Frequently asked questions

Q: Where are you based?
A: Steven Blair currently lives in Kilmarnock, Scotland but he serves Ayrshire, Glasgow and Scotland mainly but travels and performs worldwide.

Q: How do I go about booking Steven?
A: Contact me

Q: What do I need to provide for Steven to perform at my event?
A: Nothing at all! Everything that Steven needs to perform his magic he carries in his pockets. All the props he will use are self-contained in his pockets or borrowed from spectators. Steven doesn’t need a specific size of space just point him in the right direction and off he will go.

Q: Where are the prices?
A: Pricing for professional entertainment such as magic is based upon several different factors because of this, accurate pricing cannot be made until Steven knows a little about your event such as: type of performance, location, number of people attending the event, length of performance, and any special requests.

Q: Do you have public liability insurance?
A: Yes Steven has up to £10million public liability insurance through membership of Equity, the performer’s union. Click here to contact Steven for a quote.

Q: I found another magician who’s cheaper. Why not go with them?
A: Well, quite honestly, expect to get what you pay for. Steven's pricing is fair and affordable. At the same time, he is a professional entertainer and his rates are on par with other quality magicians. If another magician is offering you an hour long show for ten Pounds or some other ridiculous price, consider your options. You don't want to be disappointed and neither do your guests.

Q: What is your tipping policy?
A: For booked events, Steven will not hassle or ask your guests for tips. They are your guests, and Steven feels that they do not need to pay the entertainment. If offered a tip, Steven will politely turn it down. However, if the tipper persists, Steven will accept the tip to keep from offending the guest. Not accepting a tip can be seen as a very rude gesture.

Q: What type of performance should I have at my event?
A: Close up magic is perfect for small groups in a social atmosphere. Steven will move from group to group, so no stage or preparation is needed. This kind of entertainment works well for weddings, birthday parties, anniversaries, bar/bat mitzvahs, reunions, garden parties, BBQ’s. Close-up magic can also act as a cover-up for unfortunate delays, and enhances the event. If you are planning an event that you think Close-up magic won`t be suitable then why not consider a stage show. For more information on Steven Blair’s Stage show click here.

Q: What types of tricks do you do?
A: For close-up, all the magic is revolved around ordinary objects which Steven either brings with him or borrows. Its’ impossible to list all of the objects Steven can do tricks with here, but a good majority of the tricks you will see use cards, coins, rubber bands, pens, napkins, rings, bank notes, business cards the list is endless. Steven tries to add variety to his performances so that one group will see tricks with several different objects. Of course, all borrowed objects are of course returned.

Q: I have over 100 people attending the event. Will you be able to entertain all of my guests?
A: If you are planning on having more than 100 guests at your event Steven may not be able to entertain everyone. However he can organise other magicians of a similar calibre for such an occasion.

Q: What can we expect Steven to wear for a close-up walk-around show?
A: Steven prefers to dress one step above what most people will be wearing at the event. Normally this means a suit and tie, although if the event is less formal, he may dress slightly more casually. Steven takes pride in his very professional approach to his work, and likes to dress the part. Of course, Steven will consider requests for alternative attire such as fancy dress.

Q: What are the space requirements?
A: Close-up walk-around Magic requires no stage because Steven will be mingling among your guests, he also doesn’t need any type of microphone or special lighting. He will adapt his performances to what your venue has to offer.

Q: When is the best time for close-up magic?
A: Any social time is great for close-up magic. The cocktail hour at the beginning of the party is probably the best time for most events. There are times when close-up magic proves to be more difficult to perform. These times include any time where people are eating, or when loud music is playing.

Q: When is the best time for close-up magic to be performed at a wedding?  
A:From Steven’ previous experience the most effective times to have close-up magic performed at a wedding are as follows:
- During the reception
- After dinner
- Whilst the photos are being taken
- During the evening reception

Q: Close-up magic sounds ideal for my event what should I do now?
A: Well if you think Close-up magic is ideal for your even all you have to do is click here and fill out the contact form providing as much information as you can such as type of performance, location, number of people attending the event, length of performance, and any special requests. Steven will then get back to you with a quote in the next 24 hours.  Alternatively, if you would prefer to speak to Steven directly about the event you are planning and how Steven’s magic can work at your event you can call Steven on this number 07547 738815 (Calls answered between 9am and 9pm, 7 days a week)