Bristol in 1 Days - Close-up table magic from the House Magicians
In Collaboration with Smoke & Mirrors Comedy & Magic Theatre Pub. Updated on March 29, 2026.
Evening comedy and magic show at Smoke & Mirrors — an intimate 40-seat theatre inside a pub near the Bristol Hippodrome. Includes close-up table magic, a two-part stage show with interval, and bar service with stone-baked pizzas.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Smoke & Mirrors Comedy & Magic Theatre Pub, inspired by the tour The House Magicians Comedy & Magic Shows. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Close-up table magic from the House Magicians
- Intimate 40-seat comedy & magic theatre inside a pub
- Stone-baked pizzas and bar service timed with the show
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Itinerary
Day 1
Pre-show arrival, bar warm-up and close-up magic leading into the main 7:00pm performance in the Smoke & Mirrors theatre.
Arrive & Check-In (doors open)
Doors open at 17:00. Guests check in at the bar under the name on the booking; this is when you can order drinks and pizzas and settle into the pub before the close-up magic begins.
Tips from local experts:
- Plan to arrive 45–60 minutes before the 19:00 show (around 18:00) if you prefer the close-up warm-up; check-in is available from 17:00.
- Bring the lead booker's name and your booking confirmation to speed check-in at the bar.
- There is limited seating in the bar — if you arrive as a group, check in together so staff can seat you nearby.
Close-up Magic at Your Table (warm-up)
From around 18:00 a House Magician visits tables in the bar area to perform close-up magic: cards, coins and mind-reading just inches from your group.
Tips from local experts:
- Have a clear table area for close-up tricks and keep phones ready for non-flash photos with the magician.
- If you want food during the interval, place your pizza order at check-in to avoid kitchen delays.
- Be mindful of other tables during close-up rounds — the magicians move between groups and appreciate clear walkways.
Theatre Doors Open / Take Your Seats
Guests that have checked in move into the intimate 40-seat theatre. Drinks may be taken inside; food ordered for the interval will be timed by staff.
Tips from local experts:
- The theatre is small — move to the seating area promptly when doors open to secure your allocated seats.
- Drinks ordered in the bar can be carried into the theatre; keep lids/covers clear to avoid spills in the seating area.
- If anyone in your party requires step-free access, inform staff at check-in so they can allocate appropriate seating.
Main Comedy & Magic Show — First Half
The House Magicians begin the first half of the live performance featuring stand-up, stage magic and audience interaction.
Tips from local experts:
- Shows are participatory — be ready for friendly audience interaction but you will not be forced on stage.
- Turn off phone flash during the performance; silent photos may be OK but follow performer guidance.
- If your ticket includes a drink or pizza, confirm the chosen option with staff before the show starts to ensure timely service.
Interval — Drinks & Food Service
Approx. midway: guests return to the bar area to refresh drinks and collect pizzas/sides ordered for the interval.
Tips from local experts:
- If you ordered food, collect it promptly during the interval — kitchen staff will prioritise interval orders.
- Use the interval to take group photos with the performers at the bar area where lighting is better.
- Keep hearing or mobility needs in mind — there’s seating in the bar if you prefer to sit away from the queue.
Second Half & Grand Finale
Return to the theatre for the second half with more illusions, comedy and a finale. The full show finishes at approximately 20:25.
Tips from local experts:
- Return to the theatre promptly when the interval ends to avoid missing the start of the second half.
- Drinks can remain with you in the theatre; staff will assist if you requested food to be served after the show.
- If anyone in your group needs extra assistance exiting after the show, speak to staff before the second half begins.
After the Show — Bar time & Photos
After roughly 20:25 guests are welcome to stay in the bar to finish drinks, chat with performers and take photos in the theatre district near the Bristol Hippodrome.
Tips from local experts:
- If you want photos with the magicians, wait until the show ends and ask staff where the performers will be available.
- The venue is in Bristol's theatre district — plan transport in advance as nearby streets can get busy after performances.
- Smoke & Mirrors is wheelchair accessible; if anyone in your party needs accessibility support after the show, request assistance from staff.
Day 1
Detailed event schedule by show time as provided by the venue (use this to confirm your booking's exact start time: 19:00, 20:00 or 21:00). The timetable above follows a 19:00 (7pm) show.
Event reference & timing notes
Shows run on multiple evenings with start times at 19:00, 20:00 or 21:00 depending on the day. Check your booking for the exact show time; the venue asks guests to arrive 45–60 minutes before their show.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your specific show start time on your booking confirmation — the venue operates different daily start times (7pm, 8pm, 9pm).
- If your booking is for a 20:00 or 21:00 show, adjust arrival times accordingly (arrive ~45–60 minutes before stated start).
- Age restrictions apply on some shows (16+ or 18+) — carry ID if your booking is for an age-restricted performance.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 8 |
| Total Places | 8 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Experience, Attraction, Event, Meal, Nightlife, Culture |
Why this experience
An evening immersed in close-up magic and comedy at one of Bristol's most intimate theatre venues. Smoke & Mirrors transforms a historic pub into a cabaret space where professional magicians perform table-side illusions, then invite the full room into a stage show with interactive moments and genuine surprise. It's theatre as conversation—laughs punctuated by gasps when the impossible happens three feet away. The stone-baked pizzas and bar service mean you're eating, drinking, and being amazed in the same breath, surrounded by other guests who are equally delighted and baffled.
Before you go
- Best time: Year-round. Shows run on select evenings; availability peaks in autumn and winter.
- Budget: Moderate. Entry price covers the show; meals and drinks are additional.
- Difficulty: None. Seated experience; no physical exertion required.
- What to bring: Comfortable clothes, an open mind. Camera optional (photography during shows is typically discouraged).
- Getting there: Smoke & Mirrors is located at 8 Denmark Street, near Bristol Hippodrome. Walk from Bristol Temple Meads station (~25 min) or take a bus/taxi.
- Accessibility: Confirm with the venue ahead of booking. Historic pub spaces may have limited accessibility; staff can advise on arrangements.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the show last? Typically 90-120 minutes including the opening, table magic, and stage performance. Meals extend the evening naturally.
Is this suitable for all ages? Shows are generally family-friendly, though check the specific evening's content. Some shows may have mature themes; ask when booking.
What's included in the ticket? Entry to the show. Meals and drinks are ordered separately from the venue's menu.
Can I book a private group? Yes. Contact Smoke & Mirrors directly to arrange group bookings and customized menus.
Do I need to arrive early? Yes. Arriving 15-20 minutes before showtime allows time to order food and settle in.
Complete your trip in Bristol
- Bristol in 3 Days — Friends' Fun & Vibrant Weekend — Adds daytime street art, Harbourside, and Clifton to round out your Bristol evenings
- 3-Day Family-Friendly Bristol Itinerary — Hands-on science and maritime history for a different pace the next day
- A Romantic Spring Day in Bristol — Pairs perfectly with an evening show — spend the day at Clifton and Harbourside
- Gentle 3-Day Bristol Visit for Seniors — A relaxed multi-day plan that leaves evenings free for entertainment
Browse all Bristol itineraries at TheNextGuide.
