Family and Children's Entertainers, The Podcast Gordon Drayson

In this podcast, Kerry Jay, a former dancer and West End performer, shares her journey transitioning into children’s entertainment. She discusses starting as a dancer and singer, moving through various performance avenues like summer seasons and pantomimes before deciding to move to entertaining children. Kerry explains how she incorporated magic into her shows to engage young audiences, emphasising the importance of creating a professional and high-quality entertainment experience through themed costumes, music, and games.

The conversation also explores how the challenges and skills required for close-up magic, including handling different audiences, are similar and different to those needed for children and families. Kerry highlights the adaptability and creativity needed for crafting engaging shows for diverse audiences, using her diverse skills and experiences in both high-end performances and children’s parties. Kerry offers a glimpse into the evolving landscape of children’s entertainment as it applies to her, showcasing the professional challenges and rewards of performances in adapting their talents to create memorable experiences for audiences of all ages.

Join Gordon as he talks to Kerry Jay in FACE, The Podcast

SPONSOR – Drayson Design – https://www.draysondesign.com

Chapters

[00:00:00]: Introduction to Face the Podcast

[00:00:52]: Introduction of Guest Kerry J

[00:02:00]: Kerry J’s Background in Entertainment

[00:06:10]: Early Performance Experiences

[00:09:10]: Pursuing Dream of Being a West End Star

[00:14:34]: Transitioning to Children’s Entertainment

[00:21:17]: Performing in Chicago

[00:23:34]: Transitioning to Les Miserables

[00:30:00]: Diversifying Entertainment Shows

[00:43:24]: Structured Party Format and Feedback

[00:53:03]: Female magicians in the industry

[00:55:05]: Skills needed for family and children’s entertainers

[00:55:53]: Performing at children’s parties

[00:57:06]: The differences between stage and close-up magic

[00:58:31]: Kerry’s passion for the circus

[01:00:53]: Circus workshops at children’s parties

[01:02:27]: Experience of working in the West End

[01:05:41]: Kerry’s approach to new opportunities

[01:08:37]: Acting as character mascots

[01:11:24]: Kerry’s flexibility in incorporating new themes

The second of a two part interview with Ian Adair.

Ian Adair, a former employee of Supreme Magic Company, shares his experiences and insights into the world of children’s entertainment and magic. Ian discusses the simplicity of magic effects and prop design, as well as his process for creating new tricks. He expresses his desire to be remembered for his contributions to the magic community. The interview also touches on the decline of Supreme Magic Company and changes in management that led to its closure. Overall, the interview provides a glimpse into the challenges faced by magic companies, the importance of audience engagement, and the legacy of Supreme Magic Company.

In addition, the interview highlights the importance of mentorship in the magic industry, with Ian mentioning his mentor and the value of fool audience participation. The interview touches on the marketing tools and strategies necessary for booking magic shows in schools, as well as the creative process of inventing new tricks. Ian emphasises the need for originality and knowledge of existing tricks to avoid duplication. Throughout the interview, Ian’s passion for magic shines through, as he discusses his dedication to creating new tricks daily and his willingness to share his ideas with fellow magicians.

Join Gordon as he talks to Ian Adair in this, the second part of his interview, in FACE, The Podcast

SPONSOR – Booking Blueprints – https://www.bookingblueprints.com

Chapters

[00:00:00]: Introduction

[00:02:37]: Gordon’s first experience at a Supreme Super Day

[00:06:00]: Magazines and publications for learning magic

[00:08:59]: Ian and Gordon discuss their favorite magic props and books

[00:10:12]: The downfall of Supreme Magic Company

[00:13:05]: Ian’s departure from Supreme and transition to full-time performer

[00:13:40]: Summer Season Shows

[00:16:23]: Importance of Mentors like Cedric Richardson

[00:18:17]: Fool Audience Participation (FAP)

[00:20:50]: Using Props and Terminology in Magic

[00:22:08]: Discussion on Bicycle Cards

[00:23:39]: Using Magic Fingers and Silk Hankies

[00:24:12]: Magician Look Don’t See Routine

[00:24:38]: Simple Thumb Tip Trick

[00:25:48]: First Impressions and Importance in Magic

[00:25:52]: Props and Set Design

[00:27:39]: Creating a Theatrical Experience

[00:28:56]: Importance of Visual Detail in Magic

[00:30:49]: Brochures vs Websites

[00:33:18]: Lessons Learned from Booking Mistakes

[00:34:25]: Satnav Mishaps

[00:35:13]: Trix and Stixs Convention

[00:35:24]: Sponsor – Introduction to Booking Blueprints School Edition

[00:36:56]: Introduction to marketing tools

[00:38:26]: Different ways of inventing magic tricks

[00:39:57]: Tricks suitable for performance and marketing

[00:41:08]: Starting with a unique effect

[00:42:19]: Adapting tricks from toys and stores

[00:43:35]: Creating variations of existing tricks

[00:44:48]: The story behind “Farmyard Frolics”

[00:46:11]: Advice on studying trick instructions

[00:47:36]: Exploring different versions of paddle tricks

[00:49:03]: Importance of knowing past inventions

[00:50:21]: The Importance of Sharing Ideas

[00:51:42]: The Role of Magic Dealers

[00:52:54]: The Quest for New Tricks

[00:54:18]: Challenges of Global Distribution

[00:55:34]: Language Differences and Misunderstandings

[00:56:01]: The Art of Inventing Magic Tricks

[00:57:13]: Performing Magic for Children

[00:58:20]: The Power of a Climax in Magic Tricks

[00:58:53]: The Multicolored Knife Trick

[00:59:55]: The Creative Process of Inventing Tricks

[01:02:17]: Origination and organization of ideas

The first of a two part interview with Ian Adair.

In this episode of the Face the Podcast, host Gordon Drayson interviews Ian Adair, a renowned children’s magician and author. Ian shares his early beginnings in magic, starting with a Christmas gift from his grandmother that sparked his interest. He delved into magic books and joined the Kilmanok Magic Circle at 13. Ian reflects on his magical journey and the mentors who played a significant role in his development, highlighting the influence of Bill Milligan. The episode also talks about Ian’s passion for the art form that led to his illustrious career in children’s magic.

We talk about Ian’s early experiences with children’s magic shows, the use of rabbits and doves, and his admiration for magician Channing Pollock. He talks about his television career, working as a presenter on Scottish television and the interactive nature of children’s shows. Ian also discusses his experience with writing and publishing books, his long time collaboration with The Supreme Magic Company, and the success of on of his tricks called Dressing Doll. The conversation explores the changes in the world of magic over time, the decline of physical catalogs, and the challenges faced by magicians today. We also discuss the importance of preserving the history of magic while reinventing and modernizing tricks for today’s audiences.

Join Gordon as he talks to Ian Adair in this, the first of his 2 part interview, in FACE, The Podcast

SPONSOR – Drayson Design – https://www.draysondesign.com/

Chapters

[00:00:00]: Introduction

[00:01:29]: Talking about live animals in the show

[00:02:29]: Ian’s early interest in magic and reading books

[00:06:48]: Ian’s childhood and learning magic

[00:09:13]: Importance of entertainment in magic

[00:11:05]: Joining the Kilmarnock Magic Circle

[00:12:27]: Mentoring by Bill Milligan

[00:13:38]: Ian’s early shows and performing for children

[00:13:38]: Ian’s show at the Kilmarnock Magic Circle

[00:13:44]: First Children’s Show at Age 12

[00:15:11]: Advertising Children’s Parties

[00:15:27]: Length of Performance

[00:16:22]: Importance of Performing for Younger Children

[00:17:04]: Engaging Children in the Magic

[00:17:42]: The Impact of Magical Moments on Children

[00:18:51]: The Use of Rabbits in Magic Shows

[00:19:36]: Introduction to Dove Magic

[00:22:08]: Influence of Channing Pollock on Dove Magic

[00:23:24]: Transition from Magic Circle to TV Presenter

[00:39:21]: Tricks of their time

[00:40:11]: The heyday of children’s magic

[00:41:01]: The changing world of magic

[00:42:45]: The growth of Supreme Magic

[00:44:11]: The origin of the name “Supreme Magic”

[00:45:28]: Ian Adair’s role at Supreme Magic

[00:46:04]: A comparison with modern magic businesses

[00:46:40]: The use of cardboard in props

[00:49:50]: The challenge of replacing cardboard props

[00:51:55]: Storing props carefully

[00:52:13]: Supreme trip and its influence

[00:52:51]: Lack of awareness about Supreme

[00:53:32]: Importance of history in magic

[00:54:28]: Making a roll on box with plans

[00:56:08]: Using the roll on table back to front

[00:57:17]: Covering the roll on box

[00:57:48]: Ian’s rabbit in a basket trick

[01:00:06]: Preview of Part 2 and community involvement

With with Richard Pinner, Chris Frost and Gordon Drayson

In this roundtable discussion, two family and children’s entertainers, Chris Frost (also known as Frostie the Magician) and Richard Pinner, discuss with Gordon Drayson, the importance of their performing names and the challenges they face in different markets. Chris embraces his eccentricity and oddity, staying true to his unique brand, while Richard maintains a versatile approach with separate brands for different audiences. They all agree on the importance of entertaining both children and adults, recognising that engaging the adults can lead to bookings for other events.

They also discuss their approach to performing for children and transitioning to adult shows. They emphasize the need for a strong opening to grab the attention of adults during children’s shows. The speakers discuss the importance of creating magic that the audience doesn’t understand and involving the audience in the magic to create a strong reaction. They also explore the importance of building trust and likability with the audience.

The discussion then shifts to the role of social media in promoting oneself as a performer. The speakers highlight the need for separate online presence for their performing characters and personal accounts, emphasizing the challenges of maintaining a consistent and relevant social media presence. They also mention the importance of social proof for potential clients.

They also touch on the challenges of location, maintaining originality, and managing disruptive children during performances. They all share their approaches and techniques, such as using unique routines and improvising based on audience reactions.

Join Gordon as he talks with Richard Pinner and Chris Frost in FACE, The Podcast

Chapters

[00:00:00]: Introduction to Face the Podcast

[00:00:08]: Guests introduction

[00:00:36]: Naming characters and creating brands

[00:02:09]: The pros and cons of using a character name

[00:02:58]: Dressing and presenting as a character

[00:04:30]: Consistency in appearance through wigs

[00:04:49]: Managing multiple brands and marketplaces

[00:06:50]: Being true to oneself as a performer

[00:08:08]: Separating brands and using different names

[00:09:21]: Approaching different audiences with versatility

[00:12:23]: Introduction and Style of Performing

[00:12:49]: Grabbing the Attention of Parents

[00:13:19]: Performing for Different Audiences

[00:13:42]: Opening Trick and Engaging Cynical Children

[00:15:32]: Creating the Wow Moment and Magic

[00:16:36]: The Role of the Magician and Magic Happening

[00:17:02]: Different Approaches to Magic Performance

[00:18:24]: Addressing Skepticism and Interacting with Children

[00:19:08]: Involving Children in Magic Tricks

[00:21:34]: Transitioning from Kid Shows to Adult Shows

[00:22:20]: Building Trust and Expanding Performance Opportunities

[00:23:27]: Riskier lines in adult show

[00:24:43]: Difficulty in writing improv for vent routine

[00:26:11]: Getting bookings from accidental adult content

[00:27:21]: Different routines for different audiences

[00:29:34]: Importance of social media for social proof

[00:30:46]: Being open or careful with social media presence

[00:31:32]: Separating personal and professional social media accounts

[00:32:58]: The impact of political views in performances

[00:35:16]: Importance of relevant and consistent social media presence

[00:36:24]: The significance of regular posting on social media

[00:36:39]: Importance of social media

[00:37:54]: Instagram for corporate bookings

[00:39:14]: Social proof and building experience

[00:40:28]: Using snippets on social media for bookings

[00:41:43]: Transitioning from online fame to live gigs
...

In this episode, Richard Pinner, a well-respected magician and entertainer in the UK, discusses his experiences growing up in a magical household and his journey into the entertainment industry. He learned magic through osmosis and by watching his father’s shows repeatedly, developing his own unique style and constantly changing his performances to keep them fresh and engaging. Richard also shares anecdotes about introducing his own children to the world of magic. We speak about the insights into Richard’s background as a magician, his childhood experiences, and his approach to creating and evolving his shows.

We also discuss his experiences as a children’s entertainer and the challenges they face. We talk about the importance of recording shows and keeping detailed records, as well as the need for adaptability and continuous improvement. Richard highlights the value of more structured and theatrical performances over traditional party games, and we discuss the difficulties of dealing with poorly behaved children. Richard emphasises the significance of professionalism, record-keeping, and the ability to adapt to different environments and audiences.

Join Gordon as he talks to Richard Pinner in FACE, The Podcast

SPONSOR – Drayson Design Reviews – https://www.draysondesign.com/services/software/drayson-design-reviews/

Chapters

[00:00:00]: Introduction

[00:01:40]: Similar age and background

[00:03:42]: Teaching magic to children

[00:04:10]: Being a cool dad

[00:05:50]: Growing up with a magician father

[00:09:22]: Learning from repeated shows

[00:10:49]: Seeing the same show multiple times

[00:11:18]: Changing the show for different age groups

[00:11:26]: Having different shows for different occasions

[00:11:59]: Conclusion

[00:12:49]: Introduction to show history

[00:13:57]: Audience recall of previous shows

[00:14:27]: Audience feedback on favorite parts

[00:15:23]: Balancing old and new material

[00:16:34]: The challenges of using certain props

[00:17:31]: School shows and fresh material

[00:18:03]: Evolution of the performer’s act

[00:19:29]: Shifting the order of the show

[00:20:29]: Using inherited material and props

[00:22:07]: Finding a balance in material choices

[00:25:12]: Introduction and show selection process

[00:26:15]: Different shows for different age groups

[00:27:29]: Age groups performed for and show variations

[00:28:37]: Informal children’s shows compared to cabaret performances

[00:29:33]: Pricing strategies and VAT considerations

[00:30:40]: Concerns about being more expensive due to VAT

[00:31:11]: Reconsidering VAT registration and its impact

[00:32:36]: Structuring the business and accounting strategies

[00:33:59]: Dealing with VAT thresholds and advantages of starting a company

[00:36:56]: Creative process for inventing tricks and routines

[00:39:02]: Prop Troubles

[00:39:48]: Building a New Trick

[00:40:11]: Working on Magic Routines

[00:41:29]: Magic for Kid Shows

[00:42:06]: The Value of Silk Magic

[00:42:38]: Simpithetic Silks

[00:43:19]: The Change Bag

[00:44:28]: Costume Choices

[00:46:23]: Attitude and Authority

[00:48:24]: Being a Clown

[00:51:29]: My father’s line

[00:51:36]: Sponsor and product introduction

[00:53:02]: Features of Dressen Design Reviews

[00:54:12]: How to find out more about Dressen Design

[00:54:27]: Transition back to the interview

[00:54:46]: Moving Christmas shows to the summer

[00:55:13]: Introduction to educational school shows

[00:56:23]: Creating the show “Science versus Magic”

In this episode, we learn about the life and career of Chris Frost, better known as Frostie, a family and children’s entertainer. Frostie prefers holiday parks, festivals, and theatres with big audiences and high engagement rates. He describes his act as a variety show that includes magic, ventriloquism, singing, and other types of entertainment, and believes that his act is best suited for big audiences. Chris emphasises the importance of attention to detail, storytelling, and emotional connection with the audience in creating a magical performance.

He also provides insight into the creative process and challenges of developing magic tricks for children, including the importance of creating a narrative for each trick and making the audience believe they have witnessed something magical. He also explains his thinking between creating magic that is seen as a clever trick and magic that is seen as truly magical by the audience.

Chris talks about his experiences with bad gigs, including one where they he was pelted with mud by a child and another where they had to improvise for four hours at a children’s football party. Despite these challenges, his passion for entertaining allows his to enjoy what he does.

Chris talks about the importance of finding one’s passion, being open to learning from others, and constantly pushing himself to improve. He tells us that he has problems with imposter syndrome and self-doubt but is determined to overcome them and continue pursuing his love for magic and entertainment.

Join Gordon as he talks to Frostie in FACE, The Podcast

SPONSOR – Drayson Design Website Design – https://www.draysondesign.com

Chapters

[00:00:00]: Introduction

[00:01:45]: Frostie’s family-oriented entertainment style

[00:02:46]: Frostie’s preferred types of events

[00:06:29]: Frostie’s approach to children’s birthday parties

[00:07:47]: Frostie’s past work experiences

[00:09:18]: How Frostie got into entertainment

[00:11:08]: Frostie’s early experiences in entertainment

[00:12:55]: Frostie’s passion for writing

[00:15:33]: Frostie’s advice for new entertainers

[00:17:38]: Conclusion and goodbye

[00:23:07]: Frostie’s self-perception

[00:23:40]: Imposter syndrome

[00:25:03]: Feeling inadequate after seeing other performers

[00:26:12]: Blackpool Magic Convention experience

[00:27:29]: Filtering and prioritizing ideas

[00:29:52]: The development of a magic routine

[00:31:07]: Unfinished effects in children’s shows

[00:32:07]: Creating a unique prop

[00:33:20]: Sammy’s supportive attitude towards creating new effects

[00:34:35]: The importance of unique props in magic performances

[00:36:08]: Child involvement in magic tricks

[00:36:39]: Purpose of creating magic tricks

[00:39:28]: Magic versus magic trick

[00:42:08]: Importance of props in magic shows

[00:43:08]: Making mundane objects magical

[00:45:34]: Chris Frost’s character in his shows

[00:47:31]: Cleverly written sitcoms for different markets

[00:49:00]: Importance of physical comedy in magic

[00:50:22]: The power of confidently delivering a poem

[00:50:30]: Writing a magic show and a ghost story

[00:52:30]: Working on a torn and restore treasure map

[00:53:04]: Writing children’s books for his kids

[00:57:11]: Hoping for a publishing contract for Polly Roger books

[00:58:23]: Wanting to do an upside-down painting on stage

[00:59:29]: Enjoying what he does to make it enjoyable for others

[01:00:18]: Worst gig ever with mud thrown at him

[01:01:33]: Imposter syndrome and a horrible Christmas gig

[01:02:21]: Trying to entertain drunk parents and unruly childrenbr...