I’m Alan Vandome – also known as Tensai, which means “genius” in Japanese. The name reflects my half-Japanese heritage and the smart, surprising style of magic I love to perform.
I specialise in close-up magic for private and corporate events, family parties, and celebrations – mixing and mingling with your guests, performing incredible magic right in front of them (and often in their own hands!
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9 customer reviews
Julia Prentice
Magician
Alan was a delight to have with us at our drinks event. He mingled with our guests as requested and performed a variety of magic. Very professional and easy to deal with and very entertaining. Our guests also gave very positive feedback More...
Reply from Tensai - Magic Circle Award-Winner
Thank-you Julia for this 5-Star review. It was a lovely event and it was a pleasure to meet and entertain yourself and your guests. I’m glad that everyone enjoyed the close-up magic. Thank-you for booking me and best wishes. Alan
L Rice
Magician
I booked Alan to do some magic to entertain guests, of all ages , at an outdoor birthday event. He was a great success, he made sure he saw and performed his tricks for everyone and was excellent with his close up magic. I had lots of comments about how great he was and how personable as well. I would certainly recommend him to entertain at any event More...
Reply from Tensai - Magic Circle Award-Winner
Thank-you Louisa…I’m glad that everyone enjoyed my close-up magic and that I was able to contribute to the success of your party. It was a lovely afternoon. Best wishes, Alan
John
Alan is highly professional and most importantly very entertaining. He performed close up magic for members at a Summer Ball in our Sailing Club and everyone loved it. He has great affinity with his audience and his magic tricks are amazing. He is well worth he fee and I can 100% recommend Alan for your event. More...
Reply from Tensai - Magic Circle Award-Winner
Thank-you John. It was a great evening and I’m really pleased that everyone enjoyed my magic. It was a pleasure to entertain everyone and be a part of your Summer Ball. Best wishes and thanks again.
Eileen Madden
Alan came to my 75th birthday party to entertain guests aged between 2 and 81 and he was absolutely brilliant. He kept my six grandchildren intrigued by his magic and even the adults were amazed. Thank you Alan I will certainly recommend you to everyone and anyone enquiring about a magician. So polite too! More...
Reply from Tensai - Magic Circle Award-Winner
Thank-you Eileen and congratulations on your 75th! I am so pleased that my magic was enjoyed by all and that I was able to contribute to your family party. Best wishes Alan
Pauline king
Magician
Allan did a great job entertaining everyone young and old with his magical act at my grandsons wedding he is a very pleasant and talented man everybody really enjoyed I hope he can entertain many more events of fun
Sonia underhill
My social group booked Alan to celebrate a function to celebrate the four years since we began.
The booking was very easy and Alan also contacted us a few days before to check that all was well.
He arrived in good time and was charming throughout.
We were arranged at tables and Alan moved from group to group during the course of the evening.
Despite watching carefully, none of us could see how he performed his magic. Every trick was greeted with whoops and laughter and Alan appeared to be enjoying it as much as we did.
Everyone said it was the best event yet and we would have no hesitation in booking him again or in recommending him for any occasion.
He was just amazing!!!
How did he do it - it must have been real magic?!
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Stephen Crotty
Magician
Alan is an mazing entertainer. Booked for a wedding in Southampton and no complaints at all. Around 120 guest all commented that he was amazing going from table to table with gasps every time. Even asked if he could perform to the bride before he left as he was conscious she had been too busy all day for him to see her. Attention to detail perfect, well presented and very professional. I will definitely be using Alan again. Thankyou so much for a great performance and may I add at a very reasonable price😘 More...
Reply from Tensai - Magic Circle Award-Winner
Thank-you for this review Stephen. I'm pleased that everyone enjoyed the magic. Kind regards Alan
Simon
Magician
“Alan performed at our wedding and made a great impression from the start. He is approachable with a gentle manner, his skills as a magician are exceptional, and his presence on the day provided all with mesmerising entertainment.
We would certainly recommend Alan for any wedding and look forward to him working with us for any suitable events in the future.
Hannah and Simon Wakeford”
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Reply from Tensai - Magic Circle Award-Winner
Thank-you Simon & Hannah for this review. It was a pleasure to entertain at your wedding. Kind regards, Alan
Mary Parr
Magician
We held a garden party celebrating 60th birthdays: 21st birthday: 25 wedding anniversary - Alan was fantastic. Really impressive magic which entertained students and adults alike. He went around to all the groups and was particularly attentive to the one 5 year old at the party! Incredibly professional and also a fantastic magician - we recommend him highly. More...
Reply from Tensai - Magic Circle Award-Winner
Thank-you Mary for taking time to leave this lovely review. It was a pleasure to entertain your family and guests at the party and I'm glad that everyone enjoyed the magic. Best wishes, Alan
How long have you been interested in magic?
I’ve been fascinated by magic since I was six years old. As a teenager, I started winning adult magic competitions and performing on the gala shows at major magic conventions.
I left school to become a full-time professional and haven’t looked back. Since then, my career has taken me all over the world – from exclusive cruise ships and theatres to private parties, corporate events, and even a dedicated children’s show.
Over time, I’ve found that I most enjoy close-up and intimate performances - the kind of magic that really connects with people and creates genuine laughter and gasps of amazement.
Take us through your show – what can we expect?
Most of my bookings are for close-up magic- astonishing feats performed right under your guests’ noses, creating moments they’ll be talking about for ages.
My magic is fun, interactive, and full of surprises - you’ll hear laughter, see wide eyes and feel the buzz as guests react to the impossible. Watch my short video showreel and you’ll see exactly what I mean.
For something extra special, I also offer an intimate after-dinner performance - a short show for the whole group, which can include my wife Caroline and even a starring role for the party host. It’s a brilliant way to bring everyone together and end the event on a high.
What do you love most about your job?
I don’t really see it as a job — I genuinely love what I do. There’s something special about bringing a little magic into people’s lives and helping to create events they’ll remember for all the right reasons.
I’ve been lucky to travel widely and perform in all sorts of places, for all kinds of people. No two events are the same, and that’s part of the fun.
One of the most rewarding parts is hearing from clients afterwards - knowing I’ve helped make their celebration feel a little more magical is a real privilege.
What inspired you to start your own business?
I’ve always wanted to be a magician. A lot of people told me I shouldn’t — or couldn’t — make it a career. But at 14, I decided I’d rather try than spend my life wondering “what if?”
I’ve never looked back. Turning something I love into a full-time career was the best decision I could have made.
Why should our clients choose you?
I genuinely care about making your event a success – not just with great magic, but by being reliable, easy to work with and tuned in to the atmosphere you want to create.
With years of experience performing worldwide - from clubs and theatres to television, restaurants, military events, weddings and private parties - I bring a calm, professional presence and a performance that feels fresh, engaging and fun.
I’ll work with you to make sure everything runs smoothly, and your guests leave with smiles, laughter, and great memories.
Close-up & Mix-and-Mingle Interactive Magic
Magic that happens right before your eyes – and sometimes in your own hands!
I perform close-up magic at tables during meals or mix-and-mingle style at receptions, parties, and events of all kinds. It’s a brilliant way to spark laughter, conversation, and amazement among your guests.
Suitable for all ages and occasions – indoors or out – it doesn’t require a stage or setup and can be tailored to fit the atmosphere and flow of your event.
If you’re wondering how it could work for your celebration or gathering, just get in touch – I’ll be happy to chat things through with you.
Stage Magic & After-Dinner Shows
Looking for something a little more theatrical?
Alongside my close-up performances, I also offer elegant stage or intimate shows – perfect as after-dinner entertainment or a standout moment for your event.
With years of experience performing for audiences of all sizes, I can tailor a show to suit your space, timing, and guest list. A popular option is to combine mix-and-mingle magic during your drinks reception with a feature performance later in the evening.
Get in touch if you’d like to chat through the options – I’d be happy to help put together something that works perfectly for you.
