90 Minute Family Close-Up Magic and illusionism Show in Blackpool

The best thing about Russ Brown’s House of Secrets is its small, personal setting. This is not a distant stage show where you sit quietly in the dark. Russ works close to the audience, brings children and adults into the tricks, and mixes close-up magic with larger illusions and comedy. Surprise appearances can also happen, as one evening included guests from Britain’s Got Talent.

I like the easy central location and the simple evening plan: arrive for 7pm, enjoy about 90 minutes of magic, then decide what to do with the rest of your night. I also like the friendly, welcoming tone, especially for families with shy children. The main consideration is that the bar costs extra, and the intimate venue may feel less grand than a large theatre production.

Key points to know before booking

• Russ Brown leads a family show with close-up magic, stage illusions, comedy, and audience participation.
• The intimate venue puts you near the action, which helps children follow the tricks and take part.
• The 7pm start leaves your evening open, with the main performance lasting about 90 minutes.
• Children may stay at the venue until 10:30pm, useful if you want to make the night last longer.
• The central Blackpool location is easy to find and close to public transportation.
• The listed price is $19.44 per person, with drinks from the bar charged separately.

Why the small House of Secrets venue matters

Magic works best when you can see the performer’s hands. At Russ Brown’s House of Secrets, the show takes place in an intimate setting rather than a vast theatre. That gives the evening a more personal feel and makes audience participation easier.

I would choose this format if you want a family activity where the children are not simply watching from a distance. The show includes close-up magic, stage magic, illusions, and comedy, so the pace is not built around one type of trick. You can expect a mixture of visual surprises and moments when someone from the audience is invited to help.

That personal contact is one of the strongest reasons to book. Children may be asked to take part, and adults are included too. The experience can therefore work well for a mixed-age family, rather than being aimed only at very young children.

The small room also means the atmosphere matters. Several of the comments about the show point to a warm welcome, an electric mood, and the feeling that everyone is part of the performance. I would not treat that as a promise that every person will be selected, but the format clearly allows more contact than a standard stage production.

A 7pm start and a 90-minute evening plan

The show begins at 7pm and lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes. That makes it easy to fit into a Blackpool holiday, especially if you have already spent the afternoon at the seafront or amusement attractions.

I like this timing because you are not giving up the whole night. After the performance, you can head out for food, continue along the promenade, or return to the venue and stay until 10:30pm if you want a longer family evening.

You should allow time to find the venue in central Blackpool and get settled before the performance. The location is described as easy to find, and it is near public transportation. Still, I would avoid arriving at the last minute if you are visiting with children. A calm arrival gives you time to use the facilities, find your seats, and order a drink if you want one.

The 90-minute length is also a good match for younger children. It is long enough to feel like a proper night out, but not so long that the evening becomes hard work. The show may include an interval, since one family described a child becoming keen to join in by halftime. The exact running order is not provided, so treat the interval as part of the reported show format rather than a guaranteed schedule detail.

What happens inside Russ Brown’s show

The performance is built around several kinds of magic. You can expect close-up tricks, illusions, stage magic, comedy, and direct interaction with the audience.

Close-up magic is especially useful in this setting because it rewards attention. Instead of relying only on big visual effects, the show can bring the action near to the audience. For children, that can make a trick feel less like a screen effect and more like something happening right in front of them.

The stage illusions give the evening a different scale. You are not getting 90 minutes of card tricks at a table. The mix of smaller magic and stage effects helps the show appeal to both adults who enjoy clever technique and children who want a bigger sense of wonder.

Comedy is another important part of the evening. The show is described as funny as well as magical, and that matters for a family group because not everyone will respond to every trick in the same way. A joke, a volunteer, or an unexpected moment can keep the room lively between the more technical effects.

Audience participation is central. Children may help with a trick or be brought onto the stage, while adults can also become part of the action. If your child is shy, do not assume participation will be a problem. One family found that a very reserved child became eager to get involved by the interval. At the same time, you should be comfortable with the possibility that participation is offered rather than guaranteed.

A particularly fun detail is the possibility of surprise guests. One evening included performers from Britain’s Got Talent. That is not listed as a fixed part of every performance, so I would see it as an occasional bonus, not something to book around.

A family show that includes adults

The word family can sometimes mean a performance aimed almost entirely at children. This one appears to work harder to include adults through comedy, cocktails at the bar, close-up magic, and a range of acts.

I would consider it for parents, grandparents, and groups with children of different ages. The varied format means one child might enjoy helping on stage, another might prefer watching the illusions, and adults can appreciate the timing and sleight of hand.

The show has also been described as suitable for all ages. That does not mean every age group will enjoy every minute equally, but it suggests the material is designed as a shared family evening rather than a specialist magic demonstration.

The welcoming style is valuable here. Several families described feeling included, and one parent noted that a shy child became much more willing to participate. For a family holiday, those small moments can become the part everyone remembers.

There is one practical point to keep in mind. If your children strongly dislike being singled out, tell them that audience participation may happen but is not required. The show’s appeal comes partly from involvement, yet a child should be able to enjoy it without pressure.

Drinks, cocktails, and staying until 10:30pm

The venue has a well-stocked bar, including cocktails, but drinks are an additional expense. I would budget for that separately rather than treating the admission price as an all-inclusive evening.

The bar adds flexibility. You can have a drink before the show, order something during the evening, or stay after the performance instead of having to leave immediately. The option for children to remain at the venue until 10:30pm is useful for families who want to turn the show into a longer night out.

That said, the bar may matter more to adults than children, and you do not need to buy anything beyond the ticket to enjoy the performance. If you are watching your budget, skip the drinks and treat the admission as the full cost of the main activity.

The venue’s later closing option also helps if you are travelling with a group that does not want to split up after the magic ends. You can stay together, though the supplied information does not specify what entertainment or activities are available after the show. I would therefore regard the extra time as a chance to linger, not as a second scheduled performance.

Is $19.44 per person good value?

The listed price is $19.44 per person. For a 90-minute live performance with several types of magic and the chance of audience participation, I consider that a reasonable family-night price.

The value comes from more than the length. You are paying for a live performer, a small venue, a social atmosphere, and the possibility that someone in your group may help with a trick. A child who gets called on stage can feel that the evening was made especially for them.

Compared with a full day attraction, the show is also a lighter commitment. You do not need to spend the entire day there, and the 7pm start leaves room for other Blackpool plans. That flexibility improves the value for a short break or a packed seaside holiday.

Your final bill can rise if you buy drinks at the bar. Families should also multiply the per-person price across the whole group before booking. Even so, the ticket itself is straightforward, and the free cancellation window gives you some protection if your plans change.

The strongest value is for families who want a shared evening rather than a passive show. If nobody in your group likes audience interaction or live comedy, you may find a larger, more visual production a better fit.

Finding the venue and getting there

The venue is in central Blackpool and is described as easy to find. It is also near public transportation, which helps if you are staying outside the centre or prefer not to drive.

The information does not give a full street address, parking details, or exact walking directions. I would check the confirmation carefully after booking and allow a little extra time for finding the entrance, particularly if you are unfamiliar with central Blackpool.

A mobile ticket keeps things simple. You can show your booking on your phone rather than arranging a paper ticket in advance. Confirmation is provided at the time of booking.

Service animals are allowed, and most people can take part. The experience is not described as requiring a special level of fitness. If your group has a specific access need beyond the information provided, contact the provider before booking rather than relying on general participation details.

Who will get the most from this experience?

I would recommend the show most strongly to:

• Families wanting a short evening activity in central Blackpool
• Children who enjoy magic, comedy, and being part of a performance
• Parents or grandparents looking for something that includes adults too
• Visitors who like small venues and direct contact with the performer
• Groups needing a 7pm activity that leaves the rest of the night free

It is also a good choice if you have already spent the day on the promenade and want something indoors. The 90-minute format gives you a change of pace without taking over your whole evening.

I would be more cautious if your group wants a large theatre spectacle with elaborate scenery. The House of Secrets relies on closeness, personality, and participation. That is a strength for many families, but it is not the same style as a big touring illusion show.

The venue may suit children who are nervous about joining in, too. Participation is part of the format, but the atmosphere is described as welcoming rather than intimidating. You can explain to younger visitors that they might be invited to help, but they can still enjoy the show from their seats.

Booking flexibility and useful timing details

You receive confirmation at booking, and the ticket is mobile. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the 7pm start time. If you cancel inside that window, you will not receive a refund, and changes are not accepted.

The experience requires a minimum number of participants. If the provider cancels because that minimum is not reached, you will be offered another date or experience, or receive a full refund.

The show is booked about 15 days in advance on average. That does not guarantee that every date sells out, but it is a useful reason to avoid leaving your plans until the last minute if your Blackpool dates are fixed.

Should you book Russ Brown’s House of Secrets?

I would book this show if you want friendly, hands-on family entertainment in a central venue, especially if your children like the idea of helping with a trick. The combination of close-up magic, illusions, comedy, and stage work gives the 90 minutes enough variety, while the 7pm start keeps the rest of your night available.

The price is sensible for a live performance, though you should allow extra money for drinks. I would also remember that surprise guests are occasional, not guaranteed.

Choose it for personal interaction and a warm family atmosphere. Skip it if you want a grand theatre setting or a completely passive show. For most families looking for an easy Blackpool night out, the House of Secrets offers a good mix of fun, length, and flexibility.

FAQ

Where does the magic show take place?

The show takes place at Russ Brown’s House of Secrets in central Blackpool.

What time does the show start?

The scheduled start time is 7pm.

How long does the performance last?

The performance lasts approximately 90 minutes.

What types of magic are included?

The show includes close-up magic, illusions, stage magic, comedy, and audience participation.

Is the show suitable for children?

Yes. It is presented as a family show for children and adults, and most people can participate.

Can children take part in the performance?

Children may be invited to help with tricks or join the performer on stage. Participation is part of the show format, but it is not stated that every child will be selected.

Is there a bar at the venue?

Yes. The venue has a well-stocked bar, including cocktails. Drinks cost extra.

Can children stay after the show?

Children can stay at the venue until 10:30pm if you want to continue the evening there.

Is the venue near public transportation?

Yes. The venue is near public transportation and is described as easy to find in central Blackpool.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund.