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Next experience.
How long have I been performing professionally?
I’ve been performing professionally for over 15 years now. I started out performing as a children’s entertainer, but for the last 15 years or so, I’ve been performing exclusively at private parties, weddings, and corporate events as a professional magician.
Specialization.
What kind of entertainment do I specialize in?
So, I’m not an illusion magician, I have to be honest. I’m a professional close-up magician who specializes in cards, but I also incorporate a lot of mind-reading into my performances. This isn’t anything weird or unusual, but it takes people to a higher level of believability, like unlocking their mobile phones or telling their star sign.
I’m also one of the UK’s leading tech magician, digital or cyber magicians who involve traditional magic combined with tech or iPad magic. Fusing the two to create a contemporary form of magic that people often have never seen before and are unlikely to see again.
I also perform a stage or cabaret show. This can range from 5 minutes to my standard 40 to 45 minutes, and I can also perform a much longer 2-hour show for larger audiences.
Audience suitability:
Is my act suitable for all ages?
Yes, my act is perfect for all ages. For really young children, perhaps it is too advanced because the world is still magic to them. However, my magic is ideal for all ages, and I can include tailored routines for younger members and those who are heart of healing and also have poor eyesight. My magic doesn’t have anything blue or rude. I like to think it’s funny and could be tailored to the audience beyond just age, also taking into account their mental capacity. Sometimes I’m invited to perform magic at homes where the residents have not evolved as quickly mentally as others.
Event types.
What kind of events does Duncan perform at?
As I mentioned before, I perform at weddings, private parties, and corporate events. I’ve performed at all kinds of venues, including outdoor fates and music festivals. I’ve performed on super yachts for billionaires in castles.
I’ve performed at luxurious wedding venues, stately homes, conference venues, hotels, and private residences.
Next, we think about customization.
How can I tailor my performance to align with my theme?
Duncan customizes all of his routines to the audience, the demographic, and the venue. Sometimes he can even do more contemporary and specific forms of customization, including tailoring the magic to the event itself and its brand and theming details. This is perfect for a conference or event when you want everything to look similar.
Next audience interaction.
Does the Magic Duncan perform involve audience interaction?
The straight answer is yes, absolutely. Some magicians prefer performing on stage with no audience interaction.
That’s very different from Duncan. His show is very much down to the audience themselves. He brings them up on stage if he’s performing a stage show, but equally, if he’s performing close-up, then the same applies. He performs with people, taking playing cards, mind reading, and using their mobile phone, and they are 100% part of the magic as much as he is. When performing on stage, they become the stars of the show.
Branding.
Can Duncan include any specific elements, personal messages, brandings, logos, or designs?
The answer is yes, absolutely, whether it’s for his custom digital or iPad magic or whether it’s for his mind-reading. Duncan makes every effort to tailor his performance accordingly and has several branded solutions or suggestions that he can include.
Duncan often performs at trade shows as well, where he can customize magic tricks to produce giveaways and even a specific pattern to include your brand or corporate message, reinforcing your brand and increasing brand awareness.
So, let’s think about performance details.
How long is Duncan’s performance?
Duncan performs for pretty much any length of time. Typically, a close-up magic booking at a party, private event, or drinks reception at a corporate event lasts 2 hours. Sometimes he’ll perform his after-dinner show. This is typically 40 minutes long, but some clients have asked him to perform a 5-minute wow piece. Other times, he performs for up to 2 hours for his stage show, or for a full day if he’s performing at a trade show or launch event.
Set up time.
How much time does Duncan need to set up?
Well, if it’s a stage show or an after-dinner entertainment, Duncan needs 15 to 20 minutes to set up. It requires only four chairs and a small waist-high table for close-up magic. One minute is all it takes to introduce himself to the host and get familiar. We get familiar with the room’s layout, which is more often than not a single room. So, no setup time is needed at all.
Space requirements.
How much space does Duncan need to perform his magic?
Well, if it’s on a stage, there needs to be enough room for people to come up and take part in the magic. There needs to be enough room so people aren’t on top of the participants, and if it’s close-up, Duncan has 15 years’ experience making the room for himself. So, close up, there is really no need for consideration there. Depending on the venue, Duncan sometimes likes to see some plans beforehand, and he’ll undoubtedly get there early to give directions to the stage organizers.
Special equipment.
Does Duncan need any special equipment provided, or does he bring everything?
Duncan’s stage show and close-up act are self-contained. You don’t need to provide anything. Sometimes Wi-Fi can be beneficial, but it’s self-contained, so you don’t have to contribute anything. If there is a large audience, you may consider hiring a lapel mic or a head mic, but assume the other speakers’ hosts will also be using a microphone.
Performance location.
Can Duncan perform his magic indoors and outdoors?
The answer is yes. Duncan is primarily based in the UK, so if you two are based there, you know the unpredictable weather means consideration needs to be given, not just to Duncan and him getting wet or too hot in the sun, but also to your guests. If you’ve hired Duncan to perform his show outside, you’ll need to give more thought to packing up and bringing it inside if inclement weather hits.
Sound system.
Do I provide my own sound system?
I do have a sound system, but more often than not, the venue already has one installed. I don’t bring my own mic or speaker system to 99% of the venues I attend because the venue’s system is often superior.
Lighting.
Do I need any specific lighting, or do I bring my own?
I don’t bring my own lighting for my stage show. The venue and soft lighting often provide enough light so that the audience can see clearly.
Will I need access to electricity?
The short answer is no, I don’t use any fire, water, electricity, or anything required. PAT testing.
References and reputation.
Can I provide testimonials or references from previous clients?
I, like many professional magicians, can indeed provide these reviews and testimonials. However, if you are asking other magicians the same question, it’s essential to check that they are verified testimonials.
Anybody can make up a testimonial. So, I’d encourage you to look at Facebook and Google reviews, and, if you can, further afield.
Videos:
Do you have any of your performances or of your style?
Yes. If you head to YouTube and type in “Magic Duncan,” you’ll see me performing from the early part of my career in Japan. You’ll also be able to see me performing at weddings. You’ll be able to see my branded magic options, trade show options, and indeed my digital magic and after-dinner show as well. There may also be other performances I’ve kept private. If you’d like to see different performances, please do get in touch.
Awards.
Have you won any awards or received any recognition in the world of magic?
Awards are a badge of honor that many performers wear with pride. Often, these awards have been presented to them by their peers.
This does not mean they’re perfect because their peers or the standard of magic may be low, which, sadly, is. These awards or award-winning magicians, as they often call themselves, have won an award for making the best magic trick or an award for doing great work on the computer. Really, there’s only one ward award for quality, and that is a magic circle award. You have to specify the year that you received this award. So, for those saying they were an award-winning magic circle magician, this may be from 10 years ago, and the award they received might be quite specialized.
Insurance.
Do I have public liability insurance?
Yes, Duncan has full public liability insurance and is covered by equity to protect himself and you. He has up to $5 million in insurance and can provide these certificates upon request.
Contingencies.
What happens if you’re unable to perform due to illness or unforeseen circumstances?
As a full-time paid professional magician, Duncan takes great pride in turning up on time to every event. If, however, he is unable to perform due to illness or unforeseen circumstances, he will endeavor to find a similar magician of superior or the same quality to take his place and then leave it up to you to decide whether you want to use their services or not. Duncan works with a selection of professional magicians he has seen perform and is happy to recommend them as a reflection of his own quality.
Flexibility.
Can I adapt, or can Duncan adjust his performance in the event of changes to the event and schedule?
Yes, Duncan is highly flexible, and the very nature of magic is that it is an adaptable art form as well. Duncan takes great pride in tailoring his act to your wishes and needs. If it’s wet or rainy, Duncan can quickly adapt and head inside, and he has often done so. But there are other customization and flexible benefits to hiring Duncan with over 15 to 20 years of professional experience. You can pretty much guarantee Duncan has experienced as many unforeseen challenges as you can imagine.
Post-performance.
Does Duncan offer meet-and-greet opportunities for guests?
Sadly, Duncan is not that famous, but if he is performing a 2-hour show, he’s more than happy to spend some extra time meeting with you and your guests afterwards.
Merchandise
Duncan, does Duncan offer any merchandise or giveaways for guests? Again, he’s not that famous, but you can buy magic sets from him, and if you ask Duncan, he does offer other notable awards and prizes.
A few other questions that often come up.
Do I have any specific tricks designed for children?
Having initially started as a children’s entertainer Duncan does perform a children’s show on rare occasions; he offers it as an option, but it is rare. He tailors his magic to all audiences, as mentioned before, and he also ensures that any magic he does beforehand is sensitive to the culture he’s performing in. He considers all religious considerations as well. So, if you are looking to hire Duncan for your event or have any further questions that this detailed question-and-answer blog post does not cover, do not hesitate to get in contact with him via the link below or the phone number above. He looks forward to hearing from you.
