09 Apr magic at national space centre
Corporate Magic at the National Space Centre, Leicester
A close-up magician's third year at Evolve's Partner Day - the Close-Up Corner and Reaction Cam, performed under the rockets at one of Leicester's most striking corporate venues.
Last Tuesday, I had the pleasure of returning to perform at Evolve's Partner Day for the third year running. Yes, third. It's safe to say they like me enough to keep inviting me back. This year's event was held at the iconic National Space Centre in Leicester, which made for a fascinating evening filled with great company, magic, and yes, a bit of space-related trivia I picked up along the way.
For those who haven't met me yet (it's okay, we can fix that), I'm Close-Up Chris, and I brought my one-of-a-kind Close-Up Corner to the party. Picture an intimate magic booth where delegates can drop in as they please, experience mind-boggling tricks up close, and leave wondering if the laws of physics were somehow rewritten for the night.
The Close-Up Corner has been called the UK's first, maybe even the world's first, magic booth. Bold claim? Maybe - but no one's argued yet. If you're after a magician closer to home, you can also see how I work across the county on my Leicester magician page.
Why the National Space Centre Is Perfect for Corporate Events
Futuristic architecture, out-of-this-world exhibitions, and a magician surrounded by rockets.
The National Space Centre is a popular venue for corporate events here in Leicester, and for good reason. From its striking architecture to its out-of-this-world exhibitions, it's the perfect backdrop for a memorable evening. I've performed here many times before as a table magician, but this time I had a slightly different gig.
While setting up, I couldn't resist brushing up on my space trivia (plenty of gaps to fill there, trust me). How many magicians can say they've prepped for a show surrounded by rockets?
The set-up for the Partner Day was similar to previous years, with my magic booth placed right alongside the food and drink stations. It's a relaxed format where guests can pop in after a full day of networking, unwind, and witness some close-up magic at their convenience. Performing in this kind of environment really brings out the best of what close-up magic is all about.
"A booth beside the food and drink stations is the sweet spot - delegates drift over between conversations, no schedule, no pressure."
Why Evolve Keeps Choosing Close-Up Magic for Their Partner Day
Starting later than usual (9:45pm, to be precise), I was delighted to see some familiar faces among the delegates who came over to my booth.
Not only were they thrilled to see me again, but they were singing my praises to those who hadn't experienced the Close-Up Corner before. No pressure for me, right?
Each performance lasts about 15 minutes per group, although the timing is always flexible. Some stay longer, others shorter, and many come back for a second round. Whether they're trying to catch something they missed the first time or hoping to figure out how the tricks work (good luck with that), it's all part of the fun. Either way, I take it as a compliment.
That repeat interest is the real tell. When the same delegates return year after year and pull their colleagues over for a look, it says more about whether the format works than any sales pitch could. A relaxed, drop-in booth gives people the choice to engage on their own terms - which, after a full day of networking, is exactly what makes it land.
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The Reaction Cam
This year, the Partner Day package included something extra special (also unique to yours truly): the Reaction Cam. Essentially a montage of the best guest reactions from the Close-Up Corner, it captures those priceless "How on earth?!" expressions that make my job so rewarding.
It's a little touch that adds even more value to the evening and ensures the magic lives on well after the event ends. The clips become something the organiser can share internally afterwards - a reminder of the night that keeps working long after the last guest has gone home. Some say I'm a trendsetter in corporate entertainment. Modest as always, I'll just leave that claim here.
"The booth format does the heavy lifting. People choose to come over, so they arrive curious instead of cornered - and that's half the battle won."
What Makes the Close-Up Corner Work at a Corporate Venue
A relaxed, drop-in booth suits delegates far better than a forced set-piece.
After a full day of talks, networking and name-badge small-talk, the last thing delegates want is to be herded somewhere and told to watch. The Close-Up Corner flips that. It sits in the flow of the evening, beside the food and drink, and lets people opt in when they're ready - which is exactly why it lands.
Because each set runs around 15 minutes and the timing flexes, nobody feels trapped and nobody misses out. Groups form naturally, strangers end up reacting to the same trick together, and the conversation that follows does more for the room than any scheduled entertainment slot could.
It's a format I've refined over many corporate events, and it's the proprietary piece I'm proudest of - you can read more about how it works on the Close-Up Corner page.
Close-Up Corner: Common Questions
What is the Close-Up Corner?
It's an intimate magic booth set up within your event, usually beside the food and drink stations, where delegates can drop in as they please for close-up magic performed up close. It's been called the UK's first, maybe even the world's first, magic booth.
How long does each performance last?
Each set runs about 15 minutes per group, though the timing is always flexible. Some guests stay longer, others shorter, and many come back for a second round.
Does close-up magic suit a corporate venue like the National Space Centre?
It works particularly well. The relaxed, drop-in format sits in the natural flow of the evening, so delegates engage on their own terms after a full day of networking - no stage, no forced set-piece, no schedule to interrupt.
What is the Reaction Cam?
It's a montage of the best guest reactions captured at the Close-Up Corner during the event - those genuine "How on earth?!" moments. It's delivered after the evening so the organiser has something to share internally, keeping the night memorable well after it ends.
Can you perform at events outside Leicester?
Yes. While this event was at the National Space Centre in Leicester, the Close-Up Corner and Reaction Cam travel to corporate events at venues across the UK.
Bring the Magic to Your Event
If you're planning a corporate event and want something interactive, unforgettable, and unlike anything your guests have experienced before, the Close-Up Corner and Reaction Cam might be exactly what you're looking for.
Whether it's a relaxed evening at the National Space Centre or another unique venue, I'm here to help make your event one to remember. With 28+ years behind me and 200+ five-star reviews, I'd rather help you get the format right than sell you something that won't land in the room. Don't wait too long, though - I seem to be a bit in demand these days.
Let's make yours one to remember.
Tell me about your event - the venue, the format, the guest list - and I'll tell you honestly whether the Close-Up Corner is the right fit and how I'd work the room. 28+ years, 200+ five-star reviews, and a booth that's still the only one of its kind.
