FAQ's
Here is a list of the most frequently asked questions appertaining to a planned visit from AnimalMan Ltd.
Hopefully the answers will help you to assess whether an event with us would be practical or realistic and will confirm in your mind how serious and professional AnimalMan Ltd. are when dealing with live animals and children in your home or venue.
Section One - Important Questions
Are you insured?
By law AnimalMan Ltd has full Public Liability Insurance with a policy tailored to include every aspect of the lecture/event. In addition AnimalMan Ltd has employers liability insurance. Should you or the venue require sight of these policies, feel free to inform us and we will email you a PDF file to satisfy any concerns.
Additionally lecturers are members 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.
The employees of AnimalMan Ltd 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.
AnimalMan Ltd and its lecturers are 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 in a lecture/event 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.
AnimalMan Ltd. are committed to giving positive experiences to ensure a lasting appreciation of all animals.
We 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 senior lecturer Nick Spellman will contact you at his earliest convenience to discuss your dates, costs, timings and offer his suggestions to ensure a successful event.
You may want to try the office directly, please be aware that AnimalMan Ltd. do not operate standard office hours as we have commitments daily with school visits and private events. There is a voice mail facility available should we be aware 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 £475.00 + 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.
I represent an events company and would like to feature you.
AnimalMan Ltd. have 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 £475.00.
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 senior lecturer Nick Spellman be unable to attend a booked event, you would be contacted with an explanation of why this may be and an alternative lecturer would be offered to you. 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?
AnimalMan Ltd. breed their own animals and share experiences, results and latest techniques with others. 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 lectures.
From time to time we are offered animals for a variety of reasons from being rescued, an unwanted pet, illness etc. Where possible, AnimalMan Ltd will find a suitable home.
With regular new arrivals throughout the year, AnimalMan Ltd. offer off-spring to other breeders/keepers in exchange for new species of animal.
Can you recommend any face painters?
AnimalMan Ltd. have 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 Lynns 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 email ana@paintingface.org or visit Ana's website paintingface.org
Please Note AnimalMan Ltd. feature the name out of professional courtesy and accept 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?
Senior lecturer, 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.
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 - 8 years, although we regularly present the experience for older children, these are guidelines.
For other types of event where you have a mixture of ages, then this can be for any age.
For school visits/lectures, we 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, we offer either a one hour presentation - elements show or a one & a half hour presentation - 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.
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 we appreciate 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 expected 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.
For party bags and the other essentials, AnimalMan are delighted to introduce you too.
Star Bags who are based in SW1. They will tailor your favours to the theme of an AnimalMan party and are always availble to discuss your ideas further.
Please contact 020 7730 9333 or email enquiries@starbags.info
or visit, starbags.info
Please Note AnimalMan Ltd. feature the name out of professional courtesy and accept no responsibility for the engagement or contract you may make.
Do you provide invitations?
Yes, AnimalMan Ltd. provide the artwork for you to print out the invitations.
There are 2 alternatives, a generic one where you fill in all the information and a personalised one where the information is typeset by us and we then email you this as a JPEG file and you can print this as many times as your require and write a recipients name at the top.
This is a complimentary service available, just send us an email, click here.
How much does an event cost?
The cost for senior lecturer Nick Spellman to attend a private event is structured accordingly...
Monday - Thursday's (lunchtime and after school but excluding Bank Holiday Mondays)
An approximate price would be £220.00* (inc VAT) for the one hours experience and £300.00* (inc VAT) for the one and a half hours experience.
Friday's rates start at £250.00* (inc VAT) for the one hours experience and £330.00* (inc VAT) for the one and a half hours experience.
Saturday's rates start at £270.00* (inc VAT) for the one hours experience and £350.00* (inc VAT) for the one and a half hours experience.
Sunday's are charged at the corporate rate (whether a private event or not) this cost starts as £500.00 + VAT and only the one and a half hour option is available.
*Be aware that this fee may not include travel expenses, congestion charge or parking expenses which AnimalMan Ltd. reserve the right to add upon inquiry.
Large Public Events (excluding School Fetes) and Corporate Events,
For an hours experience, prices start at £350.00 + VAT and for the one and a half hours experience £500.00 + VAT
What types of events can AnimalMan 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, we try to be consistent and will include a raptor 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 lecturer will need an area 2 1/2 metres by 2 1/2 metres 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 we shall set-up the other end. In most cases if there is a stage, we 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 AnimalMan Ltd do 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?
The best events require structure and we provide this from the moment the children arrive until the moment they leave (or we hand them to you for the rest of the event).
AnimalMan Ltd. 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 event is the most anticipated day of a child's year, you will want to be sure that this is observed by all, and we endeavour to work with all the members of the audience, young or old, to make the very most of the day.
If a guest's behaviour 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.
AnimalMan Ltd. always provide 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, we never lose sight of why we are attending and whose party it is. But we still ensure that siblings are involved to keep a happy household.
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.
AnimalMan Ltd. 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?
Payment is required on the day. As of the beginning of November 2008, AnimalMan Ltd. will be able to process Debit and Credit Cards with a hand-held terminal that is brought to your venue.
The payment methods acceptable are - Cash, Cheque (with guarantee card) Debit Card or Credit Card*
Prices agreed include VAT and travel and the fee payable is the total fee unless otherwise stated.
*Please Note:- there is a 2.8% surcharge for credit card payment which is added to the show cost. There are no additional surcharges with any other payment.
When should we expect you to arrive?
Unless otherwise stated, your lecturer will arrive between 20 and 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the presentation.
This allows time to asses the area for the presentation, to liaise with you and to meet the birthday child (if you are hosting a birthday party).
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, we are able to predict the possibility of a delay in good time. As soon as we are aware that there is a problem, we would contact you to explain the situation and offer a realistic arrival time.
We 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 we would give you a mobile contact number so that you are able to converse with us to see what progress had been made.
AnimalMan Ltd. will not accept responsibility for circumstances beyond their control and will always offer good communication if such an event should arise.