Blackpool: Family Magic Show with Award-Winning Magician

Blackpool’s House of Secrets puts you close enough to watch the magic happen right in front of you. Award-winning magician Russ Brown works in a small venue, brings children and adults into the act, and keeps the evening moving with tricks, stories, and plenty of laughs. I like the excellent sightlines from every seat and the way the show gives families something to do together, rather than leaving parents to watch from the sidelines.

I also like the £? Wait, listed price is $18, so say $18 price and the relaxed bar setting. It is a strong-value choice for a family evening, especially when Blackpool’s bigger attractions start to strain the holiday budget. The main point to consider is that this is a small, intimate magic show, not a large theatrical production, so anyone hoping for grand stage effects may prefer a bigger venue.

Key points to know before you book

• Russ Brown hosts the show: You get a live performance from an award-winning magician who also handles the audience interaction.
• Every seat is close to the action: The compact venue gives you a clear view of the stage, including from the back.
• Children and adults take part: Audience participation is a major part of the evening, with children sometimes helping with tricks.
• The atmosphere is cosy and informal: You can buy drinks from the bar and enjoy them during the performance.
• The show suits mixed-age families: It has enough humour and participation for adults, while children can enjoy balloon shapes and hands-on moments.
• The price is easy on a family budget: At $18 per person, it costs less than many large Blackpool attractions.

Why this small Blackpool magic show works so well

The best thing about this experience is its scale. At House of Secrets, you are not looking at a distant stage through rows of seats. The performance takes place in a small room, so the magician can speak directly to the audience and bring people into the tricks.

That closeness matters with magic. You can watch Russ Brown’s hands, follow the story, and see the reactions of people beside you. The show feels more like a shared evening in a lively bar room than a formal theatre production. That makes it a good fit when you want entertainment that feels personal and easygoing.

I particularly like the mix of ages this show is built for. A five-year-old can be fascinated by a trick or balloon animal, while a teenager or parent can enjoy the comedy, storytelling, and clever stage work. The performance does not depend only on children shouting answers or being called on stage. Adults are included too, which helps avoid the common family-show problem where parents simply sit and wait for it to finish.

The setting also helps. The venue has a themed, cosy feel, and the bar offers drinks for purchase during the show. You can bring a credit card or cash, which is useful because drinks are not included in the ticket price.

Sitting close to the stage at House of Secrets

Your ticket includes entry to the magic show and a seat in the small venue. Seating is arranged so that the audience has a good view of the stage, and the compact room means you should not feel far away from the action.

That is a real advantage for families. Younger children often lose interest when they cannot see what is happening. Here, the close-up format keeps the tricks visible and gives children a better chance of following the action. One practical point is that audience participation is part of the experience, so you should expect some direct interaction rather than a performance you simply watch in silence.

The intimate room also gives Russ Brown room to notice what is happening in the audience. He can respond to children and adults, bring people into a trick, and adjust the tone of the show. That personal contact is one reason this experience feels different from a standard stage show.

The tradeoff is equally clear. A small venue cannot offer the scale, lighting, or grand scenery of a large theatre production. If you want spectacular illusions viewed from a distance, this may feel modest. If you prefer close-up magic and a friendly room, the size is one of the show’s strengths.

What Russ Brown brings to the performance

Russ Brown is both magician and host, so he controls more than the tricks. He welcomes the audience, tells stories, manages the pace, and makes sure children and adults have a place in the show.

The performance is described as professional, funny, and highly interactive. You can expect a mixture of magic tricks and illusions performed live, with audience members helping at different points. A child may be invited to assist with a trick, or an adult may find themselves part of the joke. The show uses that gentle surprise well, especially when a parent or grandparent is brought into the action.

That interaction gives the evening a social quality. You are not only watching Russ perform. You are also watching your own family respond, laugh, and try to work out how a trick was done. For many families, that shared reaction becomes the main memory of the night.

Children may also receive balloon shapes at the end. This is not listed as a formal inclusion, so you should not treat it as a guaranteed feature for every performance. Still, it has been part of the experience described by several families and adds a cheerful finishing touch for younger children.

A family show that does not leave adults behind

Many children’s shows are enjoyable for the children but tiring for the adults. This one aims at both groups. The magician includes grown-ups in the tricks, uses humour for different ages, and keeps the performance lively without making it feel like a preschool activity.

That balance is especially useful if you are visiting Blackpool with children of different ages. A younger child may enjoy the visual magic and balloon shapes. An older child or teenager may respond more to the comedy, the audience participation, and the challenge of trying to spot the method behind a trick. Parents and grandparents can take part rather than simply supervising.

The show has also been described as suitable for families with children as young as five, though the supplied information does not give a formal minimum age. You know your own child best. A child who enjoys live performance and being part of a group is likely to get more from it than one who dislikes attention or audience noise.

The team is also reported to explain sound and dimmed lighting to children, which can help families prepare for the environment. That does not mean the show will suit every sensory preference, but the effort to keep children informed is useful.

Drinks, atmosphere, and the evening setting

The bar is part of the appeal. You can buy drinks and enjoy them while watching the show, making the experience feel more like an evening out than a children’s daytime activity.

Cocktails have been available, and the bar team has been described as helpful and polite. Drinks are not included, so remember to budget for them separately. Bringing cash or a credit card is sensible, as both are listed among the useful things to have with you.

The room is described as cosy, themed, and comfortable. That atmosphere supports the style of performance. You are close to other audience members, laughter carries across the room, and the magician can play off the energy in the room.

The drawback is that a small bar-style venue may not suit someone looking for a quiet, formal theatre setting. The experience is social and interactive. If you prefer to sit unnoticed, audience participation may feel like a drawback rather than a benefit.

How much value do you get for $18?

At $18 per person, this is one of the more affordable evening activities in Blackpool. The ticket covers the live show and your seat, while drinks cost extra. For a family of four, the entry price is still manageable compared with many major attractions, especially if you are looking for something beyond the usual rides and arcades.

The value comes from the format. You are paying for a live performance in a small room, with direct interaction and good views from all seats. There is no need to pay extra for a better section because the venue is compact.

The price is also helpful when you are building a mixed itinerary. You might spend the day at the seaside or on larger attractions, then choose this show for an evening activity that is less physically demanding. It gives children a change of pace while still feeling like a proper night out.

Do remember that the show is sold as a one-day activity, with starting times depending on availability. Check the time before booking so it fits your plans. The information provided does not give a fixed running time, so you should not assume an exact length when arranging transport or dinner.

Who will enjoy it most?

I would suggest this show to families who want a friendly, shared activity with plenty of contact between performer and audience. It is particularly well suited to parents, grandparents, and children visiting Blackpool together.

It is a good match for:

• Families with children and adults in the same group
• Children who enjoy magic, jokes, and helping on stage
• Grandparents looking for an easy evening activity with a grandchild
• Visitors who prefer a small venue to a large theatre
• Anyone seeking a reasonably priced alternative to Blackpool’s bigger attractions
• Families who want a show where the children can stay involved

It may be less suitable if you want a long, grand theatrical production with elaborate scenery. It may also be less comfortable for someone who strongly dislikes audience participation.

The show is wheelchair accessible, which is important for planning, though the available information does not provide further details about the exact seating arrangement or venue facilities. If you need specific access arrangements, contact the provider before booking.

Booking flexibility and useful planning tips

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There is also a reserve-now, pay-later option, which lets you hold a place without paying at the time of booking. That is useful when your Blackpool plans may change with the weather.

The host and performance language is English. Since the show depends on storytelling, humour, and direct audience interaction, a good understanding of English will help you get the most from it.

Bring a credit card or cash for drinks and any other spending at the venue. The ticket includes the show and seat, but not refreshments.

I would also plan to arrive ready for participation. You do not need to volunteer, but you should expect Russ Brown to involve members of the audience. If you are visiting with children, tell them that they may be invited to help, while adults should be prepared for their turn too.

Is Russ Brown’s show worth booking?

Yes, for most families looking for an affordable and personal evening in Blackpool. The strongest reasons to book are the close seating, the friendly host, the mix of audience participation and magic, and the fact that adults can enjoy it alongside children.

At $18 per person, it offers good value without asking you to commit to a full day or a costly attraction. Choose it if you like live entertainment in a cosy setting and want your family to share the experience. Skip it only if you want large-scale theatrical effects or would rather avoid being part of the show.

For a grandparent and child, a family with mixed ages, or anyone seeking a break from Blackpool’s louder attractions, House of Secrets is a sensible pick. The changing seasonal show also gives repeat visitors a reason to return, though you should check what is scheduled for your date.

FAQ

Where does the magic show take place?

The show takes place at Russ Brown’s House of Secrets in Blackpool, Lancashire, United Kingdom.

Who performs the magic show?

The show is performed and hosted by Russ Brown, an award-winning magician.

Is the show suitable for children and adults?

Yes. The performance is designed for all ages, with magic, humour, audience participation, and opportunities for both children and adults to take part.

Will the audience take part in the tricks?

Yes. Audience participation is part of the show, and members of the audience may be invited to help with tricks.

Are drinks included in the ticket?

No. Drinks are available to buy from the bar but are not included in the entry ticket.

What does the ticket include?

The ticket includes entry to the magic show and a seat in the small, intimate venue.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Can I cancel my booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.