Soho Farmhouse · Heythrop Park · Private Estates · The Chipping Norton Theatre
Based just a few miles away in North Oxfordshire, Chipping Norton and its surrounding villages are home territory. From intimate dinner parties to landmark estate events, I know the area and the audiences well.
Chipping Norton (OX7) has quietly become one of the most socially interesting market towns in England. Over the past two decades it has attracted senior media and entertainment figures, creative industry owners, successful entrepreneurs, and London families who use the area as a base for serious private entertaining.
The Soho Farmhouse effect – the Soho House members' club at Great Tew, six miles away – has raised both the profile and the expectation of the area considerably. Guests at events near Chipping Norton are used to quality and recognise the real thing when they see it.
I'm based nearby in North Oxfordshire and have performed at dozens of private events in and around the town. The audiences here reward genuine skill with genuine enthusiasm.
One of the finest regional theatres in England, The Chipping Norton Theatre hosts private hire events, gala evenings, and fundraising dinners throughout the year. It's an audience that knows what quality entertainment looks like – and responds accordingly.
Close-up magic works beautifully in theatre settings – the intimacy of the venue creates a natural atmosphere for something extraordinary.
The Chipping Norton area has a high density of large private properties used for landmark celebrations. Marquee parties, garden events, milestone birthdays – close-up magic moves naturally through the crowd, creating moments of genuine astonishment in small groups without disrupting the atmosphere of the evening.
Heythrop Park's grand Baroque mansion is one of the area's premier wedding venues. During the drinks reception I keep guests entertained and talking while photographs are taken. At the wedding breakfast I move between tables, creating individual magical moments with every group – the most personal entertainment a wedding can have.
Some of the best events near Chipping Norton are the most private – a dinner for twelve around a farmhouse table. Close-up magic at the table, with borrowed objects and pure sleight of hand, is as powerful in a kitchen as a ballroom. Often more so. Guests are inches away, and nothing can be explained.
Soho Farmhouse at Great Tew draws a creative, media-savvy crowd from London and beyond. Close-up magic at member events and private hire occasions here fits the atmosphere perfectly – relaxed, informal, but very high in expectation. These audiences respond to genuine skill and originality.
| Venue | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heythrop Park Hotel & Spa | Weddings, corporate events, celebrations | Grand Baroque mansion between Chipping Norton and Enstone; large events benefit from roaming magic during the drinks reception and table magic at dinner |
| Soho Farmhouse, Great Tew | Member events, private hire, weddings | Six miles from Chipping Norton; informal luxury atmosphere with a creative, high-profile guest list that suits close-up magic very well |
| The Chipping Norton Theatre | Gala evenings, fundraisers, private hire | Award-winning regional theatre; private hire events here have an engaged, culturally aware audience – one of the best settings for performance magic |
| Private Estates & Country Houses | Marquee parties, garden events, birthdays | The area has an exceptional density of large private properties – from 40th birthdays in a converted barn to New Year's Eve for 200 under a marquee |
| Hook Norton Brewery | Private events, corporate hospitality | The Victorian tower brewery at Hook Norton hosts private events with a warm, characterful atmosphere |
Wow, just wow! I hired Paul to come along as a surprise to spend the evening with my family. We belly laughed all evening and had such a wonderful time.
Hayley Parker
Google Review
Simple to book. Nothing to worry about on the day.
Drop a message with your event details. Paul will come back within 24 hours to confirm availability.
A straightforward quote with no hidden extras. Happy to discuss your event and answer any questions.
A simple deposit holds the date. Everything else is handled closer to the time.
Based nearby in North Oxfordshire – Chipping Norton is on the doorstep. Tell me your date and what you're planning and I'll confirm availability quickly.
Also available across the Cotswolds, Oxford, Woodstock, and London.
Tell me about your event. I usually reply within 24 hours.