I started practicing magic at the age of 14. More than 10 years of practice later, I started to share my performances with a wide variety of audiences. My specialism is close-up effects. Being able to see magic performed right in front of one's eyes is a unique experience not usually forgotten quickly.
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36 customer reviews
Katie Charlotte
We had Matt at our evening reception for our wedding last September (so sorry it’s taken me ages to write this review!) and he was amazing! My husband was a bit reluctant to book a magician and then I found Matt and he came round to see us and perform a few tricks. Totally won my husband over as he is so talented and friendly, and we booked him for longer than originally planned. On the wedding Matt was there entertaining our guests when we arrived and everyone loved him. Would 100% recommend Matt, for any celebration. Amazing at what he does and super friendly. Thank you Matt, you made our evening. The little surprise in the post a few days later was also an extra social touch! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
King A
Fantastic! Contacted Matt for a 30th birthday event. We had a meeting over video chat to discuss options and for him to show me some examples of his work. His knowledge and experience was great and the final plan worked perfectly. On the night of he arrived early to ensure the surprise was not spoiled. He was an instant hit with everyone, and his magic was truly amazing to watch. He was not stagnant, but mingled seamlessly with the crowd ensuring everyone got a show. My friends and family all mesaged me after the event congratulating me on such a fun suprise and all credit to Matt for that. I would not hesitate to hire him again if the need should arise in the future. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Ken Barber
Reviewed on Google Maps
Alan Hawkins
Very good close up magician
Reviewed on Google Maps
tina chittenden
Brilliant magician 🎩
Reviewed on Google Maps
Lane Chittenden
Fantastic Magician, get him booked you won't regret it !! FNSC
Reviewed on Google Maps
Kaizen
Great magic. Blew me away! He is very very clever!
Reviewed on Google Maps
Craig Steele
Absolutely amazing 😻 We used Matt lots of times
Reviewed on Facebook
Alexandra Margarit
We booked Matt to perform at our wedding at Hedingham Castle, and he was truly amazing. From our very first meeting, he completely blew us away with his warmth, professionalism, and talent. On the day, he engaged with our guests so beautifully, even where there were language barriers, and everyone loved him. He brought such joy, energy, and magic to our wedding, and we honestly couldn’t have imagined a more perfect evening. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Amelia C
Matt was a brilliant splash of magic to our wedding - he kept the guests entertained, surprised and laughing all the way! Highly recommend him for any event. 😊
Reviewed on Google Maps
steven Burgess
Booked Mathew Barber for my Masonic Ladies Night Festival on Saturday 6th September 2025, I had seen him perform on a previous occasion at my lodge which was why I was eager to book him for my function. Mathew was hired to keep the tables entertained during dinner, boy what an amazing magician. Mathew was very polite, attentive to what was required and a total professional, so much so I am still getting positive comments from people that attended. The comments range from what an excellent magician, through to I still can't understand how he did what he did including me and my guests. I highly recommend Mathew for your function, you will not be disappointed. I will definitely book Mathew again and will recommend him to everyone I know. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Scottie Allen
We first found Matt at a wedding fair and immediately decided to choose him for our wedding party as he was funny and very easy to talk to. On the evening of our wedding party Matt turned well before the booking time to discuss how we wanted him to go about his business Amazing up close magic that everyone enjoyed and I’ve had several phone calls saying how incredible he was Definitely recommend him to all you will not be disappointed Thanks again Matt More...
Reviewed on Facebook
James “Crazyworm333”
Matt made our wedding extra special. We are really happy he was able to attend as we had seen his expertise first hand a couple of times before. I hope to bump into Matt again in the future, or use him for future events. Thanks! More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Lisa Rees
Had Matt come and entertain at a family party yesterday. He was amazing so many people were in awe at what he did. Absolutely worth having Matt to entertain your guest and a great sense of humour as well. So many guests came and said they were dumb struck but what he did and also said what a great idea to have at a party!!!! Thank you Matt you were a hit with everyone, even the sceptics!!!!!!! More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Lilly
Absolutly brilliant
Reviewed on Google Maps
Dan Athol
Magician
I booked Matt via Bark.com. We chose Matt for my son’s 21st and what a brilliant choice. Leading up to the party Matt’s comms were faultless and on the night turned up early to ensure he was on time.
We had a mix of ages and Matt was great at engaging with different age groups. Finally and most importantly his magic was phenomenal……faultless and so impressive.
I would thoroughly recommend Matt, a well presented and impressive magician, with a great personality.
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Imogen Mills
We hired Matt for a hen do and he was so great, really read the room well and we had such a great time! Really recommend him!
Reviewed on Google Maps
Isabella Leslie-Miller
Matt entertained at a company event I managed and did an incredible job of making the atmosphere fun and engaging for our biggest clients. He works well with all sorts of guests and was very attentive to who our VIPs were and what each table's dynamic was. Would absolutely recommend him for any corporate event! More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Chloe Thatcher
What a lovely surprise for my surprise 30th! Matt was brilliant, with mind-blowing magic! Thank you for making the evening extra magic, and for being so brilliant with everyone - they were all impressed, and a talking point of the night :) Thank you so much!
Reviewed on Google Maps
Donna Newman
Matt entertained us at my daughter's wedding reception. I cannot recommend highly enough. Having him working the room with his tricks added an extra special element to the evening. Fascinating and fun. Totally delivered. Thanks Matt More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
w pope
Matt entertained students and parents at a dinner party. He was brilliant. He turned up early and even did a few tricks before the main event. Professional and great communication. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Cath
Magician
Very easy. Did exactly what we asked by mingling with guests. Had great feedback from guests after the event.
Abe Henson
Magician
Matt was amazing and had the young and old enthralled!! He remembered people’s names and included everyone with his magic!!
Simon Howe
Matt entertained us brilliantly at our end of term party- a group of teachers could have been a tricky audience but we were all stunned by Matt's incredible magic! You won't find a more engaging, pleasant and professional magician- the whole process from booking to the show itself has been marvelous. Thank you, Matt, for a super evening. Highly recommended indeed. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
nathan croucher
Event Entertainment
Great Communication. Very upfront and dedicated to client satisfaction.
Daniel
Magician
Awesome guy
Very confident with a good repertoire of tricks and magic
Very prompt and professional
Peter Kearsey
Matt came to us for a lunchtime Christmas close up show.
He was great, kept us entertained with some unbelievable tricks.
Thanks Matt, I hope we see you again soon
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Smita
Magician
Matt provided some evening entertainment for our recent Staff Party - he was fab ! Super friendly and professional and his tricks were amazing.
Everyone loved the performance
Would recommend and will be using you again.
Thank you
More...
Reply from Matt Barber AIMC* - Close-Up Magician
Hi Smita, Thank you so much for your kind words. I hope I'll be able to help you out in the future. Matt
Jan Portch
Magician
Great communication, lovely way with people, perfect at performing at table and made our evening extra special.
Reply from Matt Barber AIMC* - Close-Up Magician
Hi Jan, Thank you so much for your kind words. I hope I'll be able to help you out in the future. Matt
Jamie May Portch
Matt performed at my dad’s 60th birthday party today and no one can stop talking about how great he was and how they’ll be booking him if they have any events in the future. Really friendly, amazing magic and really helped bring an extra level of fun to the party. 100% would recommend! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
John Hobbs
Magician
Matt did a great job and entertained everyone professionally.
Ten out of ten.
Reply from Matt Barber AIMC* - Close-Up Magician
Hello John, Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. It was an absolute pleasure performing for you all. Matt
Anna Blomqvist
Magician
Matt was totally BRILLIANT 🤩!! Everyone keeps on mentioning how great you were and my kids now all want to become magicians! ! 🤪 Thank you so much for doing the long drive for our party 🎉 we loved 🥰 having you. Matt really made our party that super special and we would recommend him to anyone. More...
Reply from Matt Barber AIMC* - Close-Up Magician
Hello Anna, Thank you so much for this review. I had an absolute blast on Saturday and would absolutely love to work with you again. I hope that the kids continue to pursue magic as a hobby, it really is good fun! Matt
Anna C Blomqvist
Matt was totally BRILLIANT 🤩!! Everyone keeps on mentioning how great you were and my kids now all want to become magicians! ! 🤪 Thank you so much for doing the long drive for our party 🎉 we loved 🥰 having you. Matt really made our party that super special and we would recommend him to anyone. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Julian Pike
Magician
Matt was excellent. Exactly what we had hoped. We received many compliments, all very positive. Thank you.
Reply from Matt Barber AIMC* - Close-Up Magician
Thank you for the review Julian, if you need a magician again, you know what to do!
Wendy Elliott
Magician
I have received positive feedback on Matt's performance following his attendance at our recent bowling summer party. I didn't go to the party myself but everyone said he was awsome.
Reply from Matt Barber AIMC* - Close-Up Magician
Hello Wendy, I'm glad your guests enjoyed the night. I know I did! If you need a magician for any future events, you know where I am. Matt
Chris
Matt was fantastic, all of the guests loved him and were wowed by his magic. Would definitely hire again!
Reply from Matt Barber AIMC* - Close-Up Magician
Thanks for the review Chris, you know what to do if you need a magician in the future. Matt
How long have you been interested in magic?
I have been practicing magic since I was 12 years old when I saw a close-up magician at a local event. In recent years, this has evolved from a hobby into a profession.
Take us through your show – what can we expect?
I am a close-up magician. My magic takes a mix-and-mingle form where I walk among the guests, either standing or at tables depending on the event and perform intimately with them. As for the type of magic, I am a sleight-of-hand specialist with card magic at the heart of what I do. Recently, I have begun to incorporate mentalism and mind reading into my shows and I also perform a number of other types of close-up magic to ensure a good variety during my performances.
What do you love most about your job?
Being able to share my hobby is an absolute privilege. The best moments in my shows are the reactions I get from my spectators, watching them switch between confused and amazed gives me and my audience a real buzz.
Why should our clients choose you?
When you choose me for your event, you can expect a show which will be tailored to you. If you would like to discuss the day in detail and allow me to personalize things for you, great! If you would rather let me work out a plan myself and take the planning out of your hands, this is absolutely fine as well!
This is your event, not mine so I will work around you and what you need and want.
Can you provide your services online or remotely? If so, please add details.
I can offer a video call to discuss events in more detail and perform a little bit of magic to give potential clients an idea of what they can expect on the day but my main performances are all in person.
Close-Up Magic
