FAQ

How do I book Iain?

It’s very easy! The first step is to make contact, by filling in the contact form, emailing or ringing 07813 022 432. Once you and Iain have discussed your requirements and made arrangements, he will send you a confirmation letter. You return the remittance and a deposit… and Iain is booked for your event. He will ring you a few days before, to confirm the arrangements on both sides.

How far in advance do I need to book Iain?

In general, the earlier, the better.  Iain is a very busy, professional magician, taking bookings 18 months to two years ahead. However, if your event is next week and someone has let you down or you’ve only just thought of hiring a magician, it is certainly worth checking whether Iain is available.

How far will Iain travel?

Iain performs all over the world, so travel is not an issue.

Can I discuss my event with Iain over the phone before we book?

Absolutely! Iain wants to know all about your event, so he can tailor his performance to meet your specific requirements. He can also advise as necessary regarding how you can deploy his magical entertainment to maximum advantage.

Do I need to send a deposit?

Yes.  Every magician could tell you stories of keeping a particular date available and the gig never actually happening. In order to secure your booking, we ask you please to send a percentage of the agreed fee as a deposit. (Details are in the letter Iain will send you.)

What does Iain charge to perform magic?

This depends on the event. Iain is an extremely experienced, highly skilled magician and therefore not the cheapest you’ll find. However, Iain delivers excellent value for money and he wouldn’t be so busy if his clients didn’t find him worth every penny and recommend him to their friends and colleagues.

The figure Iain quotes you will be the full and final fee. No VAT, expenses or any hidden extras will be added.

What do I need to provide?

Nothing! Everything Iain needs to perform his magic he carries in his pockets.

How long does Iain perform for?

Usually an hour and a half or two hours but sometimes longer – it depends how many guests there are.

I have 50 people and would like to book Iain for 2 hours - is that ok?

As with most entertainment, the secret is to leave the audience wanting more. A rough guideline is 1 hour per 100 guests, but it depends if there are going to be interruptions.  For example, if Iain is entertaining between courses of a meal, he will need more time because people don’t want to be disturbed while they are eating..

I have 500 guests - is this too many people for Iain to get around?

If you have more than 250 guests coming, it would probably be best to have two magicians.  Iain knows several magicians of his own high standard, whom he can bring with him and save you the trouble of finding another magician yourself.

My reception will be outside - is this a problem?

No problem at all. Iain is accustomed to creating magic in all sorts of environments.

I'm organising a small party at home - will Iain perform for us there, or does it need to be a large venue?

Iain will be very happy to show you magic in your own home.

What is the best time during our event for Iain to perform?

It depends on the event, of course, but generally people get the maximum enjoyment out of magic when there are no distractions. In other words, if people have just arrived and are greeting one another, if they are eating, if there is music so loud it’s difficult to hear speaking, these are not ideal times for magic.

The best setting for strolling magic is when people are standing around chatting.  The best times for table magic are before the meal starts and in between courses.

If you’d like Iain to do a table show, the best time for this is after any food that is being provided, when people have settled in and are feeling relaxed.

Will Iain teach me a trick?

If you are interested in performing some magic yourself, Iain will be happy to teach you a simple trick, so you can impress your family and friends. What Iain will NOT do is tell you any secrets that you couldn’t find in a basic magic book. This would be against the code of The Magic Circle.

Does Iain do children's parties?

No. Iain’s magic is designed to entertain adults. However, if there are children present at your event, they are more than welcome to experience and enjoy Iain’s magic along with the grown-ups.

I have heard that some magicians are rude and arrogant - will Iain be polite to my guests?

Iain is the soul of politeness, discretion and friendliness. He is very aware that this is YOUR event and he will do everything he can to make sure everyone enjoys it. Iain is not the type of magician to embarrass people or make jokes at their expense. He is flexible rather than demanding, unassuming rather than arrogant, sensitive rather than brash. Iain fits easily into any group and, far from spoiling it as the wrong magician might, he will enhance your reputation.

If you have any questions not covered here or you would like to discuss your event, please contact Iain.