PDF Taster issue no.6 ThE MAgic MAgAzinE FoR www.magicseen.co.uk MAgiciAnS & MEnTAliSTS MAGAZINE

PAUl TAlKS MEnTAliSM (PART 2) lUiS DE MAToS RESTAURAnT MAgic (PART 2) MASTERclASS REviEwS

ANDI GLADWIN cREATing oUR FUTURE FREE TASTER PDF #6 OPENER in ThE nEwS... noRThERn MAgic convEnTion DATES AnD STUFF! April 16/17th are the dates for the Northern Magic Circle Convention 2011 to be held at The Spa Complex, Scarborough. magicseen cover star Marc 'Where did that gold statue ThiS PlAY iS FAR FRoM DEAD! come from' Oberon has Fancy a good Session? If you could talk to the dead, would you want to? That's been booked, and so has The brilliant 'Session' convention is gearing up for it's the question explored in the new off-Broadway production Jay Scott-Berry. January 15/16th dates. An impressive line-up includes the "Play dead." It was directed by the magician Teller - of the Visit: northernmagic.co.uk for mega-talented Luke Jermay, massively talented darwin duo Penn and Teller - as homage to the old magic seance full details... Ortiz, the amazingly talented Benjamin earl and the shows. On the stage, performer Todd robbins raises the incredibly talented Pit Hartling, and superbly talented dead, plays tricks on the audience, and generally scares Justin Higham, and the supremely talented denis Behr. So the wits out of anyone who shows up. The show has much talent, yet so little time to book a place! received rave reviews so far! Coolio! Visit:www.sessionconvention.com

ThE 'nEw' illUSioniST MoviE goES AhEAD! The new trailer for The Illusionist serves as a perfect reminder of just how captivating the art form can be. Based on an unproduced screenplay by the great Jacques Tati and directed by Sylvain Chomet (The Triplettes of Belleville), even the film’s trailer transports viewers to a new world. And it looks much more fantastic and inspiring than this one.

In addition, it appears that a judge has cleared the way for bifurcate his wife with a the release of the film by denying a restraining order filed CHArLeS reyNOLdS rIP buzz saw. by the rights holder to the 2006 film of the same name. He was producer, director, According to the Hollywood reporter, it looks like Sony Magic legend and historian invisible world of magic creator and magic Pictures Classics won't have any problem releasing The Charles reynolds has “backroom boys” who help consultant for television, Illusionist, despite a film by the same name having been passed away to the great magicians refine their acts. stage and film productions released four years ago. magic club in the sky. The In “Merlin,” a 1983 from Hollywood and New york Times posted a Broadway musical starring Broadway to London, Paris A federal judge in Los Angeles has denied a restraining very thoughtful and well doug Henning, he figured and Hong Kong. He was order request by Illusionist distribution, LLC, the rights- developed obituary on the out how to make a live chief magic consultant to holder of the previous film, The Illusionist, which came out magician known as white horse and rider Mr. Henning for all eight of in 2006 and starring ed Norton. The plaintiff in the case 'Charlie'. vanish into thin air. In his annual one-hour had sued Sony last month, arguing that the new film - an “Blackstone!,” a 1980 network magic specials. Oscar contender, according to pundits - infringed its Mr. reynolds belonged to Broadway show, he helped The first, in 1975, attracted trademark and would cause substantial consumer the circumspect, virtually Harry Blackstone Jr. 50 million viewers. confusion.

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you will see. Have the middle finger hiding the marker in the left hand ‘twist’ in the neck of the pocket and the regular spoon, explaining that you spoon to hand. are holding it “up high so Performance: When that everyone can see you someone asks you if you sign it” can do metal bending, pick up the spoon from the Once it’s been table and ask to borrow it signed/marked, hand it to or bring out your own the spectator and ask him ungimmicked one. Say that to hold it tightly in his you want the spoon clenched fist with the bowl marked in some way. you and the handle protruding now execute the Tommy from either end of his hand Wonder deck Switch, but FIG 2. with spoons. Have the spoon in the right hand and you now take the bowl FIG 1 as you say that you need it between your fingers and marked, you tap your give it a turn, asking the pockets. Immediately put spectator if he can feel the TwiSTED One very important point Make as many of these as your left hand into your left handle turning inside his Wayne Fox here is to tell the manager you need. Sometimes, after trouser pocket and bring fist. Then repeat this but of the place you are a performance, you can out the marker, whilst at with the handle end, EFFEct working that you will not be retrieve the spoon, but I like the same time your right pointing out that you can A spoon is handed to a using their cutlery to to let the spectators take hand merely puts its spoon see the bowl of the spoon spectator which they initial perform this effect. The them home as they make in the right trouser pocket turning. Now take the bowl with a permanent marker customers don’t know that great promotional items. between your leg and the in your left hand and the and hold in their clenched and are just as blown handkerchief and brings handle in your right and fist. The magician takes away, but they have to requirements: One of your out the gimmicked spoon. pretend to turn the spoon hold of the bowl of the believe that you are using gimmicked spoons, a The handkerchief stops the in opposite directions. In spoon and turns it around any spoon. The restaurant regular spoon, a two spoons ‘talking’. fact you turn the bowl several times. The manager will appreciate permanent marker pen and round but mime the turning spectator can feel the knowing that you are not a handkerchief. This is done very naturally of the handle by letting it handle turning in their costing them a small but with rhythm, as you rotate in your fingers. hand, and yet when they fortune in spoons! SEt UP hold the switched in open it, the spoon’s handle Take one of your gimmicked spoon in the Ask the spectator to open has a twisted spiral right MAkING thE GIMMIck ‘gimmicked’ spoons and right hand and the marker his hand; of course they do the way through it. you will need a vice, some place it in your right trouser in the left. Give the marker this to reveal the ‘twist’ in pliers and your supply of pocket in such a fashion to the spectator and ask the neck of the spoon. The thOUGhtS spoons. Take a spoon and that the bowl of the spoon him to initial the bowl of the spoon is bent, it’s signed, One of the most common put it in the vice about a is at the bottom of your spoon. Hold the spoon they get to keep it that way, questions you get asked third of the way down the pocket and the handle is at upright with your index and and you end clean. along with “can you make handle. Now take your the top. Now take the my wife disappear?”, is, pliers and get a good firm handkerchief and fold it “can you bend metal?”. I grip just under the bowl of enough so that it fits flat find some long spoon the spoon. Give a steady into your pocket with the bending routines for a turn of the pliers and twist gimmicked spoon on the restaurant, are too long. the spoon bowl 180 outer side of the So rather than say “no, I degrees keeping the whole handkerchief. This helps don’t do metal bending”, thing straight. Be sure not the spoon to stand on end I created this short routine to scratch the spoon. you so that you have quick and that involved people at the should end up with a twist easy access to it. This is table, but was just as in the spoon handle as not the only reason for FIG 2 intriguing. shown in FIG 1. using the handkerchief, as AnDi glADwin Hope Springs Eternal

We’ve been waiting for something positive to happen in Uk magic for quite a while now. At magicseen we’ve featured a few up-and-coming performers who we hope will go on to find success, but at 27 years old, Andi Gladwin has already made a massive impact with his original magic, the Session magic convention, and his company Vanishing Inc. which he owns with Joshua Jay. he’s also just released ‘the Master Push-Off’ DVD set. It seems that at long last, the future of magic is here! Graham hey asks the questions!

With so many projects, it’s hard to keep up with Andi Gladwin, so when people ask him what he does for a living, it’s not an easy question to answer. “I really don’t have an answer,” he says. “I think that summing up your life based on your job is a terrible tradition, so I tend to tell them that I’m a magician and a publisher before quickly changing the subject to something more interesting!

“I do perform professionally (in that I do it as a paid job), but I also spend my days creating, writing, producing and publishing magic. I also organise a magic convention and run a couple of other businesses.”

Andi left school straight after sixth form, starting work as a web Photograph by Mark Chivers programmer the day he left for study leave. He then took annual leave from work to take his exams and stayed in full-time employment “i Do PERFoRM PRoFESSionAllY (in ThAT i for about ten years. “I moved from Do iT AS A PAiD joB), BUT i AlSo SPEnD MY a web developer, to the head of a user interaction team for a London- DAYS cREATing, wRiTing, PRoDUcing AnD based startup and then finally as UK product manager for the world’s PUBliShing MAgic...” largest web host. It was a Photograph by Nigel Byde “...i hAD PRoDUcED A BUcKET liST FEATURing A hUnDRED ThingS To AchiEvE in liFE; BEing A PRoFESSionAl MAgiciAn wAS onE oF ThEM. So, wiTh ThE conSTAnT EncoURAgEMEnT AnD hElP oF KERRY ScoRAh AnD ThE AMAzing SUPPoRT oF MY wiFE SARAh, i TooK ThE jUMP. i hAvEn’T looKED BAcK SincE!”

Photograph by Nigel Byde Andi gets work from a variety of places, but says the most interesting is PostGigs.com, which he set up with rob James. “It’s a work referral service that allows magicians to post gigs that they can’t do and then others can apply for those gigs. rob is a very clever thinker when it comes to this industry, so along with my design and development skills, I think we have a great partnership!” So far, over £350,000 worth of gigs have been posted in less than a year, which is really incredible. Continues Andi, “We have sections for close- up magicians and children’s magicians. It’s self-regulating in that the ‘poster’ gets to choose whom they give the gig to, so quality tends to remain very high. And if you’re able to help a client find the perfect magician for their event, “whilE coRPoRATE gigS AnD wEDDingS AREn’T they’ll almost certainly come back MY MAin SoURcE oF incoME, i Do AiM To woRK AT to you in the future!” lEAST oncE oR TwicE A wEEK. i STRonglY We know that Andi certainly has a BEliEvE ThAT ThE onlY wAY To BEcoME A gREAT knack for business, and for what customers want, but as far as MAgiciAn iS To PERFoRM A loT, So i’M REAllY performing goes, I ask him to TRYing To gET AS MUch STAgE TiME AS describe his performance style? “It’s always hard to describe PoSSiBlE.” yourself, so I recently asked some other magicians who had worked with me this very same question. They said that I’m confident, funny and in control of my performance. I corporate roller coaster that set me things taking up his time, I ask him client with the most suitable try to choose my magic to suit my up to do what I do now.” how much he actually gets to entertainment for their event. That surroundings, age and personality perform for the public? can be tricky with some agents, so so it’s very useful to know how Turning professional in 2010, I ask “I try to perform as much as I don’t rely on getting much work others perceive me. I’m a little him what his motivations were, possible. While corporate gigs and from them.” But doesn’t that cut nerdy, so I have a lot of gags taking into account that he already weddings aren’t my main source of down the amount of work you get? around that, but a lot of my humour had a successful career. “Firstly, the income, I do aim to work at least “Probably,” he replies, “But I’m not is ‘off the cuff’ and in response to companies that I was running once or twice a week. I strongly in the business of compromising a the audience.” consumed too much time to fit believe that the only way to become performance for myself or the around a day job,” he continues. a great magician is to perform a lot, client. So if I don’t think I’ll be So what kind of magic does he “And on top of that, I had produced so I’m really trying to get as much suitable for a gig, I won’t do it. For actually perform? After considering a bucket list featuring a hundred stage time as possible.” example, yesterday I got a call for the question for a moment, he things to achieve in life; being a someone wanting me to perform says, “I’m constantly evolving and professional magician was one of Andi tells me that every now and magic dressed as the Mad Hatter. expanding my repertoire. The key them. So, with the constant then, an agent will get in touch but I’d be terrible at that, so I though, is that I try to perform encouragement and help of Kerry they’re not his main source of work. passed the gig on to someone magic that is direct, simple and Scorah and the amazing support of “The problem that I have with many who would be great for it. It’s a win strong. I almost exclusively perform my wife Sarah, I took the jump. I agents is that they call the shots for everyone; I keep my integrity, close-up magic, but have a few haven’t looked back since!” when it comes to how long I the client gets someone more minutes of stand-up too.” Is perform for and the conditions that suitable and the other magician entertainment the key ingredient? With a successful business, magic I work. I much prefer to take control gets to do a job they’ll be “We’ve all heard that argument that conventions, creating and other of that so that I can provide the great at!” we’re entertainers first and magicians second, but that’s a backwards approach,” he says, as if he’s discussed this question before. “If someone has hired me to perform magic, you can be completely certain that I’m going to do everything I can to fool their guests as my main priority. I will still be fun and entertaining, but I really don’t subscribe to the idea that the magic comes second to that.

“I think that a lot of magicians need to carefully consider the job description. My goal is to leave people speechless, amazed and questioning what they thought was possible. I’m not interested in performing a few “nice tricks;” I want to leave them with the impression that they’ve seen something amazing, unique and special.” “iF SoMEonE hAS hiRED ME To PERFoRM MAgic, YoU cAn BE coMPlETElY cERTAin ThAT i’M going To Do EvERYThing i cAn To Fool ThEiR gUESTS AS MY MAin PRioRiTY. i will STill BE FUn AnD EnTERTAining, BUT i REAllY Don’T SUBScRiBE To ThE iDEA ThAT ThE MAgic coMES SEconD To ThAT.”

to ask my friends for it. everything thing; owning an old-style magic I’ve ever done in magic has had shop. That is, a plush shop where Q&A their influence and has almost the owner would show you any always been improved by working trick and tell you the truth about how important are your friends to with them. how good it was. We realised that your magic? we could have this kind of shop I am extremely lucky that some of Your friendship with Joshua Jay and that we could fulfil our goals my best friends are the most turned into a business relationship. as an online shop. After eight talented magicians out there and I tell us about that. month’s work on the site, Vanishing consult them all on everything I When Josh did a two month tour in Inc. was launched and it’s going work on. For example, Ben earl is the UK a few years ago, I lived in great guns. one of the best close-up magicians Gloucestershire for half the week I have ever met, rob James and London for the other half. That Our team now spans across four understands magic marketing like meant that I was often nearby different time zones and offers a nobody else I know, Noel Qualter is when Josh wanted somewhere to twenty-four seven service. We’re one of the most creative people I stay, so we spent a lot of time incredibly quick to reply to know and Joshua Jay has created together. We first met filming a correspondence, send orders and and published some of the best television show in Las Vegas when are extremely passionate about effects of this decade. we were teenagers, but hadn’t what we do. We’ve modelled really had the opportunity to spend ourselves on mainstream online The list could go on, but I think the a lot of time together, outside of retailers, not magic shops. Photograph by Nigel Byde key is that you can’t become a magic conventions. great magician alone; you need It turned out that both Josh and I Our website is custom built and our help from others and I’m not afraid had dreamed about the same team are experts at what they do. What do you sell? ever dVd set, The Master Pushoff. We publish and produce our own It focuses on the double pushoff; magic, but also sell some select one of the most versatile, useful “ThE AiM iS To BE ThE BEST MAgic items by other people. Whereas most techniques I use. ShoP AnD noT nEcESSARilY ThE online magic shops stock all 8,000 products that are available from can you explain what a double BiggEST oR highEST EARning. wE Murphy’s Magic (the main distributor pushoff is? hAvE inTEgRiTY AnD wAnT for magic), we stock only the best Anyone who does a double lift can few hundred. The aim is to be the benefit from this technique. It’s a cUSToMERS To BEcoME best magic shop and not necessarily way of taking two cards perfectly cUSToMERS FoR liFE.” the biggest or highest earning. We squared as one, without a break or have integrity and want customers to get ready. you can just pick up a become customers for life. deck and push over two cards as one. It really cleans up your card What are you working on now? magic as you can go straight into how do you gauge the magic market, there are lots of excellent young guys Three words: The Complete moves that require a double card. is it expanding, or in decline? coming through - any tips for them? Sankey! everyone knows that Jay So, once learned, the double It’s clear that magic has been The future of magic is strong. We Sankey is one of the most creative pushoff can then be applied to false commercialised beyond belief have lots of great upcoming magicians out there, with way over deals, multiple lifts, switches, palms over the past few years and there magicians, many of whom are six hundred published tricks to his and so much more. are lots of people out there to make exceptionally dedicated sleight of name. Josh and I have spent over a quick buck from magicians. hand technicians. The key (and I had three years compiling and writing The feedback that I’ve received so far But I see those kind of products to go through this stage myself) is to up all of his material into three big is that it’s really having a big impact slowly declining and the better find the midpoint between method hardback books. It’s been an all- on people’s card magic and I’m releases standing out more. and effect. The day I realised that a consuming project but we’re thrilled about that. I didn’t just want to due to the Internet, magic has method is only important in how it getting close to completion and we release a dVd of tricks, but instead become self-regulating so the affects the effect (to paraphrase expect a mid-2011 release. something that could really have a number of terrible releases is darwin Ortiz), my magic became I also just finished up on my first positive impact on people’s magic. declining. indescribably stronger. Photograph by Nigel Byde Neon Boneyard: first pointed out to Women in magic - what’s happened difference the subtle changes we’ve vivA lAS vEgAS! me by Ben earl, this is a great way there? Not many around? made to a magic convention make. to find out the story of Vegas, told One of my best friends is Kerry On his recent trip to Vegas, Andi around the history of Neon in Scorah (she lives in the house You got married recently. tell us about compiled a few places that visitors Vegas. I just visited it a few days opposite from me) so I have a the wedding. might be interested in... ago and throughly enjoyed the pretty good viewpoint into women I proposed to Sarah in Las Vegas tour. in magic. We’re seeing many more after the MAGIC Live convention in Gambler’s General Store: supplies female comedians reach stardom, 2009. I had planned to do the deed for everything related to casinos, houdini’s: these magic shops for so I’m sure that we’ll see that outside of the Bellagio fountains, including many, many decks of the public are everywhere in Las reflected in magic in a few years. but after a brainstorming session cards that I’ve never seen before Vegas. Why do I suggest you visit with Paul Wilson and rune Klan, I (many by USPCC). They also them? To watch the pitch! creating magic: do you have a particular decided to change location to the stock many cheating and casino Pitchmen are a forgotten art in thought process which serves you well, eiffel Tower at the Paris hotel. When protection books that I’ve not magic, but to see some of the or is every effect created differently, if we got to the top of the tower, I seen elsewhere. better performers at Houdini’s you get my meaning? noticed two people who looked a perform and then sell a trick is quite I no longer create magic for the sake little familiar. It eventually dawned Non-magic shows: with so many a treat. They also give a simple of it. When I was younger, creativity on me that it was Tyler Wilson and magic shows in Vegas, it’s easy lesson: the most direct magic was an important exercise in Kerry Scorah who wanted to get a to ignore the other places to see effects are often the best received. understanding what made a good photograph of the moment without magic. Variety shows such as V effect. With that groundwork done, I us ever seeing them! My last or Peepshow at Planet casinos: I’m fascinated by how now rarely create an effect without a minute change of location annoyed Hollywood often have illusions in croupiers and players handle need for it first. Because of that, I them a little as Kerry is scared of their shows. I also believe that playing cards and often spend always focus on creating the heights! you’ll learn more about magic time taking in their styles etc. It clearest, most amazing effect. Once from a Cirque du Soleil show certainly gives you an interesting it’s clear what I want to achieve, I The wedding itself was in the than any magic show in the view into how other professions then set about finding the best Cotswolds in August 2010. About a world. handle the same props. possible and most direct method. dozen magicians attended. Joshua Jay and rob James were best men how did the Session start? and Kerry Scorah was head rob James and I have collaborated bridesmaid, so it was definitely a coMPETiTion: on several projects. We used to magic themed event! I realised how attend a lot of conventions together important entertainment is at a win AnDi! and we often discussed our wedding, so flew Chad Long to OK, don’t get too excited, frustrations with them. All magic perform for my guests. He went we just mean a copy of his conventions that we attended in the down a storm and it was great to great new dVd set: The UK aim at the lowest skill level, follow give my family and friends the Master Pushoff! the same format and have no focus. opportunity to see a world-class We started The Session six years magician. In the evening, as a QUEStION: Name five dVds ago and it’s now stronger than ever. surprise for everyone, I had currently promoted by The goal is for everyone to go away ‘Signature’, the Michael Jackson bigblindmedia.com a better close-up magician. We do tribute dancers from Britain’s Got yes, just visit their site, get the that with a series of hands-on Talent perform. It was a lot of fun! answers and email them to workshops, sessions, interviews, [email protected] and discussions. If you’ve attended We’ll inform the winner other magic conventions, I think direct and also print details you’d be surprised at just how big a www.andigladwin.co.uk in issue 37 of magicseen.

Photograph by Nigel Byde TURning ThE TABlES How to succeed with magic in a restaurant PART 2 Mark Leveridge

Welcome back! Last time our resident out of fashion as it can be with the compliments of the can begin. The same applies if experts in the art of performing magic perceived as being a bit too pushy restaurant." there are tent cards on the tables in restaurants - harry Robson, or impolite. Our experts all seem to advertising your presence or maybe Matthew Dowden, Iain Moran, Jayne agree that, to a greater or lesser Of course, whether the table are posters or billboards visible corrigan, Shaun Mccree and David extent, they like to be upfront and aware of who you are before you explaining that there will be magic Willmott - gave their opinions on many just introduce themselves and approach them, can make the job in the building that night. However, aspects of the subject including explain what they are there for. Iain either easier or a bit more difficult. If if there is no obvious publicity explaining the differences between sums it up nicely when he they have seen you working your posted, in restaurant work, where restaurant magic and entertaining at comments: "I prefer to be open and magic for other tables, no people are coming and going dinner functions, the type of magic to explain right off the bat who I am explanation is necessary, and so during the night, it doesn't use, what to carry it in and how you and why I’m at their table. I also you can just walk right up and once necessarily follow that although you are often more than just the magic emphasise that I won’t be staying you have their attention and have have been entertaining for some man when working in a restaurant, at their table all night and that it’s formally introduced yourself, you time that evening that the latest you are also part of the team representing the venue. this time, they will be turning their attention to more nitty gritty aspects of the job, starting with a question that the neophyte will “Don'T givE ThEM A hUgE often ask - "how do you approach a oPPoRTUniTY To RESPonD table?" EiThER. i FinD ThAT PEoPlE Do nEED A liTTlE PUSh To gET oPEning SAlvoS ThingS Moving AnD A loT oF years ago, people used to say that ThE TiME ThEY Don'T REAliSE you should do an unexpected piece ThAT ThEY liKE MAgic UnTil of magic by way of introduction, so YoU iMPRESS ThEM.” that the spectators immediately get to see that you are the entertainer. MATThEw DowDEn Nowadays, this seems to be largely table you approach will have seen chances of being refused are any magic. It does not necessarily magic man, we will LeT you do your you - they may have only fairly reduced right down to almost nil. mean they don't like the look of you, magic now", I tell them politely that recently arrived and therefore not However, unlike at a dinner function or even that they don't like magic in I've got a few more tables that have had any pre-warning of what you where entertainment is usually part general, it might just be that it is not been waiting for ages to see me but are doing. So some form of verbal of the deal, going to a restaurant to an appropriate time for you to I'll see what I can do later on, which introduction makes sense. eat does not necessarily come with interrupt and perform. The people is very satisfying if they have been the expectation that there will be may be in the middle of an important rude to you." Shaun also thinks that to a certain anything more than background discussion or they may simply want extent how you approach can music to accompany the food, and to have some private time. As come down to your personality and so sometimes you may get unlucky performers we have to respect this iT'S All in ThE TiMing also to how much experience you and hit a table that really isn't in the and not force ourselves on the With a dinner function, as was have. When you have been doing mood for you to work for them. diners in contravention of their pointed out in Part 1, there are the job for a while you get to "read Jayne thinks that under these genuine desire to be left alone. obvious moments as the whole the attitude and dynamic of the room is being served or cleared, table" and then have the when you can start to perform at confidence to "just go up to people the tables. But how does it work in and have a chat." david reckons the more free flow conditions of a that how you approach may also restaurant? When is a good time to depend on who is on the table make your approach? Harry extolls itself, as he explains. "A table filled the generally held view that it is with a children's birthday party is best not to entertain "when people different from a group of Hell's are eating. But on some occasions, Angels bikers." when asked specifically by customers, I will, although I'm Matthew makes an excellent point always conscious that their food when he says that enthusiasm is could be going cold whilst I'm vital. "If you go over and ask them in performing." an indifferent manner whether they'd like to see something, the majority of Jayne says: "I try to wait until a people will say they are OK. They point after they have ordered, to might have ended up being the best entertain them, as I am very aware group you've ever had, but it is “i ThAnK ThEM FoR ThEiR TiME, go that as magicians we are employed easier for them to say 'no thank To ThE nExT TABlE AnD hoPE To to entertain customers and not you'. don't give them a huge detract from the fact that they are opportunity to respond either. I find REcEivE A FAnTASTic REAcTion. 9 probably mainly there to eat, which that people do need a little push to TiMES oUT oF 10, AFTER SEEing YoU is the restaurant's primary means of get things moving and a lot of the earning revenue!" david agrees, but time they don't realise that they like woRKing AT oThER TABlES AnD adds, "Its very important not to do magic until you impress them." PEoPlE EnjoYing ThEMSElvES, any magic before the food order as the restaurant will want to turn over hARRY RoBSon The fact is that you are being paid ThEY will ASK YoU BAcK.” as many covers as possible. you to be there and you are therefore must always be aware of people entitled to approach the table. So, circumstances it is best just to However, there are situations where coming and going, pacing yourself don't be apologetic about it, look "wish them a nice evening and your invitation can be quite rudely so that every table gets to see a like you are pleased to be there and move on to another table." rebuffed by someone who thinks it's show, but any time between that you can't wait to share with the 'funny' to try and send you packing courses is good." table the magic that you can do. Harry thinks that sometimes people with a few well chosen words. your enthusiasm and confidence refuse because they worry that they Matthew says, "If someone tells me Matthew concurs that trying to work alone will reassure the people that won't like what you are going to do, to get lost, trying to be funny, I simply while people are actually eating is they can relax and that they will and so he says, "I thank them for say "no problem, enjoy your meal" rarely a success as you seem to end enjoy what they are about to see. their time, go to the next table and and make sure that all the tables up having to apologise for asking hope to receive a fantastic reaction. around them get the works. I know someone to take a card or hold a 9 times out of 10, after seeing you it’s a bit of a vengeful attitude, but sponge ball since they have to put ThE REFUSAl working at other tables and people there is nothing more satisfying when down their cutlery in order to help The fear that beginners always enjoying themselves, they will ask someone has been rude to you than you. Also, during a meal, people have, though, is that they will get you back." having the other tables in hysterics sometimes need to call over a waiter refused and that it will be while they try to see what is going for something to do with the meal, embarrassing! First thing to say, is There can be all sorts of reasons on. If they then ask me to go back and this causes a problem and an that if the approach is right, the why a table may not wish to see later on, typically done in a "OK then interruption. Iain has another reason “i’vE AlwAYS FoUnD iT USEFUl To go To ThE RESTAURAnT A FEw TiMES AS A cUSToMER, BEFoRE APPRoAching ThE MAnAgER ABoUT woRKing ThERE.” iAin MoRAn

exceptional, so the chances of a Maybe that's it. We want to be performer being able to work just taken seriously as quality for gratuities in the UK are poor. All entertainers and that is a harder sell of our experts feel it is wrong to try if it becomes clear that the only to encourage tips, especially if you reason you are working the table is are already being paid a reasonable in the hope of extracting payment amount to perform, although they from them. It also changes the do feel that it is also rude to turn it dynamic of your relationship with why after the meal has been upon how fast tables are turned down if someone feels strongly the audience - they may feel ordered is a good time. "I feel this is and the style of the restaurant you enough to offer one. uneasy at the thought of having to when I’m going to be most work in - one Chinese restaurant I tip you and not relax or even refuse appreciated by the diners and the worked for almost ten years Shaun has an interesting view on it, to let you perform at all in order to manager: I’m filling the gap while considered me an asset after the when he says: "Personally, I've avoid the situation. Which is why it they wait for their food and, from the meal to encourage patrons to never solicited tips at all - that's not is so much easier and more management’s perspective, I’m not remain at the table and have a to say I haven't had them, but in dignified if you can state at the keeping them from leaving, which I brandy or a liquor, increasing their general I'd rather they took a card outset that the magic comes with would be if they’d finished eating margins. Knowing the type of and considered booking me for an the compliments of the restaurant and paid the bill." dining experience your restaurant is event than handed me a couple of itself. offering to their patrons is important quid. There's also an interesting So working after they have ordered in keeping your residency, I think." point I noticed years ago and that is but before the meal arrives is a good that the tables who enjoyed my joB SEEKERS option. The only problem can be performance leave bigger tips for Want to get out there and work? that you may not know how long hERE'S A TiP the staff than tables I haven't don't know how to start? Here's ago the table placed their order, and Tipping is an interesting aspect of performed at - that makes staff the advice of our top team. Take therefore how soon the meal may the job which can be more of an happier because they know they'll your pick and see what seems right arrive. At dinner functions you don't issue in a restaurant than it is at a do better out of it if they work with for you. get this problem so much as dinner function. At the function, the me, which is worth more to me in everyone is being served the same guests have probably paid a the long run." david: "It’s very hard to try and sell meal at the same time, but in a premium for the entertainment that yourself to a venue. Most of my restaurant, there are all sorts of they receive, and so they usually Matthew feels that if you charge a restaurant jobs have come about different meals being brought out at consider that they 'already gave'. sensible fee for your services it by meeting restauranteurs when all manner of different times. But in a restaurant, where the removes the need to try and I’ve been performing magic at a Matthew has some good advice if magic is perhaps seen as an supplement the earnings through different venue. Most restaurants you get caught mid-trick by the unexpected extra, there are receiving tips. He states: "I have have a very high turn over of staff arrival of the meal. "Simply finish that occasions where people feel always gone in quite high price wise and managers, so the top decision effect and tell them you'll let them sufficiently moved to slip a folded in my residencies. This means that makers are hardly ever there." enjoy their food and come back later note into the performer's hand. But you don't really feel the need to get if they have time. don't rush your should performers agree to work extra money and any tips you do Shaun: "I used to say that if you effect as typically they won't mind just for tips, or indeed be get are a bonus. I have had a guy were just beginning in the waiting a minute or two if they are encouraged to try and get tips? tip me £50 over the course of an restaurant/bar field that it's enjoying the magic. However, if evening in one of my restaurants, worthwhile making an arrangement you're doing a routine that you can In part, tipping is a cultural thing. In tipping me once to come back, with a local eatery to perform, say, end at any phase, maybe miss out a the US, tipping is totally the norm. then again when I'd finished my every Sunday for a month as a few phases and cut to the climax." It's not a reward for extra good second set and then again as he charity fundraising exercise - set up service as a rule, but an expectation was leaving. I do find it hilarious a little collection box at the desk on Of course, when you perform may on the part of the waiter or waitress. though when a parent sends their the way out and collect money for vary depending on the type of But in the UK, this is no longer the child over with a pound coin for Comic relief or whatever. This restaurant you are working in, as case. Tipping is rare, and usually you. I mean, how desperate do they works on several levels - first it's a Shaun explains. "It all depends only as a reward for something think you are? :-)" low pressure way to learn the craft - people cut you much more slack of a venue. Make sure that this is a love to come back to see the when it's for charity. Second, you good venue for you, not only magician. Also if there is a problem USEFUl RESoURcES can find out whether the venue is a performance wise but for potential in the kitchen or if someone has good one for you (or whether the bookings you might get from its been dissatisfied with something, the Magic Menu - whole area of restaurant magic customers. explain to the manager the magic goes a long way to Jim Sisti (Book) suits you in the first place). Third, how much you would normally appease those situations. I have the Strolling Magician you can mention to diners that the charge for 2 hours at a private gig literally had people say that I have - Mark Leveridge restaurant are trying something then impress him with the discount turned a bad night into a good night. (Book) new and that if they've enjoyed it you are willing to give him/her. don't This is invaluable to a restaurant as Restaurant Worker's could they mention it to the staff? shoot too low here. remember that those customers would not have handbook - Jim Pace and Jerry Finally, you can expand your you might end up being at this come back had it not been for me. MacGregor (book) chances of converting it into a residency for a few years. It’s better The major tip that I will give is this. If Live At the Jailhouse - Kosmo paying gig by trying to get publicity to aim slightly higher and then work you are a good performer you will be (dVd) in the local press, getting friends to out a compromise than to go too getting good reactions from the Mix and Mingle - Shaun McCree come in to dine specifically on the low at the outset. It needs to be a tables when you are doing your free (dVd) day you are there - having first rung price that is going to make it demonstration. At each table explain Party Animal - the restaurant to find out 'is the worthwhile for you. Arrange a time that this is a trial to see if the magic Matthew dowden magician in this Sunday...... what to come in and do a free works in the restaurant. Ask kindly if (dVd) time...... okay, could we book a demonstration. Show the manager they wouldn't mind telling the Flying tonight, table for then, please' - ideally a trick if they ask to see one but manager (point him/her out) what a Pseudo Pickpocket great idea it is to have a magician. I and Pocket this - usually ask them to say (in a tongue Gary Jones and in cheek manner) that they aren't Chris Congreave (dVd) coming back unless I'm there. Now Supercharged classics - Mark try to see this from a manager's James (dVd) point of view. If he has people Menu Of Miracles - James Prince coming up to him saying how great (dVd) you are and what a good idea it is, Magical Arts Journal - Michael how can he not hire you?" Ammar (Book) “iT’S vERY hARD To Art Of Astonishment - Jayne: "Approach them direct and Paul Harris (Book) TRY AnD SEll if they are reticent possibly offer to Simon Says - Simon YoURSElF To A do a night or two either free or at a Lovell (Book) vEnUE” DAviD willMoTT reduced rate so they can judge its One Degree - John success." Guastaferro (Book) Everything You Wanted you'd like to get the restaurant make this short and to the point. Iain: "I’ve always found it useful to to know About table hopping But manager to come to see you as an don't go through your whole go to the restaurant a few times as Were Afraid to Ask - John Hotowka asset and ask you what your rates repertoire as this is a business a customer, before approaching the (Book) would be to stay on. Whether this meeting. The time for you to do a manager about working there. This Manual of Restaurant Magic - Kirk approach would work today when demo should be their busiest time enables you to see if it is the kind of Charles (Book) people are much more acclimatised which will probably be a Friday or restaurant you want to work in (is the Art Of hopping tables - Mark to close-up magic I couldn't say, but Saturday between about 7pm and the service good, nice food?). It Leveridge (dVd) it might still be worth a try. It certainly 10pm. do an hour as this is all it also gives you the opportunity to the Real Secrets of Magic - david could give you some working takes to give them a flavour of what get to know some of the staff, Stone (Book and dVd) photos, maybe a press cutting and you do. don't say that you will come which will give you a bit of a head- Professional Repertoire of Etienne perhaps a letter from the manager - in on a quiet night in order to boost start when the time comes to talk Pradier - a track record you could use to business on that night. In my to the manager about your magic." etienne approach another venue with." experience this doesn't generally Pradier (dVd) happen unless they do a major So there you are, loads of great Find the Stuff Harry: "Source one or two advertising campaign and it puts advice. We could go on more about all that's You - restaurants you would like to work way too much pressure on your this but we're right out of space. If you Chris Carey in and go to see them. Offer to work position there. Stress that your job is want to learn more about the art of (Book) free of charge for a night, that way to ensure that they remember performing in restaurants, here's a list Strong Magic - both you and the restaurant will see having a great time as well as great of further information sources darwin Ortiz if it is beneficial to both of you." food and that they are more likely to provided by our six experts. Enjoy! ms (Book) come back. explain that you make it Real World Magic - Jerry MacGregor Matthew: "The best way is to firstly a better choice of venue for (Book) set up a meeting with the manager celebrations, parties and kids always REviEwS H - poor HH - Ok, but could be better HHH - reasonable middle of the road value HHHH - good product HHHHH - outstanding/exceptional

performer. Then, while self contained and does you receive the two AT A glAncE... steadying the box with his not require any reset. matchboxes and a single thumb, the draw starts to page of printed instructions eerily open to reveal the In order to make this truly which take you through the matches inside. baffling magically, you simple mechanics of the would want to give the box handling. If you are looking The blurb for this effect out at the end for for something to do off the says "no threads, no wires, examination. Well, you are cuff say, down the pub, no magnets, no elastics, supplied with an where there is no pressure lUnch DATE MEAnDERing no body attachments", all ungimmicked matching to produce something Paul Romhany MATchBoxES of which is true. What the box which Bob Solari hugely magical, I think this Available from your local Bob Solari method does use is a suggests you secretly get would probably go OK and magic dealer Available from: specially prepared out of your pocket at the create a little laugh and a Price: £23 (approx) www.bobsolarimagic.com matchbox which enables end of the effect and by bit of surprise. But be Price: $10 + shipping you to fairly easily create means of a Shuttle Pass prepared to move straight Paul romhany performs the illusion of unaided switch and then give out. I on to something else to and explains his favourite This is a cute little novelty movement. The amount of seriously doubt whether prevent any awkward routines from his book magic effect for the movement is relatively the sort of magician to questions! ML Lunch Is Served. The hobbyist magician which small - one quarter turn whom this effect will appeal routines in this dVd range uses a box of wooden and then the box half is going to have the skill or WhAt'S hOt: self contained, from close-up to stand- matches. A box full of opens - so this is not going nerve to do such a move at no re reset, straightforward up, with access to all the matches is shown and to make people freak out a moment when all to do graphics needed so you placed on the performer's with amazement, but done attention is on the box, WhAt'S NOt: necessity for a can easily make up your hand. Slowly the box starts well it is a nice little novelty. especially since this still switch of boxes at a critical own gimmicked business to rotate itself until it has There are some slight angle leaves the performer moment to make it truly cards. There are some made a 90 degree turn on problems with the second palming the fake box and fooling nice effects taught using the flat of the magician's phase as the box opens needing to secretly ditch it. HHH the Out To Lunch fingers without any which you would need to However, the possibility principle. Worth a look. apparent aid from the cover for, but the thing is is there. HHHH

changed as his latest dVd, I think that this is definitely a everything has a visual Slim, is, without a doubt, his positive as spectators do aspect to it which is nice. best release to date. sometimes want a little When you see the break from following the Unfortunately, World Magic performances, it becomes whole deck. Store, have let themselves clear that each one of the For me, the highlight was down on the production STEAl ThiS DvD routines could easily fit into ‘Mr Ts Knock Out’ which is side of things. The Eric Ross a working repertoire which a lovely sandwich routine performances were shot in a Available from your local gives good value for money. which is incredibly Gym to fit in with the ‘Slim’ magic dealer deceptive, even to theme but this became fairly Price: £20 (approx) The dVd consists of seven magicians. It is a four phase distracting from the effects routines and in addition to sandwich routine ending especially when Craig and Steal This dVd is a that, one bonus routine. with a ‘reverse’ kicker when his spectator were topless in collection of 7 effects from SliM The idea of the project was the whole deck ends the tanning booths. Having the mind of eric ross craig Petty to create a dVd which was between the sandwich said that, the instruction, which are sure to stun Available from your local dedicated to effects using cards. For me, this was shot in the studio, is even the most perceptive magic dealer small packets of cards and worth the cost of the dVd excellent and the setting of spectators. On this dVd, Price: £20 + p&p this has been alone. Having said that, the performances is the only eric utilises everything accomplished with flair. each routine has positives real negative. GL from playing cards to It has to be said that some and although I would not rubber bands to a needle of the products that Craig However, don’t worry, these use all of them, there are WhAt’S hOt: Nice visual and thread. All the effects has released onto the are not packet tricks. These many kicker endings, and magic. are taught in great detail market have not been are effects which involve in each, there is at least WhAt’S NOt: Where the with multiple real life fantastic but it looks like taking cards out of the one thing, even if it is a performances were filmed. performances. something drastic has deck and then using them. sleight, that you will gain. HHH HHH never bothered to learn. It magician on a dVd giving Some of these are good. AT A glAncE... is a tricky move and with some thoroughly good ‘Passion of the Christ’ is a no real teaching on it, advice as opposed to four ace routine which is besides Marlo's Magazine standing there asking all truly stunning, whereas Vol. 3, which is very hard to the scripted questions and others - ‘red Black to the get hold of. This all pretending to be Future’ - is clearly just a changes with The Master impressed. And whilst Ben trick for the sake of using Pushoff. earl's second deals didn't the move itself. That was a use the Pushoff move, it feeling with a lot of the ShooT FoRcE The first disc is dedicated was a delight to watch a tricks on disc 2, but Shoot Ogawa to teaching the move and real master at work. watching through it was Available from your local several of its applications. worth it for the odd gem. magic dealer ThE MASTER This includes the perfect The teaching of the move Price: £20 (approx) PUShoFF double lift, second dealing, was interrupted with other Credit should go to Andi for Andi Gladwin double dealing, 3rd, 4th moves that Andi has come creating what will surely be Shoot Ogawa is one of Available from: Vanishing and up to 10th dealing. up with such as controls or the only source material on the finest sleight of hand Inc./Big Blind Media Although even Andi says colour changes - each this move for the next magicians in the world. Price: £24.99 + p&p he has no real use for a using the Pushoff idea. century. tc His technique is flawless tenth deal. He teaches this These were nice ideas, and and his pace is perfect ed Marlo taught this move move very thoroughly, and will remind you how it feels WhAt'S hOt you get a real and this dVd contains in 25 pages. Andi Gladwin the fact that he has to be a layman. Being feel for this move and very techniques and tricks by took that teaching and practised and used this fooled by the same move professional teaching on the man himself! Learn many years of his own move regularly really over and over again. This is disc 1 one of the most expertise and put them shows. because the tell tale signs WhAt'S NOt he should have important sleights in together in this 2 dVd set. of a double lift are removed stopped at disc 1 pasteboards, the force, Towards the end of the first completely. HHHH and learn it from one of The double pushoff is a disc, Andi is joined by Ben the best magicians move that many of us have earl. It is a refreshing The second disc features around today! either never heard of, or change to see another tricks using the move. HHHH

thing about the gimmick too metal bending effects. But As a bonus, Jon has also is that it could be left in plain to my surprise, the first key included a strange looking sight and no one would I tried bending actually balancing marker effect suspect a thing. snapped it was that easy. utilising the gimmick. Jon actually covers what to Whether many people The basic routine taught by do if the key snaps in chose to use this or not it is Jon is where a key is performance, and to be fun to watch. MAgic AT ThE BAR introduced and signed by a honest it probably even chris Randle FlExion spectator. It is a genuine adds to the overall effect if If you are new to metal Available www.jbtv.co.uk Jon Allen key and not gimmicked in it does break in my opinion. bending effects or have Price: £17.50 Available from: any way. The spectator now even been put off by some www.onlinemagicshop.co.uk draws an image of the key The way the routine is of the more expensive Learn killer magic to Price: £35.00 plus p+p on the back of a business structured too gives you gimmicks on the market I perform in front of or card. Placing the real key ample misdirection to bend would highly recommend behind the bar. That’s The first thing you notice behind the business card the key. giving Flexion a try. It is a what the box says but in when receiving Jon Allen’s the picture is given a bend. great effect that you will reality it’s almost cringe latest magical offering is the When the card is removed To perform Flexion in a carry around with you all worthy when watching it. packaging. you are the signed key now has a tablehopping situation you the time. PS The effects are nothing presented with a very nice bend in it. everything can will have to get your hands special and the looking velvet covered box. now be examined. on plenty of keys as you WhAt'S hOt easy to do. production values of the Inside the box is an ruin one each time this is Well made gimmick. dVd are not much better. instructional dVd, 4 practise When I first watched the performed. It is also WhAt'S NOt nothing really. May appeal to some but it keys, a Sharpie marker and dVd I thought it was going cheaper to use blank keys HHHHH certainly wasn’t my cup the gimmick that helps do to be really hard to bend a too as Jon points out. of tea. all the hard work. The nice key as with some other HH Paul talks

MEnTAliSM!Part 2 the world class mentalist gives us a second taste of his excellent new book: Mentalism My Way. this issue, Paul talks about something we all dread: working a difficult audience, and also how to use ‘storytelling’ in your act....

woRKing A DiFFicUlT It’s a Saturday night and I am about AUDiEncE to go on stage to perform my forty- There comes a time in every five minute cabaret show to performer’s career when we will approximately seven hundred encounter a problem audience. It people. The dancers have left the may be the entire audience or just a stage and the house band is few individuals, but the fact is the closing the opening set. more people you are playing to, the more chance you may encounter It’s nine o’clock so I’m not problems. expecting a drunken crowd but one that is up and ready to be As a rule, I very rarely have entertained. difficulties when I perform in the formal setting of a theatre. There The compere makes my you will find an audience that have introduction and I walk out on paid to see you perform and have stage. When the applause dies come along just to be entertained. down I begin my show. Within twenty seconds, a guy shouts over There are few distractions and the from the bar area “get on with it”. etiquette of the theatre prevents Although I am not happy with the people from being disruptive and interruption, I continue as if nothing noisy. The cabaret room however had happened, giving him the can be a very different experience, benefit of the doubt. He’s had as can any casual venue that has something to drink and the dancing large groups of people seated for a girls are much nicer to look at than social type gathering. After dinner me, so I will give him a little time to entertainment, show rooms and adjust. I continue for a moment and corporate events can all be he decides to pipe up again. This included in this. The use of alcohol time he requested, in a very loud will also change the mind set of voice, that he wanted the dancing most people and we all need to be girls back on stage as this was aware of how to deal with boring. People are now starting to situations that may arise on these look around to see who is causing evenings. the disruptions. I also need to make some eye contact with this guy and The following advice is based on when I do I become aware that he my personal experiences and I is not alone. There are fifteen to hope may help if you ever find twenty of his best drinking pals yourself in similar situations. there with him. “AS A RUlE, i vERY RARElY hAvE DiFFicUlTiES whEn i PERFoRM in ThE FoRMAl SETTing oF A ThEATRE. ThERE YoU will FinD An AUDiEncE ThAT hAvE PAiD To SEE YoU PERFoRM AnD hAvE coME Along jUST To BE EnTERTAinED.” This gentleman is not only distracting me but also my audience. It’s the beginning of the show and I have work to do. This guy is not going to go away so how will I deal with him?

There is obviously more than one way to skin a cat. However depending on your personality and stage persona, here are a couple of suggestions.

1} The Pleasant Approach. This is usually the best way to go for a performer who relies on the help and assistance of the audience throughout his show. Once again try to portray yourself as a nice person that truly would not want to embarrass anyone. even the load mouthed fool who wants to ruin your show. Handle him well and you have the audience in the palm of your hand for the rest of the evening. “ADDing An inTERESTing SToRYlinE cAn AnD will, liFT iT To nEw hEighTS, AlMoST MAKing ThE TRicK hERE iS MY TAKE on ThE SEconDARY To ThE ExPERiEncE ThE AUDiEncE nicE APPRoAch. At the next convenient point in my REcEivE FRoM wATching YoUR PERFoRMAncE.” show, a point that will not disrupt my flow, I turn to the person who is causing the stir and if possible psychology behind this is threefold. lost his anonymity and is no and most successful option. make eye contact with him. “ Good longer the jerk in the darkness. If evening Sir. How are you this a} you have drawn attention to this approach fails... This, as you should know by now, evening?” However he replies, I tell him and by being very nice is most definitely my ethos when it him that I am pleased to be about it have made him feel like comes to my show. Adding an performing for him this evening and the bad guy. This should be SToRY TElling interesting storyline can and will, lift that I hope we can work on enough to embarrass him into The art of involving your audience it to new heights, almost making something together a little later in keeping quiet for the remainder emotionally, is one that can change the trick secondary to the the show. This will very often get a of the show. the simplest trick into a experience the audience receive chuckle from the audience and his breathtaking and thought provoking from watching your performance. mates, if he has any. b} If he has the type of personality miracle. that wants to be the centre of Before I continue, I would like to I suggest I have some attention, by suggesting he will Story telling will provide the vehicle point out that story telling and demonstrations coming up that will play a part in your show and in for this emotion, lifting the emotion building in your show is be perfect for him. I will always doing so drawing the attention experience for you and your not for every performer or indeed keep this very vague but in a fun of the audience to him, he has audience and more importantly, every audience either. you will know and friendly tone. This will suggest achieved his goal and if he truly adding entertainment value to your better than anyone how you feel to the audience as a whole that it wants to take part, will be on his act. about story telling and if it fits your could be something dangerous, or best behaviour from now on. character. It’s a very subjective silly. you may feel this is a strange However if he really does not Now I would like to talk about the thing and is not for everyone, and I approach to someone who has want to take part, he will also be content of those stories and the will cover this a little more in a caused you to disrupt the flow of on best behaviour as to not reactions that can come from them. moment. However I do encourage your performance. However by draw any more attention to If you are already a stage performer you to try it, even if that means a dealing with him in this way, I have himself and so reminding me to working to large audiences, you will very short story type introduction to found that it generally has the effect get him on stage. be aware that often simplicity in a routine. It really doesn’t have to of shutting them up. The c} By pointing him out, he has now method and routine is your best be long and a sixty second tale can cREATing ThE EMoTion After years of carrying this fear Take for instance my nail roulette around with me, I decided to face it routine from my cabaret show. head on. I could perform it by simply explaining the props and performing The demonstration you are about the routine without narrative or to see is part of my recovery reasoning. The trick is still exciting process. This is my basic story. It’s and the tension will be enjoyed by not word for word but you get the the audience. However, there is no idea. The entire thing, with some real emotional attachment from the acting out, takes no more than audience, other than that of fear for TWO minutes. But in that time, your safety. Many would be happy when performed well, it will work with that alone and I don’t deny it is on your audience emotionally on a strong piece of mentalism. many levels. you can increase that emotional attachment by involving your Firstly, it may strike up memories of audience with your storyline and their childhood, perhaps even a presentation. similar accident they had. We can certainly all remember birthday I will not repeat my script verbatim, parties we had as children and the but I would like to share my basic disappointment we all felt when it plot for this particular routine. didn’t all go to plan for one reason or another. If you are graphic or I open by talking a little about fears descriptive enough with your story, and phobias and how most people this will produce a stronger, more in the audience would be scared of real fear in your audience and that something. Psychologically many of the nail could once more, push those fears would have come from through your hand in one bloody childhood. After a little section of by and painful moment. play and fun with the audience, I continue with my storyline. your storyline line should have the ability to put each and every person Many people in the room will be in the room in your shoes, as they scared of snakes or spiders, for me imagine this happening to them it’s nails. Not fingers nails. I am not and how painful it would be. It will that weird. Sharp steel builder’s get them wincing now and it will nails I am talking about. I can tell add new heights to your smash you precisely when I acquired that and stab or nail roulette when you fear too. It was my 12th birthday. begin that section of your routine. Myself and a few friends were out This personalised storyline will also playing. My Mum called us in for help you gain a connection with my birthday lunch. As we ran to my your audience. house I tripped, putting my hand “YoUR SToRYlinE linE ShoUlD out to save my fall. They now feel they know more about you and that in itself will hAvE ThE ABiliTY To PUT EAch On the floor was a piece of wood. induce more fear for your safety. AnD EvERY PERSon in ThE RooM And in the piece of wood was a you have created an important nail about 6 inches in length and connection with your audience on in YoUR ShoES, AS ThEY iMAginE very rusty. so many levels and I guarantee a ThiS hAPPEning To ThEM AnD story written and told properly, will As I hit the ground, the nail pushed lift any routine to new and exciting how PAinFUl iT woUlD BE.” right through the palm of my hand. heights of enjoyment for you and It was the most painful experience the audience. I had ever had in my twelve years set up just as much feeling and introduce a piece. This will give of life. emotion in your audience as a ten you a chance to experiment minute story can. In fact I without making it too much a part of I went to the hospital with a piece Mentalism My Way is available directly recommend you start with a short, your show. of wood nailed to my hand. from www.paulstockman.com uncomplicated narrative to MS Issue 14 BU4.qxd:Issue 9 9/4/07 11:53 Page 34

LUIS DE MATOS

Luis de Matos Portuguese, Proud & Perfecto! MS Issue 14 BU4.qxd:Issue 9 9/4/07 11:53 Page 35

ome people just have it all. There are very few magicians in the world today that have reached the level of success whereby they can hardly Swalk down the street without being mobbed. Luis de Matos of Portugal is a world class performer who has become a genuine TV celebrity and star. In 1998 he was awarded the highest award in the world of magic: “Magician of the Year” from the Hollywood Academy of Magical Arts. As a magician, he has had several television series of his own, performed mind-blowing illusions on a grand scale, and even toured his home country in a mobile theatre in a bid to bring magic to the masses. On top of all this, Luis has received acclaim from many of the world’s leading magicians in praise of his artistic approach and classy style. Oh, and he looks like a movie star.

Graham Hey talked to Luis de Matos about his fantastic career, his brilliant team…and his coloured underwear!

With sustained success on a national and international level, I ask Luis if he has to work even harder to eclipse his previous shows - do the public expect even greater miracles? “I believe we should be our own, most demanding critics,” says Luis. “I always strive to be better today than I was yesterday. The good thing is that when you enjoy every minute of what you do in your working life you tend not to count up the endless hours of work and lack of sleep. I love what I do…As far as the "level of success" you mention, I believe we are a bit like the gladiators of ancient Rome. When they won the fight with the lion what reward did they get? The right to fight with another lion the next day…” For those not totally familiar with the work of Luis, he is a truly brilliant magician – perhaps Don’t look into his eyes, Luis! one of the greatest all-round performers in the world. He is a brilliant close-up magician, manipulator, an expert at cabaret, illusions and company of talented individuals, all striving to dream come true. I ask Luis to introduce his an amazing escapologist. A single area of magic make outstanding magical entertainment. team who continue to play such a vital role in would be enough for most of us, yet Luis has “The opening show for FC Porto's new his success. “This is the absolutely permanent not only attempted many different forms, he has stadium, all the television series, the corporate team that I work with everyday of my life. They excelled at each! I wonder which area of magic events, the arena show and the one man are: Joaquin Moreno (my technical director for Luis holds closest to his heart? theatre shows, these are all the result of the 15 years), Alexandre Luis Mamede Says Luis: “I prefer to separate my work of my team, a team that I am incredibly (electronics wizard), Fátima Oliveira involvement with magic in another way: proud of“ says Luis, who is always singing the (production director), José Emídio Silva researching, creating, producing, marketing praises of those around him, as he genuinely (logistics and maintenance), Vanessa Viana and, of course, performing. Because I do all believes that his achievements are a collective (graphic designer and more), Helder Monteiro of these aspects of my magic I have more effort. “We come to work everyday from 9am (lighting), João Pedro Cezanne (video), Luis control over the final product and to 6pm (many times much, much longer). This Ribeiro (public relations) and JJ who works consequently over the perception the public team builds the props and the sets. It operates with Noel Britten on the Bizarre Bath Comedy has about my work”. the lights and sound. It designs the posters Walk in England and who works here in the Twelve years ago Luis formed Luis de and, many times, sticks them on the walls! We winter handling our overseas relations as well Matos Productions Ltd. (LMP). This move are a family”. We’d all love to work for as working on the shows. And of course I gave him the opportunity to build a team of someone like Luis de Matos! must mention Mike Caveney, an amazing man people to work with him, and the results have For most magicians, having the luxury of and incredible friend, who runs the LMP West paid dividends as he now has a wonderful putting together a hand-picked team is a Coast (of America) Office.” MS Issue 14 BU4.qxd:Issue 9 9/4/07 11:53 Page 36

If you talk to most, if not all of the magic each of the 24 frames per second should be LUAR as well as producing and performing in performers that Luis has invited onto his TV an "interesting picture", otherwise zapping will a ninety-minute special in 3D for television. shows, it is apparent that Luis has a kill you! And do I prefer Live stage or TV? The ‘Luis de Matos 3D’, (the name of that special) reputation for really looking after his guest answer is ‘both’…and as much as possible!” was entirely produced by us for RTP1, which artistes – making sure they are totally happy Most performers who attain the level of is the Portuguese equivalent to BBC1, with with their performances and offering them a success that Luis de Matos has achieved, will an American company called Dimension 3, re-shoot if they are not fully satisfied. I asked inevitably find that at some stage of their taped in our almost finished new facility… him how important this aspect of production career they have either suffered from over- Estúdio 33! (Studio 33). is to him? exposure or have failed to move with the “And yes, we are now preparing a new “I believe that once a performance is on times. At one point in his career, Luis made television series…” tape it is there forever so it is better to be as the brave decision to stop performing on TV Most stars at the top of their profession good as one can at that moment”, says Luis will tell you that it has been a long journey of who Paul Daniels describes as ‘one of the self-sacrifice to get there. In this respect, Luis genuine good guys’. “As I said before, I think tells me that he is no different. “Yes I have that we never stop learning, so looking after made, and continue to make, big sacrifices my guests is a way of showing my I believe that once a but it is worth it, otherwise I wouldn't be appreciation for what I have always learned performance is on tape making them. As I said before, I work in from them. They have always been incredibly it is there forever so it is something that I love everyday (and night…). generous with me giving me ideas, material Outside magic I like to make contact with all and most important friendship. What I am is a better to be as good as branches of the arts. That's how I try to get result of that to a great extent. My guests are, one can at that moment... inspiration – and that's why I try to keep up or will probably end up being, my new friends with pop culture. I believe that every artiste and I always want them to come back”. should look outside his own art for With an incredible back-catalogue of TV inspiration - otherwise they will get dragged work to his name, it is almost second-nature into a negative spiral. I prefer to look outside for Luis to perform in front of cameras and a for a while, despite the offer of another TV the box and I try to be as contemporary as studio-audience, but what special skills does series on the table. Did this break from TV I can”. working in this environment develop? prove beneficial? At the peak of his success in the UK, “I think that the relationship with the crew “Those who know me know that I like to Paul Daniels moved over to be a presenter of is vital. Doing a good job on screen depends think I'm in control of my career. I won't do a other shows, such as the quiz show ‘Every on establishing a good rapport with the studio series if I don't think it's the right moment. At Second Counts’ – not performing magic. I team,” says the stylish Luis. “I believe that the same time I love to do television so it is wondered whether Luis would ever consider working on television gets you trained into difficult for me to find a good balance. For moving in to the role of TV presenter? After having a number of ‘plan B’s’, as well as the last couple of years I've been doing all, he’s a celebrity, popular and is a good getting your magic straight to the point. television in Spain. First with a show called looking guy. I shouldn’t have been surprised Because of audience shares and Shalakabula in which I had 3 spots in each of when Luis tells me he has already done it – demographic analyses, I have come up with the 21 episodes. Also, last year I started back in 1996. So much for my extensive what I called the "frame theory"… every one of appearing every week on a live show called research! However, he only took the job after MS Issue 14 BU4.qxd:Issue 9 9/4/07 13:01 Page 37

MAINFEATURE LUIS DE MATOS

stipulating a number of conditions. “I hosted a talk show on Sunday night RTP1. It was called Domingo em Cheio and I only accepted the job after agreeing to a certain number of conditions…it had to be live, contain no magic and would be only for one series. I don’t think you should mess with people’s perception of what you are! I am a magician and I hope I always will be.”

Are you married? children? Partner? Tell us a little about your family life and your early upbringing in Portugal… Regarding brothers and sisters… easy answer: I'm a single child. My parents are school teachers and they always accepted my magic as long as it was in conjunction with good school results! That is why I ended up being an Agricultural Engineer. I finished my degree with a thesis on in-vitro breeding of Strelitzia Reginae. I was invited to stay at the university on the staff which I did for two years while, at the same time, I was beginning to become popular due to my first television series. After those lovely years doing both television and teaching I made a decision to leave my steady job at the university at the age of 22. Luis de Matos Productions was established 3 years later in 1995. Not to run away from the first part of your question… yes, I have a girlfriend for six years now. She is called Vanessa, and she is a very talented graphic designer - and Paul Daniels keeps saying that she's too good for me!!

Is there a tradition of magic in Portugal – and how did you develop your skills – were you coached? Did you spend your youth constantly practising when your friends were out having a good time!!? When I started there was not much going on in Portugal apart from the normal magic club activity. From the very beginning I thought I would like to do magic for lay audiences. I wanted to try to bring dignity to the art of magic in the eyes of the public and also to bring in the influence of pop culture as much as I could. I learned my first tricks with a friend called Serafim Afonso and later, when I went to study in Coimbra (the most important student town in Portugal), I met another magician called Hortiny and learned more I believe in constant learning. That is why with him. As I started going to magic festivals I met other magicians who became, people like Topper Martyn, Mike Caveney, and still are, my friends such as Paulino Gil from Spain. Gary Ouellet, Channing Pollock, Lennart I believe in constant learning. That is why people like Topper Martyn, Mike Caveney, Green, Vito Lupo and Tomsoni were Gary Ouellet, Channing Pollock, Lennart always such great inspirations and always Green, Vito Lupo and Tomsoni were always such great inspirations and always will be. will be. MS Issue 14 BU4.qxd:Issue 9 9/4/07 11:53 Page 38

MAINFEATURE LUIS DE MATOS Do the TV companies give you big budgets? Big illusions are not cheap!! And do you have editorial and artistic control over the style of show? When you try to do the best out of the available money, there is no such thing as big budgets. Everything changes with time but budgets are always short. Regarding editorial and artistic control, that is something else. I always fought for that. Nowadays I can say if it's good - it was us doing it, and if it's not good - it was still us doing it! No excuses.

You are now 36. What are your thoughts on your career so far, and what does the future hold for you? What direction are you going in? I'm always looking for consistency. I like to grow and change but always keep on the same kind of ride. If you are a good horse rider there is not much chance that you'll end up on a race car track. On the other hand it's great to have a better horse and a nicer hat! When I think about the future there is only one rule: I try not to sell my youth today so that it won't be missing tomorrow.

What do you think has been the most exciting development in magic over the past 10-20 years? The Internet!

As a performer, what do you think are your greatest strengths? And what are the most important attributes to have, in your opinion? As a performer I think my greatest strength is a combination of three things: a bit of talent, a bit of luck and an enormous amount of hard work, which I enjoy! The most important thing is that you love what you do. Second, understand that everything is about communication! Maybe verbal, maybe non verbal, but always communication - and a bit of wonderment.

You enjoy performing 'manipulation' – do you think that this is a dying art? Not many young performers seem to devote time to this specialist area. Why do you enjoy it so much? I believe it is a barometer of your love and dedication to the art! It's easy to push a button but it is more difficult to do a pass. I like to do magic that an actor couldn't do. Apart from that I think manipulation and personality are the future! Only human nature will still be able to amaze in the future.

When you are not involved in magic, how do you like to spend your leisure time? I'm always involved with magic but… I love to look for inspiration out of the magic world MS Issue 14 BU4.qxd:Issue 9 9/4/07 13:01 Page 39

(positive spiral versus negative spiral): arts, sports, news, etc. Tell us five things about yourself Which magicians have been your greatest that people do not know!!! inspiration? Paul Daniels, definitely. I grew up watching 1. I have a big magic library. Paul's videos over and over again. I believe 2. I'm finishing building Estúdio 33 he is the most complete magician I ever saw. (our theatre, studio, home and hotel When seeing Paul in action over the years for friends). you can only be amazed. I respect and I 3. I always travel with my two dogs: admire him, and I have done since the very Black and Ace of Spades. first time I saw him. Great life story! Great 4. I was born in Mozambique! life lesson! (When it was a Portuguese colony). My love for books came from my close 5. No-one knows the meaning of the friendship with Topper Martyn (I'm currently badge I always use on and off stage… reading his life story, written by him). My love for history came from Mike Caveney.

What is your favourite magic effect you Extra: I wear coloured underwear… perform at the moment? At the moment I love doing the egg bag. For ten years I have studied the effect and finally I have found my way of presenting it. The bag I use is my real pocket and at the end the egg becomes a live baby chick that I give away to a child, in a proper carrying case. But the one effect that gives the most pleasure to the entire team is the ‘vanishing a spectator's car’. I do it during my solo show, ENIGMA. It is a spectator's car. No stooges, no wires, no magnets… it's a miracle! Come and see the show!!!

Do you have further ambitions? Yes! Being alive tomorrow!

Do you develop your own original effects? All the time. Not so many original effects but customised presentations. Not many music composers have invented new instruments or new notes at all, but still everyday they come up with new melodies… It says press any key to continue... “Now which one’s the ‘any’ key?”

Has your career developed outside Portugal? Over the years I was lucky enough to make appearances in shows like World's Greatest Magic or Champions of Magic from Monte Carlo as well as other European channels, in France and Sweden. My own television shows have been sold abroad and Spain in particular is proving to be a welcoming market.

Do you keep an eye on new artistes? Who was the last magician that really impressed you? All the time! That's why I love to go to FISM and keep my eye on the latest television productions. Can I mention two names that have really impressed me? Derren Brown and David Sousa! For completely different reasons but both made me feel proud of Look no hands!! dedicating my life to this art form. ms