Captain Fantastic Online Party Review

Reviewed by Sarah Bryan

When it comes to organising a party for one of my children, I want it to be fun filled and exciting and I want the guests to have a great time. All of the frivolity comes at a price though, usually my sanity as I spend months before the celebration trawling and browsing for ideas and themes and then far too much money on all the little extras you have to think of. I then worry about whether there is enough junk in the party bags and enough decorations around the hall…. ok, let’s be honest – organising and hosting a kids party is stressful and expensive.

During lockdown, entertainers had to diversify quickly and go virtual to salvage their businesses offering their services via video from their home to yours. We tried a whole host of online events from ballet lessons to catching up with the kids classmates but I had never had a virtual party. I struggled to envision how it would work and how an entertainer would be able to engage with a group of rowdy 6 year olds without it becoming absolute mayhem…

Who is Captain Fantastic? He is one of a whole team of larger than life characters (AKA The Wonder Crew) that make up this award winning entertainment company dreamed up by Tommy Balaam. They offer a huge bumper bundle of services from kids actual parties, mindfulness sessions and after school clubs to summer camps, theatre shows and corporate events. They also offer socially distant parties and virtual parties. The website is jam packed full of info and they are clearly an already highly successful and professional outfit that have evolved to offer more to their customers in this climate of uncertainty when it comes to gatherings. With a real passion for education and entertainment and with big hearts too, I can’t believe I haven’t come across them before!

The initial setting up of the virtual party was straightforward and seamless; I was given all the info I needed to get a good understanding of how the party would work and I was instantly convinced that this was going to be something very exciting. You can choose from a variety of themes and characters depending on what your child is interested in. We went for the 45 minute Premium Superhero party.

Once the booking is made, you receive confirmation emails emblazoned with the Captain Fantastic logo which is bright, eye catching and appealing and shows the range of characters on the banner as well as the social media links. I was intrigued by the virtual party bags so we added this on too…more about this little gem later!

We booked the virtual party for a Tuesday at 4pm, it was the last week of term and the kids needed a much deserved treat so we invited lots of friends to attend. They can cater for any number, ideally more than 5 and a maximum of 30 for a good balance. After discussing requirements over the phone with our entertainer, I was sent an amazing animated party invite via Whatsapp which I could forward onto the party guests. It gave all the key event info as well as the Zoom details in a funky punchy way.

The party time was set for 4pm but the Zoom room opens from 3:45 giving you enough time to either mingle with the other guests or get your laptop or tablet positioned ready. Accessing the party via Zoom is very straightforward. Once you have downloaded the software, you simply pop in the room number and join in securely, with easy to navigate functionality such as mute options or viewing choices.

At 4pm sharp, Captain Fantastic burst into the room and onto the screen with all the energy and charisma you hope a party entertainer will have. For a full on, nonstop 45 minutes he had the kids enthralled, enthused, impressed and thoroughly entertained! With tonnes of laughter and fun, this truly was a fantastic party. Captain Fantastic dazzled in his out of this world costume and was clearly highly experienced in his field. He ensured every child was included from those keen to get involved to those more happier just watching the action. Just like a real life party, Captain Fantastic delivered a personal approach and created an excellent rapport with even the toughest of tiny customers.

In order to successfully lead the party, the entertainer sets all the guests to mute with the option of you being able to unmute individually for singing / light heckling / answering a question. This ensures its controlled and at the same time each guest being completely involved. Captain Fantastic held the children’s full attention for 45 minutes and on a school day at the end of term, this is really saying something!

Captain Fantastic (Joe) was happy, bouncy and chatty and belongs in front of the camera. A complete natural at improvising and with all the zesty energy of a top notch kids TV presenter, I watched in awe at how smoothly this live interactive show went. I even had chance to sit back and drink my cup of tea. As the party comes to a close and the entertainer leaves, the room is kept open for a short while to give the host a chance to thank everyone or to have a quick chat.

After our party finished, each guest was sent an email that contained their virtual party bag which is a whole host of goodies including a Captain Fantastic downloadable book as well as colouring sheets and other delights. Let’s be honest, traditional party bags are full of plastic tat which ends up in the bin, not only a waste of money but bad for the environment too. The contents of the virtual party bag gives the guests something to read and do and promotes key skills and creativity as well as carrying on the party theme with lovely keepsakes. It cost £10 to add this on and what amazing value! I spend a fortune on party bags so this is absolutely fantastic.

My Top Tips to make a virtual kids party extra special….

Get them to don their favourite party dress or outfit.

Get some snacks to have while at the party

Make sure each guest has their child’s name on the screen so the entertainer can ensure a personal interaction (they ensures this prior to the party starting)

Most importantly, use a company like Captain Fantastic and the Wonder Crew who are experienced professionals, highly trained in their field and full of fun not to mention being amazing at magic and jokes! The entertainers are fully background checked and being run though Zoom ensures security and privacy. Its environmentally friendly! There is no tidying up to do after the party finishes!

It is great value for money – if you want to treat your special small person or a group of you want to spread the treat for a fun way to keep in touch over the summer, you will not be disappointed!

All the children had a brilliant time at our party. One guest has already asked her mum when the next Captain Fantastic party will be and my kids have requested we opt for a virtual party for their next Birthdays and do you know what, I think I will. It was a joy to be present and be involved with my child’s party without rushing around making sure all the guests were ok and missing out on what really matters.

Rating: 5/5

RRP: £100 for a 45 minute premium party

You can book direct on the Captain Fantastic website here.