Magical Memories
ENTRY
from £50
WHERE
Leek
What it’s like
Book a magician or caricaturist to work the room at your party, drawing guests or doing close-up card and coin tricks.
This is entertainment you hire in for an event rather than a venue you visit. A close-up magician mixes and mingles with cards, coins, rings and a bit of sleight of hand, or you can go for mind reading if you want something with a different flavour. One magician can work a room of 150 to 200 guests over two hours, so it scales up fine for a big do.
The other option is a caricaturist, who sets up on the spot and either draws from an easel with a queue forming, or wanders and mingles like the magicians do. They get through 12 to 15 people an hour on average, working in black and white to fit more guests in, though colour can be arranged for smaller parties. Everyone drawn keeps the caricature as a souvenir, which is a nice touch for a birthday.
Cost depends on what you book. A single birthday caricature is £50. For a full event, traditional caricaturists start at £395 for two hours and £445 for three, while the iPad and digital versions start higher at £495 for two hours, since the tech adds to the price. Magicians are quoted individually based on hours, guest numbers and venue.
Timing-wise, both work well during a drinks reception, between courses, or after the meal but before the disco kicks off. That flexibility is the whole point of hiring someone freelance rather than booking a fixed slot, and it means you can slot them in wherever the party actually needs filling.
Facilities
Need to know
- Worth knowing
- Caricatures given free of charge to guests as a personal gift/souvenir
- Caricatures are usually drawn in black and white so more guests get seen; colour costs extra and suits smaller parties better
- A caricaturist gets through roughly 12 to 15 people an hour, so factor that into how many guests you expect to queue
- One magician can comfortably cover 150 to 200 guests across a two hour booking
- Magician pricing isn't fixed, you get a free quote once you share your event details
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
A single birthday caricature is £50. For events, traditional caricaturists start at £395 for two hours, £445 for three, and digital ones from £495 for two hours. Magician prices are quoted individually based on your guest numbers, venue and hours needed.
How long do they stay?
Magicians are typically booked for 1, 2 or 3 hours and caricaturists for 2, 3 or 4 hours, depending on how many guests you have.
Do we need to book in advance?
Yes, you enquire and they check availability with their team nearest your venue, then send you a description and photos of the act before you confirm.
Do we need to provide anything for the caricaturist?
They are self contained. A couple of chairs might help at trade shows or if you want the artist drawing from one spot rather than mingling.
When's the best point in the party to bring them in?
During a mix and mingle drinks reception, between courses, or after the meal but before the band or disco takes over. They say the acts are flexible enough to fit in anytime really.
See all Party Entertainers & Characters in Stoke-on-Trent · Things to do in Stoke-on-Trent
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