Reviewed · BLACKPOOL TOURS

90 Minute Family Close-Up Magic and illusionism Show in Blackpool

★ 5.0 · 108 reviews 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) From $19 Operated by Russ Brown's House of Secrets · Bookable on Viator
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The best thing about Russ Brown’s House of Secrets is the small, intimate setting. This is not magic performed at a distant stage. Tricks happen close to the audience, and children may be invited to help, take part, or even appear on stage. That personal feel gives the evening more warmth than a standard theatre show.

I like the family-friendly mix of magic and comedy, and I like the easy central Blackpool location. The 90-minute running time also works well: long enough to feel like a proper night out, but short enough to leave your evening open. One point to consider is the bar. Drinks are available, but they cost extra, so your final spend can rise above the ticket price.

Key points to know before booking

90 Minute Family Close-Up Magic and illusionism Show in Blackpool - Key points to know before booking

  • Close-up magic in a small venue: The intimate room keeps the action near you and helps audience participation feel natural.
  • A 7pm start: Plan your evening around a 90-minute show, with the night still free afterward.
  • Strong choice for families: Children and adults are both included, and young audience members may help with tricks.
  • Central Blackpool setting: The venue is easy to find and near public transportation.
  • Drinks available on site: The bar is well stocked, but beverages are an extra expense.
  • Flexible cancellation: Cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund.

Why the small room changes the magic

90 Minute Family Close-Up Magic and illusionism Show in Blackpool - Why the small room changes the magic

Magic works differently in a compact room. You are close enough to follow the performer’s hands, yet far enough away to enjoy the show as a group. At Russ Brown’s House of Secrets, the setting is part of the experience, not just a place to sit while something happens far away.

The show combines close-up magic, illusions, comedy, and stage magic. That variety matters when you are bringing a mixed-age group. A child may enjoy helping with a trick, while an adult may appreciate the comic timing or the puzzle of working out how something was done.

Audience participation is a major part of the evening. You are not promised a completely hands-off performance, and that is worth knowing before you book. Some children may be thrilled by the chance to help. Shyer children may prefer to watch from their seats, although one family described a particularly shy grandson becoming eager to join in by the interval.

That kind of participation can make the night feel personal. It also means the pace and mood may depend partly on the audience in the room. If your family prefers a quiet, formal theatre performance, this may feel more involved than expected. If you enjoy being included, it is one of the strongest reasons to choose this show.

The 7pm arrival and central Blackpool setting

The advertised start time is 7pm. The venue is in central Blackpool and described as easy to find, with public transportation nearby. That makes it a practical choice after a day along the seafront, a meal in town, or other evening plans.

You should still allow enough time to locate the entrance and settle in before the performance begins. The supplied information does not give a detailed arrival procedure, so do not assume that late arrivals can be seated without disruption. A prompt arrival is the sensible plan for any small-room show.

The central location is especially useful if you are staying in Blackpool and want an evening activity without arranging a complicated transfer. It also lets you keep the rest of the night flexible. After the show, you can head elsewhere in town, return to your accommodation, or simply call it a night.

The venue has a bar, which adds to the feel of a relaxed night out. You can buy a drink before or during the evening, including cocktails, but this is not included in the ticket. For a family keeping an eye on spending, decide in advance whether the bar is part of the plan or just an optional extra.

What happens during the 90-minute show

90 Minute Family Close-Up Magic and illusionism Show in Blackpool - What happens during the 90-minute show

The experience is built around one main performance at Russ Brown’s House of Secrets. There is no sightseeing route or series of separate stops. Instead, you spend about an hour and a half in one venue watching a changing program of magic and illusion.

The close-up portions are likely to be the most distinctive. In a smaller room, the performer can work nearer to the crowd and create a stronger sense of direct contact. The audience is not simply watching a large-scale illusion from the back of a theatre.

Stage magic adds a different scale to the evening. It gives the show room to shift between personal tricks, larger illusions, and comic moments. That mixture helps prevent the 90 minutes from feeling like one repeated routine.

The performance also makes room for children and adults. Several families found the interaction a major part of the fun, with children helping with tricks and some being invited onto the stage. You should view this as an opportunity rather than a promise that every child will be selected. The information confirms audience participation, but it does not guarantee a role for a particular child.

A halftime interval is mentioned in one account of the evening. That suggests you may have a natural pause during the performance, though the exact running order can vary. An interval can be useful for families, especially if younger children need a short break.

The show has also included surprise appearances by people connected with Britain’s Got Talent. These appearances are not presented as a guaranteed feature, so do not book solely on the hope of seeing a particular television personality. Treat them as an occasional extra rather than part of the core ticket promise.

The strongest part for children

90 Minute Family Close-Up Magic and illusionism Show in Blackpool - The strongest part for children

This show makes a good choice when your group includes children who enjoy being noticed, trying something new, or watching tricks at close range. The comedy helps keep the mood light, while the participation gives the evening more energy than simply sitting through a performance.

Children may help with a trick or be involved on stage. That can turn a normal night out into a holiday memory, particularly if a child is excited by magic. The supplied feedback includes several examples of young audience members being thrilled by their part in the show.

The family format also means adults do not need to sit through a children’s-only performance. The magic, comedy, and different types of acts are intended for a broad age range. Adults can enjoy the craft of the tricks while younger members of the group follow the fun and surprises.

There is a small trade-off. Participation can bring a little uncertainty. A child may be invited to join in, or may simply watch others take part. If your child is nervous, explain that helping is optional and that watching is perfectly fine. The show seems to welcome all levels of confidence, but no performance can guarantee that every child will want the spotlight.

Same country, a completely different day out:

Comedy, cocktails, and the feel of a night out

Magic alone can become repetitive if the format never changes. The comedy helps break up the tricks and gives the evening a social, relaxed tone. Several comments singled out the show as funny as well as magical, which is useful if your group contains people who are not already enthusiastic about magic.

The bar adds another layer. You can buy drinks, including cocktails, and make the evening feel more like an adult night out while still bringing children. Remember that drinks are not part of the admission price, so the ticket is only one part of the budget.

The setting is described as warm and welcoming. That matters in a small venue, where the atmosphere is more noticeable than it would be in a large theatre. The show depends on contact between the performer and the audience, so a friendly room supports the whole format.

You should not expect a grand theatre production with elaborate scenery. The appeal is the direct contact, the comedy, and the magic itself. If you prefer large-scale spectacle, this compact format may feel modest. If you like entertainment that puts the audience close to the action, the size is a real advantage.

Is $19.44 good value?

90 Minute Family Close-Up Magic and illusionism Show in Blackpool - Is $19.44 good value?

At $19.44 per person, the ticket is reasonably priced for a 90-minute evening show, especially if you want an activity that works for several age groups. You are paying for a dedicated performance rather than a short street-style trick or a brief attraction stop.

The value improves if you make use of the full evening. A 7pm start leaves time afterward for another Blackpool activity, a meal, or a walk through town. The experience does not take over the entire night, which is useful on a short visit.

The price is less straightforward if everyone in your group also buys drinks. The bar is well stocked, but beverages are extra. A family of four can keep the ticket cost predictable, then decide how much to spend once inside.

The compact venue also affects the value in a positive way. Close-up magic needs proximity, and a smaller room can provide something a larger, more expensive theatre show cannot. You are not just buying a seat. You are buying access to a more personal style of performance.

I would consider this a good-value choice for families, couples, and mixed-age groups who want a straightforward evening activity. It is less suitable if you are looking for a full-night event, a major stage spectacular, or a show with a fixed celebrity lineup.

Who should book this experience?

90 Minute Family Close-Up Magic and illusionism Show in Blackpool - Who should book this experience?

I would recommend it to families with children who enjoy magic, comedy, or audience involvement. It is also a useful option when grandparents, parents, and children need one activity that can appeal across generations.

It suits visitors who want a central Blackpool attraction with a clear start and finish. The 90-minute format leaves room for dinner or another evening plan, and the nearby public transportation makes the location practical.

It may also work for adults travelling without children. The cocktails, close-up format, and comedy give it a broader appeal than a strictly child-focused show. The main question is whether you enjoy interactive entertainment.

I would think twice if your group dislikes being called on, prefers silent theatre, or wants a large production with extensive scenery. The audience is part of the atmosphere here, and that is central to the show’s character.

Service animals are allowed, and most people can take part. The experience requires a minimum number of bookings, so in the unusual event that it is cancelled for that reason, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Booking, cancellation, and planning advice

90 Minute Family Close-Up Magic and illusionism Show in Blackpool - Booking, cancellation, and planning advice

Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and the ticket is mobile, so you can keep it on your phone rather than carrying a printed voucher.

The cancellation terms are simple. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the local start time, you will not receive a refund, and changes inside that window are not accepted.

I would book around the 7pm start rather than trying to squeeze the show between tightly timed plans. Arrive with enough time to find the venue, get settled, and decide if you want a drink from the bar.

Because the show is frequently booked in advance, securing a place before your Blackpool visit is sensible, especially if your dates are fixed. The average booking point is 15 days ahead, which gives you a useful guide for planning, though it is not a guarantee of availability.

Should you book Russ Brown’s House of Secrets?

Book this show if you want close-up magic, comedy, and audience participation in a compact central venue. It offers a good 90-minute family activity at a moderate ticket price, and the option to stay in the venue until 10:30pm gives you more flexibility if you want to extend the evening.

The strongest reason to go is the personal format. Children may help with tricks, adults can enjoy the comedy and illusions, and the show does not consume your whole night. The main caution is that drinks cost extra and the interactive style will not suit every personality.

For families, mixed-age groups, and visitors wanting an easy evening plan in Blackpool, I would book it. For a large-scale theatrical spectacle, choose something else.

FAQ

Where does the magic show take place?

The show takes place at Russ Brown’s House of Secrets in central Blackpool, England.

What time does the experience start?

The stated start time is 7pm.

How long does the show last?

The show lasts approximately 90 minutes.

What type of entertainment is included?

The performance includes close-up magic, illusions, comedy, and stage magic.

Is admission included in the price?

Yes, admission to the magic show is included.

Are drinks included?

No. The venue has a well-stocked bar, but drinks are an extra expense.

Can children attend the venue later in the evening?

Yes. Children can remain in the venue until 10:30pm if you want to stay longer.

Is the venue near public transportation?

Yes. The venue is near public transportation and is described as easy to find in central Blackpool.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes. Service animals are allowed.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded.

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