic and entertainment. And great cocktails!
If you’re looking for a magician for a corporate event in London, find out more about James’s corporate event magic.
London’s magic scene is much richer than you might expect. Whether you’re visiting London, looking for something unusual to do, or simply curious about the art of magic, there are plenty of opportunities to experience great magic up close.
