talkmagic.co.uk

Probably due to the credit crunch but we have noticed a downturn in bookings this year with customers booking at the very last minute or worse we can't fit them in due to being booked already.

It's the same old thing, with nothing one week and then can't fit them in the next !

We have stopped doing adult (no not smutty) shows and cabaret and recently concentrated on children's shows (the last 10 year to be exact) but this can't be alot different from what many of you are experiencing.

Has anyone else noticed a difference in booking this year ?

PS. We are not new to forums but new to Talk Magic so sorry if this is in the wrong place.

Andy & Sue

Hi Andy and Sue

I've heard a lot of magicians saying the same thing this year but I'm not sure that there really is that much difference.

I've had more bookings this year that I've ever had including the run up to Christmas and I've always had to work hard to get the bookings in terms of knocking on doors etc.

I just wonder if some people have sat back a little too much expecting the work to flood in all by itself?

Hi dat8962

Yes you could be right as we are now trying to run two businesses at once now and may of taken our eye off the ball so to speak.

It will be interesting to see what others have to say

Andy & Sue

We must bear in mind that "Entrainment" is a "luxury" in the world of the common person e.g. when faced with hard economic times one of the first things to get cut is ENTERTAINMENT... that includes things like the Cable TV or Satellite Tv services, Video Games, the Cinema, etc.

I live in a town known for it's amazing assortment of food and eateries... most of them "Top End" and many of them already closed down as the result of lost business in the past year. Most all of them have cut staff as well as menu options so as to reduce waste, storage, etc.

The Cruise Ship Industry was making cut backs of this sort nearly a year ago, including a new hire freeze on talent, placing a heavier load on existing talent that had a bit of seniority within said industry.

So yes, we and our kind -- the Hospitality Industry as a Whole -- are amongst the first things to get cut when facing this sort of condition. Ironically, we also become one of the first indicators that things are getting better and the consumer is starting to feel more confident about things. Not so much on the high end of the spectrum but most certainly when it comes to the Street performance and Night Club arenas.