Magic at a Manchester Corporate Awards Night

Friday night saw me back in Manchester performing for Adept Services’ annual awards evening. The venue? The Stables on Lower Byrton Street—a cosy space perfectly suited to the 90 guests in attendance. My mission for the evening? To shatter any lingering workplace stiffness with a little close-up magic and add some spark between courses.

Corporate events can often lean towards the formal side, and let’s face it, no one wants to feel like they’ve walked into a post-6pm board meeting with canapés. Enter me—the magician-calming-it-down-to-liven-things-up paradox.

After letting the crowd settle into the evening (no one likes a card trick before they’ve had their first sip of prosecco), I kicked off with a carefully chosen group to set the tone. Years of reading rooms have taught me that picking the right first audience is half the battle—nail it, and you’re freewheeling. Miss the mark? Well, we go again.

Corporate events are all about creating memorable experiences that bring people together, and magic is the perfect icebreaker. A skilled corporate magician can transform a formal gathering into a lively, engaging event where colleagues connect, laugh, and share unforgettable moments. Whether it’s a small team dinner or a large awards night like this one, magic adds a unique touch that leaves a lasting impression.

The reactions? Chef’s Kiss. One guest literally “collapsed” (thankfully, in a comedic, “I’m so amazed I lost the will to stand” way) following a particularly puzzling card trick. That moment and the ripple of laughter it caused spread the good vibes across the room—by the time dessert was served, the place was buzzing.

Close-up magic is more than just entertainment—it’s a way to break down barriers and spark conversations. At Adept Services’ awards night, magic worked its usual wonders, turning a potentially stiff evening into a fun, relaxed celebration. Watching colleagues swap stunned looks and whisper “how did he do that?” over their main course is a testament to how magic can bring people together.

This Friday proved exactly why magic is the not-so-secret weapon of corporate events. Adept Services had a room of people entertained, engaged, and connected by the time the awards started. Another successful night for this Manchester magician—and one particularly surprised guest who will (hopefully) stay vertical next time.

Planning your next event? Whether it’s awards nights, Christmas parties, or a corporate celebration that needs a little extra oomph, I’ve got you covered. Get in touch now and let’s make your event unforgettable (collapsing optional).

About ✨ Close-Up Chris✨

Chris is a professional magician in Manchester – he amazed guests at corporate events, weddings and parties. Visit his Corporate Magician page for more info.