Magic show party

What it is

A professional magician runs the main event, and then the children become magicians themselves. Most kids’ magicians also run games and balloon modelling, so the party almost runs itself.

Plan ahead

• Four to six weeks before: book a children’s magician. Ask how long the show is, what space they need, and whether games and balloon modelling are included.
• One week before: buy a beginner magic set and practise three easy tricks to teach.
• The day before: set up rows of cushions facing a “stage” area.

Set the scene

Black, red and gold balloons, a star-covered backdrop, a red curtain (a tablecloth on a tension rod), and a “Magic Theatre” sign. Put out top hats and wands at the door.

Activities

The show

Let the magician lead. Seat the birthday child at the front so they can help.

Magic school - three easy tricks

• The vanishing coin: “throw” a coin into your hand but secretly keep it in the other.
• Cups and ball: hide a ball under one of three cups and swap them about.
• Magic number: ask someone to think of a number, double it, add 10, halve it, take away the number they first thought of - the answer is always 5.

Food and drink

• “Magic wand” breadsticks and cheese
• Rabbit-shaped sandwiches
• Popcorn in top hat cups
• A top hat cake with a rabbit peeking out

Tips

• Keep the room dark-free and phones down during the show.
• Have chairs at the back for parents who stay.