Top Ten Questions Parents Ask

1. How much do you charge?
Reasonable first question. However, if you have this answer but then Paul's not available to do the show you will no doubt be disappointed. You will be able to afford Paul because he charges, in the words of Paul Daniels, 'Not a Lot'. In fact a few folk have been put off by the low cost believing he can't possibly be any good. In fact all of his shows to this point have come via the many many recommendations of other delighted parents and party organisers. So if you do want Paul the first question is - is he available on (date?).
The cost then largely depends on how far he has to travel, the type of event it is, the the number of children to be entertained (joint birthday parties are becoming popular).

2. How far in advance do I need to book and are you available on....?
A lot of parents seem to leave it until about 3 weeks before the party. Most of Paul's Christmas party organisers book him for the following Christmas before he leaves the building. Once you have seen him perform for the children you will want him again. So if you know you want him then the sooner you make contact the better chance you will have of his being available.

3. How long does your show last?
Some entertainers and even some parents say that children have a very short attention span and that the child's attention could not possibly be maintained for more than 30 mins and this will be a challenge. The truth is children really do want to be entertained and have no inhibitions, as you know, of saying if / when they are bored. The majority of Paul's shows last 45 mins and he holds the children's attention through involvement, participation and using magic tricks that are visually appealing in order to capture their imagination and attention.

If you are planning on having (say) a two hour party for the children. They will be interested and watching Paul set up his props for 15 mins; then they have the 45 min show; then watch him for another 15 mins packing his props away. This only leaves 45 mins for the children to have their party food, play a few games, sing happy birthday before they go happily on the way home waving their wands and trying to say Abra-dabra. The most popular time for the magic show is 15 mins after the beginning of the party. Alternatively the last 45 mins of the party is also popular. In the latter case it's best if the children have a short comfort break before the magic shows starts. Though his normal birthday shows last 45 mins, at Christmas time the party organiser often asks for slightly less, 30 - 40 mins, because a certain gentleman in a red coat needs to make an appearance.

4. What do you do in your shows?
Paul entertains the children using magical effects. Having done magic shows for his own daughter and son at their 3rd birthday parties through to their 8th birthday parties, he has an excellent appreciation of the types of magic tricks that children enjoy whatever their age. For younger children, 3 and 4 yr olds, he uses puppets, mechanical toys, a lot of animation and colour. He always likes to have the children help him in every trick he does. It's helpful if there is a slightly older child to help with the first trick because this gives the other children the confidence to volunteer in the next magic trick. He performs different shows according to the age of the children. As they get older the magic tricks become more sophisticated.

5. What age of children do you do magic shows for?
Children under three will have little or no interest in a magic show even though they'll love his puppets and mechanical toys. The best age to start holding parties with guests of a similar age is three and upwards. Children have usually started nursery, pre-school or play group by this age and have the social skills to be able to enjoy a party. But it's better if there is at least one slightly older child present just to give them a lead and some confidence. After all they may never have seen a 'magic man' before. Boy's magic birthday parties tend to go up to their 8th birthday and girl's up to their 9th birthday. But there are often older children at the 'christening, wedding, works event, birthday party' that (secretly) enjoy his shows just as much.

6. Where should I hold the birthday party?
Parents need to consider the ages of the children, the number of guests attending, whether parents will be staying, whether to have a theme party etc all of which will help determine the venue and amount of space required.

A lot of fast food places offer special children's birthday party deals where each child receives a hamburger, a drink and ice cream. The novelty quickly wears off these parties and the children are soon climbing the walls! Some of them allow you to bring in your own entertainer / magician. Best to check first with the venue if this is your preference. Other venues with very reasonable rates and have facilities for you to do your own catering include church halls, community halls, sports and social clubs.

However do not overlook your home. A large number of Paul's shows are performed at the child's home. Don't worry whether or not you have enough room or not - Paul always manages. He once did a show stood up in an old railway carriage. Not to mention the time he did the show sat on the lounge floor as his leg was in plaster because of a broken ankle!

If you have a big garden then set the children loose and let them play whilst he is getting his show ready. But be careful about being tempted to have the party outside in summer when it's hot and sunny. That sun has to be in someone's eyes, either Pauls' or the children's, and the hot sun will be beating down on those young heads. The warm weather is often a cue for the nearby neighbour to get his Kango hammer or flag cutter out to do some very noisy DIY work. Don't laugh this has happened on a number of occasions.

7. Any advice on what party games I could play?
Try and avoid having 'winners' and 'losers' as some children take competition very seriously. Pass the Parcel is still a great birthday party game as it does not involve too much running around and arrange for everybody to win a prize and not just the child at the end.

8. What about the noise makers?
Presumably you are not referring to one of the children (joke). If there is one piece of advice that will help you have a happy party it is this:
Noise makers will give you a headache within minutes and children rarely heed the party popper warning of 'point away from face'.
Children have been injured by an eye full of streamers on more than one occasion so play safe no noise makers please for your own sanity.
Balloons also have a tendency to burst and frighten little ones. Also when children rub the balloon with their fingers the noise it creates is very distracting for the entertainer and others trying to listen to the show. So perhaps you could leave these to be given out later.

9. Do I need to supply anything for you to give out?
All Paul needs is the children and some space to perform his magic. He gives out packets of sweets and magic wand certificates to all helpers. If you want to supply anything for him to give out that's fine but not necessary.
It is customary for parents to give each child a birthday party bag to take home. You can buy small bags from the supermarket for next to nothing and fill it with a few sweets and maybe a small inexpensive toy like a whistle, matchbox car or water pistol. Don't forget a piece of birthday cake. Save these until last so that all of the guests have something to go home with. If Paul is doing your party ask him for a magic wand / certificate to put in each of the party bags.

10. Who is the best children's magician?
Gosh difficult one this. There are some excellent clowns and those balloon modellers are something else. This isn't Paul's thing. Entertaining children with magic is his passion. I can only suggest you look at just a few of the many testimonials he gets from parents and party organisers.

11. Why can't you count ....and why the name Guy De Paul?
Years ago a work colleague took Paul to his Grandfathers who used to be a member of the MML. The Grandfather, on hearing Paul's birth name, said "you'll have to change that lad to get anywhere in magic". On Paul's next visit to the house the Grandfather handed him an envelope containing some hand written magic secrets. The envelope was addressed 'For the attention of Guy De Paul'. More visits followed and more secrets were shared. Sadly the Grandfather died the following year, so in reverence to his name and memory and for sharing his secrets, knowledge and advice, Paul has used the name Guy De Paul ever since.