CLOSE UP MAGICIAN

Hiring a close up magician, doesn't have to be a daunting task. I'm here to help you with a few quick pointers. I hope these will be useful to you even if you don't book me.

1. Have a think before you start. The first step to think about is where you see magic fitting in. See the answer to the question below this one for more detail on the different types of close up magic. For now, it's a good idea to get an idea about when during your event magic should take place and what else guests might be doing during that time. If you're not sure, that's OK. An experienced magician will be able to guide you with just a few quick questions.

2. Find a magician. If you have a recommendation for a magician, then that's a good place to start. If not, then search for magicians online and look for a few that appeal to you. The secret is to look for evidence of their experience. Do they have photos and videos of them performing at events? Not just pictures of them holding a pack of playing cards, or performing down the pub. Do they have any reviews?

3. Get in touch. I would suggest choosing two or three that you like the look of rather than trying to message ten or more magicians. It's easy to tell when someone has copied and pasted their message. I can't talk for all magicians, but those generic enquiries are less likely to get my full attention. I want to work for people who me to work for them.

4. Arrange to speak on the phone. Performing close up magic is a very personable thing. Whoever you hire is going to be talking to your guests 'up close' (the clue is in the name!) Speaking to them on the phone, or via a video call is a great way to get an instant idea about the personality of the person you are considering. Plus it can save you hours of emailing round.

5. Ask questions. A professional magician is knowledgeable about magic and entertainment. They know what works best, and what might end up being a flop. Ask as many questions as you want, and work with them to create the perfect event for you. By the way, if the close up magician you enquire with can't give good answers to those questions, it might mean they are less experience than they claim to be.

6. Organise the final details. The magician you choose will tell you the details they need in order to book you in. After that, it's simply a case of paying the deposit and waiting for the big day.

If you've found this helpful, why not reach out to me and see if I can help you further. Click here to contact me.

One of the best things about close up magic (and close up mind reading) is that it is incredible flexible. Here are just a few options, for you to think about. If you are unsure, then please get in touch as with just a few quick questions, I can help you to figure out what's best for you.

Walkaround magic - This is where the close up magician greets guests sharing magic with each small group, perhaps as they get a drink at the bar. It's a great way to welcome people!

Table magic - In the magic world, we call this 'table hopping.' That should give you an idea of what happens. The close up magician goes from table to table performing for each group. Often this takes place between the courses of a meal.

Close up magic show - Think of this as an exclusive show that takes place in your own home, or in a space you've hired. The magician performs for up to about 30 people at once, so it's great for more intimate gatherings. The advantage is as the magician is doing just one performance, they can add in a few personal touches to make your the entertainment even more special.

I travel across the whole of the UK to perform close up magic.

I'm based in Staffordshire which means I'm ideally located to cover most of the country.

As well as Staffordshire, some of the more common locations I perform in are:

• Birmingham
• Nottingham
• Shrewsbury
• Manchester
• Sheffield
• Oxford
• London

One of the best things about hiring a close up magician is that it's flexible enough to fit into a variety of events and venues. Close up magic, close magic, close hand magic and table magic (all words for the same thing) are a form of walkaround entertainment. That means, I'll mix with guests and entertain them in the groups they are standing in. The advantage of walkaround entertainment is I can make my close up magic very interactive and engaging. The audience and I are in a shared space and so the magic can adapt to them. This is very different to a magic show where the audience are seated and facing one direction.

In the past, I've performed my close up magic in people's homes and gardens, in hotels, in bars and restaurants, as well as some more unusual venues such as at a trampoline park, and on a moving steam train!

As far as events go, again, magic fits in at almost any event. I've performed at many weddings, corporate events, proms and balls, milestone birthdays, christenings and anniversaries. I've also performed a few more unusual events, including a dog wedding and a funeral.

In short, let's talk about your plan. Some of the best events I've been hired for are the ones where people have come to me with their ideas and we've worked together to make it work. You can reach out to me here.