Bristol: Smoke & Mirrors Comedy Magic Show Friday 8pm

Summary

Comedy, close-up magic and laughter in Bristol’s coziest theatre

You’ll slip into Bristol’s Smoke & Mirrors for close-up magic at the bar before settling into their cozy 1920s-style theatre for a Friday night comedy magic show. Expect quick laughs, clever tricks, friendly staff taking care of your drinks, and maybe even a moment on stage if you’re up for it. It all feels surprisingly personal — you’ll probably leave still puzzling over how they did it.

What’s the experience like?

You walk into Smoke & Mirrors and it’s like the city outside just drops away — there’s this warm hum of people at the bar, glasses clinking, and then suddenly a magician is right there in front of us. I was halfway through my first sip when he made a coin vanish from behind my ear (I still have no idea how). The staff were moving around with this easy friendliness — not rushed, just genuinely chatty. I remember the faint smell of popcorn or maybe it was caramel from someone’s dessert. It felt like we’d stumbled into a secret club, but nobody minded that we were new.

Around 7:40 they invited us through to the little theatre — honestly, it’s tiny (I think barely forty seats?) but that just makes everything sharper. The walls are dark and there’s this old-school vibe, soft lamps on each table. Our host found our spot and took our drink orders for the interval (which is genius because you don’t have to queue later). There was this couple next to us from Bath who had been before; they told us to watch out for the “banana trick” but wouldn’t say more. The anticipation kind of buzzed around the room while everyone settled in.

The show itself? Ninety minutes zipped by. Two resident magicians took turns — lots of laughs, some audience participation (don’t worry, you won’t be dragged up unless you want), and tricks that left me whispering “how?” under my breath more than once. At one point I caught myself grinning like an idiot at a card trick involving someone’s phone number. You can tell these performers love what they do; one of them riffed with a guy in the front row about his accent and had the whole place cracking up. It didn’t feel scripted or stiff — just real people having fun together. I think that’s why I keep thinking about it now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening comedy and magic show

• Arrive at Smoke & Mirrors pub
• Enjoy close-up magic at the bar
• Order food and drinks from staff
• Enter 1920s style theatre at 7:45 pm
• Be seated and order interval drinks
• Watch 90-minute comedy magic show

Top questions

Is Smoke & Mirrors wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas including transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

What time does the comedy magic show start?

The show begins at 8:00 pm on Fridays; guests are invited into the theatre at 7:40 pm.

How long is the House Magicians Comedy & Magic Show?

The show lasts approximately 90 minutes including an interval.

Are food and drinks available during the show?

Yes, staff take your interval drinks order before the show; food is available at the bar beforehand.

Is there assigned seating in the theatre?

Yes, seats are assigned by box office staff on arrival; seating details aren’t known until performance date.

Is there an age restriction for entry?

Yes, entry is restricted to ages 18+ unless attending a family or kids’ event.

Can I take photos or record during the show?

No audio or video recordings or flash photography are allowed during performances.

If someone in my group is drunk will we be refused entry?

If any member appears drunk at arrival they will be refused entry without refund; others may still enter.

What’s included

Your evening includes live entertainment with close-up magic at the bar followed by a full comedy magic show in an intimate theatre setting; interval drinks service is provided and all seats are assigned by staff when you arrive.