Frequently Asked Questions

Alan performs at family events, birthday parties, corporate functions, conferences, cocktail and Christmas functions, awards evenings, product launches, trade shows, weddings, shopping centre and community events, restaurants, preschools and school fairs.

Yes. Corporate work is a major part of Alan's business — close-up magic at tables, strolling magic while guests mingle, and trade show presentations that carry a company's sales and marketing message.

Close-up magic is performed right in front of your guests, often at the table with cards, coins and borrowed objects. It creates a sense of intimacy and excitement, and works particularly well at dinners, conferences, private parties and restaurants.

Strolling magic — also called walk-around or roving magic — means Alan moves through your event performing for small groups of guests as they mingle. No stage is required, and the entertainment fits around your programme rather than interrupting it.

Close-up magic is usually performed to seated guests, for example table by table during a dinner. Strolling magic is performed standing, moving from group to group during drinks, networking or arrival. Many events use both.

Yes. Family magic shows are one of Alan's three main services — full shows with comedy, magic and plenty of audience participation, designed so that children and adults enjoy the show together.

Yes — that is the point of it. As the Marketing Manager of Hunters Plaza wrote after Alan's shows there, "entertaining children and adults at the same time is a hard thing to do, and yet you do it so well."

Yes. Children's birthday party shows are designed for children aged roughly 4 to 9, with the birthday child made the star of the show, and family magic that also involves the adults.

The fee depends on the type of event, the date, the location, how long Alan performs and which service you need. Tell Alan about your event and he will send you a quote — there is no standard price list.

Alan is based in Auckland and performs throughout the region. He has also performed elsewhere in New Zealand and internationally, including the United States, Fiji and Australia. If your event is outside Auckland, ask and he will let you know what is possible.

Close-up and strolling magic need no stage at all — Alan simply works among your guests. A family magic show needs a clear performing area and space for the audience to sit or stand. Tell Alan about your venue and he will confirm what he needs.

It depends on the service. Preschool shows run around 30 minutes; family shows, close-up and strolling sets are arranged to suit the running order of your event. Alan will recommend a format when he knows your plans.

As early as you can, especially for December Christmas functions and school-holiday periods, which book out first. Check availability for your date and Alan will confirm quickly.

Yes. Alan tailors his performance to the audience, the venue and — for corporate and trade show work — to your company's products and message.

Send your event details through the enquiry form, call 0274 95 7070 or email alan@watson.co.nz. Alan replies personally.