Tag Archives: artists

Magical, mystical events

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Are you thinking about having a mystical event, where the thought of your future being read is very thought provoking? You will have to agree even if you were a bit sceptical you cannot fail to be a little intrigued?

People who read the future have been around for centuries and come in many forms it could be a Crystal Ball Reader, Palmist or a Tarot Reader.

Mind readers on the other hand as the name suggests can put on an entertaining event by reading many of your guests minds who want to participate.

Another act to consider are Hypnotists they can be used for medical issues but also for entertainment – a night with a Hypnotist can be an absolute scream, you just need to select your guests who are willing to participate. They will swear blind nothing happened when they leave the stage but leave all your watching guests in stiches at the silly things that the participants did!!

Illusionists are getting more advanced with their clever tricks that will misdirect you to looking elsewhere even though you thought you had your eye firmly on the ball – these professional and extremely clever illusionists will fool you time and time again and you will believe in Magic!!!

Magicians work the same but if you wanted the more traditional magic tricks then you are able to hire the best party entertainers from our Red Masque Directory, from Children’s magicians to adult ones we have got something for everyone.

Or for something a little daring? Why not hire an escapologist with there up-to-the –minute death defying acts that would amaze the most sceptical of us!! An edge of your seat performance which leave little time for the escapologist to escape un-hurt. We all know they will make it but it still makes up wonder ‘what if?’

Contortionists on the other hand can amaze us with bending their bodies in the tiniest of places; these contortionists can be part of a magic act where they can fit into the most impossible places making us believe that they have disappeared.

We are sure that you have found what you have been looking for by reading this – once you have decided what you want for your event, simply book a few using an online booking form and make your event something special!!

Really stand out!!

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In order to promote your brand successfully, you have to be excited about the product. Well, what if your product just isn’t that exciting? If you can’t present it to your trade show visitors in a way that delights them, they’ll move along. To attract crowds to your trade show booth, you’re going to have to use a little creativity. At Red Masque we like to help you make every event extraordinary. So, here are our five proven ways to attract crowds to your trade show booth and make your brand stand out.

Make your services clear, offer some freebies, display visuals, and have an articulate staff. Now what?

Photo booths

Offering to take a visitor’s photo can help you initiate a fun conversation and leave them with a memorable souvenir. We recommend using an electronic photo booth for a contemporary approach. This new form of photo entertainment allows you to add quirky graphics and can instantly be shared on social media platforms. With the green screen technology, you can place your company’s logo into every photo, transforming a fun experience for the trade show attendees into a unique opportunity to promote your brand.

Themes

Creating a theme for your exhibit requires a bit of associative thinking. For example, if your product solves a customer’s problem, you could opt for a magic theme, playing off of the idea that your product will cause specific problems to magically disappear. Your theme could be incorporated into ornate and unique attire for your company’s exhibitors. You could offer giveaways associated with your theme, like pens with disappearing ink. And of course, you can hire an entertainer (such as an illusionist) to draw in the crowd and keep them in awe.

Strolling Tables

Strolling tables, also referred to as living tables, are performers who wear elaborate costumes designed to provide a flat surface surrounding their form. On this, you can display promotional materials, giveaways, or even hors d’oeuvres. Not only will visitors remember your company, but they’ll also associate you with innovation and imagination.

Casino Games

With all of the exciting lights, sounds, and moving parts of casino games, it’s easy to see the benefits of offering them at your exhibit. You can recreate the adrenaline-inducing casino atmosphere to draw in a crowd, and likely the crowd will inspire more onlookers to stop out of curiosity. For the prizes, you could offer your company’s giveaways, and for the grand prize, offer one of your products. You’ll create more value in your product by making it fun and challenging to win!

Impersonators

Nothing is as eye-catching as a well-known celebrity standing in your booth. Hiring an impersonator or celebrity lookalike is a comical way of showing mock celebrity endorsement for your company. The impersonator can offer their autograph on your promotional materials to keep your brand in the visitor’s hand. Create a memorable experience for your visitors by offering photo opportunities with the ‘celebrity’ at an electronic photo booth. This will allow you to brand the photo with your company logo, and visitors will be excited to share the moment with their friends on social media, offering additional exposure.

With these five showcasing methods, you can make your visitors as excited about your brand as you are. Your company will step outside of the ordinary, and trade show attendees will remember your brand and associate your product with ingenuity.

Outdoor music events

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Outdoor music events are some of the most engaging and lively performance opportunities for any entertainer. The thrill of being in front of a huge crowd in an open space is enough for most artists to eagerly agree to a performance. But as every outdoor event environment comes with a unique set of challenges, an open air performance is an animal of its own. It’s crucial to be properly prepared and maintain good communication with your client. Here are a few things you’ll need to discuss prior to the event.

Mother Nature

Mother Nature is a fickle lady you’ll want to keep your eye on. Because this element is completely out of your control, you’ll need to check the forecast well in advance and all the way up to the day of the event. Include a plan for inclement weather in your booking agreement that clearly outlines what is to be expected in these cases. Whether it’s an alternative venue or rescheduling the event altogether, make sure you and your client agree to the specifics.

If there is a performance stage at the event, make sure it’s covered. A covered stage not only protects against rain, but it keeps the equipment and performers cool and out of direct sunlight. Stay hydrated, take advantage of the break times you’ve discussed with your client, and keep extra gear with you for unexpected hiccups.

Power

Always make sure your power needs are communicated with your client in advance. Getting power may be as simple as running a few extension cords, but be sure to ask the important questions to make the event organizer aware of any details that might have been overlooked.

Will a safety-certificated power supply be provided close to the performance area?
If power is supplied by a generator, will it be located at a distance far enough away as to not affect the performance?
What limitations exist regarding the running of cables within the site?
Will a PA system be available or provided by the talent?

Extra Equipment

​At every outdoor event, you’ll want to bring extra gear, but outdoor parties and events make it necessary to bring things that are not ordinarily needed.

Extension cords. It’s typical that you have to stretch our reach when playing outside.
Power generator. This can also be a big help if playing where you’re not in proximity to a building or power source.
Drum rug. This helps prevents music kits from “crawling” on a slippery surface.
Water for hydration.
Sunscreen; playing guitar in 3 hours of afternoon sun (it’s a no brainer!!).

City or Area Restrictions

When performing or planning outdoor events, be aware of any local sound ordinances. Many communities have a specific time of the day when the sound should stop, and a certain decibel level that the noise should not exceed.

Make sure that the client has contacted the appropriate council offices for rules and information according to their local guidelines. You don’t want to run into an issue that prevents you from being paid for a full set.

There are many things to consider when playing at an outdoor venue. Be sure to ask your client the necessary questions, and once you’ve got all the specifics, list all of the details in the booking agreement.

Happy outdoor eventing!

Fit for a Princess

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Make your daughter’s dreams come true by throwing her an amazing princess party! You bring the enthusiasm, Red Masque will provide the tips, and together we can plan the party your princess has always imagined!

Before you can dive into planning this fantastic party, you’ll want to pick a theme. Although a princess party may seem pretty self-explanatory, there are still decisions to be made! Will this be a fancy dress party? Or maybe centred around your daughter’s favourite princess? There are lots of options to choose from! Talk to your princess to find out which theme will work the best for her.

Your next step will be to set a date. Check your calendar and try to find a date that works for the birthday girl’s friends and family. If nothing conflicts with her actual birthday, you’ve got yourself a date! If not, try to pick a day as close to your daughter’s birthday as possible and make it an extended celebration.

Finding the Castle​

​Now that you’ve got a theme and date, it’s time to find a perfect venue for your party. A budget friendly option for location is to transform your home into the princess castle. If you’re looking for a change of scenery, start the search for a local venue that is large enough to accommodate all of your guests and free of commitments on your party date. Keep in mind your potential party decorations when choosing your location to make sure set up will be as easy as possible.

The Royal Announcement

With the major details in place, you’re ready to announce the royal event by sending out invitations. These will get your guests excited about your theme even before the party begins! If crafting isn’t your thing, order custom invitations. Whatever your method, be sure to include the basic event info, including the date, time, and location. If you’ve decided on a fancy dress and would like the guests to arrive in their princess gowns, add this information to the invitation. Give it the royal touch by using language such as, “Princess Sofia invites you to attend her 6th birthday party” or “Join us in celebrating a royal affair…the birthday of Princess Sarah.” Send the invitations well in advance (around 3-4 weeks) to give your fellow parents time to RSVP between helping with homework and driving to soccer practice.

Decorating the Castle​

Now for the real fun, decorating your princess castle! Make a list of supplies you’ll need and start shopping early to make sure you’re able to find everything you need. From balloons and streamers to piñatas and tiaras, the party design and decorations ​make the party. Talk to the birthday girl or take her shopping with you to find the perfect decor for your ideal princess atmosphere!

Entertaining Royalty​

​Treat your guests like royalty with princess-themed activities! To really wow your guests, have your daughter’s favourite Princess attend the party. Set up a craft table or the princesses to make their very own tiaras. If your guests didn’t arrive in their own princess attire, having a dress up area with gowns and accessories is a great addition to the party! For the full princess transformation, have a royal makeover station complete with faux jewellery, makeup and, of course, glitter! To take the makeover to the next level, book a Makeup Artist or Face Painter to run the station. A favourite babysitter is another great option and budget friendly!

​If your location allows, bring in the big guns with a castle bouncy house, princess carriage rides, or pony rides. You could also look for a local farm that hosts pony parties with carriages, as this will generally be a cheaper alternative. Whatever the activities, priceless memories will no doubt be made. Be sure to capture them with lots of pictures! If you’d rather not be on photo duty, book a photographer so that you can kick back and enjoy the fantastic party you’ve put together!

Party Bags

​Send your guests home with princess-themed treat bags to remind them of your amazing party! Fill them with everything a princess could need, from tiaras and wands to a makeup or jewellery sets. Bring the birthday girl in on the party bag fun and have her pick out all the treats she’d love to receive at a party.

Everything you need and more

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If you’re prepared to do a bit of decorative work (or have the budget to hire a party organiser) then you can theme your venue or marquee to look like a beach bar, a scene from the Arabian nights or even the Wild West! Fancy dress is optional though it does help bring the whole thing together.

Possible theme locations include The Wild West, Beach/Tropical/Hawaiian, New York, Las Vegas, African/Safari, Ancient Egypt, Atlantis, Ancient Rome, Mardi Gras/New Orleans, the list goes on

In terms of making your venue look the part, you can choose from a wide range of props and accessories. For example, for a Hawaiian themed party you can hire a bamboo beach bar, free standing & table top palm trees, hoola hoops, flower garlands, surf boards, fishing nets and sand pits!

Remember to ensure you have plenty of ice breakers to keep guests chatting and mixing. Close up magicians, caricaturists, meet and greet all work well, as do Chocolate Fountains! For something a bit different, try singing waiters who will really bring the house down!

Live Music. For a Las Vegas or New York themed party, have a look at Frank Sinatra or Rat Pack singers or celebrity lookalike singers. Use your imagination and your themed evening will be a real treat!!

For the love of music

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The 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 one of the most favourite for party entertainment, we are all closet singers but put a microphone in front of us when we’ve had a few glasses of wine 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 a Wedding, Birthday or even a corporate event 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!!

Do you want to organise an act to sing songs from a popular Musical or do you want to put on a West End show?

You are able to do this by hiring only the finest singers and actors that will make all your dreams come true and perform and sing just for you and your guests in the comfort of your own home or venue that you have hired.

Musicals without a doubt have the most moving songs written, when sung well it can make the hairs of your neck stand up!!

Rein-acting a musical for a Birthday surprise would be a fabulous idea; you will have front row seats always, and will be safe in the knowledge that all our actors advertised are only the finest and have appeared in West End shows.

So to book a fabulous performance that involves all genres of music; just look on our gallery of amazing talent and book the one that most suits you.

Something special for your event

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If you want something special for your corporate event entertainment, there are a few acts out there that can make your event stand out from the rest.  A Themed Walkabout artist that could be just the thing dressed in the most amazing costume. You could have a group of Themed walkabout artists where each one would take their turn mingling into the crowd, that would be quite a talking point. This artist would be perfect to create the ambiance you desire at your event.

Stilt walkers can be hired for your promotional event which would draw interest amongst the general public wanting to see these very tall people walking around quite confidently on extremely high stilts. A definite crowd pleaser with young and old alike.

Do you need some extra space for a party or special event that you are organising? If so, have you thought of hiring a Marquee or Tent which will provide extra space and less mess for you to clear up after the event.  All Marquees and Tents can be decorated as you wish, and of course they will keep your guests warm and dry in case of the British weather letting you down. 

Whether it be for a fete, Wedding or promotional event we are sure you will be able to hire the perfect Marquee or Tent for you.  

If you are thinking of having a Wedding then hiring a Marquee would be the perfect choice which of course needs a Dance floor which can also be booked with us at Red Masque Directory, you could choose from a mirrored dance floor, to an illuminated dance floor whichever your taste, there is bound to be one that is just right for you, perfect for Grandma or Grandpa to boogie the night away!!

Then what about creating the right atmosphere?  You need all the bits that go with it.  

Decorations that will transform the dullest of rooms into something spectacular, or to create an out- of-this -world experience why no go all out and hire some bubble, smoke and snow machines. Whatever the season you can have snow in summer if you so wish? Continuous bubbles at children’s parties or smoke to create an eerie scene.

Ice sculptures make another impact on your guests which look very classy and are so good to look at you cannot fail for anyone not to admire their beauty.

So go ahead and make your event a very special one indeed by hiring some or all of these fantastic displays which will be talked about for many months to come.

Singer waiter surprise

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All you need to know about booking the ultimate ‘surprise’ act for your charity dinner, wedding breakfast, or celebration lunch. Waiter…

What are singing waiters and what do they do?

Singing waiters are fake serving staff who suddenly decide they want to sing rather than serve, only to be joined by two or more other serving staff who want to do just the same! The ‘staff’ are actually professional opera singers or West End musical theatre singers in disguise, who then present a cabaret-style spot of favourite opera extracts and musical numbers to delight and entertain guests.

What to look for in quality singing waiters

Quality singing waiters acts combine superb singing, excellent comedy acting skills and the ability to blend into your event so nobody suspects a thing before they sing! The key to a successful singing waiters act is the element of surprise – no guests must have the slightest clue that the person serving their drinks or dinner is actually a performer in disguise. The best groups therefore spend some considerable time liaising with you beforehand to ensure they can become part of your event without raising suspicion.

This includes making sure their performers wear the same uniform as your venue’s waiting staff, and may work as waiters and waitresses for part of the event. Most singers will not actually work all evening as waiting staff, but just enough to appear to be the real thing just before their act. Some acts include a ‘chef’ or ‘maitre d’ according to their act format, and again they will ensure these performers appears to be the real deal. They will also liaise with the venue to make sure all their staff know what is going to happen, and that real staff are fully briefed on what’s about to happen!

Bear in mind that after the initial surprise, all singing waiters acts turn into, essentially, cabaret acts. So, look for groups who include experienced singers in either opera or musicals, so when they do start to sing, it’s both impressive and entertaining. 

What formats do singing waiter acts offer?

The original and most popular format is that during the meal (and usually between courses), a ‘scene’ starts to happen where a waiter wants to sing, or there is a problem with the food. Perhaps the chef emerges from the kitchen to sort it, and a young waitress intervenes. Before you know it, they are all up and singing anything from opera arias to Robbie Williams hits! Most groups are very flexible about what the ‘scene’ is, and make it suitable to your event, be it a corporate dinner or a family party.

The idea of singing waiters has now expanded to include other characters that can ‘interrupt’ your event. Singers in disguise can be singing firemen or anything you want really. But, imagine the scene, two hunky male singers who need to check the safety equipment, or who come to the rescue of a ‘chef’ who has set the pudding on fire!

Festive events

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PARTY BUTLERS

Now girls, you know you need the ultimate party butler or butlers for your Christmas party! Or even if you don’t even have an excuse for a party!!  A bit of eye candy never goes a miss, he’ll be able to serve up your favourite drinks all evening.

Whether he is topless or naked (of course an apron to cover his modesty) then these butlers will certainly liven up your event.  Serving up some treats for you girls or mixing a few of your favourite cocktails, these toned butlers will be just perfect.

ROBOTS

How about having a Robot or two at your festive event? These must-have robots are quite handy at serving too. They are all the rage at the moment from talking robots, to serving robots, they can even meet and greet your guests which of course will be a talking point for months to come.

You can ask your robot to customise your event so you get him to do the right thing at the right time, for example it maybe a group of robots performing a dance or just one or two mingling with you crowd – you have to agree this is very unique!!!

SNAKE PERFORMERS AND CHARMERS

Ok, so snakes may not be very Christmassy but you could add a little ‘Middle Eastern’ theme where Lebanese food could be on the menu, but how about going that extra mile and hiring a ‘snake performer’ to really get that ‘Middle Eastern’ feel to your party.

We have only the best Snake Performers on our website advertised which is guaranteed to be extremely professional and of course ‘snake friendly’. 

STILT WALKERS

Being a stilt walker is no mean feat, it takes many hours to perfect the art of walking for long periods of time, with their colourful costumes and amazing routines high up in the clouds at least you’ll never lose him!!

Dressed to impress your very own stilt walker would be just the thing to get your crowd talking, these Stilt walkers can be a feature at your Christmas event, mix and mingling, serving drink and just generally brightening up the atmosphere.

THEMED WALKABOUT

No Christmas party would be complete without a themed walkabout artist; this well be just the thing.  Father Christmas, elves, or snow queens or how about arranging a magical enchanting ice-queen themed party, where your themed walkabout artists are dressed from head to toe in white ice-like costumes.

From medieval artists, to around the world themed dress, your party will have that perfect atmosphere that you were hoping for when you book one or more of these themed walkabouts.

A West End Musical event

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We all love musicals. Even those people who say that they don’t can be found screaming Grease Lightning at the top of their lungs at party events every summer. It makes sense then that musicals from the West End and Broadway are therefore commandeered for weddings, corporate events and private parties. 

Mary Poppins

Ah yes. Famous for dancing penguins, supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and Dick Van Dyke’s horrendous cockney accent, this is a musical that combines animation and live action to great effect. A family classic for all the family. But how does that translate to events?  Why not hire a dance troupe with some costumes and umbrellas and create a wonderful Poppins scene at authentic venue of your choice?

Sound of Music

For a merry West End sing-song of all the hits from the Sound of Music. Do-Re-Me, So Long Farewell, 16 Going on 17, Climb Every Mountain and My Favourite Things could be belted out to a costumed audience. Who doesn’t like this film?  Such an idea won’t be perfect for every corporate gathering but it certainly be a unique and pleasant experience!

Mamma Mia

Knowing Me, Knowing You, Dancing Queen, Waterloo… The hits are endless and as a result, why not book a tribute band and dance away? Or go wild and have a full on 70’s costumed event. Abba is everyone’s guilty pleasure. The result; a fabulously fun and entertaining party that is thoroughly enjoyed.

Jersey Boys

“Oh what a night!” is exactly what you’d be saying after experiencing a Jersey Boys Tribute act. That was exactly what to sing a medley of brilliant hits. Cherie, Walk Like a Man, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Who Loves You… Just some of the hits that can be Working My Way Back to You.

Rocky Horror

Richard O’ Brien’s greatest moment? Only if you wish to disregard his marvellous work on The Crystal Maze. Even so, the Rocky Horror Show is a huge cult musical that fans always like to dress up for.  These themed parties for the Rocky Horror never go out of fashion. Many bands love to recreate the songs from this show and everyone will love a bit of ‘closet’ dressing up!!

We will Rock you

There’s no reason this can’t be done in its entirety but for the certified Best Single of All Time, Bohemian Rhapsody. “Galileo! Galileo! Galileo Figaro! Magnifico…” We’ve got Freddie Mercury lookalikes before and know that an all-singing, all-dancing inspired Queen recreation would be the perfect musical experience for a corporate or private crowd. Fun fact for you: Robert De Niro was one of the producers of We Will Rock You in the West End. Amazing.