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Magician Tony Charles specialising in adding a magical touch to your event with close-up walkabout magic, family magic shows or even a mix of the two at weddings, parties, venue and corporate events in Sussex, Surrey, Hants, Kent and London.
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47 customer reviews
Hugo Spiers
Magician
Really fantastic magic show. Really unstood the audience of parents and children (age 7). Would strongly recommend.
Christine Guest
Magician
Tony came to my daughter’s 40th Party. He is professional from beginning to end! I can’t recommend him highly enough. The adults loved his wit and skills and the children adored him. He plays the party atmosphere so well. I would definitely use him again should the occasion arise More...
Christine
Tony was booked for a learning disabled adult 40th party, he was brilliant. Did a magic show, plus worked with smaller groups of people. He included the birthday guy in some of his tricks and taught him some simple stuff. He was funny, happy to chat and interact with everyone there. We all enjoyed the party and he was a great part of making it go with a swing. Heartily recommend him for any party you’re thinking of having. More...
Lynne Lewis
Magician
Tony was excellent, a family party, all ages and of mixed ability. He was funny, did some very good magic, both a performance and close up magic, wouldn’t hesitate to use again…brilliant!
Martin Goss
Event Entertainment
Tony worked at our Golden Wedding party and he was a great success. He was very professional in his helpfulness and timing on the day, and his performance with the guests was entertaining and created a buzz. Highly recommended.
Debbie light
Magician
We booked Tony for a hen party 1st night ice breaker. He was brilliant. He included all the hens...even my gay stepson who thoroughly enjoyed having NOT having his head chopped off.
He arrived in good time and was happy to wait for a couple of late arrivals. Everyone enjoyed the surprise and he got the level just right, with plenty of patter that was cheeky enough for a group of hens.
I would definitely recommend Tony and would book him again without hesitation..thank you Tony
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J b
Magician
We used Tony to provide some mingling magic for my wife's 40th birthday as a surprise for her and our guests. We had a wide range of ages and Tony provided tricks to entertain all. Everyone enjoyed Tony and the magic he performed, he was charismatic and let some of us into a couple of tricks which I loved as I am fascinated much to the delight of some of my friends as I was fixated. Thank you Tony for a thoroughly enjoyable performance. More...
Reply from Tony Charles - It's Magic Time
Thank you JB, That was a fabulous party. I had an excellent time with you all. Thank you for having me and very best wishes to you, your family and friends.
Mila Jays
Magician
We booked Tony for my daughter's 7th birthday party based on previous reviews, and would highly recommend him. Communication was excellent. My daughter was thrilled to be part of the show but he was sure to also include my son plus a few other children. All 27 of them were thoroughly engaged and the adults in the room were equally entertained. More...
Claire & Gavin
Tony was kind enough to provide us with some magical entertainment for our wedding party. We found him to be easy to communicate with and responsive to our initial enquiry. He was absolutely fantastic on the evening, impressing both teenagers and pensioners in equal measure. We had some lovely comments from our guests and he was a unique and wonderful part of making our evening a success. We would not hesitate to recommended him to anyone considering his service. Thank you, Tony! More...
Emma Penn
Absolutely would recommend! Tony was absolutely fantastic my whole team were left astounded! What a way to start our event on Friday night! Thank you Tony we still haven't worked out how you do it!! More...
Rose Charalambous
I would absolutely recommend Tony Charles for any special occasion! Such a gentleman with perfect people skills too. Tony entertained and mesmerised all of our wedding guests aged between 88-2yrs of age. ..no mean feat!! Such an interesting, knowledgeable and very personable professional. Thankyou so very much Tony! You absolutely made the evening of our wedding day so very special! xx More...
Maya
Magician
We hired Tony for my husbands birthday party. He performed some awe-inspiring tricks and was very entertaining. We all enjoyed Tony’s magic and his company, he is very pleasant person.
Malai Campbell
Event Entertainment
Tony was very quick at getting back to me with all my questions and queries and patient in waiting for me to get back to him. He spent time explaining his act and his rates are really reasonable. I look forward to seeing him in the near future. I highly recommend Tony. More...
Valerie
Magician
I hired Tony to entertain my guests at a 70th birthday party. He was punctual, very personable and a great hit with everybody. His dexterity and magical touch lifted the party atmosphere and was great entertainment. He helped people to mingle and his sleight of hand was very clever. My friends cannot stop talking about how good he was. I can thoroughly recommend him. More...
George Szwejkowski
Wedding Entertainment
Tony entertained the guests at our wedding reception. We think that he did a fantastic job of amusing and entertaining everyone. He very kindly helped us to take some group photographs, which he will be pleased to know came out very well. Thank you Tony - we would recommend him to anyone thinking about entertainment for a wedding, or any other event. More...
Shaji Varghese
Magician
We booked and had a fantastic time with Tony. We all enjoyed.
Judith
Event Entertainment
Tony contacted me immediately so I was able to set everything in place for our guests.
Wieke
Magician
I hired Tony for my son's 10th birthday party, the kids absolutely loved it, they were mesmerised by his tricks and were so attentive for the 1 hour he was there for. I had briefed Tony to make sure the tricks were appropriate for the age group, which he duly performed. The kids were left in awe and excited by the whole experience, he truly made my son's birthday party. Thanks Tony! More...
Reply from Tony Charles - It's Magic Time
Thank you for your feedback Wieke. It was a delightful party and I thoroughly enjoyed entertaining your son and his friends. Best wishes, Tony
Libby bowden
Amazing magic! Fantastic engaging show for all ages.
Thank you so much!!
Kalpana
Thanks a lot to Tony who entertained all the boys at my sons 9th birthday party today. All the kids loved his magic tricks, some grown ups were there for the whole show too! The best thing was he taught tricks to all the kids and gave them some magic props and animal balloons to take home. I would definitely recommend him to friends and family. More...
Reply from Tony Charles - It's Magic Time
Hi, Thank you for your review. I had a fabulous time at your Son's party. I really fun family event. The cake was lovely too. Yum! Best wishes, Tony
Lucy Fairman
We engaged Tony to help entertain our guests at a 'Family Day' earlier this month. Everyone, young and old, enjoyed his magic. Also the balloon animals he made for the younger guests were a great success. From our first contact to the end of the engagement Tony was a true professional and is a good communicator. We would certainly recommend him to others. Thank you Tony for making our special day a day to remember!! More...
Reply from Tony Charles - It's Magic Time
Thank you for your review Lucy. I had a fabulous time at your family event and your feedback is most appreciated.
Stephanie
Saw Tony at my dad's birthday party and he was absolutely amazing!! Everybody was blown away. Highly recommend!
Nicki
Magician
We hired Tony for my dad's 60th birthday garden party. He did a fantastic job of entertaining everyone from the age of 3-93! I honestly cannot recommend him enough. Thanks Tony ☺️ More...
Reply from Tony Charles - It's Magic Time
Hello Nicki, thank you for your testimonial. I really enjoyed your garden party, everyone was friendly and welcoming, and such a lovely day too.
Luan Li
We have found Tony through Bark. He came for my son’s 6 birthday. It was such a successful party because of him. He was so good with children, children also learned some tricks from him too. He was professional and sense of humar, we will definitely invite him again. My friends all asked for his business card. We wish him in every success. So lovely to have known you Tony. Best wishes to you and family 💕💕 More...
Lesley
Magician
Tony was very accommodating and flexible and was patient in waiting for me to get back to him. He spent time explaining his act and his rates are really reasonable. I look forward to seeing him at my wedding. More...
Life With The Houghtons
Booked Tony for my husband's 30th, we had a Vegas themed party. Tony was the first person I booked and was great at helping with recommendations for other bits. He was brilliant very friendly and worked so well with everyone. He even added a little balloon making at the end for the kids. Would highly recommend made the perfect addition to the party. Thank you. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Jane Schwartz
Tony came to the house for my son's 5th birthday party. He was amazing and managed to enthral a group of 11 children aged from 5 - 8 , not to mention the adults ! ! He was punctual, polite and really a pleasure to do business with. I would highly recommend . More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Louisa
Magician
My daughter's 5th birthday party was a complete success. The kids were absorbed!!
Danielle
Magician
We hired Tony for our daughters christening yesterday, he was amazing, all of our guests found him very entertaining, it was very relaxed and we enjoyed having him there going around the tables keeping the guests amused, the kids loved it and the balloon animals at the end was a really nice touch.
I wouldn't hesitate to use Tony again and one of our guests is going to use him for her wedding!
Thankyou Tony you were fab.
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Reply from Tony Charles - It's Magic Time
Hi Danielle, Thank you for your review, I had a fabulous time at your celebration. It was a joyous occasion, and I am so pleased everyone enjoyed my magic. Wishing you both and your daughter a happy and healthy future.
Trevor Sayer
Tony entertained us all at our 50th Wedding Anniversary party and was a great success. Adults & children were enthralled at his magical skills. We're so glad that Tony came to our party and we would certainly invite him along again. More...
John Dummer
Our 60th wedding celebration was enhanced by Tony creating an additional dimension to the occasion. All ages, all guests gave us positive comments after 2 hours of table entertainment. His close-up tricks were amazing. We were particularly grateful for the time he spent with our young grandchildren (including twin boys of 6 years); they continued doing the tricks at home! Aug 2017 More...
Reply from Tony Charles - It's Magic Time
Thank you John for your testimonial. .I am so pleased a good time was had by all. I had a fabulous time at your wedding anniversary, everybody was in good spirits and the children were great. Wishing you all the very best for the future.
MicroPi
We hired Tony for our daughter's 6th birthday party and the magic show was excellent from start to finish. His rapport with the children and adults was excellent.
The children were engrossed and amazed with all the wonderful magic they experienced. They all received a magic wand and balloon animal as well.
What really impressed us was the way Tony got all the children involved in the show and even showed them some magic and how to perform it. Our daughter even received her own magic trick birthday present, which she hasn't put down since she got it.
We highly recommend Tony!
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Reviewed on Google Maps
Magician
I booked Tony Charles to perform at my daughter's 7th birthday party. He is truly magnificent. He held 23 children (aged 6 to 7) totally spellbound for two wonderful hours. This alone is a feat I wouldn't have believed possible until I saw it! We've had brilliant feedback from the childrens' parents. The kids absolutely loved it. Tony had them focused from the first moment to the last. More...
Reply from Tony Charles - It's Magic Time
Thank you for your complimentary comments, I am so pleased everyone enjoyed themselves at your magic party.
Liz Hills
Thank you so much for visiting our school and providing such a fantastic day of mathematics and science awe and wonder for all our children. The feedback from staff and pupils alike was incredibly positive and everyone felt that you pitched the sessions just right for each phase group. The children really enjoyed your exciting, magical, enthralling sessions and were inspired by the way you brought maths and science together in such a brilliant way. Feedback from parents and friends who attended the twilight session was also hugely positive and so thank you for a brilliant day's contribution to our Maths and Science Week. More...
Reply from Tony Charles - It's Magic Time
Thank you Liz for your feedback. I had a totally enjoyable visit at your school, and I was most struck by the happy learning atmosphere. Wishing you a fabulous remainder of the school year.
Miranda Little
Not only is Tony's magic totally fabulous - but the way he worked a room full of sugar saturated 5 years olds was really quite magic too! He totally transfixed the room - a rarity - and I love the humour he brought to the day. All the adults had a good laugh too! Tony was generous with his time and skills and is a charming guy to deal with too. Unlike some magic acts out there Tony's isn't cheesy (or creepy like some!) but very funny, warm and informative (the maths element was very cleverly done) and his comedy ad-libbing was second to none! Including - an ad hoc disappearing act with my son's Power Rangers. I passed his card onto all my friends and many took one on the day. Hope to get Tony back on board at some point soon and will tell our school about him too! My son is still literally obsessed with the balloon snake Tony made him, a true testament to his act.... Thank you Tony :) You rock x More...
Reply from Tony Charles - It's Magic Time
Thank you so much Miranda, a great party for me too, fully enjoyed myself. It is always a pleasure when the adults present are happy to join in with the fun too. Best wishes to you all.
Andy Rudd
From the moment we saw Tony at Bocketts Farm we knew that he was the perfect choice for our daughter's 5th birthday party. He is a brilliant magician whose show is fun for both children and adults. We booked him for a village hall party with 40 kids and we were a little apprehensive about whether they would sit still. We didn't have to worry because the moment Tony started they were all under his spell! Tony invited our daughter up to be the star of the show and at first she was a bit shy but Tony was great at getting her to join in. He then involved lots of other children in his show and made balloon animals for everyone. We would not hesitate recommending him for any event and hope to see him again at Bocketts Halloween week. More...
Reply from Tony Charles - It's Magic Time
Thank you Andy for your review. Your comments are very much appreciated. Thank you for booking me, the party was great fun for me too. I shall look out for you if Bocketts need a Halloween Wizard again this year.
Becky Hildrey
We have hired Tony for the previous two years at Bocketts Farm Park for our week long October Half Term Halloween event. We are always so impressed with his magic shows and how he manages to make it fun and entertaining for all ages. He is always reliable, professional and friendly. We will certainly be re-booking him for our next event and wouldn't hesitate to recommend him! More...
Reply from Tony Charles - It's Magic Time
Many thanks Becky, it is always a pleasure to work with you and the team at Bocketts Farm Park. Lovely venue with so much to do and always so well attended. Have a fabulous Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Martin Bloomfield
I saw Tony perform at Bocketts Farm today. Apparently he's been there all week during the half term holiday putting on five to six shows a day! He's got a great style and works the crowd well. He's both humorous and clever with his magic! I would certainly recommend Tony. More...
Reply from Tony Charles - It's Magic Time
Hello Martin, thank you for your comments, I appreciate your feedback. It was a busy Halloween themed half term week and I hope you enjoyed your visit.
C. Selby
Highly entertaining and informative for pupils and staff alike. Children who don't like Maths beforehand see the subject in a different light afterwards. Also great for engaging parents who might otherwise avoid Maths related events. More...
Reply from Tony Charles - It's Magic Time
Thank you for your comments Miss Selby, for organising the day and for making me feel welcome during my visit. All the staff, pupils and parents were enthusiastic about the sessions which made the whole day a total joy.
Sally Clarke
Tony is brilliant. He runs workshop's for Extratime, we provide holiday clubs and after schools for children with additional needs. Tony is able to keep the children focused for the whole length of his workshop and adapt it so that all the children enjoy it and get involved. We have been working with Tony for 3 years and will continue to do so. More...
Reply from Tony Charles - It's Magic Time
Thank you Sally, I really appreciate your comments. Extratime is a fabulous organisation and working for you is always a pleasure.
Denham Thomas
Tony did a magic show for my little girls 10th Birthday. He performed an action packed 45 minute set that the kids and adults alike loved. I had only seen Tony do a very short Demo to adults so did not know. what to expect. but he had all the kid enthralled, laughing and involved in the show which they loved. I think they even learnt a bit of geometry and fractions ( but don't tell them ). I would definitely use Tony again and recommend him to friends. More...
Reply from Tony Charles - It's Magic Time
Thank you for your testimonial Denham.and I am so pleased the show was well received. I would just like to say it was a lovely party and the children were all charming. Thank you for setting up the perfect staging area in the garden. Best wishes.
Josie @ Vivacious Events
Tony is our preferred Magician supplier, we have hired him for clients and events on many of occassions , Tonys close up magic is just amazing, he is amazing, tony is great with guests and we would not hesitate to recommend Tony
Reply from Tony Charles - It's Magic Time
Thank you for your positive review Josie, it is always a pleasure working with you. Best wishes.
David Youngs
Tony from It's Magic Time has been our favourite first-choice magician for many years now
He is extremely talented and personable and very reliable
We have had many repeat bookings for him from our clients
We would highly recommend him
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Reply from Tony Charles - It's Magic Time
Thank you for your review and comments David. Always a pleasure working with you.
Louise Dorling
Tony is pure magic! He has provided a Maths Magic show in two school I have worked in. The children are enthralled by the magic and the Maths. He keeps up to date with the latest developments in the Maths curriculum, whilst at the same time ensuring his magic makes it seamless. The children just demand more! He adapts his show and the skills involved for all children from Nursery age up to 11 years old and all the teachers and the children both enjoyed each show and wanted to ask him about his maths magic. His ideas, creativity and ability to enthrall children of all ages are purely brilliant. I would give him 5 stars out of 5 every time. More...
Reply from Tony Charles - It's Magic Time
Thank you Louise for your comments. I am so pleased everyone enjoyed the days and appreciated the educational value. It is always a joy to visit your schools. Best wishes.
Fiona Hosford
I booked Tony for my Father's 75th Birthday - Tony was extremely popular with everyone and all I kept hearing was huge amounts of laughter form his tricks! His wicked sense of humour kept them all entertained and it's a must for any social gathering! Any excuse to book Tony I wouldn't hesitate - he's a must :) More...
Reply from Tony Charles - It's Magic Time
Thank you for your comments Fiona, I had a great time entertaining at your Father's 75th. A lovely party.
Lea Graham Associates
We have worked with Tony Charles for many years, and have always received glowing testimonials from clients. Whether wedding, party, conference or Christmas, Tony is a consummate professional with outstanding tricks which baffle and astound in equal measure.
Reply from Tony Charles - It's Magic Time
Thank you for your testimonial, I always enjoy working for you, the are events you arrange are always very well organised and prestigious. Thank you again.
Amanda
Thanks again Tony for the Professional party that you did for my cooperate event the guests had a great time. Magic was amazing very reasonably priced , eye popping close up work, definitely on of the UK's top Magicians. Will be in touch soon. Amanda at Jewel Events. More...
Reply from Tony Charles - It's Magic Time
Thank you for your comments Amanda, and I am so pleased everyone had a good time. I did too, an excellant event.
How long have you been interested in magic?
My interest in magic started at the age of nine when I took my magic set to my cub scouts pack. I was a sixer. You know the type of magic set I mean, I think we all had one as a child. I then proceeded to work through all the tricks I could during the following half hour. It was my entry for the pack talent competition. Of course I won. I say of course, it wasn't difficult, I was the only cub to enter!
Fast forward two years, when I, as part of a group of friends, went to the junior section of the local magic society. None of my friends ever returned to the club, disappointed as they were to realise that knowing how a trick works does not make you a magician. I on the other hand felt inspired. For me the magic was not the tricks, but the challenge of making other people feel the way I felt when witnessing a magical illusion. That was the real magic, and has been ever since.
My hobby became a career as I turned pro in 1991.
What do you love most about your job?
You hear about those lucky people who turn a hobby into a career and by doing what they love 'never have to work a day again.' I consider myself that lucky.
Parties and events are always special occasions and my remit is to make guests feel great about the magical experience they receive, enhancing everyone's overall enjoyment of the event. My business has grown by building relationships with my clients and their guests, and that is probably the aspect I love most about my job, as many clients rebook, or first engage me after seeing my work live. The way I achieve this is to remember every party is unique, that I am there solely for the guests enjoyment, (not just to 'do tricks,') and to ensure I give my very best at every engagement.
What inspired you to start your own business?
Interesting question. It was not part of my big plan. My previous work experience, after the forces, was in sales and sales management, always working with and bouncing off people. Magic was my hobby, however I was building a reputation as an entertainer, purely in my locality. Then one of those life crossroads cropped up. My choice was to take redundancy and accept the offer for a similar job with another company, or realise the dream of being my own boss. Creating a service, marketing it, and delivering excellence.
I opted for the latter and gave myself 6 months.
30 years later I have to say it was the right choice for me.
There are so many highlights working for and with so many fabulous people. Challenging myself to adapt my skills to suit a wide range of events and clients UK wide, such as in education or corporate brand magic, has been and still remains totally invigorating.
So in short, I took the plunge and the inspiration continues to grow.
Can you provide your services online or remotely? If so, please add details.
Yes, remote magic shows and magic workshops via Zoom are an option.
Since March 2020 I have presented over 2 dozen online shows, and due to the continuing uncertainty as I write this in November 2020, remote shows are booked in until the end of January 2021.
It is like TV, but better, the show is for you, and you can draw in friends from anywhere to share the fun of your event.
What changes have you made to keep your customers safe from Covid-19?
Remote performances:
1. Remote magic shows by their nature being Covid safe.
Live performances-shows:
1. Wearing of mask/visor as appropriate.
2. Non sharing of same props with audience members and sanitizing them after use.
3. Amending my shows to engage with audience members at 2m distance. Zoom work has helped me develop these strategies.
4. Audience helpers to help from within the audience as opposed to entering the stage.
5. Regular hand sanitizing
Live performances-close-up/mingle:
1. Development of routines that can engage a table or group, with appropriate social distancing.
2. PPE where appropriate.
3. Non sharing of same props with audience members
4. Sanitizing props between tables or groups.
5. Hand sanitizing between tables/groups.
Close-up Magic
Amazing close-up magical entertainment for your private family party, corporate or venue event. Close-up magic is such a flexible medium and can be delivered whilst your guests are seated for a meal or mingling during a drinks reception. Entertaining whilst one on one, or to a whole table of guests, close-up magic helps to break the ice and add a buzz of excitement to your event.
Magic Show
Cabaret style magic and comedy shows suitable for the family, corporate or venue event, with all generations, or just adults guests present. Often put together as a package with a session of close-up mingle magic too.
Magic Show for Children
All the thrills of a real magic show appropriately presented to engage the specific age range of the audience. From aged about 4 to 11 there is plenty of fun, colour and audience participation. Older children even get to learn a trick or too.
Maths and Science Educational Shows
Maths or Science shows/workshops primarily for the educational sector. Using magic to focus on maths calculation strategies and vocabulary or science concepts to inspire a love of learning in these subjects.
Magic Lessons
Teaching of magic tricks and presentation skills. There are many reasons why people from children or adults like to learn magic from engaging in a fun hobby to developing their presentation skills.
Remote Magical Entertainment
Magic shows, magic lessons and educational magic performances/workshops are now all available and regularly presented online. Even though in person is preferable for all concerned, during the current climate remote magic still makes an event special. There are a couple of advantages too. It can be accessed from anywhere in the country avoiding travel costs and of course, everyone has the best seat in the house.