As a professional close-up magician, I’ve always believed that magic should be something everyone can experience, enjoy, and remember. It’s not just about tricks or sleight of hand—it’s about connection, emotion, and creating moments that stay with people long after the event has finished.
Recently, I had a powerful reminder of just how important inclusivity is in what I do.
I was performing at a birthday celebration at Bartley Lodge in the heart of the New Forest. It was a fantastic event—great atmosphere, wonderful guests, and the kind of setting that makes live entertainment really shine. During the evening, I was introduced to a guest who was completely blind. She had no vision at all, and at first glance, you might assume that close-up magic—so often thought of as a visual art—wouldn’t translate.
But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Magic is not just something you see. It’s something you feel, hear, and experience.
I took the time to adapt my performance so that it was fully engaging for her. Instead of relying on visual surprises, I focused on tactile magic—placing objects in her hands, guiding her through each moment, and using descriptive storytelling to build anticipation and wonder. The reactions were incredible. The laughter, the surprise, the genuine sense of amazement—it was all there, just experienced in a different way.
In many ways, it was one of the most rewarding performances of the evening.
That experience reinforced something I feel strongly about: inclusivity isn’t an “extra” in entertainment—it should be at the heart of it. Whether someone is visually impaired, hard of hearing, neurodiverse, or simply a bit shy in a social setting, a great performer finds ways to bring everyone into the moment.
Every event is made up of individuals, and each person deserves to feel part of the experience.
Performing across the New Forest and surrounding areas, I’ve been fortunate to work in some truly beautiful venues. Places like Beaulieu Inn, Careys Manor Hotel, Rhinefield House, and Balmer Lawn Hotel all offer unique settings for celebrations, weddings, and corporate events. No matter the venue, though, my approach remains the same: make the magic personal, engaging, and accessible to every guest in the room.
Below is a short video summarising the performance and capturing some of the special moments from the evening.
Because at the end of the day, magic isn’t about fooling people—it’s about including them.
If you’re planning an event and want entertainment that goes beyond the ordinary, that connects with your guests on a real level, and that ensures no one is left out, I’d love to be part of it.