How to Hire a Magician FAQS

It’s never too early to enquire about your event, especially for the busiest periods - weekends, July and December.

To give you an idea, most clients book about six months in advance. Some book up to two years in advance, especially if they have a specific date that can't change, eg. a wedding date.

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 getting in touch to ask. And, if I'm not available, I'm very often able to recommend another high quality performer to you, so you still benefit by reaching out to me.

Yes, of course. I usually perform only a small number of public access shows throughout the year, as most of my performances are for private events. We can, however, meet for a coffee if you want to speak face to face before booking.

This might mean travelling towards me, as I have to keep these meetings local.

Another option that is very popular these days is a virtual meeting / video call. If you're interested in that, just let me know and I can send you a link to book directly into my calendar.

By the way, you are welcome to attend any of my public events and the best way to find out about them is to follow my social media at https://facebook.com/edsumnermagic

While I do have a few set packages, it's impossible to say which one would suit you best, or if something bespoke would be a better option. That's why it's always best to have a quick conversation, either by phone, video call or through a few emails.

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, and of course provide you with an accurate quote for your event.

Magicians set their prices based on experience. Most people get a pay rise at work. It's the same with magic. It's always going to be more expensive to hire someone who's been performing for decades than someone who only got started a year or two ago.

As such, it's likely that a cheaper magician is less experienced. They might be happy simply to have a fresh audience to practice in front of.

If you're happy to take that risk, that's fine. However, you probably don't want to do that for events where you only get one chance to get it right.

I'm long past the practicing stage. When you hire me, you get a polished performer you can rely on. I know instinctively how to get the most from your guests and how to make sure your event is the best it can be.

I'm not the cheapest, but I'm confident the price I set is fair. I know it is because I perform at that price regularly and continue to get great feedback, as shown below.

 
  
  
 138 reviews  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Ryan McElroy 
 
 
 
  
 
Couldn't recommend Ed highly enough! An absolutely fantastic personality and brilliant entertainer who'll leave your sides splitting and mind thoroughly blown. Still trying to work out how that card swap trick worked!
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Benn Cordrey 
 
 
 
  
 
Great magician, we were entranced by his card magic and rope tricks!
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Ruby McIntosh 
 
 
 
  
 
Very well done! Was giggling at the jokes and quick tricks!
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Amy 
 
 
 
  
 
Saw him do some magic at the boojum launch party. Really good and entertaining. Highly recommend.
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Daisy Ashworth 
 
 
 
  
 
great magician, very entertaining and engaging - thank you!!
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Hannah Shaw 
 
 
 
  
 
How funny, engaging, and brilliantly magical! Ed's tricks were second to none!
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Joanna Russell 
 
 
 
  
 
Right in front of my eyes!! HOW??   Top Notch x
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 

Read more in this blog post about why I don't match prices against other magicians here.

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.

Another very important factor is experience. This comes down to reviews, photos, and videos, but again... if you speak to those on your shortlist, it will become pretty clear, pretty quickly whether they know what they are talking about or not.

I also offer the option of a video call so that you can see me and ask me anything about your event. There's no obligation to book. It's simply there to help you figure out what would work best for your event.

It's a simple process.

1. CONNECT
Get in touch and tell me the details of your event. It's really useful to know:
date

• time
• venue address and postcode
• number of guests
• what the celebration is for

2. DISCUSS
I'll reach out to you and explain what I provide and what would work best for your event. We can even set up a short video call if you want to go through a few things in more detail.

3. AGREE
Once you are happy to go ahead I'll send you a link to a short form so that I can collect any other outstanding details and your contact details.

And then, I'll email you a booking agreement as a PDF document for you to check the details and pay the booking fee.

4. ENJOY
Once you've confirmed that everything is correct and paid the booking fee, you're booked in and can start looking forward to your event.

Of course, if you get stuck at any stage you can always reach out to me on 07792 129 828.

Finally, 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 so glad you are interested in this one. I carry 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.