Andy Kirk | Magician | Entertainer | Author

"The blog that is a fusion of magic, entertainment and writing"

11 May 2013

Bruce Forsyth and Sammy Davis Jr - Together

This clip brings two of the worlds greatest performers together - Bruce Forsyth and Sammy Davis Jr. The show was the excellent but, for some reason, short lived "Bruce's Big Night Out" which aired on ITV in 1978 - I can't believe it was 34 years ago. I vividly remember watching this clip and laughing my head off as the two showmen spark off each other creating some wonderfully funny moments. Listen out for Sammy Davis Jr's ad-lib, just after a ring falls off the table (2:58) - pure genius.



Bruce's Big Night Out lasted 7 episodes and then ITV pulled the plug...

...even though rating were good. They must have been mad.


4 May 2013

Roy Walker and the Classic Catchphrase Moment

Catchphrase is back on our TV screens with a brand new host in the form of Stephen Mulhern. But do you remember this classic Catchphrase moment from the original series with host Roy Walker. This still makes me laugh every-time I watch it.




I wonder if the woman in this clip laughs each time she watches it...

....she certainly didn't seem to understand the joke at the time.


1 May 2013

Reclining Seat Attacks Man in Shop

A man  in a furniture shop is looking at a Recliner Seat when suddenly...



...the leg rest accidentally deploys and gives the chap in the cap a nasty bash on the nose.

I hope you're not laughing...

...it looked very painful :)


27 April 2013

Laurel and Hardy - Stan gets Apple stuck in his mouth.

Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy
This rare clip comes from one of Stan and Ollie's first talkies - 'Hoose Gow' (1937). And even now after over 55 years we can still sit back and laugh; their comedy really has stood the test of time. 

Stan gets an apple stuck in his mouth and so the hilarity begin. Laurel and Hardy one of the funniest all time comedy double acts and this clip is a perfect example of why? This is a colorized version and the quality is great. Sit back, relax and enjoy.





















My Question is how did he get a whole apple into his mouth in the first place? 

Well 'That was another fine mess he got him into'...

...Goodbye. See you next time for more laughs



Andy Kirk, Wedding Magician, will leave your guests
 with memories they will treasure for years to come.
For more details and how to book go here!

25 April 2013

7 Steps to Booking a Good Children's Party Entertainer

Andy's Magic: Children's Party Entertainer
If you're going to book a Kid's Party Entertainer or Magician for your party or event then please follow these 7 steps that will help to ensure that you get a good, reliable and professional performer who will make your party the success it deserves to be. It doesn't matter what part of the West Midlands you are based in —Birmingham, Dudley, Worcester, Solihull, Wolverhampton, Sandwell, Stourbridge or Bromsgrove—the entertainer in your area should, if he's any good, be able to offer all of the mentioned points.

The Seven Steps to Success

Andy Kirk - Magician
  • Getting a Recommendation: Always try and get a recommendation from family or friends. No one will recommend anyone unless they were happy with the services they received.
  • Simple Checks: Make sure the entertainer you are booking has all of the following: Public Liability—I have £10,000,000 worth of cover, so you can rest assured that in the unlikely event of anything going wrong, you'll be covered. Make sure they have an  enhanced CRB Check. Also ensure that all of their electrical equipment P.A.T Tested.
  • Members of Organisations: It's also a good idea to check out whether they are members of any official societies or unions. I'm a member, and past president, in fact, of The British Magical Society as well as being a full member of Equity. Being a member of such organisations does prove whether the entertainer you've picked are any good or not but it does show there commitment to their trade. A fly-by-night entertainer wouldn't bother paying good money to be part of these sorts of organisations.
  • Testimonials: The Children's Entertainer you are booking should have testimonials, customer comments or reviews of parties they've entertained at. Check their website for a Guestbook page, and here is were you'll find out exactly what previous customers really think of the entertainer you're thinking of  booking. 
  • Facebook Pages: The Children's Entertainer or Magician that you're thinking of booking will probably have a Facebook Page. To see what's on these pages you need to click the "Like" button and then you'll see what the entertainer is up to, how busy he is and its another place that customers will leave comments and recommendations. It's also a great way to stay in touch with your entertainer.
  • Compare Prices and What's on Offer: When comparing different Kids Party Entertainer or Magicians who may find that the fees vary quite a bit. This could be because the higher priced entertainer is offers far more in his party package the the lower priced ones. In my Two Hour Party Package I offer a lovely Mini Disco that kids of all ages will enjoy and this includes: Speakers and music, several disco lights and a bubble machine. Some entertainers turn up with a small pa system  pop some music on and call it a disco - this is not a disco in anyway, shape or form. My package also comes with Games, Prizes, Dancing Competition, Action Songs, A Great Comedy Magic Show, Puppets, and Balloon Animals can be included in the price, as well. Just compare what you're getting from each entertainer and you should be able to see quiet clear who is giving value for money. 
  • Get a Contract / Confirmation: Once you've decided and booked your Children's Party Entertainer, make sure you are going to get a contract. This should show in detail what exactly your going to receive, how much its going to cost, dates and times etc. If there are any discrepancies with the show, act or entertainment at least you'll have a written copy of the agenda to refer to. If the person isn't offering you contract, be very wary. Even if you're making a last minute booking, its still easy enough to email the contract / confirmation over - there are really know excuses for not sending a contract.
I hope these Seven Steps will have helped you to get a children's entertainer who will be professional and reliable and give great value for money for your next party or event.


21 April 2013

David Niven tells Michael Parkinson the Prawn Joke...

David Niven
David Niven, an actor best known for a string of successful films including: Around the World in Eighty DaysA Matter of Life and Death, and The Pink Panther. But in this little clip, only 1 minute and 15 seconds, we see Niven telling a marvelous seafood joke. David Niven appeared here on this special Michael Parkinson Show, and what a gem it really is. The Joke, about a Prawn that falls in love with a Crab, is told in a delightful manner and comes with a great punchline...




For the full interview go here: Michael Parkinson meets David Niven Special


20 April 2013

Peter Cook - Lord Stockton: A Life

Peter Cook
On January 9th 1995 we lost one the greatest British comedian's of all time, Peter Cook. He was most famous for his partnership with Dudley Moore (Not Only... But also). But in this video, you see Cook appearing on his own, on ITV's Saturday Live as Lord Stockton an old Conservative (possibly Harold Macmillan)  from the House of Lords who is being interviewed by John Bird.

Best Line:
Bird: You're in the Autumn of your years now. 
Lord Stockton: I'm nearly dead, yes. 

Peter Cook was a one off who's humour and wit is hard to match as this clip easily proves.






Peter Cook had a savage wit and his word play was among the finest around. Below are just a few examples
  • 'I am blind, but I am able to read thanks to a wonderful new system known as broil. I’m sorry, I’ll just feel that again.’
  • First Man: 'I’m writing a novel' Second Man: 'Yes, neither am I.’
  • ’Tragically, I was an only twin.’
  • ’I’ve always wanted to be an expert on tadpoles. It’s a wonderful life if you become an experty tadpoleous, as they are known in the trade.’
  • ’You know, I go to the theatre to be entertained. I don’t want to see plays about rape, sodomy and drug addiction. I can get all that at home.’