Reviewed · BRISTOL TOURS

The House Magicians Comedy Magic Shows

5.0 · 263 reviews 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) From $48 Operated by Smoke Mirrors · Bookable on Viator
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Magic show plus pizza is a solid combo. In Bristol’s small 1920s-style Smoke & Mirrors theatre, you get close-up and stage magic in an intimate room, with pizza and prosecco included so you can skip the pre-show dinner. Just note the vibe is adult focused, with rules that cut off heckling, talking, and recording, and you may be seated somewhere different than you expect.

If you like your entertainment personal, this is a great match. You will likely be close enough to see the work up close, and the show runs at a friendly pace for about 1 hour 30 minutes with comedy mixed in. One drawback to consider: it is a ticketed, controlled experience, so you need to follow the phone-silent and no-recording expectations, and lines are avoided by booking ahead, not by showing up late.

Key points to know before you go

  • A small, 1920s-style theatre keeps the action close, so the magic lands faster
  • Close-up and stage magic share the same show, with comedy woven in
  • Pizza and prosecco are included, so you can travel light on planning food
  • No long ticket lines when you book in advance, and you go in with a mobile ticket
  • Strict show etiquette (no heckling, no talking, no audio or video recording)
  • Limited capacity makes it feel more like a local night out than a big production

Entering The Smoke & Mirrors pub theatre in Bristol

The House Magicians Comedy Magic Shows - Entering The Smoke & Mirrors pub theatre in Bristol
This is the kind of evening where you can feel the room before the first trick starts. Smoke & Mirrors runs in a small theatre tucked into a pub setting, so the atmosphere is casual but intentional. Expect that close, in-the-room feeling that bigger venues just cannot copy.

Seating is assigned by the box office, and you will not know your exact spots in advance. That matters because this show includes audience interaction, so location can affect how involved you feel. Still, even without being the one on stage, you will be watching the performer in a way that feels direct.

One more thing I like in this style of venue: it makes a night out easy. You do not need a strict, formal plan for drinks and food first. You can focus on the show and just enjoy being there.

The 90 minutes you are really paying for

The House Magicians Comedy Magic Shows - The 90 minutes you are really paying for
The price is listed as $48.52 per person, and the value is not just the performance. You also get pizza and prosecco included, which is a big part of what turns this into a real evening activity, not just a show ticket.

In places where theatre starts at 8:00 sharp and everything costs extra, the included meal can save you money and time. Here, it also changes the tone. People settle in, eat, sip, and then the magic happens around you. It is a more relaxed flow than you might expect for a magic show.

The duration is about 1 hour 30 minutes, so it fits neatly between a daytime sightseeing block and a late dinner. If you are trying to pack in a couple of Bristol highlights, this is one of the easier evening add-ons.

More comedy and magic nights in Bristol:

Arriving, tickets, and what happens if you are late

The House Magicians Comedy Magic Shows - Arriving, tickets, and what happens if you are late
The show is ticketed and handled as a ticket-less experience. After booking, you receive a booking confirmation and e-receipt by email, and you will not get a traditional paper ticket sent to you.

It also helps that the venue is near public transportation. That means you can plan less around parking, and more around where you stay. Still, do give yourself buffer time, because this is not the kind of show where you want to show up during the performance.

If you arrive late, you will be seated during the interval. That is workable, but it is still a good idea to arrive before the start time so you catch the first moments without interruption.

Also keep your phone habits in check. Mobile phones must be switched to silent during the show. No calls. No texting during the performance. It is one of the key ways they protect the fun for everyone in the room.

Close-up magic, comedy, and the pacing that keeps you watching

The House Magicians Comedy Magic Shows - Close-up magic, comedy, and the pacing that keeps you watching
This is a Comedy & Magic format, not a pure magic concert. You should expect the performer to mix stand-up-style humor with hand-level tricks and then shift into larger stage magic moments. That mix is what keeps the show moving, and it is also what makes it friendly for people who do not call themselves magic experts.

The setting matters. In a small theatre, the performer does not need to rely on distance and big staging alone. Close-up tricks can feel more believable because you see the process unfold in front of you, from a short seat away. Even when you cannot figure out how something is done, you usually feel you had a fair shot at it.

The comedy side is also part of why this show works well for a mixed group. If one person is there for the magic and another just wants a fun night, the structure gives both something to latch onto.

And the vibe is controlled on purpose. There is no heckling and no constant interruptions. You are there to watch and listen, not to compete for attention. That policy is not just for politeness, it directly affects the quality of the performance because the performer can stay focused.

Included food and drink, and why it changes the experience

I really like that you do not need to eat dinner beforehand. Pizza and prosecco are included, which means you can plan the evening around the show instead of around a separate dinner reservation.

Because the show sits inside a pub theatre setting, you also get the sense that the room is built for casual hanging out. One of the most memorable parts of similar formats is how natural it feels to be in a place where people can have a drink while they watch, and where snacks and the show do not feel totally separate.

That said, there is alcohol on the table, so the venue has clear expectations about behaviour. The house has a policy about not admitting people who appear drunk at the door. If you want an easy, enjoyable night with minimal friction, follow the lead and keep the vibe steady from the start.

Audience participation and the rules that protect the show

The House Magicians Comedy Magic Shows - Audience participation and the rules that protect the show
Magic shows often ask for participation, and this one does too. If the magician needs audience help, you may be invited. In a small room, it is harder to hide from the possibility, and that is something to consider if you are shy or do not want to be involved.

The theatre also asks you to keep things quiet and respectful. Talking during the show is disruptive for people around you and for the performer, so it is not allowed. They also request no audio or video recordings, and no flash photography. Portable recording devices can ruin the flow, even if you think your phone is only aimed at your own seat.

They can also use strobe lighting and smoke, depending on the performance. So if you are sensitive to lights or smoke, take that into account before you book.

Age rules are also specific. Shows are strictly over 18 for some times, and there are lower minimum ages for earlier shows. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

If you are planning this for a group, it helps to set expectations up front. People who arrive ready to chat and film can quickly become a problem in a show like this. The rules exist to keep the experience fun and fair for everyone watching.

Ticket value in a small room: what makes it worth the money

The House Magicians Comedy Magic Shows - Ticket value in a small room: what makes it worth the money
For $48.52, you are paying for more than a performance slot. You are paying for:

  • A controlled, intimate theatre setting where the performer’s work is easier to follow
  • A show with both magic and comedy, so you get variety in one ticket
  • A meal and drink included, which can offset the real cost of an evening out
  • A time-efficient night at roughly 1 hour 30 minutes

It also helps that the experience size is limited, with a maximum capacity of 44 people. In practice, that usually means you get a more personal atmosphere than you would in a large auditorium. The crowd feels like the show includes you, not just watches you.

One practical plus: booking ahead helps you avoid long ticket lines. This is a strong recommendation if you want a smooth arrival. You can focus on getting a seat and getting settled, not on waiting.

Finally, the show can have last minute lineup changes. That is normal in touring entertainment, but it is worth remembering if you have your heart set on a specific comedian or magician. The operator says they will try to contact you in advance of changes.

Who this Bristol magic show is best for

The House Magicians Comedy Magic Shows - Who this Bristol magic show is best for
This is a great fit if you want a fun evening in Bristol with minimal planning. I would especially point it toward:

  • Couples looking for a friendly date night that is not overly formal
  • Small groups who want shared attention and a laugh
  • People who like close-up magic and do not mind a bit of participation
  • Anyone who appreciates clear rules that protect the room

It may not be the best match if you want a hands-off, no-interaction experience. Audience participation can happen, and the venue is firm about etiquette. If your group includes people who struggle with quiet during performances, you may end up frustrated.

Also, the pub setting is for adults in most times. If you are traveling with kids, double check the show age requirements for the specific start time you choose, and plan on an adult accompanying them.

Should you book The House Magicians Comedy Magic Shows in Bristol?

I would book it if you want an evening that feels local and close. The combination of comedy plus close-up magic, the pizza and prosecco included, and the small-room format makes it feel like a complete night out, not just a ticket stashed in your schedule.

I would skip it if you prefer a quiet, no-surprises show where you never interact with the action. The rules are strict for a reason, and the room runs that way. If you are okay following the “phone silent, no talking, no recording” approach, this is a smart value play for Bristol.

If your schedule is tight, booking ahead is the move. It helps you avoid lines and keeps your evening smooth from the first step into the pub theatre.

FAQ

How long is the House Magicians Comedy Magic Show?

The show is listed at about 1 hour 30 minutes.

What food and drinks are included?

The show includes pizza and prosecco.

Is it a mobile ticket or paper ticket?

It is a mobile ticket. You will receive a booking confirmation and e-receipt by email, and tickets will not be sent.

Is there a minimum age requirement?

Yes. The venue states that shows are strictly over 18 for the later 9pm show, and 16+ for 7pm and 8pm shows. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Can I bring a service animal?

Service animals are allowed.

Is it easy to reach by public transportation?

The venue is noted as being near public transportation.

What happens if I arrive after the show starts?

If you fail to arrive by the start time stated, you will be seated during the interval.

Can I cancel or change my booking?

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If it is canceled because a minimum number of travelers is not met, you may be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. The provider also notes that for any alterations, reductions, or cancellations, they will require the card details used in the booking.

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