HIRE A CHILDREN'S MAGICIAN
Planning an event, can sometimes be overwhelming, especially if you've never hired a magician before. I hope these FAQs will be helpful. If I've missed anything you can reach out to me using the link below.
ABOUT THE MAGIC
My magic shows are designed for older children, teen, and family audience. I don't take birthday party bookings where the birthday child is less than 7*, but I do often perform at family events, festivals, and school events where younger children may be present.
* I can recommend someone who does.
Choosing a magician to entertain at your event can be tricky if you've never done it before, but there are a few clues that can help you to be confident they have what it takes to create an awesome party / event for your celebration.
Photographs: My website is packed with photos from live events (not just generic photoshoots). If you want to create something similar to what you see in those images, it's probably worth us having a chat.
Reviews: I've also got multiple five star reviews on Google. You can check some of them out below.
Experience: I don't know how to prove this one to you, but I've been performing magic since 2001 and have attended over 2500 events (1500 children's and family events). That experience has taught me exactly what's required in order to create a fun magic show and party.
If you're still unsure, let's talk. I'm confident that if you talk to me (and that really is the best way to get a feel for someone) you'll be satisfied I know what I'm talking about.
Yes, I can accommodate larger groups. However, for larger groups, it's vital that the logistics are thought out well in advance. If you let me know more about your event, such as how many people are attending and what sort of space you have available, I'll be able to advise you on sound, lighting and staging, and also where to hire the equipment from if required. My Grand Magic Show is perfect for audiences up to approximately 150.
Yes, in addition to magic shows, I can also offer walk around close up magic, a magic workshop, and/or balloon modelling.
SETTING UP THE SHOW
As well as space for the audience to sit (usually children on the floor), there should also be space for me to set up the show. Here's a guide to the space I need for each of my shows.
My Magic Show is can squeeze up or stretch out as required.
My Grand Magic Show requires a set up space of about 3m x 3m. A stage / raised platform is highly recommended. A safe plug socket is also required.
If there are any doubts, it's best to discuss your specific venue at the time of booking to ensure the space will be suitable.
Yes. I can perform outdoors, and I鈥檓 happy to do so when the conditions suit the show.
I've performed my show both in poor uncomfortable conditions and excellent well thought out facilities. With that in mind, here's a few things to keep in mind:
- Even light wind can affect some props, so sheltered spots work best.
- Weather can change quickly; rain, strong sun or extreme temperatures can affect comfort and performance. Consider shade or cover so the audience stays comfortable.
- For large events (100 people +) effective sound propagation outdoors requires a sophisticated sound system that sometimes needs to be hired separately, at additional cost.
- To make sure the show can 100% go ahead, prepare a backup indoor alternative space in case plans need to change at the last minute.
As a children鈥檚 magician, I tend to cover:
- Staffordshire - Lichfield, Uttoxeter, Stafford, Stone, Rugeley.
- West Midlands - Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, Wolverhampton (sometimes, Coventry).
- East Midlands - Ashbourne, Burton on Trent
- (sometimes Telford too)
See the map below to check your location.
Please get in touch wherever your event is taking place, I can travel across the UK or recommend a local colleague.
BOOKING PROCESS
Most bookings are made two to three months in advance, however, it is advisable to book as far in advance as possible, especially for peak times such as weekends and during the school holidays.
I can sometimes accommodate last minute bookings, so please don't hesitate to contact me to see if I'm available. Even if I can't help, I'm well connected with other magicians and entertainers so may be able to recommend a colleague.
While I understand that different events have different budgets, it's important to note that not all magic shows are the same.
It's always going to be more expensive to hire a professional magician who understand what it means to put on a performance, than it will be to hire a general party entertainer who has bought a few off the shelf tricks and simply runs through the stock presentation.
Likewise, it will cost more to hire someone with 20 years of experience than someone looking for pocket money during their gap year.
The price of my shows reflects not only the time of the performance itself but also the set up time in the week before your event, and the years of experience I bring.
I've found that this level of professionalism gives my clients the peace of mind to know they are hiring a reliable professional.
While I'm not the cheapest magician, I'm confident the price I set is fair. I know it is because I perform at that price regularly and consistently get great feedback about the excellent value for money and memorable experiences I provide. You can read some of those comments below.
- Birthday party shows at the weekend usually start at around 拢200 +
- Mixed age family events usually start around 拢200 +
- Community events usually start at around 拢300 +
- School shows usually start around聽拢300 +
Of course, these are the starting prices. Some things that increase the price are additional extras, an evening show, a bigger show (100's of people), and travel costs.
It's a simple process.
1. CONNECT
Get in touch and tell me the details of your event. To best help you out, it's useful to know:
- date
- time
- venue address and postcode
- age range of children
- number of children (and number of adults, if you would like them to be entertained too)
- what the celebration is for
2. DISCUSS
I'll reply by email (or a phone call) to explain what I provide and what I would recommend for your event. If I'm not available or not the best magician for your event, I'll let you know and can connect you with a colleague.
3. AGREE
If 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.
If you get stuck at any point you can reach out to me.
Of course, I will also always get in touch with you a few days before the event to touch base and double check everything.
Once you have paid the booking fee, you are in my calendar, and I don't take any other bookings for that time. I have never cancelled a show. However, if due to unforeseen circumstances I can鈥檛 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 I'll sort that out first, so that if I contact you, I am calling you with a solution, not a problem.
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.
Finally sitting down to write this after a crazy but amazing day! From the second I contacted Ed with the enquiry until he left the event, he has been nothing short of amazing. The booking process was smooth and easy and no question was left unanswered. I highly recommend Ed.
GET IN TOUCH
I'm always excited to hear about your plans, and how my magic shows might fit in with your event. Complete the form below and I'll get back to you very soon.
Form not working for you? Email me direct: ed@edsumner.com
My magic shows for older children, teens, and families are packed with jaw dropping magic and interactive (often improvised) comedy. It's the perfect entertainment for birthday parties, family events, community events, schools, and festivals. I mainly cover Stafford, Lichfield, Staffordshire, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, and East Midlands, but I can travel across the UK.
Ready to find out more?
Get in touch today!