Close-Up Magician for jaw-dropping magic happening in their own hands
Magic performed inches away, with borrowed rings, signed cards and your guests’ own phones. Matt moves between groups as they mingle or dine, so everyone gets a moment of their own. A multi-award-winning close-up and card magician, and the Sussex Magic Circle’s Card Competition winner for 2026–27, trusted by Google, HSBC and Amazon.
See the reactions for yourself
A minute and a half of real guests at real events: close-up magic, mind reading and iPad magic.
Trusted by the world's biggest names
From product launches and trade shows to company dinners and sporting hospitality, global brands hire Matt when the event matters.
Magic that happens in their own hands
Close-up magic is performed inches from your guests, not on a stage across the room. A signed card appears somewhere impossible. A borrowed ring vanishes and comes back. A coin appears in a guest’s own closed hand. Nobody is watching from a distance, because everyone is part of it.
Matt has spent more than 20 years performing close-up magic, at more than a thousand events. He moves between groups during drinks receptions and goes table to table at dinner, so every guest gets a moment of their own, whether there are twenty of you or 550, as at a military ball.
The magic is modern and good-humoured. Nobody is embarrassed, and it’s the perfect icebreaker: guests who have never met end up laughing together and comparing notes for the rest of the night. Matt blends sleight of hand with mind reading and phone and iPad magic, so no two groups see the same thing.
Seated dinner? See table magician. Want a set for the whole room? See after-dinner magician.
The guests are famous. The reaction is the same.
That's Amazing!!!
I just don't understand???
Awesome! Mate THAT is so cool! Can we get a photo together?
How?… How??? THAT is good!
You're freaking me out right now!
WOW, Amazing, Amazing!
That is very, very, very, VERY GOOD!
Did you see the one where he pulls the tennis ball out of the iPad?
WOW that’s good!… Do that again!
I'm going to hire you and we are going to make money!
Can I have your signature?
Have you seen this guy?… He is AMAZING!!!
Close-Up magic for every occasion
Close-up magic works everywhere, because it needs no stage, no lights and no set-up.
“Matt performed at a Ball for over 550 military personnel and their guests and was absolutely fantastic. He jumped from group to group wowing everyone with his close up magic. Even though we tried to video him, we still can’t work out how he did any of his tricks.”
Simple to hire, effortless on the day
Send Your Date
Tell Matt your date, venue and roughly how many guests. A quick message or call is enough.
Plan the Timings
Matt suggests when the magic works best: as guests arrive, between courses, or both.
Liaise with Your Venue
Matt works around your venue, caterers and photographer, so you don’t have to think about it.
On the Day
Matt arrives early, dressed to suit your event, and needs no stage, table or set-up.
Popular dates book up early. Check Matt’s availability for your event.
What clients say about Matt
“Matt is quite simply the best close-up magician we have ever seen. … Magic ‘lovers’ and magic ‘doubters’ were all left speechless after seeing his card tricks.”
“His close up magic has to be seen to be believed, the gasps of amazement from the crowd were audible throughout the night.”
“It was unbelievable that Matt’s magic was so close up, yet none of our guests figured out how he did it. Never seen such a slick act.”
“We had the pleasure of having Matt perform at my birthday, and it was the highlight of the evening. His close up magic was absolutely mesmerising. My friends and I are still wondering how he did it!”
“He is without doubt the most amazing close up magician I have ever seen… even watching him do something a few times over I’m still completely clueless as to how he does what he does!”
“Matt did close up table magic at our company Christmas event and he was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! Everyone at the event has not stopped talking about the magic he performed!!”
Many clients first saw Matt as a guest at someone else’s event, then booked him for their own.
Real events. Real reactions.
Why event planners hire Matt
- £10mpublic liability insurance, so venues and planners are covered
- 20+years performing professionally, full time
- 1,000sof events, from private dinners to Wimbledon and Twickenham
- 250+reviews from clients and celebrities
- 12countries performed in, outside the UK
Hiring a close-up magician
What is close-up magic?
Magic performed for small groups at arm’s length, often in the guests’ own hands: card magic, coins, borrowed rings and phones. It’s also called walkabout, roaming or strolling magic.
How much does a close-up magician cost?
Every event is quoted individually, because the fee depends on the date, location, how long you’d like Matt to perform and your guest numbers. Send your details for a clear quote.
How many guests can you perform for?
Any number. Matt has performed for 550 guests at a single military ball by moving from group to group. For large events he’ll suggest timings so everyone sees the magic.
How long do you perform for?
Usually between one and two hours, depending on guest numbers, so every group sees the magic up close.
When is the best time for close-up magic?
Drinks receptions are the most popular, because guests are mingling. Between courses at dinner also works brilliantly.
Do you need a stage or any set-up?
No. Close-up magic needs no stage, lighting or sound. Matt simply arrives and starts.
Do you have public liability insurance?
Yes, £10 million public liability insurance, which many venues ask for.
How far ahead should I book?
As early as you can, especially for summer weekends and December. If your date is close, it’s still worth asking.
Close-Up magic across London and the UK
Book a magician for your event
Tell Matt your date, venue and guest numbers, and he’ll come back to you quickly with availability and a quote.