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Magic & Illusion Consulting for Stage and Screen

Chris Cox is helping creatives craft the impossible for theatre, TV, and live performance.

I’m Chris Cox, an award-winning magician, mind reader, and theatrical consultant. I work closely with directors, designers, and production teams to create stunning, story-driven illusions for stage and screen. From West End spectaculars to intimate plays, I help bring the impossible to life — safely, creatively, and with maximum impact.

With over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry, a member of the Inner Magic Circle with Gold Star, Chris is one of the world’s most in demand theatre magic consultants and illusion designers.  He has brought his unique set of skills in both magic, mind-reading, theatre, producing and psychology to deliver unique creative content for the likes of Cirque Du Soleil, Punchdrunk, Harry Potter & The Cursed Child, Uncanny and Charlie & The Chocolate Factory.

He’s the ideal collaborator, adept at transforming magical concepts into reality while staying within budget constraints. His creative genius provides a fresh perspective for creative teams, offering a plethora of imaginative solutions to elevate any production or event.

Chris Cox Creative & Consultant CV

For more in-depth information on Chris’ creative work please get in touch or check out the examples.

The Burnt City, London
Punchdrunk
Magic & Illusions Creator & Consultant

Uncanny – Fear Of The Dark, 25/26 UK Tour
Danny Robins / Tilted Productions
Magic & Illusions Director

Tambo & Bones
Stratford East & UK Tour
Magic & Illusions Director

Harry Potter And The Cursed Child Parts One & Two, Palace Theatre, London
Sonia Friedman Productions
Magic & Illusions Assistant

Lapland UK
Magic & Illusions Director, Designer, Creative Consultant, Theatrical Consultant

Wonderville, Palace Theatre, London
CDM Productions
Original Show Concept, Writer, Magic Consultant, Co-Producer

Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, UK Tour
Playful Productions
Associate Magic & Illusions Consultant

The Fat Duck, Bray
Heston Blumenthal
Magic & Theatrical Creative Consultant

Park Row & The Monarch Theatre, London
DC Comics Restaurant
Magic & Theatrical & Special Effects Director

Awaken, Celebrity Ascent
Celebrity Cruises
Associate Magic & Illusions Director

Christmas Carol, Bristol Hippodrome 
BLOC Productions
Magic & Illusions Director & Designer

Barnum, London
Menier Chocolate Factory
Magic & Illusions Designer

Dan & Phil’s Amazing Tour Is Not On Fire, World Tour
London Palladium & Tour
Magic & Illusions Director

Dan & Phil’s Interactive Introverts, World Tour
World Tour
Magic & Illusions Director

Project Everyone, Richard Curtis and Bill Gates
New York
Creative Producer and Writer

As a Producer

For ten years Chris was a producer at BBC Radio 1 producing the likes of Matt Edmondson, Fearne Cotton and Greg James. He created ‘My Playlist’ in which he produced the likes of Daniel Radcliffe, Jarred Leto, Maisie Williams, Sophie Turner turning them into radio presenters.  

He wrote and produced ‘Wolverine The Musical’ a viral sensation starring Hugh Jackman and ‘The Story Of Tim Minchin’. During his time at Radio 1 he also produced The Mayor Of London’s New Year’s Fireworks at the London Eye for four years. 

Mario The Maker Magician
Soho Theatre New York, Udderbelly Edinburgh Fringe, Bristol Old Vic, Sydney Opera House
Co-Producer

As a Performer

Chris writes and performs his own material and has played to over one million people worldwide as a mind-reader. He’s starred on Broadway, London’s West End (Four Seasons), Sydney Opera House, The Kennedy Centre and multiple US and World tours. He has written and starred in five one man shows for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and UK Tours and had his own BBC TV Show ‘Chris Cox’s Mind Boggling Magic.’

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What Chris Cox Magic & Illusions Director Can Do For You

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Whether you need a single sleight-of-hand moment or a full-scale illusion sequence, I offer:

  • Bespoke design and direction of magical and illusion-based effects

  • Integration of effects into the narrative and staging process

  • Actor training and choreography for magical sequences

  • Collaboration with lighting, stage management, and design teams

  • Solutions that are safe, repeatable, and technically practical

I bring not just tricks, but storytelling expertise. My background as a performer gives me unique insight into what works both onstage and behind the curtain.

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Photos & Videos Of Chris' Work

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Who Chris Has Worked With

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Testimonals

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Olivier Award Winning Director Matthew Xia

“I’ve worked with Chris a number of times now, often reaching out to consult with him for all things magical. Chris brings a wealth of knowledge, technique, and craft and applies this in a unique and bespoke manner to whatever the illusion requires. Because Chris is a writer and performer, he always approaches magical moments through the lens of narrative – enhancing the theatrical storytelling much more than simply providing the ‘tricks’.”

Olivier Award Winning Director Matthew Xia
Time Out on Barnum

“A sexy, grungy cast who twirl and vamp and bust out some nifty little magic tricks (courtesy of Chris Cox)” On Barnum at the Menier Chocolate Factory

Time Out on Barnum
Lapland UK

“A key creative asset and perfect collaborator. Chris puts magic into our narrative and designs illusions that bring our world to life. He’s so much more than a magic consultant.”

Lapland UK
The Times

“Stunning…. has other magicians scratching their heads”

The Times
The Today Show

“This man is just incredible”

The Today Show
Colin Nightingale, A Right/Left Project & Associate Artist at Punchdrunk

“I first had the pleasure of working with Chris during the creation of Punchdrunk’s The Burnt City. His positive energy and wealth of ideas and knowledge, was just what was needed for the very fluid devising process.”

Colin Nightingale, A Right/Left Project & Associate Artist at Punchdrunk
The Fat Duck

“The magic behind so much of what we do. Chris’ creative approach allowed him to work seamlessly with our team to develop world class magic which hit the brief. We have edible floating clouds and mind-reading menus thanks to him.”

The Fat Duck
Rosebowl on A Christmas Carol

“Magic and Illusions Director– Chris Cox, created some spine tingling moments: The protrusion of Marley’s face swelling from Scrooge’s front door, the bedsheets bulging and hovering (making the entire auditorium jump from their seats), flying around the stage whilst also being weighed down by his chains, the smoke machine and the floating lantern.” On A Christmas Carol at The Bristol Hippodrome

Rosebowl on A Christmas Carol
The Guardian

“One of the most exciting entertainers in Britain”

The Guardian

“A hyperactive Harry Potter who knows what you’re thinking”

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Case Studies

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Uncanny – Fear Of The Dark

Danny Robin’s hit BBC TV series and Podcast takes to the road in a massive UK Tour. Tasked with bringing spooky ghost stories to life Chris designed jump scares with vanishing babies, a dress that impossible moves by a ghostly hand and poltergeist activity which has audiences shrieking.

Coupling strict budget constraints and practical solutions to minis daily get in’s and get out’s Chris collaborated with the team from pre-production through to opening to make sure the magical moments supported the narrative and delivered the frights and delights the passionate audience wanted.

Tambo & Bones – Theatre Royal Stratford East

Working with director Matthew Xia and designer Ultz, Chris Cox was brought into the team to bring an impossible piece of script to life. Designing an illusion which allowed the actors to stab their hand through a chair, hold the chair in mid-air with the knife through their hand before having it pulled off. Problem solving a challenging effect through various prototypes and collaboration Chris created an effect which got gasps in every performance. 

To quote Matthew, “I’ve worked with Chris a number of times now, often reaching out to consult with him for all things magical. Chris brings a wealth of knowledge, technique, and craft and applies this in a unique and bespoke manner to whatever the illusion requires. Because Chris is a writer and performer, he always approaches magical moments through the lens of narrative – enhancing the theatrical storytelling much more than simply providing the ‘tricks’.”

Cirque Du Soleil’s ‘Auana

Bringing my expertise in illusion and sleight of hand to enhance the show’s breathtaking visual storytelling. Working alongside world-class creatives and performers, I helped design and refine magical moments and comedy that seamlessly blended with the production’s artistry, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on stage.

Punchdrunk’s The Burnt City

As their magic consultant Chris was tasked with designing narrative based effects which the audience could participate in and adding magical touches to actors performance throughout the show. Designing and building the illusions alongside cast and stage management training, creating magic bibles and ensuring the magic stayed at a strong level throughout the production. 

“I first had the pleasure of working with Chris during the creation of Punchdrunk’s The Burnt City. His positive energy and wealth of ideas and knowledge, was just what was needed for the very fluid devising process.” Colin Nightingale, A Right/Left Project & Associate Artist at Punchdrunk

Harry Potter And The Cursed Child

As the magic & illusions assistant Chris has worked alongside the original magic team to ensure the high quality of the show’s magical moments are delivered expertly and perfectly eight shows a week. Teaching the actors how to perform the magic and liaising with the stage management, creative, and production teams Chris would regularly show watch and note performances.

A Christmas Carol – Bristol Hippodrome

As magic & illusions director Chris brought a range of ghostly goings on to life alongside creating magical effects for scene transitions. Working alongside the creative team to develop original effects to a tight schedule Chris supervised the build of the effects and alongside his associates developed a tight rehearsal system to make sure the magic never failed.

The Fat Duck

As a key creative for The Fat Duck Group, Chris has not only created magic to be experienced by diners in the World’s Number 1 restaurant but also helped develop a totally unique theatrical story and journey that forms the basis of diners’ experience in the three Michelin starred restaurant. He collaborated with the team to ensure everything worked seamlessly, every time. 

Lapland UK

Creating unique and memorable magical moments for the UK’s premier Christmas experience. Part immersive theatre, part themed attraction Chris was brought on to add not only magic effects but also production elements, lighting, sound design, and training to help this event continue to grow. Working from pitching initial concepts, budgeting, designing and building the illusions and theatrical experiences,  R&D, cast training, and opening the event Chris became a key player in ensuring the most incredible of experiences.

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Get In Touch

contact

Chris loves to chat about all sorts of projects to see whether he is the right fit for you. Brainstorms, initial conversations, problem solving, idea development and everything else in-between. 

He is represented by BBA Management. To organise a chat with Chris please speak to Bronia. 

Email: Bronia@bba.management

Web: www.bba.management

Call: 0203 077 1400  

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Photos & Videos Of Chris' Work

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What does a magic consultant do?

You want more than just tricks. You want wonder that works.

Chris can bring over 20 years of magic, theatrical, producing and problem solving experience to your project to help bring magic to life.

Why Bring a Magic Consultant Into Your Production?
When you want magic that matters, you need someone who knows how to weave it into the very fabric of your show. That’s where I come in.

With years of experience performing around the world—and consulting on everything from West End shows to Cirque du Soleil—I help directors, creatives, and producers bring unforgettable moments of wonder to life. Whether it’s building brand-new illusions or coaching performers to look like seasoned magicians, I tailor every magical moment to suit your story, characters, and creative vision.

I don’t just drop in a trick. I make the magic feel like it’s always belonged.

What I Bring:

Custom Illusion Design: Whether it’s a touring stage show, a theatre production, or a TV moment, I create bespoke effects that support the tone and style of your world—never generic, always story-first.

Performer Coaching: I work closely with your cast—regardless of experience—to make them look slick, confident, and natural performing magic, whether it’s on stage or on screen.

Creative Collaboration: From Cirque du Soleil to The Illusionists, I’ve worked closely with directors, choreographers, and designers to make sure the magic enhances, not overshadows, the rest of the work. I speak stage, screen, and tour.

Solutions, Not Setbacks: Magic can be complex. I simplify. Whether you’re dealing with touring limitations, cast changes, or tight camera angles, I bring practical, flexible answers that keep the magic working night after night.

Fresh Ideas with Real Impact: I combine years of experience as a performer and creator to push illusions beyond what audiences expect—while keeping everything grounded, achievable, and genuinely jaw-dropping.

Why use a magic consultant?
Good question, I’m glad you asked because it’s not just about adding tricks to your show (although of course, it can be that) —it’s about infusing it with creativity and wonder. By bringing Chris on board, you’re inviting another visionary into your team, someone who can tackle challenges in a truly magical and theatrical way. Think of it as adding a new color to your palette, enriching your production with unique solutions and captivating moments.

How does a magic consultant like Chris Cox work?
Chris works in a truly collabrative process with the whole team. Magic effects are rarely just one thing, they rely on joined up communication and thought between lightings, sound, costume and of course set to seamlessly integrate magic effects into the show. Chris delves into your vision and, with a keen eye for detail and a knack for innovation, finds unique theatrical and magical solutions to leave an audience spellbound. From making a ghost appear, to having the same cast member in two places at once and everything in-between. Using a magic consultant is all about finding unique solutions and creating wow moments that leave a lasting impression on an audience.

What sort of effects has Chris created?
Well it’s a long list, but here’s a few highlights. Floating boxes, appearing ghosts, disappearing ghosts, flying ghosts, chains going through a body, making cast members vanish and reappear, mind reading menus, appearing gingerbread houses, mind reading Santas,  floating taps, turning wooden toys into cuddly ones, magical leans, interactive mind reader, audience participation effects, narrative based appearance of props, floating and flying leaves, appearing broomsticks, empty beds suddenly becoming full, water to wine and a lot, lot more. There’s a reason Time Out once said ‘Chris Cox does tricks that would make Jesus proud!” 

If you want to chat to Chris about his his weird and wonderful brain can add magic to your production, get in touch now and let the magic being.