Blackpool: Family Magic Show with Award-Winning Magician

The best thing about this Blackpool show is the close-up setting. At Russ Brown’s House of Secrets, you sit near the stage rather than watching a distant performance in a large theatre. That makes each trick feel more personal, and it gives children a real chance to follow the action.

I like two things in particular: the show brings adults and children into the act, and the cosy venue gives every seat a useful view. Russ is also known for making the room feel welcoming, with balloon shapes for children at some performances and plenty of chances for audience participation.

The main consideration is that drinks cost extra, and this is a small room rather than a grand theatrical production. If your family wants loud special effects and a huge stage, this may feel modest. If you want friendly live entertainment at a sensible price, it is a strong choice.

Key points at a glance

• Russ Brown leads the show: The award-winning magician also acts as host, guiding the audience through the tricks in English.
• Close-up magic in a small room: You sit near the stage, so the illusions are easy to see from the audience.
• Adults and children take part: Audience participation is central, with children and grown-ups invited to help with some tricks.
• A family-friendly evening: The format has worked for young children, older children, teenagers, parents, and grandparents.
• A bar is available: You can buy drinks during the show, including cocktails, but they are not included in the ticket.
• Good value at $18: The price is modest for a live professional performance, especially for families looking for an evening activity in Blackpool.

Why the small House of Secrets venue matters

This is not a magic show designed for a large auditorium. The House of Secrets is a small, themed bar-room venue where the stage sits close to the audience. That changes the experience in a useful way: you can watch Russ’s hands, facial expressions, and audience work without needing a large screen.

I like this format for families because younger children can lose interest when an entertainer is far away. Here, the action remains close and easy to follow. Several parts of the performance involve someone from the audience, so the show has a social feel rather than a simple watch-and-clap structure.

The room is also described as cosy and comfortable, with a good view from all seats. You do not need to fight for a perfect position in a large theatre. Still, if your child is sensitive to attention, remember that audience participation is a real part of the evening. You may be invited to help, and that can be thrilling or slightly daunting depending on the child.

The venue team has also been praised for explaining dimmed lighting and sound to children who may need warning. That is a thoughtful detail, though the available information does not provide a full sensory guide. If someone in your group has specific access needs, it is sensible to contact the venue before booking.

Meeting Russ Brown and settling in

Russ Brown is both the magician and the host, which helps the evening feel more like a personal show than a formal stage production. His role is not limited to presenting tricks. He welcomes the room, works with the audience, and keeps children and adults involved.

You arrive at the venue, take your seat close to the stage, and get settled before the magic begins. A bar is available if you want drinks during the performance. Bring a card or cash, since drinks are not included in the $18 ticket.

The English-language format is straightforward for families who speak English. Russ’s humour, storytelling, and interaction are as important as the tricks themselves. This is useful for mixed-age groups because a show built only around technical illusions might appeal mainly to children, while a show built only around comedy could leave them cold. Here, the two elements work together.

The welcome also seems to be part of the evening’s appeal. Families have described the staff as helpful and accommodating, and the bar team as polite. That matters when you are arriving with children, grandparents, or a group with different expectations.

The magic: close enough to follow

The performance centres on live magic tricks and illusions performed directly in front of you. The exact running order is not provided, and the show changes with the seasons, so you should not expect the same set each time.

That seasonal change is a useful reason to return. One family booked again after enjoying a previous performance because the show changes during the year. It also means you should think of this as a repeatable Blackpool activity rather than a one-time attraction with a fixed script.

The close distance adds tension to simple effects. When an illusion happens only a few feet away, you can watch closely and still have no idea how it was done. You may find yourself checking Russ’s hands, the table, and the person helping him, only to be left with the same question as everyone else.

I would not describe this as a large-scale illusion spectacular. The appeal is personal contact, timing, humour, and the sense that the trick is happening in your space. That style suits people who enjoy traditional magic and live performance more than visitors seeking projection effects or elaborate scenery.

Audience participation is the real centrepiece

The show does not ask you to sit quietly for the whole evening. Russ brings audience members into the performance, including both adults and children. A five-year-old has helped with a trick, and parents have also found themselves on stage while children watched from their seats.

That detail says a lot about the tone. Participation is not reserved for confident adults or children who rush to raise their hands. Russ’s approach is designed to make different ages feel included, although anyone who strongly dislikes public attention may prefer to sit back.

For children, seeing a parent take part can be especially funny. It gives them something to remember beyond the mechanics of a card or illusion. For adults, the comedy often comes from being placed in an unexpected situation, while the magic keeps the performance moving.

Children have also received balloon shapes at the end of some shows. This is not listed as a formal inclusion, so you should not treat it as guaranteed, but it has been part of the experience for families attending recent performances. It is a small touch that can give younger children a cheerful finish.

Why adults should not assume this is only for children

The family label can sometimes mean a show aimed almost entirely at young children. That does not appear to be the case here. Parents, grandparents, and even teenagers have enjoyed the performance, with humour and storytelling aimed at the whole room.

One useful sign is that adults who were not especially interested in magic still found the show entertaining. That points to Russ’s role as a host. The evening depends not only on secret methods but also on comedy, timing, and his ability to involve the people in front of him.

Teenagers may be harder to please than younger children, especially on a family holiday. The interactive format helps because they are not being asked to watch a distant children’s show. They can enjoy the spectacle, laugh at the audience participation, and perhaps watch an adult family member become part of a trick.

Grandparents should also find the format manageable. The room is small, seating is close to the stage, and the performance does not depend on walking between several attractions. For a multigenerational group, that simplicity is a genuine advantage.

Value at $18 per person

At $18 per person, this is one of the more affordable paid evening activities in Blackpool. You are paying for a live performance, a seat in an intimate venue, and the chance to see professional magic at close range. Drinks are extra, so include them in your budget if you want to use the bar.

The value is strongest for families who want a shared activity. A child might enjoy a toy or arcade session, but those activities can split the group into separate interests. This show gives children and adults the same event, with participation helping bridge the age gap.

The price also compares well with the quality of the setting. The venue is described as professional and well themed, while the show has been praised for feeling more polished than expected at this price. You should keep expectations in proportion: this is not a major theatre production with a large cast. It is a focused magic show in a small room.

For a family of four, the ticket cost comes to $72 before drinks. That is reasonable for an evening of hosted entertainment, especially if you value a performance that occupies the whole group rather than separate child and adult activities.

What to expect from the evening

The experience has a simple shape:

• You arrive at the House of Secrets and take a seat near the stage.
• Russ Brown welcomes the audience and begins the live performance.
• Magic tricks, illusions, comedy, and storytelling are mixed with audience participation.
• Children and adults may be invited to assist with selected tricks.
• You can purchase drinks from the bar during the show.
• Some children may receive balloon shapes at the end, depending on the performance.

There is no transport component or long walking route to manage. The activity takes place in one venue, making it easy to pair with another Blackpool plan before or after the show. The booking is valid for one day, but the exact starting time depends on availability, so check the date and time before paying.

The available details do not state the show’s exact length. That makes it difficult to plan a precise dinner reservation around it. If your evening depends on a strict schedule, confirm the start time and allow some breathing room rather than booking another fixed activity immediately afterward.

Practical comfort and accessibility

The venue is wheelchair accessible, which makes this a useful option for groups who need an accessible evening activity. Seating is close to the stage, and the compact layout means you are not moving between several areas during the performance.

The room can be dimmed and includes sound as part of the show. Staff have taken care to keep children informed about those changes, but families with particular sensory needs should ask for more detail before booking.

You will want to bring a credit card or cash. The ticket covers entry and a seat, but drinks must be bought separately. Since the bar is part of the venue, you can make the evening feel more like a casual night out, though families should remember that a drink purchase is optional.

The host speaks English, and the activity is offered in English. There is no information about translation or another language option, so non-English speakers may find the jokes and storytelling harder to follow.

Who will enjoy this most

I would choose this show for:

• Families with children who enjoy helping, guessing, and being part of a performance.
• Parents who want an activity that also entertains adults.
• Grandparents looking for a seated evening with younger family members.
• Visitors who prefer small venues to large, noisy productions.
• Anyone seeking a reasonably priced alternative to Blackpool’s bigger attractions.
• Repeat visitors who like the idea of seasonal changes to the show.

You may want to choose something else if your group dislikes audience participation, needs a completely quiet setting, or wants a huge stage spectacle. The show’s strength is its closeness and personal contact, so that same intimacy will not suit everyone.

It is also worth noting that children are not the only audience. A five-year-old can be captivated, but teenagers and adults can enjoy the comedy and the surprise as well. That broad age range is one of the strongest reasons to choose it for a mixed family group.

Booking flexibility and timing

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also lets you hold a place without paying immediately, which is useful when your Blackpool plans are still shifting.

Check availability for the starting time because the activity is listed as valid for one day rather than tied to a single daily schedule. You should also confirm the date carefully if you are visiting during a busy holiday period.

Since drinks are not included, decide in advance whether you want to use the bar. Bringing both cash and a card is the safest practical approach, as both are listed among the recommended items.

Should you book Russ Brown’s magic show?

Book it if you want friendly live entertainment at close range and your group includes several ages. The $18 price, accessible venue, good sightlines, and audience participation make this a practical choice for a family evening in Blackpool.

I would be especially keen to book for a parent, grandparent, and child group. The show gives everyone a shared memory, and the small room keeps the performance personal. Just remember that drinks cost extra, the exact show time must be checked, and the intimate style may not suit people who prefer to stay out of the spotlight.

For most families looking for something different from the usual seaside attractions, Russ Brown’s House of Secrets offers good value and a warm, participatory night out.

FAQ

Where does the magic show take place?

The show takes place at Russ Brown’s House of Secrets in Blackpool, Lancashire, United Kingdom.

Who performs the magic show?

Award-winning magician Russ Brown performs and hosts the show.

Is the show suitable for children?

Yes. The performance is designed for all ages, with children and adults invited to enjoy and sometimes take part in the tricks.

Are drinks included in the ticket?

No. Drinks are available to purchase from the venue’s bar, but they are not included in the entry price.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $18 per person.

Do all seats have a good view?

The venue is small and intimate, with seating close to the stage. The available information indicates that all seats provide a good view.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The activity information states that the venue is wheelchair accessible.

What language is the show in?

The host and performance are in English.

Can I cancel my booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.