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Right guys, I'm looking for a bit of advice and your thoughts really!

I have been asked to perform my magic at a huge event taking place in Mumbai, India next year!

The thing is it is not a paying gig, however all my expenses will be taken care of, flights, hotel etc.

Due to this nature I am unsure what to do! I would love to go for the experience, but then I think its a hell of a long way for no pay.

Any thoughts?

I had a very similar proposition to this just over a year or so ago, albeit non-magical. I was asked to go and do some performance coaching (all very Tony Robbins) with a bunch of ex-servicemen in the US.

I was being offered all the travel and other expenses etc. but I was a little unsure, just like yourself. In the end I agreed on the proviso that the travel arrangements incuded a sufficent amount of free time (4 days after the event before I came home). I got my hotel and meals for that free period and had a bloody good jolly!

Perhaps it's something you might want to consider?

Cheers Van the man, It is something I am definately considering!
Nice tip about the spare time too!

You're welcome.... if you haven't been to India before then, in my mind at least, it's a no brainer. Do it. One of the greatest countries you'll ever care to visit.

Some would consider this a once in a lifetime experience and something to talk about for ages to come.

You should always be careful about foreign bookings especially in exotic locations. I remember well that Equity would advertise in the Stage newspapers that you should check with their office before leaving.

And get an iron clad contract before you go.

On no account should you pay anything up front. Make sure they pay the fare and hotel and see evidence of it via your travel agent.

Personally I would never undertake anything like this for no money but if you feel so inclined check everything is on the up and up before you go. I have heard too many horror stories of people being stranded in foreign countries working as dishwashers to get out of trouble.

And you should probably register with the British Embassy or something. Possiby check with the Indian embassy that this is a legitimate thing.

I am always a little paranoic about these things but better safe than sorry.

Although I usually agree with the great Mark Lewis, on this occasion I have to disagree. Go for it.

Any travel you can do on someone else's buck has got to be good.

I took a chance fourteen years ago and flew to Lapland for an afternoon, losing out on the possibility of lots of pre-Christmas work for a paltry E50. But the company flew myself and my family out for a month every year since - and paid me handsomely. So the chance paid off. I have also seen the UAE for small money. But everyone else I know who has spent a few weeks in Abu Dhabi has had to pay well for the experience.

The advice to insist on some free time is spot on. Go for it and enjoy it. Tony.

Go, and if we all chip in-take elshy with you?

Hi Taffy,

I've never had anything like that asked me so haven't a clue. But have you asked our mutual chum Thom his advice? He's travelled enough to tell you what's best.

IAIN wrote:Go, and if we all chip in-take elshy with you?

Can't...stop...laughing, sorry.

IAIN wrote:Go, and if we all chip in-take elshy with you?

Seriously, there is not enough money you could pay me! to do that

taffy wrote:

IAIN wrote:Go, and if we all chip in-take elshy with you?

Seriously, there is not enough money you could pay me! to do that

i dont get it - he doesn't seemed to be liked here?

i reckon its a good opportunity, maybe take someone you know too, just so you're not out of your depth.