Life & Soul of The Party - Meet the Party Entertainer

This interview is sponsored by ZooBooKoo Educational Toys and Games

We talk to Rabbie – the children’s entertainer. He shares his experiences and tips for a successful party your children will really enjoy.

How did you become a children’s entertainer?
I fell into it, while I was a Film Producer, starting off as a face painter, then added balloon modelling, then magic then an alround children's entertainer.

How long have you been an entertainer?
4+ years now as an actual children's entertainer.

What sort of entertainment do you provide?
Fast face painting, balloon modelling, children's magic, and clown entertainment.

Do you need any special certification or qualifications to become a children’s entertainer?
No, but you need to have an enjoyment of entertaining children, being charismatic, not being afraid of tell jokes of being silly (similar to the actor Jim Carrey). Much of it is practice, and trial and error. So anybody can get into it, but it could mean the wrong person gets hired for a party, so parents/organisers should ask many questions before hiring someone.

Does an entertainer need a CRB check?
It certainly is needed for working in schools, councils and other public events. Otherwise it's rarely asked for kids birthday parties.

How long would you usually entertain the children at a party?
Most of my parties are just an hour (up to 15 kids, or toddlers party), but I base it on 1 hour for every 10 kids (that are 4+ years old) to fit in all the activities I have for them.

On average, how much would it cost to hire a party entertainer?
For one hour it can be from £80-£200. For me I provide a up to a 40% discount on weekdays, and on weekend mornings/evenings. But you have to know exactly what your paying for, and why each entertainer is diffferent.

In your opinion what’s the best way to go about finding an entertainer?As author Malcolm Gladwell wrote in The Tipping Point, word of mouth is the most powerful way. There are online forums where you can ask for recommendations from other parents.

It’s a big responsibility keeping all the children absorbed and happy at a party. What is your secret?
I have 6 ways to entertain children, to suit all personalities & attention spans. I also don't try to control them, and have things for the kids to play with, so it becomes more of a fun workshop.

What is the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you when you were entertaining at a party?
Usually encouraging the children to chase me around with balloons around the hall. They get all excited trying to chase the clown.

And what has been your worst moment when entertaining?
Mis-understood parents thinking you can control kids all the time. But out of 700+ events, only a few times has this happened, so I make sure to communicate exactly what I do and don't do.

What is the best advice you can give parents looking to arrange a memorable party for their children with a great entertainer?
Check references, insurance, CRB checked. Can the entertainer work for the age group at your party, and will they try to 'control' them? And what does the entertainer sound like? Are they friendly, charismatic, energetic, passionate? My clients can tell I have a passion for what I do which which is why I get booked a lot.

www.party--entertainers.co.uk

www.twitter.com/Clown_London

www.facebook.com/kids.entertainer

This interview is sponsored by ZooBooKoo Children's Educational Toys and Games

Thanks to Colin Firth

Despite the awful weather we enjoyed half-term. Thanks to Colin Firth, we got to grips with some historical facts. There was a lot of sighing, eyeball rolling and 'Oh, Mum-ing' when I suggested a quick look at King George VI on Wikipedia prior to our visit to the cinema. But it was useful and put things in perspective. Though the boys, not unnaturally are more into fast-paced, comedy and action movies, they did enjoy the 'King's Speech' though B said, 'Not trying to be mean, Mum, but Big Momma's House was better!' Just goes to show - you can take them to water, but you can't make them drink! The reality of it was that Colin Firth was great and we just love Helena (nothing to do with the fact that she bought ZooBooKoo cubes!). Our day out was topped off nicely with a fun meal at Ask where we used our 2 for 1 on main meals vouchers - that is such a great deal. D loved his smilely-face Calzone which was beautifully presented. Roll on the next school holiday!