MS43 US cover 4pp_Layout 1 12/02/2012 22:02 Page 1

THE MAGIC MAGAZINE FOR MAGICIANS & MENTALISTS

See you in Blackpool? RRP $6.00 US/CAN ISSN 2163-0550

Vol. 8. No.1
Newsflash 2.0 - Universal
The most visual and natural T& R newspaper you can do. For broadsheet,
tabloid and US-formated newspapers. Bonus Poster-Version, 2 minute
preparation Express-Version and many variations.

MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE
Double DVD, learning tools, more than 80 Illustrations, gimmick ...
REVIEWS
Just a cup - This is not a chop cup - COMEDY
Issue No.43 Vol. 8. No.1 January 2012
This is a practical one cup routine with new www.lybrary.com/magicseen CELEBRITIES
possibilities. With only one leather dice cup MASTERCLASS
and one die, you will create lots of wonder CLUBLAND

MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE - THE MAGIC MAGAZINE FOR MAGICIANS AND MENTALISTS

in your hands and in the hands of your
spectator. If you don´t know the CHRIS
new technique ... RAWLINS:
... it will fool you badly. MENTALISM FOR
TOMORROW - TODAY! PLUS:
PATRICK PAGE
MAGIC
Cola Cap SQUEEZING HELP! THERE’S
The best "Cap in bottle" multi phase
routine for your stand up show.
THE CREATIVE MORE
Start with a sealed bottle, end up
JUICES: MAGIC ON
with a great gift for your spectator.
THE BEST 6 WAYS THE TELLY
TO COME UP WITH
NEW IDEAS! IT AIN’T ALL MAGIC

Spoonaround
A surprising transformation of
a spoon into a fork.
Three different routines, one high
quality gimmick. Lots of fun MARCH 2012

for you and your audience.

Available from the inventor only: TELLER

THE SOUND OF SILENCE!
www.axelhecklau.com A MAGICSEEN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
MS Issue 43 new FINAL1_Layout 1 02/02/2012 20:13 Page 5
MS Issue 43 US PAGES_Layout 1 12/02/2012 19:45 Page 1

WELCOME 7

orld Exclusive! Funny, I’ve always So what else have we got to tickle your

W wanted to say that, and now I

have! Our cover star in issue 43
is the silent one from the famous duo Penn
fancy in March’s Marvellous Magazine? Want
to invent magic? Then in Squeezing The
Creative Juices we offer you the best six
and Teller. I was concerned that interviewer ways to develop new material. The final part
Benoit Grenier might have a hard time of It Ain’t All Magic concentrates on Punch
getting a word out of him, but nothing could And Judy, but perhaps not quite in the way
be further from the truth and the result is a you might expect (!), the Comedy Page has
fascinating insight into the work that Teller an interview with award winning comedian
does with Penn and indeed on other Patrick Monahan, and Eoin Smith reveals all
WHAT’S INSIDE
projects on his own. about the magic scene north of the border in
7. Welcome
The Magic Of Scotland.
8 Letters
Of course Teller has come to prominence in
the UK in recent times because of the Penn But that’s not all, you lucky people, because
11. News
and Teller: Fool Us series on TV, and another we have an interview with JC Sum and Ning
12. Help! There’s More Magic On Telly!
of our guests in this issue, Anthony Owen, is following their latest successful world record 13. Hans Klok Competition
also a big mover and shaker in this field with attempt in Singapore, we learn about the 16. It Ain’t All Magic - Final Part
a whole list of successful magic TV great work done at Potter and Potter 20. How To Perform Magic
productions behind him. He stops by to help Auctions with the sale of magic artefacts, 21. Celebrity Magic
himself to Magicseen’s tea and chocolate there’s a Dealers’ Booth Special featuring 22. Under The Hammer
biscuits and through a mouthful tells us all Patrick Page Magic, a Club Land 24. Chris Rawlins
about his new project on CBBC called Help! showcasing the BMS, product reviews 29. Comedy
My Supply Teacher Is Magic. Also in this galore, a special Scottish magic 30. Squeezing The Creative Juices
packed issue we speak to two authors - Masterclass, plus letters and news. Phew! 36. Teller
young up-and-coming mentalist Chris Don’t quite know how we fitted it all in really! 44. The Magic Of Scotland
Rawlins, whose new book Roulette will be Hope you enjoy it. 47. Masterclass
available from Magicseen as a download 50. Clubland
shortly, and Tony Middleton, whose Mark Leveridge 52. Mind Heist
awesome book Performing Magic has been 56. Dealers’ Booth Special
getting rave reviews and comments. 60. Reviews
69. Next Issue

THE MAGIC MAGAZINE FOR MAGICIANS & MENTALISTS THE TEAM SUBSCRIPTIONS
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Deputy Editor: Graham Hey for all other countries are available from www.magicseen.co.uk,
MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE or sending your details and a cheque payable to ‘Magicseen’ to
Design Editor: Phil Shaw
REVIEWS
Issue No.43 Vol. 8. No.1 January 2012
COMEDY
CELEBRITIES Magicseen Subscriptions, 13a Lyndhurst Road, Exeter EX2
4PA, UK. £25.00 for annual subscriptions, Europe £37.00,
www.lybrary.com/magicseen

Advertisement Enquiries: Sarah Logan

MASTERCLASS
CLUBLAND
worldwide £46.00.
CHRIS
RAWLINS: [email protected]
MENTALISM FOR Copyright. The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are
Website Design: Creative Design Partners
PLUS:
TOMORROW - TODAY!
PATRICK PAGE those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the
MAGIC
views of the publishers. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or
SQUEEZING
THE CREATIVE
HELP! THERE’S Circulation: Sarah Logan part is strictly prohibited without the prior consent of the publishers.
MORE
JUICES:
THE BEST 6 WAYS
MAGIC ON
THE TELLY Circulation Assistant: Jessica Culver Colour transparencies, manuscripts or discs are sent at the owners’
TO COME UP WITH
own risk. Neither the company nor its agents accept any
Contributors: Paul Jackson, George Luck, Benoit Grenier,
NEW IDEAS! IT AIN’T ALL MAGIC
responsibility for loss or damage. All unsolicited material should be
Eoin Smith, Peter Duffie, Ian Kendall, Elizabeth Warlock accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope.

Reviewers: Mark Leveridge, Paul Preager, Tom Crosby, Thanks to: Teller, Chris Rawlins, JC Sum & Ning,

TELLER
THE SOUND OF SILENCE!
A MAGICSEEN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Matthew Young, Graham Hey, Phil Shaw
Magicseen’s management board consists of Graham Hey,
Mark Leveridge & Phil Shaw
Anthony Owen, Tony Miller, Gabe Fajuri

The US/Canada version of Magicseen Magazine (ISSN 2163-0550)

is published bimonthly by Lybrary.com, 14 Durham Str., Somerville,
MA 02143. Application to mail at periodicals postage prices is
General enquiries and comments: pending at Boston, MA. POSTMASTER send address changes to
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VOLUME 8 No. 1 ISSUE 43
MS Issue 43 new FINAL1_Layout 1 02/02/2012 20:13 Page 8

,
READERS
LETTERS
If you have anything you would like to
tell us, whether it’s about the magazine
or anything magic related, please email:
[email protected]

too difficult but looks great – cards, then thinks of one. David From our research, there’s a useful
almost as if I was really skillful. Is then reveals the card is tattooed list of marketed packet tricks at
there anything you can on his heart where the boy had www.magicpedia.net, along with
recommend? placed his hand. I thought that some demos. Also, you can try:
Liam Berwick, Portsmouth this was brilliant, and I’m really http://geniimagazine.com/magicpe
interested in learning more about dia/Packet_Tricks (We don’t mind
BAN YOUTUBE this kind of stack (I presume it is mentioning other magazines!). You
I wish someone could ban one!) in mentalism. Can you point could also check out books by Paul
YouTube.com because it’s ruining me in the right direction in this Hallas and Aldo Columbini for
magic!! I’ve recently performed area, please? starters...
several close-up magic shows Jez Taylor, Wales (via email)
and at each one, some young
lad (with an attitude) has piped- THE MAGICIANS
up: I know how you do that, I’ve ON THE BBC
seen it on YouTube! Or I must say that The Magician’s
something similar. I’m getting fed TV series on TV is much better
up with it, as all it seems to do is than the first series – there’s
provide information for people certainly more magic. However,
who don’t care about magic, promoting it as ‘Live!’ is a bit of a
they just like to spoil it for fraud, as there’s hardly any live
everyone else. Well Liam, there’s a lot of stuff out segments in the show. Some of
Yours angrily, there, but a current favourite in the the effects in the recorded
Keith Norton, Middlesbrough Magicseen office is Tool by David segment are so obviously
Stone. You can do loads of different camera tricks, it’s taking the
Hmmm, yes, YouTube does create things with this clever gimmick. Vernon’s 5 card mental force is a mickey out of the public (and
problems for us magicians, but it Even though David is far too good place to start – visit your magicians). The effect where the
also provides useful information. talented and good looking for his favourite magic dealer for more judge from ‘Strictly Come
Try searching: ‘How to injure own good, we begrudgingly suggest information on this. Plus, check out Dancing’ is put in the boot of a
annoying members of the public’ – you get this latest effect of his. the works of Chan Canasta, who did car (with no cut aways) and then
and you should get some good You’ll be able to get it from most a lot of this stuff - oh, he was ahead he turns up five seconds later
ideas on how to handle these idiots! good magic dealers. We hate David of his time, he was!! inside a helicopter in the sky, was
Stone!!!! a travesty!

LOOKING FOR A PACKET TRICKS The public already think TV

GIMMICK! BLAINE’S GOT ‘R’ US! magic is full of camera tricks, so
I’m quite new to magic and HEART! I am interested in packet tricks – this does us no good at all!
found a copy of your magazine in I was recently watching some I’m not a very experienced There, I’ve got that off my chest.
a second-hand shop. I’m not episodes of David Blaine’s magic magician and just get asked to I still watch it though.
really up on the internet (no, TV shows, and there was an do a few things when relatives Pat Jenkins, Southall, London
computer – boo!) so thought you excellent effect where David visit! Is there a resource for this
might be able to help me. I’m does a mentalism effect: a young kind of thing?
looking for a trick which is not man cuts the deck and takes 5 Mr. T. Hutton, Essex.
MS Issue 43 new FINAL1_Layout 1 02/02/2012 20:13 Page 10

ROYLE’S – BEYOND THE PSYCHIC SECRETS EXPOSED

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MS Issue 43 new FINAL1_Layout 1 02/02/2012 20:13 Page 11

11

IN THE
NEWS
band to come out of England in
the last 30 years, are to reform,
and it was Dynamo who showed
the Sun reporter a text message
from Roses lead singer Ian
Brown confirming the news!

Dynamo is currently filming a new A nationwide talent competition for ALL variety acts has just been
TV series, which is set to be even launched.‘Britain Does Variety’ is a NATIONWIDE hunt to find the BEST
bigger than his last, and he has entertainment the nation has to offer. Nationwide auditions commence
DYNAMO TURNS some of the hottest young February 2012 and you should just have time to register by the time you
TO STONE! names in world magic working read this issue of Magicseen!
Ex-Magicseen cover star, and all- on the series with him. Dynamo
round nice fella Dynamo has an (Stephen to his friends) just For your opportunity to win from a package of HUGE CASH
address book choc-a-block with missed out on an award at the PRIZES, a performance at the Indigo at the O2,a spot in one of the
celebrity friends these days – and UK TV Awards recently, but we UK’S leading entertainment booker’s annual showcase and much
it was he who gave The Sun a are certain that he won’t have more... reserve your audition slot now!
recent exclusive story. The Stone long to wait for one!
Roses, perhaps the most iconic www.britain-does-variety.co.uk

BOOK FOR TYNESIDE NOW!!!

The three day event, supported Martin said: “The South Tyneside 2010/2011 rate of £65, also
by MagicBox, will include a International Magic Convention covers entry to all lectures, close-
variety of workshops, lectures has become one of the key up shows and dealer events that
and masterclasses featuring events in the magic calendar and will be held between Friday,
leading magicians from around one which annually attracts March 9 and Sunday March 11,
the globe. professionals and dedicated 2012, with various masterclasses
magic fans from around the being offered for a small
Event organisers South Tyneside world. additional fee.
Council and magician Martin
Duffy, former President of the Those who attend the Places for the South Tyneside
Newcastle Magic Circle, have convention will receive entry to International Magic Convention
The South Tyneside International already secured an amazing line both Gala Shows, which are held 2012 are strictly limited. For more
Magic Convention, which is held up of international acts, including at the Customs House in South information or to book visit
annually in South Shields, near John Archer, Americans David Shields , as well as an exclusive www.southtyneside.info/magic, call
Newcastle upon Tyne, is set to Regal, Rob Torres and Levent Midnight Show, to be held at a (0191) 4247986, email
return for a ninth bumper year and European performers secret venue nearby. [email protected] or
from Friday, March 9, 2012. This Christian Schenk (Card Shark), search for the event on Facebook.
event has become one of the Archini & Smith, Mat Ricardo, The convention ticket price,
‘must-see’ conventions in the UK! High Jinx and Ricky McLeod. which has been held at the
MS Issue 43 new FINAL1_Layout 1 02/02/2012 20:13 Page 12

12

HELP! THERE’S
MORE MAGIC
ON THE TELLY!
Another magic TV series
is currently running on
the BBC in the UK, so we
ask creator & producer,
Anthony Owen to tell us
all about it!

Tell us about the series - whose

idea was it and what's it about?
I devised 'Help, My Supply Teacher is Magic'
and it's a magazine show for kids who love
magic. In the main feature we put hidden
cameras in primary school classrooms and
tell the classes they have a new supply
teacher - in fact unknown to the kids those
teachers are really magicians. The lessons
then turn into magic!

The series also features lots of other regular ‘Help! My Supply Teacher is Magic’ presenter Iain Stirling.
features - an interactive trick for the viewers
to join in with, video clips sent in by young
magicians from all over the UK, a magical “The Head of CBBC is a big fan of the other
puzzle for viewers to try on their friends,
street magic and other hidden camera
shows I make like The Real Hustle and
magic. Every episode is packed with tricks. Derren Brown and loved the idea of a fast
paced magazine show about magic.”
How did the BBC get it? Was it
pitched to them, or did they John Archer, Fergus Flannagan, Katherine you can still see the influence of that series in
approach you? Mills and James Went. I have been a long other children's magic shows. I hope this show
I pitched it to the BBC and they time fan of John Archer. Fergus, Katherine will be as influential and ground breaking.
commissioned the full series. The Head of and James came from big nationwide
CBBC is a big fan of the other shows I make auditions which we did.
like The Real Hustle and Derren Brown and Is this a project with overseas
loved the idea of a fast paced magazine sales potential? Was this a part
show about magic. As a producer, what's different of the whole format idea?
about this show - what excites I think all formats are created with an eye to
you about the format? international potential. Due to my success
Which magicians are on it, and I'm excited about bringing magic to a new with Derren and The Real Hustle we've
how were they selected? generation of viewers. It's almost ten years already had serious international interest in
The four magicians featured in the series are since I produced The Quick Trick Show and the series.
MS Issue 43 new FINAL3_Layout 1 05/02/2012 23:05 Page 13

COMPETITION 13

WIN TICKETS
TO THE GREATEST
ILLUSION SHOW
ON EARTH!
Starring HANS KLOK: The fastest
magician in the world in THE
HOUDINI EXPERIENCE - With more
illusions than you can count!!!!
For the first
time ever, Hans
Klok the Master
of Mystery
arrives at the
Peacock
Theatre,
London for 5
weeks only.
Top left: Fergus Flannagan. Top right: James Went. Bottom left: Katherine Mills. Bottom right: John Archer. Described as a
‘chilling, thrilling
and
We get a few letters saying that make it a good programme?' Sometimes breathtakingly
magic should stand on it’s own they don't. amazing show’, Hans Klok, his Divas of
feet - and that it doesn’t need Magic and a company of world-class variety
celebrities involved or a You are probably the most and circus acts perform illusions, daredevil
judging panel to make it experienced magic producer stunts and wizardry unlike anything ever seen
entertaining - what do you think for TV in the UK - what’s the most before.
about this? important thing you've learned Having starred in Las Vegas with Pamela
I'm sure people who read Magicseen would about magic for TV? Anderson as his magical assistant, Hans
watch a magic show however it was There are many things, but one I'd pass on brings a new kind of theatre to London, one
packaged. was quoted by Geoffrey Durham in his book. for all the family to enjoy this Spring.
I think I probably learnt it from Paul Daniels.
However magic - and all entertainment - has It is this: TV is just a venue. And like any Escape from reality and get ready to relive the
always needed a degree of marketing to venue you work in you need to understand Houdini experience. ‘The greatest wizard in
draw an audience. From the death defying how it works to get the best from it and to the world’
danger of Houdini's escapes or Chung Ling give your best.
Soo catching a bullet to David Copperfield www.sadlerswells.com
vanishing the statue of liberty or Doug What else are you up to? www.facebook.com/houdiniexperience
Henning's live specials, there's always been My products for magicians continue to sell
a degree of marketing to make something around the world. You can pick many of To win a pair of tickets, answer
attract an audience. them up from magic dealers as Murphy’s the following question: In which
Magic distributes them. However there are a country was Houdini born?
It's no different to any magician trying to number which are available exclusively from Send your answer to:
stand out in any marketplace. You need a the folks at TVMagic.co.uk [email protected]
Unique Selling Proposition. And all
entertainment needs a 'high concept' to do Also, while my work with Objective keeps Competition closes 5th March 2012.
that - and always has. me very busy, very occasionally I am able to
act as a consultant on live projects not for T&C: We have one pair of top price tickets to give
Celebrities or a competition narrative are just television and I always enjoy working with away. Prize valid for Tuesday – Thursday
other - currently popular - ways of doing that. new performers. performances until 22nd March 2012, subject to
availability. There is no cash alternative to the prizes,
What's more important is 'Do the people (‘Help! My Supply Teacher is Magic’ airs on they are non-refundable and non-transferable and
making the programme have the necessary CBBC at 5.45pm on Tuesdays) not for resale.
specialist magic and television expertise to
MS Issue 43 new FINAL1_Layout 1 02/02/2012 20:13 Page 14
MS Issue 43 new FINAL1_Layout 1 02/02/2012 20:13 Page 16

16

IT AIN’T
Punch and Judy
ALL MAGIC FINAL P
ART

So far we have pulled out all the stops to So you’ve decided to become a dolly Devil and Crocodile should see you right.
provide children’s entertainers with loads waggler (in Punch and Judy terms they’re That’s your first £1000 spent but hey it’s a
of practical and important advice on how called a Professor but let’s not worry about great investment. Then you’ll be thinking
to provide games, face painting, balloon that) and you need some cheap advice to about joining a gym and a psychotherapist’s.
modelling and circus skills workshops as see you off – well as a practising Punch &
an alternative to magic in their shows, but Judy man I’ll see what I can do. Have you tried to hold two heavy puppets
really this has all just been a warm up for above your head while shouting to yourself
First, you are going to need some dolls. A in two different voices? You need the
the final instalment offered here, which
trip to Toys R Us will set you up nicely but stamina of an athlete and the split
aims to put right all the mis-information
you’ll be lucky to find anything that personality of Jekyll and Hyde. With your
that abounds about how to set yourself up
resembles a set of Punch and Judy figures. biceps a-bulging, now you can turn to
as a professional Punch and Judy man.
You could buy a Tiny Tears as the baby, that Punch’s theatre or fit-up. Yes you could
Magicseen is hugely indebted to Paul way when your average audience bursts into spend another £1000 but I suggest even the
Jackson who has held nothing back and tears at the first sound you make, or when clumsiest of fools could make their own. You
provides what can only be described as the crocodile makes his grand entrance, need it to be collapsible, so you can move it
the very last word on this subject. you’ll at least know how to handle them. The from booking to booking, and being
set of official dolls of which we speak are not collapsible you need to have some pretty
So, fasten your safety belt, and over cheap and you’ll need about eight - Punch, serious Public Liability insurance for the time
to Paul….. Judy, Clown, Policeman, Ghost, Doctor, it collapses mid show and on the audience.
MS Issue 43 new FINAL1_Layout 1 02/02/2012 20:13 Page 17

IT AIN’T ALL MAGIC 17

Don’t worry, the first time it’ll be covered on

Equity’s insurance. Come the second time,
you’ll have learnt not to hang around long
enough to have to give out your insurer’s
details.

The psychotherapist’s prove a rich source of

material for your doctor routine and as
Harley Street has a special on at the
moment you shouldn’t concern yourself with
the ‘investment’ here either. If you can
handle not having any friends, due to your
personality disorder, then you’ll find the
training particularly useful if you
subsequently also try your hand at clowning.

Then you need to consider ‘the voice’. In the

trade it’s known as a Swazzle but to the
uninitiated it’s sometimes referred to as ‘the
call’. You can learn ‘calling’ Mr Punch’s tune
– and it acts very much like a musical reed –
by filing down a single metal pencil
sharpener blade and then practising by
resting it on your tongue for long periods of
time, nice and near the back of your throat.
Don’t worry if you swallow one, they are
inexpensive and you can always make
another. A trip to the doctor’s straight after
the appointment with the psychotherapist’s
is then recommended. The subsequent X-
Ray makes a great Christmas card or after
dinner speech tool for those whose friends
are still OK with what you intend to do.

Then we turn to the ‘roundings’ – these are

the red and white striped material that
provides the attractive theatre’s enclosure.
You’ll get used to seeing both stars and
stripes in this game and will gaze fondly
upon those empty deckchairs you’ll see
while entertaining the half dozen kids on the
hot summer’s day. The sweat that you lose
at the gym will be more than equalled by the
sweat lost during the show, but the saving
on washing – your clothes will only be fit for
the bonfire after all this – will make it all seem for the fact that your vocal cords will already accommodate half a dozen large boxes, two
worthwhile. Besides, Primark provides a have been ripped to shreds during long golf bags, tarpaulins, gazebos and all
nice cheap way of keeping your wardrobe rehearsals. Just turn it up nice and load to the sundry items that’ll go to make up a
up to date. ensure that the booker knows you are ‘show’. You needn’t worry about the fire
working. No-one will be able to understand extinguisher or disabled toilet, although we
Next we come to the amplification. As a the Swazzle anyway and that extra noise will understand the Theatres and Entertainments
working magician you will already have all drown out any complaints. Act does stipulate their inclusion!
the cards stacked in your favour. Your
around-the-neck sound mike and portable If after all this you still decide to give it a go, There it is then, an inexpensive guide to an
hand held speaker will produce a noise that then the final piece of advice concerns your issue that isn’t easy to address - Happy
will be truly awful, but this will compensate transport. Remember to buy a car that can Swazzling.
MS Issue 43 new FINAL1_Layout 1 02/02/2012 20:13 Page 20

20

HOW TO
PERFORM MAGIC!
With the recent launch of what has been described by
top performers as one of the best books ever written on
magic: Performing Magic by Tony Middleton, we decided
to find out more. We kidnapped the author, flew him to a
secret location overseas and forced the following
information out of him - almost without the use of illegal
methods. This is what he had to say...

You can’t be a great magician if you are just

“...It starts with a copy of somebody else, you have to find
finding your yourself and your character and build your
magic on that.
character, moves
on to creating your So the book is split into 3 parts, which in a
way, reflects the training that an actor
Describe the book in 3 sentences show and the final undergoes during a 3 year period. It starts
It’s a book about performance skills for part of the book is with finding your character, moves on to
magicians. Most magicians don’t train as creating your show and the final part of the
performers and this book fulfills a massive
focused on the book is focused on the moment of
void in terms of skills that magicians need to moment of performance itself which very few magicians
be successful. have written about.
performance itself
It brings together magic technique and the which very few
craft of performance, and all great magicians Tony, this book has received
know that it’s the person who entertained
magicians have probably the highest level of
them that people remember more than written about.” testimonial from many of
anything else, and you have to get that right. biggest names in magic
including Paul Daniels, David
Berglas, Kevin James, Geoffrey
Tell us about writing the book.. I have always seen a massive link between Durham, David Stone, Jeff
It has taken me three years but my thinking the world of theatre and the world of magic McBride and Michael Finney. I
about this book started 10 years ago. I but as most people don’t train in both of cannot recall ever seeing a
trained as a director under the Birkbeck these industries simultaneously they perhaps book with this amount of such
director’s MFA programme, set up by the don’t see the connection in the way that I high quality endorsement. How
National Council for Drama Training and do... I always felt that I needed to write this does that make you feel?
before that at degree level at Royal Holloway, book as it is something very close to my Well it’s great that the content of this book
University of London. heart but also incredibly necessary for has been recognised as important. Paul
magicians. If magicians can be better Daniels and David Berglas have both kindly
So I’ve always been heavily involved in theatre performers and better presenters of magic written forewords to the book and it’s good
and performance as much as I have in magic. then the public’s expectation of magic as a to see that great performers recognise the
whole will improve. significance of this material. I have always
I must have started magic when I was about thought that being able to work an audience
8 and kept going until now and so my If you look at most magicians who have been and excite people with your magic are skills
awareness of magic as a performance art really successful as performers they that are perhaps more important than the
became more acute as I studied magic and understand how important presentation is and mastery of complex sleight of hand. Of
drama simultaneously. how being unique is what sets them apart. course you need to be a great magician
MS Issue 43 new FINAL1_Layout 1 02/02/2012 20:13 Page 21

21

technically but if you can’t entertain an

audience then there’s no point.
CELEBRITY MAGIC
Tell us about the quality of the CI: (laughs) It must be a long rope!
production of the book... MS: Ahem! What was the last magic you saw?
I am very pleased with the quality of the
production as I have always wanted it to be CI: There was a cool close-up magician at a
a manual that magicians would refer back to party I was at, but the last I saw on TV was
continuously. It’s a hard back book with Criss Angel. I like his image – and he seems
silver stamping which is very striking. The to be successful with the ladies...
pages are of a lovely weight and the type-
setting is very easy on the eye and the MS: Maybe it's the length of his rope..
photographs of audience reactions really tell
the story very well. The dust jacket is equally CI: Probably the length of his hair. The ladies
striking, white embossing on black with spot CHRIS ISAAK in the States like long hair!
UV, which makes it stand out even more. I He’s famous for his huge hit single:
know that if I received this book I would be ‘Wicked Game’, and providing MS: We must mention that to Wayne Fox...
very pleased with the quality. Zebra Magic songs for the David Lynch-directed Anyway, we digress. You have a new album
went to great lengths to find the right mini-series Blue Velvet. He’s a cool, out, so I guess you want to talk about it?
manufacturer who could provide the quality enigmatic performer, also well
that I wanted and that I thought reflected the known for his sharp sense of CI: It makes sense, seeing we're at the
calibre of the material. Magic books don’t humour... launch of it...
often look this good so I’m thrilled!
MS: So, you are a magic fan then, fella? MS: Sorry, we don't have any more time...

Finally tell us who would benefit CI: Yeah. I've always liked it, and a couple of CI: (laughs) You work for a cool magazine!
from your material my friends are pretty good performers. I love
OK. Well it would benefit almost every kind stuff with cards, but turn right off when a Chris’s new album: Beyond the
of magician from keen amateurs right magician gets out a rope. (laughs) Sun, on Rhino records, is out
through to well seasoned professionals now. It's great, so why not buy it?
because the dramatic tools in this book can MS: That's strange, my girlfriend turns right
be used effectively by anyone. It’s not often on when I get mine out! Thanks to RS.
the case that a book can appeal to such a
wide range but in this case it really does
because the methods in here have been IT’S THOSE FELLAS FROM EMMERDALE!
tried and tested over years. I don’t think you
can read this book and not benefit from it in STEVE HALLIWELL they certainly know how we think, and then
some way. When people ask “What books who plays Zak Dingle in Emmerdale... deliberately and beautifully mislead us!”
should I read in magic?” people say things
like ‘The Royal Road to Card Magic’ or “To me, magic is all CHRIS CHITTELL
‘Magic and Showmanship’ by Henning about being is ‘bad boy’ Eric
Nelms but rarely does anyone offer you a entertained. I appreciate Pollard in Emmerdale,
suggestion of a book that would allow you to the tricks, but love the one of the UK’s most
develop your persona and magic interaction even more. I famous soap operas –
simultaneously and that’s so important. think it’s about putting but what does he think
on a show, and making people forget about about magic?
Equally, because the material in here has everything apart from what’s going on right
been audience tested by top professionals in front of them. It’s an act, of sorts, which “I love close-up magic. There’s nothing more
there are secrets in this book that some requires skill, timing, and a high level of captivating and entertaining than being
people have begged me not to include social skills. totally fooled by skill, misdirection and sheer
because it has set them apart as joy! I love it. I sometimes watch it on TV, but
performers. “I also love the big illusions when they are to me, magic is at it’s best when it’s live and
different and creative. The people who performed well. I like the fact that it’s very
create these illusions are amazing – how do personal – it’s a show where the spectator is
their minds work? Well, I don’t know – but actually a part of.”
MS Issue 43 new FINAL1_Layout 1 02/02/2012 20:13 Page 22

22

UNDER THE HAMMER

AT POTTER & POTTER!

Based in Chicago, Illinois, Potter & Potter are

the world’s leading magic auction house. If you
want your own piece of magic history, then a
visit to one of their brilliant auctions is a ‘must’.
Magicseen chats to the founder and company
president Gabe Fajuri to find out more...

MS: Tell us a bit about the background of me to become a collector of magic. While
Potter & Potter... I’ve been interested in performing since the
age of six, it was my Dad who fanned the
GF: Potter & Potter was formed in 2007, as a flames of my interest in the history of magic.
result of my involvement with the estate of It started out with his giving me old books on
Jay Marshall. I had spent over six months the subject he found in antiquarian book
appraising Jay’s collection after his death, shops and antique markets. Then he took
and later organised an auction of some of me to Robert Lund’s American Museum of
the material from his collection. After that Magic at the age of 13. Only two years later,
first sale - which was a great success - was he chaperoned a trip to Chicago for the
completed, I realised that there was still a annual Magic Collectors’ Weekend. After MS: What’s the most expensive item you’ve
substantial amount of material in Jay’s that, I was hooked, and have been ever sold?
collection, so I founded the auction house to since. My father now works with me on a
continue selling material from his collection, daily basis. We’re partners in the business. GF: The most expensive item we have sold
with the hopes of growing it into a larger As an aside, in the early days of eBay, I sold thus far is a scarce Houdini poster. It was
business. vintage magic items online which helped pay auctioned off this year for $30,000. I
my college tuition. I never suspected I would discovered it in the basement of a suburban
MS: What’s your own magic background? end up running an auction house, but it Chicago home. The owner - the widow of a
turns out that the experience on eBay was collector - didn’t even know it was a Houdini
GF: As far as my background goes, I owe a something of a training ground for me, even poster. Needless to say, she was quite
lot of credit to my father, who encouraged thought I didn’t know it at the time. pleased with the sale!
MS Issue 43 new FINAL1_Layout 1 02/02/2012 20:13 Page 23

POTTER & POTTER 23

Houdini signed photograph. Dai Vernon’s prop case.

Other top selling items include Dai Vernon’s

prop case ($19,200), and a T. Nelson Downs
one-sheet poster ($15,600.00). We recently
“The most expensive item we have sold thus
sold Tom Mullica’s original Mullica wallet for an far is a scarce Houdini poster. It was
astonishing $9,600 - more than a pair of
Houdini handcuffs offered in the very same auctioned off this year for $30,000.”
auction.

MS: Tell us about your customers...

GF: There is no ‘typical’ magic collector. We the current market prices are. Sometimes I GF: Coming up next is our sale of the
have customers around the world, from a get it right, and sometimes - as in the case of collection of legendary card magician and Dai
variety of professions and backgrounds, a Malini advertising booklet we recently sold Vernon devotee, Larry Jennings. Among the
including farmers, bankers, lawyers, doctors, — I get it wrong. It’s not an exact science. In items in the sale are a remarkable copy of
professional magicians (both famous and the case of the Malini booklet, the pre- Erdnase’s Expert at the Card Table, carrying
not-so famous), advertising executives, and auction estimate was $200/$400. It sold for five full-page inscriptions, one each from Dai
even a few celebrities. $4800. I like making those kinds of mistakes. Vernon, Michael Skinner, Charlie Miller, Doctor
As is always the case at auction, it only takes Jacob Daley and Larry Jennings. It’s one of
The most sought-after collectible subject two bidders to drive prices skyward. the best association items I’ve ever handled,
worldwide remains, and probably always will and all the more because of the current
be, Harry Houdini. Because of his worldwide We conduct auctions on a roughly quarterly firestorm of interest in Erdnase and his
fame, prices for Houdiniana will most likely basis, occasionally pulling together special identity. There will also be many Dai Vernon
continue to rise in the future. sales for special events. In August 2011, for items in the auction, as well as a smattering
example, we had a mini-auction (with full of rare apparatus, posters, Houdini items and
MS: Who does the valuations? color catalog, etc.) at the Magic Live! books. It will be a strong start to our 2012
GF: Placing estimates on the items we sell is convention in Las Vegas. The majority of our auction calendar. Also on the horizon is a sale
done by me, as I am the resident “magic sales are conducted live in our Chicago of items in another field we specialise in:
expert.” I set our estimates based on gallery. It’s important to note that we gambling books and memorabilia. Our 2011
previous sales history, demand in the conduct the auctions live and in-person with sale of crooked and square gambling items
marketplace, and the condition of the items. a saleroom of bidders, and concurrently on set record prices, especially for uncommon
Thankfully, I handle and view thousands and the Internet. Bidders can also participate by books. One book, by F.R. Ritter, sold for an
thousands of items annually, and can count phone, or by sending absentee bids to us in astonishing record price of $19,200.00. Our
on a close circle of friends and experts on advance of the auction. Also, we produce 2012 gambling sale looks to be just as
different subjects to help me should I need lavish full-color catalogs for each auction, to exciting, with many uncommon books and
assistance. In many cases, however, highlight and help promote the sales. items already in-house.
because I’ve been collecting magic and
dealing in it to some degree since my MS: What’s coming up next at Potter & www.potterauctions.com
teenage years, I have a good grasp on what Potter?
MS Issue 43 new FINAL1_Layout 1 02/02/2012 20:14 Page 24

24

CHRIS RAWLINS
HALF MENTALIST, HALF MAN
Interview by George Luck

Mentalist Chris Rawlins is

someone who I dare say you
have probably never heard of,
but don’t feel bad because at
times, I think even he forgets
who he is (admittedly when he’s
sleeping). Either way, having
read this far, you have now
heard of him so, in a way, At a time where magic and mentalism explore other areas of mentalism such as the
mission accomplished! seems to be making a return to television, I Mindreader side as opposed to the
am intrigued to see how Chris responds and ‘Psychological’ angle. The ‘performer’
I sat down with Chris to have a chat about deals with the almost inevitable comparisons aspect is key and one I feel to be important.
what’s going on in his world at the moment. I or references to such high profile performers As any mentalist will know, you need to be
ask him how he initially got into magic? as Derren Brown. able to perform before you can perform
mentalism. I really believe showmanship to
“It’s a little strange really. I started out with “Good question. It is a tricky one but I try the be most of the battle.”
close up magic when I was pretty young and best I can to be different. For a start I’m much
it’s developed from there really. I took a younger which I feel helps. I think I have, over With the extensive time I have spent with
massive break from magic though, when I time, developed my own style but I am also Chris over the last few years, the way his
discovered music and various other ‘cool’ very aware that Derren has covered a lot of mind works has opened so many new doors
things. I’m a drummer you see, I was in a ground. I think it’s all about how you perform in my head, as he’s absolutely brimming with
band and all that kind of took over for about that can set you aside from someone as great creativity. I turn the conversation towards the
five years. I had such a blast. Then I as Derren, in that if you are yourself and constructive side of performing and ask
discovered mentalism and thought it was the entertaining then the comparison is less likely Chris to tell me about the process which he
best thing since sliced bread.” to be made. Whereas if you imitate him it just goes through when working on a new idea.
comes across as, well, bad.”
Drumming to mentalism. That must have “My process has changed somewhat over
been an obvious transition. Chris is also quick to add that, “magic at the the past year. I feel my approach to
moment is once again cool, thanks to the mentalism is constantly evolving but the way
“Oh, completely seamless”, he laughs. likes of Derren, Dynamo and Penn and Teller, I currently work when wanting to create a
which is great! I think within the area of script, routine or new effect is to get the idea
Trying to prevent another detour in mentalism in particular it is doing very well.” first (which usually comes to me in the
conversation I ask Chris what exactly he does, weirdest moments). I then work from the top
as being a ‘mentalist’ covers a large horizon. I suppose a leading question from this is a down. I write everything down, even if it’s a
subject with which many performers stupid, silly and really weird idea. I will then sit
“I eat a lot...Oh...mentalism wise? I perform, struggle, the issue of branding yourself? down and work from there. But I literally will
write and create mentalism. Publicly I am try out my ideas and develop them further
solidly mentalism-based but I have a good “Yeah, branding is something which too until I am happy with every detail in the
grounded base in magic. Outside of many people underestimate. Publicly I am a method or scripting for an effect. My process
mentalism, performing and writing, I drum, ‘Mentalist’ although I also throw in the is quite physical so coming up with the ideas
laugh far too much and eat, but I already concoction of ‘Mentalist, Mind Reader and is the easy part, it’s the development that
said that.” Performer’ as I feel it gives me license to takes the time, I’ve learned!”
MS Issue 43 new FINAL1_Layout 1 02/02/2012 20:14 Page 25

CHRIS RAWLINS 25

“My process is quite

physical so coming up
with the ideas is the easy
part, it’s the development
that takes the time, I’ve
learned!”
MS Issue 43 new FINAL1_Layout 1 02/02/2012 20:14 Page 26

26

QUICK
QUESTIONS
Favourite triangular hair styled mentalist?
It has to be Colin Mcleod! Colin, please
don’t take offence...you’re AWESOME!

Favourite variety of apple?

The red ones...?
him I have learned so much. The man is like
a machine when it come to ideas and his Last film you saw?
theory and approach is unparalleled. On top ‘Paul’
of all that, he’s a great guy just to be
around!” First magic/mentalism
performance you saw?
Having observed Chris go through this Having worked with him extensively on it, I Magic - chap called ‘Harvey’
process multiple times, it is truly fascinating to want to get Chris to tell us about ‘Roulette’
see ideas develop from something that most and what it is. Favourite mentalist(s)?
people would probably discard, to become a Bob Cassidy, Luke Jermay,
signature piece in his stage performances. “Well, the popular casino distraction was Barrie Richardson.
From the other end of the spectrum, Chris will invented in...” he jokes. “No, Roulette is my
be the first to tell you that this process is not newest book (to be published by MSM) with
all easy and often, routines will consistently fail ten brand new effects and two essays, lots of
or under perform before they come to fruition.
Many times I’ve seen Chris performing an
pretty pictures and a lovely foreword.
Seriously, I am so happy with it and the
5 FACTS WE
effect for an audience and it will completely feedback I had from those who have already DIDN’T KNOW
die - but Chris knew of that risk when he
began performing and he isn’t afraid of being
read it. It is of course a mentalism book, with
a mixture of exciting happenings within its
ABOUT YOU...
caught or not getting a reaction as whatever pages. I cannot wait for it to be released at 1. I love sticky toffee pudding!
the outcome, he always has grounds for Blackpool 2012. A lot of time has been spent 2. I am currently an English Literature
improvement. Although a somewhat brutal on the material and the aesthetics. I could not third year student.
philosophy and certainly not for everyone, I be happier with it. I really hope that it interests 3. I tap on my desk to imaginary music
think there is an awful lot to be said for Chris’s many of you and that you take a look at it!” too much.
outlook. 4. I dislike spiders.
Shameless plugging aside, it suddenly 5. I love horror films.
What would you say is the most important dawns upon me that for a 21 year old,
factor when performing? Chris has done an impressively large www.chrisrawlinsmentalist.co.uk
amount so I want to see if I can squeeze
“I am a strong believer in preparation. Whether from him what he classes as his career
that be something more general such as highlights so far.
practice or more specific such as scripting. And how about your plans for the future?
Preparation, for me, is the key. This is because “In the magic world it would have to be
I feel if you are prepared and organised you getting published with my first book ‘Mind “I have quite a lot planned although I can
can truly focus on audience interaction and Experiments’ and having so many people only speak of some of this...oooh how
most importantly, your performance.” get in touch telling me how they enjoyed the mysterious! I am looking to do a lecture tour
material and my approach to mentalism. as this is something I have wanted to do for
However clichéd, in all industries, magic Since then finishing ‘Roulette’ and knowing it a while. I am itching to share and lecture my
included, we ‘stand on the shoulders of is soon to be released is pretty darn cool material in its current state with anyone who
giants’ so I ask Chris who has had the and definitely ranks up there. will listen. I will of course continue
greatest influence on what he does? performing, writing and developing my
Publicly, getting the opportunity to perform in material constantly. Outside of mentalism.
“Luke Jermay has been a huge influence. some stunning venues like York’s Grand Oh and my lovely girlfriend and I are looking
From reading his books and manuscripts all Opera House have been such unbelievable at getting a place together in the summer
the way to meeting and spending time with experiences.” which is very exciting!”
MS Issue 43 new FINAL1_Layout 1 02/02/2012 20:14 Page 29

29

IT’S THE
COMEDY PAGE!
By Graham Hey

PATRICK’S LAUGHING NOW! QUICK

VISUAL GAG
Comics get paranoid, thinking, ‘Why am I This is the perfect ending to an effect where
still doing the clubs?’ or ‘Why is he doing the performer has had a lady help him. This
that show and I'm not?’ But I never get could apply to close-up or stand-up.
involved in that. The best advice I got was
just worry about your own career because After you have finished performing your
you haven’t got time to worry about anybody effect, say to the lady: “You have been
else’s. absolutely brilliant, and I have some
flowers for you...” Beckon over to
Was it a more realistic someone, and have them bring a bag
representation of the world of over to you. You reach
stand-up than something like inside, saying: “Here are
Live at the Apollo? your ‘flowers’... This one is
When stand-up comedian Patrick Monahan Oh god yeah. It’s good routines they’re doing, self-raising, and this one is
won ITV’s comedy competition Show Me but you could do anything at Live at the plain...” As you say this, you
The Funny, he bagged a cheque for Apollo. If you've only been in stand-up for two obviously bring out two bags
£100,000. Perhaps more importantly, he weeks you could stand on that stage and of baking flour and hand them to the
also got to release his first ever DVD, which people would laugh... they’re already excited. lady. This gets a laugh every time....
is out now in the shops.
They’re all good acts - but even if you
Magicians may remember that Patrick weren't an established TV name and you internet. If people start now, they’re going to
actually was the MC at the Blackpool magic went and did that show, you would still be be the innovators.
Convention just a couple of years back, and good because 3,000 people are going, ‘He
he did an excellent job. Patrick answers a must be good to be stood here at the I would say do it - even if you don’t get a lot
few questions about performing – and Apollo’. Nobody would struggle on that of hits, but if you keep consistently putting
winning the TV series... show, because they're already laughing. stuff up, you're going to improve. It’s like
doing stand-up, when you first play to 10
I’ve seen it when they’re doing a routine and people in a pub and you keep playing to 10,
How has it been since you won they’ll be laughing, rolling around in the 20 people. You might not be very good at
the show? aisles. You go and watch them do a routine first, and you might not get many people but
It’s been brilliant... I was already busy as a in a club with 200 people when they’re all if you keep playing and playing till you're
stand-up doing the clubs, but I was never drunk, Friday night in the middle of Devon or ready, you're match-fit.
doing any TV or anything. The whole point of something, they’ll laugh - but not like that
doing it was to give you a chance to break into hysteria that you get at the Apollo. Then suddenly when it comes to a time when
a bit of TV. It has helped, it's been brilliant. 200 or 1,000 people turn up, bang - you've
You’ve got some clips up on got years of experience. It’s the same with
Were you competitive about YouTube - is that the future for these people who make these daft little clips.
stand-up before the show? how performers will get Only 150 people might see them, but they
With stand-up there’s no apprenticeship, noticed? keep doing them and then eventually when
there's no course, there’s no natural Yeah, 100%. In years to come TV is not the time’s right and someone sees it, they’ve
progression. No-one can tell you how far going to be what it is now. Everyone’s going got a backlog of stuff that they can make.
you’re going to go. It’s a great thing but it to be watching telly on their phones and
also makes paranoia. their laptops... it’s all going to be on the Thanks to MM
MS Issue 43 new FINAL1_Layout 1 02/02/2012 20:14 Page 30

30

SQUEEZING
THE CREATIVE JUICES
THE BEST 6 WAYS TO COME UP WITH NEW IDEAS
Mark Leveridge

Magic has been around in one form or another for thousands of

years, and in that time countless numbers of tricks have been
invented, published and marketed. These days YouTube can provide “...taking tricks that
a seemingly endless array of magic to watch and to learn, and you
could be forgiven for thinking that we must surely have already
you already know or
reached saturation point! Yet every month new ideas and products do and thinking
come along and the most common question that dealers get asked
at any convention is still “What’s new?” about whether you
are aware of better
ways to achieve
So if you are one of those who is simply never satisfied unless you
have something fresh to play with, Magicseen would like to offer them, can be a rich
now some tips about how you can come up with your own new ideas
and variations. This guide will help you to harness your own vein of creative
creativity and maybe open up doors to ways of thinking and working
that will help you to devise interesting new methods for doing things,
exploration for you.”
and who knows, maybe you might become the next Jay Sankey!

SIX OF THE BEST

To make this manageable I have broken it all Once you’ve got yourself into the right state simply in order to suit the preferences of a
down into the six best ways that I know for of mind, let’s have a look at the six ways to particular performer, or it might be because
forming your own material. Being creative creativity that you might like to pursue. a new principle or sleight has come along
doesn’t necessarily mean thinking up which helps to improve the appearance of
completely ground breaking ideas and the effect. Whatever the reason, taking tricks
principles (although that would be nice!), but 1. IMPROVING METHODS that you already know or do and thinking
normally it is more a case of re-combining Performing conditions have changed a lot about whether you are aware of better ways
known elements in different and interesting over the last 100 years, and whereas at one to achieve them, can be a rich vein of
ways. The more you are already immersed in time the magician would have been a long creative exploration for you.
magic and its principles and methods, the way from his audience up on a stage,
easier you may find this. nowadays a lot of magic needs to be However, one word of warning - make sure
presented with the audience standing or that if you change a method, you are not
However, sometimes knowing a lot about sitting right next to you. This means that doing so just for the sake of it and that it does
what has come before can inhibit your older methods may no longer apply - in some way improve the trick itself. You need
thinking because you may tend to pass over perhaps angles need to be considered more, to consider carefully why a specific method is
things that have been looked at often before, or gimmicks constructed better or changed being used in the first place and then ensure
thus shutting off many potential avenues for so that they can bear closer scrutiny. that what you want to replace it with does not
investigation. So, your main task during any compromise the original effect.
creative spurt is to try to imagine all Many ‘new’ tricks are not new at all. The plot
possibilities, let your brain roam as freely as may well be a tried and tested one, but the Sometimes it will just be a matter of personal
possible without restrictions or parameters. method has been changed. This could be choice - you prefer one card control to
MS Issue 43 new FINAL1_Layout 1 02/02/2012 20:14 Page 31

SQUEEZING THE CREATIVE JUICES 31

another - but sometimes the use of a 3. INSIDE OUT I guess we have all at some point in our lives
particular move may be the reason that the In the previous section I suggested starting seen an interesting looking object and
trick works so well, so try not to change with the plot and devising a method. Now I bought it on the assumption that we will be
things blindly without first considering the am going to suggest that another way to go able to make a trick out of it. The skill is not
consequences. about things is to reverse that process and to give up if your initial random thought
start with a sleight or a move that you either which caused you to buy the thing in the first
know or can learn, and then consider what it place doesn’t quite work out.
2. PROBLEM SOLVING might be used for. Some sleights have a very
One of the most narrow purpose, but others may be open to Leave the object lying around somewhere
enjoyable ways interesting variations. where you will keep on seeing it, and allow
to come up your mind to work on possibilities almost
with new I can remember, for instance, taking a move subliminally. Pick the object up, fiddle with it,
material is to normally used with thimbles and adapting it handle it, see if suddenly any thoughts about
start with a plot for use with coins. This immediately opened it occur to you, and if not place it down and
fantasy and then up one or two unexpected possibilities come back to it later. You may be surprised
try to create a which when I started to explore them led to that sometimes a thought will spark you off
method that will the forming of a new routine. onto a train of investigation with that object
allow you to perform which in turn might lead to a new trick being
that fantasy. A good imagination, unfettered There is a slight danger when taking this created. But it may not happen quickly, so
by restrictions as mentioned above, should approach that you end up devising effects be patient and don’t hide that object away in
allow you to devise some interesting plots. which are unnatural or forced simply because a drawer or cupboard, or it will probably just
Write the plot ideas down and try not to you are trying to backwards engineer a trick be another of those worthless impulse buys.
consider, even for a moment, how you are to fit around a method. So some caution is
going to achieve them. Just let your needed if you are not to end up with an effect
imagination run riot at this stage. where the method is better than the trick! But 5. LINKS
if someone shows you a move you haven’t In the right circumstances, routines that
Once you have some concepts written come across before, it can be a lot of fun to comprise of a number of effects blended or
down, pick one of them and start to let your mind wander and see what this new linked together into one sequence can be
consider how you might come close to move might enable you to do. very powerful. A card routine which builds
making the fantasy happen. You notice I say through a bewildering combination of
‘close’. The fact of the matter is, you may amazing happenings one after the other can
well have imagined initially scenarios which, leave a real impression on spectators if used
as they stand, would be truly impossible to sensitively and correctly. So another way to
achieve, but often with a certain amount of create new stuff is to pull together a number
redefining and compromising of the original of suitable tricks to create a fresh routine.
idea, you may be able to move back to
something which is actually achievable. The Stage acts, particularly competition acts,
skill is in trying to compromise your original regularly sequence several magical moments
concept as little as possible, as that way you in order to create a harmonious act, and
will end up with a purer magic trick. even though it may well be that the individual
elements of the routine are all standard tricks
Devising methods for a plot is down to two in their own right, the way they have been
main things. Firstly, how much knowledge blended together, and the order that they
you have to draw on for methodology in the have been arranged in, makes the whole act
first place, and secondly, how good you are seem more polished.
at making the right choices when you are 4. OBJECT QUESTIONING
presented with a number of potential I rather enjoy meandering around stationery So take a look
alternatives. If you need to vanish a ball, for stores or shops selling children’s games and through your magic
instance, and you only know one way to do toys just looking for interesting objects. books and see if
it, then it’s likely that you will select that as Sometimes you come across something there are some tricks
your method, unless you are prepared to do which the moment you see it, you feel it that you would like to
some research for other ways to achieve it. looks like a potential magic prop. Taking an perform together and
If, however, you know 5 ways to vanish a object and asking yourself the question, then see if you can
ball, then it becomes a matter of selecting “What could I do with that?” can be a very think of ways to
the right one wisely in order to make the productive way of coming up with new tricks. routine them into a
trick as good as possible. seamless routine.
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32 SQUEEZING THE CREATIVE JUICES

that a small effect ends up being suitable for

“Harbin’s Zig Zag
illusion, for instance,
performance in front of a large audience
without altering the physical prop size at all. SHED 7
spawned a whole Similarly, you can take tricks normally
associated with stage or cabaret and scale
series of small them down for close up use. Harbin’s Zig
Zag illusion, for instance, spawned a whole
versions including series of small versions including Zig Zag
Cigarette, Pencil, Rope, Coke Can and even
Zig Zag Cigarette, racoon! It just takes a bit of imagination.
Pencil, Rope, Coke
You can also create something unusual if
Can and even you use a stage trick in a close up
performance without scaling the size of the
racoon!” props down in any way. When Johnny Ace
Palmer won the FISM close up competition
at the Hague back in the 1980’s, he
concluded his close up act by producing a
live dove. The unexpected nature of this
being done close up certainly helped him to
win and shows how powerful it can be when
you take established tricks and perform
them out of their expected context.

THINKING ON There’s a nuclear war and we asked

So there you are, six good ways to start your brilliant magic creator Gary Jones to
creative juices flowing a little. If you are reveal the seven items he would take
interested in finding out more about the into a shed to avoid the bleakest of
creative process, here is a short list of further futures.
reading material that you might like to consider.
1. Pack of cards.
Strong Magic - Darwin Ortiz 2. Three silver dollars
The Trick Brain - Dariel Fitzkee and shell.
A Simple Guide To 3. My Kindle
6. UPSCALE, DOWNSCALE Creativity - Mark (loaded with magic)
Don’t restrict your creative process by Leveridge 4. My bottle of Hine -
thinking too narrowly about where your tricks Waiting For Inspiration (Antique XO Premier
might be performed. In your close up case is - Guy Hollingworth Cru)
probably a whole range of tricks which with (currently out of print 5. My coffee making
a little thought could be adapted for use on but Guy is machine.
a stage. It might be a case of simply using considering re- 6. A few cases of San Miguel.
Jumbo cards in place of standard sized printing these notes 7. My diary, well you never know!!!
cards to increase visibility, or it could be that from his Magic Circle
by thinking about the presentation and the Centenary lecture) www.garyjonesmagic.com
way things are pointed up during the trick,
MS Issue 43 new FINAL1_Layout 1 02/02/2012 20:14 Page 36

36

TELLER
Interview by Benoit Grenier
JUST
TELLER
The Las Vegas entertainment
scene is always changing, but
sometimes there are shows that
you just know are destined for
longevity. Penn & Teller have
just celebrated their tenth
anniversary at the Rio casino
and this was the perfect time to
talk a bit more about their work.
Magicseen reporter Benoit
Grenier asks the questions.

I wondered how can magicians who have

had three major TV series, work on their
series in the UK, tour the US, and have a
permanent show in Las Vegas while
managing to write books, write and direct
theatre plays, do it? There’s only one way to
find out, ask them directly!

While Penn was unavailable after the show

this particular night, I was looking forward to
chatting to Teller whose mind is like a magic BG: Fool Us has been a real success in the
encyclopedia. UK. How did you get the idea for it?
“...the problem with
magic on television is
While waiting for him to arrive after the meet Teller: It came from Penn and me. I proposed
and greet at the end of the show, I sat down a version of it and then Penn and I discussed that you always, on
comfortably in the green room backstage it and then it turned into something different
with Mike Jones, the talented jazz pianist and more elegant and simple. But the idea
some gut level, feel
who sets the mood on stage before the behind it was; I am so sick of talent contests as though the TV
show starts every night. on television. In talent contests people who
have no knowledge whatsoever and no
people are conspiring
Mike tells me about his work with Penn & brains whatsoever, as far as I can tell, and to fool you.”
Teller, his life in Vegas and his latest album then well groomed people sit and give
(which can be downloaded for free at: judgment on people’s artistic work. And they
jonesjazz.com). A few minutes later Teller judge entirely subjectively, on emotional some gut level, feel as though the TV people
arrives ready to answer some questions. I grounds “oh I like that, it was so funny. Isn’t are conspiring to fool you. Now in this case,
thought that with all he does he would be in he so cute!” We thought there should be a we put all of that on us. We make it that the
a hurry, but on the contrary. Teller loves contest show in which the criteria of the performers are trying to fool us and suddenly
speaking about his art, he is a living library judgment were entirely objective. And that is that grounds it in a kind of reality that
and loves to share. Listening to Teller is like what you have in Fool Us. television magic doesn’t normally have
reading a good book. You never know what because we are acknowledging, we are not
to expect, there are twists and turns and you What you have in Fool Us is essentially a saying “Oh, sit back, let it wash over you
can’t wait to turn the page to know more. I wonderful magic show. But the problem with and become some sort of child” that typical
was ready to be fooled. magic on television is that you always, on television magic shows do. We are saying,
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TELLER 37

“I proposed a version of it and then Penn and

I discussed it and then it turned into something
different and more elegant and simple.”
MS Issue 43 new FINAL1_Layout 1 02/02/2012 20:14 Page 38

38 TELLER

Penn & Teller on stage performing their version of the bullet catch.

“it’s okay, we know that part of magic is to use all my resources. You know I am 63
people getting fooled. These two guys are and I started magic when I was five, so I
out there trying not to be fooled, and these have quite a number of years of experience
guys are trying to fool them. Now, once you and I try to bring every bit of that to bear to
have established that level of reality you can try to figure out what’s going on. And then to
do a damn good magic show, with this one discuss it afterwards in a way that makes the
tiny light premise that if you can fool Penn & audience feel like they’re at a magic
Teller, they’ll bring you to Vegas. And what I convention. They’re over-looking a group of
love about the show is that whether people who are talking about how they are
someone wins or looses in the contest of doing their tricks. They are seeing that
fooling us, they all win and they all win very collegial relationship between the magicians. “Piff the Magic
very big. In fact, many of the performers who
did not fool us and did not win, have had the BG: What are your reactions when you are Dragon is a case in
biggest bumps in their career. being fooled?
point, where Piff
Piff the Magic Dragon is a case in point, Teller: I am thrilled! Magic is not a completely suddenly had a
where Piff suddenly had a million YouTube pleasant form. It is not a comfortable form, it
hits, because of Fool Us and he is doing is not a sweet form, it is not an agreeable
million YouTube hits,
some US touring now… and he lost! That’s form, it’s a very spicy form, it is a spicy because of Fool Us
what can happen to someone who doesn’t flavour. When you are fooled by a piece of
win our contest. I love doing this show. magic, there is both a rush of pleasure and a and he is doing
Normally when I am on TV I am acting in bit of pain, because you are experiencing in
some way, in this show I am not acting at all. a safe and joyful way one of the worst things
some US touring
In this show I am just there genuinely trying that can happen to you. One of the worst now… and he lost!”
MS Issue 43 new FINAL1_Layout 1 02/02/2012 20:14 Page 39

39

things that can happen to you is to

misapprehend reality. If you are out on the
street and you don’t see a car coming, that
is a very bad thing. If you do the same thing
while you are watching a magic act there are
no bad consequences but there is still that
momentary horror that you were unable to
see the car coming, so magic has that
wonderful mixed feeling. It is a very intense
form. I believe, in spite of what some of my
colleagues like to say, that you never set
aside your intelligence and become full of
wonder as if you were a child! Apart from
anything else, that’s because it’s not the way
children wonder. So, yes, it is a great
pleasure when I am fooled. But only when I
have tried my best to figure something out.

BG: Did you think before the show that you

would be fooled?

Teller: Yes!

BG: Did that happen a lot before making part where the audience would just be death with a crowbar and pour sulphuric
Fool Us? enjoying the creepiness and the screams, and acid over him and dump his remains visibly
then a sort of second part that goes more into a grave on the stage. A trick that fooled
Teller: Not commonly in stage illusions. Most serious and invades the audience personally a some of the best minds in magic. It was very
of the time when I am truly fooled, it is by little more. And then there is a final sort of deceptive. We thought it would be very nice
close-up magic. celebration pulling it all together. in a show to kill an audience member and
then communicate with that dead audience
BG: Tell us about Play Dead. The dark, The final version was an hour and a half and member and then resurrect that audience
séance like, type of show you did with Todd it contained three dark sections, each of member.
Robbins. which had its own separate meaning. The
first dark section was: What if I just throw That’s been a story that has been pretty
Teller: Play Dead evolved out of the you into the dark and see what you are popular over the years, if you know what I
performance that Todd did about 5 years ago willing to do to each other? The second one mean. Killing a sacrificial victim,
for the New York Fringe Festival. It was called was your classic dark séance with luminous communicating with the spirit and then
initially: Dark Deceptions. The idea of it was, spectres flying all over the place, with spirit resurrecting it, very popular! Todd and I
Todd played the role of a spiritualist minister lights and things flying around, very spooky wrote it together, I directed it, and he
and you, the audience, played the role of his and quite beautiful. And the third one was, performed it along with a cast of invisible
congregation. We all knew this was while you think this is what you want, let’s do people. Do you know the name Margery, the
completely fake, but then, spooky things it to you for real. And that would just be Boston Medium? We introduced her story
would happen. When he and I got together scary as hell. early on in the show and later on we bring
he was doing a second version of this called an audience member up. Using a psychic
The Charlatan Seance. After I saw the show The setting was a bare stage with cardboard surgery sort of technique we got him pull out
and we got together, we started to think files boxes that contained information or various things and then her head emerges
maybe we can do more than a spook show - artefacts of an individual dead person. Either from his wound and we pull out this naked
just maybe we could write it in a deep and a good dead person or a bad dead person Margery covered with blood. Margery, sort of
interesting way and we spent about 3 years and there were many bad dead people sexy at one point, grabs a sheet and wraps
developing it. involved in it. We would set up a piano it around herself, unwraps it and she’s
player on stage, and any music was turned into a naked 75 year old! It’s a
I think there were 76 drafts of the script, and produced by the pianist against a plain black combination of horror and laughter all the
we did 3 workshop productions before we brick wall. There were a couple of very nice time. We have just opened the show in
went to New York. We produced a short one, moments, actually many very nice moments. Mexico City too...
a longer one and finally a full length one. It One when we killed an audience member,
became a play that had sort of two parts to it. told him to play dead and lie down inside a BG: How do you manage to squeeze that
It had the “Isn’t it fun to play spooky stuff” - the sort of a vat and Tom would beat him to into your already busy schedule?
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40 TELLER

Teller: It would be this show with Penn.

“Macbeth has a big
problem because he BG: After 10 years at the Rio, do you
sometime feel that you are missing out on
doesn’t know where his touring?
imagination leaves off
Teller: I have too many good things. I don’t
and reality begins.” think anything’s bad. We tour on our weeks
off from here. But it is awfully nice to have a
home base and have a theatre. We’ve
developed more new material here then we
ever did before. Because having your own
theatre when you have an idea, we can
come in and rehearse it. That silly red ball
trick (BG: the beautiful floating ball routine)
That is a trick that I don’t think I could have
done, if we didn’t have this as our home
base. Because I stayed after the show, every
night for 18 months. I worked for an hour on
it every night. Only that way can you develop
a whole new vocabulary on how to handle
that kind of thing. We have a workshop that
is a mile away from here which is 5000
square feet with all the tools.

BG: What are you working on right now?

Teller: We have two pieces that are about to

go into the show. One of them will hopefully
have gone in as you read this and one will
probably go in, in March or April - these
have been in the works for 2 and a half
years. And by in the works I mean, for one of
them we’ve been here every Tuesday, we
work on Tuesdays on new material, we’ve
Teller: We take what would be a vacation what they tell him is going to happen. And been here every Tuesday for at least a year
from Vegas and instead we work. So we he gets very confused. So the play is full of trying to tweak it. It is a cute little thing,
work all the time. But we are working doing hallucinations. there’s a children song that goes (he sings): I
what anyone else would do for pleasure, so am a little teapot short and stout - here is my
why not? He hallucinates his dagger, he’s about to kill handle here is my handle here is my spout -
the king and all of a sudden he sees a When I get all steamed up, hear me shout -
BG: You also directed a version of Macbeth. floating dagger, that drips blood. Later on, Tip me over and pour me out. Children sing
It was very dark… after they’ve killed people his wife goes this song and they do this gesture (he
crazy and has a nightmare and sleepwalks imitates a tea pot with his arms) - so we’re
Teller: Yes, I directed side by side with a and there is blood all over her hands that gonna have Penn do that with me as the
theatre director. We conceived it together she’s imagining. Well normally in the theatre, teapot, he’ll lift me up by one arm and will
and I kind of worked out the basic idea the actors would stare at a bit of empty air pour tea in a giant cup of tea!
behind it. Macbeth has a big problem and say: Is this a dagger which I see before
because he doesn’t know where his me? Its handle toward my hand. Come let BG: Why do you have the need to always put
imagination leaves off and reality begins. me clutch thee. I thought it would be new illusions when you could just put one
And this changes for him all the time. He interesting to take the audience inside their once in a while. Don’t get me wrong I love
sees one thing and it turns out to be heads and let them see what these that…
another. He runs into these weird women characters are actually seeing.
who apparently are doing impossible things Teller: We have lots and lots of repeat
and who can tell the future but the future BG: If you could only do one thing, what business. I like people coming back and
only happens because he is influenced by would it be? seeing things they love and things they’ve
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TELLER 41

side of the stage without us crossing this

yellow line. That statement is said again and
again and you, the audience member has to
come to the conclusion that the only way we
could accomplish this trick is by shooting the
bullet at each-others faces. So, even that
trick has that element of honesty about it.

BG: Do you think that most magicians are

doing enough“homework” before going on
stage?

Teller: I don’t think very many people do as

much homework as I do. There are some
who do, but I think there are a great many
who have… they sort of expect it to work
like they went to a magic shop and bought it
and they’re also are not concerned with
originality. They are not interested in the
original. They would do another linking rings
routine and because the moves would be in
a slightly different order from someone else,
they’ll consider it to be an original piece.
Well, not exactly… it is nice to play the same
25 pieces of music your whole life long, but
it would be nice if there were composers
now and then who wrote new tunes!
never seen before. I also just love the idea: got turn after turn after turn. Aristotle said
why not keeping getting new ideas? the more peripeties you have, - peripeties is BG: Any last thing you would like to share
the Greek word for reverse, the better your with us about Magic?
Magic is not like singing a song with a guitar. plot. We like peripeties, we like turns.
It’s just not, because generally speaking if Teller: There is a troubling term in Magic: it is
you’re gonna do something original, you not BG: You always seem to have the need to ‘effect’. It is troubling because it implies that
only have to get the idea for the song, then explain your actions, to show that all of this what the audience is there to see, is a
you have to get the idea for the guitar and is well… just a trick. momentary explosion of something
then you have to build the guitar and make surprising. In part that’s true. But what they
the guitar sound the way you want it to Teller: We are more interested in trickery than are actually there to see is a cause and a
sound and then you have to learn to play it. we are in supernatural. Trickery is just more process and an effect. A cause and an effect
And then you have to turn that into interesting. With the supernatural the that are connected by something poetic. I
something that is effortless and joyful. outcome is fuzzy: All these manifestations think if more magicians just simply said: what
were because they were living on Indian is the ‘make believe’ here about what’s
BG: That’s a lot of work… graveyard... That’s no explanation! We kinda causing this and how can that cause be
like things that are identified as tricks and interesting and expressive and connected to
Teller: Yes, it’s a particularly stressful form of that feel amazing, feel supernatural. But we me. I think you would get a lot more
theatre! don’t acknowledge them as being interesting magic. I think that most magicians
supernatural. The bullet catch is the perfect think that the audience is satisfied with: Well,
BG: When you do your tricks it is a bit like a example. In the bullet catch what we don’t I willed it to be so, and therefore it is so! And,
roller coaster, we know where it begins, ever do is claim that we are catching a that’s very dull. It is largely what’s wrong with
where it ends, but there are a lot of twists. bullet. We never do. This is build on two mentalism. First of all mentalists are doing
structural ideas: One is the yellow line down the same plot, over, and over and over again.
Teller: In almost everything that we do there the middle of the stage and the other is that But also, mentalists are just saying: You have
is a point in it where the plot turns we would never, ever lie. a thought and now I have the thought. That’s
backwards, where it turns upside down. The deadly dull. Because the cause is not
fishtrick: you see the phone going into the We are saying exactly what is happening, interesting. There is not a path there. Just
bucket and then suddenly it’s in the Penn is saying: We’re gonna move this little asking yourself: I love this effect, what’s the
audience and then suddenly it is in a fish. It’s piece of led from this side of the stage to that cause, I think that would help people a lot...
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42

THE MAGIC OF
SCOTLAND
By Eoin Smith

Scotland is a country rich in magical heritage:

throughout its past, magic icons have risen to fame
(and infamy) and helped shape the world of magic as
we know it today. What follows is a brief overview of
what makes Scotland so magical…

Anderson’s death, counted the Great Wizard of the Edinburgh

of the North as one of his greatest influences Magic Circle and
and in the early 20th Century paid for the also curator of the
upkeep of his grave which had fallen into Edinburgh Wax
disrepair. The grave can still be seen to this Museum. Here,
day in St. Nicholas Churchyard in Aberdeen. Cameron became
known for his
Dr Walford Bodie MD, a friend of Houdini, performances as Count Dracula, performing
was a North East illusionist who found mind-reading feats and mock séances.
himself to be as controversial as he was Continuing this tradition of bizarre magic and
NOTABLE SCOTTISH MAGICIANS popular. A student of science as well as mentalism, Scotland has in recent years
THROUGHOUT THE AGES magic, Bodie utilised the properties of produced some of the most exciting and
Aberdonian magician John Henry Anderson magnetism and electricity to achieve his innovating minds in the ‘new wave’ of
– known as the Great Wizard of the North – illusions. For his grand finale, Bodie would mentalism. Colin McLeod, seen recently on
was a pioneering conjuror and is credited pass 30,000 volts of electricity through his ITV’s ‘Penn & Teller: Fool Us’; Drew
with inventing the most famous magic trick body, lighting bulbs and lamps held in his McAdam, a top mind-reader who has
of all: pulling a rabbit from a hat. Popular bare hands. Bodie gained some negative appeared on ‘The Trisha Goddard Show’
across the globe, Anderson toured publicity when it was claimed he had misled amongst many others; and Paul Nardini, are
extensively – even building his own theatre in the public into believing he was a medical all active in promoting the arts of mentalism
Glasgow, decades before the lavish doctor, however in inimitable fashion he and mind-reading.
demands of Las Vegas magicians – and dismissed these claims stating that the ‘MD’
became famous for his successful after his name in fact stood for ‘Merry Devil’. Not only is Paul Nardini a well-regarded
performance of the Bullet Catch. In his later mentalist, but along with his wife Mhairi
life, Anderson became a great debunker of Charles Cameron, born on Halloween 1927, performs an act as The Great Nardini, which
fraudulent psychics paving the way for the is commonly dubbed the Godfather of won the 2003 FISM Comedy Award.
likes of Houdini and Maskelyne. Houdini Bizarre Magic. Hailing from Edinburgh, Another Scottish innovator and winner at
himself, who was born in the year of Cameron was one of the founding members FISM is John Ramsay, who placed first in the
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THE MAGIC OF SCOTLAND 43

“Scotland has in Another lesser-known – but influential –

magician based in Scotland was Oliver
recent years Mackenzie. Actor, magician and showman,
Mackenzie was hailed by Jimmy Logan of
produced some Scotland The What as the best after dinner
entertainer he had ever seen. Mackenzie is
of the most also the creator of the ‘Oliver Mackenzie
exciting and Drink Trick’, a highly regarded packet trick.

innovating minds In the 21st Century, magic has seen a

resurgence on television and has increased
in the ‘new wave’ in popularity as a result. Barry and Stuart, a
of mentalism.” duo of magicians from Aberdeen, have
found fame performing on a variety of shows
Colin McLeod for BBC and Channel 4 including ‘The
Magicians’, ‘Magick’, ‘Dirty Tricks’ and
‘Tricks from the Bible’; R. Paul Wilson has
Close-Up category in 1950, second for gone on to astound audiences right up until developed a career exposing scams using
Manipulation in 1949 and third for the present day. sleight of hand techniques on BBC’s ‘The
Micromagic in 1955. Cardman Peter Real Hustle’; and Jerry Sadowitz has taken
McLanachan said of Ramsay: “His influence Famous, too, is Pat Page. Born in Dundee, his own unique style of magic and comedy
on magic as a whole was immense and is Page moved to London to follow a career as onto TV in various forms. Kevin McMahon,
still felt today.” And, indeed, Ramsay a full-time magician. Having worked as founder of the Edinburgh International Magic
continues to influence and inspire magicians magical advisor on numerous TV shows and Festival, in fact discovered magic through a
to this very day, 50 years after his death. films, Page is most famous amongst TV show: while studying for a PhD,
Ramsay’s magic touched the public, too, magicians as a true innovator and thinker in McMahon took part in Channel 4’s ‘Faking
and there is a walled garden – complete with magic, and a man who historian and It’, successfully fooling Paul Daniels into
commemorative plaque – dedicated to him magician Peter Lamont claims “knew more believing he was a professional magician
in his hometown of Ayr. about magic than anyone else I ever met.” and since turning pro.

Scotland, then, has a penchant for breeding There are some lesser-known heroes of Scotland is also home to some well-
outstanding close-up and card magicians magic in Scotland, too. Glaswegian respected magic historians. Peter Lamont is
including – but not limited to – the likes of magician Sonny Day was highly regarded by known for his work investigating the history
Peter Duffie, Ian Kendall, Peter McLanachan, his peers, and counted amongst his pupils of magic, and is also a psychology and
Ian Adair, Steve Hamilton, George McBride Peter Lamont and R. Paul Wilson. parapsychology research fellow at the
and R. Paul Wilson. London-born Roy University of Edinburgh. Jim Cuthbert, too,
Walton, too, has found a magical home in “Sonny Day gave me my first lesson in has delved into the history of magic –
Glasgow. None would be more familiar to psychology,” says Lamont. “I was just a kid specifically Scotland – and produced
magicians worldwide, however, than Alex and he was showing me some sleeving some excellent books and pamphlets on
Elmsley. Born in St. Andrews in 1929, techniques, when I noticed a jumbo coin on various topics. Finally, Gordon Bruce is the
Elmsley created the famous Ghost Count, the table. I made what I thought was a curator of Scotland’s Magic Archive, a
also known as the Elmsley Count, that is clever remark about not being able to get vast collection of thousands of magic
used by magicians across the globe as well that up his sleeve. He picked it up and held books which are available to view by
as numerous other effects and sleights. it between his hands… and it completely appointment only.
Another Scottish magician who is known for disappeared. I discovered later that he had
his magical inventions is the late Tom Sellers. placed the jumbo coin there on purpose,
Born in Edinburgh towards the end of the knowing I would ask him about it.”
19th Century, Sellers created the well-
renowned Bank Night routine which has
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44 THE MAGIC OF SCOTLAND

A BRIEF HISTORY OF SCOTTISH brainchild of Paisley magician Max Raskin, death of the Great Lafayette, and
MAGIC SOCIETIES SAMS has grown from its first convention in performances from some of the world’s top
Throughout the 20th Century, magic December 1951 into the organisation it now prestidigitators including Dani DaOrtiz.
societies sprung up across the length and is. The aim of SAMS is simple: “to unite all
breadth of Scotland. From the highlands to Scottish magical clubs without interfering with The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, too, caters for
the lowlands, magicians clubbed together to their separate identities”. the casual magic fan, last year playing host to
share their knowledge, passion and over 40 different conjuring shows. Magicians
experience of the magical arts. MAGIC EVENTS from all over the world descend on the
In 1936, the Aberdeen Magical Society held Scottish capital to dazzle and delight
In 1911, Scotland’s first magic society – the the first ever large-scale meeting of audiences. Fringe veteran Ian Kendall said:
Dundee Society of Magicians – was formed magicians in Scotland. The weekend event – “In the early 90s there were very few magic
by shop owner and Magic Circle member, the 16th Annual Conference of Societies shows, and in 2000 I think there were only
David Smith. Meeting monthly, the society affiliated to the Magic Circle – included two: me and Magic Bob. Last year there were
encouraged performance, discussion and competitions and a coach trip to the so many shows that we now have our own
invention to progress the magic arts and countryside for lunch, and attracted sub-listing in the programme. Magic is much
enjoyed some success. Giving no real magicians from all across the UK. more popular, and it shows in the number of
reason as to why, the Society closed its people that turn up to the venues.”
doors in 1936 – perhaps a suitably
mysterious exit for a magic society. Directly preceding the Fringe is the
Edinburgh International Magic Festival,
Another notable society from Scotland’s past Scotland’s only wholly-magic event aimed at
is The Mystic Twelve, which met from 1920- the public and not at magicians. Featuring
1960. As evident by the name, this society performances from some of the world’s top
permitted only twelve members and potential magicians, the EIMF has become a firm
inductees were left to wait until an existing favourite for magic fans since it began just a
member either moved away from the area or few years ago. Organiser Kevin McMahon
died. The club was extremely secretive, and said: “The main focus of the EIMF is on live
employed a guard to protect its meetings. performance; we don’t do lectures or dealer
The week before meetings, members would The Edinburgh Secret Society. dems. We aim to put good magic on stage
receive a playing card in the post and had to in front of willing audiences and often
present it to the guard to gain entry. Every This tradition of large meetings is continued change their opinions about what magic is.”
member was also obliged to perform an on today by SAMS, which holds an annual
original effect at each meeting, one notable convention involving competitions, lectures, MAGIC SHOPS IN SCOTLAND
effect being ‘The Talking Skull’. Members shows and all manner of magical goings on. Mention magic shops to a magician in
were invited to ask questions, which were Well attended by magicians from across Scotland and only one name will spring to
answered from the mouth of the skull. Scotland – and some from further afield – mind: Tam Shepherd’s Trick Shop. Based on
the convention has attracted some of the Glasgow’s Queen Street, it appears when
Today, there are a variety of magic clubs and world’s top lecturers over the years, you first enter that it is just another joke
societies spread across the country in places including Ali Bongo, Lewis Ganson, Simon shop. Take a wander up to the back,
as diverse as Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Lovell, Harlan Tarbell and Billy McComb. however, and you’ll find an Aladdin’s Cave of
Falkirk, Glasgow, Kilmarnock, Kirkcaldy, magic books, DVDs and apparatus.
Livingston, Paisley, Perth and St. Andrews. Magic events are not just popular amongst Managed by world-renowned card magician
magicians in Scotland, though, and the public Roy Walton, they have a large selection of
Linking Scotland’s magic clubs together is the get their fair share to join in too. The Edinburgh magical treats and delights.
Scottish Association of Magical Societies, or Secret Society, run by Peter Lamont and
SAMS, which was founded in 1951 to bring a psychologist Richard Wiseman, holds
sense of unity to Scotland’s conjurors. The exclusive events around Edinburgh including a Special thanks to Jim Cuthbert, Peter Duffie,
séance held on the 100th anniversary of the Marcus Gordon, Ron Gordon, Ian Kendall,
Peter Lamont, Peter McLanachan, Kevin
McMahon and Peter Nicol.
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MASTERCLASS 45

THE MASTERCLASS AWARD 2011 - THE WINNER!

Well, it’s been fascinating seeing what types of tricks our readers have enjoyed learning in the Volume 7 Masterclass, and the
voting by readers has been added to a straw poll taken round the Magicseen office, with the result that we have a winner - just!
There was only one vote in it, but the winner for his effect The Sugar Routine is Dave Bonsall. Congratulations to Dave who will
receive a special framed Masterclass Award prize, a cheque for £250, plus the fame and prestige afforded by coming top of a list
featuring some pretty prestigious names in magic. Thank you to everyone who voted, we appreciate your input.

is the correct card. There is still a

discrepancy remaining, but this is
why the move works! This will
make more sense after you have
read further.

It should be noted that the

integral structure of the original
Oil & Queens has been retained,
including main patter elements. I
am unsure who to credit for the
LAUGHING QUEENS open separation sequence in Fig.1
Peter Duffie Step.5. It was possibly added by
Mike Skinner. have a… RED ….BLACK on top of the left packet –
This is another effect that was …RED…BLACK.” leaving it sidejogged (Fig.3).
presented in a video demo on WORKING
my website. The method was Hold the deck with the faces As you say this, peel off the first
never published. It is my handling towards you and remove the four cards into your left hand one
for Roy Walton’s classic ‘Oil & following 9 cards, placing them in by one (Fig.2).
Queens’ from The Devil’s a face down pile on the table
Playthings. It utilizes a variation of (Queens are on top of the pile
Aldo Colombini’s ‘Laughing and a red spot is on the bottom):
Count.’ Aldo’s original was
published in the Linking Ring a Queen – Queen – Queen – Queen Fig.3
few years ago. ‘Oil & Queens’ is - RED spot – BLACK spot - RED
one of my favourite performance spot – BLACK spot – RED spot. b) Turn your left hand over and
tricks because you get a big start to place the lower
reward for little effort. NOTE: The spot cards should be Fig.2 (sidejogged) packet on the
similar in appearance. A mixture table (Fig.4).
The Laughing Count appealed to of mid-values is ideal. Do not let “We’ll place these on the table
me because it’s an almost self- the audience see how many for the moment…”
working way of achieving what cards are in the pile. They must
the more difficult Hamman Count assume there are eight cards. See You will now appear to place
does. However, when I tried to Figure 1 below for an example. these four cards face down on the
apply it to Oil & Queens, I found table. In fact, you will switch
that it didn’t work for that trick. Place the rest of the deck aside packets – plus you will drag a card
Eventually I added a slip/drag as it’s no longer needed. from the face of one packet to the
move and that did the trick! other – and place the four Queens Fig.4
There was also an additional Hold the packet face up and take face down instead! Don’t panic –
benefit to this addition; it it in a right hand Biddle grip, this is far easier than it sounds. c) As soon as the cards touch
removed one discrepancy from saying, “This is called ‘spot the the table, pull/drag the
the Laughing Count. Now, after colours’……and it’s called this Proceed as follows – Figure 2 lowermost card inwards with
you lay down the first packet, the because we use red and black above is your starting position: your left thumb (Fig.5 shows
face card of the remaining packet spot cards….as you can see we a) Place the right hand packet an exposed under-view).
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46 MASTERCLASS

one – to show red – black – red –

black (Fig.8).

Fig.5

d) Press downwards with your

left fingers on the back of the Fig.8
lower packet (Fig.6). Once the
packet is flat on the table, and Upjog the two blacks (lower
the sliding card is square with double remains square) and pull
the other packet, move your the two reds to the right (Figs. 9
left hand away and turn it & 10), and say, “That’s one way
palm upwards again (Fig.7). of doing it…(pause)…but it’s
hardly magic!”

Fig.6
Fig.9

Fig.7
Fig.10

The above must be done Place the two reds on top of the
casually and smoothly. blacks and square the packet.
“Here’s another way of doing
You now take the remaining it…”
cards into right hand Biddle grip
and peel off the first three into Now carry out an Elmsley Count
your left hand, saying, “…and to show that all four cards are
these are also…RED ….BLACK now red. Pause for effect, then
…RED…BLACK.” The last two say, “…and if these are the four
cards – held as one - are placed red cards….(now look towards
below the other three and you the tabled packet)…then these
then square the packet. must of course be ………….the
four QUEENS!”
Continue, saying, “I will now
cause the colours to separate.” As you complete the sentence,
flip over the tabled packet
Spread the packet in your hand revealing the four Queens.
as four – the last two are held as
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MASTERCLASS 47

Fig.1 Fig.2 Fig.3

forwards and ends up squared

with that top card. Fig.3.

With your left hand grip all the

outjogged cards and immediately
pull with your right hand all the
QUICK ‘N’ DIRTY injogged section of the deck back
CARDS TO POCKET towards you so that these cards Fig.4 Fig.5
Ian Kendall are stripped out and away from
the outjogged cards. Fig.4.
EFFECT break above it, and secure it in Pass the deck into your right hand
Four cards are selected, be they As soon as the right hand has Gambler’s Cop position. again, which takes it in a deep
random or four of a kind, and pulled its cards completely clear, overhand grip. As your right hand
placed in different parts of the simply drop the entire block onto Your right hand takes the deck moves to hold the jacket open (as
deck. Immediately they are those cards which are in the left from above again, ready for you did before) the fingers curl in
removed from four different hand. This will mean the four another top palm, and the left to touch the face card (the final
pockets. selected cards are now on the hand wrist turns in towards you selection) and the thumb rotates
bottom of the deck. slightly as it goes to the left trouser the deck away so that the final
METHOD pocket to remove the second selection is held out at an angle.
“Let’s try something with Now double undercut or shuffle selected card. Fig.5. This card is now slid inside
everyone. Or at least four of you. two cards from the bottom to the the jacket as it is held open, and
Can you each choose a card and top so that you end up with two As you remove and show the the right fingers straighten slightly
sign your name in big letters on selections at the top and two at second selection, you are top so that the card is pushed
the front of the card. That’s the the bottom. palming the next card into your upwards as far as possible.
white bit.” right hand. Pass the deck to your
“Four selections are returned to left hand as your right hand The left hand comes into the
Have four cards selected and the deck, but if I snap my fingers, reaches into your jacket to remove jacket at least five inches above
signed. They will now be taken one card jumps… to my pocket”. the third card from your left inside the deck and as soon as it is out
one at a time and inserted at Take the deck into your right hand pocket. Make sure that you hold of sight the wrist bends sharply
various places down the deck, the in preparation for a one hand top your jacket slightly open with your down and takes the card at
cards being left outjogged at the palm. This happens as you raise left hand here, which will set up for fingertips. You want to get as
front short edge. Fig.1. your left hand for the finger snap. the final production. much separation between the
Place the deck back into your left hands as possible here, and a bit
You now use a multiple shift to hand, making sure that the front “Another card is in my jacket of mirror time will help you find the
bring the cards to bottom. Briefly: edge is in line with your index pocket, and the last is in…this optimum distance. Hand this final
hold the deck in the right hand as finger. Look down at your right pocket”. card out to finish.
in Fig.2 with your left hand palm trouser pocket, and then remove
up and cupped just below the the palmed card, turning it Give the third spectator his card,
front edge of the deck. outward to reveal you have one of and then pause slightly as if trying
the selected cards. to see where the final card is.
Shake the right hand forwards as Pat your right breast pocket with
you lower the front edge of the As you remove and show the first your right hand, as if you have
deck into the curled left fingers so selection, your left index finger found it, and then you realise that
that the block of cards above the buckles the bottom card so that you need to free up your left hand
first outjogged selection slides your left little finger can take a to get to it.
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48

CLUB LAND down to make way for modern shops and

offices. For the past 14 years they have met
at the Selly Oak Ex-Servicemen’s Club near
to Birmingham University. Their annual
dinner has been an integral part of the
Mark Leveridge Society’s activities since the beginning, at
one time attracting some 400 attendees.
These days the attendance is around 100. It
The UK is famous for its large network of is at this event since 1988 that the David
magic clubs, most towns and cities Berglas Award is presented to the British
boasting at least one and sometimes two magician who has made a substantial
organisations. In many ways magic clubs
contribution to magic. The first recipient was
have been the lifeblood and heartbeat of
Peter Warlock and in 2011 Derren Brown.
the national magic scene for many
decades, and so we thought it would be
The programme format has changed
good to showcase some of the clubs in
somewhat since 1905 to bring it into line with
order to illustrate how important they are
to magic in the UK. If you would like YOUR the 21st century. There are more lectures
magic club to be featured in a future from both national and international stars of
issue, contact editor Mark Leveridge magic, special club nights devoted to a
([email protected]) to say particular aspect, competitions for close-up
that your club would be willing to take and parlour magic, teach-ins, and maybe a
part, and we will be happy to consider tribute evening to a famous name such as
your society for a future feature. First President, David Devant Tarbell. Then there are the popular Away at
Homes where five close-up and two cabaret
History magicians will entertain a group of 50-60
At the beginning of 1905 Birmingham people in an organisation such as a golf club
magician Fred E Walker invited a number of where 50% of the proceeds may go to a
THE BRITISH similarly minded men to his home with the charity. These evenings were originally held at
idea of forming a local club where they could the headquarters, but now the Society goes
MAGICAL SOCIETY meet regularly and discuss tricks both old out to the venue, hence the title.
Fact File: and new and promote the art of magic. Thus
the British Magical Society was born, the Like many of the early magic societies,
Founded: 1905 oldest magic organisation in this country and membership was restricted to the male sex,
Meeting Place: only the third in the world. The Magic Circle and it was not until 1991 that the BMS
The Selly Oak Ex- was formed just a few months later. started to admit women members. The first
Servicemen’s Club of these was Alison who later married the
8 Selly Hill Road Since the beginning it has been associated famous Daryl and went to live in the States.
Selly Oak with names famous in magic. The first Coming a close second was Pamela
Birmingham B29 7DL president was none other than David Devant Buckley, who became its first woman
Website: www.BritishMagicalSociety.co.uk who held the office for three years, with his president and who has contributed so much
Current Secretary: Paul Cadley famous partner, J N Maskelyne, designing to the current success of the Society.
Tel: 0121 451 3944 the Society Badge and Emblem. During its
e-mail: [email protected] 106 year history many other names have Thanks to Elizabeth Warlock.
Meeting Nights: Each Tuesday. No meetings presided, such as Clive Maskelyne, Ernest
during August and December. Noakes, Tony Shelley, Donald Bevan, Mike
Start Time: 7:30pm Gancia and of course Goodliffe, who made
Joining Fee: £10 this Society so much his own, that an annual
Annual Subs: £45 Memorial Lecture is held in his name.
Current President: John Ward
No. of Members: 90 While a number of temporary meeting places
Junior Section: Four members were used in the beginning, the Society
Main interest of members: All branches of eventually settled at the Imperial Hotel in
magic. Birmingham where not only the weekly
Library: Extensive range of books, videos meetings were held, but also their monthly
and DVDs shows and the Annual Dinner. They stayed
Events: Annual Awards Dinner. there for almost 50 years until it was pulled
Goodliffe
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52

MIND HEIST
JC SUM & NING’S ULTIMATE EXPERIMENT!!
Over the last 5 years more than 100 million people have seen JC & Ning’s magic on
television with appearances on over 25 shows internationally. They are also the first
ever Singapore artistes to be booked to perform on the famed long-running TV show,
Le Plus Grand Cabaret du Monde, that aired on 31 Dec 2011.

On 7 Jan 2012, JC & Ning successfully

set a new world record for reading 100
minds in 1 sitting. Entitled, ‘The Mind
Heist’, it was touted as ‘the ultimate
social magic experiment’.

The never-been-done-before feat was

adjudicated by Singapore Book of
Records (SBOR) & International
Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM)
Singapore Ring 115. The magic duo
successfully completed the task with
100% accuracy; only a harrowing 9
seconds short of the specified 60-
minute time frame, at the official time
of 59 minutes 51 seconds.

MS: Tell us about your most recent mega

illusion and world record “The Mind Heist.”
ushered to their seats accordingly, on the directory while others mixed up a Rubik’s
Ning: At about 2pm, participants, members cozy theatre located on the second floor. Cube and thought of colors that we then
of the press and audience members started When all the participants were ready, officials proceeded to “heist” from their minds. The
to arrive at the venue (Singapore Old School; personally escorted us to the theatre where next challenge was interesting as it involved
a well known hip artsy place in the we met everyone for the first time. Reporters 10 participants working as a group to decide
Singapore scene) and they were greeted to from different media agencies (newspapers, on any random section of a national
the sight of JC & myself being escorted by tv news, online news portals, etc) were also newspaper and subsequently, deciding on a
official representatives of the Singapore part of the 100 to have their minds read. particular news story in that section. We
Book of Records and Singapore's chapter of worked together to describe the article and
the International Brotherhood of Magicians Within minutes of arriving at the theatre, we “heist” the headline.
who were adjudicating this world record feat. began the record attempt. Unlike our usual
high-energy performances, our chosen The mind experiment then moved to a more
Behind closed glass doors, JC & I were delivery for this mega mentalism feat was literary realm as spectators were invited to
blindfolded, ear-plugged and seated in an deeply intense and quietly focused. We think of words from books. A group of ten
isolated “black box” in full view of the arriving began with a Falkenstein-inspired sequence people even worked together to form
audience. A 'live' webcam showed the two involving playing cards and money where I random words from scrabble chips. With
of us in isolation throughout the whole time read the minds of the participants as they some minor stumbles initially, we
before the actual record attempt began. thought of cards & serial numbers in logically successfully extracted those words from the
fair and increasingly difficult ways. participants’ minds.
All registered participants involved in the
world record setting attempt were each Other participants took virtual journeys to In what Channel News Asia considered “the
given a number tag from 1 – 100; and then arrive at a final secret location on a street most impressive act”, JC & I recreated a
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MIND HEIST 53

unique drawing that a group of 10 different

people created together. Each participant
added an element to the unique drawing to
make it a special one-of-a-kind, and we
managed to duplicate the drawing
identically.

Racing against time, the final 10 participants

were invited to come down to the stage
where they were asked to “shuffle”
themselves into a random single line so that
they were not lined up according to their
number. They were then handed a clipboard
and a marker each and requested to think of
a random single-digit number and then write
it down.

JC & I then proceeded to read their minds,

coming up with a sequence of 10 numbers.
This was handed to the head official (the
President of Singapore Book of Records) to
read into a microphone. The participants
were asked to turn over their clipboards, and
all the numbers matched exactly! A brand
new world record of 100% accuracy was set
just in the nick of time, we only had an
insane 9 seconds left to spare!

JC: To make the new record official, Ning & I

were presented with the award certificate
from the Singapore Book of Records. We
were also so honoured and humbled to
receive the first ever “Patrons of Magic”
award from the International Brotherhood of
Magicians Singapore Ring 115.

After the awards presentation, the live

stream portion of the event ended and we
took interviews with different print, TV and
online media. Fans waited patiently for the
media interviews to be done before we
signed exclusive posters for the 100
participants who took part in the historic
record-setting event and took photographs.
Meeting our fans and friends is really the
favourite part of our mega magic events.

WATCH video clips of “The Mind Heist” at

www.jcsum.com/mindheist

MS: What were the main challenges of doing

such a mass mind reading stunt?

JC: Unlike any of our previous mega illusions

or even regular shows, this demonstration
was completely different in presentation,
production and delivery. The main story is
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54

Showmanship wise... I really wanted to

ensure my performing character was
consistent right from the start so when we
were blindfolded and isolated, I used a set of
Zen prayer beads to help meditate and
remain calm and relaxed. Media picked it up
and sharp-eyed reporters highlighted this,
because this subtlety intrigued them.

Also, because The Mind Heist was a very

different monster of a mega illusion, I also
wanted to portray a brand new look to give
a fresh image to the audience and media.
While I wore my signature corset-styled top,
I kept it covered with a sophisticated black
satin jacket and also sported a new short &
stylish-punk hairstyle with purple highlights.
It was a very different look from the one I am
known for, but people loved this revamped
image and found it interesting.
the world record attempt racing against a that best showcased both performers on
time limit of 60 minutes. The balance equal levels. MS: You guys completed the stunt with only
between achieving the record but at the same 9 seconds to spare. Was the timing intended
time making the demonstration entertaining The last sequence involving the final 10 was to be that close?
and also believable throughout was the particularly important to us in terms of story
biggest challenge. If you think about it, we telling and bringing a dramatic conclusion to Ning: Haha... no, obviously. It felt like a heart-
were performing the same effect (reading the world record attempt. I was fighting for a thumping episode of action-paced “24”.
minds) over and over again for one hour. “show production” - styled finale to end the Yeah, it was a very VERY close shave since
act but the rest of the team was not we completed the mind heisting with 100%
We were very focused on the presentation of particularly happy with my original ideas. accuracy in an official time of 59min 51s,
this “show” and we featured a very large with only a mere 9 seconds to spare! But
variety of sophisticated mentalism even though the process wasn't an easy one
techniques that required us to dig into a vast Mark, Ning, I and the rest of the team spent and there were several stressful moments,
toolbox of methods and techniques. We a long time “thrashing” out exactly how this JC & I did our utmost and I nearly cried tears
owe a huge debt to all mentalists who have last sequence would pan out with of joy and relief, when the officials from
shared their work through books and brainstorming sessions in our rehearsal Singapore Book of Records & International
lectures that we have learnt from over the studio as well as rehearsals the night before Brotherhood of Magicians told us the final
years. “The Mind Heist” utilised techniques the actual stunt. Eventually, we all agreed on results!
taught by Banachek, Max Maven, Bob the best finale based on constraints and
Cassidy, David Berglas and Michael Weber keeping the most important elements in. It JC: I knew we were behind time halfway
among others. I developed a couple of worked out very well and is one of the most through the stunt as I asked the officials for
original ideas to bring some existing plots to talked about parts of the whole stunt. the time. Typically, at that point, we were
a new level. always at the 20-minute mark as that was
Ning: Mark Parker made a bold suggestion to the time we hit consistently during our run-
Earlier last year, I worked out the general JC & I that for The Mind Heist, we should throughs. However, during the actual "Mind
run-down of the entire 100 minds with the make a specifically audacious deviation from Heist", we were more than 10 minutes
basic methods. Then Ning & I worked our usual performing style to give the stunt behind time. the pace just slowed with the
together to fine tune the entire sequence for added credibility and believability. Now, it was live audience. People took longer to react,
weeks. Subsequently, UK illusion designer, completely out of our comfort zone but I respond to questions and move down to the
Mark Parker, who was consulting for the recognise the brilliance of Mark's point of performance area from their seats. So the
stunt, offered invaluable suggestions and view. We then spent time thinking of how to seconds and minutes just added up. I knew
improvements after watching our practice present the mind experiment with this “in the we were quite late and it would be close.
sessions. Between the three of us, I think we zone” style, while at the same time, ensuring But, I never expected it to be that close.
derived the best 100 minds sequence that that the pacing of our show would be good
could be possibly presented in the context and that our audience’s attention could be
of this world record attempt and in a way held in rapture throughout the record attempt.
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56

DEALERS’PATRICK
BOOTH
SPECIAL MAGIC PAGE
By Mark Leveridge
Photos by Philip Pound

Photo: Philip Pound

When Patrick Page moved on to
that magic club in the sky in
February 2010, the magic world
lost one of its true stars. Hugely
knowledgeable, universally liked,
and a fine performer and
entertainer, Pat was undoubtedly
one of the best known and most
respected magicians of his
generation. Throughout his life Pat
created a large number of effects,
and although he would take a few
of these to sell at the occasional
convention or when he was
lecturing, running a magic selling
business was never really of great
interest to him. As a result, many of
his ideas saw relatively little
exposure on the magic
marketplace.
Janette, Pat and Jeremy
Pat’s daughter Janette and son Jeremy,
although not involved on a regular basis with
Pat’s magic activities, had offered to help the result that it really does feel as if it has
him to put the selling business on to a more absorbed some of Pat himself. In fact Pete
solid footing, particularly with respect in Firman summed it up nicely when he
more recent years to setting up and running observed recently after reading the book,
a presence on the internet. In fact, years ago “How nice to hear Pat’s voice again.”
they even purchased relevant domain names
in anticipation of launching this, but Pat’s Knowing that his days were numbered, Pat
heart was never really in it as he much gave Janette, Philip, Jeremy and Jeremy’s
preferred to go out and about performing, wife Eileen permission to actively continue
lecturing and mixing with magicians. and expand his business once he was gone,
and so in October 2010, Patrick Page Magic
One project which Pat was keen on, was officially launched at the MacMillan
however, was writing a big book of his ideas. Convention.
Work on this project had been going on very
slowly for some time, but when Pat was This is no ordinary new magic business.
diagnosed with an incurable cancer, These days it is relatively easy for anyone to
suddenly this project became a priority. With create an online business, to wholesale in a
a huge amount of help from Pat’s son-in-law range of products and to start trading. The
Philip Pound, all the content was pulled number of dealers available to chose from
together for what became the recently now is huge compared to say 30 years ago
released Magic Page By Page book. (See a when you could fit virtually all of the UK’s
review in this issue) Virtually every word in dealers into one reasonable sized room. But
the book appears just as Pat wrote it, with what makes Patrick Page Magic unusual is >>

Pat celebrating his 80th birthday.

MS Issue 43 new FINAL1_Layout 1 02/02/2012 20:16 Page 57

DEALER’S BOOTH SPECIAL 57

that the products that they are making formed for the long run, not for short term
available are all from the mind of one man, gain, which means customers can buy with
Patrick Page. Every item will have his confidence. Janette gave up her part time
thinking behind it, and so if you like the way job to concentrate on the business, which
he does things, you are going to be excited tells you how seriously she and the others
by the range of products available both now are taking it.
and in the future.
The personal nature of the business, and the
Let’s get one thing straight. Patrick Page fact that it is being run by dedicated family
Magic has not simply been created in order members, means customers can expect a
to sell off the remaining stocks of Pat’s great level of committed service. Since
marketed material. In fact, he didn’t have big setting it all up, Janette has been inundated
quantities of many of his lines and so the with wonderful feedback from Pat’s friends
original stocks for most of them were quickly and admirers from all over the world. The
gone. So, gradually Janette and Philip are esteem that Pat is still held in is a great
re-stocking the more popular products, and motivational tool for her as it not only spurs
have plans for the gradual re-release of a her on to make a success of the business,
whole range of further items, some of which but it also encourages her to maintain a
have rarely been seen. This is a business worthy legacy for her Dad and his genius.

www.patrickpagemagic.com
A STORY FROM JANETTE TO SUM UP
PAT’S ATTITUDE TO MAGIC...
One of my favourite stories was told to us And the young guys were happy to oblige. PAT QUOTES
last year at Blackpool by a couple of young Pat was never very interested in fame and
magicians in their mid twenties. When they A couple of hours would go by with him success. He would say: “All I wanted to do
attended their first convention as teenagers, showing them how to perform the effect and was earn a living by being an entertainer and
they nervously approached my Dad to ask he wouldn’t let them go until they I was so lucky to enjoy what I was doing.”
for his advice. He spent ages talking to them understood the effect and how to perform it.
and teaching them what they wanted to He made them practise until they got it right. When asked about his past
know. They came back every year asking In the meantime, customers would come to achievements, Pat would just modestly
him to teach them more and more, often his stand wanting to buy things and he’d say quote a Jay Marshall line: “All that money’s
about things that he didn’t even sell. One “Come back later” or “Just leave the money been spent.”
year it was a coin vanish. My Dad’s answer on the table”. This for me, sums him up. If he
was always the same: thought that you were really interested he Pat had a long and happy marriage
had all the time in the world for you. Money providing a stable household for his
“Yes, I’ll teach you but it will cost you”. didn’t motivate him at all. He turned down children and he had no time for famous
lucrative offers of work because it didn’t TV entertainers who would leave a trail of
“How much?” they asked. interest him or because it would take him ex-wives and broken hearted children
away from home for too long. behind them. He would say: “It doesn’t
“A cup of tea and some biscuits” matter how much money you earn, that’s not
being a success.”

PAT’S ALL TIME PAT’S THREE FAVOURITE When asked by aspiring magicians how
FAVOURITE THREE MAGICIANS to turn pro, he would answer quite simply:
PERFORMANCE PIECES 1. Jay Marshall “Give up your day job.”
1. The Chinese 2. Al Flosso
Linking Rings 3. Heba Haba Al Arriving home after a show, his kids would
2. The Miser’s Dream ask how it had gone, and his stock reply
3. Find Any Card was: “I got paid.”
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60 REVIEWS ★ - poor ★★ - OK, but could be better ★★★ - reasonable middle of the road value ★★★★ - good product ★★★★★ - outstanding/exceptional

down onto the table and a almost automatic, a deck This is not meant to be a
spectator genuinely freely selects which, it should be noted, criticism but simply advisory, as
any one. Before the selection is cannot be examined or used the value of this book’s contents
revealed, the balance of the deck for any other trick. There is to any given reader will be
is spread face up to show that virtually no re-set other than measured by that person’s desire
there is one card reversed in the replacing the cards into the and ability to construct the props
centre. On turning this card face deck. The instructions are required as there are no routines
up it is seen to have another card supplied on DVD only so I hope included which use little or no
name written on its face. When your DVD player is working OK! props.
the selection is turned over, it
matches the written card name. This is not a trick that pros are OK, those comments aside, the
ever going to use, but it is line up of effects and routines
This is the sort of trick which is perfect for a young magician offered here is extremely varied in
ideal for the beginner in magic or starting out as it is easy to do terms of the artwork and the way
for the hobbyist who is looking and quite fooling if presented the effects look, even if there are
TOP TEN for a nice easy to do effect which correctly. ML familiar tried and tested themes
Ali Bongo will not require any practice or running through some of the
Available from: skill. In fact you could probably WHAT’S HOT: great trick for a presentations. Ian loves sucker
www.merlinswakefield.com be giving a perfectly competent young magician starting out tricks, for instance, and there are
Price: £15.00 performance of this trick within that is easy to do several ‘turn-it-round’ type
minutes of receiving it! WHAT’S NOT: compared to many routines included here, so
Top Ten is a prediction trick tricks the effect is a little obviously you would have to be
using a complete deck of You are supplied with a special underwhelming careful not to overload any one
cards. Ten cards are dealt face deck which makes the trick ★★★ act with too many of the same
type of trick. There are also
variations on standard tricks
182 page book full of routines, you go to considerable trouble to such as Silver Sceptre, ideas
gags and ideas for kids shows, construct the necessary with different types of magic
but also that it is the 5th such apparatus, or b) that you have wands and with every type of
book that he has released in certain dealer items already (or cartoon animal you can imagine.
about 12 months! The man is are prepared to buy them). Most of the material, as I
quite simply a creative machine! mentioned above, I would say is
For instance, Ian uses equipment more suitable for young children,
This A5 size perfect bound book is such as the Merry Switch Can, but there are one or two effects
similar in format to the others the Gung Ho! Box, change bags, offered which would play for 6-8
mentioned above and which we the Single Growing Flower, the year olds too.
have reviewed in these pages, and Nielsen Latex Coke Bottle, Snake
if you are a children’s entertainer, Cans, a Card Duck and the If you have enjoyed Ian’s other
especially if you do a lot of work Tarbell Cone, all of which you books I suspect you will be
with the under 5’s, then you are won’t be able to make yourself. tempted by this one too. Will it
going to find a lot of new material So to perform the routines using be his last? Seems unlikely, so
to work on in these pages. these you will have to invest or watch this space! ML
ADAIR’S IDEAS ON have the necessary props. All the
KIDS’ MAGIC A comment that always comes rest of the effects use wooden WHAT’S HOT: the variety of
Ian Adair into my mind when reading props, or picture silks, or silk material for the younger child
Available from: books on children’s magic is that screened cards, or folders etc, all WHAT’S NOT: the usual need to
www.practical-magic.com unlike close up, where you often of which will require artwork and make nearly everything up
Price: £15.00 + £2.75 UK postage simply need to grab a pack of construction. Ian always yourself
cards or a few coins and you are mentions the importance of ★★★★
My immediate thought on ready to work on much of the getting professional people to
opening the package from Ian material being detailed, with make up the required apparatus
and discovering yet another book children’s effects this is rarely the unless you are particularly skilled
full of children’s routines inside case. With the exception of a yourself, but that may be easier
was ‘Unbelievable!’. Not only is it couple of gags included here, said than done - can you find
simply astonishing that Ian has every single one of the 50+ anyone to do the work,
enough material to produce a routines will require either a) that especially as a one off?
MS Issue 43 new FINAL1_Layout 1 02/02/2012 20:16 Page 61

REVIEWS 61

lifetime in magic in a memorable reading the book so much more will find Pat’s handlings practical
way, this really looks and feels interesting and enjoyable. and useable. Others who delight
like the genuine article. The wealth of material and the in sleight of hand will have fun
variety of that material is quite working on effects such as Pat’s
The book is broken down into 10 staggering. Much of Pat’s magic Purse Frame Routine or his No
chapters, each of which has a is timeless in its construction and Lap Coins Through Table. If you
theme. So we have chapters on presentation, and so even though are one of those who wants easy
cards, the stacked deck, coins, you will at times be reading to do material, there’s loads of
the Miser’s Dream, a material that started out life that here too. If comedy is your
miscellaneous one which perhaps way back in the 1950s thing, the comedy chapter has
includes magic with sponge or 1960s, it doesn’t feel dated. over 100 different ideas, enough
balls, silks, rope etc, one called And there are most of Pat’s to keep most of us going for a
MAGIC PAGE BY Dealers’ Delights which brings signature piece effects here, such lifetime. In short, unless you are
PAGE together many effects of Pat’s as Easy Money, the (now) classic looking for big stage illusion
Patrick Page which have appeared in dealers’ and much copied paper to bank designs or children’s magic, you’ll
Available from: catalogues, the Topit, comedy notes, his professional Sponge almost certainly find something of
www.patrickpagemagic.co.uk magic, misdirection and one Ball Routine, which must be relevance and interest in these
Price: £53.00 (UK delivery) called Now They See It, which is arguably the most used version pages.
interesting as it concerns effects around, and of course the
This is a whopping book! It in which an assisting spectator is chapter on the Topit, which offers Magic Page By Page is a
measures 12” x 9”, weighs nearly the only one who doesn’t see you nothing short of a fantastic book that should be on
1.7kg, runs to 368 high quality how the trick is done! masterclass with this highly useful every magician’s bookshelf. And
gloss pages and features a huge and versatile gimmick. not just on the shelf, nice though
number of photographs and line Each routine is prefaced by a it will look sitting there, but
drawing illustrations. The book short story or history or just some This book is going to appeal, at should be a book that is studied
was written by Pat with the help other interesting fact about the least in part, to just about and the material used. If you only
of his son-in-law Philip, who also trick you are about to learn, and everyone. Those who knew Pat buy one book this year, make
pulled together the photographs, this gives the book a very human and respected and admired him sure it’s this one. ML
Matt Field who encouraged Pat feel. In other words, it’s not just will delight in the stories about
to keep on track with the writing an impersonal collection of great him and the many photos of him. WHAT’S HOT: everything from
and who edited the final magic, but Pat takes the time to Those who want to learn the production values to the material
manuscript, and Michael Albright help you to understand how the classics such as the Card To WHAT’S NOT: that Pat is no longer
who came up with the book’s material came about or what is Wallet, the Sponge Balls, the Torn here to share more with us in the
overall artistic design. As an opus perhaps special about it. This And Restored Newspaper, the future
designed to represent a man’s makes the actual process of Cards Across and many more, ★★★★★

which is specially prepared in a QD cards. However, when the for something as simple to
classic manner that you will deck is turned face up and the explain as this is arguable, but
recognise and which is used for cards are spread, it is shown that there are no written
a sort of ‘sucker’ close up card there really is only one QD as all instructions supplied in any
routine. A court card is shown the rest of the cards are the 10C! case. So, to sum up, this is a
(say the QD) to be on top of the simple little effect that may not
deck. The cards are shuffled and The deck seems nicely made be a world beater but could be
in a number of different ways a and as I mentioned earlier is quite fun to present. ML
spectator is invited to try and find fashioned in a way you will
where the Queen has ended up probably recognise and therefore WHAT’S HOT: very easy to do,
52 CARD MONTE each time in the pack. be familiar with. There’s no re-set potential for some fun in the
Steve Dimmer so it is fine for walkabout work if presentation
Available from: With unerring accuracy, he gets it you are happy to carry a deck WHAT’S NOT: the deck can’t be
www.merlinswakefield.com right every single time! Knowing that you can only use for the one examined or even looked at
Price: £15.00 that the spectator is perhaps not trick. The instructions are too closely
supposed to be that clever, the supplied on a DVD which is basic ★★★
This is a fun and very easy to audience starts to assume that but none the worse for that.
do card effect using a deck the deck comprises entirely of Whether a DVD is truly justified
MS Issue 43 new FINAL1_Layout 1 02/02/2012 20:16 Page 62

62 REVIEWS ★ - poor ★★ - OK, but could be better ★★★ - reasonable middle of the road value ★★★★ - good product ★★★★★ - outstanding/exceptional

2012. The effect itself is adds the same "tacky" finish to

stunning. A selected card is the surface and makes it able to AT A
revealed by using the deck of
cards to paint an image of the
hold onto the cards in much the
same way. This however doesn't
GLANCE!
Mona Lisa (or an "X-Ray" of the solve the problem for close-up
THE SHUBER PLATES
spectators brain) onto the table. workers who don't take a close-
In fact, I challenge any magician, up mat table hopping with them! Available from:
close-up, stage or otherwise, to www.lybrary.com
watch this effect and not like it. However, I am reviewing this as Price: $19.90 (approx £12)
someone who does perform at a
Herein lies the problem - while close-up mat a lot of the time - These are two shiny metal
everyone will like it, not everyone so the DVD quality is superb. plates cut to the size of a poker
will be able to perform it. It does High quality video, and taught in sized playing card, one of
require a close-up mat. enough detail to allow anyone to which has a large Ace of
perform it straight away. No Spades index engraved on one
CARD ARTISTRY However, before that puts too difficult sleights, the cards do all side. They are supplied with a
Justin Flom many of you off - Justin posed a the work! TC couple of wide rubber bands
Available from solution, given to him by Rune and the idea is that you use the
www.vanishingincmagic.com Klan, which would allow anyone WHATS HOT: Stunning effect! Easy plates and the bands as
Price: £21.92 to perform this in a to do! Real reputation maker! protection for a loose deck of
cabaret/parlour situation. The WHATS NOT: Not for everyone cards, or for a small block of
This effect promises to be one of idea is to have a pad of paper ★★★★★ cards needed for a packet trick.
the biggest hit or miss items of covered in spray adhesive - this It’s a way of stopping your
cards getting damaged as the
plates are positioned either side
read a spectator’s mind and the card at this point seems truly of the cards and then secured
reveal the card that they have impossible. At the performer’s with the bands thus making it
merely thought of. discretion, the effect can be all safe to carry around in your
performed and repeated a few pocket. A nifty idea! ML
When you purchase this effect, times to the same audience, with
you get a uniquely gimmicked different outcomes and WHAT’S HOT: well made, look nice
deck that will allow you to find revelations each time. This WHAT’S NOT: bands will need
out a thought of card with no versatility makes it very worthwhile replacing eventually
apparent ‘fishing’ or procedure. for the performer to carry. ★★★★

Here’s the effect. You spread The only obvious weakness here
through a deck of cards and ask is the same weakness as any instantly resets, has no angle
a spectator to remember one of other gimmicked deck, in that it issues, and is repeatable to the
THINK A CARD them, and then moments later, cannot be examined by the same audience.
Marc Oberon you are able to secretly gain spectator. Most magicians use at
Available from knowledge of the card and least one gimmicked deck in If you are looking for card magic
www.marcoberon.com subsequently reveal it to your their repertoire, and will realise or mentalism that is truly
Price: £20 includes special deck, audience. It is an incredibly direct that as long as it is handled workable, direct, easy for your
comprehensive instructional and powerful piece of mental properly, it shouldn’t arouse any audience to follow, and very
booklet plus free booklet detailing magic with a deck of cards. suspicion. Not only this, but as powerful, ‘Think a Card’ is for
an ungimmicked deck version gimmicked decks go, ‘Think a you. The necessary sleights can
usually costing £10. Offer limited to The power of this effect is in its Card’ appears very normal. It is be adapted to your current
first 20 orders. simplicity. After asking a spectator also worth mentioning here that ability, or learnt easily, which
to just think of a card, you are Marc is releasing an additional makes it much more
‘Think a Card’ is the latest in able to apparently read their mind booklet, which details his no approachable than similar effects
mental card magic from the ever without having to go through any gimmicked version of the ‘Think that are currently available. MY
imaginative mind of international drawn out procedure or unnatural a Card’ effect.
magician Marc Oberon. Far actions. The spectator never WHATS HOT: Simple, power effect.
easier to learn and perform than removes a card, nor do they ever This effect will take up as much WHATS NOT: Gimmicked deck so
his epic ‘Master Deck’, ‘Think a utter their thought of card to any pocket space as is necessary to cannot be examined.
Card’ will allow you to seemingly other person. To be able to reveal fit a single deck of cards, it ★★★
MS Issue 43 new FINAL1_Layout 1 02/02/2012 20:16 Page 63

REVIEWS 63

SOMETHING printed down the

other side. A card is peeked at in Cameron has certain themes
the deck and the magician goes that he seems to like, and so
on to boast of his highly skilful there are some similarities in
shuffling technique which in parts of the plots across several
reality looks anything but skilful. of the tricks. So the Wild Card
theme gets explored a couple
The mess of cards is squared to of times, and selected-cards-
show the deck now has the turning-up-in-unexpected-
words A LITTLE SOMETHING places is another. This is fine
printed across one side of the when the tricks are used in
deck and when turned face up isolation but lose their impact a
the whole deck is now arranged bit when you watch the DVD
in new deck order. Squaring the right the way through. Moral of
deck again and showing the this – don’t use all the effects
SOMETHING FROM other side of the deck the ULTIMATE on this DVD in one act!
NOTHING name of the chosen card now IMPROMPTU
Michael Murray appears printed along the side CARD MAGIC All the effects here are multi-
Available from: of the deck. Cameron Francis phase routines in which lots
www.magicbox.uk.com Available from: happens. Great for magicians,
Price: £17.99 A simple gimmick also does www.bigblindmedia.com who love this sort of stuff, a
some of the work for you and is Price: £21.99 slightly harder sell I always think
Michael Murray from Newcastle’s well out of the way shortly after for lay people. There’s only so
Magicbox has come up with an the start of the trick leaving the Cameron is back clutching his much interest that lay people
easy method for ‘Unshuffled’, the deck examinable. My gimmick deck of cards and primed and can muster when Kings are
unique card effect by Paul however could have been printed ready to offer you 14 card turning face up one at a time
Gertner, when after several much more boldly to make it effect variations. Actually, and then morphing into a
shuffles, the deck becomes easier to read as could the deck strictly speaking it is 13 effects, selected card. However, if you
exactly arranged so that the itself, so I hope this was an as there are two different can ‘sell’ this type of quite long
name of a chosen card appears exception. Apart from a well handlings/presentations for winded trick, Cameron’s
printed on the long side of a known force there aren’t really one of the tricks, but heh, methods are reasonably
deck of cards. ‘Unshuffled’ any sleights as such although the who’s counting? straightforward and well
however required some serious handling needs to be very structured. Yes, there is always
perfect faro shuffling skills to precise. Don’t drop the cards in The premise of this card a lot of handling going on in
make it work and therefore has the sloppy shuffle otherwise the collection DVD is a good one each trick, but do it as quickly
no margin for error. trick is really over and there is no and the clue is in the title. No, and smoothly as he does it, and
going back! not ‘ultimate’, but ‘impromptu’. it can look pretty magical.
Michael Murray’s solution Cameron set himself a target of
replaces the faro shuffle with a It has a lengthy reset so isn’t producing card tricks which Cameron is a creative guy who
simple and slightly comical workable for repeat showings were genuinely impromptu and always seems to favour the
shuffle which looks quite and is best suited as a one on which therefore required no slightly complex in terms of plot.
haphazard and not only sorts the one trick or for a very small group gaffs, no stacks and no set ups. This collection is a perfect
deck into new deck order, a at the most. If you longed to The idea was to create magic example of Cameron at his best
rather amazing feat in itself, but perform the unique and skilful which could be done with any and if you enjoy this type of
as in the original, the name of a looking ‘Unshuffled’ but couldn’t deck (even a borrowed one) at card magic, as I know many of
chosen card now appears to be manage the faro shuffles, this a moment’s notice. you do, you will enjoy learning
printed along the long side of the might be your answer. It’s quite a the stuff on this DVD. ML
squared deck. cute card effect and rather On the whole he has
different to the usual kind of succeeded with this, although WHAT’S HOT: typical Cameron
The presentation starts with the card trick. PP quite a few of the tricks do card magic, perfect for
magician admitting he uses require a certain amount of Cameron fans
marked cards although not in the WHAT’S HOT: An easier version of card reorganisation and WHAT’S NOT: could be hard to
usual sense. The deck is shown a very skilful card trick ‘fiddling’ before you can start, sell the plots entertainingly for
to have the word NOTHING WHAT’S NOT: Gimmick and deck but broadly the premise has lay people
printed along one long side of might need bolder print? been adhered to. ★★★
the deck and the word ★★★
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64 REVIEWS ★ - poor ★★ - OK, but could be better ★★★ - reasonable middle of the road value ★★★★ - good product ★★★★★ - outstanding/exceptional

and the ‘phone disappears from The DVD features creator Craig My general feeling is that the
under a handkerchief. And the Davies explaining the principle of principle of the fake can base is
third, is where some loose peach the idea (along with Warped brilliant, but the effects that it is
slices vanish from a handkerchief Magic’s Matthew Bird), it shows suggested it be used for are not
and a solid peach is removed the set up for all three routines, a that strong or practical. Craig
from a sealed can of sliced performance of all three and then suggests for each of the three
peaches. the explanations. routines that they are suitable for
walkabout. Really? The main
I should point out that in all cases The DVD finishes with a couple routine requires you to carry a
the can is clean and empty apart of extra live performances, one at can (which for a repeat
from the object found inside - in a commercial show, the second performance needs to be
other words the object is not appearing to be in a magic replaced and the gimmick
immersed in the contents that clubroom. transferred), a padded envelope,
you would normally find inside stickers, a lighter, a pen, 2 mobile
the can. So far so good. Now for some ‘phones, oh, and a claw
INCANTATION reservations. At first glance you hammer! In all my experience
Craig Davies OK, this is tricky to review. My may think that this set up will there is no walkabout situation
Available from: honest opinion is that this has allow you to secretly load a where this would be suitable.
www.warpedmagic.co.uk some very good points and mobile ‘phone into the can which And as for vanishing loose peach
Price: £49.99 some not so good ones. Let’s can then be handed to a slices in a Devil’s Hanky which is
start with the positive. The main spectator. This is not really how it screwed up and put into your
This is the first product that we concept behind this idea is a way is intended to be used. Instead, pocket, well I don’t think I need
have received for review from of opening the bottom of a an object is pre-loaded in the can to labour the point, do I?
new dealership Warped Magic, regular 400g ring pull can, before the show, not during the
and it’s an unusual effect in emptying the contents, and then routine. So in the case of a As a cabaret or stage effect this
which basically any object can with the use of a custom made ‘phone you have to have a is absolutely fine in terms of the
appear inside a sealed can of gimmick, of resealing the base of duplicate ‘phone and since the props, and the main routine,
beans/spaghetti/fruit etc. the can. ‘phone has a signed sticker on it, although a bit contrived and
you need to have a duplicate slow, has potential and could be
When I initially heard about this The gimmick is quite brilliant in signature! quite entertaining.
trick I imagined that it would be concept and is very well made. I
something like Paul Zenon did a really take my hat off to Craig The third routine has loose peach If working this in cabaret, I see
few years ago on a TV special Davies for coming up with such a slices vanishing via a Devil’s no reason why you couldn’t leave
where he vanished a spectator’s practical, clever, and well made Hanky (as Craig says on the the base off the can when it’s in
ring while performing in the street, prop to seal a can. The gimmick DVD, don’t squeeze the hanky your case, and then load a
and rushed the spectator into a is designed specifically with a too much or you may squirt borrowed item inside during a
supermarket where they chose a Heinz brand 400g tin in mind, but peach juice down yourself! He routine, sealing the base (which
can of beans which he opened it will fit most other 400g brand also reassures you that the would only take a moment) while
and unceremoniously dumped the tins too. Devil’s Hanky can be washed by it is still hidden away. This
entire contents of the can onto the hand or thrown in the washing removes all need for duplicates
spectator’s hands, and in amongst When the gimmick is in place, machine. So that’s OK then), and and means you could borrow
the messy beans was the ring! the can looks for all the world like when the can is opened a single all sorts of items for use in the
However, InCANtation is not really a regular sealed can of produce. whole peach is inside. trick. ML
that type of trick at all, so I’d better You could hand it to a spectator
explain what it actually is. and they would never suspect Although the presentation is WHAT’S HOT: the gimmick, which
that it had in any way been supposed to be about things is brilliant in concept and well
The DVD instructions, which run doctored or that it was unusual in going back in time, the made.
for just over 1.5 hours, cover any way. It really is excellent. appearance of the complete WHAT’S NOT: the suggested
three versions of the effect. The peach is a bit illogical - or at least routines are a bit weak, and it is
first is the main routine, in which With the set sent for review, there the only magic effect created is certainly not a walkabout trick.
a mobile ‘phone appears inside was a single can base gimmick, one of how you got a peach in ★★★★
the can after it has vanished from two regular ring pull cans with advance into a sealed can, not
inside a padded bag. their bases taken off, a Devil’s that peach slices magically
Hanky (required for the second returned to the can. I would
The second is the same effect routine mentioned above), and suggest that’s not a very magical
except the presentation is shorter the explanation DVD. effect really.
MS Issue 43 new FINAL1_Layout 1 02/02/2012 20:16 Page 65

REVIEWS 65

very accurately, as in Expert Card chapters on the Lybrary.com ESP PREDICTION

Technique, or were done without website will give you a better idea Wayne Dobson
his blessing or cooperation. The than space allows here. Available from:
ten page lecture notes which he www.merlinswakefield.com
wrote for his Magic Castle lectures Inevitably you will need to be a Price: £15.00
in the late seventies were the serious card student of a dedicated
closest he ever came, but was nature to appreciate and bring the One thing you know you will
such an ordeal that he didn’t wish contents to life. The casual always get with any Wayne
to repeat it. observer will find the text hard work Dobson effect is simplicity of
because sadly you won’t find a method, and ESP Prediction is
With the task of writing a book too single illustration to help you! The no exception. If this was any
daunting for him, in 1989 friend detailed text is considered sufficient easier you could unpack the
JACK MCMILLEN Michael Landes collaborated with to “allow for a more detailed and props, place them on the table,
Michael Landes him to make the task easier and more accurate communication of and stand back while the trick
Available from www.lybrary.com the project got under way. Sadly method and their nuances than did itself. Actually, that pretty
Price $35 (approx. £20) Jack died later that year and it illustrations could provide.” Frankly much is what happens!
wasn’t for another six years before the odd illustration here and there
I dare say the name Jack McMillen work on the book began again. I’m sure would have been useful! 5 ESP symbol cards are placed
is way off the radar of even the out in a row on the table and a
most avid readers of card magic This e-book finally sets the record This material dates from the spectator selects freely any one
literature. You might have seen straight and describes the most 1920s through the next six (no force of any sort).
effects credited to him in the classic important contributions of Jack decades so provides a historical Immediately the performer
Expert Card Technique, but McMillen in minute detail. At 20 context to the development of shows that he knew which
otherwise his name slips through chapters and 264 pages long it classic card magic throughout the symbol would be chosen.
the net and despite ranking also represents his life’s work, 20th century and given that, I
alongside the other greats of mid mainly with cards, but also other doubt will throw up anything This comes with a plastic wallet
20th century card magic like Charlie magic like the cups and balls, ground breaking. full of bits and pieces namely:
Miller and Dai Vernon, very little is coins and linking rings. Mixed into 5 ESP symbol cards, a card with
known about him. Blessed with a the technical descriptions are It’s good to know the legacy of the word ESP printed on it, a
prodigious skill he was already one some wonderful anecdotes and one of the greats of card magic is card with a question mark
of the top card magicians whilst still stories which bring this little finally put into print and is available printed on it and a circular token
in High School in the late 1920s known magician to life. for those with the skills and with a question mark on it.
prompting the great Charlie Miller patience to study some of the These items plus the wallet make
(who lived on the other side of the There is a massive amount of classic card magic of the 20th up the 5 supplied props which
USA) to seek him out! material here meticulously century. PP for the more astute amongst you
described covering the different may confirm the way this works.
The problem with Jack was that periods and places in his life. The WHAT’S HOT: Meticulously written The instructions are supplied
despite his reputation as one of contents include sleights and text recording a near forgotten only on a basic DVD.
the top card men in America he routines, with numerous colour legacy of classic card magic
rarely put any of his creations changes, bottom dealing WHAT’S NOT: Not a single If I was a youngster starting out in
down on paper. Those that found techniques, revelations and the illustration to aid the text! magic and I received this trick I
their way into print were usually JM card rise coming in for lengthy ★★★★ would be pretty pleased. It’s easy
written by others and often not descriptions. A look at the to do, there are plenty of attractive
looking little props, and it all packs
away in the plastic wallet making it
easy to carry around. There’s no
GOT AN ITEM FOR REVIEW?
ITEMS FOR REVIEW CAN BE SENT TO ANY OF THE FOLLOWING ADDRESSES:
re-set apart from putting all the
props away and no skill required
to make it all work. ML
Graham Hey: 6 St Everilda’s Terrace, Everingham, York YO42 4JE.
Phil Shaw: 23 Stock Close, Norton, Malton YO17 8BE.
Mark Leveridge: 13A Lyndhurst Road, Exeter EX2 4PA. WHAT’S HOT: a self working trick
ideal for a beginner
Please also supply information on price, postage and where your product can be purchased from. WHAT’S NOT: unlikely to be of any
If you have a digital image interest to the working performer
(JPEG, TIFF, PDF) of your item too that would be appreciated, but not essential. ★★★
MS Issue 43 new FINAL1_Layout 1 02/02/2012 20:16 Page 66

66 REVIEWS ★ - poor ★★ - OK, but could be better ★★★ - reasonable middle of the road value ★★★★ - good product ★★★★★ - outstanding/exceptional

of holiday parks, Gary’s humour moving - there’s never a dull as well as a bonus section which
is quite broad, slightly ‘naughty’ moment or a pause in the fun. has live footage of something
as the kids would see it, and yet After the show Gary and Jeremy called The Love Story, in which
both his verbal and physical le Poidevin from Practical Magic Gary uses two kids from the
humour are genuinely very funny. talk about the show and Gary audience to tell a funny and
explains various aspects of what engaging love story. Again,
On the first disc we watch Gary’s he does, including giving some virtually no props, this works
magic show which he performs at tips and refinements on the way even in the hectic holiday park
a school in Newcastle in front of that he performed. It’s not a long atmosphere, and quite frankly if
an audience of primary school interview because really Gary’s you can make it work there you
children. We see his warm up work speaks for itself, but it is can make it work anywhere.
followed by several simple yet good to hear about some of the
good magic tricks and the whole thinking behind the ‘action’. I have had the pleasure to review
thing is delightfully wrapped in quite a few DVDs on children’s
Gary’s personality and humour. The second disc features a entertainment, and this is one of
KEEP THEM Gary is very confident, very games show that highlights two the best I’ve seen. If you are a
LAUGHING polished, and he uses sound activities that you can do with performer who is very self
2 DVD set by Gary Dunn effects and pre-recorded music to several helpers out front and confident, who wants to see just
Available from: www.practical- excellent effect throughout the which requires virtually no what can be done with good
magic.com show. It’s hugely entertaining and equipment. I love the fact that gags and funny situations, who is
Price: £25.00 + £2.75 (UK postage) everything races along at a lively Gary has the skill and the not afraid to step out from
£3.75 (Europe) £4.75 (Rest Of The pace that keeps not only the confidence to truly entertain behind the props and give more
World) children all interested but I suspect without having to hide behind a in terms of personality, then this
all of you who will buy this and succession of props, and what product will inspire as well as
Gary Dunn is a lively children’s watch it too. He uses relatively few you see is a masterclass in how entertain. ML
entertainer who during his 20 props, and even though most of to extract the maximum from
years as a pro has developed a them are standard, he always very little, and yet never give the WHAT’S HOT: Lightweight magic
wonderfully engaging and finds ways to make the whole impression that you are wasting wrapped in terrific entertaining
humorous style of performance thing funny and hugely time or spinning things out business
that the kids simply love and entertaining. As performers, we unnecessarily. WHAT’S NOT: You need bags of
which is perfectly shown on this can learn much from Gary’s style, energy and confidence to copy
excellent 2 DVD set. With a his timing, his use of child helpers, This disc also has another brief Gary’s style
background in performing at a lot and the way he keeps everything chat between Gary and Jeremy ★★★★★

touches, no thread work, fully deceptive and should never be What I like is that the gimmick
examinable Haunted Deck you seen if performed correctly. You can be brought into play at any
will REALLY, REALLY USE!’ receive two gimmicks already point, it’s not just a one trick
made up plus Peter runs through deck that takes up valuable
Let me start off by saying that how to make up extras should pocket space. Any regular deck
I’ve never really been a fan of you need them. You just need to can be used, in fact it could
Haunted deck effects mainly supply a matching deck. even be used with a different
because of the thread work backed deck if necessary.
needed to achieve a satisfactory The handling of the effect is very
result. I like the plot, but always easy indeed and you start clean There’s been a lot of talk on the
worried that the thread would and end clean. Practice is chatrooms about ‘Haunted’ and
break, or be found out in needed, however, to get the the first batch sold out almost
HAUNTED performance. However, Peter movement of the cards cutting straight away. It’s easy to see
Peter Eggink Eggink’s ‘Haunted’ really is just right. why. Highly recommended. PS
Available from completely hands off, in fact it
www.worldmagicstore.com can be performed inside a sealed At first when you try it, the cards WHAT’S HOT: Looks great when
Price: £28 (approx) +p&p plastic bag or under a glass. will cut almost immediately which done properly
is not what you want to happen, WHAT’S NOT: Cards became a bit
Here’s what the advertising Obviously there is a gimmick but when you do get it just right it sticky after using a few times.
blub says: ‘The hands off, no involved here, but it is very really does look great. ★★★★
MS Issue 43 new FINAL1_Layout 1 02/02/2012 20:16 Page 67

REVIEWS 67

sized notepad, which has been utility device facilitates ‘peaks’, gets asked to hand out the
beautifully illustrated with images ‘forces’, and ‘fishing’, allowing pad for examination and with
of playing cards on each of its the performer to adapt the the correct audience
pages. The magician is able to effects to any given situation for management, it shouldn’t be a
flick through the book to display the best outcome. problem.
different playing cards and ask
the spectator to think of one. The This trick packs small enough to The angle considerations with
specially gimmicked book then fit into your pocket but plays big this trick are virtually non
allows the performer to and could be performed close up existent, with the exception of
seemingly read the spectator’s or as part of a cabaret show. It is someone peering directly over
MYSTERY BOOK mind and reveal the card that a card trick that requires no cards your shoulder, so you are
Marc Oberon they are merely thinking of. and is the sort of effect that is almost angle free. It is an instant
Available from based around cards but is likely to reset, requires no pre show set
www.marcoberon.com The effect can be performed in a be remembered as mind reading. up and can be repeated.
Price: £15 variety of ways, one after another No cards ever have to be handled
as part of a Mystery Book act. by a spectator, which eliminates The Mystery Book is easy to
The Mystery Book is a utility Possible effects range from any thoughts of sleight of hand learn, practical and versatile
device from the creative mind Derren Brown style body tricks and adds to the effect, and would be an ideal effect
of the world renowned language reading, to ‘spectator making it interesting, unique, for the kind of performer who
magician Marc Oberon. This as mind reader’ or even a visual entertaining and impossible in the performs close up but is also
self contained effect allows the flick book revelation where the spectator’s mind. looking to expand into doing
magician to perform seemingly magician flicks through the book cabaret shows. MY
impossible feats of mind to display a moving image in
reading with multiple which some hands magically The weakness to this effect is WHAT’S HOT: Packs small and
revelations. produce a thought of playing that it can’t be examined. The plays big
card. The flick book revelation of style of performance and the WHAT’S NOT: Not examinable
When you purchase the the thought of playing card can situation in which you find ★★★★
Mystery Book, you get a even be repeated with a different yourself will dictate whether this
specially designed, pocket card. Without a deck in sight, the is an issue or not. Marc never

these days, and this 2 DVD set moves included are: The Raised- done that man!), and into a
takes you through a series of Grip Bottom Palm, Lennart couple of bars to put them into
moves which you can use to Green’s Top Shot, the Top Palm action. As usual with non-set up
supplement the effects you Reverse, Marlo’s Future Reverse performances, some of the
currently perform. These moves and a simplified ‘Spectator Cuts spectators don’t react like they
will help you vary your the Aces’. The skill level is would in the USA (!) but you do
presentations to stop boredom intermediate - you’ll have to get to see how impressive the
setting in, after all, you’ve practise the moves, but it’s worth moves are.
probably used the same old putting in the effort.
techniques for ages, haven’t All in all, a good DVD set. Don’t
you? Enough said! DVD two includes some neat think that this is a DVD full of
advice on a single coin routine – card tricks though, this is a good
DVD one contains a variety of though the DVD set is primarily guide to adding some potential
moves, controls and forces, well card stuff. There are also some new moves to enhance your
MATERIALS explained by Steve. One thing in good advice sections on the close-up act. GH
Two DVD set by Steve Faulkner the DVDs favour is that where Classic Force and the One-
Available from: many DVDs show a move just a Handed Convincing Control. WHAT’S HOT: Well explained
www.stevefaulkner.com couple of times before you have moves, not rushed
Price: £20 (plus £1 postage, UK) to stop and rewind, Steve goes Steve reassures the viewer that WHAT’S NOT: Maybe could have
through the moves quite a few these moves are not too difficult, been on a single disc?
Steve Faulkner, a previous winner times, so you can almost and perhaps the best part of the ★★★★
of Street Entertainer of the Year, practise along with him, which is DVD is when Steve goes out on
has moved more into magic very convenient. Some of the to the streets (in Winter. Well
MS Issue 43 US PAGES_Layout 1 12/02/2012 19:48 Page 2

69

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MS43 US cover 4pp_Layout 1 12/02/2012 22:02 Page 2

SIX NEW MAGICTAO RELEASES

VULCAN LOOKING GLASS

This DVD teaches you how to bend metal, anywhere With the gimmicks supplied, you will be able to read
you choose. You will learn an entire spoon bending information without looking at it. For example, any
routine involving interaction with spectators who will chosen card can be revealed without looking at its
see spoons bend in their own hands! You will also face. A variety of information can be secretly seen
learn 3 unique ways to bend spectators’ coins leaving without it being noticed by the spectator.
your audience astounded at what you can do! You will
also learn 3 unique coin bends.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
You have 16 cards, each with a different food item
GERTI on them – this is your shopping list. The spectator
If you ever wanted to perform a ‘coin in which hand’ mixes up the cards. The spectator then chooses one
type of effect, ‘Gerti’ is for you. A spectator places one of the cards. This is done twice. You are then able to
coin in your hand and the other in their own hand. tell them which two cards they have chosen without
Without looking you are able to reveal who has the you having to look at the cards.
signed coin. You can also tell which hand holds each
of the dated coins.
SIGHT
The spectator chooses one horror movie from a list
1805 of 10. You make a prediction and then reveal how
A signed coin vanishes from on top of a card case; it you have read their thoughts when you tell them
then appears inside the box on top of a previously which horror movie they chose.
signed card. Easy to do, no sleight of hand needed.

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