“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.”
“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’.”
“One of the most exciting entertainers in Britain. The hottest ticket in town. Mind reading with a twist. Breathtaking and brilliant. He reads the audience’s minds with boggling accuracy”
“A hyperactive Harry Potter who knows what you’re thinking”
“He’s brilliant. He will blow your mind!”
“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.”
“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.”
With over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry, Chris Cox has toured the world with his mind-blowing mind-reading performances. He’s created his own material to perform to over 750,000 people on Broadway, at The Sydney Opera House and during four West End runs. He has been seen by millions on TV throughout the globe but he’s also been the secret ingredient for some of the world’s biggest and most creative companies and theatre shows.
Multi award winning Chris Cox has brought his unique set of skills in both magic, mind-reading, theatre, producing and psychology to deliver unique creative content to suit a huge and varied range of briefs. His success around the world means 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 began his journey in magic at the age of six before using his student loan to create his first Edinburgh Fringe show. From there he went on to create five, five-star solo shows before headlining World Tours, West End and Broadway runs of Impossible and The Illusionists. Somehow during that time managed to squeeze in ten years working as a producer at BBC Radio 1. He’s gone on to work creatively designing magical theatrical effects for the likes of Punchdrunk’s The Burnt City, Tambo & Bones at Theatre Royal Stratford East, Lapland UK, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory UK Tour and The Fat Duck Restaurant.
Who Is Chris Cox?
Chris Cox is a creative powerhouse. A magic & illusions director, designer and creative for theatre and live events. The man behind the magic on shows such as, The Burnt City (Punchdrunk), Harry Potter & The Cursed Child, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory and Tambo & Bones and events, attractions and restaurants such as Lapland UK and Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck A constant pleasure to work with, Chris uses his unique magical brain to solve the most difficult of staging, theatrical and magical problems.
As a performer Chris Cox is celebrity mind-reader and award-winning world class talent. He’s the star of CBBC’s Chris Cox’s Mind Boggling Magic, BBC Three’s award-winning Killer Magic, the world’s most successful live magic show, The Illusionists – Direct From Broadway, and headlines the hit West End show, Impossible. He is the only mind-reader in history to have performed on Broadway, in London’s West End and at Sydney Opera House. Chris Cox is not only a multi-award-winning mind-reader (who can’t read minds!), but according to The Guardian he is, ‘One of the most exciting entertainers in Britain,’ with The Times adding that his talents are, “Stunning… leaves other magicians scratching their heads.’ But Chris tries to make sure that’s not the first thing people read about him
You want the full biog? Okay, settle in because here, we go.
Chris Cox knows what you’re thinking. You’re thinking, who the hell is Chris Cox? Well it’s a good job you’re reading this then. He’s the only mind-reader in history to have starred on Broadway, Sydney Opera House and London’s West End; the latter an incredible four times. He’s been seen on stage by over 750,000 people worldwide.
He stars in Chris Cox’s Mind Boggling Magic (CBBC) and the award winning Killer Magic (BBC Three), he’s a multi-award winning ‘mind reader who can’t read minds’ and according to The Guardian he is “one of the most exciting entertainers in Britain”. Time Out thinks, “he does tricks that would make Jesus proud” and that “he’s loveable, geeky & deceptively talented.” He’s far too modest to make them the first things people read about him though.
Chris is a unique force in the world of mind reading having played Broadway, four West End seasons and 22 sold-out shows at Sydney Opera House. He stars in the World’s biggest magic show The Illusionists (Broadway, West End, 3x US Tour, Reno Residency, South Africa, Mexico & Australia tours including Sydney Opera House), Impossible (2x Noel Coward Theatre London’s West End, Dubai Opera, Singapore, Araneta Arena Manila & World Tour) and in 2021 he created, produced, hosted and headlined Wonderville at the Palace Theatre in London’s West End.
He has written and performed 5 critically acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe Festival shows, 4 solo UK Tours, 2 extended sell-out runs at the New Zealand International Comedy Festival, won 2 Edinburgh Fringe Awards, a Best Comedy Show award and over thirty 5 star reviews.
As well as starring in his own BBC shows Chris Cox’s Mind Boggling Magic and Killer Magic, he has been seen with One Direction reading their minds at the BBC Music Awards, Blue Peter, The Today Show (NBC), The Project (Network 10, Australia) America’s Got Talent (NBC), Heston Blumenthal’s Recipe For Romance (Channel 4), Now You See It (BBC One), How TV Changed Magic (Channel 5), The Secret Of Star Wars (BBC iPlayer), The Mentalist Revealed (Channel 5), not only that but was part of a BAFTA nominated team who brought magic to Merlin (BBC) and has performed at Shakespeare’s Globe, Latitude and the Reading & Leeds Festivals.
As a creative Chris has designed and directed magic & illusions for The Burnt City (Punchdrunk, London), A Christmas Carol (Bristol Hippodrome, Barnum (Menier Chocolate Factory), Dan & Phil’s Amazing Tour Is Not On Fire (World Tour, London Palladium & Dolby Theatre Hollywood), Dan & Phil’s 2018 World Tour, Bill Gates, Richard Curtis & Project Everyone and is a key creative for the world renowned Lapland UK. Chris is the magic & illusions associate for the UK tour of Charlie & The Chocolate Factory and the Magic & Illusions Assistant for Harry Potter And The Cursed Child Parts 1 And 2 (Palace Theatre, London.)
As a creative consultant for magic & theatrical creative experiences Chris has developed material for Park Row Restaurant in collaboration with DC Comics and Warner Brothers in London and for Heston Blumenthal and the three-Michelin-starred Fat Duck Restaurant. He was the writer and producer of Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine The Musical, The Matt Edmondson Show, Dan & Phil’s Guide To Happiness and The Story Of Tim Minchin all for BBC Radio 1.
As a producer he has produced Mario The Maker Magician during its sold out run at the Edinburgh Fringe and Off Broadway at the Soho Playhouse New York
Chris continues to tour in the world’s biggest magic show, The Illusionists, alongside staging his solo performances and presenting at corporate events around the globe. He hopes you have a lot of fun watching him today, and, because he’s a mind reader, he already knows that you’ll enjoy the show so much that you’ll leave thinking, “I love Cox!”
Chris Cox Theatrical Magic Designer Reviews
“ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING ENTERTAINERS IN BRITAIN”
THE GUARDIAN
“STUNNING… LEAVES OTHER MAGICIANS SCRATCHING THEIR HEADS”
THE TIMES
“A HYPERACTIVE HARRY POTTER WHO KNOWS WHAT YOU’RE THINKING.”
THE NEW YORK TIMES
“GENUINELY BAFFLING… SO VERY IMPRESSIVE *****
THE SUNDAY EXPRESS
“A TRULY TALENTED PERFORMER, LOVABLE, GEEKY & ASTONISHINGLY IMPRESSIVE” *****
TIME OUT
“GOBSMACKING – THIS MAN’S COMEDY MINDREADING WILL PERPLEX AND AMUSE.”
EVENING STANDARD
“CHRIS COX’S MIND READING ACTS ARE AS FUNNY AS THEY ARE JAW-DROPPING”
TIME OUT, SYDNEY
“THIS MAN IS INCREDIBLE”
THE TODAY SHOW
Chris Cox Performer CV
Chris has written, created, designed and performed his own unique blend of mind reading and theatrical magic in the following shows achieving huge critical acclaim.
Theatre
The Illusionists – Magic Of The Holidays
Broadway (Neil Simon), Chicago, Toronto, 2x US Tours
The Illusionists
West End (Shaftesbury), Kennedy Centre (Washington DC), Australia (including 28 sold out shows at Sydney Opera House), South Africa, Mexico, 3x US Tours.
The Illusionists Experience
Reno Residency
Wonderville
West End (Palace Theatre) Chris was also the creator, co-producer and magic consultant for this production.
Impossible
West End (2x Noel Coward Theatre), UK Tour, Dubai Opera, Singapore, Manila, Beirut.
Presto! At The Magic Parlor
Destin, Florida
Chris Cox – Fatal Distraction
Edinburgh Fringe (Pleasance), London Udderbelly, New Zealand Comedy Festival Tour, 2x UK Tour
Chris Cox – Mind Over Patter
Edinburgh Fringe (Pleasance), London Southbank Centre, UK Tour NZ Comedy Festival Tour
Chris Cox – Control Freak
Edinburgh Fringe (Pleasance), UK Tour
Chris Cox – Everything Happens For A Reason
Edinburgh Fringe (Gilded Balloon), Arts Theatre London
Chris Cox – He Can’t Read Minds?
Edinburgh Fringe (C Venues)
Chris has also performed as part of variety line ups at Shakespeare Globe, Wilderness, Reading & Leeds Festival, Hammersmith Apollo and for Disney Cruise Line and Seabourn.
Television
BBC Series – Chris Cox’s Mind Boggling Magic
BBC Series – Killer Magic
BBC Music Awards
Channel 4 – Heston’s Recipe For Romance
BBC One – Now You See Me
Channel 5 – How Magic Changed TV
BBC – The Secret Of Star Wars
Channel 5 – The Mentalist Revealed
NBC USA – The Today Show
Network 10 Australia – The Project
Chris Cox Creative 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
Harry Potter And The Cursed Child Parts One & Two, Palace Theatre, London
Sonia Friedman Productions
Magic & Illusions Assistant
Tambo & Bones, London
Theatre Royal Stratford East
Magic & Illusions Director
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
Co-Producer
“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’.”
“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.”
“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.”
“One of the most exciting entertainers in Britain. The hottest ticket in town. Mind reading with a twist. Breathtaking and brilliant. He reads the audience’s minds with boggling accuracy”
“A hyperactive Harry Potter who knows what you’re thinking”
“He’s brilliant. He will blow your mind!”
“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.”
Chris can bring over 20 years of magic, theatrical, producing and problem solving experience to your project to help bring magic to life.
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.
“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’.”
“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
“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.”
“Stunning…. has other magicians scratching their heads”
“This man is just incredible”
“Chris Cox’s mind-reading acts are as funny as they are jaw-dropping”
“He’s brilliant, he’ll blow your mind”
“Genuinely baffling… so very impressive”
“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.”
“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.”
“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
“One of the most exciting entertainers in Britain”
“A hyperactive Harry Potter who knows what you’re thinking”
“Gobsmacking mentalism – this man’s comedy mind-reading will perplex and amuse”
“Lovably geeky. A truly talented performer with simply astonishing tricks. Astonishingly impressive. Prepare to be amazed. He does tricks that would make Jesus proud. Very funny & remarkable”
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.
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.
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’.”
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 Old 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.
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