Why have a magician at my wedding reception - isn't magic just for kids?

A magician can bring something extra to any event but even more so to a wedding party. At most weddings I've been to there are two families, with their friends, brought together, often for the first time. People are mixing with others that they've never met before to celebrate your special occasion. So of course there's a little bit of reserve and an awkward moment as your guests arrive and start to mingle. Thats the time when I will jump in and start to perform some close-up magic, strolling from group to group. This acts as an ice-breaker to get your party started. I also engage any children who may be at your reception as they are usually the most interested in magic. I show them tricks and give them impossible things to do. Once I get their attention and a buzz of interest starts the adults get sucked in too and pretty soon people are asking each other 'how did he do that' or 'did you see what he just did', or 'come and show Auntie so and so that trick you just did'.

By the time your guests are seated for the wedding breakfast, most of them are already primed and know what to expect. They know they are in for some fun.

I wait until the starters have been cleared away and then come up to individual tables, trying not to get in the way of the serving staff. I don't normally perform whilst there is food on the table and people are still eating!

The effects I can do at a table can be different (it can help for some tricks to have a table to put things on). I will select certain people usually the ones that I can tell are up for it. Just occasionally I meet people who are not interested and I respect that fully. I'm not going to force magic on anybody.

Although I've selected an individual or a couple to perform an effect with, I'm usually performing to the whole table and I will often go round a table showing different people the same effect if its appropriate to do so. It can be difficult for me to get away to the next table sometimes as usually some wine has flowed and people have relaxed a bit and are ready to be entertained!

I'm not a comedy magician but I do like to have a bit of banter and a bit of a joke with people. What I won't do is to set out to embarrass anyone or make them look foolish. The name of the game is to have fun but not at anyone's expense.

Recently I've found children at a reception party who are really into magic and if I can I will use one of them as an impromptu assistant. I have a card trick which is perfect for letting them do most of the work and of course taking the credit, without them knowing how they did the trick!

The best tricks, I reserve for the top table. By then I might have a new assistant with me!

What sort of tricks do you do in a walk around and table setting?

Mainly effects that I can carry in my pockets. They usually involve things like coins, playing cards, cutlery, cords and laces - that sort of thing. I like to perform effects with items that end up in unusual places or mind reading type effects that appear impossible.

Do you do anything dangerous?

No - I don't use fire or anything hazardous in my magical performance.

Can you saw someone in half?

No. Although I do have an effect where some soft cords are made to pass through the spectator's hands (without injury I hasten to add). That is the closest I get. Some very small children may feel nervous about this effect so I am quite sensitive to the possibility of them being nervous and may demonstrate it on an adult first to prove it is safe. Once I've done that then the children usually want me to repeat the effect over and over!

Can I have a demonstration?

I am always happy to meet up in a bar in York or nearby and demonstrate some effects, discuss timings, venue etc. Just give me a call to arrange.

What areas do you cover?

Most of my bookings come from the immediate York area. That's because I promote myself at wedding fairs in the York area but I have also performed in many areas of Yorkshire and occasionally as far afield as Bristol and Cornwall. There is definitely a cost benefit to booking locally as I won't have to factor in travel and overnight stays if I am booked for an event in York.

Where have you performed your magic in York?

Venues include: The Marriott Hotel, The Monk Bar Hotel, The Cedar Court Grand Hotel, The Pavilion Hotel, Churchills Hotel, Burn Hall, Aldwark Manor, The Hospitium, Sandburn Hall, York Racecourse, The National Railway Museum, Chiquitos, Fairfield Manor, Biltmore Bar, Rowley Manor, Barley Hall, The Parsonage at Escrick plus numerous private houses, village halls, Driffield Showground and an RAF base.

How long do you perform magic for?

The answer is that it varies quite a bit but the short answer is for as long as there seems to be a demand for my entertainment. That can range from a couple of hours to several. I've done a couple of 7 hour gigs recently.

What does it cost to hire you as a magician for my event?

That depends on several factors such as how many people you have at your party, location etc. I will quote you a fixed price. I do not charge by the hour - I like to keep things simple. I don't ask for a deposit (so far I've not had anyone quibble about paying so I've not seen the need to charge a deposit upfront). You can pay me either by cash or cheque.
My rates are highly competitive because a) most of my work is local so avoids significant travelling expenses, b) you will not be booking through an agent and so you avoid agency fees.

How will I know that you are any good?

Please review my testimonials page. They are all genuine comments that have been e-mailed to me or said to me directly.

What is your style of dress?

I will try and gauge what is appropriate to the occasion and dress accordingly which usually means either a lounge suit or DJ. I do not wear jeans unless I'm doing a children's party.

Are there any questions that I have not covered here?

The answer is easy. Pick up the phone now and ring me on 07913 398254. I will be very pleased to talk to you.