How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Magician in the UK?
If you search for a magician’s price you will mostly find “contact us for a quote”. That is not very helpful when you are trying to set a budget, so here is a straight answer from someone who has been performing since 2008.
Professional magicians can charge anywhere from around £500 to £5,000+, depending on experience, timings and format. Most of my own bookings are around £1,000 to £2,000, with larger or customised events costing more. Your exact quote depends on the date, location, duration and format.
What changes the price
How long you need them. This is usually the biggest factor. A short stage spot costs less than two hours of walking between guests.
Close-up or stage. Close-up magic is performed for small groups as people mingle. A stage show is performed once for the whole room. Each needs different preparation, so the price can differ. If you are not sure which suits your event, read close up magic or a stage show.
Your guest numbers. A useful rule of thumb for close up magic is around 50 to 60 guests per hour. If you have 150 guests and want everyone to see something, you will need more time, a stage show or a second performer. That is a cost you can plan for early.
The date. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest, especially around Christmas. Good performers book out months ahead on those dates.
Where the event is. Travel time is usually part of the quote. I am based in London and perform throughout the UK, so tell your magician the venue early.
How much is made for you. A routine built around your company, product or theme takes extra work to create. It can be worth it, and it should be agreed in the quote.
What to ask so quotes are comparable
Two quotes of the same price can mean very different things. Ask each performer:
- How long will you actually be performing, and how long are you at the venue?
- Is it close up, stage, or both?
- Are travel, setup and any extras included in the price?
- Have you performed at events like mine, and can I see video of it?
- What do you need from us on the day, such as a sound check or a table?
Is the cheapest option a good idea?
Good work isn’t cheap, and cheap work isn’t good.
Someone smart
Not always. Your guests will remember how the entertainment felt, not how much it cost. A performer who is experienced with your kind of event arrives on time, works around your running order and reads the room. That matters far more on the night than saving a few hundred pounds. Equally, the most expensive quote is not automatically the best fit. Look at real video, read the reviews and check they have done events like yours.
How to get an accurate quote quickly
Send your date, venue, approximate guest numbers and draft timings. With those four things a magician can tell you what format makes sense and give you a real price, not a range. If you are planning a company event, my corporate event page has more detail, and for weddings see wedding magic.
If you would like a price for your event, use the form below and I will come back to you with a quote.
Professional Magician and Events Host, performing since 2008