Friday evening was nothing short of magical as I had the pleasure of performing at GSA’s 20th anniversary celebration. The event was held in their stunning top-floor offices, offering spectacular views of London—just the kind of backdrop you’d expect for a milestone celebration.

With around 100 guests in attendance, my role was clear: bring the magic and make sure everyone had a blast. The occasion was lively, with plenty to propel the festivities forward—cocktails, sushi, and a buzzing young crowd filled the room. It was mix-and-mingle close-up magic at its finest.

Performing in a loud, high-energy setting always comes with its own set of challenges. When the atmosphere is electric, it can sometimes feel like you’re competing with the room itself. Noise levels tend to add an extra layer of complexity, especially for close-up magic, where people need to hear and focus on what’s unfolding just inches in front of them.

But that’s why I love it. Moments like these push you to step up and turn that lively chaos into the perfect stage. It’s all about adapting your performance to suit the crowd’s tempo. And what a crowd this was—spirited, engaged, and ready for a good time. It didn’t take long before the tricks started to work their magic (pun intended), and the energy in the room shifted to include a little more awe, a lot of laughter, and the occasional “How did you do that?!”

It’s hard to describe the sound of magic—half gasps, half shrieks, with some head-shaking disbelief thrown in for good measure. But that’s exactly what started to ripple through the room as I made my way around. There’s something incredibly rewarding about watching faces light up as people witness something that doesn’t quite make sense but still leaves them smiling.

From the levitating objects to the cards that simply refused to stay where they were put, every routine found just the right pocket of surprise and amazement. Even in such a boisterous space, moments of connection and wonder pulled everyone in. Those are the beats that turn “just a work celebration” into something unforgettable.

GSA‘s 20-year celebration was nothing short of incredible. Between the stunning views of the London skyline, the excellent cocktails, the sushi (yes, I grabbed a taste or two—magicians are human too), and the vibrant crowd, it felt like everyone was part of something special. I was simply the ingredient that added a little extra magic to the mix.

While the noise and energy made it challenging, those are the gigs I live for. There’s something special about creating a sense of wonder amidst the chaos—a reminder that even in a loud world, there’s always room for a little mystery and magic.

Here’s to 20 more years for GSA and to many more nights filled with laughs and jaw-dropping moments! Between the incredible views, buzzing atmosphere, and memorable magic, this was truly a celebration to remember.

If you’re planning your own celebration and want to add some unforgettable magic to the mix, you know where to find me—just don’t expect me to bring the sushi.

About ✨ Close-Up Chris✨

Close-Up Chris is a professional London Magician. His close-up magic is ideal for corporate celebrations! Check out his corporate magician page if you’re interested in more information.