Issue No.

Lite
HOW TO
MAKE KIDS
LAUGH

FAY
PRESTO
AT THE TOP
IN THE
DEALER'S
BOOTH
WITH
MISSION
OF THE TABLE MAGIC
 THE OPENER

A WORD FROM THE

EDITOR
S
o, here we are with people find amusing, and so in material you will find in
issue 4 of Magicseen What A Laugh we offer you ten his new book, Life's A Beach
Lite, the taster edition different ways to tickle the funny Volume 2, of which by
of the full publication bones of your young audiences. coincidence (?) we happen to be
released for November the publishers!
2019, and we have The Dealer's Booth is an
selected what we hope you occasional column in which we Finally, we know that the Reviews
will find is an interesting feature one of our advertisers in Section is one of the most popular
selection of contents for your order to give you background features in each issue of
entertainment. and a better understanding of the Magicseen, and so we have
people behind the company who put together a selection of the
Our cover star is Fay Presto, you may want to consider doing latest product critiques for you to
someone who has been an ever business with. This time we are ponder. no two issues are ever entirely
present in the entertainment very pleased to introduce you to the same (we have NO regular
circles of London and beyond. Mission Magic. If you like what you see in columnists filling up space) and
We are delighted that she found Magicseen Lite #4, why not so each edition comes up fresh
time in her busy schedule to chat Gary Jones knows how to consider signing up for a 1 or 2 every two months. We would
with us. construct a good routine and in year download or printed copy love to have you become part of
the Masterclass this time you can sub to the complete publication? the Magicseen family, so sign up
Entertaining children requires the learn a card effect of his called today at [Link].
performer to have a keen sense Vanishing Point, a trick which Magicseen is always fun,
and understanding of what young is highly representative of the informative and entertaining, Mark Leveridge

CONTENTS
A Word From The Editor......................... 5
Masterclass............................................ 6
Fay Presto.............................................. 8
What A Laugh....................................... 16
Shout Outs............................................ 20
The Dealer's Booth - Mission Magic.... 24
Product Reviews.................................. 30

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 THE TRICKS

MASTER CLASS
VANISHING POINT 1

Gary Jones

This is one of the great effects from Gary’s

brand new book - Life’s A Beach Vol.2

2
EFFECT 3
The performer shows two Kings and deck. As the right hand moves away
places them on top of the card box, to the right, secretly bring with it the
which is on the table. He then asks a face down top card that you had a
spectator to select a card. He looks break beneath. Fig.2.
at it, and it is replaced and shuffled
into the deck.

The performer says that ‘he’

3 Having indicated the two Kings,
you apparently bring your right
hand over the deck and pick up
isn’t going to find the spectator’s the face up King beneath the King
card, ‘the Kings are!’ He asks the in the right hand lifting it away. In
3
spectator to pick up the Kings – but reality, you allow the face down card
5
they have vanished off the top of the secretly held under the right hand’s
card box! King to drop on top of the King on
the deck and so when you lift the
The performers says; “While you right hand away, a face down card
weren’t looking, I secretly picked is seen and it appears as if you
up the Kings and put them into the have simply lifted the two Kings up is!” Turn the hands back down again of the cards, thus covering the face
middle of the deck…” together. and point with your right index finger up King beneath it, and lower the left
to the face down card on top of the hand down placing the cards in the
He spreads the cards and there
are the two Kings face up in a face 4 Place the single King (which the
spectators imagine is a pile of
left hand’s packet. right hand on top of those in the left.
This will sandwich the selection in
down deck – but there’s a face
down card sandwiched between
them. The performer asks the
both the Kings), gently on top of the
card box and then slide the box in
front of you on the table. The above
67 At this point, you’ll have the top
half of the deck in your right hand
hovering over the card box. “Let’s
the centre of the deck between the
two face up Kings! Give the deck a
quick false shuffle.
spectator to name their selected move is done while you talk about have a look at your card.” Raise your
card. The middle card is turned over,
and it’s the spectator’s selection!
the Kings and how some people
believe they are all-powerful etc – in
fact any story you want to tell, as a
left hand up so that the back of your
left hand and thus the bottom of the
pile is facing the spectator, and slide
9 The trick is now done. Whatever
you do, do not draw any attention
to the card box at all during this,
cover while you do the move. the top card over to the right with as you have been waiting for this
WORKING your right thumb so they can see moment: “I’m not going to find your

1 Take the two red Kings and show

them to the spectators. Hold them 5 Kick-cut the cards, square up,
and hold a break. Do a riffle force
what it is. Fig.3, performer’s view. card the two Kings are. Please pass
me the two Kings.”
face up and squared in a right hand
Biddle Grip. Fig.1. The deck is still
in your left hand. Secretly get a left
as you would do normally, only make
sure you are doing this over the top
of the card box. Once you’ve taken
79 As you do this, your other hand
drops on to the card box and
picks up the face up King, so it is 10 When they look, the two Kings
have vanished. This is a killer
little finger break under the top card the cards above the break off to now face up underneath the pile moment, so enjoy it! All that remains
of the deck. show where they have stopped, you in your right hand. This is perfect is for you to spread through the deck
turn both hands over as you say, misdirection, and no one will see a and find the face up Kings. Between

2 As you patter about the Kings

being special cards, bring the right
hand back over the top of the deck
“Well, we know what this card is,”
(point with your left index finger to
the card whose face can be seen
thing, as the card they are looking at
is not near the card box at all.
them is one face down card. It’s the
selected card!

and use the left thumb to pull the

uppermost King onto the top of the
on the bottom of the right hand pile)
“But we don’t know what this card 8 Once the selected card has been
seen, slide it back square on top

6 MAGICSEEN LITE - ISSUE 4

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 FAY PRESTO

FAY PRESTO
ONE OF LONDON’S BRIGHTEST LIGHTS

S
he’s been at the pinnacle of the
close up magic business for more
years than we can remember, or
she’d like to – but Fay Presto is still
there, working the most glamorous
rooms around England’s capital
with a big dollop of panache and a
razor-sharp tongue. Graham Hey
decided to tackle magic’s femme fatale. Let’s
hope he lives to tell the tale. Here we go!

Let’s get the bottle through table question over

with. What makes yours so special? ‘I really
have no idea!’ says Fay, looking genuinely
surprised by all the fuss. Her routine is
regularly featured on the Greatest Magic Tricks
of All Time on Channel4, which must count
for something. ‘I have watched other people
do it, and it is often pretty dire. I have been
to lectures where some move monkey spends
ages explaining the subtleties of a second deal,
or a pass, people study these things for ages,
practise them for hours, yet they think they can
open a set of Norm Nielsen’s 'Bottle Through
Table' bottle tops and go out and amaze people.
I recently wrote up the first nineteen seconds of my
‘Back in the day, when no one was performing
commercial close up magic and I had
act. It took 19 photographs and seven pages of text.
persuaded some exec to let me loose at a dinner
for a hundred of his clients, I closed the table
Goodness knows how long it would take to write up the
with cigarette through coin. At the tenth table bottle trick!
I would look up and find 100 people gathered
round watching intently and a bunch of waiters
with trays of food asking if anybody wanted one morning and realised she knew how to second, landing it with the right noise, not
pudding. make it work. breaking it on a stone floor and on and on.

‘I went to a convention in San Diego, expecting ‘Boys can’t do it of course, because you have to ‘I recently wrote up the first nineteen seconds
the Americans to show us Brits how to do a kneel down in front of your audience and they of my act. It took 19 photographs and seven
convention. It was every bit as dire as an IBM are incapable of adopting such a subservient pages of text. Goodness knows how long it
in the U.K. As I left the dealers hall on the position. (Pause for howls of protest and watch would take to write up the bottle trick!’ Fay will
last day, I saw Norms trick on a shelf with the the idiot gyrations they undertake to work find out soon because penguin want to do just
picture of the bottle half way through a table. round the problem). That is just the beginning, that!
That’ll work better I thought. I got it back to the getting the bottle, wrapping the bottle,
hotel room and realised it would never work as misdirecting the audience when you steal Well Fay, you’ve been around for quite a while
long as I had a hole in my head.’ it, using a top that is nothing like the bottles now – is the magic industry any better than it
available, timing the push through, ensuring was 20 years ago? And has it changed for the
Fay says that a few months later she woke up they hear it hitting the floor at just the right better?

8 MAGICSEEN LITE - ISSUE 4

 FAY PRESTO

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 FAY PRESTO

10 MAGICSEEN LITE - ISSUE 4

 FAY PRESTO

‘Honestly?’ Yes, honestly, Fay! ‘Well, back in the Well, back in the eighties it was easier to get started as
eighties it was easier to get started as almost
nobody was working tables. If you wanted to
almost nobody was working tables. if you wanted to be
be a full time magician it was kids shows and
sometimes a cabaret, and that was the only
a full time magician it was kids shows and sometimes a
way. Equally there was no road map, and no
support. People would give me a look in then,
cabaret, and that was the only way. Equally there was
probably to see this weird thing “a magician”, no road map, and no support. People would give me a look
“a female magician”, “probably wasn’t once
female”. But the magic won them over time and in then, probably to see this weird thing “a magician”,
again, and it still does. Today it is a flooded
market, so rising above the dross is hard, and “a female magician”...
the agency system has broken down.

‘Back then an agent would do all the

paperwork, sometimes for 15% of not a lot,
in the hope that your rates would rise, and
everybody would make money. Now magicians
would rather do all the marketing, all the
admin just to save 15% and it has become a
race to the bottom.’

Fay tells me that over the years, her performing

style hasn’t changed that much, apart from that
she’s a bit brasher and a lot more confident.

But do you find there’s still plenty of work

around? ‘As I get older my clients are retiring
or dying and work is harder to find, and
there are hundreds of ‘book by the hour’
magicians around, but I do okay. Last year I

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 FAY PRESTO

All my greatest unhappinesses have been inflicted by ‘Always, unless other magicians are just
obfuscating things as they are so capable of
magicians, and I know why the suicide rate amongst doing! All my greatest unhappinesses have
magicians is so high, they are driven to it by the very been inflicted by magicians, and I know why
the suicide rate amongst magicians is so high,
industry that should support them! they are driven to it by the very industry that
should support them!’

Trying to lighten the mood a bit, I ask Fay what

started at The Ned. The biggest restaurant/ makes her happy? Immediately she changes.
private club/hotel/entertainment centre in the ‘A table of applauding diners, a theatre full of
country. 800 diners, 200 hotel rooms, £3000 an applauding audience, restoring a sense of
a year membership for the club parts, so wonder to a ten year old girl.’
residencies are at least around, for me…
I was recently talking to some friends and the
‘Stage is hard to find. Just been offered one in subject was on advice that we’d been given
Leicester, it would be nice, but it pays £100. The over the years. Some good, some awful. I ask
petrol would be £60, and I would lose twice that Fay what's the worst advice she’s ever been
from the residency which is around the corner!’ given? ‘Give up!’ says Fay. I ask her to give
me more details! ‘It was early days, in the
I ask her what is the most difficult aspect of back of a limousine on the way back from a
being a magician. She answers straight away: Ball at Brocket Hall. I had to cadge a lift back
‘Standing in a room on a box, with no light, no to London as my wreck of a car had broken
mic. Audience to left and right, nobody in front down on the way there. I was screwed up in
and then being told, “There you are, I told you the footwell of the back at the feet of a very
it would be okay!”’ drunk Dai Llewellyn and he berated me all
the way back to London on my uselessness
Fay, of course, has a trademark grumpinessso and unauthenticity as a magician, and as a
I ask is she’s always been happy as a magician? woman…’

12 MAGICSEEN LITE - ISSUE 4

 FAY PRESTO
You can say what you like about Fay Presto, but
she is completely honest, which can be a little
unusual when interviewing performers. But
it’s so great when they just tell things as they
are. You certainly connect with them, and you
can’t help but like Fay. I ask her if she’s very
self-critical? ‘No, but I listen to my audience. If
they are being critical I obey. If a magician has
an opinion, and it is a magician I trust, I will
listen. All others, please don’t undermine me.’

Close up is notoriously difficult, especially

when food servers are interrupting your
routines. I ask what the most frustrating thing
is for her? ‘That’s easy,’ she says. ‘Idiots making
announcements when I’m working a dinner
dance/ball/charity, and toastmasters who
won’t help make some space… That bloody
heads and tails thing at a banquet. I once took
a toastmaster outside, who announced a pee
break one trick into the bride's table… I’m
being paid three times what you are getting,
now cut me some space!’

Is there any area of magic you wished you’d

explored more? ‘Nope, first stage spot was a
four minute silent act, just to see if I could get
on a stage and not wimp out. I did it but had
no wish to do more. Since then, I’ve done north
of 100,000 tables and worked stages in front of
1500 people, large tables, cabaret rooms, discos I once took a toastmaster outside, who announced a pee
in the dark with sound above the threshold of
pain! break one trick into the bride's table… I’m being paid
‘Card manipulations don’t do it for me, neither
three times what you are getting, now cut me
does anything that needs a close up mat.’ some space!

Quickies with Fay

Best live magic you saw? None, now. It was sorted long ago! I need five
Arturo Brachetti flying, in ‘Y’. Juliana Chen and pockets in any trousers or skirt, a top that
Ma yanYan. covers a couple of ITR’s and pulls, and a small
Are you happy with how your career has handbag.
panned out? If you could be any other performer, who
No would you be? Fav biscuit?
A twenty-five-year-old me White chocolate chip
Biggest inspiration?
Arturo Brachetti and April Ashley, Juliana Biggest difficulty you’ve had to overcome as a Fav drink?
Chen. performer? Coffee and the top half of a small beer on
Bad lighting a warm night. Why isn’t the bottom half as
Talent shows – do you like them? good?
Nope How do you overcome the annoying one at
the table? Fav book?
Best advice you could give to someone What annoying one? I Will Fear No Evil, Robert
starting out? Heinlein
Stop practising, Go out and perform and Career highlight?
LISTEN to your audience It was the Champions of Magic, but now The Last effect you bought?
Chicago Magic Lounge Flash string
Most memorable gig of this year so far?
Chicago Magic Lounge and it was stage, Career low-light? What’s the key to being a
my first love Being fired by the Champions of Magic. successful entertainer?
Still not recovered. If I knew that, I would be a successful
Favourite routine you perform? entertainer
The Balloon routine in the Champions show How much thought do you give to stuff like
‘pocket management?’

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 KID'S MAGIC

What A Laugh
10 ways to inject comedy into kids’ shows
By Mark Leveridge

A
nyone who has entertained children The key, in my view, to creating a top children’s But to my way of thinking, there are many
will hopefully know that success show, is how the entertainment, these comedy other bits of business that you can include
with youngsters is as much about bits of business, are used and managed. At a which will elevate the magic into a really well
what we call the ‘bits of business’ basic level the plot of a trick can be amusing rounded comedy spectacle that the children
as it is about the magic. Yes, the in itself - the magician tries to wash some will thoroughly enjoy, and I thought it would be
tricks themselves have to be judged dirty socks by magic and instead of cleaning interesting and helpful to talk about 10 of them.
correctly for the age group of the audience, them the socks go through a whole series of Obviously this is not an exhaustive list, and
but for many kids, especially very young transformations including getting shredded! In you may well be using many of those included
ones, the concept of what a magic trick this case, humour is produced simply by going already, but hopefully there will be others that
actually is, the fact that magic bends and through the performance of the magical plot. you will be encouraged to reintroduce or maybe
distorts normality, is not something they Then there are extra comedy props, of course. try for the first time.
necessarily understand. After all, when All sorts of magic wands that collapse, or
growing up, there are many amazing things bend or wobble, for instance. These pieces of
in everyday life which might seem magical apparatus can be funny in themselves, and so
until you understand that these are in fact you don’t have to be particularly skilled in order
not something special at all! to get a laugh with them.

16 MAGICSEEN LITE - ISSUE 4

 KID'S MAGIC

1 Funny Voices Jay Rollins

I have always liked to include a funny

voice unexpectedly from time to time in
my kids shows. It’s not an accent, but
just a strange voice, be it very low and gruff,
or squeaky high. I have used this, for instance,
as a show warm up. The kids are sitting down
ready for the show but there are still one or two
more arriving, and so rather than start the show
proper straight away, I will keep those already
settled entertained in the following way.

I explain that it is important that we count how

many of the children are sitting down ready for
the show. I then start to point at the children one
by one counting them out loud but in a funny
voice. After a few moments the children laugh at
my voice, and I stop, look hurt and puzzled, and
tell them not to laugh at me.

I then start to do it again, and this makes them Kids seem to really enjoy it when you say the wrong words
laugh again. I stop and ask them if they are
laughing at my voice. They say yes. So I say I
which is partly, I suspect, because they are learning language
won’t use that voice then. I begin once more and they get words wrong all the time
counting but this time in a different funny voice,
which makes them laugh again. So this gives

4
you an example of how it can be used, but I also for pre-school children is the Wilting Flower.
will put on a funny voice randomly at other times Misunderstanding Whenever I look at the flower it is standing up,
too, all of which the kids love. Magicians are not only deaf and prone but as soon as I look away, it droops. The kids
to stumbling over their words, but shout out to tell me but as soon as I look back

2
apparently they are also incapable of it’s restored upright again.
Mishearing understanding what the children are saying that
This is a classic bit of business which they want them to do! The picture card is being I have created a routine in which I engineer
must lead some children to believe that held towards the children and they want to see several logical reasons for me to look away so
all magicians are deaf! “Hello, what’s your what’s on the back so they shout out that the that there is a progressive flow as I gradually
name?” “John.” “Joan? That’s a girl’s name isn’t magician should turn it round. He rotates the seem to understand what is really happening
it? Oh, you said John, sorry. And how old are card 360 degrees to the left keeping the same until eventually I catch the flower bent over.
you?” “5.” “105? Oh, you said 5, I was going to side facing the kids.
say, you don’t look a day over 80.” I do feel it is important with business in which
They tell him to turn it the other way so he rotates children are shouting out to move if possible
Apparently mishearing and then being puzzled the card 360 degrees to the right, still keeping gradually towards you appreciating what the
by what you think you have heard is a solid way the same picture to the front. No, the kids want it kids are saying. Otherwise it can become
to get a laugh, although you do have to use it a turned round. So the performer turns himself right frustrating for them if you simply repeatedly fail
bit sparingly! round so once again the other side of the picture, to catch what they mean. But if you seem to
obscured by his body, is not seen. And so on. be gradually getting the idea until suddenly you

3
see what they are saying is true, I think this is a
Mispronunciation I think this type of business, if not milked much more satisfying and acceptable way (for
Another popular bit of business, which is excessively and if it is accompanied by the the kids) to deal with the situation.
partly linked to the one above, is when magician genuinely appearing to misunderstand

6
you mispronounce words. “Hello joys what the kids want, is great fun. If you do it too
and bells, I mean, boys and girls.” “Let’s say much though, the children can get over excited Funny Faces
the magic word.....have-a-banana.....er, sorry, I and/or exasperated with you, but a modicum Facial expressions are a great way
mean abracadabra.” of common sense should ensure that you stop to create laughs, but I suspect a lot
before it becomes ridiculous. of magicians fail to capitalise on the
Kids seem to really enjoy it when you say the possibilities. An exaggerated look of horror,

5
wrong words which is partly, I suspect, because surprise, shock, pain, humour are all great ways
they are learning language and they get words Not Noticing to make kids laugh.
wrong all the time (when my son was small The next related bit of business in which
he referred to a man sweeping leaves at the we are really making fun of ourselves I think one of the factors that makes this seem
side of the road as a ‘sweepleafer’, and my (which I have always thought is WAY humorous to children is that most adults
daughter referred to her clothes cupboard as a better than turning ridicule on a child), is when probably seem pretty serious to them most of
‘wardidroben’). So although their linguistic skills something happens and the children see it the time. So for an adult to pull a wild expression
are not refined, they do see the funny side of but we apparently don’t. So unobservant! For during the show seems really extraordinary for a
words that come out wrongly. instance, one of my favourite effects to do grown up to do, and this helps to make it funny.

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 KID'S MAGIC

An outsized or ridiculously pair of glasses, or a red wig suddenly put on little presentational aside that the watching
your head, or slipping on a pair of massive hairy adults enjoy even though I never make any
styled pair of glasses, or feet, can get a great laugh as long as you have actual comment about any of it! But there are all
a red wig suddenly put on some sort of motivation for doing it. sorts of other sounds that you can slip into your
show at relevant moments if you give it some

9
your head, or slipping on a thought and this all helps to keep things funny.
pair of massive hairy feet, Funny Sounds

10
Another aspect of business which I think
can get a great laugh as is possibly underused by entertainers is Giggling
the use of funny sounds or noises. I’m Little children, especially those who
long as you have some sort not referring to recorded sounds (although those perhaps have never experienced a
of motivation for doing it. can be great if you set it up right), but more to
ones that you make with your own voice.
live magician before, can feel a little
nervous or even slightly intimidated. As a result
they are sometimes unsure about how they are

7
For instance, I have a song/activity that I use allowed to react to the funny things that the
Childish Behaviour with pre-school children in which we pretend to magician is doing.
On a similar theme of doing something pull some invisible Christmas crackers. These
that adults don’t normally do, I like to crackers I keep in an invisible box which I bring To get round this I like to give them a clue,
display elements of childish behaviour. So out and mime placing on my table. This box has particularly at the start of the show, by
if something doesn’t go right, I will pretend to a hinged lid which I pretend to open and as I sniggering or giggling myself when I say
sulk, or cry or stamp my foot as if in a tantrum. open it I make a squeaking sound. Then when I something that I want them to laugh at.
Children understand these basic emotions shut the box I make the squeak again. Interestingly, I have found that when I do this,
because that’s how they show their displeasure the little ones soon get the idea and will often
when things don’t go their way, but to see an In the activity I need to keep going back to laugh, when prompted in this way, to things
adult mimicking them is very funny to them. the box and every time I open the lid it seems that although quite funny they don’t actually
to squeak. Gradually I appear to get a bit understand! So if you use this at moments when

8
annoyed with the squeaking, and so (mainly you need them to laugh, you should find that the
Dressing Up for the benefit for any watching adults) at the children will follow suit.
I know some entertainers like to end I bring out an imaginary can of oil, make
sometimes dress children up in squirting noises as I oil the hinges, then rapidly So there’s a list of ideas for you to consider, but
costumes, but I’ve never personally move the lid back and forth and gradually make of course there are many more. Bits of business
done this as I feel it’s a bit awkward for several the squeaking noise get less and less until it are the lifeblood of good children’s magic and
reasons. However, I do like to use wigs and disappears altogether. the more little reasons you can include in your
funny hats either on myself or on the kids if show to encourage the youngsters to laugh, the
appropriate. An outsized or ridiculously styled This is not a laugh out loud moment but a funny better your shows will go down.

18 MAGICSEEN LITE - ISSUE 4

 SHOUT OUTS

SHOUT OUTS
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about it, but not done anything about it yet? Well now is your chance wholesaler on earth.
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hundreds of magicians from all over the world who have bought it We pride ourselves on offering exceptional customer service and
from me over the years. It also comes with a FULL MONEY BACK the lowest prices.
GUARANTEE. If for any reason at all, even if you simply do not like
it, send it back within 14 days and get a full refund. In 8 years only 1 We are the exclusive publisher of the “Tarbell Course in Magic” as
magician has ever sent it back for a refund. well as “13 Steps to Mentalism”.

In my advert in this month’s MagicSeen use the special link, that is We offer all the supplies that a magic retailer or working magician
normally only sent out after people have bought HEAT from me, and may need at wholesale prices, from beginner magic to the
it will tell you everything you need to know about the effect. You can seasoned performer. We also have a huge inventory of novelty and
order your HEAT direct from the link in the advert, or The Merchant joke items. We believe in a hands-on approach to help you grow
of Magic in the UK also have been selling HEAT for the last 8 years. your business. With our seasoned buyer and our helpful sales staff
KIERON LEFEVER just ordered his very first bottle - I wonder what use at your disposal, we promise to help make your job easier.
he will come up with using HEAT?
Are you looking to sell more of your inventions or have a book in
the works, we would love to discuss any exclusive offers to sell the
fruits of your labor to our 1000+ retail partners.
DISCOUNT MAGIC
Discount Magic are offering a new lecture by Sarah Plummer, the author If you have not bought from us in the past, we would like to offer
of Think Of A Number, Magic or Maths. Any clubs or societies that are you a 10% discount on your first order of $100 or more. Please
interested please contact us at sales@[Link] or call enter the code “Magicseen2019” in the notes section at check out.
0844 545 0580 for availability.

20 MAGICSEEN LITE - ISSUE 4

 THE DEALER'S BOOTH

The Dealer’s Booth...

MISSION MAGIC
R
eaders of Magicseen will no doubt designed to help spread inspirational messages, serve them better. Let’s get acquainted with the
have noticed in recent issues a new to illustrate Biblical truths and to share the six members of the Mission Magic staff.
regular advertiser to have joined us, Christian faith in an engaging and entertaining
Mission Magic. With a business that way. Paul Morley – Founder - Paul founded Mission
is clearly very different from most Magic in 2008 to meet the demand created
others, we thought it would be interesting The messages contained in the magic obviously by his shows. Paul is an Assemblies of God
to go behind the scenes and find out about talk a lot about Jesus, but there are also Minister and an International Gospel Magician,
the people and the principles that have presentations on subjects such as forgiveness work that takes him to India, Romania, the USA
helped to make this growing magic supplier and having a good self image which could easily and Turkey. He’s Mission Magic’s very own
such a success. be adapted and used for almost any audience. ‘international man of mystery’! Paul’s ideal way
Some of their effects have messages based of relaxing involves sun, sea and a good curry,
THE CLUE IS IN THE TITLE on the Old Testament too, which the Jewish sometimes difficult to find in his home town of
So what makes Mission Magic different? community would find helpful. Retford.
Well, as you have almost certainly guessed,
this company specialises in providing Gospel MEET THE TEAM Mark Foster – Owner Manager - Mark
Magic to those working mainly (although not The lifeblood of any business is really the people manages Mission Magic day-to-day. If you call
exclusively) in children’s ministery, school who work in it, and this is especially true of the office it’ll be Mark who’ll pick up the phone.
assemblies, church services, youth groups Mission Magic, who believe in maintaining a very Mark has been running Mission Magic since
and community events. All their products are personal contact with their customers in order to 2012 and under his leadership the ministry

24 MAGICSEEN LITE - ISSUE 4

 THE DEALER'S BOOTH

and business has flourished. Not only has Issy Flynn – Fulfilment Manager – If you’ve Rope with 6 Gospel Magic Lessons’. Then try
Mark extensive business experience, he’s also placed an order with Mission Magic it’s likely the Magic for Jesus DVD. 21 Easy to Do Gospel
a lay Minster in the Church of England and that Issy fulfilled it, making sure it’s packed and Magic Lessons using household objects, or
an active member of both the Fellowship of posted with TLC. Isabelle (to use her ‘proper’ Scott Dever’s eBooks in the Gospel Magic My
Christian Magicians UK and the York Society of name) joined the team in 2018 after finishing her Way series. Both of these are absolute gems.
Magicians. But still finds time to spend with his History Degree. When not at Mission Magic Issy Dozens of Gospel Magic tricks for the price of
wife Susie and his four children. is a busy intern at St Michael le Belfry Church, one prop!”
York. In her own words Issy is ‘super excited
Dan Wood – Creative Consultant – If to have joined the staff at Mission Magic and For general start up advice they also say:
you discover a pun on our website or a looking forward to helping spread the gospel “Start with several tried and tested Gospel
fun presentation in our instructions you’ve message in an exciting creative way.’ Magic tricks, such as the ‘Chemical Cross’
discovered Dan’s handy work. Dan’s passion and ‘Cross & Silks off Rope’. Present them
for high quality family entertainment can be WHERE DOES THE MAGIC using the script provided. This will teach you
seen in his unique presentations, booklets, COME FROM? how a well crafted professional gospel magic
website descriptions and videos he creates for Many of the products supplied by Mission Magic lesson is structured and delivered. Then read
Mission Magic. When Dan is not in the office, are general dealer items, but to those effects up on commonly used magic props and which
he’s entertaining children with his Magic Hatter are added the all important inspirational Biblical messages they are typically used with.
shows, working in hospitals as a Giggle Doctor message. Usually the original instructions
and doing 101 other magical things. He’s a self- supplied with the props are replaced by detailed “There is one golden rule in Gospel Magic.
confessed ‘big kid’ and we wouldn’t have it any booklets jammed with scripted presentations, It’s the MESSAGE that is the most important
other way! advice, gags, Biblical references and element. Magic makes any message more
background material, thus providing a complete engaging, more memorable, however the aim
Bev Wood – Office Manager – Bev keeps the ready-to-go package for customers to use. isn’t to entertain but to teach.”
wheels of Mission Magic turning. Bev’s training Mission Magic does also have a number of their
as a Stage Manager has given her the skills own exclusive products, and indeed they are HAPPY CUSTOMERS
to juggle the dozens of different demands on always looking for ideas from other creators or Everyone at Mission Magic is committed to
her time. From making up our unique range of customers to market. Ideally, they are looking providing exactly the right effects to satisfy the
magic tricks, to dealing with customer queries for magic that satisfies three criteria. It needs specific needs of the Gospel magician, but they
and managing the stock. And somehow Bev still to be a good quality prop, be easy to use and also want to make the buying experience a
finds time for her husband Dan (see above) and produce an effect that has a genuine WOW pleasant one too. And it seems to be working as
her two wonderful boys. moment! They will then take the idea and build a this recently received testimonial illustrates.
suitable religious message into it.
Abbie Bright – Social Media Manager – Abbie I would just like to drop you a line to say I
joined us in 2017 originally as our fulfilment WHERE TO START received my order (#11426) this morning in
manager. Now, as the business has grown, If you are new to Gospel magic or want to get perfect condition. I deal with many companies
Abbie has stepped into a new media role, involved, here are some recommendations from on a daily basis but I have to say Mission
bringing her charm and wit to the pages of the Mission Magic Team. Magic has to be the most charming and
Facebook. When not in the office Abbie studies efficient. The little things like a free trick, the
History at York University and leads worship in “Why not start with a free eBook. We offer a free sweets and the personal handwritten message
her local church. We’re delighted to have her on downloadable eBook ‘How to Cut & Restore a on the invoice. I love your products, I love your
the team. message and I admire what you stand for. In a
cynical world it’s refreshing to see a company
like Mission Magic succeed and flourish.
May I take this opportunity to wish you every
success in the future, you certainly have a
lifetime customer in me. As I said, it’s the little
things. Best wishes, Tony Armstrong

Mission Magic is obviously doing a great job at

filling a niche market in the magic world and with
customers spread around the world from Fiji to
Alaska, it’s clear that they have become a major
force in religious magic supplies. We wish them
continued success!

SUBSCRIBE AT: [Link] 25

 Black Hart’s latest book, Short Dark Tales for Long

Short Dark Tales for Dark Nights, is now released as an audio book.

A collection of bizarre, and ghostly stories from The

Black Hart, based on his latest book, this audio
version will send shivers down the spines of those

Long Dark Nights who listen to it.

Taking the stories from the book and setting them to

narration, along with atmospheric music and sound
effects has taken SDTFLDN to a whole new level.
There are even a couple of ‘extra’ items not in the

Now released as an audio book written version.

Released as audio files on a USB drive, so that you

Spine chilling Bizarre Magic at its very essence - storytelling. This is can transfer it to your computer, smart phone or other
device, with a total playing time of 2 hours and 15
where the real magic happens as you turn off the lights, settle down in a
minutes and contains the following:
comfortable chair, light a single candle or sit in the firelight, and switch
on your ‘player’. The music starts and the stories begin, you are  Introduction by The Black Hart*
transported into another world, that of your own imagination, the most  The Book of Cornelius Agrippa
vivid and powerful world that there is.  You Can’t Cheat The Reaper
 The Clock Struck 13*
From the absolute horror of Magpie to the romance of The Clock Struck  Death’s Cold Kiss
13, from the ancient tale of The Curse of the Black Death to the  The Eternal Game
contemporary Leave her Alone, your journey will take you on a voyage  Leave Her Alone
into the bizarre world of The Black Hart, a voyage on which your friends  Magpie
and family can join you (if they dare).  Priests of the Lost Valley
 The Rocking Room
This audio book, exclusive to Black Artefacts, comes on a USB drive  The Soul of Mary Banks
with accompanying booklet in a small velvet drawstring bag.  Tell Tale Card
 Curse of The Black Death
Cost: £15.00  The House

*Plus ‘bonus’ videos of Introduction featuring The

Exclusively available from Black Artefacts Black Hart and the original Haunted House crew and
[Link]/[Link] The Clock Strikes 13 by Dr Natalie Hart.

ezmagic_ad.pdf 1 4/15/19 11:43 AM

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K
Wided Box the apparatus is tipped from side to side
Postage will be
The apparent sliding noise is under the performers complete control at all times while
advised after
packing
As the apparatus is is tipped to give the impression that the die is being slid across a
oved look for ap an old favourite
appears
DIE - WIDED BOX
between the two boxes like magic to cover this action. This can
be repeated many times throughout the performance
k that appears to the audience that it would impossible for the die to
he red box toThethe A new and improved look for an old favourite
green box of
appearance and back
the adds a new comedy feature to the Die - Wided Box
apagain
ding noise is under the performers complete control at all times while
tipped from side to side
s is is tipped to give the impression that the die is being slid across a The size and look that appears to the audience that it

£225
between the two boxes like magic to cover this action. This can would impossible for the die to transpose from the red
ny times throughout the performance box to the green box and back again.
+P&P
of the ap adds a new comedy feature to the Die - Wided Box The apparent sliding noise is under the performers
complete control at all times while the apparatus is
tipped from side to side.
As the apparatus is tipped to give the impression that
the die is being slid across a flap appears between the
two boxes like magic to cover this action. This can be
repeated many times throughout the performance.
The appearance of the flap adds a new comedy feature
to the Die - Wided Box.

[Link]
1 Scotts Close, Stock Hammond, Bucks, MK17 9RQ England Tel: 01525 270536 Email: kovari@[Link]

A new modern coin magic routine

featuring an exciting, novel palm.
Watch and try something cool! Visit:
[Link]
 THE REVIEWS

WHAT’S HOT
WE TAKE A LOOK AT

h a t ' s n o t !
an d w
The second, and equally vital Dominic Wood trilogy of books in. Again, even these are often
element, is that the way the book from a few years ago aimed at the crammed into small boxes with tiny
is designed and the language that same age group, or Nick Einhorn’s dense text, so very unattractive.
is used in the text, needs to be lay people books, Amazing Magic
carefully selected so that the target Tricks regrettably is not even in the I don’t know whether the author
readers are excited and attracted same postcode. Chris Stone is a magician
to the contents, and also so that (apparently he has commissioned
they can understand and follow the But what about the content? and edited books on a huge
instructions that are being given. Well, the selection of magic is a array of subjects from U-Boats
combination of well known effects to David Beckham, and as an
Amazing Magic Tricks unfortunately that seem to appear in all magic author he specialises in humour,
fails to a greater or lesser extent publications aimed at the general pop culture and sport), but it
with both these elements. The public, plus some other slightly doesn’t look like it. There are no
tone and approach of the text in debateable additional choices. credits to any magical names
the book is clearly aimed at young For instance, the book teaches in the book either, so it would
AMAZING MAGIC people, but the language is too one card force which is a clunky appear that the publishers didn’t
TRICKS advanced for most children of that behind-the-back handling which is get an experienced magic writer
Chris Stone age, and I question whether they totally unnatural and requires the or performer in to oversee the
Available from [Link] would be able or would want to performer to turn his back on the content. As a result this ends up
Price: £9.99 struggle to understand it. spectators to do it. When there are as a book that fails to deliver the
so many suitable card forces out right content in the correct way to
Also, the book is randomly printed there, I can’t understand why this its target audience, and therefore I
Every now and again a new on all sorts of different coloured one was chosen. can’t imagine it will be flying off the
book appears aimed at young paper stock, which with some of shelves. ML
budding magicians and is sold the colours makes the text a bit That being said, most of the effects
through book chains to the hard to read. I think this is in an revealed do use props you can get
general public. These books are attempt to make the book look a hold of easily, and methods that WHAT’S HOT: a few good
often an important starting point bit more colourful, because all the range from self working through tricks to try for a beginner using
for youngsters aged 6-10 as the illustrations are black and white to mildly challenging. However, objects they can easily get
right book can inspire a lifetime of pencil drawings which give no the way that the methods are hold of
interest in magic. Amazing Magic colour or vibrancy to the pages described leaves a lot to be WHAT’S NOT: dull and boring
Tricks, which is being published at all. I’m afraid to say the whole desired. There were several that looking layout and design,
this November, is the latest in the book looks old fashioned and I had to read two or three times poor trick descriptions, the
line. deadly dull, and if I was a kid myself to understand what the wrong level of language for
picking this up for a flick through in instructions were supposed to be. the presumed young target
There are two main things, in my a book shop, I would very quickly This could have been helped by audience
view, that a book aimed at young put it down again because there’s plenty of clear colour photographs RATING: 15%
start up magicians needs. The first nothing to catch the imagination or to supplement the explanation, but
is the magic content has to be the eye in it. instead you get a small number of
reasonably within the skill set of not very helpful pencil drawings.
the readers, with hopefully a mix of This book would possibly have Nicely drawn but not much help
very easy effects plus a few more been fine if it had been published to a 10 year old grappling with
challenging ones to encourage in the 1950s, but today’s incomprehensible instructions.
practice and development. The youngsters are used to brightly
props required should also be coloured, visual content, and this As well as the tricks there are
things that are readily available, or book provides nothing of this type various advice and general facts
simple to make up. at all. When you compare it to the about magic and magicians thrown

30 MAGICSEEN LITE - ISSUE 4

0-20% = VERY POOR | 21-40% = A BIT WEAK | 41-60% = REASONABLE | 61-80% = GOOD | 81-100% = EXCELLENT THE REVIEWS
the book until you get to the
page before their number. This
will show a random celebrity
depending on what number was
chosen. You can then very cleanly
turn over one more page which
will once again force Tom Cruise.
This really is a brilliant concept
and looks so fair.

Fans of Marc Kerstein's WikiTest

app will be pleased to know
that the same force words have
been built into the force pages.
This means not only can you
who has replaced the cute but reveal the name of a celebrity,
DEEP CLEAR average plunger/rise lead in effect, etc but you can ask a spectator
Paul Harris Presents with the classic Biddle vanish trick. to think of a long word on one of
Available from any Murphy’s This integrates rather better with the pages selected and you can
retailer or dealers contact the rest of Deep Clear because reveal this word too.
[Link] of a clever yet bold idea that Paul CELEBRITY
Price: £38 Harris admits had never crossed PRESSAGE Once you know the basics of
his mind as a viable option. Mike Maione & Brett Barry how the book works, exactly how
Available from you reveal the celebrity, or quotes
This is a revised version of Paul Dave Loosely’s idea to use the [Link] forced, etc is really down to you.
Harris’s original Deep Astonishment. Biddle vanish is a much more Price: £89.99
It’s a two part plot with a lead in effective lead up and a stronger Online videos run you through
effect to the main event. Essentially, effect in itself as the build up to everything about the history of
it’s a card revelation followed by the revelation of the word. As This is a brand new booktest the book and how to use it along
an impossible prediction of a freely an alternative to one spectator released by Svenpad®. Based with several routine ideas.
chosen word. choosing a word, you could ask upon Mike Maione's original
four spectators to pick letters that Celebrity Pressage booktest Brett You also receive a special book
First of all, a spectator is asked to make up an invented word. Barry has taken Mike's original mark which has Steve Valentine's
name a short word or even invent and supercharged it making it 'Booked' principle built in. This is
one which will become the magic Admittedly this is a ‘one trick what I think is one of the best a very deceptive way of forcing
word used in the trick. A card is deck’ that you will have to decide booktests currently on the another celebrity. There are
then chosen and replaced in the whether it is worth taking up market. various celebrities to choose from
pack after which the magician valuable pocket space for strolling too so you could pick one to suit
proceeds to find it in a cute way. work, but the strength of the Measuring approximately 4.5 your needs.
effect should be in its favour. For inches by 7 inches the book is
Now for the main event. The small formal shows it would also filled with celebrity fails. Meaning The book is very well made and it
magician removes a few cards make a strong feature effect and a it lists stupid things done or is clear that this has taken a long
from a ticket style wallet that has potential closer. dumb quotes said by famous time to perfect. It's not cheap at
been on the table from the start of people. The book consists of 130 almost £90 but this is certainly
the trick. Dealing them down on The lack of connection between pages with two pages dedicated a good investment if you are
to the table they have letters on the revelation of a card and the to each celebrity. looking to add something special
the back which remarkably, spell prediction of the word is lost in to your set.
the spectator’s chosen or invented the presentation. I must admit, I Built into the book, as you
word. can’t wait to try it and that’s a rare would expect from Svenpad®, I highly recommend this and
feeling after reviewing a trick! PP is the svengali principle. This is know I will have some fun with
It’s an impossible prediction effect one of the additions to Mike's it. PS
almost verging on being too good original version. What this gives
to be true! You receive the special WHAT’S HOT: an impossible you is the option to easily force
deck which will need a once only prediction with nothing to one particular celebrity. In fact WHAT’S HOT: so many great
preparation and a ticket style wallet indicate how the magician a spectator can be holding the principle built into one small
with a link to the all-important could have possibly known book when they select a page. book.
online video. the chosen word. The Dave Tom Cruise is the celebrity who WHAT’S NOT: price tag is
Loosely Biddle effect is a better is forced which is good as he is quite high
It’s well explained on the 35 option than the original one known by most people. RATING: 90%
minute video and doesn’t require taught.
advanced technical ability to pull If you don't want to use the
off, with the presentation being just WHAT’S NOT: it’s a one trick svengali principle then you can
as important to the performance. deck which is a consideration use a system by Spidey. This
Also included is an extra video for walk around work. allows any page number to be
from Alakazam’s Dave Loosely RATING: 85% called out. You can run through

SUBSCRIBE AT: [Link] 31

 THE REVIEWS
three other alternatives. The whole instructions on how to put the
explanation is very clear and done socks on. This may seem strange
with some humour. but is actually very sensible as you
will probably want to perform this
This is a relatively easy trick effect often and keeping the socks
to perform and with a little in good condition is important. I’ve
handling practice would soon be not tried washing my pair so I’ve no
performable. An obvious limitation idea if they are colour fast! SB
is that for maximum effect you need
to be wearing trousers. Anyone
who performs in a kilt, or a dress, WHAT’S HOT: a strong
will need to find an alternative visual effect with the
revelation. The socks also come potential for lots of fun in the
with a hidden bonus woven into the presentation. Well explained
sole. On one is a suit of a card, on with lots of solid practical
the other a value. What you do with performing advice
that is up to you. WHAT’S NOT: for the best
selecting two contrasting designs. effect you probably need to
SOCKS All is not lost as the performer pulls The poker size cards are well made be wearing trousers.
Michel Huot up his trouser legs to reveal that and attractively printed and come RATING: 81%
Available from any Murphy’s retailer he is wearing two different socks in a good quality leather case. The
or dealers contact that exactly match the selection. In pattern on the two socks is very
[Link] an unexpected kicker all the cards bright and they are just short of
Price: £38.50 are then turned over showing that knee length so easily seen even
every pair match. in a large room. You also get

What’s not to like? Socks is a light What makes this a successful

hearted mentalism routine that entertaining effect? First the novelty
packs a double punch and could of the plot. It’s a prediction but the © Sergey Diomin
easily be incorporated into an presentation is light hearted and fun
otherwise mind reading free act. and the revelation very visual and
It probably won’t appeal to the unexpected.
serious “I can really read your mind”
mentalist but I can see this being a Second, unlike so many of the
big hit with mainstream magicians. ‘suitable only for YouTube releases’
this effect has been worked.
Based on a plot originally With live audiences. In the usual
performed on television by Paul video download you get thirty
Daniels circa 1990, Michel Huot five minutes of explanation, small
has created a different method and variations and handling tips all
presentation suitable for close-up derived from experience.
and parlour settings.
From little touches like timing how
Two sets of playing cards are the chosen cards are turned over
displayed each colourfully printed which gets the most from the
with a different design of sock. performers own reaction to an
A spectator is invited to try and apparent failure, to detailed advice
find a matching pair by randomly about dealing with unexpected
selecting two face down cards. outcomes during the force. Huot
Played well there is comedy uses a psychological timing force
potential as the performer discovers which is fully explained and for
that the spectator has failed, the less confident demonstrates

Items for review can be sent to any

DO YOU HAVE A of the following addresses:

Phil Shaw:

PRODUCT 23 Stock Close, Norton, Malton

YO17 8BE.
YOU’D LIKE US TO REVIEW? Mark Leveridge:
Anne’s Park, Cowley, Exeter EX5 5EN

34 MAGICSEEN LITE - ISSUE 4

0-20% = VERY POOR | 21-40% = A BIT WEAK | 41-60% = REASONABLE | 61-80% = GOOD | 81-100% = EXCELLENT THE REVIEWS
Compared to other single colour it is angle limited. master the speed and confidence
changes, the limitation is that, as required. Even in some of the
demonstrated, you really only get In the twelve minute explanation DVD demonstrations there were
to see just over half of each card you also get a couple of variations, occasional flashes. Master this card
which I think reduces the impact. one of which leaves you able to change and you will have six or
show and hand out the final card. seven seconds of material perfect
I found it quite hard to categorise The first requires a small initial set for YouTube but the effect will be
this offering from Rich Li and Sans up and leaves you with a reversed much harder to replicate under live
Minds. It doesn’t really qualify as card on the face of the deck. The conditions. SB
a stand alone effect but is more second, using only a small packet
CRA CHANGE than a flourish. It is something, in of cards, has to be done sitting
Rich Li - SansMinds Worker the right setting, that you might down so that extra cards can be WHAT’S HOT: I’m struggling
Series incorporate into an interlude of card dumped. The best thing on the to describe anything as
Available from any Murphy’s retailer magic. The key though is finding DVD is a means of using the Tenkai ‘hot’. The selling point is, I
or dealers contact the right setting. palm to produce a previously suppose, the speed at which
[Link] selected card from an empty card the changes occur and the
Price £16.00 The change uses a multiple Tenkai box. multiple number of changes.
palm and is consequently quite OK for a few seconds to
angle sensitive. The DVD sleeve How easy is this to learn? The upload to YouTube.
CRA is a rapid multiple card colour suggests that the performance DVD packaging suggests that WHAT’S NOT: not simple to
change which takes about seven angle is 180 degrees. That means this is skill level one of five. I’ve no learn; very angle sensitive so
seconds to perform. A hand is no one can be on either side or idea how that scale is calibrated difficult to use in live situations;
wiped across the face or the back viewing from behind and this limits but if it implies that the technical spectators don’t always see
of a pack and the cards are seen to where you can use the change. skill required is easy I think that the full face of the cards.
change one after the other. In the Some retailers are more pessimistic is very optimistic. This might not RATING: 40%
basic handling a final wave of the and suggest that the narrower 110 be totally knuckle busting stuff
hand restores the first card seen. degree angle is required. Either way but it will take you quite a while to

This is a very direct, powerful effect, you can steal them away at the end of the prediction in the form of a
achieved by simple, natural means to leave yourself with an ordinary photo of the card posted on your
and it is a theme he has returned deck in play. Twitter feed, Instagram or other
to several times. The performer social media. Or you can message
places a small envelope containing I see this having more in common them at the start and they check
a playing card on the table and with the ‘Open Prediction’ precept the message at the end.
never touches it again. A participant rather than the ‘The Trick That Can’t
takes the deck out of the box and Be Explained’. The essence of This is a strong piece and if you
shuffles it. They then cut the deck Vernon’s routine is that it employs are no purist you are likely to use
and the top card is immediately a normal deck, eschewing the use this because it really does deliver
turned over. The deck is turned face of duplicates or gimmicks of any what it sets out to offer. You might
up and clearly spread to show that kind. The Professor was an early feel a little disappointed in the
there are no duplicates. When the exponent of utilising a ‘jazz magic’ package that you receive for £30
participant opens the envelope the approach that requires the presenter but you’re paying for the smart
THE TRICK THAT card matches their selection. As to be fleet of mind in following thinking. BG
CAN BE EXPLAINED described, all the action takes place random outcomes to engineer a
Mark Elsdon in the spectator’s hands. satisfactory outcome.
Booklet, 4pp., with gimmicks. WHAT’S HOT: the effect and
Available from any Murphy’s Most of the variations on this central Clearly this purist approach routining are what you’re paying
retailer or dealers contact theme explored by this prolific has similarly constrained many for – albeit handsomely - here.
[Link] originator rely upon multiple outs, performers as a succession of It is clean, and everything is
Price: £30.00 but here he eliminates the use of notable names have attempted to in the spectator’s hands. No
alternative outcomes - the card in reduce the level of chance from outs or switches, the prediction
The Mark Elsdon name on the envelope is always the selection. Vernon’s effect to maximise the always matches. If the effect
a release is an indicator the likelihood of the desired outcome. In attracts you, this will equip you
contents are likely to be both What we have here is the application the process they move from ‘outs’ to to do it convincingly.
intriguing and neatly routined. of a couple of standard gimmicks to some form of force – which is what WHAT’S NOT: some will query
One of his traits is to strip an more or less guarantee a favourable this is in essence, albeit an extremely the asking price for a few basic
effect back to its components and outcome. His application of the effective and fair one. gimmicked cards and four A5
simplify it to maximise its impact. well known card gimmicks renders pages of explanation. No effect
In the process he can employ the routine all but self-working – Instruction is via a paltry four page in the spectator’s hands can be
means that almost seem too although you have to have your wits pamphlet. The explanation is crystal 100% guaranteed, which might
direct and simple and you tend to about you. It’s a simple matter to clear, because in truth there is concern the querulous. Pedants
get comparatively little in the way fake a set of cards yourself if you not a great deal to explain. Reset will be unpersuaded by the
of props for your money. wish to change the outcome. You is simple, but is best done out of alignment to the Vernon classic.
add the cards to a normal deck, so view. Elsdon points out the option RATING: 75%

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 THE REVIEWS
Then I looked at the trailer and was good - and, with a little work you’ll make your own arrangements.
drawn inexorably to the chicken- be able to improve it noticeably.
flapping imitation their presenter The whole thing requires some
performed every time he changed The secret apparatus is entirely handling practice, particularly on
the can. What mechanism was he stolen away by the end and you can those flapping wings, but this is
hiding that necessitated such a large give the spectator the remaining primarily a gimmick-driven effect and
and ungainly motion? Worrying. drink at the end. The fact that you not at all difficult to pull off. If you like
end up totally clean, with a gimmick- what you see, can accommodate
It gets worse – but then it gets less drink, is a big plus. the various restrictions it imposes,
VENDING MACHINE better, so it’s worth hanging on and the asking price doesn’t put you
SansMinds in there. Upon opening the DVD In a parlour or stage situation where off – go for it. However, that’s a fair
Gimmick materials, DVD 33 mins case you are faced with a DVD you are in control of angles, it can few ifs and a handful of buts. BG
Available from any Murphy’s retailer (remember them?) and… some look great. Forget it for walk-around.
or dealers contact materials. Being provided with If you want some eye-candy for a
[Link] components by SansMinds means promo, it is a safe bet. SansMinds WHAT’S HOT: the effect is the
Price: £38.00 only one thing: a DIY interlude know a thing or two about thing here. A pleasing visual
beckons. producing good instructional films moment that’s easy to do and
with fine production values, so no ends clean. You’re supplied
You hold a can of drink. With a It’s not difficult, although you have problems in that regard. with everything you need. The
shake, it visually changes to a to be both careful and precise. You DIY is not demanding. The
different brand of drink – and the better had, because you don’t get There are several variations on instructional film will guide you
can may be fully handled and any further supplies of the ‘stuff’. offer. One is a dual change – for through every step of the way
examined. Interesting. You get materials to make it up in which, guess what, you have to WHAT’S NOT: it’s horses for
two different soda makes, Coca buy another set. He also explores a courses. This can’t be done
Perhaps to my shame I freely admit Cola and an energy drink. To make transposition of liquid drink to solid surrounded, you must be able
I was immediately on my guard up any further, or different, can item, as well as an eye-bothering to control your performing
when this popped through the gimmicks you’d have to buy the split drink handling. environment, and there are
letterbox from Leveridge Towers, whole package afresh – at nearly clothing restrictions. It’s also
that proudly baronial castle nestling forty quid a pop. We are reminded that this started life a rather high price for a DIY
on the Exmoor borders. Firstly, some time back as ‘Pop Change’. project. To make additional
it’s from SansMinds, who have I promised it gets better, and it ‘Vending Machine’ is certainly an alternative soda brands you
a history of pouring a seemingly does. This looks great and works enhanced version of that flawed have to buy the product all over
unending waterfall of effects onto well… but within limitations (it just forerunner. It requires you to wear again – they don’t offer spares
the marketplace with a quality-to- got worse again: I’m toying with a jacket or sweatshirt over a dark RATING: 60%
release ratio that’s, let’s just say, you). You can do what you see on t-shirt - not unachievable in many
patchy. the trailer – it really can look that performing environments. Ladies,

couldn't wait to get stuck into utilised in this field. It also includes supporting the text. There's
Dice Mysteries by Steve Drury a reproduction of The Secret Blue nothing worse than reading a book
when it arrived. I wouldn't like to Book (gambling catalogue), 1932. that's just text. Dice Mysteries
even hazard a guess at the amount has a good mix of text and
of time Steve spent researching 4. Other types of dice and mental photographs.
everything that made it into the dice boxes.
book. If you are buying it just for the dice
5. 20 routines using dice from effects then be prepared for the
Weighing in at almost 600 pages, some of the best minds in magic fact that some of them require
Dice Mysteries is a mighty tome (Richard Osterlind, Docc Hilford, a prop or a special device to
dedicated to the world of dice. Kenton Knepper, David Berglas to perform. There are several effects
name just a few. that I'm going to put the effort into
The book is broken down into the learning for sure.
following sections: The book is extremely thorough and
1. History of dice covering topics covers each topic in great detail. If If you have any interest in dice then
such as Entymology, Shaman you have any interest dice, like I do, I recommend you pick up a copy
to Layman, Statistics and then there's sure to be something of of this book. It's not cheap but it is
Probability, other random number interest to you within its pages. worth every penny.
DICE MYSTERIES generators.
Steve Drury The typesetting of the book is good Highly recommended. PS
[Link] 2. Uses for dice specific divination and offers generous line spacing
[Link]/mysteries with contributions from Richard making it easy to read. Personally
Price: £99 +VAT Webster, Les Cross and Stephen I would have had less space to
Ball. reduce the amount of pages but WHAT’S HOT: huge collection
that's just me. of all things dice related
I love dice. I have a large 3. Titled 'The Longer you Play, the WHAT’S NOT: the book is
collection that I have built up More you Lose' section 3 focuses The pages are littered with quite heavy due to its size
over the years of all sizes so I on gambling and the many gaffs illustrations and photographs RATING: 85%

38 MAGICSEEN LITE - ISSUE 4

0-20% = VERY POOR | 21-40% = A BIT WEAK | 41-60% = REASONABLE | 61-80% = GOOD | 81-100% = EXCELLENT THE REVIEWS
worth your money and secondly to face with one outjogged from moments that would need to be
worth the trouble of mastering? the deck visually change into two incorporated into existing routines.
Let’s take a look at the four items different cards. It’s another difficult On their own there is something
and see how they measure up. one to do and without any real school boyish about them,
purpose, remains another moment clever little mini tricks, learnt to
First on the DVD is the Gourmet of eye candy card magic. impress. Perhaps that’s who they
Production, a pretty looking snap are aimed at. If you enjoy your
PAPER STORM production of four Aces, one at a Elixir Change is a printing card card magic eye candy style you
Rich Li time. Each card suddenly appears effect. Once a card has been might enjoy trying to learn these
Available from any Murphy’s stepped behind another, one at a remembered from the deck moves but it won’t be suited to
retailer or dealers contact www. time in a column. The appearance a double faced blank card is many, even the most avid card
[Link] of each card is fun to watch introduced which suddenly enthusiast. PP
Price: £35.00 especially for one person because it becomes visually printed one side
only has a fairly narrow performing at a time. At least there is some
angle and a get ready arguably point to the move, but again WHAT’S HOT: visual eye
SansMinds have thought it a more awkward than the mechanics technically difficult especially under popping type moments with
good idea to feature Rich Li of the appearance. He also shows real world conditions. cards
and just four of his own sleight an alternative version where after WHAT’S NOT: technically
of hand moves, but unless you the flash appearance of four Aces, Finally, Dash is a weird visual extremely difficult to master,
are a highly advanced move they disappear under the hand. moment where you throw a card at rather ‘angly’ and on their own
monkey on the card scene this This uses a gimmicked card which the deck where it is seen to appear have no purpose other than as
isn’t going to appeal to you. Even he explains how to make. It’s pretty sticking out of the middle. Then an impressive display of skill
SansMinds in a rare moment of eye candy type manipulation but suddenly it is back in the hand. Like RATING: 45%
marketing honesty actually state, the angles makes it limited for real the other items it’s a moment of
“Being honest, all of these can be world use. flashy magic with the least purpose
challenging to learn, and they’re of any of the items offered on this
not for the faint of heart”. You’re Second up is Skrt Change, DVD.
not kidding there! described as Rich’s display version
of Dr Daley’s Last Trick, although As you can see these aren’t
So, are these original but I can’t see any resemblance routines that can entertain people,
challenging eye candy moments whatsoever. Two cards placed face they are just magical eye popping

It’s a one out of five prediction but There is no force as each choice
is still an effective prediction effect is covered by a different reveal,
for lay people. You receive a leather all of which are strong involving
Himber wallet, the old style cards, the photograph, the money and
photographs, online instructions the cards. The wallet’s switching
and an additional 16 page pdf of ability is only needed for one of the
additional ideas and routines from choices.
Badman, Miller and Luke Jermay.
The trick’s effectiveness lies in
My advice, if you are going to use the storyline which is left to your
some form of grandfather tale, take own imagination. It’s a nice self-
the cards, photograph and wallet contained effect especially for
and kick them up and down the strolling with plenty of other routines
road a few times to give them some and extras included on the pdf. PP
only knew one trick where he always authentic aging, seek out some old
LEGACY knew the card that would be chosen bank notes from the 40s/50s, and
Jamie Badman & Colin Miller and even bet money on it. make the old grandfather/mentor
Available from any Murphy’s retailer tale as un-hackneyed and ungeneric
or dealers contact You show a photograph of him from as you can! WHAT’S HOT: story based
[Link] a wallet and the same amount of prediction with well produced
Price: £38.00 money that he used to bet. They are The worn out condition of the props. It’s easy to present and
replaced inside the wallet and the props will add some realism to the perform. Self-contained.
same five cards he used are taken storyline rather than using the brand WHAT’S NOT: a one out of
Legacy is a simple prediction out of the wallet and given to the new ‘aged’ cards and a shiny new five prediction might not seem
routine brought to life by some spectator to hold. The spectator wallet. The wallet is very nice quality that impressive? The props
well produced props and most makes a free choice of one of the but I would be tempted to remove could do with some aging for
importantly a suitably crafted story cards which needless to say proves the metal corners which might realism. The old grandfather
that you will invent yourself. To a to have been correctly predicted by giveaway the working of a Himber story could sound generic/
tale about your grandfather or other your grandfather who still amazes wallet. hackneyed.
suitable mentor, you explain that he people from the grave! RATING: 75%

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