Rabbit in hat

Bob Haynes: Magician


Frequently Asked Questions

What Age Group is the Show Aimed at?

The target audience for Uncle Bob's Magic Show is children aged 3 to 9 or 10 years, although the style of slapstick comedy can be enjoyed by everyone, through the children. Adults have often commented on how much they have enjoyed the show.

Is Bob Insured?

Yes, I have full public liability insurance. I have never had an accident, but I feel it is very important to be covered for all eventualities, particularly as I am working with children, and in people's homes.

Is the Birthday Child Made to Feel Special ?

Most definitely! The birthday child is invited to participate in the show, helping me to bake a magic birthday cake, do some magic painting or some other type of magic. They are also presented with a magic party bag or a small gift, along with a balloon sculpture which I will model especially for them in full view of the audience.

If a child is too shy or nervous to participate they will still receive the gift and balloon sculpture on their special day.

Joint birthdy parties are very popular, and Bob is very happy to cater for these making each birthday child feel equyally special.

Are You a Clown? How do you Dress?

No I am not a clown, I am a magician but within my show there is a lot of clowning about, with comedy and slapstick humour.

I do not dress as a clown. I wear a colourful waistcoat with a teddy bear pattern and a bright bow tie. My friendly smile is natural, not painted on.

Do You Use Animals in Your Show?

No, I don't use live animals in my show as I don't feel this is fair to the animals.

I am confident this does not reduce the enjoyment the audience gets from my show.

How Long is Your Show?

How long do you want it to be ?

Half-hour? Forty five minutes? One hour? Two hours?

It is your decision. My show can be tailored to your requirements. For more details telephone me on (01908) 315147.

Do You do Magic for Adults?

Yes, I am available for close-up table magic at hotels, restaurants, wedding receptions, works parties and private functions as Bob Haynes: Magical Entertainer.

Close-up magic involves tricks with cards, coins, silks and everyday objects to astound, mystify and entertain you. For more information 'phone Bob or visit the Close-Up Magic Company.

How Should I Book Bob?

  1. Ring me to see if I am available on the day and time that you require. I would advise you to do this before booking a hall if you are not having the party at home.
  2. If you decide to book me telephone me again. Have available the name and full address of the venue and your preferred starting time for the magic show. The booking will be made by telephone.
  3. I will telephone you a few days before the show to confirm that the details are correct and to assure you that I will be there as arranged.
  4. Payment should be made in full on the day of the show.

My telephone number is (01908) 315147.

Bookings can only be made by telephone because my diary fills so quickly it is vital that you ensure that I am available at the time on the day you require. This will always be confirmed by a return call during the week of the event. (I will confirm in writing if requested).

You can not book by E-mail or through this website.

How Large an Audience do You Require?

I have performed at children's parties for as few as six children. I have also entertained groups of over 250 children in schools and at beaver/cubs scouting events.

I can entertain any number of children aided by my P.A. system where necessary (e.g. at outdoor events or for larger audiences).

How Much Space do You Need?

Many of my shows are performed in people's homes, and sometimes in quite small rooms. I bring my own table, approximate size 2' 6" × 1' 6" (75cm × 50cm), and require about 2 feet (50cm) for me behind the table and a space of about 2 feet (50cm) between the table and the audience. Therefore a space of about 6 feet by 4 feet (2m × 1m) is sufficient. Children can be seated on the floor in front of me, and many children can occupy quite a small space (remember rows of seated children in school assemblies?)

I will work in any venue small or large.

Do You Only Work Weekends?

No. I am available to work seven days a week. The weekend dates are always the most popular and therefore the most heavily booked, so if you are planning to book me for a weekend party please book as early as possible.

If your child's birthday falls on a weekday and you are able to arrange your party for that date Uncle Bob will still be very happy to entertain (subject to availability).

What do You Need When You Perform a Show?

I bring my own table, all necessary equipment and my P.A. system, if required. (I do not usually use the P.A. system in private homes).

All I require you to provide is an area of floor space (approximately 6 feet by 6 feet or 2 metres by 2 metres) and the audience.

On a hot day I may just ask you for a glass of water.

Are You a Member of any Professional Body?

I am a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM).

I am also a founder member of Milton Keynes Magic Society - a friendly club which welcomes as members any adult (over 18 years) who can demonstrate a genuine interest in magic.

Can You Provide any References?

Yes - I can refer you to someone for whom I have recently performed. I prefer to pass on telephone numbers, which enables you to discuss me and ask questions.

However I never pass on anyone's 'phone number without their consent. Therefore if you book me and are so pleased with my show that you would be happy to recommend me please let me know.

I have also voluntarily been Police-checked (i.e. I can show you a document to show I have no prosecution/conviction history). This is often required by schools and voluntary organisations for people working with children.

How Much do You Charge?

I am sorry to be evasive but there is no one answer. Every show (from a 30 minute children's show to a full day's entertainment at a festival and everything in between) is tailored to your requirements and priced accordingly.

As a rough guide Uncle Bob's prices start from around £60 for a children's magic show in the Milton Keynes area.

I am confident that my prices are very competitive, and would advise anyone to obtain other prices and compare them. The entertainment content of my show is good value and I have often been told "that was worth it" and "you have certainly earned your money."

Please telephone me (on 01908 315147) to discuss your requirements and I will give you a firm and fair price.

Where will you perform?

Bob performs mainly in the Milton Keynes area, covering Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire and some of the surrounding areas. This includes locations such as Aylesbury, Banbury, Bedford, Bicester, Buckingham, Bletchley, Brackley, Cranfield, Deanshanger, Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard, Luton, Maids Moreton, Milton Keynes, Newport Pagnell, Northampton, Olney, Oxford, Roade, Silverstone, Stony Stratford, Towcester, Tring, Wendover, Winslow, Woburn and Wolverton among others.

If you don't see your area listed then call Bob to check whether he is able to visit.