Alex Sprackling - Ace Of Card Magic has been performing magic throughout London and its surrounding areas for more than fifteen years. His unique brand of sleight of hand entertainment has baffled the cast of Love Island 2021 and Dragon's Den. Book now for your magical event.
What do you need to know from an organiser in order to provide a comprehensive quote?
For an accurate quote, knowing the exact date and time of the event, the total number of guests, and the performance length can prevent most problems. That way, we know what we're getting into and can pack accordingly. I was once booked to perform for a gala dinner for what I assumed would be the drinks reception. When I arrived and asked if they wanted me to start, they pointed to a big stage and said, "We thought we'd stick you up there." I didn't even have a table! Fortunately, I have a stand-up card act ready to go and managed to deliver a good show. If I'd known it would be a formal show and not walkaround magic, I could have planned for it. Communication is key.
What advice would you give to a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
Firstly, reviews are important, and not just the ones on this site. Like myself, I have testimonials across multiple platforms including Google Business and other event sites. I will always attach the links to my quote, which makes it easier for the client to read them. It's also important to have a showreel and a video performance. According to recent statistics, 72% of people prefer to learn about a service through video. The numbers speak for themselves, which is why I had my showreel filmed while performing at the Savile Club in Mayfair. It has footage of me working the room, enthusiastic reactions, as well as reviews and my website URL. Everything you need in 90 seconds.
Please tell us a little bit about how and why you started the business.
Ace of Card Magic is my brand, which embodies my lifelong fascination with not just magic, but the techniques employed by confidence tricksters and crooked gamblers. As a kid, I loved learning new card games even before I discovered magic, so I quickly found that the two go hand-in-hand nicely. Not only that, but it just makes sense. After all, I'm a sleight of hand artist and entertainer playing a cheeky cardshark. At first glance, you may ask "so it's just cards?" but remember this: when was the last time you watched a pianist play a beautiful symphony and said, "It's good but it's just piano." They have devoted their lives to mastering the piano. A deck of cards is my chosen instrument. I've come to relish the eye-rolls when people see cards because I trust my material is about to blow them away. These are not your cheesy uncle's tricks. This is extraordinary card magic.
Please tell us about a booking you've had through Add to Event, how did it go? Would you recommend us to others?
I was recently booked to perform walkaround magic for a drinks reception at the very last minute. The magician they booked had sadly tested positive for Covid on the day, so the client placed an ad on Add to Event. It was lunchtime and I happened to be logged into the site and saw it go live. I've never moved so quickly! Within minutes, I was speaking to the client on the phone, typing up a contract, and booking train tickets. It was a very stressful afternoon but being able to perform at the Farmer's Club's prestigious venue in the heart of London was breathtaking. The guests loved it and the client was beyond grateful for me agreeing to come at such short notice.