Hello, I’m Robert Bone, and as a professional magician and mind reader I perform magic at a wide variety of events across the UK. I currently live in Berkshire, and have family and friends in Hampshire and Dorset where I grew up and started my career as a professional magician.
Over the years I have entertained at hundreds (seriously, hundreds!) of weddings and private parties, corporate hospitality in London, exhibitions in Birmingham and even 6 hours in a box in Millennium Square, Bristol for BBC TV. Living in the Home Counties means that I have easy access to other parts of the country, and regularly entertain at Christmas parties for The British Army on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire and RAF bases in Oxfordshire.
I am also a recommended supplier to many venues. It’s great to perform at venues that I know well, but it’s also nice to perform at new and unique venues – some of which are not accessible to the public – such as performing in the revolving restaurant at the top of the BT Tower. I also travel further afield and have even been booked to entertain at Weddings in Oslo, Norway!
I became a full time professional magician in 2006, prior to which I was a mortgage adviser embedded within a chain of estate agents. I was actually quite late to taking up magic as a hobby (many magicians claim to start at about 6 years old with a Paul Daniels’ Magic Set), I first started practicing seriously when I was already well into my twenties (there’s an interesting story of how I got started – ask me about it!) It was only a few years between taking up the hobby and it becoming my sole source of income.
The Man Behind the Magic
Here’s a short, mildly humorous bio that featured in a magazine in 2011:
Robert Bone was born in Southampton on April Fool’s Day, and after a day of labour his mother managed to coincide the birth of her first-born with the running of Grand National that afternoon, much to his father’s disappointment.
As a child Robert’ s interest in science meant that many items were dismantled to see how they worked, and this led to studying Physics at Exeter University. Midway through the course Robert discovered that the mathematics used in quantum theory wasn’t as exciting as the University’s prospectus promised so left to commence a career in financial services.
Despite this turn to the “dark-side” Robert still enjoys the pleasurable side of science and is a keen astronomer (having a GCSE in the subject), has a collection of telescopes and is currently planning to convert a shed into an observatory at the bottom of his garden where he plans to image planets, galaxies, nebulaes and asteroids.
Having obtained the qualifications to become a financial adviser Robert specialised in mortgages, first self-employed, then working for a chain of estate agents in Dorset. It was in October 2003 that he joined this company and was sent on a 4 week residential training course with other new starters. As the only person on the course with the qualifications and experience he decided to pass the time learning some card tricks in the evenings.
This started Robert’s hobby in magic – something that most people do as children but soon grow out of. He found shops selling magical books and props and also joined a local group of Magicians, The Wessex Magical Society.
After a mere three years of performing magic as a hobby Robert quit his job as a mortgage adviser (also, the daily urge to bop his under-qualified boss on the nose was becoming too much) and became a full time magician. Although wanting to focus on card-tricks and mind-reading Robert had a mortgage to pay so also performed as Magic Rob at children’s parties.
Robert joined The Magic Circle in 2008. This entails being proposed by two existing members, an interview at the headquarters in London, then an audition. The audition is before many of the members, including a judging panel where the applicant is judged on technical ability as well as presentation skills. Robert passed the audition on his first attempt.
To set himself apart from other magicians Robert rebranded himself from “Professional Magician” to a “Demonstrator of Extra-Sensory Curiosities”. This new title highlights his style that tends to focus on mind-reading and the psychological side of the art, whilst still performing sleight of hand magic. After five years since turning professional Robert also managed to put “Magic Rob” to bed, performing his last children’s show in early 2011. Robert’s blood-pressure has been lower ever since.
As a professional magician Robert performs at many events. During the summer months he is often found mingling guests at weddings. This is often whilst the bride and groom are off having their photographs taken and the guests have been left to sip champagne and make awkward small-talk, or in the evening around the tables prior to the disco.
Robert is also in the process of setting up a company that focuses on entertainment at corporate events and functions, as well as using magic to help companies promote their products and services at exhibitions and trade shows. He is also promoting his cabaret act, and considering taking the show to the Edinburgh Festival.
Over the years he has been performing as a professional magician he has found himself in many unique situations. On one memorable occasion he performed at a Summer Ball on a RAF base and had to cut his performance short whilst a Hawker Hurricane demonstrated strafing runs barely 50 foot over the assembled crowd – obviously Health & Safety regulations are different on RAF bases.
Many magicians perform in glamorous locations around the world and meet the rich and famous. Robert is an exception to this rule. However, he does hold a valid passport and would love to perform at your party, especially if it is in Barbados. His email is [email protected].
I have also been featured in many other publications over the years (various local newspapers, magazines and online articles).
The Man Behind the Mystery
For those that wonder; yes, Robert Bone is my real name. Some people think that I’ve chosen it to ensure I have a unique name with Equity. No. That’s just me.
As an experienced professional magician (and past President of the Home Counties Magic Society) I am often asked questions by amateur magicians looking for advice so that they too can become professional. To try and help I have created the website How To Be A Professional Magician to assist amateur, hobbyist and part-time magicians; and give those that are considering a new career in magic the resources to get started – not just tricks and performing, but also on the business aspect of being a professional magician.
I have also given lectures to magic clubs and societies such a WI group and Masonic events. These talks are educational, but still feature plenty of fun, interaction and magical demonstrations.
Hope that gives you a good overview of who I am, and the reason why I do what I do. Sorry if it bored you.
Some Random Reviews
- Claudia
Roberts performance at our Christmas party was amazing! His seamless blend of humour and mesmerising illusions captivated everyone in attendance, making it a memorable experience for our guests. Highly recommend for any event seeking magical entertainment! - Claudia - 11 Dec 2023
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- Trudy
Thank you so much for yesterday. It was fantastic to meet you.
Absolutely everyone who saw you said how amazing you were and how much it made the night for them. - Trudy - 12 Nov 2023
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- Eamonn O.
Excellent magician - Eamonn O. - 11 Feb 2024
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- Laura H.
Robert came to my daughter's wedding reception last night. He was amazing doing his close magic tricks around the tables and later mingling with the all our guests. People didn't stop talking about the tricks he performed. Just brilliant. Highly recommend. Thanks Robert, excellent entertainment! - Laura H. - 26 Oct 2023
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- Lilly E.
Robert was very entertaining- made all of the guests feel at ease and amazed them with his magic tricks. Woukd definitely recommend - Lilly E. - 06 Jan 2024
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- Vanessa L.
My husband had seen Robert another event and he blew his mind.We then booked Robert for a party we were organising and entertained the adults (as well as the kids). Robert is so lovely, friendly, professional and above all else a master with his magic. He was the highlight of our evening. I would highly recommend for any party, dinner or event. Thank you Robert will definitely be booking again in the future . - Vanessa L. - 12 Jan 2024
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- Rob
It was a fabulous evening and your magic was exceptional . How the hell do you do it? It’s total magic.
Very, very impressed - Rob - 05 Jan 2024
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- Lymington C.
Thank you so much for an incredible evening once again to help us celebrate our 75th Anniversary here at the Lymington Community Centre.
It was amazing to see you perform once again and the magic has certainly gone down so well, I have had so many comments. Spell binding!!! - Lymington C. - 25 Sep 2023
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- JStans1985
We hired Rob for a chairty ball and are over the moon with him. He was very competitive on rates, great communication prior, but most importantly his magic was unbelievable. Laughter and shocked cheers were heard around the room all evening and when he came to our table, the tricks did not disappoint. Do not hesitate to hire Rob for any event - JStans1985 - 09 Dec 2023
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- Annabet
They absolutely loved your magic! Many people said brilliant things about you and I think their families wish they had been there!
Many thanks and Happy Christmas! - Annabet - 18 Dec 2023
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- Catriona P.
It was a pleasure to liaise with Robert. Myself and all my guests thoroughly enjoyed his close up magic and I would highly recommend him. - Catriona P. - 12 Nov 2023
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- Carol B.
I booked Robert for the Surrey Ambulance Retirement Association reunion this year. He was very professional, mingling with ease amongst our guests and blowing them away with his skills. Everyone was amazed and were still talking about him and his magic the rest of the weekend. We would love to have you back Robert! - Carol B. - 08 Nov 2023
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- Kerryn A.
We first saw Robert at a good friend's wedding where he was their toastmaster too - which was different from what I'd seen before and he was outstanding at both. his mindreading is what still staggers me!! We enjoyed him so much that we booked him for our own wedding just last week. He was sensational. Loads of great feedback from our guests and tons of shocks and wows on the day too. I his website and his videos (though they show his ability) to me do not do him justice so I'll certainly be sharing any images or footage with him once I get any back from our wedding photographers - who were also outstanding so should have some good stuff for me to post here once I get it back from them. Thank you Robert for such a great day !! It truly was our best day ever Kerryn and Max 🙂 - Kerryn A. - 17 Oct 2023
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- Zoe B.
Robert gets a 10/10 for me....absolutely incredible a real entertainer. He mingled with everyone & blew our minds with his magic!! A lovely genuine man with a great talent I would not hesitate to recommend him. This is already the second time we have used him & I'm pretty sure it wont be the last!!! Thank you Robert. Take Care x - Zoe B. - 09 Dec 2023
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- Donna P.
We had Robert to amuse our guests at our multi- generational party on Saturday. We knew he would be good but he was AMAZING. So friendly but always professional. He totally blew our minds with his close up magic. I would highly recommend him for any event. He tailored everything to suit all ages (we had guests ranging in age from 2-90). Thankyou Robert for being such an essential part of our party. We hope to see you again sometime. Best wishes from Trudy, Donna, the Powell crew and all of our guests. - Donna P. - 14 Nov 2023
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- Sam
We have had some really positive feedback for our Christmas events, Have an excellent Christmas and happy New Year. - Sam - 20 Dec 2023
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- Katy P.
I hired Robert for a work Christmas party and received nothing but positive reviews regarding his performance after the party. Here is a few: "A great evening was had by all and the magician was truly impressive" "The magic man was incredible – brilliant find. Even though we watched him like a hawk you couldn’t catch him out and his last trick with the drawings/books was amazing!" "The magician was very impressive but still wake at night wondering HOW." Recommend Robert for any weddings/parties/corporate functions and I will deffo be keeping him in mind for future events for sure! - Katy P. - 04 Dec 2023
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- aaron m.
Fantastic magic and kept approx 100 guests entertained for 2 hours. He went above and beyond to ensure the night was a success!!! Highly recommended and will 100% use again in the future!! - aaron m. - 24 Feb 2024
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- Gemma W.
We booked Robert for our works Christmas lunch. We were only gathering in a local pub so had no idea how it would work, but it was such a great experience. Robert put everyone at ease and entertained the many different personalities etc. It really elevated the event. Everyone was amazed by the tricks and the show 😉. All 22 of us would highly recommend him for any gatherings! - Gemma W. - 02 Jan 2024
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- Alastair C.
I recently hired Robert for a corporate event and couldn't have been happier with the experience. His magic tricks were mind-blowing and kept the guests thoroughly entertained. Robert seamlessly interacted with everyone, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere. His charming personality and witty humor added to the enjoyment, making him a true highlight of the event. If you're looking for a unique and interactive way to add excitement to your next corporate event, I highly recommend Robert Bone. He's a true professional who will leave your guests amazed and wanting more! - Alastair C. - 02 Mar 2024
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- Rebecca C.
I booked Robert for the Thames Valley Triathletes Awards Dinner evening. It was a new thing for us to do and we weren't disappointed. Everyone absolutely loved it and were totally amazed. I cannot recommend highly enough. Robert was brilliant. - Rebecca C. - 20 Oct 2023
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- Zoe a.
Wow is all we can say you were brilliant and everyone was amazed by you! - Zoe a. - 05 Nov 2023