A party entertainer for 9 to 12 year olds is a different booking altogether. Less silly, more clever, and pitched so nobody feels patronised.
What older kids actually want
Older children want to be fooled, properly. They're looking for the gimmick, watching the hands and ready to call it out. So the magic has to happen as close to them as possible, ideally in their own hands, with nothing for them to suspect.
That means less of the big colourful stage props and more sleight of hand. Cards, coins, borrowed objects, a signed card turning up somewhere it can't possibly be. The kind of thing they'll try to explain to their parents later and fail.
Mind reading and close-up magic
Mind reading goes down especially well at this age. A child thinks of a word, a name, a drawing, and the magician knows it. It's a bit spooky, very personal, and much more impressive to a twelve year old than a rabbit from a hat.
Close-up magic also suits smaller groups, which is often what older children want anyway. Six friends round the kitchen table for a sleepover or a birthday tea can be the perfect audience. A magician moving between them gets reactions you'd never see from the back of a hall.
Keeping it cool, not childish
This is the bit to get right. Tell us your child's age when you book and we'll find a magician who's comfortable with an older crowd. They'll drop the baby jokes and treat the group like the near-teenagers they are.
It also helps to involve the birthday child in choosing. If they know it's going to be mind-bending rather than balloon animals, they're far more likely to be up for it, and a bit less mortified in front of their friends.
Where the magic fits in the evening
Older kids' parties often have something else going on. Bowling, a film, a pizza night. Magic works well as the warm-up while everyone arrives, or as the big moment once the food's done and the group has settled.
Tell us the plan when you ask for a quote. A magician who knows they're the opening act will keep it quick and punchy. One who's the main event can take their time, build up to the big mind-reading piece and leave the group arguing about it for the rest of the night.
Phones are another thing to think about. At this age a lot of guests will want to film the tricks. Most magicians are relaxed about it, and some even use a borrowed phone in the show.
Teaching a trick or two
Some magicians finish by teaching the group a simple trick to show off at school on Monday. It's a nice touch for this age, because it turns them from audience into insiders. Not every entertainer does it, so ask us if it's something you'd like.
Parties at home, out or overnight
Tween parties are often smaller and more relaxed. A birthday tea at home, a meal out, a sleepover. Close-up magic slots into any of those without needing a hall or much floor space. A table and a few chairs is honestly enough.
If a younger sibling will be around, mention it. A good magician can keep the little one entertained without making the older kids feel the whole thing has been dumbed down. For a younger crowd, our 6 to 8 year olds page might suit better.