MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 12/04/2011 11:27 Page 1

THE MAGIC MAGAZINE FOR MAGICIANS & MENTALISTS

MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE
Issue No.38 RRP £4.50 www.magicseen.co.uk Vol. 7. No.2 May 2011

MAGIC
ONLINE
COMEDY
MASTERCLASS
LETTERS
REVIEWS
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: NEWS

COLIN
MCLEOD
THE WINNER
TAKES IT ALL
MAGIC IN THE
NETHERLANDS
CHRISTIAN
MAGIC UK
SOUTH TYNESIDE
CONVENTION
JOHN
BANNON
HITTING THE TARGET
MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 11/04/2011 08:48 Page 4

4 CONTENTS

34

WHAT’S INSIDE
5. Welcome
10 42
6 Letters
7. Magic Frankenstein
8. News
10. Colin McLeod
15. News
16. Fellowship of Christian Magicians
20. South Tyneside Convention
24. Magic in The Netherlands
28. Comedy Cavern
30. Magic Seen Online
34. John Bannon
42. Winner Takes It All
48. Masterclass
55. Club Land
58. Reviews
65. Next Issue
MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 12/04/2011 11:27 Page 5

WELCOME 5

s Volume 7 gets firmly into

A
its stride, we offer you an
issue that is full of interest
and variety. Let me briefly
draw your attention to one
or two of the highlights....

John Bannon - one of my all time favourite

magicians, John brings a thoughtful and
intelligent approach to his card magic and our
article on him is full of insightful comments that
will educate you as well as hopefully inform
and entertain you. Oh, and John says he is
thrilled to be on our cover, which automatically
makes him a favourite in the Magicseen office!

Winner Takes It All - ever wanted to know how

top guys like Marc Oberon, Peter Wardell and
Nick Einhorn manage to be so successful at
winning big magic contests? Well, we give Colin McLeod - we get up close and personal Magicseens completely free! Details are
them centre stage to tell you exactly how they with the young Scottish mind reader to hidden away in this issue, so go look for them.
do it. Read, learn and implement. discuss why he does, what he does. Also, have to mention our first Magicseen
event - don't miss two great shows which we
Magic In Holland - the latest in our series of And that's all just for starters. We do like to are putting on in York on 20th August 2011
international articles turns the spotlight on a spoil you, don't we. In fact, if you like with a strong line up of talent. Go along
country that may only have a total of 16 million Magicseen (and we know that most of you are yourself, take the family, take all your friends -
people but which has given birth to many of really enthusiastic about it), then tell your you know they'll thank you for it. Further
the world's greatest magicians including Fred friends, get them to sign up and if they say details are also in this issue.
Kaps, Okito, Henk Vermeyden, Tommy that it is you who has encouraged them to do
Wonder, Richard Ross, Flip, Hans Klok and so, we'll extend your own sub by one issue for See you next time. In the meantime, enjoy!
many more. You'll be amazed at how many every year that people you recommend join us
familiar names comes from the Netherlands. for. Wow, you could end up getting your Mark Leveridge

THE MAGIC MAGAZINE FOR MAGICIANS & MENTALISTS THE TEAM SUBSCRIPTIONS
On-line at www.magicseen.co.uk,
Editor: Mark Leveridge or sending your details and a cheque payable to
Deputy Editor: Graham Hey ‘magicseen’ to magicseen Subscriptions,
MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE Design Editor: Phil Shaw 13a Lyndhurst Road, Exeter EX2 4PA, UK.
Issue No.38 RRP £4.50 www.magicseen.co.uk Vol. 7. No.2 May 2011

Advertisement Enquiries: Sarah Logan £25.00 for annual subscriptions, Europe £37.00,
[email protected] worldwide £46.00. USA/Canadian subscriptions (one
MAGIC
ONLINE Website Design: Creative Design Partners year) are also available from our Distribution Partner in
COMEDY
MASTERCLASS Circulation: Sarah Logan the States - www.lybrary.com
LETTERS
REVIEWS
NEWS
Circulation Assistant: Jessica Culver Copyright. The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
COLIN Contributors: John Bannon, Richard Sanders, Matt Pritchard, those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the
MCLEOD Stuart Bowie, Paul Preager, Jay Fortune, Richard Leigh, Fritz views of the publishers. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or
part is strictly prohibited without the prior consent of the publishers.
THE WINNER
TAKES IT ALL Alkemade, Marc Spelmann, Mark Townsend, George Luck
MAGIC IN THE Colour transparencies, manuscripts or discs are sent at the owners’
NETHERLANDS
CHRISTIAN Reviewers: Mark Leveridge, Phil Shaw, Graham Hey, own risk. Neither the company nor its agents accept any
MAGIC UK
SOUTH TYNESIDE JOHN Daniel Lander, Tom Crosby responsibility for loss or damage. All unsolicited material should be
CONVENTION

BANNON
HITTING THE TARGET
Magicseen’s management board consists of Graham Hey,
Mark Leveridge & Phil Shaw
General enquiries and comments:
accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope.

Thanks to: John Bannon, Colin McLeod, Marc Oberon,

Nick Einhorn, Peter Wardell
[email protected]

VOLUME 7 No. 2 ISSUE 38 Published by MSUK Publications

MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 10/04/2011 23:34 Page 6

,
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]

Yann Frisch HOW TO START? and he certainly lived up to

Up to now, I’ve practised magic, expectations. Even though I’m
but would like to move into sure he was pretty busy, he took
mentalism. Anything you could the time to sign autographs and
suggest to get me started? have a chat for a couple of
Nothing too difficult, mind! minutes. All I can say is, it was a
Simon Dennison, Lincoln real pleasure that me and my
family will never forget.
Photo: Luke Burrage

There’s lots to Henry & Julia Ferris, (and two

go at Simon, but children), Chelsea.
off the top of
someone’s
head, why not MAGIC BABE IN
try: Richard UNARMED COMBAT
Osterlind’s Easy I was assisting in teaching an
YANN REALLY IS THE to Master unarmed combat seminar in
MAN! Mental Miracles series? beautiful Singapore recently.
Anyone who went to the Imagine my surprise when I
Blackpool convention and saw learned from Avi Nardia, the head
the competition must have been I MET DAVID! combat instructor, that amongst
impressed with the French fellow I was in Las Vegas recently, and the group of ladies coming to
Yann Frisch, who won with his while waiting in the foyer of my take the course was none other
brilliant up-dated ‘cups-and- hotel met David Copperfield!! A than Magic Babe Ning! Ning had
balls’ routine with a jug and cup. dream come true, I thought – enrolled on our courses run by
It was all done in mime, and was
just fantastic! I saw it on Youtube,
but it has since been removed.
David Copperfield
brian Robinson, Cheshire.

Penn & Teller

Yes brian, Yann’s routine was the
talk of the convention, and he really
did deserve to win. The good news is That is correct. Penn & Teller will be
that we have interviewed Yann and in the UK in May, to sort it all out.
you can read it in our next issue. We have spoken to a few of the
magicians who have been asked to
take part, but due to contracts we
MORE PENN & cannot divulge any details.
TELLER? However, we CAN say that there are
I’ve heard that Penn & Teller have some UNMISSAbLE performers due
been given a series on ITV – can to have a go at fooling Penn &
you give me more details? Teller!
N Holland via email
MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 10/04/2011 23:34 Page 7

MAGIC FRANKENSTEIN 7

the Kapap Organisation to learn

self-defence skills, and she
proved to be a more than willing
Magic Frankenstein!
participant. In fact, at one point I
We asked Richard Sanders to piece together his very own 'monster'
had to make a simulated attack using the best bits of magicians... this is what he came up with...
on her and before I knew it she
had thrown me over onto my Above: Richard, 1. best hands: David Williamson and Bill 4. best brain: Tommy Wonder for creativity,
doing his famous
back and given me a stinging Malone. Eugene Burger and Derren Brown for
‘Tom Cruise’
strike to the face to boot! It's impression 2. best Hair-do: Jimmy Grippo. Technically presentation, David Williamson and Bill
great to see that even a I don't think it was his hair but kudos to Malone for comedic brilliance.
Magicseen cover star can him for being able to wear that thing. 5. best Style: The Naturals: Matt Schulien,
protect herself so effectively! 3. best Dressed: Derren Brown and worst Eddie Fechter, Bill Malone, David
Charley bourgheya, Bangkok dressed, Chung Ling Soo. Williamson and Tommy Wonder.

THE MAGIC MAGAZINE FOR MAGICIANS & MENTALISTS

MAGICSEEN
ONLINE
DUGDALE
IN RIO
MASTERCLASS
LETTERS
MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE REVIEWS
NEWS
Issue No.37 RRP £4.50 www.magicseen.co.uk Vol. 7. No.1 March 2011

FEATURED THIS ISSUE:

ANGELA 2. Jimmy Grippo
FUNOVITS
LIAM
MONTIER ALI 4. Tommy Wonder
THE LAST GREATEST
MAGICIAN
CLUB LAND
DEALER’S BOOTH
SPECIAL
TENYO CO LTD
COOK
READY STEADY COOK!

ALI COOK ON THE

COVER!
Great to see Ali Cook on your
last cover – his performance on
the Penn & Teller TV show was
great. I’ve seen him at Edinbro’ a
couple of times, and thoroughly
enjoyed his shows. From the
article, it is evident that he is
diversifying, and it won’t be long
before he is no longer performing
magic, as – let’s face it – it’s hard
to make a decent living from it.
Andy Nyman’s doing more and 3. Derren Brown
more acting, Cook’s moving into
that area, too. And the even
younger ones will be tempted
into presenting children’s 1. Bill Malone
television, no doubt. Where’s the
future? (Sounds like a line from a
Sex Pistols song!)
Neil Wilson, Southampton

Where’s the future? See Yann Frisch

for full details!
5. David Williamson
MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 10/04/2011 23:34 Page 8

IN THE JOHN VAN DER PUT IS THE MAGIC CIRCLE’S

CLOSE UP MAGICIAN OF THE YEAR
John van der Put has won The Magic
Circle’s Close Up Magician of the Year

NEWS contest. A closely fought competition

against seven other finalists – including
two previous winners - saw John
claim the prize to add to the
International Brotherhood of Magicians
trophy that he won in 2009.
Virgin fame, is bidding for the
'Burt Wonderstone' role in a John’s winning act combined
new magic-themed film. The comedy with mystifying magic, as he
plot? Burt Wonderstone is the produced selected cards to music
typical Las Vegas magician and then transformed the pack into faceless cards before bringing them
working through some issues back to normal. A trick with fire was reminiscent of Piff the Magic
on his way back to the top. Dragon, the alter ago under which he performs to great acclaim on the
Chief among those nagging club scene and comedy circuit. As a finale he performed his signature
concerns is his accidental killing trick of visibly transforming a signed playing card quarter-by-quarter into
of his partner. Mr. Carell has a the selection he predicted.
STEVE CARELL TO lot of clout, and even though
STAR IN VEGAS the project has sat on the Second place went to Marc Spelmann, who was also awarded the
MAGICIAN MOVIE shelves at New Line Cinema for Originality Prize, whilst James Freedman came third. Also competing were:
According to Variety, Steve over five years – with Carell's Tim Sutton, Jon Allen, Joe Stone, Chris Wood and Andrew Murray. Michael
Carell of The Office, Bruce name attached, the rest seems Vincent chaired the panel of judges which included three magicians -
Almighty, and The 40 Year-Old a formality! Geoffrey Durham, Alan Shaxon and Rajan – and three members of the
public. John van der Put receives an invitation to the FFFF – the American
invitation-only convention for the world’s finest 300 close up magicians.
EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL
MAGIC FESTIVAL CASTS ITS
SPELL ONCE AGAIN PAUL’S AT THE
The Edinburgh International performer Romany, one of the HILTON!
Magic Festival (MagicFest world’s only female magicians. Paul Stone declares ‘Palladium
www.magicfest.co.uk ) is Magic’ which is named as
delighted to announce it will 2011 marks the 100th ‘Meet the Legends’. Meet the
return this summer following the anniversary of the death of The Legends is a sole event which
great success of the inaugural Great Lafayette, a master is going to be held in Hilton
five-day Festival last July. illusionist who met his untimely Courthouse, a five star hotel, with this event. Some of stars
MagicFest, which will run from end in a fire whilst on stage on which is on the Great who are involved like Michael
1st to 8th July, is a new addition 9th May 1911 at the old Empire Marlborough Street which is Finney, Johnny and Pam
to the programme of Edinburgh Theatre – now the Festival only about 30 metres from the Thompson, Kris Kremo etc, will
Festivals and is the first public- Theatre. MagicFest has created a London Palladium. The whole also spend their valuable time
facing magic event of its kind in worldwide award in honour of the show will be conducted at the with registrants who will even
the UK and one of only a few Great Lafayette and will annually new Release Theatre and inside have the chance to pose for
around the world. MagicFest nominate a respected, the special room in the photos with them as well as get
Artistic Director, and full-time professional magician in Courthouse Hotel. You can their autographs. Some small
magician, Kevin McMahon said: recognition of their contribution come in contact with famous gifts along with refreshments will
“Building on the successful start, to live magic. The Great magicians like Jack Kodell, be supplied and anyone
this year’s MagicFest has grown Lafayette Award will be Marvin Roy, John Cavert as well interested needs to apply
from 5 to 8 days full of live magic presented at the Gala Show as Silvan and get to know their immediately for the £95 seats as
and will now host 80 shows each year. experiences of the Palladium there are only 50 available.
instead of last year’s 50. Magic event too. People will If you want further details, you
R. Paul Wilson from the BBC’s Visit: www.magicfest.co.uk for all thus find a wonderful chance to can get it from
‘The Real Hustle’, will return the latest news! Go on then! talk to these legends and also [email protected]
alongside first time MagicFest with the cast and crew included
MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 10/04/2011 23:35 Page 10

10

COLIN
MCLEOD
THE BOY WONDER
e’s released a number of After Speaking to Colin earlier in the week people. “I was totally reserved, but when

H
critically acclaimed effects, we once again got chatting on the phone people find out that you can do magic
received rave reviews for his whilst he made his way to a performance they’re always asking you to perform.
highly original one-man that evening. Right away Colin seemed
show, and continues to take friendly and chatty – and after a bit of signal “What I realised very quickly was that I was
the magic world by storm. trouble we started... naturally drawn to the kind of more mental
stuff. Kind of raw stuff that doesn’t use any
Chris Rawlins talks to the Most mentalists/psychological props. I think that the next best magician will
brilliant Scottish mind reader... illusionists start out within magic just walk round with nothing. For me with
and eventually decide to take a mind reading you’re getting to the core of
different direction, what led you the effect as quickly as possible.”
to perform mentalism instead of
other areas of Magic? Colin and myself soon realise that we are
“I originally started out with hypnotism at a going off on a tangent - so we return to the
young age. I remember seeing Paul McKenna topic of hypnosis. I was surprised to hear
and wanting to do the things he was doing,” that Colin had a base in that area. Colin
says Colin. “I was reading and learning about went on to mention his friendship with
that when I was in primary school. The Anthony Jacquin, which was interesting...
suggestibility tests were the things that
interested and amazed me the most. I think So, what led you towards
people bought me the Paul Daniels magic set becoming a ‘Mind Reader’ as
as a child and other people would do tricks on opposed to presenting yourself in
me. I totally learnt all the a different light? (i.e. Mentalist,
sleights and tricks with cards Thought Reader, Psychological
and coins, cups and balls, as Illusionist, or other).
you do.’ “I am also an owner of a motivational training
company for businesses. I teach people real
At this stage Colin lets me know mind skills in the sense of how to be sure
that he once had ‘a bit of a that their employees are working at their
reputation for doing a bit of a best. I brief people before business
mean ass cups and balls routine’, meetings to help them be as persuasive as
much to my amusement. possible, things like that. So that my
performances don’t clash with that, I label
He then reveals that at a young age he myself as a ‘Mind Reader?’ The question
was quiet and shy - and magic was mark is what makes it different. For those
one of the things that gave him who want to believe it’s mind reading, they
confidence at school and around can - and for those who are sceptical the
MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 10/04/2011 23:35 Page 11

COLIN MCLEOD 11

e with
Fordmreadiinngg
min ’re gette of
youthe cor t as
to effec as
theuickly .
q ssible
po
MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 10/04/2011 23:35 Page 12

12 COLIN MCLEOD

full of peers was quite scary and exciting all

at the same time.”

What do you consider to be the

moment in your career that
really put you on the ‘map’?
“The thing that has made people aware of
me was definitely the DVD. Peter Nardi at
Alakazam had never seen me perform, so to
take such a risk on a twenty three year old
guy... I mean that’s amazing! I owe Pete
quite a lot for taking the risk to do that.
There is everything else that goes with the
DVD, the box, how you want everything to
look, Peter Nardi and Russ Stevens between
the two of them did an amazing job there. If
I’m being totally honest it’s the DVDs that
have made people aware of me.

“Walking around the Blackpool magic

convention I had people coming up to me and
shaking my hand saying how they love the
material. I’m never really sure what to say, I’m
totally humbled by it. Anyone who has sat
there and watched the six hours worth of stuff,
total respect for them, it really means a lot to
me that they have spent the time to do that.”

What types of effects interest

you the most in your area of
magic and which do you think
are the strongest?
“I think the methods that interest me the
most are things that are as real as possible,
psychological and suggestion-based effects,
Cold Reading. Equivoke is a favourite of
As far as Mentalism goes, I mine and the lottery routine off my DVD. I
think the ultimate would be to think that as long as there is no visual

work with Derren and Andy compromise and that the effect is direct,
that’s what’s important.
Nyman on something.
Who are your biggest
inspirations?
“When I was younger, my three most
inspirational performers were Drew McAdam
question mark fits perfectly too. It also people’s thinking, and as long as I do that who then introduced me to Ian Rowland and
covers my own back, as this way it’s left to and entertain, I’m pretty happy”. Marc Paul. My top three favourite performers
the audience to decide. I aim to challenge of all time would have to be Doc Hilford, I
their thinking and to create an enjoyable and Up to this point what has been think his material is so ahead of its time,
entertaining experience. the highlight of your career as a Banachek and Bob Cassidy. They have
performer? some very creative thinking.
“If they want to think it’s a magic “Well there are so many different things. I’ve
trick...brilliant. If they want to think it’s just turned twenty four and I’m recently “I think the person who has helped me
psychic...errrrr ok, that’s the only one I’m a engaged, so I’d say that is the proudest hopefully become an entertaining performer
bit uncomfortable with, really. All I aim to do moment of my life so far. Magic related... To is my best mate. A guy named Gavin Oates.
is entertain them. I want to challenge lecture in Vegas at Mindvention, with a room He is a stand up comedian and over the
MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 10/04/2011 23:35 Page 13

COLIN MCLEOD 13

past few years has spent a lot of time Gavin Oates and Kevin McMahon from Have you got any advice in
teaching me how to do comedy essentially ‘Faking It’. I’m actually doing a comedy relation to the best way of
and how to make things entertaining.” sketch show called ‘The Colour Ham’ learning and advancing as a
At this point Colin needed to run into his because ham’s our favourite colour. We do a performer?
house, grab his suit and call me back. comedy sketch show with special effects, Says Colin, “You can practise your script.
Got your suit? I ask. “Got my suit, I am which is Kev doing the magic and me doing Genuinely I think you should write a script,
jamming...I also grabbed an apple as well so the mind reading. We have been getting rave practice it and visualise yourself performing
if you hear some crunching..” he replies. reviews already. There’s a show in Glasgow the effect as much as possible. Also
on the 23rd April.” visualise what might go wrong and work out
Where do you think Mentalism/ what you will say and do. This gives you a
Thought Reading will be in the Who would you most like to chance to practise as much as possible and
future? work with within the industry to be prepared.
“I think with technology, mentalism runs the that you haven’t had the
risk of becoming inaccurately exposed as chance to yet and why? Start by performing to your friends - which is
being largely technological. I mean, a lot of “As far as Mentalism goes, I think the a big ask. If you can convince them you can
people now, when I get them to write ultimate would be to work with Derren and read minds you will grow with confidence.
something down say: ‘oh, is this one of Andy Nyman on something. Those two guys Perform as much as possible, anywhere you
those memory pens?’ - and I think, ‘I wish it are the pinnacle of Mentalism at the moment, can within reason. Mentalism is unique in
was mate but I’m actually just about to look so to work with them would be brilliant.” that as well as scripting and visualising, you
at your piece of card in a minute.’ just need to perform with people.”
Do you have any advice you
“Technology could be used amazingly if used once received that helped you
properly and it is at the moment, there are in some way that you would like
some great things on the market now. I think it to share with performers looking
depends on how much longer Derren will to succeed as a mentalist/
continue. I honestly believe that mentalism will psychological thought reader or
have a future if it is entertaining, hard hitting even magician?
and enjoyable, those are the important things.” “Yeah, I was at the Blackpool Magic
Convention when I was about 13/14 years
How do you go about creating old, and this was
such strong and direct when I was shy
mentalism with so little props? and reserved.
“When I was younger I think I came up with a I don’t
lot of my best material, so now I have twenty actually
or thirty note pads full of things. Ultimately remember
the first thing I would do is work out what I the trick
want the effect to be. I think about how it can that this
be made funny and entertaining and strong guy
and then work backwards. For me, and I performed but
hope I don’t sound arrogant here, but the I really remember
method should be the easy bit, the part we what he said at the end
all know and are comfortable with and one of it, which was: ‘Everything you do, do it
that can be well hidden. It’s all about how with confidence, and if you’re not confident,
you dress it up. I try to make my effects act confident until you are!’ And for me,
entertaining for magicians and spectators.” being a quite shy and reserved guy,
I didn’t really understand what it meant, so
What do you have planned for when I went back to Scotland and back to
the near future? school I started acting confident.
“I have a new book, it’s called...” (I hear
some crunching followed by a few mmmm’s) There is obviously a fine line between
“Sorry, that was a bit of an adventurous bit confidence and arrogance and I’m always
of apple that I got there! It’s called ‘Know very aware of that and try to never be
Sh*t’ and will be a limited release. There’s arrogant. Now I’m performing on some
stuff in there that I performed at The Magic amazing stages all around the world for the
Castle. I will also be performing at the biggest names, and I think it has all come
Edinburgh International Magic Festival with from acting confidently.”
MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 10/04/2011 23:35 Page 15

15

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FOR FREE!
We like to think that THE MAGIC MAGAZINE FOR MAGICIANS & MENTALISTS
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the best out there MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE

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(although we might Issue No.37 RRP £4.50 www.magicseen.co.uk Vol. 7. No.1 March 2011

quote: The must-read website spring open on April 28, 2011.

be a touch Wild About Harry reports that The exhibition will also feature
biased!), but we next stop on the Houdini: Art and the inclusion of John Gaughan’s
know from the Magic tour is Los Angeles, authentic working replica of
many compliments FEATURED THIS ISSUE:
ANGELA California. Houdini’s Water Torture Cell. The
FUNOVITS
we receive that our
subscribers feel the
LIAM
MONTIER ALI Even 85 years after his passing,
Gaughan replica will ONLY be
displayed in L.A. Look for
same as we do,
THE LAST GREATEST
MAGICIAN
CLUB LAND
DEALER’S BOOTH
SPECIAL
TENYO CO LTD
COOK
READY STEADY COOK! the showman still packs ‘em in. lectures featuring Joshua Jay,
which is great. So, The show was highly successful at Mike Caveney, Max Maven, and
The Jewish Museum in New York Marvyn (“Mr. Electric”) Roy.
we would like to
and organisers appear to be
ask all you kind
doubling down on the presentation Houdini: Art and Magic will travel
readers to by adding a retrospective of to the Contemporary Jewish
recommend extra free issues. If subscribing Jewish Magicians entitled, Masters Museum, San Francisco, CA
Magicseen to a over the telephone, the new of Illusions: Jewish Magicians of (September 30, 2011–January
friend or two in subscriber must remember to the Golden Age. 16, 2012) and the Madison
order to help mention your name as the Museum of Contemporary Art,
spread the person who recommended The exhibition’s home in Los Madison, WI (February 11–May
goodness around. Magicseen for you to benefit. Angeles will be at the Skirball 13, 2012).
Once the new subscriber has
signed up, it is too late to
In fact, we are so keen for you mention the friend’s LANCE BURTON VIP
to do this, that for every year recommendation, as this cannot AT OSCAR PARTY
that you persuade a friend to be added retrospectively. Top Vegas showbiz reporter,
take out a new subscription Mr Leach reports on the Las
(either a download sub or So, come on, earn yourself Vegas version of the Hollywood
printed copy sub) we will loads of free issues by getting Oscar Show. 127 Hours star
extend YOUR subscription by a your magical buddies to join us. Rebecca C. Olson served as the
further issue. So, if three friends Not only will you benefit, but female equivalent of a Master of
you recommend Magicseen to they will be grateful to you for Ceremonies. Her date for the
take out a 2 year sub each, your pointing them in the direction of evening was Lance Burton,
sub would be extended by a a great mag like Magicseen! Master Magician.
further 6 issues giving you an
entire year FREE! P.S. You must be a current Lance Burton was more than
subscriber to Magicseen serving as eye candy for a
To ensure that you get your yourself to benefit from Hollywood Starlet. He announced
reward for doing the recommendations as free extra his move from the theatre to the
recommending, the new issues are only available as a silver screen.
subscriber must put YOUR subscription extension and are
name and address in the not available in any other form. “Lance told me that his we’ve completed about 30
Additional Comments box The new subscriber must take entertainment partner, juggler pages so far,’ Lance said.
which can be found at the out a 1 or 2 year printed copy or Michael Goudeau, and he are ‘We’re really pleased with the
bottom of the Checkout Page. download sub, the offer does now one-third of the way through way it’s coming along, and I’m
Failure to do so will mean we not apply to anyone taking out shooting their indie magic film. having great fun taking on an
cannot credit you with any a Pay-As-You-Go Subscription. ‘We have a 100-page script, and acting role.’”
MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 10/04/2011 23:35 Page 16

16

WELCOME TO THE
FELLOWSHIP
By Matt Pritchard

Delegates from 2011’s conference.

ver February half-term The FCMUK had its beginnings in the early years the guest lecturers, like Duane Laflin

O
holiday one of the UK’s 1980s when a small group of street and Toby Travis, tended to be American
most unique magic preachers began to use simple magic tricks visitors due to their Gospel Magic scene
conferences was held. as ‘object lessons’ to illustrate their talks. For being more established than the UK’s.
The five day gathering is example the Professors Nightmare (Equal-
the annual get together Unequal Ropes) would be used to teach What began as a week’s teaching for
of the Fellowship of Christian Magicians UK. how man might view people differently preachers has expanded over the years into
This year was the 24th such event. Alongside based on size or stature but God viewed a magic group active throughout the year
the usual magic convention mix of lectures, everyone equally. The preachers slowly and has spawned further groups in Europe.
workshops, competitions, dealer rooms, public increased their magical repertoire each time There are currently about 150 members
shows and late night sessions, the week they visited Bob Hill, a magician who taught across the UK with a range of backgrounds:
provides an opportunity for attendees to grow in at the Greek Bible Institute in Athens. It was professional magicians, clowns, vicars,
their faith and learn to express it better. This soon decided to try and run a week of youthworkers, street entertainers and
isn’t a boot camp for bible bashing magical teaching for anyone who was hobbyists. Correspondingly the experience
fundamentalists but a place where a passion for interested. In June 1986 the first such and abilities vary. The type of magic
magic and faith is shared. For many delegates gathering took place in Llantwit Major, South performed is not just the storytelling and
the week is the highlight of their year. Wales. 38 people attended including Jerry object lessons of traditional Gospel magic
Burgess, the president of the American FCM but includes all types of magic from
at that time. Bob Hill presented the majority manipulation to mentalism. Some members
of the teaching despite breaking his arm are happy to learn a simple trick or two for
mid-week by falling over the stage. In later use in a Christmas school assembly whereas
MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 10/04/2011 23:35 Page 17

CHRISTIAN MAGICIANS UK 17

One of the qualities

that characterises
the FCMUK is the
friendly welcome
and sharing. There
are no big egos,
hidden agendas or
back biting.

Outside the church, the phrase ‘Gospel

magician’ can have bad connotations. There
are a number of reasons why this may be
the case. Firstly, some people find it
offensive if anyone tries to share their faith
Jerry Burgess lecturing at the very first conference.
with them. Secondly, the style of
presentation that has been jointly influenced
by American performers and Sunday School
others come to learn stagecraft and the magic and magicians are condemned by the preachers can have, for a contemporary
latest offerings from the guest lecturers. Bible. The same people who think that British audience, a strong whiff of cheese to
Past visitors have included John Archer, Max playing cards are the tool of the Devil. it. A third reason is the poor standard of
Somerset, Mark Shortland, Geoffrey Comedy cabaret magician Steve Price, the performance and technical ability that is
Durham, Ali Bongo, Marc Paul, Jon Allen current vice-president of FCMUK says: “It’s sometimes associated with Gospel magic.
and this year it was the excellent Andy all to do with the word ‘magic’. When the The FCMUK is aiming to address this as one
Clockwise. Bible talks about ‘magic’, I believe it is of its stated aims is to “encourage
referring to witchcraft and the occult – not to excellence in performance”. The sadly
In addition to the magic elements to the card tricks and thumb tips. I don’t think missed Pete McCahon, a past president and
conference, each day begins with a time to there is any issue, I just want to use my skills star of TV’s Monkey Magic, was a strong
focus on God. This typically involves a time to help people engage with Christianity.” advocate of Christian magicians being
of worship, prayer and listening to a speaker Another criticism from within some sections known for performing quality magic; whether
unpack a passage from the Bible. The of the church is that Christian’s should avoid that magic has a faith message or not.
membership is not from a single church getting involved in the entertainment world
denomination but comes from a variety of as it is ‘dark and dirty’. But for the many In February 2012 the FCMUK will be
church traditions. The focus is on what members, like Steve, pursuing a career in celebrating their 25th conference. They’re
they have in common rather than differences the world of entertainment they would promising the biggest event yet with a
in opinion. disagree. For them it’s about engaging with number of top lecturers and performers
the world, trying not to compromise their being booked especially. New members are
The word ‘fellowship’ sometimes has a dark values and being a witness to the people always welcome. To find out more about
and foreboding ring to it; as if members are around you. Not by condemning preaching the Fellowship, what it does and what it
part of a secret cult. However, there is but by living a life that brings light and believes then have a look at www.fcmuk.org
genuine friendship, concern and support for warmth to a dark world. for more details.
each other’s well being. One of the qualities
that characterises the FCMUK is the friendly
welcome and sharing. There are no big
egos, hidden agendas or back biting.
Everyone wants to encourage and build up
the other members to be the best magicians
they can be even if they’re competing for the
same gig bookings. Tips and ideas are
generously shared.

The FCMUK does have its critics - from both

within and outside the Christian world. Some
ultra conservative Christians would say that

The entire group at the ‘First European Conference on Gospel Conjuring’.

MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 10/04/2011 23:35 Page 20

20

Jason Latimer

SOUTH TYNESIDE

8THSb: Now in its eighth year the South

Tyneside Convention is small but perfectly
INTERNATIONAL
MAGIC FESTIVAL
CONVENTION
Reported by Stuart Bowie and Paul Preager

stamina, Nick Einhorn, Paul Vigil and Jon

Stetson were each offering master classes
more relaxed atmosphere without the need
to rush from one event to the next worrying
formed. Small because the number of on Sunday afternoon. whether you would find a free seat. There
registrants is limited to 150: perfectly formed were some nice touches too with a
because organiser Martin Duffy, sponsored One of the pleasures of attending a complimentary bottle of locally brewed beer
and supported by Newcastle’s Magic Box convention is sharing the experience with on arrival and free coach transport to take
and South Tyneside Council, books the best fellow magicians. Paul Preager and I spent you to the other side of town for the
performers in contemporary magic. Running much of the weekend talking about the midnight show on Friday. Otherwise the
from Friday through to lunchtime on Sunday, events and sharing our thoughts. Customs House cinema and theatre made
this year’s convention offered eight lectures, an ideal venue for the lectures and shows.
two gala shows, a midnight cabaret, a voice PP: Spread over the three days the
workshop, and a choice of seven dealers. convention had a less crammed timetable Sb: Running the close up show three times
For an extra fee, and for those with the than some one day events allowing for a meant that there were never more than
MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 10/04/2011 23:35 Page 21

SOUTH TYNESIDE CONVENTION 21

about fifty people at each performance and Paul Virgil

with tiered seating, professional lighting and “With David
sound, the viewing conditions were
excellent. With David Stone, Nick Einhorn
Stone, Nick
and Jason Latimer on the bill this must have
been one of the strongest line ups at any
Einhorn and
recent convention. Jason Latimer on
PP: Let’s be honest with these three great the bill this must
performers this close-up show was ‘off the
dial!’ They were all on great form and
have been one
Latimer’s (as he is now known) clear Cups
and Balls is one of the most unique and
of the strongest
innovative routines in magic. line ups at any
Sb: Mentalism was one of the themes of this recent
convention with Paul Vigil, Jon Stetson and
Colin McLeod all lecturing and performing.
convention.”
From Colin McLeod’s lecture I thought that
the use of dual reality and multiple outs were
concepts that might usefully be used more in bargain. David Stone is a real crazy genius
regular magic. What were the highlights for and had so many good ideas with a new
you? faked card box that it was too much to take
in. John Archer included the trick that fooled
PP: I have to be honest the ingratiating style Penn and Teller in his lecture as well as
of the two Americans wore a little thin for me some other very usable mental type items.
although they were both very fine You could have gone home with a new
performers, so my highlights were more in mental act and close-up act!
the general magic lectures of Nick Einhorn,
David Stone and John Archer. With a lot of Sb: In the week before the convention local
mental magic being performed in a short magicians take magic out into the
space of time it quickly started to feel all very community to perform in schools and John Archer
similar. If you are a fan of mental routines hospitals. This culminates in a family magic
however their was plenty to absorb. show in the Customs House, this year
featuring local magicians Martin Duffy,
Sb: The standard of all the other lectures Matthew J. Dowden, Tony Parx, Darren
was very high with sessions from children’s Bonas, Mick Redfearn and Graeme Shaw.
magician Gary Dunn, as well as close up
performers David Stone and Nick Einhorn. PP: It’s a nice touch that the convention
Jason Latimer took a fascinating open spreads into the local community and
question and answer session explaining his provides entertainment for local audiences.
highly original approach to creating new The lay audience were an important part of
magical effects. Rounding off the convention the Gala shows although both Americans
in great style, John Archer, the man who John Stetson and Paul Vigil had unexpected
fooled Penn and Teller, introduced his new encounters with some of them who on the
lecture. Overall magic lectures of quality and one hand were slow to react and on the
variety with material for everyone. other became oddly conversational in the
middle of Paul Vigil’s routines.
PP: Nick Einhorn and David Stone’s lectures
were outstanding. Nick’s lecture is full of Sb: One of the great things about this
usable tried and tested items with his Coin in convention is that everything takes place in
Bottle routine by far the best solution to one venue. The Customs House is ideal
getting in and out of the routine I have come containing a modern purpose built theatre, a
across. Together with his Universal Book smaller tiered cinema used for close up and
Test and combined Triumph/card to some lectures, accommodation for the
wallet/prediction made his lecture notes a dealers, a café bar, and plenty of parking!
MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 10/04/2011 23:36 Page 22

22 SOUTH TYNESIDE CONVENTION

Jon Stetson Nick Einhorn

PP: Yes it all worked well. Mind you, the back Magic Box, who sponsor the whole event world. The quality of the lecturers/performers
rows of the balcony where I sat for one show were, of course, represented, what did you is pretty much the best out there and Martin
was pretty high up so if you want decent make of the rest? Duffy makes great efforts to feature the best
seats I think it pays to book early! as well as some new names to the UK. It
PP: The seven dealers were in a small, made a welcome change to some of the
Sb: Jason Latimer, F.I.S.M. World Champion compact room. The variety of the dealers overcrowded bigger conventions in the year.
of Magic, has rarely been seen in this might have been slightly more varied as four There is time to speak to the performers and
country and it is thanks to Martin Duffy’s of them were offering similar lines, as is often more detailed tuition was available through
perseverance that he made an appearance the case these days with so many dealers scheduled master classes.
at the convention. He performed his award being supplied by the same wholesalers.
winning clear cups and balls in the close up They all had plenty to see though and Whilst South Shields is way up on the North
and later talked to a packed audience about differed enough, providing a tempting East coast it is easily accessible from around
the development of his cutting edge effects diversion in between events. Razzmatazz the country with Newcastle airport, and the
which have changed the face of magic and provided the children’s magic, Black Cat wonderful Metro system takes you from the
which have brought an unequalled originality Magic was more specialised with airport direct into South Shields and a
and creativity to his performance. escapology items and Dave Forest had stone’s throw from the Convention venue.
numerous DVDs of his own card items. Why all of the North East magicians weren’t
PP: Yes Martin makes a great effort to feature Kaymar, Merlins, World Magic Store along there is baffling!
magicians who either haven’t been seen in with sponsors Magic Box of Newcastle, all
the UK or aren’t so familiar. I think this is an provided large ranges of general items. The It couldn’t happen without the support and
important part of programming a convention dealers don’t seem to be such a major sponsorship of South Tyneside Council so
to keep it fresh and interesting and Martin attraction at this convention as they often fingers are crossed that it will happen again
usually features someone new or unusual to are at others, although it’s always interesting next year in these times of council cutbacks.
the UK, which is a strong point in favour of to see the latest items on the market at first Before the weekend finished it was
this convention. I think John Stetson and hand. The number is probably about right for announced that it is 90% definite for 2012
Paul Vigil were also new to UK magicians. the number of registrants. so I’m already curious to see the line-up!
Normally, if you go to a lot of UK Maybe our lovely handsome editor will buy
conventions over a few years, you quickly Sb: Paul, this was your first visit to this our tickets for next year? What do you think
get to see the magicians who are popular convention, how would you sum it up? Stuart?
with convention bookers as they all do the
rounds. PP: It feels like a well kept secret in the magic Sb: Lovely? Handsome? Not words I ever
calendar and with the small capacity has an expected to see in the same sentence as
Sb: Paul, you spent more time (and probably exclusive feel to it as we mixed and mingled Editor! However, despite the flagrant flattery
more money than me) in the dealers’ hall. with some of the big hitters in the magic - no chance!
MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 12/04/2011 10:03 Page 24

24

MAGIC IN THE
NETHERLANDS
Fritz Alkemade takes us on a magical tour...

he Netherlands! Famous for its

T
cheese, tulips, and windmills! A
country of 16 million people on
42 square kilometres, with the
world famous and beautiful city
of Amsterdam as its capital.
magic clubs, which constitutes about 550 There is also a yearly event where the young
The Dutch are down to earth, intelligent, and members and seven of these clubs have generation (under 18’s) compete against
open-minded. And, for a small country, their own youth magic clubs. The Dutch each other. The competition is fierce, and
we’re doing quite well in sports (swimming, magic forum (www.goochelaars.com) has many Dutch magicians have gone on to win
ice skating and football) as well as over 1300 members and the N.M.U. at F.I.S.M. Our last winner, Dion, recently
academically! But did you know the publishes a bi-monthly magazine called won in Blackpool with his amazing act,
Netherlands has great magicians as well? the “Informagie”. combining dance and manipulation.

The Dutch magic scene has produced some We also have two large magic shops
excellent magicians over the years, and, (Dynamite Magic and Jan Monnikedam) and Let’s Go Dutch: A Brief History of
although magic is not seen regularly on TV a few smaller ones, both on and offline. Magic in The Netherlands
any more, it is still very popular, with many One of the earliest books on magic in Dutch
performers choosing to concentrate on Besides various magic days, a national is Simon Witgeest’s Het natuurlyk tover-
either manipulation or mentalism. convention is organised every year in a boeck (1684) which loosely translates as
different city by a different magic club. At this “The Natural Book of Magic”. This was a
The country’s leading magic organisation is convention “The Golden Pin” (De Gouden very influential publication, and another big
the Dutch Magical Union (Nederlands Speld) is awarded to a magician who has influence on Dutch magic were the Bamberg
Magische Unie). Its role is to maintain greatly contributed to the art of magic or family. For six consecutive generations
contact between magicians and to improve because of a special achievement, such as (1760-1974) they were a family that
the quality of magic. The N.M.U. has over 20 winning a prize at F.I.S.M. performed magic. The first of this magical
MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 12/04/2011 10:03 Page 25

MAGIC IN THE NETHERLANDS 25

dynasty was Eliaser Bamberg who was a

Fred Kaps
professional magician in the town of Leyden. What made Fred Kaps
His father Jasper, although not a magician, stand out from his
was an alchemist and a necromancer
peers was that he was
utilising magical methods. Eliaser lost his leg
during the French Revolution in 1793 and
outstanding at both
used his hollowed-wooden leg to make
close up and on stage.
various objects disappear! Eliaser’s son,
He could perform
David, assisted him when he was 9 years
amazing manipulations
old - eventually becoming the court magician
with coins and balls,
of King William II of Holland. He passed this but also dazzle
tradition on to his son Tobias and his audiences with his
grandson David Tobias (also known as Papa close-up card magic.
Bamberg). Papa Bamberg’s son, Theo
Bamberg, also performed for the Royal
Dutch family. He eventually changed his
name into Okito (an anagram of Tokio) due them went on to win at F.I.S.M. After the manipulation category. He created fluid
to his oriental act. Okito created several Second World War, Henk Vermeyden would transitions from one manipulation to another
magic effects (e.g. bowl of water production) play a big part in conceiving F.I.S.M. and the which had never been done before. One of
and props, most notably the Okito Coin Box. N.M.U. Vermeyden was awarded the “Award the most famous Dutch F.I.S.M. winners is
David Bamberg, Okito’s son, also took an of Merit” in 1974 and a year later the Fred Kaps – who went on to win on three
oriental stage-name, calling himself “Special Fellowship” award by the “Academy different occasions: 1950 (Barcelona), 1955
Fu Manchu. He too performed in oriental of Magical Arts” in Hollywood. (Amsterdam), and 1961 (Liège). This record
costume and invented various effects. Fu still stands today. Fred Kaps started his
Manchu toured with his father throughout career as Valdini and eventually changed his
the U.S.A. When Fu Manchu passed away, name to Mystica. Besides winning F.I.S.M, in
it was the end of an amazing magic dynasty. 1950 he also became Dutch national
champion, and this was the start of a glorious
Another figure who made an impact on career which took him all over the world.
Dutch magic was jewish magician Larette. The Netherlands and F.I.S.M.
Originally from Vienna, he settled in Besides organising the world championships What made Fred Kaps stand out from his
Amsterdam in the 1920s. There, he had his of magic five times (three times in peers was that he was outstanding at both
own studio where he was a magic coach Amsterdam and twice in The Hague), Dutch close up and on stage. He could perform
and sold magic props. Rotterdam’s Henk magicians have a reputation for performing amazing manipulations with coins and balls,
Vermeyden assisted him and he became well at the very highest level. but also dazzle audiences with his close-up
Larette’s apprentice. After the death of card magic. He was a very polite magician
Larette, Vermeyden coached Fred Kaps, It all started when Niberco won F.I.S.M. for with a memorable smile who reacted as
Richard Ross, Marconik, and Peter Pit. All of the first time in Paris in 1947 in the though the magic just seemed to happen to
MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 10/04/2011 23:36 Page 26

26 MAGIC IN THE NETHERLANDS

...Richard Ross was the founder of

the Magic Art Centre in Bennebroek.
The purpose of this centre is to
coach magicians of all ages and
thus improve the quality of magic.

him, and his style has influenced many other

magicians who have followed him. His
never-ending salt-pour is legendary, not to
mention his outstanding card manipulations.
Because of his contribution to magic, Fred
Kaps was awarded the “Masters Fellowship
Award” in 1979.
Flip Hallema
Another F.I.S.M. winner was Richard Ross If you do the ‘Flipstick’ move, you’re doing a
who won twice: in 1970 in Amsterdam and sleight created by Mr. Hallema! He created a
three years later in Paris. His claim to fame whole act around this sleight, called “Duplo-
was his approach to the Linking Rings, and Tommy Wonder Magic” which he has performed around the
a ‘Performing Fellowship Award’ was given With his legacy: The Books of Wonder world. Flip has also won the “Performer
to him in 2000 and he also received ‘The (1996), Tommy Wonder left us many theories Fellowship Award” and he is currently the
Golden Pin’. Ross wasn’t just a performer - and philosophies to think about. At ten years president of the NMU.
he coached many magicians, including Hans old, magic sparked his interest and he
Klok and Ger Copper. Furthermore, Richard entered several national and international
Ross was the founder of the Magic Art competitions. The work of Fred Kaps
Centre in Bennebroek. The purpose of this inspired Tommy in how to approach
centre is to coach magicians of all ages and and give meaning to magic. Wonder
thus improve the quality of magic. The Magic was awarded the ‘Performing Fellowship’
Art Centre is now run by his widow (1996) and his two cups and balls routine
Veronique, and coaching seminars and is a classic.
lectures are still held there.
Peter Eggink
In 1979 Ger Copper won F.I.S.M. in Brussels A creative mind
with his amazing ‘candle’ act. He too that has also won
received the prestigious ‘Golden Pin’. Mr. prizes at national Hans Kazàn
Copper considers himself as a jack-of-all- competitions. His real name is Hans Mulders and he got
trades (he’s performed most types of magic) Known amongst the magic bug at the age of 9. Hans had his
and these days focuses on creating acts his peers for own weekly magic show on national TV,
with black art. Currently he runs the Dutch releasing effects which inspired many young magicians to do
School of Magic in Assendelft where he has such as “3 Fry”, close-up magic. Kazàn’s two sons, Oscar
coached many award-winning magicians. “Exit” and “A.E.” and Renzo, also successfully pursued a
as well as various DVDs. Peter is currently career in magic. Together with his daughter-
But there are more magicians from The busy doing lectures for magicians and in-law Mara, they travel the world as
Netherlands who have made a big impact... releasing new material. Magic Unlimited.
MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 10/04/2011 23:36 Page 27

MAGIC IN THE NETHERLANDS 27

DID
YOU
KNOW?
That many Dutch magicians like
to use stage names? Fred Kaps’
real name is Abraham Bonger
and Tommy Wonder’s is -
Jacobus Bemelman. Not easy
to pronounce in English!

Hans Klok
Got involved in magic when he was ten and David Copperfield and has been heavily
became Dutch and European champion influenced by the world’s most famous
when he was just 14! An illusionist who magician. Christian received several awards,
brings sexiness into magic and who also most notably the Merlin Award for Magician
won a prize at F.I.S.M. with his assistant of the Year, 2006. This award earns him the
Sittah, before both went their own way. In title ‘Master Magician’. Farla now tours with
2007 Mr. Klok had a show on the Las Vegas his illusion show.
strip for several months called “The Beauty
of Magic” and former Baywatch-star and sex
symbol Pamela Anderson was Hans’ And let’s not forget Grand Prix Winners
assistant. Lucky old Hans! Nowadays, he Scott & Muriel, Dick Koornwinder, George
dazzles audiences across Europe with his Parker, and Sittah! The Netherlands has
brilliant illusion show. Also, Hans was dozens more professional magicians who
awarded ‘The Golden Pin’ by the N.M.U. are known internationally, while others are
and is the highest profile Dutch magician. only famous in the Netherlands.
Nonetheless, with a legacy of amazing
magicians and a rich history, Dutch magic is
in safe hands! Who would’ve thought that That in 20 out of the 24 F.I.S.M.
such a small country had made such a big conventions organised (from
contribution to magic? 1948-2009) at least one
Dutchman has brought home a
prize each time!
About Fritz!
Fritz Alkemade is 26 years old and lives in
Amsterdam. His interest in magic was Amsterdam has a magical boat
sparked by learning a card trick at the age of called ‘Tricky Theatre’. Owner
Christian Farla 9. As a professional magician Fritz has Woody Woet performs while
Another illusionist, but with a different style! travelled around the world performing for guests enjoy dinner, and ‘open
Farla and his wife have performed in Las both laypeople and magicians. Hi specialty mic’ nights and magic lectures
Vegas. There, Christian became friends with in close-up magic. are often held there.
MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 10/04/2011 23:36 Page 28

28

COMEDY
CAVERN!
Comedy writer & Stand-Up Graham Hey gives
us a page of stuff all about comedy!

One of the UK’s

leading comedy
writers and performers,
Simon Dunn (Smack
the Pony/BBC) gives us
two top tips for
performing comedy...

1. Let them like you...

Even if you have a stage character that is unlikeable, bear in mind that
you have to bond with your audience. Without that bond, they won't
want to listen to you. I've heard arguments that making them laugh with
your first line is very important, but I'm not so sure. I think you need to
make them like you with your opening few lines, get them to trust you,
then they will follow you where you want to go. Something as simple as
saying hello, acknowledging people's presence, saying it's stuffy if it's
stuffy. The sort of thing you might say to someone you just happen to be

GAG OF
THE
standing next to at a party. Just break that initial ice ... you don't have to
slam through it with a Sharon Stone sized ice pick of a one-liner, but that
can help.

MONTH:
By Stand-Up comedian 2. Always give them everything...
If you are not willing to work for your
Sam Avery audience, they won't be willing to
work for you. Even if you have a low-
energy act, give it all you have. I can't
“I had a terrible day yesterday – I was
imagine people walking away from a
sick all over someone. And now I'm just Jack Dee show moaning about how
waiting to see if I got a second he seemed to want to be somewhere
else. Even though his stage persona
interview...Well, I didn’t want to be in the belies it, Jack works to keep his
police force anyway!” audience interested and focused.
MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 10/04/2011 23:36 Page 29

29

WHO’S READING
MAGICSEEN?
VISUAL GAG:
Wing Mirror
What you need:
Go along to your local garage, or scrapyard
and get yourself a wing-mirror. Then break it,
like in the photograph here. Place the broken
wing-mirror into a carrier bag, and you are
ready to go!

What you do is this:

Approach a table of guests and announce Shahid Malik & Lisa, just before The remarkable Kokov, signing
that you are going to do some mind reading. going off to get a cardboard box an autograph for himself!
Say something along the lines of: “Would I from Tesco.
be correct if I said that one of you has
arrived here this evening in their car?” At
this, someone will either say ‘yes’ or nod.
Whoever has indicated that they have a car,
you ask them what model of car they have,
then say to them: “And would I be correct
sir, if I said that your car has a wing mirror
missing?” Say this very seriously…they will
say “no”. Then you look at them very
seriously and say: “No, I think I’m right!” –
and as you say this, you bring out a broken
wing-mirror from a carrier bag while
continuing, “I’m sorry, I knocked this off in
the car park when I was reversing…” This is
a terrific opener at a table or even for a
stand-up spot. Works wonders every single
time.

R. Paul Wilson confirming that he Alan Shaxon showing us his new

will subscribe for TWO years! cowboy boots!
If you have Nice one, Paul!
anything
funny
which you
think might fit
in nicely on this
page, then please
send it to: Richard Sanders
[email protected] performing some
excellent misdirection.
MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 10/04/2011 23:36 Page 30

30

MAGIC
SEEN ONLINE!
George Luck take a
topical look at what's
happening in
cyberspace!
Now, to celebrate the second edition
of the Magicseen online column, I
think a competition is rather fitting.
However, I am not an imaginative
genius so let’s see if you can play
guess the magician from the pics
below. And we want the magician
that is behind the copy of Magicseen
which Andi Gladwin is holding!

couple of years ago, we caught that remain are of the highest standard.
You need to get to send your
answers to
[email protected] and
you will receive the next issue
on the house as well as
A up with Joshua Jay and Andi
Gladwin (Cover Article Issue No.
36) to talk about their then new
online magic shop, Vanishing Inc. However,
since then, the shop has exploded outwards
For those of you who have ever had the
opportunity to meet either Andi or Josh, you
will know that they are amongst the nicest
guys in magic so this success is so well
anything else that we can and has become one of the best online deserved.
think of at the time. magic shops in the world.
Good Luck! So, prepare a cup of tea, put on your novelty
With the internet allowing creators to market thumb tip slippers and enjoy what the two of
each idea they have, it's finally nice to see them had to say when we sat down with
somewhere where the products are filtered them.
though a scrutinising process, and those
MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 10/04/2011 23:36 Page 31

MAGIC SEEN ONLINE 31

Tell us a bit about how magic lovers who buy from everyone and that and working alongside Josh; a sensible,
Vanishing Inc. came about? every site, we were quite opinionated as to smart magician, made us the perfect team
JOSH: Andi has been an old friend for years, what we liked and what we didn't like in the to achieve our goals.
and he was hosting me during a UK lecture marketplace today. The easiest way to say it
tour in 2008. I confided in him my desire to is this: with Vanishing Inc. we have created Who makes up the Vanishing
one day own a magic shop, and he admitted EXACTLY the kind of magic we would most Inc. ‘team’?
the same thing. We realised that what, like to buy. There's Joshua Jay and Andi Gladwin the co-
specifically, we wanted in a shop was almost founders. Our hidden weapon is an excellent
identical. We joined forces and...here we are. Swedish card magician named Erik Jansson,
"I am so delighted who helps run the site as well as helps with
How did the Gladwin/Jay creative angles. We've also got a shipping
that Vanishing Inc.
partnership begin? team and most of our book covers are
JOSH: It began with a couple terrible suits have opened a designed by Vinny DePonto. But then there
(mine worse than Andi's, BRIGHT red) on LEGITIMATE internet are many other people behind the scenes too.
Lance Burton's television special. Both Andi
and I were selected to be part of a television
magic shop. It'll Any sneak peeks as to what
show Lance hosted on "teens in magic." probably be as close Vanishing Inc. will be doing in
as anyone can get to the 2011 and where do you see
ANDI: I did a sword box with a comedy Vanishing Inc. in the future?
theme and Josh did a paintbrush through
a bricks and mortar ANDI: We've got more great magic in the
quarter. We were in our mid-teens at that online magic store." can, on a release schedule, than I could list
point, and have been friends from across the here. We've got downloads from myself,
Larry becker
pond ever since ... and our material has Caleb Wiles, John Stessel, Blake Vogt, and
changed a lot! others. But our huge release in 2011 is the
What were your main focus definitive trilogy on Jay Sankey. It's nearly
What is the aim of Vanishing points when setting up 1500 pages without photos so far, and it will
Inc. and how is it set apart from Vanishing Inc.? compile all his best material, plus lots of
other magic websites? JOSH: We're both book lovers, and we've new, great stuff. People know Jay Sankey as
JOSH: You know, Andi and I are both full time quickly become one of the most prolific (and prolific, but when you see all the great
performers, so our primary goal has never one of the few remaining) publishing houses in material in one collection, you realise what a
been just about money. And I think that's an magic. From the beginning I had doubts genius he is.
important distinction to make. There's about the viability of downloadable magic. I
nothing wrong with being profitable, but never did it, and it's not the way I preferred to
something does seem to change when learn, so I didn't think it would work. Man, was
everything is secondary to profit. In our case, I wrong! Andi championed that idea, and it See what I mean?!
we both had a load of original material we has become an indispensable part of the site. If you have not already, you should, without a
wanted to control and release on our terms. And now I, too, am a believer in the power doubt go ad visit www.vanishingincmagic.com
and capabilities of a good magic download. and I guarantee that you will be impressed.
ANDI: We both have friends (the same friends
in many cases) who we thought deserved a ANDI: We also wanted to have the best And so here concludes magic online for this
chance to share their material with the website out there. Not the biggest, but issue. I hope that you have had an enjoyable
community. A unique site and brand was the certainly the best. My background in user read and that by the power of Vernon’s beard
way to make those things happen. And as interface, web design and marketing helped you will visit Vanishing Inc!

YOUTUBE CHANNEL OF THE ISSUE...

The master magician which is ERIC JONES. This is a gem of a channel.
www.youtube.com/ericdaredd2002

WHEN MAGIC GOES WRONG!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5aNXa3lEhU&feature=related
MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 10/04/2011 23:36 Page 34

34 JOHN BANNON
MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 11/04/2011 10:27 Page 35

35

JOHN
BANNON
HITTING THE TARGET
If you have ever spent any time We're in a cafe in Blackpool. Not the most
with John Bannon, there are two glamorous starts, I know, but what can I do?
The Magic Shop
things which spring to mind. Firstly, I decide to start at the beginning, and ask was and wasn’t
he's pretty quietly spoken, and
secondly, he's the sort of person
John to tell me about his family and
upbringing? “I was born in 1957 and I grew
what it sounded
who fully considers things before up in a military family. My father was a like. It was
he speaks – you could imagine him submariner in the U.S. Navy and we moved primarily a ‘head
around a lot, but we always lived on one
putting out 'a hit' on you if he
happened to be a mafia boss! I coast or the other. I became interested in
shop,’ selling drug
suppose it's quite fitting that I magic in high school in Virginia Beach, paraphernalia
interview the magician who has Virginia. and other
produced a massive amount of
‘killer’ magic over the past twenty “I.B.M. Ring 103 met at a store on Granby
counter-culture
five years, and who's latest DVD Street in downtown Norfolk called 'The merchandise.
releases have been Bullet Party Magic Shop.' The Magic Shop was and
and Bullets After Dark!! So, I wasn’t what it sounded like. It was primarily
am wearing a complete set a 'head shop,' selling drug paraphernalia show you how the trick worked. He also
of body armour as I chat and other counter-culture merchandise. A made his extensive library available. Back
to one of the greatest head shop was not surprising in the early then, where there were not many books and
creators of magic on 1970s, but it was a stark contrast to the most information was unavailable to a
the planet... stately, dignified proprietor, Mr. Earl Edwards. neophyte like me, or un-affordable (I was a
But in the back there was a small room with high school student, remember.) Much of
Graham Hey a platform stage. It was the epicentre of my early knowledge was obtained by and
asks the magic at that time in the Tidewater area. through Woody.
questions. I have very fond memories of that time
and place.” “In the eighties, I was in the Air Force, and
was stationed in Washington D.C. The
John stops briefly to take a sip of mediocre vibrant D.C. magic community included
coffee. “In Virginia, I attended lectures by Larry West, Howie Schwartzman, Harvey
such luminaries as Vernon and Goshman. It Rosenthal, Scotty York, Bob Kohler, Bob
was there I was exposed to the late Woody Sheets, David Williamson, Tim Conover,
Landers, among others. Woody was Darwin Ortiz, Al Cohen, and many others.
talented and enthusiastic and knew every Also in the eighties, I began to attend magic
card and coin trick — or at least seemed to. conventions, such as the exclusive Fechter’s
Woody was an early influence on me. He Finger Flicking Frolic, and my sphere of
was very generous with his knowledge and magic friends and influences continued to
liked to share. He would fool you and then expand.
MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 10/04/2011 23:36 Page 36

36 JOHN BANNON

I am already enlightened! I wonder why so consistency in approach with the way I think
“I moved to many top magicians seems to work in the about things now. I am still endorsing the
Chicago in 1988 to legal profession? It must be the way their same theories, but hopefully a little more
minds work – how they constantly look at articulately.
go to law school. I things from different angles. Or maybe not.
met Simon Aronson “Over the years, my critical faculties have

and Dave Solomon John's first published magic was back in

1986 - so 25 years as a published
developed. I think it’s important to know not
only what you like about a particular trick,
who, luckily for me, author/creator .. how do you feel about but why you like it — how does it fit into your
allowed me to that, I ask? own magical world view? The flip side
almost matters more: What is it about the
participate in what “Old,” he laughs. “How about older and trick that bugs me? I want to identify it and
is now known as wiser? Actually, looking back I am surprised understand it. Being critical is almost as
to see how well the early tricks have held up important as being knowledgeable.
the “Chicago — both in construction and in theory. Some Nowadays, I see too much emphasis on
Session.” better than others, of course. So far, the 'originality' as in 'different.' Usually resulting
half-life of my published work appears to be in a bad script with too much whimsy or
“I moved to Chicago in 1988 to go to law quite long. Even after all these years, I am wonder or over-elaboration. I think
school. I met Simon Aronson and Dave happy to see that much of the work is as presentations should be reflective of a
Solomon who, luckily for me, allowed me to current and relevant today as it was back specific individual persona. There is not
participate in what is now known as the then.” enough emphasis on developing a unified
“Chicago Session.” For the past twenty approach that considers the technique,
years I have routinely met with Dave and Twenty five years is not long in some method, persona and audience.
Simon, my close friends and magical respects. How has your view of magic
confidants. changed or developed over the years? “My “Personally, I believe most performers talk
view has not really changed,” he says, “but it too much, that is, with an elaborate 'original'
In real life, I am a lawyer. I deal mainly with has developed and evolved. When I go presentation, and that most, if not all, card
business and intellectual property litigation. back and look at what I said about the tricks tricks generally should not be presented as
After hours, I do card tricks.” in Impossibilia or Smoke & Mirrors, I see real 'magical,' or if 'magical' then firmly tongue-
MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 11/04/2011 10:27 Page 37

JOHN BANNON 37

in-cheek. But that's just me . . . Reasonable

persons may disagree.”

John seems to have embraced the DVD

age, working closely with Big Blind Media,
which we'll get on to shortly, but how does
he see the ever-expanding YouTube
generation? “Mostly from the neck down!
(I am sure I am not the first one to make that
observation). YouTube is both a blessing and
a curse. Information wants to be free and
travel as fast as it can. YouTube puts up no
roadblocks whatsoever. There are no filters.

“Back in the day, some judgment was

exercised before a trick was released to the
magic community. There were barriers to
entry - production cost, editorial discretion,
etc. It was the age of the anthological magic
book — Greater Magic and the small
booklet of maybe ten tricks, for example.

“Now there are fewer and fewer barriers to

entry. You do not have to be literate (as in
able to read a book much less write one),
video is omnipresent and inexpensive,
and it costs nothing to post on
YouTube. In the old days, filters meant
MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 10/04/2011 23:36 Page 38

38 JOHN BANNON

Back in the day,

some judgment
was exercised
before a trick
was released to
the magic
community.
There were
barriers to entry
- production
cost, editorial
discretion, etc.
MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 11/04/2011 10:27 Page 39

JOHN BANNON 39

you saw maybe only the top 20% — in

which case half was chaff. Now darn near
the whole 100% is out there. While it
appears that there is an explosion of
mediocre magic, nothing's really changed —
the filters have been turned down.

“As Eugene Burger is fond of saying, 'the

house of Magic has many rooms.' I'll limit
my response to the close-up wing, card trick
hall, amateur room. I am an amateur as are
most of the magic community. From a
performance side, the main result of having
mainly amateurs means that there is a lot
more not-so-great magic out there, as well
as a failure of self-criticism. But there is also
a lot more experimentation and attempt,
which is a crucible for progress. On the
inventing/publishing side, with the internet
and the ease of 'putting stuff out there' all
barriers to entry have been removed and,
again due to a lack of criticism and Not just method, but presentation too. Many
judgment, a lot of not-so-great magic.” good tricks are killed by a verbose, naively
offensive presentation in the name of Many good
What do you think this information 'whimsy', 'wonder' and/or 'suspension of tricks are killed
'explosion' means? “Two things: (i) you can't
keep up with it all and (ii) you really wouldn't
disbelief.'
by a verbose,
want to! On the flip side, more magic means It is an ongoing quest for the 'wisdom to naively offensive
net-net more interesting and good magic and know the difference.’” The more sips of presentation in
more progress. The best way to have a coffee I take the less it appeals to me, and in
good idea is to start with lots of ideas. the end I give up. The drink is bland and
the name of
You just have to (i) be able to tell the lacks any type of kick! The opposite of Big 'whimsy',
difference and (ii) be able to filter
the wheat from the chaff.
Blind Media, the innovative magic company
run by the quirky Owen Packard. I ask John
'wonder' and/or
what it was like to work with these crazy
'suspension of
So much of magic is kids? “I had decided not to do video unless disbelieve.'
about judgment. There it could be done non-traditionally. Meaning
definitely can be different from the mainstream and different
diminishing returns from the just-as-mainstream 'street decided that, if he were to do a trick DVD,
and there are a lot nonsense' style. All while recognising that he would want to do it with BBM. He adds,
of left turns off the the important parts are the trick and the “Coincidentally, at that exact moment, there
reservation. explanation— not much you could do about was a figurative knock on my door and
Didn't Al Baker that. It’s not all style, but if I was going to do Owen contacted me and asked me if I would
say, 'many video, why not with style? be interested in doing a DVD with him! It was
good tricks are a real kick to work with Owen and his crew. I
killed by “The 'Fractal' packet tricks ('Royal Scam,' could not be happier with the result.
improvement'? 'Duplicity,' and 'Spin Doctor') were an initial
So, the trick is foray. I specifically asked that the shoot and “'Bullets After Dark' is tricks and
to know the editing be done 'Hollywood,' not explanations. The explanations are more
when not to 'documentary,' style and I thought they expansive and detailed in terms of plan and
stop and came out great with not much more theory than I usually would have done. Then,
know when direction than that. The editing was for the the explanations are periodically enhanced
to stop. most part, just what I wanted. Movie-like through short interview clips. Finally, the
without losing the content.” whole thing is top-notch 'Hollywood'
simply oozing with style. Thanks to Owen,
John says that after being exposed to Bullets After Dark is a fabulous-looking
Owen’s direction, editing and sheer style, he piece of work!”
MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 10/04/2011 23:36 Page 40

40 JOHN BANNON

As I get older my card work gets I don’t know how Owen did it, but pound for
tempered with much more pound, 'Bullet Party' is a fat package. The
necessary cards for 'Bullet Party' and 'Mega
knowledge, experience and most ‘Wave' are included along with twelve
importantly, judgment. expertly-filmed card tricks and explanations.
Seems like quite a bargain.”
It seems the top guys have some sort of and sophisticated. I thought it would make a
weird infatuation with firearms - let's not good release. Having watched his latest releases, John
forget Andy Nyman's recent book: seems to be producing some of his best-ever
Bulletproof! So where did the title, 'Bullets “Then again, last year’s 'Mega ‘Wave,' magic, which begs the questions: What do
After Dark' come from? “Owen was going another examinable packet trick, had you regard as the most satisfying part of your
for a backlit, shadowy 'noir' look (and gathered a following, but had not been on career? And is there one defining moment
achieved it). 'Aces' can be called 'Bullets' in video. Further, I had come up with a fairly where you felt you were at the top of your
poker parlance. Accordingly, 'Bullets After significant improvement for another fractal game? “Right now!” he says, straight away,
Dark' is as 'noir' as it gets. (As you can tell, I packet trick, 'Poker Pairadox.' With these and I believe him! “Seriously, I enjoy doing what
am not afraid of obscure titles — Dear Mr. three tricks — each of which could have I do and am happy that the magic community
Fantasy, anyone?)” been released on its own —I’d reached finds what I do acceptable. As I get older my
critical mass for a new video project. I had card work gets tempered with much more
Tell us about your latest project and why no trouble getting Owen’s attention. knowledge, experience and most importantly,
you're so excited about it (!) judgment. So I feel like it’s getting better.
“'Bullet Party' has a different, but just as “By the time it was over, 'Bullet Party' was Maybe I’ve produced my best trick already —
stylish, look. Once again, Owen has made no longer purely fractal. Nevertheless, all the several come to mind — but maybe not. I
me and the tricks look really good. Originally, tricks use regular cards and are virtually all certainly don’t think I’ve produced my last
I had thought about a purely 'fractal' project. impromptu and most fairly easy to do. good trick. Not yet, at least.”
Over the last year or so, I had made real Furthermore, each trick has aspects that I
progress with 'Bullet Party,' a highly- feel deserve publishing, aspects that 'move And with that, John smiles, and heads off to
amplified extension of Elmsley’s 'Four Card the ball.' 'Bullet Party' is a variety of card demonstrate some of his latest effects. And I
Trick.' I was excited about the trick; it was magic that I would find very interesting. take off my body armour. That was quite
commercial, 'fractal' (that is, examinable), Hopefully, others will too. painless really.

Quick-ish Q&A Who are your own magic

heroes – and have you ever met
I worked the convention—lecture and the
dreaded “horseshoe.” That was a culture
them? (if so, how was it?) shock. I hear they’ve stopped doing the
Is there any area or aspect of I have had many magic influences and, “horseshoe,” what a shame. I’ve worked in
magic which you have never thankfully, I have been able to meet almost all that situation twice. The first time, Juan
got to grips with? An area of them—if only just an introduction. Vernon, Tamariz was behind me. The second, last
where you have struggled? Marlo, Ascanio, Frank Garcia, Mike Skinner, year, David Williamson was to my right. Just
Most of them. Seriously. When I was Larry Jennings, Jack Birnman, Larry West. lucky, I guess.
younger I wanted to do it all — cards, coins, I’ve never really had a mentor, which is sad
balls, ropes, rings — you name it. Even really. I was happy to meet Don Alan (a long This year was a lot different. I came over to
mentalism. The realities of life convinced me time ago) because I think he had a huge help Owen out with the “Bullet Party” launch.
otherwise. So I decided to focus on card under-recognised impact on the modern Much less stressful. The dealers’ room is really
tricks and have lived happily ever after. (I close-up performer persona. I was really glad amazing—it’s like a trade show accompanied
have to take some of that back—I never to finally meet Martin Nash—a great creator by the occasional lecture. Nothing like it in the
wanted to do tricks with straws, sugar and performer of card magic, and another world. I’d love to come back.
packets, chewing gum, or silly putty.) under-recognised huge influence on the
modern close-up persona. I have yet to meet The Magicseen front cover –
What was the last great Roy Walton—perhaps a pilgrimage is in order... you've really made it now, eh?
performance by a magician More seriously, what's your big
you saw live? You were at Blackpool – have message – the magic topic that
At the last MAGIC Live convention, I saw you got over the culture shock? seems most important/relevant
Tim Conover’s mentalist show which was How was it for you? at the moment?
fabulous, and Guy Hollingworth’s Erdnase Blackpool is an experience, isn’t it. This was I am honestly quite pleased and flattered to
show. Both, tough acts to beat. actually my second year in a row. Last year, be on the cover of Magicseen. First time for
MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 10/04/2011 23:36 Page 41

JOHN BANNON 41

me. It’s the curse of the amateur. Being presentation” presentations are roundly Favourite breakfast?
primarily a developer or a tinkerer, and not a criticised by many magicians, but he clearly Full English without the baked beans.
professional performer, I am not generally knows what he is doing and has resonated
considered on the “front line” of magic today, with many performers. Directly with the Last book read?
and certainly not part of its “face.” Frankly, I younger “street magic” crowd, and indirectly The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
rather prefer not to be a professional with magicians like me. Blaine has made me
magician—it seems like a hard way to make a think about, understand, and appreciate the Secret hobby?
living. There often appears to be a bias idea of “persona-based, adventures of the It wouldn’t be “secret” then, would it?
against amateurs and a sense that only props” presentations. Sometimes the best Actually, if you took each letter in this
professionals are qualified to opine. You presentation is no presentation. Blaine is interview that falls on a prime number
know, the attitude that if you haven’t changing the persona of the close-up (including spaces) and unscrambled them...
performed a trick a thousand times, you are magician—which is a good thing.
not entitled to speak about it. I think that’s
nonsense. The dumbest form of this bias has Give us three words which you Competition
got to be: “We (magicians collectively) don’t think sums you up the best. (This To win a copy of bullet Party
need new tricks, we need to practice the is not for a job interview on and bullets After Dark DVDs
ones we already know.” I have nothing magicseen!) from big blind Media, simply
against practise, but I believe in innovation There are lots of words I think should not be answer this question: Name
and progress. Of course we need new tricks. used in reference to oneself. Can I get away ONE magician whose quote is
with: Calm. Discriminating. Always thinking. promoting John bannon’s
Who’s the most underrated latest release on
magician around today? Favourite movie? bigblindmedia.com Send your answer to:
Paradoxically, among magicians it’s probably The usual suspects (not, “The Usual [email protected] by midnight,
David Blaine. David Blaine’s deliberate “anti- Suspects”). May 30th. Winner notified by email.
MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 10/04/2011 23:36 Page 42

42

WINNER
TAKES IT ALL
SECRETS OF HOW TO WIN A
MAJOR MAGIC COMPETITION
Mark Leveridge

"And the winner is........". Yep, it's at that moment that you wake up to find that you are not just about to be
announced as the FISM Grand Prix winner after all. If only you could have slept on just a few more minutes,
you might have been crowned the champion. For many magicians, hope of winning a top magic competition
is a somewhat utopian aim, but for others it is a real tangible goal, and one which they will put a huge
amount of time, preparation and effort into achieving. We thought it would be interesting to chat to three high
achievers to see if they can lift the lid on just what is required to be a competition winner, and so please
welcome our three all conquering contestants, Marc Oberon, Nicholas Einhorn and Peter Wardell!

If you want the real deal in terms of information, then it pays to go to the best.
Here is the impressive winning roll call of our three experts....

MARC OBERON NICHOLAS EINHORN PETER WARDELL

• Winner of the Peoples' Trophy at the • FISM Award Winner - 2nd place in Micro • Macmillan International Close Up
joint IBM/SAM Convention in the USA Magic Champion
• The European Champion of Close Up • The Magic Circle Close Up Magician Of • Carlton Comedy Award Winner
Magic The Year 1996 and 2002 • Magic Circle Close Up Magician Of
• FISM World Champion of Parlour Magic • The Magic Circle Close Up Centenary The Year
• The Macmillan International Close Up Magician 2005 • Magic Circle Stage Magician Of The Year
Winner
• British Ring IBM Close Up Champion
MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 10/04/2011 23:36 Page 43

WINNER TAKES IT ALL 43

Mr. Motivator
OK, so don't get put off, these guys had to
start somewhere! I suppose the first thing to
wonder about is why on earth anyone would
want to put themselves under the pressure
of being scrutinised by their peers? Surely,
it's easier not to bother, isn't it? Well, there
can be a number of different reasons why
you might want to make the effort as our
experts demonstrate. Both Nick and Marc
said that they needed the pressure of a
competition deadline to motivate them to get
an act together. "Knowing I will be watched
by an audience of my peers is very stressful
but that pressure makes me work much
harder than I would otherwise," says Marc.

Nick sees similar benefits: "Often I am

competing with myself more than the other
competitors. I seem to work best under
pressure so knowing I MUST have an act by
a certain date leads to results for me.
Necessity is the mother of invention." He
also finds that it causes him to develop new
ideas, something which he might not
otherwise have the motivation to do. adapt it to the competition environment.
The first competition I did was simply my
Often I am
Peter has a number of rather pragmatic street act tightened up a bit. I added some competing with
reasons for entering competitions, and these coin work to the beginning to show I had myself more than
reasons have varied depending on which technical skills and then let the Cups
competition it is. He has used his entries as demonstrate my performing ability."
the other
a way to raise his profile in the magic competitors. I
community, as a platform for devising
marketable products, and even to make a
Peter is very focused when it comes to
creating his act, as he will look at the
seem to work best
particular point about competitions particular competition he is entering and try under pressure so
themselves. "The Magic Circle Stage to ensure that he has the correct elements in knowing I MUST
Magician of the Year was really because I the act to please the judges. So, for
wanted to be the first person to win both instance, when he entered the Magic Circle
have an act by a
titles (Close Up and Stage) and also I Stage Competition he added a salt pour to certain date leads
wanted to win two different styles of magic music at the start of his act in order to to results for me.
competition with essentially the same act - I compete directly with the other silent Nick Einhorn
was trying to prove a point." manipulation acts in the competition. So, his
approach is very strategic. He tries to asses
what elements his act will need to win and For Nick, a good starting point is to look for
Starting Positions then ensure that he puts relevant material in. clever ways to link known effects together.
When you are sitting at a table with a blank He believes that simply having a collection of
piece of paper ready to plan your Marc also begins with material that he unrelated tricks is not enough to win a
competition act, it may be difficult to know already knows and tries to select the effects competition, you have to do more if you
where to start. Should it be with the tricks that he believes are the strongest magically. want to curry favour with the judges. So that
themselves? Or an act theme, perhaps? He will then assess if there is a theme that is why in one of his early competition acts he
Just what would be a good starting point? he can develop to tie the various tricks did a routine with coins which ultimately
One way is to look at the material that you together and he will also fantasise about magically changed into a deck of cards with
already use and see whether any of that is what magic he would like to see or create, which he went on to do his next act
going to be suitable. Certainly this is the and then look for ways to achieve that. So, segment. Here's another excellent tip from
approach preferred by Peter: "I have never here he is using a combination of Nick too: "A favourite technique of mine, and
put together a competition act. What I have imagination to create new ideas and known many others who compete, is to make the
done is take my working repertoire and material that is suitable to include as well. act come full circle. For instance, I once
MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 10/04/2011 23:36 Page 44

44 WINNER TAKES IT ALL

Although the
magic needs to
be as strong as
possible, Marc
does not set out
to simply look for
ingenious
methods to fool
his peers, he
would rather find
effects and
methods that will
work under
normal
performing
conditions for lay
people.

won by the performer rather than the tricks,

so developing a good performing personality
may be more key than the effects
themselves.

Marc is not especially concerned whether he

fools the magical audience because his
overall aim, apart from wanting to win (!), is
to create an act that afterwards will be
commercial enough to be of use to him.
Although the magic needs to be as strong
as possible, he does not set out to simply
look for ingenious methods to fool his peers,
he would rather find effects and methods
produced a bottle of wine at the start of my really well to your act, it can have a positive that will work under normal performing
act and at the end of the act a signed card bearing on the judges' assessment. But he conditions for lay people.
was seen to appear inside the bottle which doesn't feel that this is absolutely essential:
was in full view the whole time." "For instance, if you watch FISM Champion
Rick Merrill you may know he is doing the Originality
Flip stick vanish over and over with the pens There can be no doubt that if you turn up at
Fooling All Of The People, All Of but can still admire the skill with which it is a major competition with your set of
The Time? done and the way the whole act has been Professor's Nightmare Ropes and a
The temptation when creating a competition structured." Troublewit, you are unlikely to do very well,
act is to worry about whether it will fool the but does that mean that an act has to be
magical audience. This is undoubtedly one Peter prefers to take relatively standard entirely original to stand a chance? Our
of the major stresses that is created when magic and add a twist to it, since he feels experts are a little divided on this. Marc feels
performing for your magical peers. But is it that this will probably fool many of the that while it might be advisable to have
important to fool the attending audience? Or magicians anyway as they think they know original elements in the act, it can depend on
are there other more important what is happening until the sting in the tail the judges themselves. How knowledgeable
considerations? Nick is convinced that if you throws them completely off the scent. He are they and what do they actually like and
can fool the magicians so that they react also believes that many competitions are expect to see in an act? Peter does not put
MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 10/04/2011 23:36 Page 45

WINNER TAKES IT ALL 45

much store by original elements as he feels material in the Magic Circle Close Up act so that he can watch it back
that traditional magic presented well and by a Competition and I wouldn't have won." dispassionately. In this way he can hopefully
performer who is engaging and entertaining eliminate poor scripting and any clumsy
stands a better chance than someone who Fine Tuning 'stage' movements. Then, the final step is to
tries to create a totally original act that only So, you've created the act, taken the advice go out and work it for real people. This is a
ends up being a bit half baked. Nick, on the of close associates, and now you have a piece of advice that all three performers have
other hand, is a strong believer in originality product that you feel is worth entering into a given and shows that there is no substitute
and feels that unless an act has some competition. What's the best way to practise for a real performance run through.
originality in method, effect, presentation or the act? Peter says: "Most of my material is
all three, it's unlikely to do very well. Good, well worked in a performing environment.
so that clears that up then!! Moving on.... When I do need practice I will use my web Music To Your Ears
cam to record the "sticky" moments, but All three of our experts have used music in
generally I just run through material without their competition acts at some stage or other.
Help At Hand an outside eye. I have a pretty good sense Nick says: "I do use music sometimes and
Making the assumption that you have of what works and what doesn't. I have think it adds another dimension to my act. I
started to collect material and to structure sometimes hear music on the radio or in a
your act, how are you going to know if the film and use an iPhone app called Shazam to
direction you are going in is any good? The find out what it is and then download it from
answer is you could probably do with some
Nick feels that iTunes. As regards to fitting it, I recommend
independent outside help to look at what although watching Copperfield specials to see how
you are doing and give you some impartial
advice and guidance. Exactly when that help
generally and when music is used and when/how to
bring it in and out of an effect. I do not
is sought and the extent of that help may speaking it is condone stealing the music, just learning a
vary, but all three of our winners have taken not essential to technique of how to apply music from one of
advice at some stage or other. the best performers in the world."
target a
Nick tends to work on his own in the early particular Marc's approach is slightly random,
stages of the creation of an act, but likes to
bring in close friends, whose opinions he
competition, relying to a certain extent on chance for the
right piece of music to come to the fore.
presumably can trust, to make some
knowing "I practise to music I like and often it
adjustments when the competition date is something just clicks into place, suddenly I experience
drawing near. But he does warn against
getting too much input from outsiders. "If
about the a synergy, it fits, so I go to the CD player and
make a note of the track and time where it
you have the chance to show others your performing worked and come back to it. Other times
act I think it is a good thing, but very often conditions can I will actively search for music by
different people will all have varying opinions
so don’t let the opinion of one or two people
be a big help. repeatedly visualising the magic while
using a remote to fast forward and skip
put you off. Let your instinct drive you rather through tracks."
than someone else’s remarks."
tried using my family as a test audience Luck can also play a part for Peter in the
Marc puts a lot of store by the opinions of but it usually ends in me sulking for a couple way he selects his music. "I have a salt pour
others and will ask many people whose of hours." that is done to Catch A Falling Star. Usually I
expertise he trusts to make comments and will hear a tune while I'm driving and it
suggestions. I have personally seen him in Marc likes to start with mirror practice, then triggers off an idea for a trick. With the salt
discussions with all sorts of different present the act without a mirror as if in front pour I had choreographed the trick before I
performers as he tries to fine tune his act of an imaginary audience, before finally had even started handling the props. Things
and he is very willing to listen and evaluate taking the act out on the road and changed but it essentially stayed the same."
the advice given by others. performing it as often as possible on real
audiences. There is no better way to hone It seems that finding the right track may be
Peter likes to do most of the early work on an act and to see if it really works than more a matter of happenstance than
his own, but values input from friends closer roadtesting it in front of real people systematic searching, so keep your ears
to competition time. In fact he readily (preferably not magicians!). open for music that you may hear on the
acknowledges how important the advice radio, on TV or maybe when listening to
from others has been when he says: "If it Nick likes to use a mirror to practise sleights, something from your own music collection
hadn't been for the good advice of friends, I but in order to get a view of the bigger that will fit with the magic that you are
would probably have used under prepared picture he will use a camera to record the proposing to use.
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46 WINNER TAKES IT ALL

number of people to watch means that

natural conditions are rarely, if ever,
achieved. If you are considering a close up
competition, therefore, be aware that
conditions can be very alien for the
performance of close up, and it is those who
manage the prevailing conditions the best
who are the ones most likely to win.

Fringe Benefits
Given all the information which our experts
have provided, you may be left with the feeling
that it all seems rather fraught with difficult
hurdles. So is it all worth the effort? Nick has
certainly noticed the effects of his success, as
it has provided him with credibility when selling
his act to the general public, it has led to him
being booked as a lecturer and performer at a
variety of magic conventions, and it has
enabled him to travel and to meet some of the
world's greatest magicians. Hmmm, seems
like a good trade off!

Marc likes the fact that the constant

attention and practice required to develop a
competition act means that the act itself
ends up being far more polished, and the
successful exposure then leads to bookings

If it hadn’t been for the good advice for further magic events.

of friends, I would probably have used Peter is a little more circumspect about the
under prepared material in the Magic advantages of competition success, when
he says: "I have used the wins primarily as
Circle Close Up Competition and I marketing tools. There is a degree of kudos
wouldn't have won. Peter Wardell in winning national and international titles
that can be used to your advantage. In truth
though the benefits have been personal
more than professional."
The End In Sight
If you are going to put all this effort into competition, knowing something about the
creating a competition act, is it advisable to performing conditions can be a big help. Final Tips
have a specific event in mind, or can an act "There are some competitions which have Finally, here are some great general tips from
be successful in any suitable competition? true close-up surroundings and others (like our three gurus for all would-be competitors
Marc feels that if you are hoping to enter a big FISM) where you are performing a close-up to take away as they return to their practice
international competition it is advisable to act on a stage in front of 2000 people, so in mirrors....
enter the act into as many other 'lower level' that respect some research into the likely • enter knowing you can win and forget
competitions as you can, because he feels surroundings could be beneficial. Is the act about it if you don't;
that when you present the act under these being relayed into another room via large • seek feedback, listen to criticism, but
pressures, you will learn something every time screens? If so are the judges in these rooms? don't take things to heart;
you do it. Peter likes to have a specific target Is it possible to incorporate the fact that you • remember that a competition result is
in mind, chiefly because the date of that are in different rooms into your act?" only the opinion of the judges;
competition will create a deadline to work to • the secret is you, not the magic tricks;
and thus ensure that the act is completed. There have been a number of attempts over • don't let a competition loss result in you
the years to create a more realistic never competing again;
Nick feels that although generally speaking it competition environment for close up, but as • focus on improving your magic, don't
is not essential to target a particular a general rule, the necessity to allow a large obsess about winning.
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48 MASTERCLASS

WE WANT YOUR BEST IDEA!

The Masterclass Award for 2011, which consists of a cash prize of £250 plus a special certificate, will be presented to the person who
contributes the best trick published in the Masterclass section of Magicseen during Volume 7. Marc Spelmann, John Bannon and Mark
Townsend are the next to contribute - so what can you offer to wow our readers even more to put you in the running? Please send your
contribution to the Editor at [email protected] as soon as you can. Two issues of Volume 7 are already gone, so you
have just 4 issues left to stake your claim to the cash! So don’t delay, show how creative you are and let us tell the world for you.

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE

Marc Spelmann

EFFECT: The performer discusses the spectator how the hands

an unusual skill he has acquired, spin round. Turning away, the
whereby he can wake himself up performer instructs the spectator
without an alarm. He can also to spin the hands of the watch
predict time and is able to divine sight unseen, and once
times that are thought of within a completed to push the stem in.
minute or two of the targeted The spectator is then asked to
time. To show how difficult this is, take a peek at the random time.
the entertainer offers to give a Picking up another business
spectator a chance to try it for card, the mentalist begins to jot
themselves. down a time but seems to
struggle as he says: “I told you,
The performer writes a time on a this isn’t easy.” Crossing out his
piece of card which is placed first attempt, the performer asks
writing side down on the table. A the spectator to visualise the
lady spectator is invited to time as numerals, as the hands
Fig 1
announce a time that she feels of the clock are hard to
he might have written on the distinguish between. Writing a
card. Let’s say she selects 3.45. second time, the magician
Smiling, the performer says mentions he feels it is quite
“Lets be honest, the chances of close.
you getting it correct are pretty
slim but that is the point, this is Retrieving the first card from the
not easy. Nonetheless, if you are table, the performer asks the
within thirty minutes we’ll class lady spectator for her time again.
that as a hit.” She replies “3.45.” He asks
whether if she got within thirty
Now a second spectator is minutes would she be impressed
invited up and is asked to bring with her efforts, to which she
with him a watch borrowed from replies “Yes.”. The entertainer
a further audience member. The turns the card over and says “So
performer says to the assisting one minute out would really
spectator: “In a moment I am impress you then?” showing that
going to have you spin the hands the time he thought of was 3.44.
of this watch. You can spin He then turns to the second Fig 2
backwards or forwards it really spectator and asks him to reveal
doesn’t matter, what does matter for the first time his randomly
is that the time you set is not selected time. “7.53.”. The
known to you or anyone else, mentalist turns the card around
this will be totally random.” and replies “I was off the first
time round but luckily I changed
The mentalist demonstrates with my mind and even I’m impressed
the borrowed watch, showing with 7.53.”
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MASTERCLASS 49

WORKING: This effect is very All that is required now is to

strong, but it does require a show both cards. You can, if you
decent presentation, along with a so wish, just grab both cards and
few subtleties along the way. confuse the real positions of
First of all I have to give huge each one thus the audience
credit to Bev Bergeron, who as cannot keep track of which card
far as my research goes invented was which. I prefer to switch
the watch force which was them openly using a very bold
published in his excellent top change action but only using
manuscript ‘Predicting Time’. the two cards. The handling is
The force has been popularised shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 4. Some
over the past decade by my two pointers to doing this are:
friends and peers Banachek &
Richard Osterlind. Guy Bavli, 1) The X on the card is shown
another very creative chap, also purely for illustrative
has a handling on his DVDs purposes only. The grip is
Fig 3
published by L&L. quite loose, the kind of grip
used for a top change or the
Let’s look at the watch force first. Elmsley Count.
Most wrist watches of any value
are analogue. In other words, 2) The hands meet only for a
they have a stem which changes fraction of a second, and at
the time by pulling it out. On that moment the cards are
most but not all watches the smoothly switched one for
stem pulls out to two separate the other. The misdirection is
points, one changing the date, a gesture as you recap.
the other changing the time. We
are going to use this to our 3) The move is more deceptive
advantage. As you explain what if it is performed on a
the second spectator is to do, horizontal plane so that the
you simply twist the stem, cards are edge on to the
changing the time to your audience although it can
desired time, and then discretely work face on.
push the stem in one click. This Fig 4
will mean that when the
spectator spins the stem he will
not be changing the time but So, let’s take it from the top. You The spectator apparently spins So, there it is a simple yet very
instead the date, which in most pick up the card with the the hands and he pushes the effective routine. One last tip is
cases is very small and won’t be scribbling on it and write 7.53, stem in. He looks at the time, that the time you force with the
noticed. The nice thing is that this card being placed on the which you have forced. You then watch should be an hour or two
when the spectator spins the table as you ask the lady the time pick up a blank business card and either before or after your actual
hands of the watch and stops, she thinks you have in mind. She pretend to write a time down, performance as this means it
you then ask him to push the replies 3.45, and you say your make a mistake and then scribble won’t take you long to adjust the
stem in. This psychologically lines as in the effect description it out by simply rubbing your index hands to the desired time. An
suggests that he was indeed above. You then invite the finger nail against the card. You hour either way can be easily
moving the hands. second spectator up and borrow then write the lady’s named time, reached with minimal handling.
a watch from a third person. The minus a minute, on this otherwise
Now let’s get on to the one tiny bit reason for this is because you clean card. What you have done is This effect was inspired by a
of preparation which is the don’t want the assisting psychologically created two version of a card effect I do
business cards. One is left blank spectator to be familiar with the distinctly different cards so that which in turn was based on a
whereas the other is slightly watch as he may notice that the when they are later shown, the T.A. Waters effect from his book
modified. All you do is write a time stem is not pulled all the way out, audience will place them in the Mind, Myth & Magick. I simply
and then scribble it out so that it which is more likely if you are correct time and space, which changed the use of cards to that
can’t be read. Fig.1. That’s it. using his own watch. camouflages the one ahead. of a watch and time.
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50 MASTERCLASS

Précis With your right forefinger, lift up a

The performer shuffles a face-up small packet of cards and swing
deck a few times. He then cut the packet into your left
slowly riffles the outer left corner hand. In a continuing action, and
of the deck, intently watching the starting a rhythm, turn your right
indices flipping by. hand palm upward. With your
left thumb, pull off the now-
“The worst thing about getting topmost face-down card of the
older is that my eye sight is right-hand packet onto the face-
going. I used to be able to riffle up left-hand packet. However,
the deck like this, spot the Aces, pull off the face-down card so it
then cut each one out of the is outjogged about one half its
deck . . . .” length. (Photo 1.) This card is
one of the Aces
He begins a running, in-the-
hands cut, and isolates four Try to establish/maintain a
cards—face-down in a face-up rhythm as you repeat these
deck. actions for a second card. Turn
your right hand palm downward.
“These days, if I am lucky, I’ll get Swing cut another small packet
one or two Aces. How did I do?” onto the left hand cards (burying
He spreads the deck and raises the face-down outjogged card);
it so the faces of the outjogged turn your right hand palm up
cards can be seen. He has and, with your left thumb, pull
found all four Aces. “Haven’t another face-down card onto the
done that for a while.” left hand packet.

Repeat this sequence two more

BULLET CATCHER Mise En Scéne
Begin with the Aces on top of the
times. You will be left with a
small packet in your right hand.
John bannon
deck. Turn the deck face-up and Place it face up on the left hand
shuffle it a couple of times, being packet.
careful to keep the Aces now at
the back of the deck. If you use Your left hand is holding the face-

T
his fast, easy-to-do Here we employ the Strangers’
Ace production Gallery procedure as a in-the-hand shuffles (I use an off- up deck in dealing position with
elaborates on a straight-forward Ace center “weave” shuffle with a four face-down cards protruding
production production. The illusion is cascade), the whole production from various places. (Photo 2.)
sequence I quite good. Good enough can be done standing.
originally designed that, as you’ll see, I play the When this is done with dispatch
for use in a colour-changing production for real—as if To do the production, take the and in rhythm, the illusion is very
deck routine, “Strangers’ actually spotting each Ace face-up deck with your right strong that the outjogged cards
Gallery.” (Smoke And Mirrors and cutting to it. hand from above, fingers in front, were reversed from various
(1992).) The procedure thumb in back—this is the well- places in the middle of the deck.
appears as if the performer is The trick was featured on the known “Biddle Grip” or “End
reversing and outjogging Bullet Party DVD and the Grip.” Spread the deck between your
certain cards at certain following description appears hands and slowly raise the
positions in the deck. The in the Bullet Party book. You are about do a running spread to show the faces of the
produced cards, however, are swing cut of five packets. So outjogged cards—they are the
actually taken off the top of the keep this in mind as you read on; Aces. (Photo 3.)
deck. each packet should have eight-
to-ten cards.
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MASTERCLASS 51

POST MORTEM way” and ask the spectator to

choose. While most of the time,
Parting Shots the “hard way” is nominated, my
As explained, the sequence is answer is always, “Thanks for
essentially the same as in coming.” This Bob Kohler line is
“Strangers’ Gallery.” In that trick, particularly apt where, as here,
I needed to produce three you are going to get ahead
seemingly random cards without during a demonstration of the
showing their faces and, from the “easy way.”
myriad ways, I ended up at this
one. I realised at the time that the Explain that the “easy way”
illusion was quite good and would be to look though the
periodically have used the deck and remove the Aces.
procedure as an Ace production. Here, spread through the deck
Photo 1. Over the years, others have used and openly outjog the Aces
the “Strangers’ Gallery” wherever they may be. There
now/known/as “Bullet Catcher” must not be an Ace, however,
procedure for a number of too close to the face of the deck.
different applications. Notably, In a minute, we’ll be using the
the estimable John Guastaferro Elias Multiple Shift and, while my
has some very clever apps in his handling allows considerable
excellent collection, One Degree latitude, it can be awkward if an
(Vanishing Ink 2010). Ace is too close to the face—say
within the first eight to ten cards.
Presentation If an Ace is too close, you can
I play this trick for real. That is, quickly close the spread and give
as if I actually spot the Aces the deck a quick overhand
during the riffle and cut them out shuffle, or simply openly displace
of the deck. The “Bullet Catcher” the wayward Ace.
illusion, I believe, is good enough
to support that claim. I After upjogging the Aces,
particularly like explaining that comment upon how the
because my eyesight is going the spectator’s shuffles placed the
Photo 2. feat becomes more and more Aces in random positions
difficult. (Which, while true for throughout the deck. Close the
other moves, is not true here.) spread, leaving the Aces
This kind of candid confession, outjogged. Turn the deck over
played straight, can be an and re-spread it face down.
effective “look behind the curtain” Again comment on the random
and can generate interest. Your dispersion of the Aces, close the
mileage may vary. spread and apparently push the
Aces square with the deck.
From A Shuffled Deck However, you push them “square”
I often use the following gambit in readiness for the Elias Multiple
(borrowed from “Unlisted Aces” Shift. A thorough description of
in Dear Mr. Fantasy (2005)) to get the Elias Shift, including a useful
control of the Aces. First, have touch to it, is in Dear Mr. Fantasy.
the deck shuffled by a
spectator—really shuffled. Then, On the next off-beat, execute the
say that if you wanted to find the shift and follow through with a
Aces, there are two ways to do false cut. You are now in
it, the “easy way” and the “hard position for the “Bullet Catcher.”
Photo 3.
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52 MASTERCLASS

When they’ve done this the When the volunteers take the
performer uses his incredible cards out from their pockets they
hypnotic influence to cause the see that the performer has in fact
volunteers to first forget which caused them to think of their
was their own card, and finally to counterpart’s card as their own.
believe their counterpart’s card is
their own. Working: Obviously most
magicians and mentalists will
“Sir, Madam, can you still picture already have worked out the
the card you have in your method but trust me, for real life
pocket? Good. And are you able lay audiences this is a very
to create a picture of the card powerful effect. No one even
that was just whispered to you? considers that the cards were
Great. Now please face each switched. They totally believe the TOMMY
X-CHANGE OF
other but close your eyes. I want lying cheat of a mind reader who
COOPER
MIND
you to try as hard as you can to
remember your own card. I will
claims it was their minds he
switched, and not the cards. CORNER!
Mark Townsend do everything in my power to For the sake of those who might The bit in a corner, relating to
(extracted from Cards Of cause you to forget it… so really not have spotted it or grasped Tommy Cooper.
Influence by Mark Townsend and burn it into your minds. Ready? the method entirely, here’s the
Kenton Knepper) Here we go.” working. Born in Caerphilly, Wales,
Tommy was delivered by the
EffECT: The mentalist chooses “Out loud, together please, count You will need a deck with two woman who owned the house
two volunteers and stands one backwards from 10 to 1… I’ll Jokers. Put them face down on in which the family was lodging.
on each side of him. He casually also count with you, ten, nine, the top of the face down deck
displays some cards by fanning eight………one; now picture and sandwich any indifferent There is a statue of Tommy in
them face up and says: “In a your counterpart’s card. Good. card in between them. You now the town of Caerphilly, but if
moment I’m going to give you Can you still picture your own? have a deck with a Joker as the we're honest, it doesn't really
both one of these cards. Once I Good. Now let’s count from one top and third card. look like him.
hand it to you just take it quickly up to ten……… eight, nine, ten.
and hide it away. The card itself Now you are beginning to lose Shuffle the cards without
in not significant, however the track of which card is yours and disturbing these top three and,
picture of the card must be firmly which is not. Picture your card. when the first volunteer says
locked in your mind OK?” Now picture the other card. “Stop”, do a double lift and show
Which one is yours? You are her the indifferent card (let’s say
The performer casually shuffles finding it hard to remember it’s a Two of Spades).
the cards and, turning to one of which is which. Try to think of
the volunteers, says “Now, I’ll your own card NOW. Is that really When she’s memorised it, flip it
shuffle until you tell me to stop.” yours…or is it your back over and hand her the top
counterpart’s? Once more let’s card of the pack which is,
The helper does so and the count from ten down to one… unbeknown to her, the Joker. Get A QUICK
mentalist shows her the top card
saying: “Please take a mental
three, two, one… OK, one last
time picture your card… see it as
her to put this card away in a
pocket without looking at it.
CHAT WITH..
photograph of that card, fixing it a photograph. Good, you can
ASHLEY JUDD!
in your mind.” Then he hands her open your eyes now.” Repeat this with the next volunteer We contacted the Hollywood
the card and asks her to put it so he sees a Joker but is given agents of sexy actress... here is
totally out of sight. One by one the helpers are the Two of Spades. Now the the full transcript of the
asked to name their own card. situation is this: The first spectator conversation.
The same happens with the One volunteer says his card is is picturing the Two but has a
second volunteer. Then the “The Joker”, and the other helper Joker in her pocket, whereas the MS: Hi, would it be possible to
helpers are asked to whisper the says, “Mine is the Two of second is thinking of a Joker but ask Ashley Judd a few
name of their card to each other Spades”. The mentalist looks has a Two in his pocket. questions about magic?
and, while remembering their own unsure saying “Are you Agents: No, she's very busy at
card, create another mental absolutely positive about that? There you have it. It all works the moment.
picture of their counterpart’s card. Let’s see…” now as per The Effect. MS: Oh, alright then. Bye.
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55

CLUB LAND Shaun died in 2009 but his memory lives on

as we have named the trophy for our stage
competition after him.

Tony is still an active member of the club

Mark Leveridge and currently helps to run the extensive
library of magic books, lecture notes, videos
and DVDs.
The UK is famous for its large network of
magic clubs, most towns and cities
Events/conventions organised by the club:
boasting at least one and sometimes
two organisations. In many ways magic The club stages annual 50:50 fund raising
clubs have been the lifeblood and shows, has provided close uppers for a
heartbeat of the national magic scene Rotary International conference, balloon
for many decades, and so we thought it modellers for an outdoor festival and
would be good to showcase some of children’s entertainers for the centenary
the clubs in order to illustrate how celebrations of Girlguiding UK
important they are to magic in the UK. Prominent members past and present:
If you would like YOUR magic club to Peter Scarlett, Brian Eames, magical
be featured in a future issue, contact craftsman Frank Preston, Stan Reynolds,
editor Mark Leveridge Robin Carr and John Southgate. And Another Thing...
([email protected]) The club prides itself on being very friendly
to say that your club would be willing History and welcoming. All our visitors remark on the
to take part, and we will be happy to
A chance meeting at a hospital fete gave excellent atmosphere at our meetings. Many
consider your society for a future
birth to the South Downs Magicians. At the of the members are part of the IBM and
feature.
fair was Shaun O’Donoghue who had been several are also members of The Magic
interested in magic since childhood. Shaun’s Circle. The membership includes five women
wife Ann was a sister on the maternity ward and the members’ age range runs mainly
THE SOUTH DOWNS at the hospital in Horsham in West Sussex. from early 30’s to pensioner age. In terms of
ability and levels of interest, we have a good
MAGICIANS Also there was Tony Hoare, a children’s mix of members going from full-time
magician who had taken up performing after professionals and semi-professionals to
Fact File: leaving the Royal Navy where he served as a hobbyists and those who enjoy watching
Chief Petty Officer. Tony’s naval service had magic. Their magical interests cover coins,
Founded: 1982 taken him around the world including the cards, rope routines, close-up, stage,
Meeting Place: Suez Canal where an Egyptian Gully Gully mentalism and children’s magic. Every
Handcross Parish man had come on board and they were branch of magic is represented by someone
Hall, High Street, pictured together for Magigram magazine at the club.
Handcross, West Sussex published by the Supreme Magic Company.
RH17 6BJ We are a very supportive club and the
Website: www.southdownmagicians.co.uk Shaun and Tony got talking and decided to additional meetings we hold during the year
Current secretary: Paul Bromley Tel: 01444 form a magic club covering the Mid-Sussex are specifically designed as teach-in and try
871161 Email: [email protected] area. Five members met in the side-room of out nights which have allowed experienced
Meeting Nights: 1st Wednesday of each a pub for the first meeting of the South members to pass on their performance and
month plus additional meetings on the last Downs Magicians in November 1982. handling tips and given less confident
Wednesday in May and October magicians a chance to try out various
Start time: 8pm The club has grown over the years and has routines or effects with constructive
Joining fee: £8 attracted many top names in the magic feedback for improving their magic.
Annual subs: £25 (full member) or £12.50 business to its events including Ali Bongo
(junior member aged 14-18) or £12.50 and, more recently, Magic Circle vice- We are always on the lookout for new
(student member and associate member) president Scott Penrose. Other notable members and lecturers who wish to come
Current President: Jonathan Cann visitors have included Michael Vincent and along to our meetings. We have an exciting
No of Members: 33 Terry Herbert. programme of events including, in the next
Junior Section: No, but a junior membership few months, Jay Scott Berry as part of his
is available from age 14 Shaun O’Donoghue served as the club’s first UK tour for six years and a top-class
Main interest of members: A good mix of all treasurer from its start in 1982 for 25 years lecturer/dealer by the name of Mark
interests non-stop until he stood down in 2007. Leveridge.
MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 10/04/2011 23:37 Page 56

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MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 10/04/2011 23:37 Page 58

58 REVIEWS H - poor HH - OK, but could be better HHH - reasonable middle of the road value HHHH - good product HHHHH - outstanding/exceptional

Let’s look at the three categories separately from the actual live
offered on each DVD. event and which consists of
monologues or interviews with
The Talks cover quite a range of top names such as Lance
events. You have standard Burton, Mac King, JC Sum and
lectures in which the artiste Magic Babe Ning, Cyril
performs and explains some Takayama, Marco Tempest, Jeff
magic. There are discussions McBride and more. Most if not all
with a panel of experts such as of these were also available to
THE ESSENTIAL the History Panel, the TV Panel registrants to watch on the EMC
MAGIC and the FISM Panel. And you website. These are very
CONFERENCE DVD have talks that are literally that, a interesting as they again cover a
COLLECTION talk, in which the presenter wide range of topics and it’s
Luis de Matos discusses with the viewer a great to get the candid views of
Available from: Your favourite particular magic related topic. such well known people in
dealer There is huge variety on offer and magic. INSTANT RE-SET
Price: $150/€120 (approx. £95) it is especially fascinating to hear WALLET!
the views of world experts on The quality of the DVD Harry Robson
In issue 34 (Sept.10) we matters to which normally a production is first class. The 33 Available from
published a report on the traditional convention cannot assembled magical luminaries www.harryrobsonmagic.co.uk
inaugural Essential Magic afford to allot time in the who take part are undoubtedly all Price: £40 approx.
Conference, which was the first schedule. experts in their fields and it’s
major magic event to be held amazing that so many of them Well, the first thing to note
entirely online. Over a three day The Performances are, as the were persuaded to get together about this wallet is that it's a
period, sessions of magic title suggests, demonstrations of for 3 days in Portugal in order to reasonable size. I've seen
discussion, performance and magic with no explanations. make this event happen. As I wallets before that were so
lecture were streamed to over a Effectively these are the Gala said in my original review of the big you need planning
1000 registrants around the Show or Close Up Show event itself, the EMC is not in my permission to get them in
world, and despite a few minor equivalents from a regular opinion for the casually interested your jacket! It's a terrific
glitches, it was undoubtedly a convention. The difference is that but is more for the thinking card-to-envelope-inside-a-
triumph for organisers Luis de the setting for these magician or someone who is compartment wallet, which
Matos, David Britland and Marco performances is not at all truly interested in learning re-sets very easily (between
Tempest. Part of the registration theatrical. There is no special technique from the best and who tables!). You can re-set it 12
deal was that ‘conventioneers’ staging as everything takes place wishes to explore magic far more times before needing to re-
would receive a set of DVDs on a TV studio set, and I got the deeply than is normally possible. fill with envelopes, which are
containing all the presentations, impression that this, combined These DVDs capture the first Dave Bonsall 'Delux'
the Q&A sessions and lectures at with the fact that the ‘audience’ EMC event really well and are a envelopes. The wallet is top
the EMC, and these have just comprised only of the other treasure trove of excellent magic, quality, and the best part is
recently arrived. The good news members of the 33 experts advice and opinion, and if you that you don't even need to
is that those who did not sign up assembled and therefore there consider yourself to be one of take the wallet out of your
for the original event can now was little or no audience reaction the magician types that I pocket to re-set it!! The
purchase these DVDs as a stand or atmosphere, caused some of described above, you shouldn’t price is about half of what
alone product. the performers to feel a bit let the relatively high price of you would expect to pay for
uncomfortable and sometimes this DVD set put you off buying a quality product like this,
The set comprises of 8 DVDs, rush what they were doing. them. ML and magicians are already
each one covering a session. However, there are some top saying that this is the one
Each session contains three people such as Guy WHAT’S HOT: awesome line up of they use! The wallet comes
categories of material - Talks, Hollingworth, Gaetan Bloom, genuine world talent with a DVD with
Performances and Passion For Lennart Green and Finn Jon WHAT’S NOT: definitely not for the routines/ideas.
Magic. In total there are 88 amongst others who are all casually interested magician Recommended. GH
different events on the DVDs, all featured and their material is, of HHHHH
of varying lengths, something course, excellent. WHAT’S HOT: A clever device
which is a definite plus as it for repeating miracles!
provides a lot of variety and The Passion For Magic section of WHAT’S NOT: Nothing really!
keeps the audience interested. the DVDs features footage shot HHHHH
MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 10/04/2011 23:37 Page 59

REVIEWS 59

world and is full of creative ideas switch, none of them jumped out
and this release is no exception. at me. They are worthy effects AT A GLANCE
but I feel that you will get better
In effect, the sleight taught is a mileage out of the move if you
utility move which allows you to apply your own ideas. However,
switch a sandwiched card in a do not get me wrong, you will
very justified and indetectable enjoy watching through the
manner. Very few moves which routines and they certainly
are comparable to this exist so demonstrate what potential the
SKIP SWITCH this is a welcome addition. As move has. As well as this, the
PROJECT DVD you can imagine, a move of this explanations are very thorough
Ollie Mealing sort has countless uses and can and enjoyable to watch. SIGNED UP
www.bigblindmedia.com be placed into any sandwich Trevor Duffy
Price: £16 routine and indeed a variety of Overall I would say that the Available from
other routines. DVD is worth purchasing as www.cards4magic.co.uk
This is one of the latest releases you will undoubtedly find use Price: £15.00
from Big Blind Media and, as a The switch, although not easy, is for the move and you will have
result of this, one thing that is well within the reach of any a pleasurable experience A decent packet trick where
already evident is that the intermediate card man and the learning it. GH only one card in the deck has
production quality, as ever, is detailed teaching certainly aids your signature – but it then
exceptional. So first off, well this process. This learning is WHAT’S HOT: Nice utility move transfers on to a chosen card.
done to the producing genius complemented by the BBM with many applications. The effect is good, and Trevor
that is Owen Packard. signature of having another WHAT’S NOT: The effects taught is a dab hand at coming up
magician sit in on the could have been stronger. with appealing ideas. There's
Now, on to the Skip Switch, the explanations to help keep them HHHH no sleight of hand involved, so
move around which the aptly on track and in this case, James no need to panic – there are
named project is based. Went does an excellent job. no moves which are likely to
dislocate your shoulders. It's
Ollie is one of those young, rising Finally, although there are 11 clever and effective.
bright lights in the card magic effects taught which use the
WHAT’S HOT: Good twist at the
end
WHAT’S NOT: Another full
His new handlings on old effects already own it, this new set is packet trick to carry around
never cease to amaze, and so full of all new material, that has with you!
his new DVD was no clearly been tried and used in HHH
disappointment. the real world for many years,
and I cannot recommend it
One of the effects is a switch of a enough. Got an item for
pile of pieces of coloured paper review?
to a wad of bills, which could be If you don't own his first set, Items for review can be sent to any
of the following addresses:
very visual, but his handling, in buy that one first, love it, and
my opinion, makes it an even then buy this one. TC Graham Hey: 6 St Everilda’s,
STAND AND stronger effect. Everingham, York YO42 4JE.
DELIVER WHAT’S HOT: A dozen or so
Phil Shaw: 23 Stock Close, Norton,
2 DVD set by Shaun McCree He also features a colour killer routines that you will
Malton YO17 8BE.
Available from changing deck with a twist, in want to use
www.rsvpmagic.com which the card changes to WHAT’S NOT: This DVD features Mark Leveridge: 13A Lyndhurst
Price: £24.99 whatever colour the spectator one or two filler tricks, as Road, Exeter EX2 4PA.
names. Not just red or blue - but opposed to Shaun's purely
Please also supply information on
Shaun's last DVD Mix and any colour at all. original first set. price, postage and where your
Mingle was a superb set HHHH product can be purchased from.
which made me rethink my To be honest, this set is probably If you have a digital image (JPEG,
TIFF, PDF) of your item too that
style of magic. not as good as his last, but if you would be appreciated, but not
essential.
MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 10/04/2011 23:37 Page 60

60 REVIEWS H - poor HH - OK, but could be better HHH - reasonable middle of the road value HHHH - good product HHHHH - outstanding/exceptional

course, the routine using the whimsy. Coins Thru Table and
renowned Snap Deal; for those Glass Thru Table give us a
who don’t know, cards are dealt chance to see some Green coin
into the beam of a “laser” and and bill work, and Recycled
disappear as they do so, and the Poker, Poker Plus, and Patrick’s
illusion is wonderful. Chosen Suit Aces return things to the more
is Green’s blindfold act and familiar realm of card control,
displays the feigned fumbling and shuffling and lapping. This disc is
sloppiness at its best. Card in rounded off with some “origami”
LENNART GREEN Shoe pretty much does what it magic, (I don’t think I’m breaking ICANDY
MASTERFILE says, with the shoe produced the magicians’ code by saying DVD by Lee Smith & Gary Jones
4 DVD set by Lennart Green from the deck before the card is it’s simply switching-in of pre- Available from
Available from your favourite produced from within the shoe. fabricated examples), and the old www.rsvpmagic.com
dealer chicken-from-a-tea-towel gag of Price: £19.99
Price: £115 (approx) Disc 2 - Controlled Chaos - is the Peking Duck, so a bit of filler as a
meat and potatoes of the set, as last gasp. Gary Jones and Lee Smith
What has Lennart Green got in we are taken through the original are two of the best close-up
common with Harry Hill? Both control and shuffling techniques There are extras as well: bloopers, workers in the country, so
studied medicine and became that largely enable the Green (though there is no danger of this DVD was always going
doctors, and both turned their repertoire. There are such staples these clips turning up on “It’ll Be to be an incredible insight
back on the vocation to become as the Angle Separation, Lateral Alright On The Night” any time into seriously practical high
entertainers. I think it goes further Palm and Top Shot. The Samurai soon), a bit of culture in the form impact walk around magic.
than this though; Green is also a Move, a riff on the Top Shot, is of a talk about the Coimbra
great clown, a droll, and the sight great, not least because he Library location, a couple of The trick of the DVD, for me
of him in full-face aluminium foil actually uses a gaff! magicky bits - basically his Olram and many, is Lee’s Eyephone
helmet during his blindfold act, is Subtlety variant and matchstick 10. A signed card turns into
nothing short of pure, glorious daft. Disc 3 is named Personal penetration trick; so perhaps a a "phone" that has been on
Favourites, and illustrates little underwhelming, but these are display the whole time. A
This new box-set from Luis de another important aspect of rounded out with an interview comedy performance done
Matos and the Essential Magic Green’s style; the sit-down, between Green and de Matos. very tongue in cheek
Collection, is intended to be the story-telling routines with much featuring a very clever way to
complete record of Green’s work; spectator involvement. English is not Green’s first hand out your contact
a fitting legacy of his endeavours Stonehenge, Two Dragons, and language so perhaps some information without fear of
and contributions to the world of The Terrorist require time and verbal descriptions could be feeling like you're pushing a
magic. A 6-DVD set released by A- space to perform, whilst Index clearer, but there are multiple business card on them. This
1 Magical Media has already been Red and Black, and its variant camera angles and slow-mo is one business card they will
released to the community, so this Index Intuition are pacy and inserts to help the instruction want to take home.
is hardly all new material, but the powerful Out of This World along. Lennart Green is one of
A-1 fireplace has been replaced by effects. Stolen Cards is Green’s the most idiosyncratic of today’s You not only get some great
the sumptuous surroundings of presentation of the rainbow deck performers. He is also a modest effects on this disc, you also
the Library at Coimbra in Portugal, trick that has been marketed for and likeable man who has get some insight into the
and all of Green’s touches, moves many years. Rainman and generated a respect and minds of two great magicians,
and thoughts are now seeing the Something Happened are admiration through his original and it is a pleasure to see a
light of day. prediction card effects, the latter control and shuffle techniques, DVD such as this which is
being particularly simple and and his understated yet often released with the working
Disc 1 is the Professional Act. adaptable. eccentric performances. An professional in mind.
We open with some “wrist- exceptional bedside manner, you
breaking,” and the drink Disc 4 is simply titled may say, from the good Dr Yet another success from
production as a warm-up and Miscellaneous and is an accurate Green. DL Smith and Jones. TC
prelude to the card work. name if nothing else. 3 Shell
ACAAN is not a routine that Game gives us an overview of WHAT’S HOT: The opportunity to What's hot - eyephone 10
would appeal to the ACAAN Green’s collection of props as learn the repertoire of a master and loads of other usable
purists - very performer hands- regards this effect, which also WHAT’S NOT: A lot of the material effects,
on but it immediately puts those moves away from a betting is already out there What's not - very little
Green skills on show. Laser is, of theme to an almost Tamariz-like HHHH HHHH
MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 10/04/2011 23:37 Page 61

61

approximately 2” x 3.5” is will understand how this effect

brought out. The cards have a is accomplished and so will
black and white picture on them know that there is virtually
of Houdini sitting in a relaxed nothing to do in terms of
manner with his arms folded. A handling. The Houdini picture is
spectator initials the top card of printed on reasonably thick
the pile. A deck of cards is now card stock and you are
brought out and one chosen supplied with enough for 40
before being returned to the performances. I would imagine COPPERFIELD
deck’s centre. The pile of Houdini
cards is placed on top of the
that this would be more than
enough. Although there is
ANSWERS
HOUDINI’S SILENT deck and the spectators are told nothing at all wrong with this
MAGICSEEN
PREDICTION that Houdini is now supposedly trick, it is hugely Have you got a current
bob Solari going down into the deck to look underwhelming in terms of a favourite effect?
Available from for the selected card. After a magical effect, but nevertheless Not really an effect. I love
www.bobsolarimagic.com moment or so, the top initialled it may well appeal to someone watching the reaction of the
Price: $10.95 (approx. £7.00) Houdini card is removed from the who is looking for a virtually audience, seeing them respond
pile and when it is turned over a self-working novelty. ML to the car appearance and snow
A lot of Bob Solari’s ideas are tiny colour picture matching the and effects I’ve worked very hard
very simple, and this is another selected card is seen to be WHAT’S HOT: very simple to do on. I can’t say I really like doing
in that line. Basically this is a sitting on Houdini’s folded arms. WHAT’S NOT: just not a very split fans or any specific effect.
presentation for the Out To engaging plot When I get that emotional
Lunch principle. A stack of Anyone familiar with the HH response, I know why I worked
cards measuring ubiquitous Out To Lunch principle so hard on it.

Once mixed, the cards are laid vanished from the deck and
out in a row revealing a randomly jumped to the performer’s pocket.
generated five digit number. It was the speed of the vanish
and the fact I could freely handle
All focus is now back at the logo the cards myself that fooled me.
which has been in sight
SUBLIME INFLUENCE throughout. On reversing the logo What you get for your money
Michael Murray card, the five digit number is here is an extremely clevely
Available from surprisingly revealed to have been gaffed deck of cards that does
www.magicbox.uk.com hidden within the logo all along. all the work for you.
Price: £8.99 with gimmick and GET SHARKY
props or £6.99 as instant download The effect itself is virtually self- Christoph borer The effect itself is actually very
working and is really easy to Available from www.card- simple to do with just a minimal
Available with or without the perform. If you opt for the shark.de amount of memorisation required.
necessary props Sublime gimmicked supplied version Price: €75 (approx £65)
Influence is a really great routine. (which I recommend) everything Printed on Phoenix card stock
is printed on plastic so should I was first shown ‘Get Sharky’ at they are really good quality and
Based upon the premise of last a lifetime. Blackpool earlier this year. It was will last for a long time if looked
subliminal advertising used in the performed to me four times in a after properly.
movies by popular drinks This is probably the best £9.00 row and I had no idea how it
companies, a simple company you could spend on magic. PS worked each time, that’s how ‘Get Sharky’ is also now available
logo is introduced. clever this is. in parlour sized cards should the
WHAT’S HOT: Great effect, great regular poker size be too small
The spectator is handed some price. The effect performed on me was for your performance. PS
cards containing random WHAT’S NOT: No need for the simple. I peeked at a card from
numbers on their face. These download version in my opinion within the deck. The deck was WHAT’S HOT: Amazing effect
can be mixed up as much or as as the price difference is only £2. immediately handed to me. My WHAT’S NOT: Quite pricey.
little as the spectator wishes. HHHHH peeked at card had now HHHH
MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 10/04/2011 23:37 Page 62

62 REVIEWS H - poor HH - OK, but could be better HHH - reasonable middle of the road value HHHH - good product HHHHH - outstanding/exceptional

business and playacting to make incorporating some simple much more to do with the
things entertaining. So if you are juggling with three metal plates relationship between the
IF the sort of performer who prefers set to a fun story. In fact Keith performer and the audience than
to let the props do the ‘talking’, likes a little bit of juggling as is it is to do with the actual tricks
EVER A WIZ this is not the book for you. But if shown by the routine in which he that are being used.” I think this
you enjoy being a more complete juggles with two balls and a pair sums up what this book is all
THERE entertainer and are prepared to of chattering teeth! Very funny. about. It’s not about the props,

WAS throw yourself fully into the role,

you will find this book both For those looking for just magic
it’s about how those props are
used, and Keith is clearly a
inspirational and hugely helpful. Keith provides a nice routine talented all round entertainer
Tips and tricks
Thoughts
r
called The Vanishing Ribbon in from whom all of us can learn a
Routines with patte
The book runs to 114 pages, of which he makes a simple vanish great deal in terms of
Keith Fields which about 100 contain the of a ribbon uses a thumb tip into presentation. This is a great book
main content. Keith starts by a feature effect, there’s a great for those who want to take that
giving his general thoughts on routine using a set of multiplying lesson. ML
IF EVER A WIZ entertaining children, and very sponge balls, and a very nice
THERE WAS interesting it is too. He covers presentation of the Misers Dream WHAT’S HOT: Fun filled
Keith Fields ways to control youngsters, too. He also offers a finish for the presentations for a modern
Available from: stresses the importance of classic Run Rabbit Run prop, children’s audience
www.keithfields.com developing a consistent which for anyone owning that What’s Not: Will not appeal to
Price: $35 + shipping (approx. £20) performance character, illustrates device will provide a stronger those who like the props to do
how what you wear can help climax, plus he provides a really the work
British entertainer Keith Fields with this, gives his thoughts on excellent fun trick using a dove HHHHH
now lives and works in the comedy for kids including pan to produce a load of sweets
United States where he performs breaking it down into a number which again is full of great bits of
all manner of different types of of different types, talks about business. Every single item is AT A GLANCE
show from corporate to street how to use body language and totally practical, well routined and
magic. When he was still based facial expressions to good effect, packed full of entertaining
in England, for 15 years he was plus more. He talks a lot of sense dialogue and bits of business.
also a busy children’s entertainer, and I really liked his approach as
and If Ever A Wiz There Was is I felt it was coming from One interesting feature of this
the first part of a two book series someone who had performed a book is Keith’s use of what he
featuring his thoughts and ideas lot and who had come to truly calls Video Assists. Every now
for this type of work. understand what makes a and again in the text Keith will
successful performance. provide a url to a video clip on
When so much of what is on YouTube which enables Keith to
offer for children’s entertainers Following this Keith launches into actually show you some of the
seems to be stuck in some weird a dozen of his routines. Many of things he is talking about in the TRIPLEX
kind of time warp based around these are magic, but interestingly book. It gives you a chance to Wayne Dobson
the 1950’s, it is a real pleasure to others branch out into juggling see Keith in action, and for Keith Available from
read a book that is full of and music too. His Human to show you the props he is www.magictao.co.uk
excellent contemporary material. Xylophone routine using a load of mentioning and to explain further Price: £20.00
It is clear from reading Keith’s kids up from the audience any techniques which he feels
ideas that his performance style holding chime bars which they hit video can explain better than Triplex is a nice mentalism
is very much based on a with wooden spoons is a great text. You don’t need to watch the effect from the mind of Wayne
‘character’, and everything that example of getting a lot out of video clips in order to understand Dobson. The props are nicely
he does reflects the way that essentially very little, and yet the book - everything is made and come in a small
character would do things. He providing great entertainment explained perfectly adequately drawstring bag.
loves to incorporate plays on while doing it! His Balloon and completely in the publication
words, slapstick humour, facial Octopus sequence is another - but it is fun to change media Three objects are shown, one
and body expressions, and brilliant presentation piece using every so often as it helps to bring is selected - it matches your
everything is done with high a few balloons which is choc full everything to life. prediction. Simple but effective
energy and tempo. The props he of great bits of business and fun, magic. Recommended. PS
uses are generally minimal, as and the Three Plates Of Chaos is Early on in this book Keith writes: HHHH
Keith relies on the strength of his another entertaining interlude “Good children’s entertaining is
MS Issue 38 BU1_Layout 1 10/04/2011 23:37 Page 63

REVIEWS 63

Out of all of the ten effects - 1 teaching the same trick which is AT A GLANCE
was on his last DVD, with just a available from John's website for
slight, less believable variation, 2 £15 on it's own.
effects will cost around an
additional £100 each to be able If you were planning on getting
to perform and 1 was an add a this PDF from John, then I can
number routine with a nice recommend forking out the other
kicker, but the method, by £10 on getting the DVD set,
John's own admission, is not the purely based on the
FURTHER one he uses. This could be performances. John is very
EDUCATION because he has a method that funny, and everyone will take
2 DVD set by John Archer fits his style better, or it could be something away from the
Available from because his method is terrible! performance side if you can
www.alakazam.co.uk justify £25 for expensive,
Price: £24.99 Starstruck is a "think of a unusable or filler tricks...and
celebrity" effect, that will take blank night. GH RED MIRROR
Following the success of John’s hours and plenty of paper to Helder Guimaraes
first DVD set Educating Archer, make up yourself, all for a WHAT'S HOT: John's great Available from your favourite
which I was thoroughly method that could all be performances - and blank night. dealer
impressed with, I was expecting accomplished in far easier ways. WHAT'S NOT: John's not so great Price: £25.00 (Approx)
great things of Further Education. other tricks
I may have set my sights too It does however feature John's HHH FISM champion Helder
high, which may explain why I signature "blank night" effect that Guimaraes takes us through
was disappointed with this DVD fooled Penn & Teller, and comes his signature card act which
set on the whole. with a free copy of the PDF he has refined over years of
performing.

The first thing to point out is

This 41 page ebook may seen It really shows when reading that there is a strange note at
expensive at $30.00, but trust through this book, that Chris the beginning of the disk
me - 11 effects each featuring has put time and effort into stating that you are not
genius methods that will make creating each and every effect. allowed to perform any of
you want to run out of the house, these routines as they are for
down to the local pub and start If you are simply thinking of study purpose only (?).
abusing peoples minds. learning some mentalism to try
out on mates, this book alone is This is only mentioned when
Having read through a lot of not for you. Some of the playing the DVD and not
mentalism material, it was a methods, whilst foolproof, are stated anywhere on the cover
pleasure to see Chris perform not for everyone, and do require artwork. This really is
some of these effects and still some confidence to pull off. But ridiculous. If that is the case
have my mind badly blown. trust me, they will work - then why put out a DVD
flawlessly. explaining your award winning
It’s a rarity to come across a act at all. Surely just a
MIND multitude of effects that will fool In other words - buy this book. performance only disk would
EXPERIMENTS magicians and laymen alike, and Now. TC have done. It is a real shame
E-book by Chris Rawlins (with even more scarce are those too as there are some really
contributions from Kenton books that feature ideas to fool WHAT'S HOT: the methods, the nice routines performed.
Knepper) and entertain everyone. effects, the theory, everything.
Available from Kenton Knepper WHAT'S NOT: nothing at all. This For me, it is pointless
at www.wonderwizards.com The methods are devilishly clever, is pure mindreading at its best. spending money on this DVD
Price: $30.00 and far more than just a "peek". HHHHH other than to watch a great
These feature ideas strong enough routine. PS
Osterlind, Nyman, Goldstein, to get creators such as Kenton HH
McLeod and now Rawlins. Knepper scratching their heads.