**A Guide to Choosing a Magician for Your Event**
Have you searched for a magician online and found yourself confused by the options available? When selecting a close-up magician, there are several factors to consider:
1. **Look for a Magic Circle Member.** The Magic Circle is a prestigious organization that requires dedication and a rigorous audition process for membership. Just as you wouldn’t hire an unqualified plumber to fix your plumbing, you should seek a magician recognized by this esteemed group. Members include well-known magicians like Dynamo, David Copperfield, and the late Paul Daniels.
2. **Watch the Showreel.** Seek out a show reel that features the magician performing for real audiences. Pay attention to their reactions and get a sense of the performer’s personality to determine how well they will fit into your event.
3. **Find Quality Photos.** Look for professional images showcasing the magician in action. Seek out photos where audiences appear amazed, smiling, and thoroughly entertained—happy guests should be your main focus!
4. **Check the Client List and Reviews.** Google and Facebook reviews are excellent resources for gauging the experiences of previous clients who have booked the magician.
5. **Assess Flexibility.** This is crucial, as most parties, weddings, and events do not run precisely on schedule. A good magician should be able to adapt and modify their performance to meet your requirements on the day.
6. **Consider the Cost.** High-quality magicians are not cheap, and opting for a bargain option may lead to disappointment. Prices can vary significantly, but generally, expect to pay between £380 and £500 for two hours of close-up magic.
7. **Trust Your Gut Reaction.** Your intuition matters—after all, you know your guests better than anyone else.
While booking through an agency like Pop Top or Alive Network can be a good option, keep in mind that fees may be higher than when you contact the magician directly via their website.
Remember, for every hour a magician performs, you can be assured that they have invested approximately 1,000 hours perfecting their craft through research and practice. A skilled magician puts in considerable effort to develop their talents.