Throughout March, we’re celebrating what makes magic such a great fit for events; from corporate functions, to wedding receptions, to private parties.
We’ve already laid out some of the reasons we think all event planners should love magicians, but today we’re looking at how you can fit a magician into your event theme. So without further ado, here are some party themes that are just crying out for that magic touch.
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
Though it’s not the only one of Shakespeare’s plays to feature magical elements, A Midsummer Night’s Dream holds a special appeal for event planners thanks to its rich imagery, vibrant characters and whimsical atmosphere. With its woodland setting and playful tone, The Dream makes for a perfect summer garden party theme, and its recurring motifs of magic and performance mean that it’s a great opportunity to introduce a magician into the mix. You might cast two magicians as the King and Queen of the Fairies, competing to bedazzle your guests, or make a magician play Puck for the evening, causing all manner of mischief among party goers. And if all else fails, as Shakespeare once said; dress a guy up as a donkey.
Feeling Pucky, punk? Ready to get your Ober-on? See some more Midsummer Night’s Dream themed event ideas here.
CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
When he was asked to star in the 1971 adaptation of Roald Dahl’s book, Gene Wilder insisted upon the inclusion of a scene where Wonka introduced himself by limping out of his factory on a cane before performing a somersault at the gates, reasoning that “from that time on, no one will know if I’m lying or telling the truth.” While Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is ostensibly a book about a chocolate factory, it’s also full of trickery, deception and childlike wonder; plenty of inspiration for all kinds of illusions. And what magician in their right mind could resist the temptation of slipping on the top hat and tail coats to play Mr Wonka for an evening?
Like the sound of a trip to the chocolate factory? See more Roald Dahl themed entertainment ideas here.
ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND
White rabbits, hearts, diamonds, queens thereof… this one’s a freebie. Lewis Carroll’s 1865 novel has captured the imagination of many a reader, and whether you’re an Alice fanatic or merely have a passing familiarity with Wonderland, Carroll’s striking imagery makes Alice in Wonderland well-suited to an event theme. The ubiquity of playing cards in most magicians’ acts means that they can slot into an Alice-themed event with minimal effort, but if you want to add some wonder to your Wonderland (and we imagine you do) then we’d suggest dressing a magician up as the Mad Hatter to perform some specially themed tricks, and maybe even a White Rabbit to go along with him.
You’re late! You’re late! For a very important date with this blog about Alice in Wonderland themed entertainment ideas on Sternberg Clarke’s website.
HARRY POTTER
Here he comes again for his third mention in as many blogs, that’s right it’s everyone’s favourite boy wizard and Patron Saint of Magic Month, Harry Potter. With a staggering seven books to his name, not to mention eight films, a stage play and a whole theme park, there’s not exactly a shortage of material to work with when you’re looking for spellbinding Harry Potter themed entertainment ideas. Not that the magicians we know would need to do any research, most of them know all of the books by heart and secretly spend their time off wheeling around suitcases, looking for platform 9 ¾ at Kings Cross.
Don’t go Slytherin’ away before you’ve read these Harry Potter themed event ideas, you complete and utter muggle.
THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA
Finally, another beloved series of children’s books that give grown ups a chance to rediscover some of the magic of childhood. C.S. Lewis’ series of fantasy novels spanned seven titles, but the first-written (and best known) The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe is the most consistently popular with those in the events industry, particularly at Christmastime. The book’s icy depiction of Narnia under the rule of the White Witch lets event planners transform their venue into a magical winter wonderland for the evening, and the cast of fantastical characters is a great opportunity for some creative use of costumes and makeup.
Want to see what else lurks at the back of our wardrobe? Take a look at some more Narnia-themed entertainment ideas here.