Category Archives: Magic

Make Your Christmas Party Unforgettable!

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Even though summer is in full swing, Christmas is never too far away and in fact its heading close to five months until the big day which means that now is the time to begin thinking about the Christmas party and how to make it better than ever before. Red Masque know exactly what you need for a first class event and we understand what it takes to make a memorable party.

If you are in charge of organising the Christmas Party, then now is the time to begin booking your entertainment to avoid disappointment simply because entertainment is often booked months in advance.

You may have a theme in mind or you may have been told that it has to follow a theme, but do not worry because Red Masque will have something you’ll see that will meet your requirements whilst also catering to the needs of those who will be attending – we can promise that your Christmas Party will be one that will be remembered forever!

We appreciate that it can be difficult to choose the right entertainment but this is exactly why we ensure that we have lots to offer so that you can find exactly what you want. You may want to follow orders and book what everyone wants or you could go ahead and book something that is completely different, either way we want to make it easy for you.

So where do you start?

At Red Masque we have put together a few ideas which are sure to get you thinking…

Everyone loves magic and this is why Mix and Mingle Magicians are the complete entertainment package.

Magic and Christmas go hand in hand and this is why Red Masque offer this amazing experience. We can guarantee that your guests will be left in amazement with the tricks they offer and we can promise that their show will be the main talking point. They can tailor their show to the size of the audience and the size of the room; they are true professionals that take magic to the next frontier!

For something completely different the Little People/Dwarfs Elves is a great way to give your event a different twist.

Whether you opt to have your Dwarf entertainer be a doorman, dress as an Oompa Loompa or seeing as it is Christmas, dress as an elf we can promise that your guests will love every minute. They have excellent personalities and are all about fun, fun and more fun! To add to an already exciting show they can also offer dancing and fire breathing as part of their act.

Christmas isn’t Christmas without carols which is why Christmas Carollers give your Christmas party the ultimate festive atmosphere.

Get the party going and the festive joy erupting with A Capella carol singers who really know how to get people into the Christmas spirit? They encourage the perfect atmosphere that can get your guests enjoying themselves long into the night as they roam around the room singing everyone’s favourite carols.

Everyone loves live music and a Party Function Band will really get the party started! They know how to get people up on their feet and singing along to all those favourite Christmas hits.

Your guests will be tearing up the dance floor to their favourite songs whilst busting some moves and having an amazing time. Party Function band will give your event the energy it needs to be classed as the best Christmas Party yet. They have experience of singing all over the world so you will be guaranteed a top class performance.

A Christmas party is all about getting dressed up and feeling good and whilst you may feel like a star why not get treated like one with Paparazzi Photographers. They can help to create an atmosphere before the party by creating a buzz of excitement as your guests get papped with smiles that stretch from ear to ear. The photographers know how to get your attention with their cheeky wit and humour and they even look the part with their trilby hats and press tags. Your guests will be sure to remember their Christmas party thanks to the quality photos that can be purchased online after the event.

Every Christmas Event needs something different and what can be more different than a Human Living Table?

This is the perfect centrepiece and is sure to grab the attention of everyone who is at the event. They come in a number of different characters but more importantly they entertain and create a real hype around the place. They can meet and greet your guests on arrival and create a stir, this is something that is completely unique but oddly mesmerising!

Santa has a bit of a reputation as being someone who is always good but don’t be fooled! Comedic Bad Boy Santa’s are a superb alternative whilst being extremely funny at the same time.

They are all about entertaining and will get your guests partying with their breakdancing on their own mobile dance floor. This act is all about putting a twist on Christmas as it throws tradition out of the window! Excellent music and moves that will make your jaw drop, Santa is not always what you may think he is!

Arrange a surprise party

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Surprise parties are great, but not for the surprise party planner. Trying to organize entertainment, invite guests, get your catering sorted and make sure the whole event goes off without a hitch (while keeping everything under wraps from your VIP guest) can be a real headache! Entertainment Ideas is here to help you take the mystery out of booking entertainment online by promoting only the acts we know and love and can personally guarantee.

The key to a great surprise party is to keep it just that. Sometimes when the person whose party it is for has inkling there may be a party planned for them you can actually tell on their face; the whole element of surprise will be forced.

Here are some tips to try and keep that party a secret. Make sure you do the entire organisation yourself and keep it under wraps then invite your guests at the very last minute. Telling your guests a long time in advance can mean that someone will let the cat out of the bag. Obviously if you’re inviting people from abroad you will need to get your invites out as soon as possible.

You could also pretend to potential guests and your VIP guest that you are having a family get-together for Aunty Maud who is going away. Your unsuspecting VIP guest will be well surprised that the family get together is actually just for them!! Of course Aunty Maud would have to be someone who can keep a secret and is very good at keeping stum, (there’s always one member of the family who is extremely discrete and you can trust them implicitly)

So now it’s time to hire performers and entertainment to really get the party started. Red Masque directory artists advertised are always vetted and approved. Ready to party? Fill out our online enquiry form to book your entertainment. We’re ready to help you get your party started!

Restaurant Entertainment

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Ideas can be a necessity when either opening a restaurant, having a themed night in a restaurant or to just attract new customers to your restaurant. So choosing the perfect entertainment is vital. Restaurant Entertainment can be quite tricky as it has to create the right ambience. If you want a band or musician, be aware that the music can’t be too loud or your customers will not be able to speak amongst each other, and well that would be awkward. Also make sure your entertainment fits into your venue you don’t want to hire a big 6 piece live jazz band, to only squeeze them into a corner so ask the and how much space they need and work it into your restaurant layout. If you want dancers outside the restaurant building as your entertainment firstly make sure you are allowed. There are some rules and regulations surrounding having dancers on a street, especially if you have hired fire dancers. So always just double check what you are and aren’t allowed. Better being safe than sorry. 

1. Live Band- Whether your band range from a 2 piece to an 8 piece, live bands are a great source of entertainment. Your customers will love listening to some smooth jazz, or even some modern hits played live in the background. Having a live band may also keep your customers at the restaurant after they have had their dinner. Offer them a seat at the bar, where they can order more drinks and listen to the band, even dance to the band if they wish.

2. Solo musicians. Give your restaurant that classical elegant and sophisticated feeling by having a solo musician play beautiful music in the corner of the restaurant. You could choose from a solo saxophonist, a solo classical guitarist or the beautiful sounds of the piano. All would suit any restaurant as this style of music is pleasing to most people.

3. Dancers – Dancers can really bring your restaurant to life with the vibrant colours, the fast paced music and of course the exciting dance moves. Have your dancers situated outside the restaurant building to make your customers experience start from when they literally walk in the door. Plus, think of the exposure you will get from the public taking photos with your restaurant logo behind.

4. Fun Casino – Attract your customers by hiring a fun casino in your restaurant. The Fun Casino is a great source of entertainment as it is interactive. The casino tables will be set up around your restaurant with professional croupiers explaining and dealing each game. The Fun Casino gives your guests the opportunity to mix and mingle and will also keep your customers inside your restaurant. Why not add in a live jazz band to really bring a Las Vegas theme together.

5. Magicians – Magicians are great restaurant entertainment as they can meet and greet your guests. The magician can also walk around and do some table magic which your customers would thoroughly enjoy. It also means they would not have to move about much and can enjoy the entertainment from the comfort of their own table with their family and friends.

If you choose Restaurant Entertainment you will most definitely see your customers happier and even your staff happier. It will bring a new lease of life into your restaurant and should attract some new customers. So give restaurant entertainment ago, you never know what it could do for your business.

Bend me, shape me

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Find the best contortionists available for hire in the UK today. One of the most extreme circus disciplines, contortion pushes the the limits of the human form. With superhuman flexibility contortion artists will put on a amazing and memorable show and guarantee to astound your guests leaving them with an impression that will last a lifetime.

Contortion (sometimes contortionism) is an unusual form of physical display which involves the dramatic bending and flexing of the human body. Contortion is often part of acrobatics and circus acts.  In general, contortionists have unusual natural flexibility, which is then enhanced through gymnastic training.

Skills;
Most contortionists are categorized as either front benders or back benders, depending on the direction in which their spine is more flexible. Relatively few performers are equally adept at bending both frontwards and backwards.

Front bending skills such as folding forward at the waist with the legs straight, or placing one or both legs behind the neck or shoulders with the knees bent (called a human knot). They may also pass their body through a ring or barrel while in a forward fold.

Back bending skills such as touching one’s head to one’s feet, or all the way to the buttocks (called a head-seat), while standing, lying on the floor, or in a handstand. A Marinelli bend is a backbend while supported only by a grip at the top of a short post that is held in the mouth.
Splits and over splits (a split of more than 180 degrees) may be included in front bending or back bending acts. An over split may be performed while the feet are supported by two chairs or by two assistants. 

Enterology is the practice of squeezing one’s body into a small, knee-high box or other container which appears to be much too small for a person to fit in. 

Dislocations of the shoulders or hip joints are sometimes performed as a short novelty act by itself. One example is lifting the arm to the side until it passes behind the head and lies across the top of the shoulders.

In the past, contortionists were associated almost exclusively with circuses and fairs, but recently they have also found work performing in nightclubs, amusement parks, in magazine advertisements, at trade shows, on television variety shows, in music videos, and as warmup acts or in the background at music concerts. In addition, contortion photos and digital movie clips are traded by fans on the Internet, and several web sites provide original photos of contortion acts for a monthly fee, or sell videotapes of performances through the mail.

A History of the Crystal Ball

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Find the best crystal ball readers available for hire in the UK today. Have a question? Want to know the future? Have a clairvoyant at your event and open up your guests to a whole new level of entertainment. Every reading is unique and the psychics use their expert judgement and intuition to interpret the messages being sent through.

It is very common that most of the persons associate to the crystal ball with the witches and the fortune tellers, since as well we know, the crystal ball is one of the methods of prediction and clairvoyance more used in the world. 

Basically it is a question of a crystal sphere that uses the reflex of the light to create an images effect in his interior, but the fundamental thing to manage to use this type of clairvoyance, it is necessary that the person who realizes his this one under a deep concentration. 

The origin of the use of the crystal ball dates from the Celtic tribes who were living in the island of Great Britain from 2.000 B.C. and they were unified on the part of the druids, who were one of the group’s first in using the crystal ball as a clairvoyance method. In fact, if it is analysed deeply we will be able to realize that the druidic religion had many resemblances with the megalithic religion of the ancient Great Britain, for this reason it is possible that thanks to them the crystal ball took so many relevancy in the world of the divination and the clairvoyance.

During the middle age in Central Europe many wizards, clairvoyants, magicians, gypsies and psychic began to use like inevitable instrument, to the crystal ball, so much to see the past as the present and the future of the clients and the consultants. Due to his transparent nature, the beryllium was one of the materials most used to make the crystal balls to make the crystal balls, and many escocia mountain-dwellers began to name it like the “stone of energy”. Anyway although the first crystal balls were made by this element, at present the rock crystal is used since it turns out to be many more hialina. Now then, it is said that the crystal ball “invented” a lot of time before the Celtic tribes, and was in the ancient Egypt, several millenniums previous to the Christian age, although also there are affirmations that they indicate us that the crystal ball has his origins in the Mayan civilization. 

Some information that turn out to be very interesting with regard to the use of the crystal ball is that for example, in the island of Fiji, when something bad happens or a crime happens, one always resorts to the crystal ball since it is decided that the same one has the aptitude to show the happened events and this way there can be obtained the tests of the one who was the culprit; this method was used by the Aztecs and the Incas. One of the uses most known in the history of the crystal ball is that of the astrologer Dee, who was using it in order to Reina Elizabeth I showed him the events of the past. Although many people doubt the credibility of this method of clairvoyance, we cannot deny that in the ambience of the magic it is the resource most used by witches, magicians, wizards and fortune tellers.

Whether they admit it or not, everybody likes to be told what going to happen in the future. A Crystal ball reader can be very popular at an event and will guarantee to be a crowd pleaser which will be a talking point for weeks to come.

You may be organising a charity event, local fete, launch party or corporate event. Whatever your event a Crystal Ball Reader will be very well received.

Stuck for party ideas?

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If you are stuck for some ideas for your event or party then Body Art is another way for young and old alike. You may have opened a new theatre company and wish to use Body Art for a completely different concept, or you may be holding a party where women or men are painted from head to foot in the most amazing paint that you wouldn’t know they had any clothes on!!!  (That’s how talented these Body Art artists are) and then there’s your face painter which can create the most amazing art on anybody’s faces…

Clowns are another good choice, usually you would book them for Children’s parties; and of course you still can, but why not hire a Clown for an adult event. Clowns have been around for centuries, first derived from the ‘court gestures’ of many moons ago to entertain Royalty and the Rich and Famous.   Clown’s slap stick humour is able to make both adults and children engage.

You are able to book Clown’s for any different event depending on what you need, but be safe in the knowledge that we only have the best Clowns on our books.

A contortionist is another slightly ‘off the wall’ act to hire, the amazing way these people bend their bodies to get into the tiniest places – are these people human? In fact the suppleness they have has taken hours of training every day to keep them this supple, to enable them get into these impossible spaces. With an act like this you will find that your guess will be mesmerised and will definitely entertain.

Fire Acts are definitely welcoming crowd pleaser. You could be opening up a new night club where 2 of these Fire Acts could be standing outside your new club. A must if you want that dynamic entrance for your new guests.

Or how about a Hula hooping act to hire? Strange as it may seem hula hooping would be a different but entertaining act to hire; maybe to meet and greet your guests as they arrive, serving drinks but hula hooping at the same time? Hula Hooping for a long time takes skill. Your Hula Hoop Act could have many on them on different parts of the body – great entertainment and a great way to keep fit.

So why not book a whole array of acts for your party – just break out from the usual dull entertainment that’s usually hired at such occasions.

Magical mystery evening…

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Are you hoping to have a ‘magical event’ that is totally spellbinding which will have all your guests sitting on the end of their seats? Well, why not hire a group of amazing acts that can transform your dull usual entertainment into something spectacular. Why not hire an up-to-the minute illusionist that is very clever, having everyone trying to guess how on earth he managed to fool you before your very eyes. An escapologist is another act that is a race against time for him/her to get out of a life or death situation, or a contortionist that would squeeze into the tightest of spaces making it look so very easy but at the same time so mesmerising to watch.

You could be having a corporate affair and want some party entertainment which is a ‘bit out there’ which will be a talking point for months to come. Mind readers are always very fascinating, picking a member of the crowd and asking to write or draw something only for the Mind reader to copy exactly what they have done. 

Another great act is a hypnotist – you can hire hypnotists for medical reasons or they can be booked for entertaining. They can put a group of people together and hypnotise them before hand, every-time the hypnotist says a certain word somebody does something completely out of the ordinary which can be very entertaining for you – slightly embarrassing for them!

Trying to work out the future is something that ‘gifted’ people have been doing for centuries, whether it’s reading somebody’s palm, Crystal ball reading, or reading cards.  Each have their own unique way of interpreting what the future may hold but nonetheless all very enchanting and mysterious. Whether or not you believe in these fortune tellers they are always very welcome at an event or party.

You could be having a charity event where a Palmist, Crystal ball reader or Tarot card reader would raise lots of money with your paying guests.  Or you could be having a fete where acts such as these would draw a crowd.

You can be sure that all the acts you see advertised are professional in what they do and are the best of the best.  Our Red Masque entertainment directory will give you a brief insight into each act and then it is up to you to decide which you would like. Once you have decided you are able to fill out an online form which will go straight to your act, they will be in contact to discuss dates and services.

It’s a kind of magic…

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Magic (sometimes referred to as stage magic to distinguish it from paranormal or ritual magic) is a performing art that entertains audiences by staging tricks or creating illusions of seemingly impossible or supernatural feats using natural means. These feats are called magic tricks, effects or illusions. A professional who performs such illusions is called a stage magician or an illusionist. Some performers may also be referred to by names reflecting the type of magical effects they present, such as conjurors, hypnotists, or escapologists.

The first book containing explanations of magic tricks appeared in 1584. During the 1600s many similar books were published that described magic tricks. Until the 18th century magic shows were a common source of entertainment at fairs. A founding figure of modern entertainment magic was Jean Eugene Robert-Houdini, who had a magic theatre in Paris in 1845.John Henry Anderson was pioneering the same transition in London in the 1840s. Towards the end of the 1800s, large magic shows permanently staged at big theatre venues became the norm. As a form of entertainment, magic easily moved from theatrical venues to television magic specials.

Opinions vary among magicians as to how categorize a given effect, but a number of categories have been developed. Magicians may pull a rabbit from an empty hat, make something seem to disappear, or transforms a red silk handkerchief into a white handkerchief. Magicians may also destroy something, like cutting a rope and then “restore” it, make something appear to move from one place to another, or escape from a restraining device. Other illusions include making something appear to defy gravity, making a solid object appears to pass through another object, or appearing to predict the choice of a spectator. Many magical routines use combinations of effects.

Traditionally, magicians refuse to reveal the methods behind their tricks to the audience. Membership in professional magicians’ organizations often requires a commitment never to reveal the secrets of magic to non-magicians. The teaching of performance magic was once a secretive practice. Magic performances tend to fall into a few specialties or genres. Stage illusions use large-scale props and even large animals. Platform magic is performed for a medium to large audience. Close-up magic is performed with the audience close to the magician. Escapology involves escapes from confinement or restraints. Pickpocket magicians take audience members’ wallets, belts, and ties.  Mentalism creates the illusion that the magician can read minds. Comedy magic is the use of magic combined with stand-up comedy, an example being Penn & Teller. Some modern illusionists believe that it is unethical to give a performance that claims to be anything other than a clever and skilful deception. Others argue that they can claim that the effects are due to magic. These apparently irreconcilable differences of opinion have led to some conflicts among performers. Another issue is the use of deceptive practices for personal gain outside the venue of a magical performance. Examples include fraudulent mediums, con-men who use deception for cheating at card games.

Bring some culture to your event…

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We appreciate that although many people want their wedding to be a loud, all singing and all dancing affair that gets people off their seats and having a great time, the simple truth is that some venues have a sound limiter, so that amplifier will have to be turned right down. But rather turning it down, why not get rid of it completely? Grandma won’t complain about the noise and in some cases, the musicians can mingle with your guests creating a more immersive and enjoyable atmosphere (not that it’s not enjoyable already – it is your wedding after all).

How about you hire entertainment like an experience pop quartet who can deliver the pop classics exactly how you need them? They will work well as both background music and providing a party atmosphere and will have your Auntie screaming ‘Come on Eileen’ at the top of her lungs. Within the sound limits of the venue, obviously

A pop group are exactly the kind of band that makes venues smile. No amplifier needed, a bit more quirky than what they see normally and some brilliant tunes to get everybody dancing at your wedding! From Britney Spears to Muse via Beethoven and Frank Sinatra, they really have it all. If you can find a better band comprising a violin, a guitar and an accordion then we’ll eat our wedding hat.

You could find that an A Capella group would be an idea choice for your entertainment, with their soulful voices in perfect harmony at your very special event.

Make it classy; make it memorable and get bring some ‘culture’ to your event.

40th Birthday Ideas…

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I went to a very well organised 40th Birthday and it was the most enjoyable ‘Birthday bash’ I have been to in a long while. Why not give your loved one a birthday party to remember for years to come and here is a taster of what was on offer at this particular one:

This party was all arranged to ensure that guests never knew quite what was coming next: 

Just sixty minutes from London, Aynhoe Park offers a luxurious private home and embodies pure British eccentricity from top to toe. For Friday night, guests were treated to a sumptuous dinner and comic delights for entertainment.

When you hire Aynhoe Park, it essentially becomes your home. You can do as you please and there are fantastic events staff on hand to cater to your needs. It really is an incredible place. Acts were provided to be immersive, with no obvious staging required. Saturday night was the big party day and guests could move freely from room to room, never knowing what they were about to encounter. With no announcements necessary, the evening flowed beautifully and it was a fantastic idea to enhance the event.

The pop-up nature of the evening began with a superb pianist, who performed on the vintage piano as partygoers took in the experience; drinking their cocktails, sampling the canapés on display and marvelling at the Aynhoe Park experience and quirky nature of the event!

In a different area of Aynhoe Park; A Capella singing combined with a beatboxer more than delivered and really got the party started. Guests were whooping and cheering throughout, even calling out for an encore, which was duly respected!

And for a finale, what better act than the illuminating lights of a fire show. Performing in the orangery with the audience surrounding them, they managed to create a club-inspired atmosphere that was perfect to lead into the DJ who played across two different zones – his first set was commercial pop and dance floor fillers, before moving onto deep house music until 4am!