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

The best thing about this Blackpool show is the close-up format. Magic happens near the audience, not at the far end of a grand theater, and Russ Brown regularly brings children and adults into the act. I like the easy central location and the warm, small-room feel, which helps even shy children feel part of the evening.

I also like the simple timing: arrive for the 7 pm start, watch for about 90 minutes, then keep the rest of your night free. The main consideration is scale. This is an intimate family show, so if you want a huge stage production with elaborate scenery, you may find the smaller room more personal than spectacular.

Key points to know before you book

• Close-up magic leads the show: Expect tricks performed near the audience, along with illusions, comedy, and stage magic.
• Children can join the action: Audience participation is a major part of the evening, and children may be invited onstage.
• The small venue matters: The intimate setting keeps the action personal and makes it easier to follow the tricks.
• The 7 pm start suits an evening out: The show lasts about 90 minutes, leaving time for dinner, the seafront, or another Blackpool attraction.
• The bar is useful but costs extra: You can buy drinks during your visit, including cocktails, but they are not part of the ticket.
• The price is modest: At $19.44 per person, the show offers a reasonably priced family activity, especially when compared with longer paid attractions.

Why this Blackpool magic show feels different

Blackpool has no shortage of evening entertainment, but this show takes a more personal route. Instead of relying only on a large stage, Russ Brown’s House of Secrets puts close-up magic, illusions, and audience participation at the heart of the night.

That changes the mood. You are not simply sitting back and watching a performer from a distance. Your child might help with a trick, an adult might be called into the act, and the audience as a whole becomes part of the comedy.

The show is designed for families, but it is not limited to very young children. The mix of magic and humor gives adults something to enjoy too. One especially useful sign is that the acts are varied, with close-up work joined by stage magic and illusions rather than one repeated style for the full 90 minutes.

The experience has earned a 4.9 rating from 108 reviews, with 99 percent of people recommending it. Those figures do not guarantee that every trick will land for every family, but they do point to a consistently well-received evening.

Finding Russ Brown’s House of Secrets in central Blackpool

The venue is in central Blackpool and is described as easy to find. It is also near public transportation, which helps if you are staying outside the center or prefer not to walk across town after dinner.

The meeting time is 7 pm. I would plan to arrive with enough time to find the venue and settle in, especially if Blackpool is busy. The show’s appeal depends partly on its close setting, so arriving in a rush would take away from the relaxed start.

You can use a mobile ticket, which keeps the booking simple. Confirmation is sent at the time of booking, and service animals are allowed. Most people can take part, making this a practical choice for a mixed-age family group.

The supplied information does not give a street address, seating plan, or parking details. If you are driving, check those points directly before setting off rather than assuming the central location will make parking easy.

What happens during the 90-minute show

The advertised program combines three related forms of entertainment: close-up magic, illusions, and stage magic. That combination gives the evening a wider range than a short demonstration at a bar or an isolated street performance.

Close-up magic is the most personal part. Tricks happen near the audience, allowing you to follow the performer’s hands and reactions at short range. In a small room, even a simple card or object trick can feel more direct because you are not watching it on a distant screen.

Illusions give the show a larger sense of occasion. Stage magic adds another change of pace, helping the 90 minutes feel like a full program rather than a single routine extended across the evening.

Comedy is also part of the format. This matters for children who may not follow every trick, and for adults who want more than a silent display of technical skill. The humor helps keep the night moving between pieces of magic.

Audience participation is one of the strongest features. Several children have been brought into tricks or onto the stage, and one shy child became eager to take part by the interval. That does not mean every child will be selected, but it does show the kind of friendly invitation you can expect.

If your child is keen to join in, encourage them to pay attention and respond when the performer asks for help. If your child is shy, there is no need to push. The show can still be enjoyed from the seat, and the relaxed atmosphere may help some children gain confidence naturally.

Surprise appearances have also been part of some performances, including guests connected with Britain’s Got Talent. Treat this as a possible bonus, not a promised part of your booking, since guest appearances can change from one date to another.

The small-room setting is part of the entertainment

The venue’s size is not a minor detail. A small room suits close-up magic because the performer can work directly with the audience rather than sending all the action toward the back row.

For families, this can make the show easier to follow. Children can see the performer clearly, and the audience participation feels more natural. Several families have described the atmosphere as welcoming, with everyone made to feel involved.

There is a trade-off. If you are expecting a large theater, grand scenery, or a major production with lots of stage equipment, this may feel modest. The magic is the main event, and the room supports it rather than competing with it.

That smaller scale is also why the show can work well as a holiday evening out. You are not committing an entire day to one attraction. You get a focused 90-minute program, then you can return to the promenade, find a late meal, or call it a night.

A family night that works across age groups

The strongest use of this experience is as a shared family activity. Young children can enjoy the visual tricks and the chance to help. Older children may appreciate the comedy and the feeling of being treated as part of the show. Adults get a proper evening performance rather than a children’s activity that simply keeps the little ones occupied.

The show is also useful for families with different comfort levels. One child may want to be onstage, while another prefers to watch. Since the evening includes several types of magic, not every moment depends on direct participation.

It can suit grandparents and grandchildren too. A grandmother visiting with her grandson described the close-up format as personal and suitable for all ages, and that is a fair way to think about the show. You do not need specialist knowledge of magic to enjoy it, and the comedy gives the performance a broad appeal.

Still, consider your child’s bedtime. The show begins at 7 pm, and children may remain at the venue until 10:30 pm if you want to stay longer. The performance itself lasts around 90 minutes, but a later finish may not suit very young children.

The bar and the option to stay longer

A well-stocked bar is available at the venue, giving adults a chance to buy a drink before or during the evening. Cocktails have been specifically praised as part of the night’s atmosphere.

Drinks cost extra, so include them in your budget. The ticket covers admission to the magic show, not your bar bill. This is useful if you want a grown-up drink, but you can also keep the evening to the ticket price and treat the bar as optional.

Children may stay in the venue until 10:30 pm if you want to spend more time there after the performance. That gives you flexibility, though the show itself does not require a long late-night commitment.

I would treat the bar as a bonus rather than the reason to book. The experience earns its value from the live entertainment and the close audience contact. Families with young children may prefer to leave after the 90-minute show, while groups with older children or adults may enjoy making a longer evening of it.

Is $19.44 per person good value?

At $19.44 per person, this is a reasonably priced ticket for a dedicated 90-minute evening show. The value is strongest when you want a complete activity that does not occupy your whole day.

A family of four would spend about $77.76 before drinks. That is still a meaningful cost, especially alongside Blackpool meals, rides, and other attractions, so you should book it because your group enjoys live magic, not simply because the ticket is cheap.

The close-up setting adds value. You are paying for a live performer working directly with the room, plus comedy, illusions, stage magic, and possible audience participation. If your child gets involved in a trick, the memory can feel more personal than a standard sit-down show.

The price is less attractive if you are mainly looking for a large-scale spectacle. This is not presented as a major theater production. It is a compact, interactive show where the performer and audience share the same room.

The high rating and 99 percent recommendation suggest that the ticket has delivered good value for many families. I would still check the date, start time, and your children’s energy levels before booking, since the 7 pm slot and possible late stay will not suit every household.

Practical booking and cancellation points

You receive confirmation at the time of booking, and the mobile ticket makes entry convenient. The venue is near public transportation, and most people can participate. Service animals are allowed.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the 7 pm start time. Canceling less than 24 hours ahead does not qualify for a refund, and changes made inside that window are not accepted.

The cut-off follows local Blackpool time. The show also requires a minimum number of people to operate, so if the provider cancels because that minimum is not reached, you will be offered another date or experience, or receive a full refund.

Who should book this show?

I would book it for families who want a friendly, interactive evening and for adults who enjoy seeing children become part of a live performance. It also fits well into a Blackpool stay because the 90-minute running time leaves room for other plans.

It is a good pick if your child enjoys helping, comedy, and the mystery of trying to work out how a trick happens. It can also suit shy children, since participation is encouraged but does not appear to be the only way to enjoy the show.

I would be more cautious if your group expects a giant stage, dramatic scenery, or a highly polished theater production. The small setting is central to the experience, and the show’s strengths are warmth, proximity, and audience involvement.

Should you book Russ Brown’s House of Secrets?

Yes, if you want a reasonably priced family night with close-up magic, comedy, and a real chance for children and adults to join the action. The central location, mobile ticket, 7 pm start, and 90-minute length make it easy to fit into a Blackpool itinerary.

Book with realistic expectations. You are choosing an intimate magic show, not a huge theatrical production. For most families, that personal scale is the point, and the 4.9 rating, strong recommendation rate, and repeated praise for audience participation suggest this is one of Blackpool’s safer bets for a shared evening out.

FAQ

Where does the magic show take place?

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

What time does the experience start?

The stated start time is 7 pm.

How long does the show last?

The performance lasts approximately 90 minutes.

What type of magic is included?

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

Is the show suitable for children?

Yes. It is presented as a family show, and children can take part in audience participation and stage routines.

Can adults enjoy the show too?

Yes. The mix of comedy, close-up magic, illusions, and stage magic is intended to suit both children and adults.

Is there a bar at the venue?

Yes. The venue has a well-stocked bar, but drinks cost extra.

Can children stay after the show?

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

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.