FAQ's
Here is a list of the most frequently asked questions appertaining to a planned visit from Nick and his Animal Party.
Hopefully the answers will help you to assess whether an event with him would be practical or realistic and will confirm in your mind how serious and professional he is when dealing with live animals and children in your home or venue.
Section One - Important Questions
Are you insured?
By law Nick Spellman has full Public Liability Insurance with a policy tailored to include every aspect of the lecture/event. In addition, as Nick has full time staff, the policy also carries employers liability insurance. Should you or the venue require sight of these policies, feel free to inform Nick and he will email you a PDF file to satisfy any concerns.
Additionally Nick is a full member of the British Actors Equity Association (Performers Union) and this includes Equity's children's entertainer directory - a listing of all 'approved' children's entertainers within Equity - who have agreed to provide their services under Equity's expected standards, terms and conditions.
Nick and his team have CRB Certification. For more information about what CRB Certification means, please visit www.crb.gov.uk. An executive agency of the Home Office which vets applications for people who want to work with children and vulnerable people to ensure their suitability.
Nick is licensed by the local council and have DEFRA certification as required under the EU legislation.
Are any of the animals dangerous?
There may be a perception that some/most of the animals featured may be dangerous and this might be accurate if they were in inexperienced hands.
The animals and their temperament are well known from the point of view of a species and from the point of view of the animals own individual character.
With health and safety paramount please be reassured that the audience members are always in a safe environment and receive clear and understandable instructions at all times.
Can we request for no snakes or spiders?
You can, but please consider the experience from the children's perspective. It is essential that the children learn that animals are fascinating. The negativity of fear tends to be learned through the unrealistic portrayal of such animals in press, books and films.
Nick is committed to giving positive experiences to ensure a lasting appreciation of all animals.
He would be happy to discuss this further and relay any concerns you may have and what 'early warning systems' are in place to allow your rapid deployment to 'put the kettle on.'
How do we book an event?
New clients book via a telephone conversation. This will enable you to assess the suitability of the experience for your event. It also allows you an opportunity to ask additional questions which may be unique to your circumstances.
The most efficient way would be by submitting an inquiry (click here) where by Nick will contact you at his earliest convenience to discuss your dates, costs, timings and offer his suggestions and experience to ensure a successful event.
You may want to try the office directly, please be aware that Nick does not operate standard office hours as he has commitments daily with school visits and private events. There is a voice mail facility available should he be away from the desk, however you can check availability by using the online diary, click here.
The office number is 01992 46 96 93.
On mutually accepting a booking, a contract is negotiated and sent via email. You are required to confirm that the details are correct by replying to the email which also means you accept the terms and conditions, click here to view these.
Existing clients are able to 'fast track' a booking by sending an email with your name, contact number and preferred date directly to the office as your details are already on file, click here.
Can we book you for Sundays?
Sundays are reserved for Hamleys Toy Store (mornings) and corporate events (afternoons).
Although you may book a private event on Sunday, you would be required to match the corporate rate fee which is £550.00 + VAT
If this cost is acceptable and you understand the pricing structure, then please contact the office via the booking inquiry.
You may wish to hold your event on a weekday (after-school) and you can check availability by viewing the online diary, click here.
Of course, you might want to check out Stu's diary. Stu is an AnimalMan Ranger and hosts private and school events for me. The presentations are for children aged 7 and upwards and Stu does not go into the centre of London... But if you want more info, click here.
I represent an events company and would like to feature you.
Nick has worked for and alongside many events companies over the years as they organise parties for corporate and private clients.
Please note all fees discussed are exclusive of VAT (unless stated) and the corporate rate for a one and a half hour session starts at £550.00.
If you would like to discuss an event directly with Nick, please call the office on 01992 46 96 93.
What would happen if you were unable to attend an event?
Under exceptional circumstances should Nick be unable to attend a booked event, you would be contacted with an explanation of why this may be and an alternative entertainer/animal lecturer would be offered to you, where possible. Should this not be acceptable, you would be able to re-arrange for an alternative date.
Please note, the non-fulfillment of an engagement would be under exceptional circumstances, i.e. serious illness or injury to Nick or a member of his immediate family.
Where do the animals come from?
Nicks collection has been built up over many years of breeding loans and acquiring new species through exchanging. With contacts all over the country who are also dedicated to breeding exotic animals and in some cases rare and endangered animals, you can be assured that all the animals featured are captive bred and very suitable for events.
From time to time Nick is offered animals for a variety of reasons from being rescued, an unwanted pet, illness etc. Where possible, he will find a suitable home.
Can you recommend any face painters?
Nick has worked alongside face-painters and includes a list should you wish to consider incorporating one at your event.
Lynn Jackson on 020 8749 0067 or visit Lynn's website Face-FX.co.uk
Kim Jackson on 01753 646 146 or visit Kim's website BalloonFairies.co.uk.
Ana Krznar on 07880 911 898 or 020 7650 0718 or visit Ana's website lifes4living.org/facepainting Incidentally, when you engage Ana for your event, profits from the cost of her attendance go to a charity which helps less fortunate people in the community.
Please Note:- Nick features the name out of professional courtesy and accepts no responsibility for the engagement or contract you may make.
Who do we contact regarding Media engagements?
For initial inquiries feel free to contact Nick Spellman directly by calling the office number 01992 46 96 93.
Or, you can contact Lea Graham Associates click here on 01444 235 475 who are Nick's media representatives and PR company.
Section Two - Planning a Party
Are you available?
Nick Spellman has an up-to-date online diary available for the next 12 months. To view this, please click here.
It details accurately whether a date is 'Booked' (full or partial), 'On hold' or 'Available'.
If your first choice date is booked, hopefully you will be able to plan alternative dates with confidence.
Or you might like to book an event with AnimalMan Ranger Stuart, more details are available by clicking here.
What are the most appropriate ages for a birthday party?
For a typical birthday party for a group of children of the same age, then these work best for children aged 4 - 9 years, although Nick regularly presents his party for older children, these are just rough guidelines.
For other types of event where you have a mixture of ages, then this can be for any age.
For school visits/lectures, Nick will tailor a visit according to your requirements, whether an over-view of animals and natural history, key stage or specific to habitat or a seasonal event to celebrate the end of term. Further information is available by clicking here.
What time lengths work best?
For most events, either a one hour party - elements show or a one & a half hour party - full show.
Elements Show - Is a continuous one hours presentation and will include many of the most popular animals.
Suitable for ages 4 years and above, it works well as the beginning of the party with food after the presentation and games (should you be planning these) as the finale.
Full Show - Is a one and a half hour presentation and will include all of the most popular animals.
Suitable for ages 5 and above, it works well as a full party experience with an hour prior to the food break and then the concluding half hour after the food break.
Why choose the longer show?
If you are uncomfortable about organising or entertaining a group of children, then this is your best option. The whole of the event is structured from the guests arrival, through the food break and until time for the guests to leave (on the understanding you are planning a typical 2 hour party).
Where you may be combining a party with another child - sibling/friend, then this time format would make the most sense as each of the birthday children would receive longer periods of individual attention during the party.
The longer show features more animals, facts and hands-on experience. I will run the whole party for you.
Should we have the event in a home or hall?
If you have your event at home, then you generally have everything to hand, precautions are taken so that the animals will not cause damage to your furnishings. Depending on the size of your home space, you will find that you are stricter about how many you invite.
Parties in a hall become bigger as you will be less inclined to reduce numbers. A party in a hall can become an event, where as a party at home remains more intimate.
Young children (4 years) may have need for Mums/Nannies to be present as they are less familiar at being left. This will encroach on your space available and should be considered.
It is essential that children assisting Nick hear his instructions clearly when helping with animals. It is expected that those in attendance, including adults, are able to listen and focus on the presentation.
What is the maximum number of children to invite?
There are no restrictions on numbers you may wish to invite as Nick appreciates the diplomacy needed when dealing with class friends.
Inevitably, the more in attendance, the less chance they will have in helping at the front. This is not usually a problem as the children are all involved through audience participation and the animals are taken around for closer scrutiny.
The party hierarchy is always - birthday child/children, siblings, cousins and anyone who has traveled a long way to the event, best friends and then class mates. Nick will guide the birthday child to choose friends as required and ensure that those who need to be chosen are.
The birthday child/children are encouraged to help with everything they feel confident to help with.
Do you provide party bags or food?
Due to the carriage of animals, we can not provide food or drinks for events. You would be required to either provide food yourselves or out-source this.
Due to the carriage of animals, we can not provide food or drinks for events. You would be required to either provide food yourselves or out-source this.
For party bags and the other essentials, AnimalMan would be happy to send you an e-brochure with the items and packages we can offer. For more information call the office on 01992 46 96 93 or email Nick (mail@animalman.co.uk).
Do you provide invitations?
Yes, Nick provides the artwork for you to print out the invitations.
There are 2 alternatives, a Chinchilla one and Snake one. They are type-set and personalised to your event and this is then emailed to you as a JPEG file which you can print as many times as your require and write a recipients name at the top.
This is a complimentary service available, just send him an email with the drop off time, collection time and what RSVP details you require, click here.
How much does an event cost?
For Birthday Parties...
The one hour presentation...
- Monday to Thursday £190.00*
- Fridays £215.00*
- Saturdays £230.00*
A full presentation...
(typically 1 1/2 hours over a 2 hour window to allow you to feed the children also)
- Monday to Thursday £260.00*
- Fridays £280.00*
- Saturdays £300.00*
*Price excludes VAT, excessive travel,
congestion charge and parking.
If you want more information about having an AnimalMan Ranger visiting your event with a wide selection of animals, then prices start at £160.00* for this type of event.
Click here for more information about this event.
*prices exclude VAT, Travel and a £10.00 booking fee.
School & Club Events...
The one hour presentation...
- Monday to Friday £200.00*
- Saturdays and Sundays £230.00*
A full presentation...
(typically 1 1/2 hours which can be split into 3 1/2 hour presentations or 2 x 3/4 hour presentations)
- Monday to Friday £260.00*
- Saturdays and Sundays £300.00*
*Price excludes VAT, excessive travel,
congestion charge and parking.
Corporate Events and Sunday Parties...
A full presentation
(typically 1 1/2 hours over a 2 hour window to allow you to feed the children also)
- £550.00*
*Price excludes VAT, excessive travel,
congestion charge and parking.
What types of events can you provide?
Please refer to the events section by clicking here.
Section Three - The Party or Event
What animals will be attending?
Although there are never any guarantees, Nick tries to be consistent and will include a bird and various invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians and mammals.
Some animals are seasonal - will not tolerate very cold temperatures and may be excluded during the coldest periods. Likewise, some animals do not tolerate very high temperatures and may be excluded on extremely hot days.
The animals likely to be attending is usually known and available for discussion a few days prior to the engagement.
How much space will you need?
If you imagine the presentation will take place in an area 2 1/2 meters by 2 1/2 meters as the 'performance area' with the children able to sit in front, then this would be adequate in most home environments.
Try to keep the room clutter free as children may not appreciate your fine furnishings. Ideally the larger the room the better, with the preferable option being the family room as opposed to a play room.
If you are in a hall, feed the children at one end (nearest the kitchen) and he will set-up the other end. In most cases if there is a stage, he will work in front of this, not on.
What sort of magic will you do?
The magic is there to 'break up' the lecture for the younger children, giving them a chance to shout out and let off steam.
Please note that Nick does not use animals in any magical routines at any time.
The ratio of animals to magic is fluid but a rough 70:30 in favour of the animals would be accurate in most cases. Experience has proved the necessity of the magic as this helps to make the whole experience fun and suitable for everyone.
All routines presented are applicable to the age group and includes the birthday child 'floating' in the air at the conclusion of the event.
Will you keep control of the audience?
The best events require structure and Nick provides this from the moment the children arrive until the moment they leave (or until he hands them to you for the rest of the event).
Nick asks (politely) that very young children (3's and under) should have supervision at all times. Of course, young children (especially siblings) are more than welcome to be part of the day and involved, where possible. However the responsibility of ensuring that the youngest children are not running around where the animals are being presented rests with you and ultimately the parent/guardian.
As this party is the most anticipated day of a child's year, you will want to be sure that this is observed by all, and Nick endeavors to work with all the members of the audience, young or old, to make the very most of the day.
If a guest's behavior causes concern, in that they may spoil the day for everyone else, then gentle but firm action will be taken, with the last resort being exclusion.
Nick always provides a safe environment for humans and the animals, if this is compromised then appropriate action is taken immediately.
Will you involve siblings?
To keep a happy household, siblings are given opportunities to assist throughout the event. Don't worry, Nick never loses sight of why he is attending and whose party it is. But he willl ensure that siblings are involved.
When should we have the food?
When booking, Nick will discuss the format of the party and will try to book the party around a natural food break.
With the elements show, the food break usually follows the presentation.
With the full show, the food break works best if you have an hours presentation, then the break for food (usually half an hour) with the last half hours presentation to the parties conclusion.
Can we take video or photos?
Yes, for private use.
Nick reserves the right to renegotiate any fee for images and/or footage used for commercial publicity or broadcast.
Flash photography is acceptable and will not cause harm to any animals (in moderation).
Photography of children requires parental permission and this is something you must obtain in writing when photographing in a public venue, school etc.
What payment method do you accept?
Nick understands that you do not wish to carry large amounts of cash around, and cheques books are becoming an antiquated form of payment. Therefore, he gives you all options of payment available - Cash, Cheque or Debit and Credit Card.
*Please Note:- there is a 2.8% surcharge for credit card payment which is added to the show cost.
A mobile terminal will be carried to each event to process any card payment for your convenience.
There are no additional surcharges with any other payment.
When should we expect Nick to arrive?
Unless otherwise stated, Nick will arrive between 20 and 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the presentation.
This allows time to asses the area for the party, to liaise with you and to meet the birthday child.
What happens if you are late?
Allowing ample time for traffic incidents and with the technology on board to 'skirt round' road delays, with the best will in the world a delay may still occur in traveling to you.
In most circumstances, Nick is able to predict the possibility of a delay in good time. As soon as he is aware that there is a problem, he would contact you to explain the situation and offer a realistic arrival time.
Nick would offer you ideas to the sequence of the party events, i.e. bring the food break forward, inform the adults dropping the children to come 15 minutes later etc. And he would then give you a mobile contact number so that you are able to converse with him to see what progress had been made.
Nick will not accept responsibility for circumstances beyond his control and will always offer good communication if such an event should arise.