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A bride reacts as Pete James performs close-up magic in her hands at a marquee wedding reception

Close-Up Magician for Weddings, Corporate Events & Private Parties

Sleight-of-hand, mind-reading and pure astonishment, delivered up close. Trusted by couples, brands and hosts across London, Kent, Surrey and the UK.

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500+
Events Performed
15+
Years Experience
100%
Five-Star Google Reviews
UK Wide
Available Nationwide
Why Choose Pete

A Safe Pair of Hands for Your Event

The credentials event planners, venues and couples look for before they book.

Professional Close-Up Magician

Fully Insured

Punctual & Reliable

Trusted by Businesses

Wedding Specialist

Interactive Entertainment

Available Across London & UK

5-Star Rated on Google

Pete James headshot
15+ Years Experience
Meet Your Magician

Hi, I'm Pete

I'm a close-up magician based in Orpington, performing at weddings, in boardrooms and living rooms across London, Kent and the South East. Blending impossible card magic with fast-paced, in-the-moment mind reading, I create unforgettable moments that bring people together, spark conversation and leave guests talking long after the event has finished. Based on the edge of south-east London, I perform at events all over the capital, and there is more on my work as a magician in London, from City offices to riverside venues.

The difference between a memorable magician and a forgettable one isn't just the magic, it's knowing the room. I read the atmosphere, connect with your guests and adapt in real time: bringing energy to a lively wedding drinks reception or creating a more refined experience for an intimate boardroom audience. Every performance is shaped around the people in front of me, never a rehearsed script.

  • 500+ events performed across weddings, corporate events & private parties
  • Fully insured, with public liability cover
  • Based in Orpington - performing throughout Greater London, Kent, Surrey and UK-wide
Member of The Magic Circle
Member of The Magic Circle Associate of the Inner Magic Circle (AIMC)
Get In Touch
Services

Magic for Every Occasion

Close-up, mix-and-mingle and mind-reading entertainment, tailored to your event and guests.

Wedding Magic

Unforgettable entertainment for your special day. Breaking the ice between guests and keeping everyone amazed during drinks receptions, photos or the evening reception.

Learn More about Wedding Magic

Corporate Entertainment

Impress your team, make clients laugh, and guarantee a successful event. Stand out from the typical DJ or guest speaker with highly interactive, clean magic.

Learn More about Corporate Entertainment

Private Parties

Milestone birthdays, anniversaries, or intimate gatherings. Bring close-up mind-reading and sleight of hand right to your guests' tables.

Learn More about Private Parties
Reviews

What Clients Are Saying

Read & Leave a Review on Google

★★★★★

Pete came and did magic at my 60th party and it really made the evening special. He went round doing tricks within small groups and everyone was very impressed.

Anna-Marie L. Client review,
★★★★★

We would thoroughly recommend Pete. He amazed and entertained our guests and everyone commented how brilliant he was.

David D. Client review,
★★★★★

Made the evening memorable for many. Highly recommended !

Shariq W. Client review,
★★★★★

Pete came to our Golden Wedding celebrations where there was a full range of guests from youngsters to the retired. He performed a range of magic tricks that had everyone of every age agog. Everyone was enjoying it with the little ones just following Pete around, not able to believe what they had seen, and hard to impress ever sceptical teenagers amazed and engaged. If you have a multi generation event Pete is perfect and you will be very pleased you booked him for your event.

Mike & Rosemary S. Client review,
★★★★★

Booked Pete for my mums 80th birthday celebrations and was not disappointed. He turned up early, was completely professional, friendly, and blew the minds of all the guests there. Could not recommend him highly enough. Thanks Pete. Sorry it took so long to leave a review.

Jeff C. Client review,
★★★★★

A performer who strives for perfection, dedicated to his craft and stops at nothing to ensure you come away completely entertained and questioning reality. Highly recommend.

Neil S. Client review,
★★★★★

Loved Pete’s magic at our wedding!

Emma W. Client review,
★★★★★

I’ve seen Pete perform magic many times. He is an excellent magician who is confident, skilful and a well-established entertainer. I couldn’t recommend him enough

Chris W. Client review,
★★★★★

What a fantastic magician! He performed at our wedding, everyone loved him!

Sami E. Client review,
★★★★★

Pete was absolutely brilliant. There is no feasible explanation for the tricks he did other than magic. We were all blown away - would highly recommend!

Lauren W. Client review,
★★★★★

Pete was a fantastic addition to my birthday event! I've had a lot of positive feedback from my guests and would definitely recommend to anyone else looking for a magician for an event!

Ian D. Client review,
★★★★★

We booked Pete for our wedding and he was absolutely amazing. Our guests were coming up to us all night and messaging us the next day raving as to how much they enjoyed his magic. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him! I will keep my playing card with my new name and wedding date, that Pete produced from god knows where, forever! Brilliant.

Vikki M. Client review,
★★★★★

Pete came to our 50th Birthday Party and did an absolutely phenomenal job! All our guests were blown away with his magic (as were we!), and with Pete himself being so personable it was nothing but a huge success! Thanks so much Pete.

Julia N. Client review,
★★★★★

Pete performed at our wedding last week and he was absolutely incredible! The guests are still talking about him now. The close up magic was amazing, and none of us can figure out he did any of his tricks. He was an absolute brilliant addition to our day and I’d recommend him to anyone, thank you!

Abigail T. Client review,
★★★★★

We had Pete at our wedding last week and he was absolutely outstanding! Our guests where blown away with his magic and his work is fantastic! We still have people messaging us over a week later at how great he was. Would highly recommend Pete for a wedding, he helped bring our guests together at their tables and totally relaxed the room. We couldn't believe how amazing his tricks where! Thanks again Pete! We hope to use Pete again one day at our next big gathering. All the best, Rachel & Lee xxx

Rachel G. Client review,
★★★★★

Pete provided the 'magic' at our Golden Wedding celebration. Everyone really enjoyed his performance and it provided the extra special element that we wanted for our family and friends. The youngsters there were also very impressed - never having seen a magician in person before and Pete's quiet professional manner went down very well - they loved it! I would definitely recommend Pete for a family occasion like this.

Rosemary S. Client review,
★★★★★

What a very brilliant act for all ages. We had children oldies and special needs and it was great for them all. HIghly recommended

Maurice C. Client review,
★★★★★

Wow! Pete was perfection from start to finish. Efficient and professional communication prior to the event, relaxed and confident setup and utterly enthralling and mystifying throughout his performances. Our guests were blown away at the intricacies of his magic and many were discussing him in detail at breakfast the following morning. Absolute 5 star act and I would highly recommend booking him for the wow factor! Would happily see again at future events! Thank you Pete!

Ellie S. Client review,
★★★★★

WOW WOW WOW!
We had Pete at our 25th wedding anniversary and what can I say!! He was absolutely brilliant and extremely personable. Words cannot express how he kept our guests entertained. They were truly mesmerised!!!

A definite must for any party/celebration.

Linda S. Client review,
★★★★★

Peter performed at our 25th wedding anniversary party & right from the start he was brilliant. He circulated the guests and wowed them from the start. The magic was excellent and his engagement with everyone was top class, really started the nigh off well & I highly recommend him. The night was a success and I have Peter to thank for getting things going right from the start.

Dave S. Client review,
★★★★★

We booked Pete for our wedding in November and he was absolutely amazing! We would highly recommend him!

Will P. Client review,
★★★★★

Made our night! What talent! Charmed us all with his affability as well as his magic - beyond incredible

Em S. Client review,
★★★★★

Pete was superb at my father in law’s 80th birthday party. He stepped in last minute as a previously booked magician couldn’t attend due to Covid precautions. He is a very smooth, friendly and professional magician. He was the hit of the evening. He went from table to table performing illusions which delighted everyone. There was laughter and wonderment from everyone. I would thoroughly recommend Pete as he entertaining, and truly gifted with his craft. Book him, you won’t regret it.

Roy A. Client review,
★★★★★

I would highly recommend Pete! He performed at our wedding on Saturday and was phenomenal. Pete was one of the best magicians that I have come across and wowed our guests. Such a fun and special part of the wedding! Pete was friendly and very quick to respond to emails/messages. Thank you again Pete! Claire and Giran

Claire T. Client review,
★★★★★

Best Magician!!

Stephanie H. Client review,

Planning an Event?

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

I am based in Orpington, Greater London, UK, but regularly perform at high-profile events nationwide and internationally - including regularly across Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Essex, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

Close-up magic happens right under your nose using everyday items, cards, and mind-reading. Stage magic is designed to entertain an entire room simultaneously from a central platform.

Yes! The performance relies heavily on respectful, high-energy audience participation, ensuring your guests are the real stars of the show.

Absolutely - my close-up and family-friendly routines work brilliantly for younger guests, though my core specialism is adult weddings, corporate events and private celebrations. Let me know your audience when you enquire and I'll tailor the material accordingly.

Most bookings run one to two hours of mixed-and-mingled close-up magic, though I offer flexible packages from a short 45-minute slot up to a full day's entertainment - whatever suits your event.

Yes. Every performance is shaped around your event, guests and venue. From card magic and mind-reading at wedding drinks receptions to interactive stage-style sets for corporate audiences.

The Magic Circle is Britain's most respected society for magicians, founded in 1905. It isn't a membership you can simply pay for - every applicant has to pass a formal examination (or submit a thesis) in front of a panel of existing members, demonstrating real skill and knowledge of the craft, before being admitted. I've been a Member since 2016.

AIMC stands for Associate of the Inner Magic Circle - a further distinction above standard membership, awarded by the Society beyond the initial membership requirements. I was promoted to AIMC in 2021.

Get In Touch

Book Pete for Your Event

Fill out the form and I'll get back to you within 24 hours with availability and a quote - covering London, Kent, Surrey and beyond.

Enquiry Form

Contact Details

Phone 07972 446886
Location Orpington, Greater London, UK
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