Reviewed · TOURS IN ENGLAND

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 close-up setting. This is not a large theatre where you simply watch a distant performer. The compact venue puts magic, comedy, and audience participation at the center of the evening, with children often invited to help on stage. I like the warm, welcoming feel and the fact that the show works for several age groups at once. The 7:00pm start also leaves your later Blackpool evening open.

The main consideration is that the bar costs extra, and the show depends on audience involvement. That is a big plus for outgoing children, but a shy child may need time before joining in. The venue is easy to find in central Blackpool, though the intimate format may not suit you if you prefer a large-scale theatre production.

Key points to know before you book

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

  • Russ Brown leads a 90-minute family show combining close-up magic, illusions, stage magic, and comedy.
  • The small venue keeps the action personal, with children and adults brought into the performance.
  • The 7:00pm start fits neatly into a Blackpool night, leaving you free after about 8:30pm.
  • A well-stocked bar is available, but drinks are an added cost.
  • Children can remain at the venue until 10:30pm if you want to stay longer after the main show.
  • The ticket costs about $19.44 per person, with mobile entry and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

What happens inside Russ Brown’s House of Secrets

90 Minute Family Close-Up Magic and illusionism Show in Blackpool - What happens inside Russ Brown’s House of Secrets

Your evening begins at Russ Brown’s House of Secrets in central Blackpool, with the performance scheduled for 7:00pm. The venue is described as easy to find, a useful detail in a town where you may already be moving between the promenade, shops, restaurants, and other evening attractions.

The show itself lasts about 90 minutes. That gives Russ Brown enough time to move between close-up magic, illusions, stage tricks, and comedy without asking you to give up an entire night. You can reasonably plan to be free at around 8:30pm, although the venue allows children to stay until 10:30pm if you want to continue your evening there.

The exact running order is not set out, and that is part of the nature of a live magic show. You should expect several different forms of performance rather than one long routine. The range matters for families because a child who finds a traditional stage trick slow may enjoy the close-up work, while adults may prefer the comedy or the more puzzling illusions.

Audience participation is a major part of the experience. The show is not designed as a hands-off display. Children may be invited to help with a trick or take part on stage, and adults can also be drawn into the action. That makes the small venue useful: you are close enough to feel involved rather than watching from the back of a large auditorium.

One child described in the available feedback was very shy at first, then wanted to join in by the interval. That does not mean every reserved child will have the same response, but it does point to the friendly way Russ Brown handles participation. You should still avoid promising a child that they will definitely be chosen. The draw of the show is involvement, not a guaranteed turn for every person.

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Why the intimate format matters

90 Minute Family Close-Up Magic and illusionism Show in Blackpool - Why the intimate format matters

Magic needs a sense of proximity. When a trick happens right in front of you, the small details become part of the fun: the performer’s hands, the timing of a joke, and the reactions around you. The House of Secrets format is built around that feeling.

The intimate room also helps the performance work for mixed-age groups. Adults get the skill and comic timing, while children get the surprise of seeing a family member or another child help make something happen. Feedback describes the atmosphere as warm and welcoming, with the whole family made to feel part of the show.

That personal approach is one of the strongest reasons to choose this experience over a bigger production. You are paying for a social night as much as a series of tricks. The experience can become a shared family story, especially when a child takes part or reacts strongly to an illusion.

The trade-off is scale. If you want grand scenery, a large cast, or a major theatrical production, this is not that kind of night. The supplied details point to a small, personal magic show, and that is its appeal. Go in expecting closeness, comedy, and participation rather than a huge stage spectacle.

Close-up magic, comedy, and audience involvement

90 Minute Family Close-Up Magic and illusionism Show in Blackpool - Close-up magic, comedy, and audience involvement

The show combines several styles of magic rather than sticking to one format. Close-up work brings the action near the audience. Illusion routines offer a larger sense of mystery. Stage magic gives the performance a clear shared focus, while comedy keeps the mood light.

That mix helps the 90-minute length feel varied. A family show can lose younger attention if every trick has the same pace. Moving between formats gives the evening more shape, even though the exact routine can change from one performance to another.

Comedy also matters here. The feedback consistently points to a show that is funny as well as magical, with children and adults both involved. You are not expected to sit quietly through a formal demonstration. Expect some interaction and a performer who uses the audience as part of the evening.

There may occasionally be an extra surprise. One family happened to see a guest connected with Britain’s Got Talent, and the provider’s response confirms that this was a surprise addition. Treat that as a possible bonus, not part of the standard promise. The dependable core is Russ Brown’s magic show.

A good Blackpool evening plan

90 Minute Family Close-Up Magic and illusionism Show in Blackpool - A good Blackpool evening plan

The 7:00pm start gives you a simple schedule. You can spend the earlier part of the day at the seafront or in town, have an early meal, and arrive for the show. After about 90 minutes, you still have the rest of the night for Blackpool’s other attractions.

That timing is especially practical for families. You are not committing to a very late headline event, yet you can extend the night if the children are enjoying themselves. Children may stay at the venue until 10:30pm, giving you a little more flexibility than the main show length suggests.

The bar is well stocked, according to the supplied details, so adults can buy a drink during the evening. This is not included in the ticket price, so factor it into your budget. It can be a useful part of the night, but the $19.44 admission should not be treated as an all-in price.

The central location is another practical plus. You do not need to build the evening around a distant excursion, and the venue is near public transportation. The information does not specify a particular station or bus route, so check your own route before setting out.

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Is $19.44 good value?

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

At about $19.44 per person, the ticket sits in a sensible range for a 90-minute live family activity, provided your group enjoys interactive entertainment. You are not simply paying for a short photo stop. You get a full evening performance with several types of magic, comedy, and the chance for audience involvement.

The value is strongest when you have children who like being part of a show. A child helping with a trick can make the ticket feel worthwhile even before you consider the entertainment for the rest of the group. The feedback includes several examples of children being thrilled to take part, including one young helper who was delighted by the experience.

For adults, the value depends on your taste. If you enjoy close-up magic and comedy, the personal format gives the ticket a clear purpose. If your priority is a large production with elaborate scenery, you may find the small venue less satisfying.

Remember to allow extra money for drinks. The ticket includes admission, but the bar is an optional purchase. After the show, the evening is free, so you can keep spending under control by treating the performance as the main paid activity.

Who will enjoy this show most?

I would recommend it most strongly to families seeking a relaxed night out where children are not expected to sit silently and watch from a distance. The show suits mixed ages because the material includes comedy, stage magic, close-up work, and illusions.

It is also a good fit for adults who like the mechanics and mystery of magic. The close-up style can feel more personal than a large theatre performance, and the comedy helps keep the tone easygoing.

The experience may be less suitable if you want a quiet, formal show or if your children dislike being noticed. Participation is central to the format, even though no child is promised a place on stage. You can explain that they may be invited, but they do not have to treat the evening as a performance of their own.

The show is also useful for a short Blackpool break. With a 7:00pm start and a 90-minute duration, you can fit it between dinner and a later plan. It works well as a self-contained evening rather than an activity that takes over your whole day.

Booking, mobile entry, and cancellation

90 Minute Family Close-Up Magic and illusionism Show in Blackpool - Booking, mobile entry, and cancellation

Confirmation is provided when you book, and the ticket is mobile, so you can keep admission details on your phone. The show is often booked around 15 days ahead, which gives you a sensible planning window if you want a particular date during a busy stay.

Free cancellation is available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. If the minimum number of participants is not reached and the experience is cancelled, you will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Service animals are allowed, and most people can take part. The venue is near public transportation. If you have a specific access need beyond that information, ask the provider before booking rather than assuming the intimate venue has every facility you need.

My call: book it for a personal family night

90 Minute Family Close-Up Magic and illusionism Show in Blackpool - My call: book it for a personal family night

Book Russ Brown’s House of Secrets if you want friendly, interactive magic in a small room, especially if your children enjoy helping, answering questions, or being part of the action. The price is reasonable for 90 minutes of live entertainment, and the 7:00pm timing leaves plenty of room for the rest of your Blackpool evening.

Think twice if you are looking for a grand theatre production or if your group strongly dislikes audience participation. The bar costs extra, and the most enjoyable moments depend on being open to involvement.

For a family wanting something different from the usual Blackpool attractions, this is a practical choice. You get a central venue, a manageable time commitment, a mix of magic and comedy, and the chance for a child to remember the night as more than something they watched.

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 show start?

The scheduled start time is 7:00pm.

How long does the experience last?

The main show lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

What types of magic are included?

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

Is the show suitable for children?

Yes. It is presented as a family show, and most people can participate. Children may also be invited to help with parts of the performance.

Can children stay after the 90-minute show?

Yes. Children can remain at the venue until 10:30pm if you want to spend more time there.

Are drinks included in the ticket price?

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

Is the ticket mobile?

Yes. The experience offers a mobile ticket, and confirmation is provided at the time of booking.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund.

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