REVIEW · BLACKPOOL
Magician Ryland Petty in Russ Brown’s House of Secrets
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Young magic in an intimate Blackpool room. I love the close-up magic style and the friendly welcome at Russ Brown’s House of Secrets, which makes the whole evening feel personal, even though it’s a ticketed show. One thing to consider: the venue is small, so arriving promptly helps you snag a good view.
Ryland Petty is the youngest professional magician in the world, and his story has real momentum behind it. He started performing at age two, had his first show by four, and by age 10 he auditioned for Britain’s Got Talent, earning a standing ovation; Simon Cowell later singled him out for being among the best magic acts on BGT in 2022.
It runs about 1 hour 30 minutes, starting at 7:00 pm, and you’ll use a mobile ticket for entry. If you need it, service animals are allowed, and the venue is near public transportation—handy for Blackpool evenings.
In This Review
- Key things worth knowing before you go
- Russ Brown’s House of Secrets: a small venue designed for seeing the work
- Ryland Petty and Thea: what the 90 minutes actually feel like
- Why the close-up style is the real value
- Timing and tickets: booking rhythm, the 7:00 pm start, and mobile entry
- Price and value: how $10.32 lands for a magic show
- Who will enjoy this most, and who should think twice
- How to plan it with the rest of your Blackpool night
- Should you book Ryland Petty at Russ Brown’s House of Secrets?
- FAQ
- FAQ
- What location is this show in?
- What time does the show start?
- How long is the experience?
- How much does it cost?
- Do I need a printed ticket?
- Is free cancellation available?
- Are service animals allowed?
- Is the venue near public transportation?
Key things worth knowing before you go
- Close-up viewing at Russ Brown’s House of Secrets means the tricks land harder than big-stage magic.
- Ryland Petty’s age-to-confidence arc is part of the fun, not just the illusion work.
- Magic with mischief built in thanks to the sibling dynamic with Thea.
- A family-friendly setup keeps the mood light and the pace easy for kids.
- Small venue, limited prime spots: arrive close to the 7:00 pm start for best sightlines.
Russ Brown’s House of Secrets: a small venue designed for seeing the work
Russ Brown’s House of Secrets is the type of Blackpool stop that works because it doesn’t try to be huge. This is one of those places where the room size changes how you experience the show. Instead of watching from far away, you’re close enough that your brain spends less time wondering what you missed and more time asking how something happened.
That closeness shows up in what people loved most: the chance for close-up views. You’ll also get that welcoming “come in, you’re part of it” feeling. Even before the main performance starts, there’s mention of close-up card tricks while you wait, which keeps the evening from feeling like dead time.
The overall vibe is family-friendly, and it’s easy to see why. Magic can be entertaining, but a good show also keeps the energy steady. In this case, the atmosphere is relaxed and supportive, with a friendly bar manager and staff who help everything run smoothly.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Blackpool.
Ryland Petty and Thea: what the 90 minutes actually feel like
This show centers on Ryland Petty, and it has a clear identity: real performance skill combined with youthful confidence. The background matters. Ryland began performing at age two and had his first show by age four, so the magic style you’ll see isn’t presented like a novelty—it’s presented like a craft someone has been practicing forever.
What really adds personality is the pacing and the contrast between stages of the act. People describe it as a show with two halves. The first focuses on Ryland’s solo magic—fast, assured, and built for maximum audience reaction. Then Thea comes in as the mischief counterbalance, creating a sibling rhythm that’s both funny and engaging. Thea is often described as cheeky, and that works because it gives the evening humor between the most jaw-dropping moments.
If you’re trying to picture the tone, it sounds like this:
- Lots of laughs during the lighter beats
- Big audience moments during the trick peaks
- A constant sense that the performers are having fun, not just executing cues
One detail that comes up in the feedback: people like the way the tricks affect both kids and adults. Adults get pulled into the fun too. One review mentioned a partner being selected to go on stage, which signals that the show is comfortable involving the audience—not in a awkward way, but in a playful, participatory way that keeps everyone engaged.
Why the close-up style is the real value
A magic show can be impressive even from a distance. But close-up magic tends to be more memorable because your attention is sharper. You’re not only watching the magician—you’re watching every hand position, every timing beat, every tiny change in what’s happening. When the venue is small, the performance becomes more conversational.
Here’s the practical payoff: you’re more likely to feel like you understood what went on at the start, and then feel your explanation collapse in the best way. That’s why people highlight disbelief and surprise. The show gives you enough clarity to make the trick harder to dismiss, then delivers the twist that makes you question reality.
If you want your money’s worth in a short slot (about 1.5 hours), close-up magic is one of the best formats. You get maximum audience contact without committing to a full night of entertainment.
Timing and tickets: booking rhythm, the 7:00 pm start, and mobile entry
Start time is 7:00 pm, and the running time is about 1 hour 30 minutes. That timing matters in Blackpool. It’s late enough for dinner plans, but early enough that you’re not burning the whole evening.
Tickets are mobile, and confirmation is received at booking. The experience price is $10.32 per person, and admission is included—so you’re not paying extra once you’re inside.
One note that can help your planning: it’s commonly booked about 15 days in advance on average. In a smaller venue, that’s a decent signal to buy sooner rather than later, especially if you’re traveling with kids and you have a tight schedule.
Practical tip from the format: because the show is close-up and the room is intimate, I’d aim to arrive with a little cushion. Not because anyone says you must, but because it increases your odds of getting the view you want.
Price and value: how $10.32 lands for a magic show
At $10.32 per person, this is the kind of ticket that works as a real value add to your Blackpool trip. For one thing, you’re getting a full 1 hour 30 minutes of live performance, not a quick sampler. For another, the price point fits a family outing without turning it into a budget stress.
You’re also paying for something harder to replicate at home: live misdirection. The sibling dynamic between Ryland and Thea adds extra entertainment texture, so it’s not just one magician doing the same beats over and over. Reviews also point to strong stage presence beyond what you’d expect for the performers’ age, which matters because a show can have tricks and still feel flat if the presentation is weak.
Bottom line: if you want an evening activity that’s easy to fit in, and you like the idea of close-up magic in a friendly setting, this is a solid spend.
Who will enjoy this most, and who should think twice
This show is a great fit if you want:
- A family-friendly evening with a light tone
- Magic that feels personal because you’re close enough to see the action
- A show that blends wonder with humor, including the mischievous sibling energy of Thea
It’s also a strong choice if you’re traveling with kids. The feedback repeatedly frames it as a treat that excites children—because the show is built for reactions, not polite distance.
Who should think twice? If you strongly dislike small indoor venues, or if you’re very picky about seating and sightlines, you’ll want to plan your arrival time carefully. That’s not a dealbreaker, but it can affect how comfortable you feel.
How to plan it with the rest of your Blackpool night
Because it starts at 7:00 pm, I’d treat this as your anchor activity. Consider it as the main indoor event while you structure the rest of your evening around it.
A simple plan that tends to work:
- Eat before you go (so you’re not trying to juggle food and a show)
- Give yourself time to get settled at Russ Brown’s House of Secrets
- Enjoy the pre-show moments, including the mention of close-up cards while waiting
This approach keeps the show from feeling rushed and lets you enjoy the rhythm—enter, settle, watch the early close-up bits, then go full focus for the performance.
Should you book Ryland Petty at Russ Brown’s House of Secrets?
If you like live magic, want something easy to schedule, and enjoy the idea of close-up viewing, I think you should book. The combination of Ryland Petty’s serious performance background, the lively sibling energy with Thea, and the intimate setting adds up to an experience that feels bigger than its price tag.
Book especially if:
- You’re in Blackpool and want a straightforward indoor plan
- You’re bringing kids and want a fun, family-centered show
- You’d rather be close to the action than watch from afar
Skip or reconsider if:
- Small venues make you uncomfortable
- You need a long, destination-style excursion rather than a focused 90-minute show
FAQ
FAQ
What location is this show in?
It takes place at Russ Brown’s House of Secrets in Blackpool, England.
What time does the show start?
The start time listed is 7:00 pm.
How long is the experience?
The show runs for about 1 hour 30 minutes.
How much does it cost?
The price is $10.32 per person.
Do I need a printed ticket?
No. The experience uses a mobile ticket.
Is free cancellation available?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are allowed.
Is the venue near public transportation?
Yes. It is near public transportation.
