5 basic planning rules

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Hiring entertainment for your event can seem like a struggle but it doesn’t have to be. It’s natural to stress over all aspects of an event but if you follow these five basic event planning rules, you’ll be a brilliant event planner in no time! So whether it’s your first time booking entertainment for an event or you’re an old hand, here are a few tips that it’s always worth remembering.

Make a List of Entertainment Ideas

Always make a list of the entertainment ideas you have in mind for your party or event so that you don’t get side-tracked when looking at our gallery! There are a lot of superb entertainment acts out there but not all of them will be suitable for your special event. As such, it’s best for event planners make a list of the sort of thing you’re looking for even if you have quite a broad spectrum of what it is you’re after.

Know the Trends

One of the most important things about being an event planner is that you need to know what is available on the market. After making your list of entertainment ideas, it’s now time to look out for any other acts the people seem to be excited about and consider the date as well. October? Then Halloween themed entertainment may be nice. December? Of course that’s Christmas! Like any industry, events go through trends and it’s important to be on the ball to ensure that you’re getting what you pay for in terms of the latest exciting entertainment act.

Budget Wisely

Decide on a budget far in advance of when you sit down to allocate the funds to each part of your event or wedding. Entertainment can be pricey, as can each part of event planning, but shrewd event planners are the ones who do not waver from their initial costings and ensure that they are getting a good deal. Musicians in particular vary widely in price but rest assured we only work with the very best acts who have passed our auditions process.

Give Yourself Some Time

People like to plan early so don’t leave it until the last minute before booking the entertainment for your event. Some of the most popular acts like Motown Supreme are already being requested by event planners for weddings late in 2016, so don’t delay if there’s a piece of entertainment you just have to have! It’s better to book sooner rather than later as this also gives time to deal with any possible song requests or dealing with venue difficulties like sound limiters.

Think About Everything Else

Well, once you’ve booked a great act for your party it’s time to focus on other things. Event planning is all about juggling tasks and assigning time to each of them. Once your entertainment is booked, start thinking about how to improve your venue by picking a nice theme. Then onto the catering and flowers. It feels like it’s never ending but it doesn’t have to be. So book your event entertainment early and then allow yourself some time to think about everything else

5 beautiful venues outside of London

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We all love London. Even those that claim they don’t still find something to enjoy, even if it’s for just one day a year when the London Marathon arrives or maybe even once every few years when it hosts the Olympic Games. Even so, it’s also nice to have a break from the capital city on occasion and these five venues are great places to hold your event if you’re planning to escape the M25.

Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons

Le Manoir is nestled in the picturesque Oxfordshire village of Great Milton and is renowned as one of Britain’s finest gastronomic experiences. Not bad, eh? It has held two Michelin stars for an incredible 29 years, so if you’re a foodie then we can’t think of many places that would be better to hold your event. Surrounded by smart lawns and stunning orchards, this really is a gorgeous venue to celebrate your anniversary or indeed get married!

Wrest Park

Most people’s commute through London is about an hour but what if you went the other way instead? Well, you may very well end up at Wrest Park is a French chateau-inspired building that affords breath-taking views of its fountains, statues and ornate Baroque buildings. Available for party events both inside and out, this is a magical setting for activities and team building days for up to 1,500 people.

Chewton Glen

What a photo. Blue skies, croquet, on the outskirts of the New Forest— What more could you want from an events venue? A bit of a ‘modern classic’, Chewton Glen provides an ideal setting for meetings, incentives and social gatherings. With a variety of function rooms and extensive facilities (which also include golf, tennis and a spa), this is the ultimate venue to impress. So be sure to dress up and make a day of it!

Hedsor House

Located within almost 100 acres of impressive parkland and situated on the doorstep of London, Hedsor House is one of the most picturesque and private wedding venues in the UK. When you book, it’s yours for the day with the only limitation being your imagination. Wow! Yes, it’s a blank canvas of a venue and you may recognise it from The Golden Compass, where Nicole Kidman was able to call it her home. Having rubbed shoulders with Hollywood, its next big event could be yours!

Pennyhill Park

Located just south of London in Surrey, Pennyhill Park is secluded within 123 acres of woodland and parkland, a 19th Century mansion framed by terraces, formal lawns and flower beds. Wonderful for a wedding or just a private party, it is an immaculate venue for an intimate party and allows up to 190 guests to help celebrate your big day.

After all that, it sort of makes us wonder why we’re based in London!

7 Main Magic Tricks

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Did you know that there are only 7 different types of magic tricks? That’s not to say that you will only ever seen 7 party magic tricks in your life and that all of the others are the same, but like film genres, there are widely acknowledged to only be 7 categories that magic tricks will fit into, though naturally there will be some crossover (and a few people disputing this belief).

Below, we’ve compiled the 7 types of magic tricks explained them a little. Magic!

Vanish

As you might expect, this is the art of making something disappear. A popular close-up magic trick will normally use a coin or a card, whilst David Copperfield went so far as to make the Statue of Liberty apparently disappear. (We say apparently because last time we checked, it’s still there…)

Appearance

One could argue that this is how the Statue of Liberty returned! That wasn’t televised. Often seen when a event magician creates cards from nowhere or perhaps with doves and candles, as seen in this mesmerising Lance Burton magic trick. Wow.

Levitation

Be it a matchstick, a car or even yourself, audiences around the world have been mystified by various objects defying gravity for years, dating all the way back to the Indian Rope trick. Later versions include David Copperfield’s ‘Flying’ and of course, the street levitation that made David Blaine famous.

Penetration (oi!)

Stop blushing. You have no need to blush! You at the back. Focus. Come on now. The penetration is a classic that we’ve all seen before. A pen passes through a playing card or a coin passes through an iPad. Frankly, they’re all mystifying and deserving of an audience. In this clip, ‘magician’s magician’ Eugene Burger passes a cigarette through a card, somehow leaving the card intact once the magic trick is done. Huh

Transportation

“If you’d just like to check your back pocket, sir…” The transportation is a staple of card top magicians worldwide, managing to shoehorn the 8 of Hearts into anything from a pair of trousers to a lemon, or even a sealed tin of spaghetti. This type of magic trick was the main thinking behind top film, The Prestige featuring Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale, where the main characters were transporting themselves. Impressive stuff. (Again though, David Copperfield did it years ago…)

Mind Reading

The incredible abilities that made Derren Brown and Uri Geller famous, mind reading, is a tremendously impressive feat of psychological showmanship. To his credit, Derren Brown admits this. Uri Geller though, passes it off as gospel. Often seen at live magic shows, it’s sure to impress. How did they know?

Restoration

Whether it’s your bank note, a card or even your ludicrously expensive watch, magicians love to tear or smash up your property before returning it to you a few minutes later completely unharmed (in theory…) Strangely they call this entertainment. As long as it doesn’t go wrong, it’s great.

If you’re looking for a magician for your event, feel free to get in touch using the information below.

A Vintage affair

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Tuesday was what would have been the 125th birthday of Agatha Christie. As we all know, she has unfortunately not quite managed to live to 125 years old, but to celebrate the birth of the creator of Hercule Poirot and The Mousetrap, which is still going strong on the West End after 60+ years, we thought we’d pull together a few vintage acts to get you pondering a vintage party theme!

Upon entering what is no doubt a sumptuous English country mansion (for which you have booked for this occasion), the first act that will bring you beautifully into the vintage theme are a jazz band. As you whisk a Champagne flute from a passing tray and sample a posh canapé, these superb musicians will perfectly set the tone with some vintage-style background music at your event.

As you pass into the next room – perhaps even a private dinner – a party performer can be there to greet guests with his unique vintage vaudeville entertainment. Calling to mind the many talented circus performers and silent comedians of the past, mime entertainers can juggle, spin plates and use an assortment of items including tablecloths, hats and crockery, which will have you convinced you’ve stepped back in time. A vintage mime performer who can perform for up to thirty minutes at a time, you and your guests are sure to be impressed!

Who better to work the tables than a charismatic and charming event magician? Magicians for parties are known for their witty repartee and abundance of magic tricks to stun and amaze. Be it a signed and folded card appearing in his mouth or correctly mindreading colours that a guest has picked on a card. Magicians can do it all. Magicians are a great vintage entertainment that will fit perfectly with your party theme.

Yes, there’s always room for classical music at a vintage themed event all are classically trained acts and it simply comes down to whether you’d prefer a quartet or a duo. Spectacular music in a stunning setting, what could be better? Agatha Christie certainly enjoyed fine music and there’s nothing better than strings in a great hall.

Why not book a harmony band of the 30s and 40’s, they will Provide the perfect soundtrack to your event, harmonies have stunned audiences for years and never cease to go out of fashion?

Of course, there are numerous acts that are perfect for an Agatha Christie or vintage theme (Great Gatsby) so feel free to take a look around the Red Masque directory and see what takes your fancy!

Office Party Planning Tips

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People get nervous at office parties. Nervousness can equal erratic behaviour so reduce the stress by setting some ground rules. Make sure you answer the following questions:

Will there be alcohol at the party and if so is it open bar or cash bar?
Are spouses and dates invited? This is particularly important if the party is off your property.
How long will the festivities last? Not everyone can get there at 5:30 so it’s nice to know people will still be there later in the evening.
What’s the proper dress? Not usually a big problem and not necessary in a majority of cases, but if you are hosting the party at a private club or a place no one has been to before a heads up about what to wear can save some people serious embarrassment.

Whether you plan to host a big bash or a small gathering try these suggestions:

Be as generous as your budget allows. Your employees work hard and they are looking for a show of appreciation. They view your generosity as a barometer of their performance.
Try to go somewhere different. If there is a tavern or restaurant close by your employees are probably there all the time. Why not drive an extra 5 minutes and meet at someplace different?
If you have the party on premises, make sure to decorate. Telling them to meet in the cafeteria will excite no one. Asking them to join you on the beach (a decorated themed area) they’ll know it’s a special day.
Invest in a cocktail waiter. They’ll monitor and control drinking. They also can make attractive and fun “virgin” drinks. People like picking a non-alcoholic “cool” option. Letting employees pour their own can be a problem and asking an employee to tend bar may be putting them in a bad spot.
Have a theme for your party entertainment. We mentioned luau because it’s always a hit but casino and Mardi Gras are also real favourites that can be planned for 10 or a 100.

Think about providing some great party favours or even door prizes. It’s nice to walk away with a remembrance of a great time. Finally make sure you have fun. If you’re a manager, mingle with your employees they’ll appreciate it and you’ll enjoy it.

Everyone loves a Cheesy Party theme

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What’s Cheese? This is probably one of the hardest questions a party DJ has to answer as it can mean totally different things to different people. So we’ll let you tell us what it means to you and we’ll happily play the cheesiest, most fun party songs you can think of to keep you and your guests enjoying themselves all night (and yes the photos will prove you danced to the YMCA and Macarena).

Come On Eileen, we’re going to the D.I.S.C.O, so Dance Yourself Dizzy like a Dancing Queen! The well-loved party hits from all the decades were written with just one aim – to have a good time! There’s no snobbery here, do the YMCA and Macarena with everybody else, sit on the floor and row to Oops Upside Your Head – go on, enjoy yourself!

Top 10 Requested Cheesy Tunes

Dexys Midnight Runners – Come on Eileen

A British pop group with soul influences, Dexys are best remembered for their hits Geno and Come On Eileen which has become a “love-it-or-hate-it” yardstick defining the “Cheese” category! Jackie Wilson Said was another popular early 80s track by the group.

Abba- Dancing Queen

Possibly the most commercially successful act in the history of pop music, Abba have several “Cheese” tracks in their catalogue … arguably the most requested being 1976s Dancing Queen which can be heard at family parties across the land every weekend!

Rocky Horror Show – Time Warp

One of any cheese-fest’s top action dances, Time Warp is taken from the 1973 rock musical Rocky to this song and are first on the floor when the opening bars are played!

Village People – YMCA

This costumed disco group formed in 1977, quickly scoring a number of disco and dance hits many of which have action sequences, including party favourites YMCA, Macho Man, In The Navy and Go West. They tour even today and are a popular addition to any festival line-up!

The Weather Girls – It’s Raining Men

Now comprising two daughters of one of the original band members, The Weather Girls tour today, singing early 80s hits including the dancefloor-polarising It’s Raining Men. Always a big hit with the ladies at any family party, this cheesy classic works well with any 80s set.

Whigfield – Saturday Night

The summer hit of 1994, Danish-born Whigfield’s Saturday Night is still a popular dancefloor filler, with its easy-to-learn routine popular with ladies of all ages. Cue the blokes heading off to the bar!

Mud – Tiger Feet

The UK’s best-selling single of 1974, Mud’s Tiger Feet goes down a storm with party guests – perfect to follow a few jive classics, a twist, or in amongst a selection of 70s glam rock classics. Mud went on to have several minor hits throughout the 1970s.

MC Hammer – U Can’t Touch This

Dancer-cum-rapper Stanley Burrell (aka MC Hammer) is as famous for his harem pants as he is for his music! U Can’t Touch This is a must-play classic in any 80s set, loved by the boys as well as the girls. The song featured Rick James’ Superfreak riff.

Aqua – Barbie Girl

Popular late 90s / early 2000s pop band Aqua are best remembered for their global hit Barbie Girl, popular with the younger age groups even today. Follow-up number one singles Doctor Jones and Turn Back Time helped them become the best-selling Danish band in history.

Chesney Hawkes – The One and Only

Chesney’s 1991 hit single The One and Only still results in a rousing anthemia sing-along today, if carefully judged and played amongst the right tracks for the specific audience. Although he did have a few minor chart successes, Chesney was a bit of a one-hit-wonder.

The Bo Diddlers

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So if you thought you knew all about Morris Dancing, think again…

This group of Morris Dancers calling themselves The Bo Diddlers are a new kind of Morris Dance act who are ‘experimenting’ using a blend of contemporary and folk dance. And do you know what? It really works well.

They put a humorous touch in their act (it gets quite physical) with live music the group creates something quite mesmerising and downright funny, so if you were expecting the traditional Morris Dance (which can be a bit bland) you will be more than pleased you booked these guys

They have created an hour long show called Stump and it has been put together especially for the theatre, it gives a traditional outdoor event an exciting twist whilst having a sense of being theatrical

The Bo Diddlers have performed at the Brighton Fringe Festival and danced at the Royal Court Theatre as well as other prestigious events.

So if you want an event to be a bit different in and unexpected then you should book The Bo Diddlers. At your corporate event which will break the ice and get people taking, this is a definite act to hire.

The unexpected is always good and a seemingly ‘ordinary’ event which is custom for you to go to year after year and where the entertainment is always quite ‘samey’, this act will certainly be a wonderful surprise.

So if you have been put in charge of organising this years’ corporate Christmas party and you wanted to be in your CEO’s good books, we believe you are looking at the main act of the year!!

We all love a bit of Marianne Cheesecake

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We would say that everyone cannot fail to love a bit a burlesque; they are provocative and humorous and very sexy but in a very classy way, and that is where Marianne Cheesecake comes in:

Marianne’s origins are from Hong Kong, but was born and raised in Canada. She has that special something that will make you mesmerised from the moment you set eyes on her.

She adds a little twist to her act (still in keeping with her burlesque roots) she reinacts memorable shows which is inspired by silver screen film characters from the 1920’s – 1950’s. Think of a Hollywood starlet or a glamour girl from that era. She has been inspired by the legends themselves and likes nothing more than to dedicate her acts to Charlie Chaplin, Josephine Baker, Anna May Wong and Kiki de Montparnasse.

Marianne will engage and indulge her audience with glamourous styles and delectable vintage wear. Acting out small part enactments of Hollywood classics and silent films.

She is a trained classical performer with over 15 years of theatre and creative dance experience. She has beautiful choreography and armed with her beauty and stage presence she will tantalise and tease and above all definitely entertain!! She is a master of burlesque party entertainment in her own unique classic way.

Marianne is hugely popular and has done many collaborations with others in this field at prestigious events.

A truly wonderful entertainer; she takes her work very seriously indeed and to her this is her life, which she lives and breathes and most importantly loves to entertain her adored fans.

Why not find out a little bit more about this act by looking on Red Masque Directory and clicking on Marianne’s profile and seeing a short clip of her work.

Motown Supreme

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Why not book from Red Masque Directory ‘Motown Supreme’? Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a bit of Motown, so why not organise your Christmas party and add a bit of class. This featured act is above all the best our there, drawing in crowds and being booked time after time.

With acts as polished as this one you’ll find it hard to book better. They are able to sing a genre of music for all tastes in that era and will make sure that they sing all your favourite tracks.

They are most suited for Corporate, Birthdays, Weddings or really anything you wanted; (just make sure you book a big venue, so you can invite lots of guests). This band is getting more and more popular they are even taking International bookings. This group really do have the ‘likeability factor’ and it clear to see that they really are close friends.

They are able to engage their crowd and make your guests smile.

So what else can this band offer?

This band is young and fun and as we mentioned is a tribute to the Motown music. The three beautiful female vocalists really go to town with their enthusiastic 60’s dance moves, and stunning harmonies.

They have a rhythm section that takes you right back to the Motown days of Tina Turner, the funky Stevie Wonder, and the Supremes, this band is suited to Weddings, Office Events and other parties.

They come as a fully live 7 piece band, or can become a smaller three piece vocal trio, who will perform 2 x 70minutes sets of classic Motown songs.

During their breaks, for no extra charge, the band provides a professionally mixed playlist, which can feature music along the same genre. They can also design you an ‘Ultimate Playlist’ of your favourite party tunes (they just would like to know beforehand so they can get it organised for you).

There is also an option to have the ‘Motown Supreme’ DJ, who will work alongside the band and take requests from your guests on the night.

So don’t delay book Motown Supreme before somebody else snaps them up!!

Make your boss happy!!

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Here at Red Masque we think we have some of the best acts for your party which will capture your imagination. So, what are the best of the best for corporate entertainment for your next corporate event? Red Masque directory have the hottest trends and acts for corporate, and company parties to ensure your VIPs are very impressed and your boss is very happy.

Aerialists use aerial circus and dance theatre with dynamic lighting and music to create evocative shows using trapeze, ropes and silks. Available as a solo artist for smaller venue, or as large a troupe as you wish, their show can be tailored to create the atmosphere you require, whether humorous, quirky, elegant. With a range of associated acts, including aerial champagne pouring, we are sure you will find your perfect act on our website.

Circus act entertainers have given the world of corporate entertainment a whole new generation of aerial artists, defying gravity to present unique. Even if you haven’t got a skyscraper to use as your stage, these circus-inspired artists can perform in almost any space, for any corporate event.

It may be 52 years since Sean Connery first appeared as Ian Fleming’s ultimate spy, but the fascination with all things 007 is as strong as ever. Now Daniel Craig is the new Bond the Bond stories lines are stronger than ever. People like to immerse themselves in a world where tech is top, and glamour is king.

Offer your guests a total 007 experience: an elegant stately home or iconic venue, set up as a celebrity lookalike James Bond complete with elegant hostesses serving martinis (shaken not stirred by expert cocktail waiters). Then add musical entertainment combining iconic Bond movie soundtracks and characters with dance and spectacle, such as a top party function band with a James Bond set.

Add in some more celebrity lookalikes and a John Cleese lookalike the ‘new’ Q, who sets your guests site-specific missions to test their skills.

Bespoke dance groups provide a superb spectacle that transcends language, and can be precisely tailored to your corporate event theme. From ballet dancers to contemporary rock dancers, your guests can enjoy a show full of energy, passion, augmented by state of the lighting and sound systems.

Whatever the occasion, you’ll find a dance troupe to suit; that can offer themed events such as Arabian Nights, Argentinean Tango, Burlesque, Flamenco, Irish Dancing, Ballroom Dancing, and Vegas Showgirls for example.