How to Hire a Magician FAQS
If you’ve never hired a magician before, then you may have a few questions about what’s the best way to go about it. What should you ask to make sure the magician you hire…
- will be a good fit for your event?
- has the skills and experience to perform as a magician?
- will turn up at your event?
- has contingency plans in place in case things don’t run as expected?
And I’m sure you want to know, the most common question – how much does it cost to hire a magician?
Well, on this page, I’ll answer all that and more by going through a few pre-hiring questions I often get asked.
I hope you find this useful in helping you to find a quality performer. Even if it’s not me, I’ll chalk that up as a success.
And if you want a more in depth answer, have a different question or want to find out more about what I do then please get in touch.
ABOUT THE MAGIC
I describe my style as interactive, lively, and approachable.
My magic grows out of conversations and interactions, which means people find themselves laughing and reacting together without ever realising they’ve “taken part” at all.
I read the room, and improvise with people in real time, so the moments feel discovered rather than static or ‘flat’.
This is a fair question. If you’ve never hired a magician before, how do you judge it?
Well, I’ve been performing magic since 2001 (and at paid events since 2005). In that time I’ve learnt exactly what’s required in order to create incredible events entertainment. In fact, I’ve solved many of the issues that someone starting out hasn’t even considered yet.
If you’re still unsure, take a look at my reviews on google (see below ↓) and at the photos and videos on this site. You’ll see me performing at events like yours and other events.
Yes! I have lots of close up magic that adults and children can enjoy together. Everyone feels part of the moment and no one has to move or gather in a specific spot.
However, if you’re looking for a magician for a children’s birthday party or for another event where children are the main focus that’s not what I do.
I am based in Staffordshire, and although, most of my work is in Birmingham, Nottingham, Shropshire & Staffordshire, I live in an ideal location to access most of the country.
In fact, I’ve performed across the whole of the UK, and in Europe, and the USA.
There might be an extra charge for events further afield, and a per diem for international events. My clients tell me it’s worth it to hire a magician they can rely on.
Yes! I have a list of trusted event suppliers that I’ve met at events over the years and I would be happy to pass their details to you. If I can make your event planning easier in just one more small way then I will be happy too.
In fact, even if I don’t know anyone who specialises in live bubblegum art (or something else equally obscure and wacky) then I am well connected within the entertainment industry and I can usually get a contact for you to start looking at.
I can also easily source multiple magicians either for large events, or where you want to add two different styles of magic, for example, maybe you want to hire a magician and a mind reader, or a close up magician and a children’s magic show performer.
ABOUT THE BOOKING PROCESS
Most clients book about three to six months in advance. Some hire me up to two years in advance, especially if they have a specific date that can’t change, eg. a wedding date.
It’s never too early to enquire about your event, especially for the busiest periods – weekends, July and December.
Having said all that, I sometimes have a space free. You may be lucky that your event fits neatly in to a gap in the calendar. It’s always worth checking my availability. Even if I’m not available, I’m very often able to recommend another high quality performer to you.
Yes! While most of my performances are for private events, I run a semi-regular night of magic in Lichfield, Staffordshire.
Find out about my next upcoming shows.
We can also meet for a coffee if you want to chat face to face before booking.
Another option that is popular these days is a video call. If you’re interested in that, just let me know and I can create a link for us.
As a starting guide, most bookings fall between £500 to £1,500, depending on performance date/time, location and the package you choose.
When you contact me, I’ll ask just a few questions which will allow me make some recommendations based on what’s worked well in the past. You can request a no obligation quote here and I’ll reply as soon as possible.
This is a fair question to ask, but the reason I don’t match prices is that it’s usually not an equal comparison – even if we’re both providing X hours of close up magic.
One thing to keep in mind when comparing magicians, is that a lower price usually reflects either less experience or a more generic approach.
Many less confident performers rely on pre-set routines or scripted tricks, rather than adapting to the audience in the moment.
My work is different. Every performance is live, interactive, and improvised. It’s built for your guests and the event you’ve planned.
That’s a skillset I’ve developed over 25 years, and it’s what turns a few tricks into something guests talk about long after the night ends.
So much of hiring a magician is about the personality of the performer. Do you want this person at your event? I honestly believe the best way to get a feel for someone’s nature is to speak to them. A phone call only has to take 5 or 10 minutes but it will save you hours of emailing around.
Experience is another very important factor, but pay attention to what kind of experience they have. An experienced professional has honed their performance in real events, not just down the pub or at magic get togethers.
Take a look at websites (including mine) for reviews, photos, and videos – are they from events similar to the one you are holding? Or do they all seem to come from one charity gig / are just studio shots of them holding props?
It’s a simple process.
CONNECT
Get in touch and tell me the details of your event. It’s really useful to know:
DISCUSS
I’ll reach out to you and explain what I provide and what would work best for your event.
AGREE
Once you are happy to go ahead I’ll collect any other missing details, and email you a booking agreement and my payment information.
CONFIRMED
Once you’ve confirmed paid the deposit, you’re booked in to my calendar! I will always get in touch with you a few days before the event to touch base and double check everything.
I have not missed a show yet. However, if due to unforeseen circumstances I can’t attend your event, I have a list of excellent magicians who can provide cover. I’ll ask one of those to step in on my behalf and provide similar suitable entertainment for you. Of course, you’ll be kept up to speed on the whole process throughout.
This is an important question if you are looking to hire a magician. I’m glad you are interested in this one. I have public liability insurance organised for me by Equity (the performing artist’s union). This gives us both peace of mind, in the very rare chance that something unfortunate should happen. If your venue needs to see my insurance certificate, just let me know, and I’ll send it across to you, or to them directly.
