Tag Archives: parties

All night with Michael Buble

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Well done Red Masque and of course Michael!!!

Hire a Ceilidh Band

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Ceilidh music and dancing (pronounced “kay-lee” and meaning “visit”) is becoming more and more popular! More and more people are requesting a Ceilidh band for their party venue. As so many people are asking all about it we thought it would be useful to tell you what it is, where it came from and why it makes an electric party atmosphere with plenty of fizzing excitement!
Where does Ceilidh come from?

Dating back to 1875, Ceilidh originates from Scotland and Ireland although its name comes from Gaelic; it’s a combination of Scottish, Irish and English folk music.
What Line-Up?

A Ceilidh band normally consists of two or three people, a fiddler, an accordionist and a ‘caller’ to help everyone get into the swing of things and learn the dances. But, line-ups may also include guitarists, drums, keyboards and whistles amongst other instruments. Nowadays, the music isn’t always traditional either, it can be very contemporary as there are a number of new-style Ceilidh bands bringing a fresh slant on the old folk songs and even putting a twist on current music. This makes it funky, modern and gives you a brand new sound. There’s plenty of rock and roll influence now as well, so if you really want your guests to get down and groove check out some of Red Masque Directory Party entertainers – they are absolutely guaranteed to get even the most reluctant dancer strutting their stuff!
Why Book a Ceilidh Band?

It’s fair to say that Ceilidh is all about having fun. Its traditional style of being all night dance entertainment is still used today and it’s the best way of getting everyone onto the dance floor and enjoying the music. Ceilidh helps even the shyest people to meet new faces and let their hair down.

The main point of difference from any other entertainment for a wedding, party or event is the band themselves teach everyone how to do the different dances. This is done by the ‘caller’ who will call out instructions to the music so everyone knows exactly what to do next. The following video provides a brief example of a ‘caller’ directing the moves…
Who is a Ceilidh Suitable for?

It doesn’t matter what age, ability or personality type a person is – everyone loves to get involved and no experience is necessary! It is very easy to pick up – just imagine a hoe-down – the Ceilidh caller has similarities to a barn dance caller (although the music is entirely different!).

The dances are all varied and there are plenty of paces available, fast, slow and even mid-tempo – so if some of the dances are hard to keep up with that’s your cue to take a break and perhaps enjoy a glass of champagne or wine before you get involved again. Party-goers love the flexibility of a Ceilidh because you may get moving when you want and take a break when your feet can’t keep up any more.

Lookalikes galore

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Putting a smile on your guests’ faces is guaranteed to make your special day one that stands out in everyone’s memory. When you book a celebrity look alike that’s exactly what you’ll achieve, adding a real wow factor to your event’s entertainment mix. And, there are so many recognisable faces that will get everyone talking at your wedding reception, private party or corporate event…

The beauty of hiring lookalikes is that you can introduce them to your party at various points. There are no rules. How about at the start of the evening, perhaps for a short time while guests mingle with drinks? During dinner service, as part of the music or DJ set, or maybe someone who simply adds an element of surprise midway through your event.

Lookalikes are a brilliant addition to your wedding plans, and they can be the perfect solution for a red carpet event, grand opening or corporate evening.

We say mix it up a bit. If you’re hoping to keep your party or corporate event on the light-hearted side, there are so many possibilities when booking a look-alike that could inject some real fun and creativity into the day, or later in the evening. So here are a few ideas:

The Drinks Reception is a wonderful opportunity for friends and guests to meet-up, chat and remember old times. Throw in the most absolutely fabulous lady to really liven the mood, with a Joanna Lumley look alike who not only looks the part, she can act as well.

How about a real splash of comedy to have your friends, family and guests in stitches? It could be at the hotel when your nearest and dearest meet on the evening before your special day, or how about having the Fawlty Towers team involved in the Breakfast Reception? Madcap fun, a fabulous trip down Memory Lane for lovers of the show, and a polished feel to your celebrations.

Of course one of the key elements to any entertainment mix is the music. That’s especially true at a wedding reception where you want guests to be engaged, feel part of the experience and, ideally, up on the dance floor. So why not hire a hip lookalike artist like Lady Gaga, Madonna, or Whitney Houston?

We love the food theme at Red Masque Directory, so a man who not only cooks up a storm but can serve your guests could be a real winning combination. Hire a Gordon Ramsay lookalike who could offer an impressive menu, either meeting guests over nibbles and drinks, presiding over the main course or maybe remonstrating with diners if you’d like to generate a little harmless drama. He’ll look and sound the part.

And finally, an old favourite sure to remain in the hearts of all Only Fools and Horses fans forever is the Del Boy Lookalike. Now he could hustle with guests if you wanted, offering his amazing range of hooky watches, but how about a dramatic entrance in his clapped-out old three-wheeler yellow van.

Hire Christmas entertainment now

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Christmas may seem far away when you are just about getting used to the unpredictable British Summer, but it’s worth thinking about planning your next Christmas party…

We thought we whet your appetite and tempt you with a few ideas for your Christmas Event this year:

Caricaturist
Caricaturists are a great way to entertain the guests and to salvage some memories from the year.
Most caricaturists are happy to pre-print paper with the date and logos, they can kick start conversations to kick the evening off and it’s nice to wake up with at least one thing in the morning to remind you of the night before.

Magician
Another great way to bring your guests together is with some magic and mindreading. Red Masque have some fantastic magicians advertised which will blow your guests minds without blowing your money.

These acts can mix and mingle with guests of all ages and they take little time to set up. They can be ready to go almost as quickly as this year has passed and as quickly as New Year’s Day will arrive so if you’re keen, enquire now.

Fire Performers
If it’s cold outside, or even inside, Fire Performers will add some heat to the New Year’s party and mesmerise your guests in the process. They can provide ambient performances spread throughout the evening whilst your guests mingle, or if you like they can offer a high energy, choreographed fire show that will leave them in awe. This is a sure-fire way to warm up the party.

Celebrity lookalikes

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Everyone wants their party to be memorable. One fun idea is to hire celebrity lookalikes to mingle with your guests at your private party or corporate event. Nothing loosens up a stuffy corporate crowd quite like sharing cocktails with Gaga or Elvis.

Just imagine hiring Michael Buble, Bette Midler and Elton John impersonators to work your party! After, the impersonators can mingle with your guests. Then your acts will continue doing the show again and then 30 minutes later Elton can take over the stage with a medley of his greatest hits,

We at Red Masque have obviously chosen our favourite celebrities but you can choose whoever you like to invite to your party. We particularly think Lady Gaga, Tina Turner, Prince, Beyoncé and other larger-than-life entertainers would all be great choices too.

There are absolutely loads of great celebrity lookalikes to hire and some will be hard to tell the difference. They can be hired for a many other events too, you could use a few celebrities to open up your new shop or restaurant. A perfect photo opportunity and a great talking point to get people talking about your business!!

So when you are next thinking about entertainment for your event, think about a celebrity!!!

Recreate the 90’s

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It’s been said that as you get older, you realise that nobody knows what they’re doing and we’re all just faking it. Many barely feel like they are adults at all, despite having mortgages, hip replacement surgery and a strange desire for that cooking utensil that totally makes it easier to take the shell off an egg. What happened to the youngster who partied hard in the nineties, you might be wondering to yourself as you settle down into your comfy slippers for an episode of Midsomer Murders on a quiet Saturday night. They’re still lurking inside you somewhere and this is the entertainment to book if you want to bring them back for one night only!

DJ
Remember the nineties? If you were part of the rave scene then you may well have been heavy on the drum beats and a distinct belief that you too could put together a decent tune with nothing more than an upturned bucket and a free whistle from a Kinder Egg. Unfortunately, making music isn’t as easy as it looks unless you have the right DJ that can create a different tune every time.
Weapons of Sound

Ultra 90s
Pretty much the must have band on the list if you’re looking to relive the 90s in the coolest way possible. Ultra 90s perform the best classic chart, dance and club anthems from the 1990s. From Snap! To Faithless, from Dee-lite to Vanilla Ice, Ultra 90s guarantees to get any party buzzing. Taking you through House, Chart, Dance and Club Classics along with popular Drum and Bass tunes from the 90s – The Ultimate 90s Revival – 90s Nostalgia at it’s best.

PRIMO
Let’s be honest, rave culture wasn’t just about the music but was also about the all the great futuristic films. Who can forget Terminator?

Primo is a great way to remember the 90’s. The Ex-Terminator is a character we have all grown to love or hate. The concept of this character was a unique challenge, using the art of prosthetics/makeup. The Ex-Terminator certainly does create a lot of interest wherever he performs. He is definitely an awesome character ready to do the business or just to make your corporate party or event go with a bang

If you’re looking to recreate your youth and bring the 90s to your chosen venue, then you can’t go wrong with the above acts but feel free to get in touch if there’s something else you’re looking to recreate!

Eltham Palace

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This week, we’re taking a look at another party and event venue just outside London. Operated by English Heritage, Eltham Palace is a fine example of 1930s design; art deco buildings combined with sumptuous gardens that are sure to impress all guests. Combining a hint of Hollywood glamour with sleek style and sophistication, this is the ultimate event destination for those seeking the same… But different.

Opening in 1936, visitors might first wonder how the moniker of ‘palace’ came to be. It’s less than
100 years old so surely not..? The original property was built way back in 1066 before being replaced in 1296 with a grand manor house. The building and its gardens were acquired by the royal family in 1311 under the rule of Edward II and over the next 300 years, the palace was extended and renovated numerous times for each subsequent ruler. After the civil war in 1648, the palace was ransacked and by the 18th century, the ruins were being used as a farm, with the Great Hall being used as a barn. In 1828, the Great Hall was restored and over 100 years later, Stephen and Virginia Courtauld built the current palace next to the medieval restoration and that is what you can hire for your event today!

You may wish to move from the Entrance Hall through to the Italian Drawing Room, which also has doors out onto the terrace. Delicately adorned in hues of burnt orange, ochre and blue, this room is known for its beauty and intimacy and is perfect for dining your corporate guests with up to 60 people or for drinks receptions with 200 guests (including adjoining rooms).

Good old fashioned jugglers

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Who doesn’t love a juggler? We’d all like to be good at juggling but unfortunately, some of us just aren’t very coordinated with our limbs. The balls go up, you’ll manage to catch two and the third will undoubtedly hit the ground. Want another go? Rather than your ability increasing, it’ll be the number of juggling balls on the ground. How do they do it? Thankfully, we don’t need to know because we can hire professional jugglers for parties and events and that’s where this blog comes in because amazingly, there are a whole host of different types of juggling entertainment.

Acro-Jugglers

What do you get if you combine acrobats with jugglers? As you might expect, the result is the wonderfully named Acro-Jugglers, a pair of entertainers who combine their sporty and athletic nature with the art of juggling. From juggling pins at one another a few metres apart to managing to swap juggling balls when one person is on the other’s shoulders, there is nothing these circus performers can’t do!

LED jugglers

LED jugglers combine the brilliance of juggling with the mesmerising beauty of LEDs! Available in a whole host of colours including a variety of shapes, patterns and even your company logo, you are sure to be impressed by this stunning walkabout act. Also available as a choreographed stage routine or static installation, up to 6 specialist performers are available and clients are given a choice of costuming to suit individual events.

Burlesque juggler

Burlesque juggler is inspired by the legendary actress Marlene Dietrich, a 1920-inspired act that will stun all audience members.

For those hosting a Great Gatsby-inspired corporate party or events with a vintage theme. A wonderful experience for those who love film nor or if you’re looking for something a little different. Not sure on the vintage look? This act is also available without the theming!

Contact Jugglers

A little bit different to juggling in the traditional sense of the word, contact jugglers have an incredible ability to make balls apparently levitate in the air. Well, not ‘levitate’ exactly, but making it appears as though a silver ball or two has a weightless quality. Very difficult to describe but just as hard to ever forget, hiring a contact juggler is one of the finest decision an event planner can make if they want an unforgettable experience for their guests!

What theme will you go for?

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A theme will generally make a party or event a lot more memorable for those who attended, so in a lot of ways, we strongly recommend going for a theme. Not only that, but once you have settled on an idea, the party becomes a lot easier to visualise.

Would you hire circus performers in your venue ordinarily? Perhaps not. But if your theme is perfect for them then there’s an instant chance to wow your guests! Just think about the possibilities! We love the idea of ‘dare to be different’. Nobody wants the same thing all the time, so why not have a go at making your event or party extra special? Very few successful people got to where they are today without doing something a little differently.

With this in mind then, what theme should you go for? That is of course up to you! You may wish to go with something broad that is in keeping with the time of year or commemorating the reason for the event in the first place.

The most memorable corporate and private parties however, tend to be those with a clear theme like the Harry Potter, or 70’s themed inspired parties. These will be the most memorable that you probably will recall but anything goes with costumed characters and all acts decked out in superb Victorian/Sci-Fi clothes. Would you theme your event when it could look like that? We’ll leave that up to you!

All things vintage

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

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

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

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

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