About Pete James
Magic Circle close-up magician based in Orpington, performing at weddings, corporate events and private parties across London, Kent, Surrey and the UK.
Pete James at a Glance
- Based in Orpington, on the edge of south-east London
- Member of The Magic Circle since 2016
- Associate of the Inner Magic Circle (AIMC) since 2021
- 15+ years and 500+ events
- Weddings, corporate events and private parties
- London, Kent, Surrey and UK-wide
- Fully insured with public liability cover
I’m Pete James, a close-up magician based in Orpington, Kent. I’ve been a Member of The Magic Circle since 2016 and an Associate of the Inner Magic Circle since 2021, and in more than 15 years I’ve performed at over 500 weddings, corporate events and private parties across London, Kent, Surrey and beyond.
How I Got Here
It started in Covent Garden around 2010, when I picked up my first few tricks. I was hooked almost straight away. Every spare hour went into learning new magic, and anyone who’d sit still long enough became a very patient test audience.
My first paid booking was a garden party at a residential address in Farnborough Park, near Bromley. Before long I was performing on boat parties along the River Thames, where you learn quickly how to hold a crowd that is moving, talking and watching the skyline go past. I also became the resident magician at a regular hip hop brunch series in London. Performing for big, lively crowds week after week is where my act really took shape.
Those years of learning what works in every kind of room are what took me to The Magic Circle in 2016.
I wrote about the Magic Circle part of the journey in My Journey to Becoming a Member of The Magic Circle.
What I Do
I perform close-up magic: impossible card magic and fast, in-the-moment mind reading, right in the hands of your guests. No stage, no props table, no sound system. I move through the room, read the atmosphere and adapt as I go, whether that’s a lively drinks reception or a quiet boardroom.
- Wedding magic: drinks receptions, the wedding breakfast and the evening reception
- Corporate entertainment: client events, awards dinners, Christmas parties and trade show stands
- Private parties: birthdays, anniversaries and celebrations at home or in a venue
What The Magic Circle and AIMC Mean
The Magic Circle is the UK’s best-known society of magicians, founded in 1905. Joining isn’t simply a case of applying: you are interviewed, then either perform an examination act in front of a panel of judges or submit a written thesis. Associate of the Inner Magic Circle (AIMC) is a higher degree that members can go on to earn through a further examination. I became a member in 2016 and was made an Associate in 2021.
Where I’ve Performed
From village halls and pub function rooms to London’s biggest exhibition centres. Trade show work has taken me to Olympia, ExCeL London and the NEC, and abroad to Frankfurt and Dubai. Closer to home I’ve performed at venues including The Clockhouse Pavilion in Swanley, Chilston Park Hotel near Maidstone, Rowhill Grange near Dartford and Hayne Barn House near Hythe.
The Practical Bits
- Full public liability insurance, plus PAT certificates and a written risk assessment if your venue asks for them
- Based in Orpington, with no travel charge across London, Kent, Surrey and Berkshire
- Wedding bookings from £450 to £1,200 (see the full price breakdown)
- 100% five-star Google reviews
Find Me Elsewhere
Check Your Date
If you have a date in mind, send me the details and I’ll tell you straight away whether I’m free and what it would cost. Check your date and get a quote