Kinds of magicians

From close-up magic to stage and theatre, this is the definitive guide to hiring the right magician.

Planning an event and thinking of hiring a magician? You’ve made a solid choice—nothing turns a gathering into an unforgettable experience quite like a bit of magic. But here’s the catch (no sleight of hand involved): with so many types of magicians out there, how do you know which one suits your event? From mind-blowing close-up magic performed right under your nose to dazzling stage magic filled with theatrical flair, hiring the right performer can feel like navigating a hat full of smoke. Each type of magician brings their own unique spin to the art of magic tricks, and your event deserves the perfect fit.

This guide will break down the different types of performers—so whether you’re after intimate illusions or jaw-dropping spectacles, you’ll know exactly what to look for.

A Close-Up Magician

Looking to wow your guests with magic tricks performed right under their noses? A close-up magician is exactly what you need. These masters of sleight of hand specialize in performing tricks with cards, coins, and everyday objects just inches away, leaving spectators wide-eyed and questioning reality. Whether it’s casual mingling at corporate events or adding a spark to birthday parties, their style is perfect for intimate gatherings where the magic feels personal and immediate.

Often referred to as roaming magicians, strolling magicians, sleight-of-hand magicians, or even mix-and-mingle entertainers, they bring the party to your guests—literally. Picture exquisite card tricks over cocktail tables or impressive illusions with money mid-conversation. No need for big stage setups; these magic entertainers thrive on close interactions. That’s where the charm lies: every gasp and dropped jaw happens up close, making each moment unforgettable.

When you hire a professional magician skilled in close-up magic, you’re booking much more than a performer. You’re investing in someone who effortlessly blends entertainment with engagement, creating moments your guests will talk about long after the event. From sleek corporate parties to vibrant birthday celebrations, a close-up magician is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

Mind Reader

Ever wished someone could pluck thoughts straight from your mind? Enter the mind reader, the magician who turns your innermost musings into a stage-worthy spectacle. Think Derren Brown, the UK’s favourite mentalist, who brings mental magic to the forefront with seemingly impossible feats. These performers have your guests clutching their heads in disbelief, convinced they’ve just witnessed pure wizardry.

Mind reading, also known as mental magic, isn’t just a party trick—it’s a masterclass in psychology, intuition, and pure showmanship. Many magicians include this enchanting ability in their arsenal, offering jaw-dropping moments like guessing long-forgotten memories or your childhood crush. They might casually reveal a word you secretly wrote down or, for the brave, the name of your favourite (or least favourite) coworker.

Magic entertainers specializing in this craft have a unique talent for connecting with their audience on a deep, personal level. These seemingly impossible feats make your event stand out, whether you’re planning a high-stakes corporate gathering or an intimate evening with friends. Hiring a mind reader isn’t just hiring a performer—it’s inviting wonder, laughter, and a bit of delightful unease to your celebration. Prepare to be amazed. Or unnerved. Probably both.

Illusionist

When it comes to the grand stage and sheer spectacle, illusionists steal the show—literally. Imagine glamorous assistants, shimmering costumes, thunderous special effects, and illusions so dramatic they’d make Shakespeare grab some popcorn. These performers master the art of theatrical magic, crafting unforgettable experiences with big boxes, flashy tricks, and jaw-dropping moments of suspense.

The most famous magician in this field? None other than David Copperfield. Universally respected among different types of magicians, Copperfield has set the gold standard for illusionists. He’s captivated audiences worldwide with his unparalleled ability to make the impossible seem routine—like making the Statue of Liberty disappear. Casual stuff.

Illusionists dazzle with unbelievable feats like transporting objects across the stage, appearing or vanishing exotic animals, and slicing an assistant in half (don’t worry, they’re all fine… probably). Their larger-than-life performances grab the audience’s attention and refuse to let go, creating magic that transcends disbelief.

However, these masters of deception offer more than spectacle. Illusionists turn events into moments no one will forget. Whether you’re hosting a corporate gala or a high-energy celebration, a professional illusionist adds that extra wow factor that transforms an evening into an experience. If you’re ready to bring the big bangs and glamour, an illusionist is your best bet for a magical knockout.

Other successful illusionists include: Mac King,

Street Magic

Remember the late 90s, when magic exploded like a deck of cards thrown into a gust of wind? This raw, in-your-face style brought magicians like the famous David Blaine and Criss Angel straight to our televisions. Suddenly, magic wasn’t about grand curtains or smoky stages—it was right there on the streets, where anything felt possible.

This organic magic thrives on unpredictability. Picture a magician stopping a random passerby on the streets of Birmingham or London, performing a seemingly organic miracle—no props, no pretense, just pure, unfiltered magic. With a deck of cards, some coins, or everyday objects, these sleight of hand magicians can make your disbelief disappear faster than your lunch break.

David Blaine, one of the pioneers of modern magic, captivated millions by turning simple tricks into jaw-dropping spectacles. From levitating in thin air to encasing himself in ice for days, his feats still leave audiences questioning reality. Criss Angel, another legend, pushed street magic into edgy, rockstar territory, proving that sometimes the most dramatic show happens outside the theatre.

Street magic strips away the fancy gimmicks—no black velvet curtain, no giant illusions. It’s raw, gritty, and impossibly cool. The charm lies in its spontaneity, as magicians work their tricks up close and personal, blurring the line between everyday reality and the extraordinary.

Street Magician in the UK specialist: Paul Zennon

Children’s Magician

Ah, the children’s magician—often unfairly dismissed as the magician version of training wheels. But don’t be fooled; entertaining a room of sugar-fueled kids is not a job for the faint of heart. It takes a skilled performer to command a young audience’s attention, navigating the unpredictable storm of giggles, screams, and questions like, “Can I see the rabbit?”

A great kid’s magician is a master of adaptability. After all, entertaining a group of 4-to-6-year-olds with slapstick moments and bright visuals is vastly different from keeping a pack of 7-to-9-year-olds intrigued. And then there’s the pre-teen conundrum—the 10-year-olds who think they’ve seen it all, but secretly want to be amazed. It’s a tightrope walk of comedy, clever tricks, and genuine engagement, all while dodging sticky hands and relentless requests for balloon animals.

Magic performances for kids often feature colourful props, playful humour, and, of course, sleight of hand to keep even the sharpest little critics wide-eyed. Whether it’s pulling a coin out of someone’s ear or making a stuffed toy come alive, a skilled children’s magician turns birthday parties and family events into pure magic.

Don’t underestimate what it takes to nail this role. Children are the harshest critics—brutally honest and impossible to impress if you don’t know what you’re doing. Yet, the best children’s magicians make it all look easy, combining the precision of sleight of hand with an unmatched ability to cater to the unique energy of each age group.

If you want a guaranteed hit for your next children’s event, hire a professional kid’s magician. Among the different types of magicians, these performers have a special knack for captivating young minds and leaving adults wondering, “How did they do that?”

Cabaret Magician

Cabaret magicians are the bridge-builders of the magic world, blending the intimacy of close-up tricks with the showmanship of stage magic. Imagine a performance that’s personal enough to capture the sparkle in someone’s eye, yet large enough to keep an entire room enthralled. These magic performances cater to audiences of 20 to 100, creating a perfect middle ground for those who want something between table magic and grand illusions.

Often linked to parlor magic, cabaret performances shine because of their theatrical elements. A talented cabaret magician commands the audience’s attention with a mix of humor, charisma, and razor-sharp sleight of hand. It’s not about hiding behind massive props or mystifying black velvet curtains—it’s about creating a captivating connection that feels both spontaneous and spellbinding.

Unlike more traditional forms, cabaret magic thrives on versatility. One moment, a magician might be levitating everyday objects, and the next, they’re ushering volunteers into the spotlight for an impromptu piece of magic. This blend of showmanship and direct interaction keeps the magic performance dynamic and keeps the audience guessing at every turn.

When hiring a cabaret magician, you’re bringing in more than just tricks—you’re inviting a complete experience. Perfect for intimate venues or small celebrations, cabaret magicians deliver the kind of magic that leaves guests in awe, proving that sometimes the most enchanting performances happen close to home.

Pickpocket Magician

Think a pickpocket magician is just a smooth-talking thief in a fancy outfit? Think again. This unique kind of magician turns the subtle art of “stealing” into a jaw-dropping form of entertainment. Armed with an arsenal of sleight-of-hand skills and comedic timing, they don’t just pilfer watches, wallets, and ties—they do so with enough flair to make their unsuspecting targets laugh along with the rest of the audience. Best part? Everything finds its way back to its rightful owner—no cops needed.

One of the most fascinating aspects of a pickpocket magician’s performance is the blend of magic tricks, quick thinking, and close-up magic. Unlike a standard close-up magician who dazzles you with card tricks or coin vanishes, the pickpocket magician adds an unpredictable twist by “borrowing” personal items right under your nose. This keeps audiences on edge, constantly looking over their shoulders—just in case!

But the fun doesn’t stop at the intimacy of close-up magic. Many pickpocket magicians bring their performances to the stage as well. Combining stage magic with their cheeky thievery, they keep larger audiences engaged by using bold theatrics and hilarious interactions with volunteers. This mix of close-up and stage magic showcases the versatility of pickpocket entertainers, proving that no setting is too big or small for them to weave their crafty charm.

Sometimes crossing into realms associated with the comedy magician, it’s the humour and light-hearted nature that set these artists apart. They might crack jokes about getting away with “grand larceny” or make their audience believe they possess a supernatural eye for spotting every detail. The result? A show that fuses suspense, laughter, and awe in equal measure.

Escape Artist

When it comes to heart-pounding magic acts, the escape artist takes the crown for sheer nerve and drama. Among the most daring kinds of magicians, these performers don’t rely on supernatural powers—but who needs those when you’ve got guts, skill, and a questionable relationship with danger? These dare-devil performers specialise in seemingly impossible feats, like wriggling out of straitjackets dangling high above the stage or fleeing water tanks before the audience collectively forgets how to breathe.

Often categorized as a type of stage magician, escape artists use elaborate setups to captivate and terrify (but in a fun way) their audiences. Their performances are the highlight of many magic shows, blurring the line between entertainment and full-blown thriller. It’s not just about the escape itself, though; it’s the knack for building tension, the suspense of every ticking second, and the masterful showmanship that makes their art unforgettable.

But here’s the catch—they’re human, too. Despite how they effortlessly outmaneuver chains, locks, and maybe even gravity, they don’t hold any secret supernatural powers. What they have instead is relentless practice, precision, and a love of the dramatic that keeps people on the edge of their seats. You could say they snub danger by combining meticulous planning with a level of confidence most of us could only dream of—possibly explained by a life insurance policy we’d all envy (or fear).

Notable mention: Harry Houdini

Dove Magician

An act that practically flutters straight out of magic’s golden playbook. Balancing elegance and awe, this kind of magician brings seemingly impossible feats to life, where doves appear from thin air, vanish in a flash, and multiply in ways that could make a calculator question its purpose. Often seen as an archetypal stage magician, the dove magician excels at mesmerizing audiences with a perfect blend of showmanship and precision.

Sure, they’ve ruffled a few feathers with modern animal welfare discussions, but the allure of dove magic remains undeniable. Watching a skilled performer transform an empty scarf into a burst of feathers or command a flock to materialize mid-air is nothing short of enchanting. Lance Burton, one of the most famous magicians in history, owned this genre, setting the standard for every bird-wielding illusionist who dared follow.

But make no mistake—this is no amateur act. Dove magicians are experts at timing, handling, and a little thing called patience, as these routines require gruelling practice and a partnership with their feathered accomplices.

Kinds of Magicians

Magicians come in many forms, each bringing their own unique flair to the stage (or the crowd). From the intimate, cheeky antics of a pickpocket magician to the high-stakes drama of an escape artist, the world of magic offers something for everyone. Whether it’s a dove magician’s elegance or a cabaret performer’s jaw-dropping illusions, these artists prove that magic is as much about personality and showmanship as it is about the tricks themselves.

No matter the occasion or audience, choosing the right type of magician can transform an ordinary event into an unforgettable experience. With their ability to spark wonder and inspire awe, magicians continue to captivate us, reminding us that a little imagination can make the impossible feel startlingly real.

About Close-Up Chris

Close-Up Chris is a corporate magician, comedy magician and close-up magician who performs magic tricks like they’re going out of fashion! His sleight of hand magic is perfect for bringing guests together who don’t know each other. Unlike most magicians, Close-Up Chris isn’t award-winning but his Harry Potter type antics have earned him 5-star reviews on the world stage.