5 Things to Consider Before Hiring a Magician

After performing at corporate events, weddings, private celebrations and cruise ships for more than 20 years, I've noticed that people often ask the same questions before hiring a magician.

Some want to know what makes one performer different from another. Others wonder whether reviews can be trusted, or how to tell if someone is genuinely experienced.

While there isn't a single right answer, there are a few things I believe are worth considering before making your decision. I hope these insights help you choose a performer who is the right fit for your event.

One of the first things I recommend is watching the performer's showreel. Not just to see the magic—but to see the people.

It's easy to focus on the tricks, but I encourage you to pay closer attention to the audience. Are they genuinely laughing? Do they look relaxed and engaged? Is the performer creating memorable moments, or is the video simply showing clever techniques?

A good showreel should also give you a sense of the magician's performance style. Some performers specialise in close-up roving magic, while others are more suited to stage performances. Watching how they interact with people will often tell you more than the tricks themselves.

Online reviews can be incredibly useful, but I always suggest reading them carefully rather than simply counting how many five-star ratings someone has.

The most genuine reviews usually tell a story. They might mention the type of event, describe how guests reacted, or explain why the performance stood out. Those details often provide a much clearer picture than short comments like, "Great magician!"

As with any industry today, generic or AI-generated reviews have become more common online. That's why I encourage people to look for reviews that feel personal and specific. Authentic experiences are usually easy to recognise when someone is describing a real event.

Here is an example:

A website can tell you a lot, but in my experience, a short conversation tells you much more.

Whenever possible, arrange a quick phone call before making a booking. Pay attention to how they communicate. Do they listen to your ideas? Do they ask about your event before recommending a performance? Can they explain their suggestions clearly and confidently?

Don't hesitate to ask questions such as:

• Which type of performance would you recommend for my event?
• Have you performed at similar events before?
• How would you approach an audience like ours?

An experienced magician shouldn't simply tell you what they do. They should be able to explain why a particular style of performance would work well for your guests.

After many years in this industry, I've found that experience often becomes obvious during a genuine conversation.

Not every event is the same, and neither is every performance.

A wedding reception has a completely different atmosphere from a corporate gala. A trade show requires a different approach from a private birthday celebration. Even two corporate events can be very different depending on the audience and the objectives.

When speaking with a magician, ask whether they've performed at events similar to yours. More importantly, ask how they would adapt their performance to suit your guests and your schedule.

In my opinion, this is one of the easiest ways to understand whether someone has real experience or is simply offering the same performance for every occasion.

Perhaps the most important advice I can offer is this: choose someone you genuinely feel comfortable working with.

If possible, arrange a brief meeting—either in person or online. A short conversation allows you to get a better sense of their personality, professionalism and confidence. You're not only hiring someone to perform; you're inviting them to become part of an important occasion.

If the opportunity arises, don't be afraid to ask if they can show you a quick piece of magic. It doesn't need to be a full performance, but seeing them entertain you in person can give you a much better understanding of their presentation style and how naturally they connect with people.

At the end of the day, technical skill is only one part of being a professional magician. Reliability, communication and the ability to make people feel comfortable are just as important.

Over the years, I've learned that the best performances aren't remembered simply because of the tricks. They're remembered because of the atmosphere, the connection with the audience, and the experience people shared together.

If you're considering hiring a magician for your event, take a little time to do your research. Watch their performances, read genuine reviews, ask questions, and trust your instincts.

Finding the right magician isn't about choosing the flashiest performer—it's about choosing someone who understands your event, communicates well, and genuinely cares about creating an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.

Have a question?
I'm always happy to chat about your event, answer your questions, and help you decide what would work best—whether you end up booking me or not.