Tag Archives: fun

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.

Butler Facts;

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Find the best party butlers available for hire in the UK today. If you want a party that everyone will be talking about, then party butlers make the ultimate party accessory. Have the party that everyone’s talking about with some extra special service provided by professional staff. These guys are available to compliment your party, greet your guests, serve cocktails, top up your drinks and help you get your party started.

Here we have gathered some interesting facts about butlers and the private service profession for. The word butler derives from the old French bouteillier, and identified the cup-bearer or the one in charge of the bottles in large households. Bottle and the French equivalent both come from the Medieval Latin buticula, a diminutive of buttis, a cask, which is also the origin of the English word “butt”, given to large wooden container for liquid. The beer cellar in medieval times would have contained butts or wooden casks, not glass bottles.  So the buttery originally had nothing to do with butter but was the place for storing the butts. Only later was the word extended to mean somewhere that provisions in general were stored, perhaps because people mistakenly made that association

Through a complicated process that had to do with the loss of gentlemen servants and changes in social organization, the butler slowly rose to be in charge not only of the buttery, but also of the ewery (where the napkins and basins for washing and shaving were kept) and the pantry (where the bread, butter, cheese and other basic provisions were stored), and later still he took over the cellarer’s duties of looking after the wine. This eventually became one of his principal duties. By the middle of the nineteenth century, the role of the butler reached its full flowering as head of the male domestic servants, in larger households sometimes the butler was given a whole suite of rooms dedicated to his various functions.

The butler could also be taking care of the household accounting and creating household budgets, maintaining the wardrobe and clothing inventory for the gentleman, packing and preparing for the gentleman for travel, assisting with maintaining household security, staff hiring and firing and staff training. The butler is knowledgeable about wines and spirits and oversees the wine cellar and liquor inventory. Thus, the modern butler needs strong communication, organizational and management skills, and ability to multi-task.

Because of the many British TV series and movies featuring butlers, many people believe that butling is a “British thing”. This is an unfortunate myth, just like “British style butlers”. This notion comes from a rather overwhelming number of books, TV series and movies, all featuring a British butler. Due to the phenomenal success of Downton Abbey, British domestic service is yet again a trending topic.

The French invented the butler and the Americans invented the modern butler. Most butlers are employed in the USA and in the Middle East. Most successful butlers are Swiss. The best butler school in the world is located in The Netherlands. The best service in the world can be found in the Far East.

What is a mime?

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Mime is a form of acting and drama where the actor uses his body and gestures and also facial expressions rather than words to express his role. Drama started before the Greek times, it was created as a form of entertainment for the local people. In the past, Greeks would hold a festival to celebrate their god Dionysus. She was the god of wine, fertility and celebration. During these festivals, Greeks would entertain the public by holding drama based performances on either comedy or tragedy. Mime artists are called mimics; they exaggerate every move they make so it defines what they are trying to show. A mimic is an actor that acts without words and their entire performance is based on their non-verbal gesture and bodily movements. Mime artists usually act a story through their body; there have been many famous mime artists through the years.

Mime has been around since the ancient Geek and Roman period. It all began when Greek’s started having festivals and carnivals in honour of Dionysus, who is the Greek god of theatre. In the olden days actors would concentrate on their character a lot more than the actual plot of the story this is how mime became an exaggerated form of acting where self-expression is highly important. In Greek times, they had two main genres of drama, one was comedy and one was tragedy, this developed in Athens. During all of these performances in the Greek period, the Catholic Church showed great opposition to mime and drama as a whole, they thought that doing performances about comedies and tragedies shouldn’t be allowed and that performances should be about religion. This is when Mystery and Morality plays started to come in focus which were religious plays. A religious play would be about Jesus Christ and Morality plays would have a good moral and teaching to the story. 

Famous Mime artists.

Charlie Chaplin was a famous English comedian and was also a successful film director. Most of his films had slapstick comedy but were also based on social themes of the time. Charlie Chaplin was inspired by a French silent film comedian called Max Linder. Chaplin was hugely influenced by him and later dedicated one of his films to him. Chaplin was an actor for 75 years and he started acting at a very young age. Charlie Chaplin was known for his acting and his great films; he is one of the best mime artists in the world and is currently a legend. Many people get inspired by his work.

Marcel Marceau was a famous French mime artist who died recently on 22nd September 2007. Marcel Marceau was known for his striped pull over and his battered silk opera hat. This was his costume for one of his characters “Bip”. Marcel Marceau performed all around the world and was known by many people, his mime acts where inspiring and he wanted to spread the “art of silence” all around the world so people could learn to appreciate it. 

Mr Bean is a British television programme, and Rowan Atkinson is the main character. His character is based on a child’s mind in an adults body, this character was developed when Rowan Atkinson was in university. Rowan Atkinson plays his character in a mime with random sounds that complete the character and the atmosphere of the performance. Rowan Atkinson is one of the best mime artists now and he is known for his character all throughout England.

Is it edge of your seat entertainers you’re after?

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Jugglers today can juggle almost anything from fire to dangerous objects with their complex routines that has been practiced and practiced over and over again.  Have you ever wanted to learn the art of juggling? If you needed a juggler for a children’s party or a grown up event then look no further than our choice of fine jugglers that are very professional and can put on a good show for your special event.  You could be launching a new product, having a private party, corporate affair which will get the attention your event needed to be a success.

Ariel Performers are a master of grace, (making it look easy) but in fact these trained professionals have put many hours in perfecting this unique and breath-taking act for any event that you had in mind. They can perform as a solo act or in a team using ropes, ribbons or hoops. Perfect for a Wedding reception to entertain your guests. A little more graceful than ‘edge of your seat’ but none the less quite an art. 

A Knife thrower is very entertaining and if you were thinking that this would be a good way to get rid of your boss at this year’s annual party – think again as we have the most professional Knife Throwers advertised with us here at Red Masque party and event entertainment directory. This act is terrifyingly dangerous and you will have one eye open when you see the Knife Thrower in action.  ‘

A sword swallower is the most jaw dropping, show stopping, act that you could possibly see but nonetheless we still want to see it – it’s extremely clever and obviously well practiced and these guys are obviously a master in their field. From regurgitating, to swallowing razor blades we find it almost impossible to comprehend but ever so fascinating to watch.

If you are having an event which would be worthy of such an act then we have the best Sword Swallowers, Knife throwers and Jugglers on our books which is guaranteed to be talked about for many months to come.

If you wanted to mix it up a little but still incorporate juggling and sword swallowers a tightrope walker can sometimes do this whilst balancing above your head!!  

So go on dare to be different and hire some fantastic acts like these.  You have to admire their courage and sheer determination to enable them to do what they do.

All tastes catered for….

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Having a group of singers perform for you is very entertaining, it could be a boy band where they would do their best harmonies and all the ladies would swoon or a girl band where not only will their singing be amazing but will add a bit of eye candy to your event. Or if you wanted you could have a group which is not defined by boy or girl but a group like Fleetwood mac? Your event will sparkle if you hired one of our groups from our directory.  Whatever you were organising we are sure a boy band/girl band or group would be just the thing.

Guitars are always exciting with that ‘Rock n Roll’ edge – we’ve all pretended to do ‘air guitar’? Well now you can hire your very own guitar group or guitar soloist. You could want the next Brian May at your corporate event or a Status Quo group at a special birthday – we at Red Masque entertainment directory have the very best advertised for your party.

A beautiful piece of music is always lovely to hear and even more so when it is played by a pianist, you could have a pianist play in a swanky new wine bar that you have just opened or at a Wedding where the pianist could play subtly at your reception in the background.

A Harpist is another beautiful instrument that has a mystical feel to it, in fact very much like a pianist a Harpist can play at any special event where class is needed, or indeed a violin where a haunting sound can be played at a funeral to send of your loved one.

If you needed a ‘soul night’ where Motown and Soul music is needed to be played at your party then hiring the best Motown and Soul musicians better be done by booking with Red Masque entertainment directory, where we have only the most professional and rated that advertise with us, so you are assured of a great evening.

Even if you wanted a ‘Tribute act’ for your Soul and Motown event then of course this can be arranged too. You could want a ‘Jackson 5’ Tribute or a Marvin Gaye the choice is down to you, or you could want lots of different ‘Tribute acts’ that run concurrently with each other.

Everybody loves great musicals and if they haven’t ever seen a west end show then you could bring the west end to them.  Musicals are so moving and tell many stories; you can’t fail for anyone not to fall in love with them.

You could be opening up a theatrical company and need to have a launch party where a West end musicals songs are sung or a production of a west end show could be re-enacted for your event.

Of course you would probably need a string quartet to receive your guests as they walk into your new theatrical company.

Rock on!!!

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Why not hire an awesome line up of jaw-dropping musical talent that has graced the biggest stages in the world, from Wembley stadium to London’s West End! The greatest music from your favourite classic rock bands rolled into one incredible, guitar-shredding, drum-thundering show! Rocktastic hit after hit of the biggest and best guitar rock anthems!

Furious fun fused with powerful audience participation, gives you permission to rock, mosh and head-bang till you drop! You’ve been waiting to feel this good again and now the wait is over – rebel and be prepared to rock your socks off! Your Rock Band performs a pulsating, plethora of pounding rock. Unleash your inner Rock God (or Goddess) to the songs that have become the backdrop to your life.

If you’re having a theme Rock night then a Rock band will be the icing on the cake if you hire from Red Masque party entertainment directory. All extremely professional that have been highly acclaimed you will be guaranteed an amazing event.

Rock & Roll music was born in the 1950’s from a fusion of electric blues, country and gospel music. Confined to the Rhythm & Blues charts early in the decade, rock crosses over to the Pop charts from 1955 onward. Electric Blues, R&B, Doo Wop, Rockabilly…. 

In the sixties rock music comes of age and dominates the popular music charts. Rock diversifies with new styles such as soul, surf, folk rock, the British Invasion, psychedelic and hard rock. Television becomes a factor as prime time variety shows feature rock… 

The early seventies are marked by the deaths of Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison. Psychedelic music declines, but morphs into hard rock, progressive rock and heavy metal. Touring bands move from playing clubs and theatres, to playing sports arenas…

Brazilian Carnival Dancers

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With the carnival fever fast approaching isn’t it better to hire these amazing dancers early? You wouldn’t want to be disappointed, after all Carnival dancers are the icing on the cake!

These gorgeous dancers will carry a feeling of elegance and prestige providing a very energetic performance with a modern twist featuring spectacular costumes and choreographed routines which will dazzle your guests getting everyone off their feet and onto the dance floor! The show will give the audience an authentic taste of the Latin & Brazilian dance experience including Samba, Salsa, Cha Cha, Lambada, Axe’ and much more!

Dancing to up tempo Latin & Brazilian songs as well as Latin pop and contemporary charts, be assured that these Brazilian Carnival Dancers will create an exciting party atmosphere!

You will deal with experienced artists who have been performing not only in the UK but all over the world. Their reputation has grown significantly over the years making them becoming the Capital’s leading show business dedicated to this kind dance.

Discover how you could indulge yourself and your guests with a dazzling and classy party entertainment! With many dancers available, the group can satisfy any request and cater for any budget, no matter how small or large!

Hire Brazilian Carnival Dancers to cater for Corporate, Galas, Weddings, Bar Mitzvah, Cocktails reception, Product launch, TV Commercials, Casinos, Theatre Production, Award ceremony, Themed Event, Office party, Fundraisers, Festivals, Venues and more.

You may need a Brazilian Carnival singer. As well as Carnival Dancers, it would be good to provide a Brazilian Carnival Singer who will entertain your audience singing up-tempo Latin & Brazilian songs in Portuguese, English and Spanish as well as Latin pop and top charts to quality backing tracks.

The singer can also perform a background music set featuring a classy repertoire of smooth Latin jazz and Brazilian bossa nova. This would be ideal for wedding reception or to delight your guest while dining. Please look on our Red Masque directory for more details.

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.

Incredible Circus acts

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A circus event is great for all the family – we have some great circus acts for you to choose from. You could hire a full on circus or just a few acts. Here are some suggestions to really get you thinking:

A good juggler today can juggle almost anything from fire to dangerous objects with their complex routines that has been practiced and practiced over and over again. Have you ever wanted to learn the art of juggling?

If you needed a juggler for a children’s party or a grown up event then look no further than our choice of fine jugglers that are very professional and can put on a good show for your special event. You could be launching a new product, having a private party, corporate affair which will get the attention your event needed to be a success.

Another exciting entertainment act to book would be a Knife Thrower. If you were thinking that this would be a good way to get rid of your boss at this year’s Christmas party – think again, as we have the most professional Knife Throwers advertised with us here at Red Masque entertainment directory.

This act is terrifyingly dangerous and you will have one eye open when you see the Knife Thrower in action.  Toe curlingly good and great entertainment, we are sure you will love this act.

Another one to consider is a sword swallower it will be the most jaw dropping, show stopping, act that you could possibly see and everyone will want to watch it – it’s extremely clever and obviously well practiced and these guys are obviously a master in their field. From regurgitating, to swallowing razor blades we find it almost impossible to comprehend but ever so fascinating to watch.

A tightrope walker watched from great heights is breathtaking, these tightrope walkers will amaze you with their amazing balance where sometimes they can juggle, sword swallow or even knife throw all rolled into one amazing act.

So forget your normal clowns and have a circus event to remember which will ‘wow’ your guests and if your guests would like, maybe they would like to be taught the art of a few of these acts?

Be confident in Red Masque’s chosen party entertainment guide and believe that we have the best on the books advertised just for you…

5 mistakes Christmas party planners make

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Planning a Christmas party seems quite straight forward, but you’d be amazed at how many people leave it to the last minute. And it might seem a little early in the year to get started but you’d be surprised how much planning goes into creating the perfect Christmas even. So what are you waiting for? 

A few helpful hints to make sure your next Christmas event runs smoothly….

Not laying down a budget

OK, it’s not like Christmas parties – depending on the size of your organisation – are particularly cheap affairs, but foregoing a budget for some entertainment might make it seem more like one planned by Ebenezer Scrooge rather than Father Christmas.

What’s important, as with any budget is that you look to get the most value out of the event as possible and a common mistake is that many planners fail to get the most value out of the oft-overlooked centrepiece for the night’s festivities – the entertainment.

Budgeting the right amount for the entertainment can sometimes be the difference between a good Christmas party and a great one and setting a budget in place means that you won’t spend too much or too little on such a crucial aspect of the evening. 

Not booking it early enough

Christmas parties aren’t exactly surprise affairs and you’d be surprised at the amount of last minute entertainment bookings that take place in the run up to the big day.

Obviously, the festive season is a peak time for many acts, performers, bands, DJs, you name it to receive bookings and as such – the best ones will be snapped up by the early birds.

A common mistake that many Christmas party planners make is that they don’t book their acts early enough and as such; they miss out on the very best entertainers and acts at the best possible prices. Through booking your entertainment early, you ensure that you have more options at more prices levels than if you left it too late. 

Not taking any risks

No one’s an expert in entertainment (although Red Masque directory do have an array of great entertainment) but that’s no excuse for not jumping online and seeing what options are out there to book for your Christmas party – alas it’s a common mistake to just ‘go by the motions’ 

As well as tonnes of resources online (you’re looking at one right now), there are so many options for unique and creative twists on the usual. Christmas jazz bands, a walkabout snowman or a magician, a freestanding aerial artist that looks like she’s on top of a Christmas tree, we have a lot interesting acts to choose from. 

Taking the time to think about more creative and unusual entertainment options means that your Christmas party will be an extremely memorable, not to mention unique, event that will show you’re not afraid to take risks. 

Not thinking about how it can fit into your event

Well this one is a little bit trickier and it’s a common mistake with a lot of Christmas parties – and lots of events for that matter – but many planners forget that entertainment, much like the décor, is an integral aspect of the event’s theme and getting it wrong spells d-i-s-h-a-r-m-o-n-y.

Luckily, there are tonnes of entertainment options out there to help bring your event into blissful harmony. Think about your venue, what your aims with the party are, who your guests are etc… and then look at how you can match the entertainment to all of these aspects. 

For example; let’s say you’re holding a party in a grade II listed building; does a DJ really strike you as ‘vintage’? Well it might if you work with the act a little to get the look right, but surely your theme, and event as a whole is much better off with an act that’s almost tailored perfectly to the venue; a troupe of Christmas carollers or a jazz band that plays Christmas covers will combine for a much stronger impact. 

Not booking any entertainment at all

OK, it’s not like forgetting to book some entertainment for your Christmas party means that it will be the worst one ever and everyone will hate you for it – nor does it mean you’ve ruined Christmas. 

What it does mean is that you’re missing out on tonnes of opportunities to try and give your guests and experience that they will remember as, quite simply, being ‘the best Christmas party ever’. It doesn’t have to be big and it doesn’t have to be fancy, in fact it could be anything from hiring a DJ or a magician. But one thing that will make a good Christmas party great, is having a source of entertainment that has been well thought out and will ensure that your guests’ experience is unparalleled by any other. Do otherwise at your peril.