Why not all Corporate Magicians are the same

A just for fun look at Corporate Magicians and Entertainers from a Jesters point of view.


I want you to try an experiment. Go to Google and search for Corporate Magicians, then have a look at a sample of pages. Now, it may just be me here but why do they all look the same?


It's like somewhere between Paul Daniels, David Blaine and Derren Brown someone made a "how to look like a magician" machine and with a little Piff Paff Poof (C Jeffrey Durham aka The Great Suprendo) the standard serious magician look was created.


So to explain it somewhat, to look like a "serious" magician you (apparently) have to; 


1) wear a formal suit/lounge suit/suit but worn jauntily with an open collar or slight sheen to it. Sport a magicians goatee beard/facial fuzz (this is optional but I find more prevalent amongst Mentalists and mind readers (Derren must be so flattered but I wonder if he's ever tempted to shave just to see....)


2) have a picture of you staring into a camera lens whilst holding (normally) a deck of cards, fire wallet, wand (insert magical prop here) in an unusual/clever/arty pattern, manner.


3) express on your site how many awards/competitions you've won, whether you are a member of the Magic Circle, Brotherhood of Magicians etc (which all sounds a bit Harry Potter when you get down to it)


4) have images on your site of people at functions being amazed by your deft skills (video is becoming the norm as well now) 


5) lay claim to the amount of "celebrity" clients you've wowed, photos of you with your arms around uncomfortable looking celebs optional.


Now these are the main points that I've noticed recently, the trends if you like that I've seen on the internet and on agency books.


Now there's nothing wrong with any of that, Corporate Magic, Corporate Entertainments and Corporate Entertainers are a huge boom market even in these troubles times. But I wonder where the originals are, where are the people bucking the trend?


I should name a few people who I think stand out, who are unique in their own and these are my opinions, the people that did and still do inspire me to perform.


Devilstick Peat - Not a Corporate Entertainer but the man who inspired me to Fool full time.

John Archer - Comedy Magician. Fooled Penn & Teller live with 5 enveloped and is laugh your socks off funny.

Paul Zennon TV Magician, Corporate Magician - I've seen Paul perform live at many Corporate Events and he is 100% brilliant.

Paul Daniles - I grew up watching Paul Daniels on TV. A master of his art and an inspiration to many



There are of course more but they are the ones who always come to the top of my mind.


However, as a professional Jester and a corporate magician and entertainer myself I do find that in this world of sharp suited, goatee bearded (optional as mentioned above) looking magicians that I unusually get labelled as just for kids?


Now that's really odd to me as historically Jesters were hired to perform for adults, Kings, Queens, Nobles et al. Something that I still do today. A Jester's skill is in being able to switch audiences and to entertain everyone, all the time. I remember when I was in a 9-5 office job, if I went on a company night out the last thing I'd want to see would be someone who looked just like me pulling out a deck of cards and doing tricks, no matter how skilled, I'd expect an entertainer to look somehow, different. 


When I booked entertainers many moons ago at Warwick Castle I always looked for acts who stood out, who had a unique angle or look. So I wonder why is the fashion for everyone looking the same?


So, next time you are looking for a Corporate Magician or entertainer just stop to question yourself. Perhaps a Fool is just what you need. All the Corporate Magic and Entertainment you could want delivered in a totally unique style.


Disclaimer: the opinions in this post are purely for fun and are not intended to damage any other performers reputation or image in any way. Frankly I'd prefer that the trend continue and that everyone doesn't start performing as Jesters otherwise I'll have to buy a suit again....