Party Magicians

There is a saying that “If you’re arranging a party, there are two areas where you shouldn’t cut corners…. the party food and the party entertainment!”

Of course, there are lots of great party ideas depending on the type of party you’re planning, so how do you choose the right entertainment for your event?

One answer is to use a very flexible type of party entertainment that can adapt as the party develops; and magic performed by an expert magician is among the most adaptable and interactive entertainments available. Using a party magician will ensure that your guests are entertained and help to make your event memorable and fun.

Party Magazine said, "Magic is interactive and gets people involved...a party magician is an inspired way to entertain guests"

Types of Magician

There are several kinds of magic-show and even more types of magician. A quick search on the internet will reveal hundreds of magicians offering all kinds of magic-show formats including close-up magic, strolling or walkabout magic, cabaret or stand-up magic, trade show magic (exhibition magic in the UK), stage magic and grand illusions.

Styles of Magic

All these formats could be presented in a variety of styles like mind reading (sometimes called mentalism), sleight-of-hand magic (on stage this is often called manipulation magic), comedy magic, silent magic and so on.

The Allied Arts

…and to make it worse, there’s a whole bunch of arts that are allied to the magicians craft including juggling, balancing, contortion, escapology, pickpockets, origami experts, balloon modellers, silhouette cutters (silhouettists), fortune tellers, fake psychics (is there any other kind?!) and many more.

So how do you choose from all the magicians available? Well, if you’ve decided to hire a magician or team of magicians, these basic guidelines may help you.

Top Ten Tips for Choosing a Magician.

1 Ask to see the act perform. Not an audition, just an opportunity for you to go and see the magician perform in front of a real audience. If this isn’t possible then…

2 Get a video. Magic is a visual art and so a clear video is a really good way to see before you book. Most professionals will have something they can send you, if not then…

3 Speak to a satisfied customer. If you can’t see the act before you book then a recommendation from someone who has, is the next best thing. Speak to them and ask questions. A personal recommendation is much better than a written quote from someone you’ve never heard of.

4 Contact a specialist magic company. If you contact an individual magician directly, there’s a good chance that whatever kind of party you’re planning, they’ll recommend their own services. After all, that’s how they make their living! By contacting a company offering a choice of magical entertainment, you’ll get advice and suggestions to help you find the right performer.

5 Find out where they’ve worked. After all, if you’re having a party, you need a magician who specialises in party entertainment rather than a trade show magician or corporate magician.

6 Ask about insurance. They should have a current public liability insurance policy and you are entitled to ask for a copy.

7 Get a contract or written confirmation letter. This should state clearly the date and time of the magic show, the venue, entertainment to be provided, number of guests, fees & costs and any other important information.

8 Sometimes, however much you plan, something will go wrong. That’s life! But what will your magician do if they are unable to work on the day of your event? Reputable companies will have a plan in place to provide a replacement performer if the magician you have booked is injured, unwell or simply disappears (sorry we couldn’t resist that!). Ask about the back-up plan.

9 For mix & mingle entertainment, how many magicians you need will depend on a variety of factors. As a general rule however, you will need one performer for every 100 guests. Of course, if you want magical entertainment and need more than two magicians (200 guests or more) then you’ll probably want to mix it up a bit and have different types of performer, a magician and a pickpocket for example. Obviously stand-up, cabaret and stage magicians can entertain audiences of thousands with a single performance.

10 Finally a word about the price of hiring a magician. This will vary according to the type of magic show, location, performer, number of lions and tigers and many other factors so shop around but remember, you get what you pay for and if it sounds like it’s too good to be true… it probably is! Which brings us back to the saying at the top of this page, “If you’re arranging a party, there are two areas where you shouldn’t cut corners…. the party food and the party entertainment!”

Have a magic party!

Links:

The Magic Circle Headquarters, London’s most magical venue www.magiccirclevenue.co.uk

Party Magicians – Ideas from Magicians.co.uk, the UK’s leading magic company www.magicians.co.uk 

Martyn Rowland – Party Specialist and member of the famous Magic Circle www.martynrowland.co.uk