Payment
Payment must be made within 30 days of the event.
Space
Unless specifically booked for walkabout magic, Ritchie requires approx 2 x 2 meters for his performance space, then space for the children to sit on the floor in front of him and chairs put out behind for adults. Ritchie uses audio equipment; a microphone and music in his show. Other music in the room needs to be turned off during the shows.
Ritchie (and all other entertainers) are not childminders. There must be at least four adults present, supervising children at all times during the entertainment.
Two Staff
There will need to be two staff in attendance at all times in case of any issues with children or adults. There rarely is but with Ritchie’s hands tied up doing magic tricks, if some unruly children start pulling over the set or similar, a little assistance may be needed.
Food and snacks must not be served to children during the performance times or just before. Eating children have no attention on a show. Any balloons must be tied up on the walls and out of reach of children.
Toys and noise-making devices should not be given out or sold before the show.
Soft play, piñata, or bouncy castle must be kept well away from Ritchie’s equipment. If there is a bouncy castle in the performance room, it will need to be deflated during the show. They easily go down and up again.
Parking
Ritchie requires parking for an hour on either side of booking hours i.e. three-hour booking; five hours of parking. There must be parking at the venue or very near. If the nearest suitable parking is several streets away, it will not be logistically possible to get the equipment in and out. If a parking space can be reserved close to the performance area, that will help Ritchie a lot to be fresher for the show. If a couple of staff can help Ritchie in and out of the venue with his equipment that will help him to get in and out quicker.
Outdoors
An indoor space is usually better, but if the show is to be held outside; there will need be a gazebo or similar covering of the show due to the sun overheating the electrical equipment. You will also need a back up space in case of rain or wind. The show needs to be positioned so that the audience don’t have the sun in their eyes.
For outdoor shows, mats/carpet will need to be provided for children watching the show to sit on and chairs will need to be put behind the children for adults to sit.
If any long forms need to be filled in or read on arrival, they must be sent to Ritchie at least 7 days before the show to allow time to be read and filled out. On the day, this can cause a delay in time to get the equipment in and set up.
Ritchie has themed shows for Halloween and Christmas but Ritchie is not able to customise shows to other themes due to all his routines, tricks, and games being meticulously planned.
Ritchie requires 30 minutes to set up before the show although he normally arrives at least 60 minutes before. He requires up to 30 minutes to pack away after. If he needs to move, please tell him in advance as often he will continue to perform and joke with guests after the show if people are still around. Please inform other staff such as dinner ladies that the magician will be setting up and packing away before and after.
For events where Ritchie does multiple shows, he requires time between shows to reset props; at least 30 minutes before and after the shows.
For full-day events, Ritchie will need to visit the office to check his hair and makeup 😉 and will need a staff member to stay and watch his stuff once or twice.
Stopping The Show
It’s only happened twice in 15 years of magic shows, but if the show becomes too disrupted through for example food been given out, then Ritchie may need to stop the show and revert to playing music and doing close-up magic tricks. The second half games part is much more informal and easy to manage
Child Safety
The safety and wellbeing of children is of the utmost importance at all times.
The client is responsible for ensuring that the performance area is safe, secure, and suitable for children. This includes (but is not limited to) removing or adequately safeguarding any potential hazards such as drops, sharp objects, or unsafe garden features.
The entertainer reserves the right to pause or stop the performance if, in their professional judgement, the environment poses a risk to the safety of any child. No liability will be accepted for incidents arising from unsafe conditions that were not disclosed or addressed prior to the performance.
Entertainer Safety
Ritchie will always aim to provide a fun, safe, and positive experience for everyone attending.
It is expected that the performance takes place in a respectful and supportive environment. In the unlikely event of inappropriate or unsafe behaviour, the entertainer reserves the right to pause or, if necessary, end the performance.
In such circumstances, the full fee remains payable. The client is responsible for ensuring that the venue and guests allow for a safe and enjoyable performance.
Payment
Ritchie accepts BACS bank transfers and card payments. For a cheque, a £5 danger money payment will be added (due to me having to go to my bank in Croydon to cash it).
Sorry for the boring serious stuff! Boring first, then FUN!
We are going to have lots of fun!
