Step into the grand Palmer House lobby and meet 3rd Generation Magician and Mind-Reader Dennis Watkins. Bask in the glamour of historic Chicago as Watkins guides you through the legendary hotel and into a private ballroom. Grab a glass of wine, settle in and reconnect with your sense of childlike wonder as miracles unfold inches in front of your eyes, and even in your own hands.
This magic show is exactly what it should be: funny, lively, intimate and utterly baffling. Seating fewer than 50 guests, The Magic Parlour is a uniquely intimate and exclusive live entertainment attraction in the heart of downtown. It may be Chicago's longest-running magic show, but it is also one of the city's best kept secrets.
This magic show is exactly what it should be: funny, lively, intimate and utterly baffling. Seating fewer than 50 guests, The Magic Parlour is a uniquely intimate and exclusive live entertainment attraction in the heart of downtown. It may be Chicago's longest-running magic show, but it is also one of the city's best kept secrets.
Services
Bring your people together for an unforgettable virtual magic show full of childlike joy and wonder. Virtual magic shows build community and connection among people all over the world. Creating virtual events that truly capture the imagination of your audience in spite of physical separation is no easy task.
The Encore Room follows select performances of The Magic Parlour, allowing you to experience Watkins' world-class sleight of hand in an even more intimate and exclusive setting. Immediately after the show, The Encore Room guests are escorted to a smaller, private space within the Palmer House, where they sit at the card table with Chicago's top magician to witness the most intimate close-up magic Watkins has up his sleeve.
Dennis Watkins' The Magic Parlour is the perfect choice for Chicago experience gift certificates. It's an ideal way to show your affection and appreciation for friends, family members, employees, clients or anyone else on your gift list. Gift certificates may be redeemed for any performance date and time in our open-ended run.
Dinner and a show in the heart of the city! It's the perfect magical night out for visitors and locals looking for unique live shows in Chicago. Lockwood Restaurant & Bar collaborated with magician Dennis Watkins to create a very special menu available exclusively to guests of The Magic Parlour. The gourmet, three-course meal may be enjoyed before or after performances of The Magic Parlour.
Dennis Watkins creates magical entertainment for companies and private clients who want to give their guests an unforgettable experience. He has perfected the art of making every audience feel special and making every guest feel like the star of the show. Dennis is thrilled to offer The Magic Parlour to private groups, corporate events, team member rewards, client appreciation events and special occasions.
Reviews (10)
Victoria R. Golden
Jan 12, 2022
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What a great date night! We had so much fun at The Magic Parlour. Dennis Watkins is an incredible performer, and we could have watched him read a telephone book, but the magic was mind-blowing on top of being engaging. We spent the whole car ride trying to figure out how certain things were done. I would love to go back with parents in town or for an evening out with friends- it was especially great for a winter activity! We'll be thinking about it for a long time...
The Rev
Dec 21, 2021
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Craig Plain
Dec 16, 2021
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What a fabulous night. The historic Palmer House Hotel is the perfect setting for a magic show, and Dennis Watkins is the perfect magician to perform it. He combines storytelling, charm, and amazing magic to make a mind blowing show. Dennis gets the whole audience involved, making everyone part of the show, not just spectators. I highly recommend going to The Magic Parlour show.
Also recommend spending a bit more to go to the Encore Room. It’s a smaller show for a select few after the main show. More amazing magic, close up and personal.
Also recommend spending a bit more to go to the Encore Room. It’s a smaller show for a select few after the main show. More amazing magic, close up and personal.
Christine Sikon
Dec 11, 2021
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Adisalem Coulibaly
Dec 11, 2021
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Marie Salvador
Nov 02, 2021
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How do I give this place 10 stars? Came here for a staff outing and my mind is still completely blown. What an AMAZING show! I could hardly stay in my seat because I was so amazed!!! I really love how engaging and how much of a story the whole show is. The magic here is so real. You won’t be disappointed.
Stephen Stavrides
Oct 30, 2021
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Absolutely phenomenal experience - I can't recommend it enough! It's definitely a date spot, and a much more intimate setting. Everyone in the audience was a participant to some degree, but never in an uncomfortable way: I'm attributing this to the professionalism of Dennis, the size of the show, and the open bar!
Delia Todd
Oct 25, 2021
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Sel Gonzo
Oct 22, 2021
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John Wukovits
Sep 29, 2021
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Have seen the show on 3 separate occasions now. Never hesitate to recommend to friends, family, coworkers, clients, random strangers on the street, etc. He is that good! So refreshing to see someone with as much enthusiasm and passion and love and respect as Dennis has for his craft. He is certainly continuing the family tradition and making them very proud. I could go on and on but do yourself a favor and go see this show ASAP.
