Category Archives: Entertainers

Pirates of the Caribbean party

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Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge. As fans of Captain Jack Sparrow, we thought it might be fun to run through a few pieces of entertainment that are sure to impress at a themed party. Whether it’s hired entertainment for a corporate event or a private party, it’s time to raise the Jolly Roger and look through the spyglass of entertainment on our roster.

Costumed Characters

Of course! The first thing your guests will see upon entering your party are the themed costumed characters meandering amongst your guests. From Jack Sparrow himself to Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann, you can rub shoulders with the best of them. Not wanting to be on the side of the goodies? No problem… Captain Barbossa and Davy Jones can be arranged if desired!

Bravo

What sort of Pirates of the Caribbean party would it be without some form of swashbuckling music entertainment? Red Masque can provide a pirate themed entertainment for your event! Bravo have entertained thousands more people . A fab act that combines comedy with wonderful show tunes, Bravo are sure to go down a storm!

Cocktail Stars

“Why is the rum gone?” is perhaps the most famous line from the entire Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. We don’t expect you to be able to enjoy a party without rum and thankfully, you won’t have to if you hire some tremendously talented cocktail shakers! If rums not your thing then that’s just fine – other spirits are available – but personally we think a rum and coconut concoction will certainly fit with the Caribbean theme.

Layla Rosa

Anybody who has seen Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl will be able to tell you that the curse causes an entire crew of pirates to turn into skeletons at night! Argh! Pay homage to this classic of cinema by booking Layla Rosa an aerial hoop circus performers that could don full skeleton makeup to spook out the crowd!

Get planning New Year’s Eve early

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Because most pubs and restaurants get booked up and rammed to the rafters, many people prefer to throw a private party. If you decide to hire a party venue it pays to book well in advance.

It’s also important to recognise that people expect something a little special on New Year’s Eve so don’t be afraid to go all out. Why not have a look at some of the best party themes we have listed to get some inspiration for some great party ideas.

It’s good to ensure there are plenty of attractions to keep guests talking and mingling so you could also consider casino tables which can create a space for guests to meet, mix and break the ice. Also check out some mix and mingle acts who will work the floor & get people talking.

Party Bands

For a rocking party, you could book a live band. Live bands are perfect for NYE parties and work well with a Scottish Hogmanay theme. Hire a band with a caller to shout out the dance moves and you’re away!

Other popular choices include/swing bands, soul bands, rock n roll or jive bands to keep your guests dancing all evening long.

Also traditional for the stroke of midnight, book a Bag Piper!

Fireworks

It’s now become traditional to set off fireworks at midnight on new year’s eve. You could arrange a professional fireworks show or you can buy DIY firework kits from recommended suppliers.

Travelling

If you’re prepared to travel it’s well worth a visit to Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations!!

But, whatever you decide to do, make sure you do what’s right for you.

Its no joke

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The Joker itself was invented sometime around 1860 by players of the card game Euchre, a trick-taking trump card game for four players. Relying on memory, tactics and good communication, you don’t use the entire deck but somewhere between 24 and 32 cards. It was believed to be introduced to the US by German settlers, though this is in dispute and it may also have been introduced to the American mainland by immigrants from Cornwall and Devon.

We have all shuffled a pack of cards at a private party. Cards are great entertainment for events. Most probably you own at least one, just in case we want to practice a couple of magic tricks or have a game or two of a popular card game. You normally take the playing cards from the pack, take out the Jokers and start dealing the cards. But have you ever stopped to wonder where the Joker comes from and why it is there? Well we have the information that you require!

In the 1860s, some American card players of Euchre devised some new rules for their beloved game. The problem? It required an extra card. Sure, they could have used one of the spare cards from the deck, but since all the face cards are part of the game, this wouldn’t have been a ‘good fit’. They referred to the new card they came up with as the Best Bower, adding it to the game where it became the highest trump card available.

Looking to make a quick buck from these variation rules, American card manufacturers quickly jumped on the trend by including a couple of extra cards in their decks. The British were a little slower to catch on though, only adding them in during the 1880s.

The Best Bower card was slowly phased out to become the Joker or Jolly Joker that we all know and love today. Like the Ace of Spades, it was typically branded with the company logo or with a unique floral motif that connected it to the manufacturer. It wasn’t until the Joker title for the card became more common that it was almost always represented by a performing jester.

Despite the fact you may think the Joker is connected in some way to the Fool in Tarot cards, you might be interested to know that there is no connection at all. Tarot cards have been around since the 15th century when jesters were still a possible career option and there is no link to the Jokers in a pack of cards.

All night with Michael Buble

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A lot of the time we get feedback on acts that are on our advertised on our website. This is a great way for other event hosts and party planners to hear from the performer’s happy past clients! Sometimes we stumble upon a particularly moving review that makes us proud to connect hosts with extraordinary entertainers. Here’s what somebody hired from our website to liven up their private party!

I was searching for some kind of fun and unexpected entertainment for a birthday party for my Grandmother’s 80th. We were having live party band after dinner but I wanted something to kick off the party with a spark of fun after everyone arrived.

Our family knew that Grandma adored Michael Buble. I took the opportunity of hiring a celebrity lookalike; and I was very glad I did. I had the opportunity of talking to the act before and to go through all the particulars. The act told me he was rehearsing for a theatrical play in the West End and told me about all the other roles he has been involved with.

When my Grandma’s 80th birthday arrived. I was so excited when my party entertainer to came in, when he walked into the party there was definite ‘stage presence’ he engaged with my Grandma and his stage act dance was so authentic. She blushed but loved every minute of it.

A group picture was taken with the Michael Buble lookalike surrounded by all our guests.

One of our guests, who is 70 years old, came up to the hired party entertainer to tell him he had met the real Michael Buble. He was gracious and listened to her story all the while keeping in character. Our friend was delighted and said he was just as charming. He talked about him all night long.

I knew I found someone special in this act. He was not only charismatic, young and talented; he was charming and a delight to work with!

Well done Red Masque and of course Michael!!!

All things vintage

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Why not have your very own Vintage theme party and serve up vintage style beverages– why not browse our Red Masque website today to arrange the ideal food and drinks caterers for your corporate event.

Book string quartet for your vintage corporate event to give your guests the rare opportunity to relive the 1950s musical trend that was three-part harmony singing. Close harmony singing requires huge talent and many years of practice, and when executed magnificently, like our artists can, your guests will be blown away!

Vintage themed corporate events are a big hit this year. There are all sorts of great vintage style corporate entertainment to be hired, including: a 1950s inspired pool party, complete with dressed up waitresses and synchronised swimmers; seeing the likes of 40s/50s dance troupes with a Vintage DJ….

Jazz bands and orchestras dominated what we now call the ‘vintage music scene’ of the early 20th century, which became popular in the 1910s in New Orleans and quickly spread to the UK and Europe. We have a huge collection of jazz bands, duos, trios and Jazz artists to give your vintage themed corporate entertainment the sophistication and class it needs – enquire today!
Where jazz brings sophistication, class and charm; swing, jive and rock n roll will bring movement and lots of it! Get your guests dancing all night long with one of Red Masques directory artists using swing bands, jive bands or 50s style rock and roll bands.

When you book your corporate entertainment through Red Masque entertainment you are guaranteed a class act from professional musicians and entertainers.

Music is a wonderful addition

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A wonderful sound of classical instruments being played is second to none, the haunting sounds of a Harpist, or the classical sound of a Pianist, the timeless sound of a Violist or a string quartet. If you wanted an upmarket affair than these are the artists to hire.

Solo musicians albeit a group of musicians they will add that extra je ne sais quoi to your special event.

Imagine the scene; a launch party for your new wine bar has finally been arranged and there is the sound of people talking and laughter -in the background is a professional pianist. A complete success and the right ambience has been created making you stand out a little from the competitors.

Karaoke has become the world’s most favourite entertainment, we are all closet singers but put a microphone in front of us when we’ve had a few sherbets and we turn into Shirley Bassey or Tom Jones!!

Live band karaoke takes traditional karaoke to another level where your live band can play along with you – so if you do make a few mistakes then your live band is able to pick up where you left behind (making you look like the star you were born to be!!)

You must admit this would be great fun to hire this at corporate events and private parties where even the shyest of persons will turn into a Diva for the night!!

Why not get some culture in your life and hire some Latin or Middle Eastern music musicians? The mystique of beautiful ladies and gentlemen dancing to this music, it could be belly dancing or Salsa – the rhythm is definitely going to get you!!

Motown and Soul is the best music of days gone by, it was so cool, black soulful funky groups to the delightful sound of Diana Ross.

Motown really turned the music industry around and today we still hear sampled copies of Motown and Soul being used today – but Motown and Soul is most synonymous with the outlandish clothing and big hair!!!

Whatever your memories of Motown and Soul, no doubt it will always have a place in your heart. Why not hire a tribute band so they can play all your favourite songs in that era, and maybe have a fancy dress too – now that would definitely be fun!!!

To hire only the best just look on the Red Masque directory to find just what you’ve been looking for to give your special event that extra special sparkle!!

Hire some entertainment for your BBQ

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The BBQ Party season is nearly here. That’s when you know it’s time to bring out the BBQ and host your own party. But why not make your BBQ party unique and fun by incorporating some Party Ideas in the form of party entertainment and games throughout the day and evening.

Underneath are a few simple ideas to make your BBQ party the highlight of the summer.

Hire some large outdoor games such as giant jenga, archery, giant connect 4 and even twister. This will keep your guests entertained throughout the BBQ party and will give them a chance to mix and mingle as well. Giant games are such an easy and effective style of entertainment that will definitely make your BBQ party the talk of the street. Other BBQ Party ideas could include bouncy castles, rodeo, or even bubble machines.

Beverages at a BBQ party are of high importance. Here are some party ideas to make your catering that little something different. To save you money and time ask your guests to bring their own drink. Or try out the new craze sweeping across the nation relating to beverage catering at BBQ parties, your very own Cocktail artist and bar. Hire a cocktail artist to greet your guests with some freshly made cocktails at your BBQ party. You could even name the cocktails to fit in with your summer BBQ. Trust me when I say this… you and your guests will love sipping on a cold cocktail in the warm sunshine.

Every BBQ party needs music. But sometimes a playlist being played on a MP3 player can be quite monotonous and played out. So why not put that extra spark (pun intended) into your BBQ party and hire a musician or a DJ. A classical guitarist would create the perfect atmosphere at your BBQ party and give it that extra wow factor… seriously, how many BBQ’s have you been to with a professional guitarist playing just for you. Not many, so get on it. Also hire a local DJ to provide the evening music, this gives you the chance to mingle with your guests knowing that the music is in safe hands.

So kick off the summer season in style with a fun and lively BBQ party. Take some inspiration from the above BBQ Party Ideas and enjoy the long evenings with your closest friends and family. Summer won’t last forever so if you’re going to have a BBQ party, have it in style.

Lots of great fundraising ideas

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Cheerleading fundraising does not have to be hard work. There are lots of great ideas out there. Give them a little tweak to suit your team. And away you go!

There is nothing worse than having to be constantly raising funds. It can take up so much time. Time that could be better spent learning new routines, coming up with new cheerleading cheers, chants, practising for competitions, and private parties.

However organising successful fundraisers does not have to be a drag. If the ideas are good enough lots of cheerleader fundraisers can actually be really good fun! They also are a great way to build team spirit.

The other thing is that by undertaking fundraising events in your local community you can make friends, attract sponsorship and build a big base of supporters who will then be behind you because you are “their team”.

Many ordinary fundraising ideas (and some not so ordinary) can be used to raise money for your squad. The thing is to give them your own special twist.

Often just running ordinary fundraisers but wearing your cheerleading uniforms is enough to grab people’s attention and make things different. Just think outside the box a bit. Then get organised and GO FOR IT!

Below are some easy fundraisers perfect for cheerleaders and guaranteed to bring the cash in for your group:

Bake Sale Fundraisers

Cheerleaders Car Wash

Cheerleading Fundraiser – Christmas Gift Wrapping Service

Cheerleading Fundraiser – Cheerleading Children’s Party

Cheerleading Uniforms – Selling them to raise funds

Tom bola – Run a Tombola stall at any local event.

Very English Fundraising Ideas

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St George’s Day & some very English Fundraising Ideas

Saint George – that renowned slayer of dragons is the patron saint of England (and a few other countries). His day falls on the 23rd April and is a great excuse to come up with some fantastic fundraising events and entertainment with a very English feel.
Decorations for St George’s Day
Decorations for St George’s Day should consist of:
Cross of St George bunting and flags
Pictures of Bobby Moore holding aloft The World Cup
Pictures of London landmarks

Start the day just right by offering a Full English Breakfast in your local hall, school diner, works canteen, local pub etc.

A typical Full English will include:
Bacon, eggs, sausages, black pudding, baked beans, tomatoes and mushrooms. Followed by toast and marmalade. All washed down with a few cups of tea.

Charge your guests by the plate or the individual portions. Who could resist.

What’s more the local press will love the story and pictures of your fundraising fry up will be sure to feature.

Alternatively team up with a local butcher and produce a special Full English Home Delivery Pack. Simply put all the ingredients together in a decorated bag called The Full Monty.

Either sell them in the couple of days before the 23rd or hand deliver to individual addresses the night before.

St George’s Day Special – Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding
Roast Beef the very stuff of Olde England.
Find a venue where you could serve this traditional English Roast Dinner. With lovely roast beef, yorkshires, roast potatoes, parsnips, carrots and peas with a beautiful thick gravy.

For afters its got to be a classic English Pudding:
Spotted Dick, Apple Crumble, Treacle Tart, Bakewell Tart, Bread and Butter Pudding. All smothered in lovely golden yellow custard.

As the cooking for this is a bit more involved you may like to team up with a local pub, bar or restaurant. You organise the event, publicise it and sell tickets. They provide the venue and the catering for an agreed split of the profits. For them this is a great marketing opportunity. They will love the publicity, and having their place full of potential new customers. You get the chance to raise some easy money.

St George’s Day Special – A Classic English Cream Tea
Ok a bit more refined but just as lip smackingly gorgeous. The best venue for this one is someone’s garden or the local village green. Serve up delicious home-made scones with butter, clotted cream, strawberry jam and a lovely pot of tea.

St George’s Day Special – Cockney Knees Up
That’s right we are all off to London Town for a night of pie and mash. A pint or two of best bitter. And a right good sing song around the old piano.

Partnering with a pub is again a good idea for this one, but the bar of a social or sports club would also work well.

This is the sort of event where you really need a good host or hostess, someone who can really get the party going.

Highlights of the evening could be:
Getting a few volunteers to do a music hall turn.
Find out who knows their Whistle and Flutes from their Kettle and Hob with a Cockney Rhyming Slang Quiz. Why Did Dirty Den Do It? and Who was always looking for her Little Willie? What about a special quiz all about the TV Soap Opera Eastenders

How Many buttons on The Pearly Kings Coat – OK a bit of needle work for someone but it would be a really nice touch to the evening.

A good old fashioned sing song. People will sing if you give them a sheet with the words on it, though a few drinks before hand help too!

Fundraising Quiz Night – All About England
Fundraising quizzes can be good fun and St George’s Day is the perfect excuse for a quiz night all about England. Just give all your rounds an English slant.
Question rounds could be things like:
English history
English sport
The geography of England
English TV shows
English pop and rock music
This would be perfect combined with a meal such as a curry or fish and chips.

Organising an exhibition

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You’ve got your booth and your display, and you want everyone to stop and see what you have to offer. But how do you get them to stop? Make your exhibition booth unforgettable with some un-boring additions!

Food & Drink

Every human loves food. It’s just a fact. If there’s food at your booth, you’re practically guaranteed to have a swarm of people. So if you choose to have food or drinks, be prepared with large quantities! You can usually get an estimate of attendees from the convention’s website or the salesperson who sold you the booth.

Also, check the restrictions of the exhibition, because sometimes food isn’t allowed unless it’s pre-packaged. If that’s the case, try attaching your business card to the packages so your prospects will know where it came from later.

If food & drink is allowed, try something a little more fun than a tray of quiches. Bringing in concessions like marshmallow machines or gourmet candy floss can add an adult twist on classic childhood favourites. If the exhibition allows alcohol, mini cocktails are another winner.

Party Entertainers

Want to create a buzz around your booth? Bring in a celebrity, of course. It starts with one person whispering to their friend, “Is that Lady Gaga?” and before you know it, everyone is checking out your booth. Celebrity Impersonators can pose with guests for pictures, sign autographs, and add an air of glamour to what can be a dry event. Whether you choose a blast from the past like Marilyn Monroe or Elvis or keep it newer with James Bond or Austin Powers, you won’t regret it. And neither will the attendees!

Live Entertainment

Another great way to draw attention is a live performance at your booth. Close-Up Magicians can snag passers-by and get them involved with card tricks or other quick sleights of hand. If sound restrictions allow, you could even have a music performance like a One-Man Band or String quartet. Send a walkabout artist into the crowd with your company to recruit attendees for your booth, or have an illusionist or magician for a more compact performance.

With a little creativity, you can have the best booth at the exhibition. Give people an experience that they won’t soon forget, and drum up some great relationships and potential new business.