The Gentleman Magician’s Magical Soiree

Bruce Glen’s Magical Soirée brings a touch of old-fashioned theater to a central Sydney hotel. Glen is an actor, storyteller and magician, and the show draws on the tradition of Robert-Houdin’s 19th-century Soirées Fantastiques, when Parisians gathered to watch magic at the Palais Royal.

I like two things about this plan: it gives you a focused night out without taking up a whole evening, and it pairs magic with storytelling and humor rather than promising tricks alone. The hotel setting and smart-casual dress code also make it feel like a proper occasion. One consideration: this is a 90-minute show for ages 12 and up, not a small-child activity, and the available schedule is limited to Friday and Saturday evenings.

Key points before you book

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• Bruce Glen leads the show: He combines the roles of magician, actor and storyteller.
• The performance lasts 90 minutes: Plan for an evening out, with time to arrive early.
• Shows are Friday and Saturday at 19:15: The listed schedule does not include other days.
• The venue is at 169 Castlereagh St: The meeting address is Castlereagh Boutique Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection.
• The show is intended for ages 12 and up: There is no profanity, but the material is best suited to a mature audience.
• Admission is the included item: Transport, personal expenses and gratuities are not included.

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A Parisian-style magic show in central Sydney

The idea behind the Magical Soirée reaches back to the theatrical magic of 19th-century Paris. Robert-Houdin’s Soirées Fantastiques drew audiences to the Palais Royal, where magic was presented as an evening’s entertainment rather than a quick novelty. That history gives Glen’s show a frame: you are going for a performance with atmosphere, story and a little theatrical suspense.

The format is a good fit if you want something different from a standard dinner or bar night. At 90 minutes, the show is long enough to feel like a complete outing but short enough to leave room for a meal before or after. Glen’s mix of magic, acting and storytelling suggests an evening built around more than one kind of performance. The precise tricks and running order are not specified, so book for the overall show, not a particular illusion you expect to see.

The tone also matters. This is not described as a children’s magic show, even though it contains no profanity. The recommendation is ages 12 and up, which points toward material and pacing meant for a more mature audience. If you are planning a family outing, consider the age and interests of the youngest person in your group.

What the 90-minute performance offers

The show is presented as a carefully planned evening of intrigue, magic and humor. That combination can make for a more engaging performance than a string of tricks with little connective thread. Glen’s background as an actor and storyteller is relevant here: he is positioned to carry a narrative as well as perform magic.

Humor is part of the appeal, too. If you enjoy a show that can be playful as well as mysterious, this sounds like a sensible choice. The performance is described as entertaining and funny, with Glen’s assistant also praised as a strong part of the evening. You can expect the assistant to be involved in the show, though the details of their role are not provided.

There is no detailed description of the individual acts, audience participation or stage setup. I would not book on the assumption that you will be asked to take part, or that the show follows a particular plot. Instead, think of it as a live performance whose appeal rests on Glen’s presentation and the mix of magic, storytelling and comic moments.

The hotel setting and address

The stated venue is Castlereagh Boutique Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection, at 169 Castlereagh St, Sydney NSW 2000. It gives the event a hotel setting rather than a purpose-built theater, which may suit the intimate, old-world idea of a soirée. The supplied details do not specify the room, seating layout or audience size, so it is best not to assume a particular stage arrangement.

There is a naming detail worth checking as you plan: the short overview refers to Sir Stamford at Circular Quay, while the meeting information and address identify Castlereagh Boutique Hotel at 169 Castlereagh St. Use the confirmed meeting address on your voucher and check the venue name there before setting out. Sydney has more than one hotel and event space, and a quick check can spare you a needless detour.

The address is in central Sydney, but transport is not included. You will need to arrange your own way there and account for your own personal costs. If you are meeting friends, agree on the exact address in advance rather than relying on the phrase Circular Quay from the general description.

Timing, dress and the practical details

The listed performances are on Friday and Saturday at 19:15. You are asked to arrive 30 minutes before showtime, so plan to be at the venue by 18:45. That buffer matters: latecomers and no-shows cannot receive a refund, and you do not want to start a carefully timed evening by rushing through central Sydney.

Dress is smart casual or cocktail attire. You do not need to treat this as a formal gala, but the suggested clothing helps set the tone for an evening performance. If you are coming straight from sightseeing, leave time to change or choose clothes that work for both your day and the show.

The voucher is valid only for the date and time selected, and you enter the venue directly by presenting your mobile voucher. Cancellation is free if you cancel at least 24 hours before the activity date, using local destination time. The package includes admission only; transport, other personal expenses and tips are extra.

Is the price worthwhile?

Admission starts at $42.55. For that price, you are buying a 90-minute live performance led by a magician who also works as an actor and storyteller. That is a reasonable way to spend an evening if you value a distinct show and a change of pace from Sydney’s usual sightseeing. It is less compelling if you are mainly looking for a large-scale production with a known set list, extensive venue details or several hours of entertainment.

The value depends on what kind of night you want. A short, hosted show can be an easy fit between dinner plans or as the main event of a relaxed evening. Since the ticket is for admission only, add your transport and any food or drinks to the total before comparing it with other plans. The price is listed as starting from $42.55, so confirm the amount for your selected date and package when booking.

The strongest reason to choose this experience is its personal, performance-led format. Glen’s combination of magic, storytelling and humor gives it a more theatrical identity than a simple demonstration of tricks. The assistant’s presence is another plus, though the available information does not spell out the roles or details of each act.

Who will enjoy this show most?

I would put this on the shortlist for couples, friends and families with teenagers who want an evening activity that does not require a full night. It should suit people who enjoy live performance and are open to a little mystery and theatrical storytelling. The hotel setting and smart-casual dress suggestion make it a natural choice if you want an outing that feels a bit more dressed up than a casual pub stop.

It is less suitable for younger children, given the 12-and-up recommendation. It may also disappoint if you expect a highly specified production with a published run of acts, a famous roster of performers or a large theater environment. The description points to a focused show led by Bruce Glen, not a broad variety bill.

If you are choosing between this and a major Sydney landmark experience, think about the kind of memory you want. This is a compact evening performance, while a city tour, harbor cruise or opera-house event offers a very different format. The magic show makes most sense when you have already planned your daytime sightseeing and want a distinctive, low-commitment night out.

Should you book the Magical Soirée?

Book it if you like the idea of a 90-minute magic performance with storytelling and humor, and you can make the Friday or Saturday 19:15 schedule. The starting price is approachable for a live evening show, and the combination of Bruce Glen’s performance roles gives the event a clear character.

Skip it if you need a weekday option, are traveling with children under 12, or want detailed information about the tricks, seating and show format before committing. Check the venue name and address on your voucher, arrive by 18:45, and dress smart casual or cocktail. With those basics settled, this is a tidy way to add a little theatrical mystery to a Sydney evening.

FAQ

How long is The Gentleman Magician’s Magical Soirée?

The show lasts 90 minutes.

What time does the show begin?

The listed showtime is 19:15 on Fridays and Saturdays.

What is the venue address?

The meeting address is Castlereagh Boutique Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection, 169 Castlereagh St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia.

Who performs in the show?

Bruce Glen hosts the performance. He is described as an actor, storyteller and magician.

What is the minimum recommended age?

The activity is suitable for ages 12 and over.

Is there profanity in the show?

No. The show is described as having no profanity, though it is best appreciated by a mature audience.

What should I wear?

Smart casual or cocktail dress is recommended.

What is included in the ticket?

Admission to the attraction is included.

Are transport and personal expenses included?

No. Transport, other personal expenses, tips and gratuities are not included.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the activity date, using local destination time.