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Home , Cardistry, Card warp, Double lift, Dynamo (magician), Guy Hollingworth, Juan Tamariz

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Magicseen is published every 2 months and is available via a 1 or 2 year subscription, either in printed copy format delivered by mail, or as a download. You can also opt to take out an open ended printed copy Pay As You Go subscription, in which you provide payment card details and we charge you for a single issue each time a new one appears. If you sign up for one of our subscription options above here are the EXTRA benefits that you will enjoy. 1 or 2 year printed copy or PAYG subscribers receive 20% off all Magicseen books and E-Books plus they can opt to receive a free download copy of each issue in advance of the printed copy arriving. Download subscribers receive 20% off all Magicseen books and E-Books plus every time a new issue is released, they can select to receive any two further download back issues for FREE For more info and to subscribe go to www.magicseen.co.uk Magicseen, Anne's Park, Cowley, Exeter EX5 5EN, England Tel: +44 (0)1392 490565 Magicseen is sponsored by Card Shark (www.card-shark.de) PHONEBOX > MASTERCLASS > LETTERS > PRODUCT REVIEWS MAGAZINE IssueMAGICseen No. 68 RRP £5.50 Vol 12. No.2 May 2016 Paul Daniels A look AT his brilliant career Xavier Tapias Rubbish & Robots! Vox Magique Plus: It Takes TwO... > CLOWNING > DEALERS’ BOOTH > HOW TO BOOK MORE SHOWS > RAFAEL RULES THE WORLD JOSHUA JUST JAY MAGIC MAGICSEEN > YOU’LL LIKE IT... BUT NOT A LOT!

NEVER TOUCH OR SEE THE CARD...YET KNOW EXACTLY WHAT WAS DRAWN!

NO CARBON COPIES • NO PEEKING • EXAMINABLE • SELF CONTAINED AVAILABLE AT: EDITOR’S LETTER

ummer is hopefully on the way and we have a bright and Ssunny issue to get you in the mood (was that cheesy enough for you?). Our cover star is none other than Joshua Jay, author, creator, performer, lecturer, magic dealer and magic event organiser, and the rest of his day he just wastes! Despite all he’s done already, he’s only clocked up 34 years, which shows the benefit of a) being hyperactive and b) starting REALLY young! We’re thrilled to have him in our little rag.

Every year over the winter it seems that we lose a number of famous names in magic, and unfortunately this year was no exception. Arguably the biggest of these was Paul Daniels whose sudden departure was a shock to not only everyone in magic but also in the wider entertainment world. In this issue, we take a look at the man and his amazing career and we also feature a personal tribute from Jay Fortune, who had quite a close professional association over many years with the great man.

Want to get more shows at better fees? Wonder why your advertising spend doesn’t bring in as much income as you thought it would? Well, Clive Hyams will explain a means to change all that by using Direct Response Marketing. Read and learn! We also delve a little into the secretive world of clowns and clowning to find out what that’s all about, and in one of our occasional Dealer’s Booth articles, we get to learn more about a very unusual business set up to help magicians.

Tricks - we love ‘em, most of the time! But sometimes we wonder how on earth they came to be sold on the magic marketplace! If you want honest opinion about the value of many of the latest marketed products, read the Product Reviews - they’re there to Editor’s Letter...... 5 help you make informed buying decisions. Joshua Jay...... 6 All this plus the International Masterclass from France with effects Letters...... 14 from Boris Wild and Vincent Hedan, Rafael gets to rule the world, Blackpool Convention...... 15 we learn about a novel new double act called Vox Magique, and Paul Daniels...... 16 then there are letters, news and other interesting features and In The News...... 23 articles all squeezed into one lovable package. With all this, who In The Phonebox - Daz Crawford...... 24 needs summer, you’ve got all the sunshine you need between these covers (OK, I understand, enough with the cliches now...) How To Book More Shows...... 26 Vox Magique...... 28 Mark Leveridge Clowns...... 32 Rafael Rules The World...... 35 International Masterclass - France...... 36 Xavier Tapias...... 40 Shout Outs...... 46 Product Reviews...... 47 WHAT’S INSIDE Dealer’s Booth - Flame Enterprises...... 56 Next Issue ...... 48

SUBSCRIBE AT: WWW.MAGICSEEN.CO.UK MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE MAY 2016 5 JOSHUA JAY JUST MAGIC! It is midweek in New York City and the weather is showing off all the hallmarks of an East Coast winter. The weather outside is breathtakingly cold as we walk along the perimeter of Central Park towards the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Once inside, we manage to bypass the queues and begin to explore the expansive collections that the museum holds. Everywhere you look, there is something of intrigue. As we stop, I am told that in front of us is The Temple of Dendur. I feel fortunate on two counts. Firstly, for the chance to see these priceless artefacts in such spectacular surroundings. Secondly, I am having the opportunity to hear one of my close friends talk about something which he is deeply passionate about. Art. George Luck spends time with Joshua Jay

Josh performing for Hollywood inning Josh down is no movie star Ben Affleck. mean feat. He is always Pworking on a new project, travelling to the far reaches of the world, performing, or packed amongst 20,000 sports fans as he supports his favourite basketball team, the ‘Cavs’. And that’s all while running Vanishing Inc. alongside Andi Gladwin!

“My days are full which I absolutely love. I’m one of those crazy people that feels weird when I’m on vacation. I can’t pretend that I enjoy the slow pace of life. By 10:30am, I am usually getting on with some business related work and I tend not to go to bed until 1 or 2am! Even when I’m eating, it’s somehow incorporated into work. That’s important to me though because I couldn’t live with monotony. I have to have change to keep my pace and to continue enjoying what I miles per hour, though I doubt that for kids in America and I was that if I did, I would go back to do.” Because of this, NYC is ideally Josh has any trouble keeping pace really unhappy there. After three college and get a degree to give me suited for Josh and Anna, his wife. with New York. years, my Dad came to me and something to fall back on. It was The city has everything they could suggested that we see if I could a very surreal time as graduating wish for. “It is an entertainment Josh’s motivation and his drive graduate early in order to allow early is unheard of in the States. I centre, there is an amazing artistic are, in many ways, products of his me to go on the road. The idea had to get all sorts of government energy and so many opportunities childhood, years which were not came about because I had a lot of permissions to allow me to be away to perform and make connections”. always easy for him… offers to go on tour and perform in from school as a minor.” Life there moves at one hundred “High school can be a brutal time theatres. I had to make the promise

6 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE MAY 2016 My days are full which I absolutely love. I’m one of those crazy people that feels weird when I’m on vacation. I can’t pretend that I enjoy the slow pace of life

SUBSCRIBE AT: WWW.MAGICSEEN.CO.UK MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE MAY 2016 7 “Travelling has opened up so many doors for me. I have made so many new friends and I have tried so many different cuisines. I love food!”

8 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE MAY 2016 Josh tells me about the influence his parents had on him throughout his early years. “My mother and father were so unbelievably supportive of me and that is still true to this day regardless of the fact that they were both divorced and remarried.” The combination of his mother’s positivity and his father’s zeal have continued to have an enormous impact on Josh. He talks about them both with incredible fondness. “My Dad was a dentist but was unhappy in his job. He wanted me to do something that I loved and that was a gift because I was surrounded by other parents who were only concerned with their children becoming prosperous, responsible adults.”

“My Mom’s support is, and I mean this, the foundation in my life. She serves as a constant source of positivity. Whenever I share a goal or a project, it is always met with Performing for President Clinton was amazing because enthusiasm and a belief that it can I have an interest in political subjects but moreover, be done. Because of her I’ve tried and accomplished things I never he’s a man that I respect and it’s an office that I thought possible.” respect. As an American, performing for him was a At a very young age, it was Josh’s huge honour. father who first showed Josh a magic trick. “My Dad had an interest in magic from when he that he was performing for. From today because they haven’t had WMS and the Magi-Fest have was a kid and was an amateur there, he moved onto performing that experience.” become particularly important for magician. When I was 8 years old, in restaurants: three a week for very different reasons. The WMS he showed me a trick but refused five years. He acknowledges how With many hundreds of gave him a route into the world of to tell me how it was done. That useful a time this was for learning performances under his belt, Josh massmarket book publishing and trick turned out to be ‘Out Of This how to deal with all manner of decided to work with his father on the Magi-Fest became a passion World’. I went downstairs, found people and situations. a competition act. He debuted the project when, in 2012, Josh, Andi a deck of cards, and managed act at the ‘International Battle of and Tim Moore took over the to piece together what I thought “One day it started to feel like work Magicians’, or as Josh jokingly calls convention. to be the method. After 4 hours, so that was the day I quit. However, it, “the tiny local convention in the I went upstairs and showed him I’m eternally grateful for that time middle of nowhere”. Then came the “After I won the WMS, there were what I had come up with. He because it’s where I developed competitions at the IBM, the World all these offers to write a book. I was impressed. My Dad was an some of my best material, some of Magic Seminar and the Columbus jumped at the chance and incredibly astute coach and his which I still use today.” Magi-Fest. “I was really lucky to win although I knew that I was naive interest very quickly became my all of these competitions and that and stupid in many ways, I did interest. As time went on, his Josh continues. “The thing that I was what set the stage for what know that it would be a means for interest in magic declined and he didn’t appreciate until much later followed.” me to travel. I filled the book with focused on me and my interest in in my life was kids shows. The all of this original magic that I had magic.” scenarios in which you perform In 2005, Josh’s father tragically constructed up to that point. It did are so awful. Until you have done passed away. He is not one to act as my ticket around the world As is so typical for young two hundred kids shows, you really dwell on the past, nor does he talk but a 16 year old writing a magic magicians’ parents, Josh’s father don’t know what terrible performing about his father’s passing often, book comes with a whole barrel of took him to various magic meetings conditions are. I’m really grateful but he is candid about the effect problems. It was poorly written and in and around their home town that I had those though because that it had on him. “My father died critically reviewed. Within the magic of Canton. With the advice and I can now walk into a room and August 1st 2005. He was and is a world, there was a mentality that experience that he picked up at set up while people are watching huge influence on my magic and teenagers should be learning magic these meetings, Josh put together me. I can deal with people walking I genuinely think about him every and not teaching it. I agree to an a “box of tricks” which he would onto my performing stage and day.” extent but the flip side is that if you perform at kids parties. He laughs rummaging with my props like kids look back, some of the best stuff as he admits that he was often would. These are things that I see All of these events played a part from guys like David Williamson younger than most of the kids lacking in even some professionals in Josh’s career trajectory but the and David Roth came from when

SUBSCRIBE AT: WWW.MAGICSEEN.CO.UK MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE MAY 2016 9 they were young and unbounded Of This World’. I remember how magic”. I remember feeling so time. We saw so much, sessioned by what had come before. I would this had changed my life after my irrelevant in that moment. For some at every possible opportunity and have been much more accepting of Dad had shown it to me. So, that reason, her “just magic” comment had such an incredible time. the criticisms of my work if they had trick, which I think is one of the made me feel entirely out of place. I visited 20 countries, developed just objectively said what they didn’t best tricks of all time, means a lot Still, I got onstage and did my show my act, honed my lecture and got like as opposed to taking issue with to me.” and talk, and it actually went my ‘chops’ to a better point than me. The ultimate satisfaction is that really well. I think the crowd was they ever were or they ever will be I still perform so much material from The book tour that followed the ready for something positive. again. I was completely immersed that early book.” publication also resonates in Josh’s Afterwards, the veteran asked to in it. I left a dorky, ‘magic boy’, high memory because of one particular be wheeled over to me. He gave school virgin and came back a less There were some well-known event. “When someone asks me me, and magic, a compliment that dorky, magician adult. That was magicians who made some very what I do, I often think to myself, I’ve never forgotten. He said that my transition from being a boy to scathing remarks about the book, ‘Just Magic’. At an event in Canada he loved my show because it was becoming a man.” some of whom you now perform I was launching my Complete a rare moment that he could forget alongside. How do you feel towards Course book alongside two other, the past, forget about his injury, and Josh’s passion for travel resonates these individuals now? “There are far more serious publications. just enjoy the experience. For him, through his conversations but also truly no hard feelings on my end. One was a memoir from an Iraq it was an escape. through his magic. I was intrigued I am able to be fine with it. There War veteran, and the other was to find out what experiences have were magicians that were unkind an author’s first-hand account of In one of those corny-sounding but stood out for him and what is still to me when I was young but as my battling cancer. There was to be apocryphal moments, I realised that on his list to explore. Grandma says, ‘you forgive but you a three-person panel, the two of when we perform, the world drops don’t forget’.” them and me… the magician. away, the problems fade, and you “Africa changed my life. I’ve been know what’s left? Just magic.” seven or eight times now. Part of At college, Josh had majored in The veteran sat at the podium and that was safari and the other part English and French and had gained told the heart-wrenching story of This is one of the countless stories was working to help others out a strong foundation in writing which stepping on a mine and losing both that have come as a result of there. I love the harmonious way encouraged him to persist with his legs and most of the skin on travelling the world and meeting people live with nature. There are future publications. In a wonderful his body. Everyone cried. Then the new people. However, of all the always places that I want to go but turn of events, his books cancer survivor got onstage and time that he has spent abroad, it next on my list is the Philippines. (three more to date) have all told the harrowing account of what was his first full year of travelling My weak point is the Asian outsold each other and received it was like to lose his hair during that was the most influential. “I was countries but I have just come critical acclaim from magicians radiation therapy, lose his will during travelling alone but met so many back from South East Asia so I and laypeople alike. Magic: chemotherapy, and somehow people along the way. It was at this have been able to tick Cambodia, The Complete Course holds a survive. Again, everyone cried. time that I met a teenage Rune Klan Vietnam and Thailand off my list!” particularly special place. “When Then there was an interval, and in San Francisco and started our I published Magic: The Complete I was to speak after that. During ‘famous’ [sarcastically laughs] joint Josh continues, “Travelling has Course, I got to teach a whole new the interval the moderator came lecture tour across America. We opened up so many doors for me. generation of to-be-magicians backstage. Someone pointed to got to see so many of the national I have made so many new friends how to get started. One of the me and asked what I was speaking parks. It was awesome. We both and I have tried so many different tricks I taught in there was ‘Out about, and she said, “Him? Just look back on that as such a great cuisines. I love food!” he jokes.

10 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE MAY 2016 Moving back to the subject of for many years but the whole performing, I ask Josh about some effect went through a huge of the stand out performances change, methodologically and that he has done, beginning with presentationally, in the preparation performing for President Bill Clinton. for performing it on Fool Us!. Luke [Jermay] and I spoke for hours “Performing for President Clinton about how we could best adapt it was amazing because I have an for television, and a stage. I have interest in political subjects but such huge respect for Luke as a moreover, he’s a man that I respect performer and I valued his advice and it’s an office that I respect. As so much. When I fooled them, I an American, performing for him was so overwhelmed. To get such was a huge honour.” Josh was high praise from two magicians also one of a select few who were who you respect so much is invited to perform at President incredible. I was initially reluctant Obama’s inaugural ball in 2012. He to do the show because I thought FUN FACTS ABOUT JOSH speaks fondly of the experience the premise sounded flimsy. I was • I’m a huge film aficionado and my collection now spans over and it is heartening to hear that his entirely wrong. Penn and Teller 1000 films. I think about films a lot. outstanding memory from the event were kind and generous with their • I love art and I give tours of the Metropolitan Museum of was the privilege he felt being able praise, and it was an incredible Art in NYC to perform for every living recipient experience. I was fortunate to fool • I had a photograph of the Medal of Freedom, the them, and it led to some really cool published in the August highest civilian award in the United opportunities, phone calls and 2013 issue of National States. shows. Geographic… • I have a plate, five screws Josh also mentions his one man “The best part, however, was and 2 pins in my left wrist shows, Tragic Magic and UNREAL, getting to go back to Vegas and after smashing my hand “Ending the first run of 40 perform onstage after Penn and performances of UNREAL was the Teller’s show. Penn said, “Tonight in a boating accident. biggest feeling of accomplishment your headliner is Joshua Jay. We’re • I am the current Guinness World Record holder for the most that I’ve ever felt because I just doing the opening 2 hours cards found in one minute. had worked on it for two years for him.” That was an amazing sporadically but for six intensive moment.” months where everything else in my place in the world. The book On a more personal note, Josh and life became subordinated to it. That As you read this, Josh will have incorporates magic and geography Anna have just moved to Texas being said, I have never written a just stepped off a luxury cruise liner in what I think is a unique way.” which will undoubtedly open up piece that gets the reaction that which he has been performing on some exciting opportunities for Tragic Magic gets. It’s probably while travelling through South East Though Magic Mail is not targeted them both. the best thing I do. I perform it Asia. at magicians, it will be of great at museums for sophisticated appeal for those who have children “We bought a home in Austin, a audiences who want to learn. It’s “I took this gig because it will allow or just an interest in the new and place we feel is one of the coolest always packed out and it’s always a me to do 14 shows in short order, innovative ways which magic can spots in the US. We need space! true pleasure to do.” and I wanted to work in thirty new be presented through literature. I need rehearsal space, a bigger minutes for my new one-man This leads Josh to tease us with space to house my collection of Who do you look to for inspiration show. It has been over a year some exiting projects that Vanishing antique magic, and a little more when you are creating a show? in the works, and the title is Six Inc. has in the works. room to start our life together. We “There are too many people to Impossible Things. My hope is to adore New York City, and so we’ll name but [David] Williamson has launch the show sometime in the “We [Vanishing Inc.] are also maintain our apartment there and always been a favourite as has next 8 months or so. It will be quite on the verge of some exciting split our time to avoid the brutal Tommy Wonder. [Juan] Tamariz and different in approach and scope to projects. This year we’re returning New York winters.” Guy Hollingworth complete the list my last show, so I’m very excited to our roots in that we’ll publish of magicians in living memory that about it.” more hardbound books than we As we draw our conversation to a have and continue to influence my have in previous years. When we close, an age old adage comes to work hugely. Two names which On top of Josh’s intense travel and launched Vanishing Inc., Andi and mind. Behind every great man is a came later are Andi and Rune performing schedule, writing still I envisioned the company as a great woman and Josh never fails [Klan]. They impact upon my magic remains a very important part of publisher as much as anything to mention Anna’s name when it so much. The three of us sit down Josh’s day-to-day life as he puts else. While we have published comes to influence. “She is who and work on works-in-progress and the finishing touches to his latest some books, we had shifted I run my ideas by first and she is they help me in so many ways.” publication for the mass-market, away from this mandate a bit, but always there for me. We have been Magic Mail. I’m happy to say we have some fortunate enough to travel the world Collaboration, Josh says, can extraordinary authors and projects together and we share the same be so important and he uses “This is a book in which a child coming up. 2016-2018 should be passions. We got married in August the piece which he did on Fool receives a mailbox to put by their an exciting time for anyone who of last year and I have never been Us! As an example. “I had been bed. Each day, a letter from me thinks the magic book market is happier.” performing the trick [Out of Sight] ‘appears’ in the box from a different dead.”

SUBSCRIBE AT: WWW.MAGICSEEN.CO.UK MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE MAY 2016 11 k k u u HOT PEN

. HOT PEN . o o c c . . c c i i g g a a M M t t . . e e l l n n b b u a a u d d r o r o o o f f c c f f £ a a s

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At last the Hot Rod makes sense! w w g g n n i Each pack contains two specially i w w k k

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Prices correct 30/3/2016. E&OE.

If you have anything you would like to tell us, whether it’s about the magazine or anything magic related, please email: grahamhey@ letters magicseen.co.uk HAVE YOUR SAY SIT DOWN AND GET ON WITH IT! Am I the only person whose heart sinks when the curtains are drawn open to reveal a chair, table (with candles) and a hat stand on stage? At the Blackpool convention recently, it became a popular set piece for many acts – in fact, it’s popular every year. When you see this scenario, son, who is mad on it! We had the you just know that it’s going to take opportunity to meet Mr McBride, the performer 3 minutes to take and I must say, he was charming his coat off and sit down. Lighting and he made a fuss of my son, who candles is another annoying set couldn’t wait to take his signed copy piece. Once they’ve lit one candle, of Magicseen to school!! Thanks so you know they have to light them much to Mr McBride for setting a all before they vanish them, as brilliant, professional example to all expected! Why do acts continue to performers who achieve success. use these dated effects? I have no David Ward, Sussex idea why, and most of the audience doesn’t either. I think the acts must be in some sort of 1940’s portal or FABULOUS MEL! something. And where on earth do A great book by Mel Mellers! My wife these acts ever perform apart from picked it up for me at the Blackpool Blackpool? Answers on a postcard convention. What I like most about please… the book is the design! Very fresh Neil Claughton, Dundee layout, nice colours and photos. That’s the strong point of the book! Great! PAUL DANIELS DRIVING ME MAD... Marc Dibowski, Germany I, like many magic fans, was sad to hear the news about If I see one more trailer or email that Paul Daniels passing away after what seemed like a says the latest miracle ‘looks like a camera trick!’ I am going to go mad short illness. I know that his sense of humour wasn’t to MEL MELLERS and check myself in to the nearest THE TRAVELLING everybody’s taste, but his impact on magic cannot be asylum!!! And do you know what? underestimated – and many magic fans hark back to I buy all these products, and they TRICKSTER those great days where close-up magic and speciality NEVER look like camera ticks!! And they always cost me 25 quid!!! acts were given prime time space. Daniels was a brilliant Grant J. via email live act, as was Wayne Dobson when they both had hugely successful shows. Also, the lovely Debbie McGee NICE CHAP! must also take credit for being his excellent foil. I feel that I must admit that prior to the this is end of stand-up magic as we know it, which is a Blackpool convention I was not a

big shame. fan of Jeff McBride – mainly due to Thoughts, tricks, scripts and routines from the fact that I’m not really a magic the world’s most Harry Watson, Cardiff travelled comedy fan, but I was accompanying my magician.

14 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE MAY 2016 CRAFTED WITH CAREY

Mel Mellers trying to look enthusiastic after three days at the convention. BLACKPOOL CONVENTION – BY JOHN CAREYCRAFTED WHAT WENT ON? WITH It soon comes around and then it’s over before you know it! It was John Carey has a great reputation another successful convention on the whole, with some brilliant for coming up with practical, well acts and demo-ers showing us what they can do. constructed routines, and this hard On their dealer stands, as usual, we were in awe of Mark Mason, Paul CAREY Richards, Henry Evans and Greg Wilson amongst many others. Harry backed book collects together about Robson was his usual self (not always a good thing! Haha) charming the crowds, and we heard good things about Alakazam, Propdog, Magicbox 70 effects from John and some of his and a few others. Great to see the sensational Noel Britten, and we must friends in magic. give a big thanks to Mel Mellers for spending lots of time on the Magicseen stand promoting his new book! Dynamo also popped by the Magicseen stand to sign copies of the mag – and it’s great to see that even though Running to almost 200 pages, hard backed and he was hounded wherever he went, he still had time to say hello and pose with photo illustrations, this book is a treasure trove for pics. It was great to catch up with other ace performers such as Luca of to-the-point card effects, plus a little coin magic Volpe, Mark James, Michael J. Fitch, Rafael, Jasper Blakeley, and Magic Singh amongst others… included for good measure. There are premium effects chosen from John’s DVDs and earlier The shows? A mixed bag there, but from popular opinion, some of the booklets, as well as new material and effects from stand out acts and bits included: Mel Meller’s supervising three out-of- control children on stage with his usual cutting wit was the highlight of the some of John’s friends including Peter Duffie and show. On the second night, Otto Wessely and partner were on superb, John Bannon. In fact, in his Foreword to the book, hilarious form, and Christian Farla’s assistants were so hot that we hardly John Bannon said of John Carey’s creations: “I pay noticed him! Strange Comedy (Shelly Kastener) has a cool act reminiscent attention to his work, follow it, enjoy it, and often find of the brilliant Men In Coats, and one of my favourite acts was the classy Igor Trifunov from Serbia who produced and vanished more bottles than bits of inspired thinking I’ll incorporate in my own you could ever see in a well-stock off-licence. His act was just the right work. I’d bet that you’d reach the same conclusion.” length (unlike some) and was a fast-paced joy! Rafael turned in another stylish performance with his super Vampire act - despite losing an assistant Magicseen is pleased to have worked on John’s to an accident 2 days earlier. A mention must go to Xavier Tapias from Spain who created a person from pieces of litter…and the newly formed material and to be able to bring such a practical person walks off stage… wow!! See the interview in THIS issue! selection of magic to the marketplace. If you love card magic that works, that has direct plots and which uses minimalist handling, then Crafted With Carey will delight you.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BUY YOUR COPY VISIT: www. magicseen. co.uk Rafael’s disappointing Jeff McBride impersonation.

SUBSCRIBE AT: WWW.MAGICSEEN.CO.UK MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE MAY 2016 15 You’ll Like This... A brief look at the magic life of Paul Daniels Mark Leveridge

he 17th March 2016 was a sad day for magic as it Twas the day that arguably the most influential magician of the last half century left us for pastures new. The swift and (thankfully for him) painless demise of the UK’s most famous magic personality will have touched not just everyone in the magic world, but also countless numbers of those in the wider public arena. Love him or hate him, and he did tend to polarise opinion, Paul Daniels has left an indelible and hugely positive mark on magic and indeed on entertainment itself, since for as long as most of us can remember, he has been the face of the magic world to the general Quayside Cabaret Club Photo: Casablanca Photography at Chris Cross’s public.

Small in physical stature, yet big in personality, Paul managed to carve for himself a unique position Cutting his performing teeth in the working mens’ clubs of in the world of entertainment, and northern England taught him how to survive and indeed thrive, especially on TV. Coming from Middlesbrough in the north east almost no matter how tough the audience were to manage. of England, he brought with him a no-nonsense, down-to-earth attitude to life and indeed also to his magic. Cutting his performing to the account he gave in his virtually impossible for the director 1994. What is remarkable about this teeth in the working mens’ clubs of autobiography ‘Under No Illusion’, he to edit down his act to the normal is that this was a magic show and a northern England taught him how was one of the few pro performers 4 minutes or so, and so he ended magician who was not hidden away to survive and indeed thrive, almost to be present at the auditions for the up with an unheard of 12 minutes. on some remote cable channel (not no matter how tough the audience show, and they booked him and told In fact the length of his spots got that they existed then, of course), but were to manage. He learned how him in advance that he would come longer until in the end he did one was positioned at peak viewing time to develop performing attack, how second! Nothing fixed there then! show entirely on his own! It was at on a Saturday night on the BBC’s to use humour and put downs to this stage that people started to take main channel. At its zenith, the show good effect, and grew ever more He then made the occasional notice of him, although it did not lead was capturing 20 million viewers, determined to make a success of his appearance in the mid 70s (the first immediately to any big break. even at one stage knocking another performing career once he decided was in 1975) on Granada TV’s The of the country’s top favourite shows, to sell his grocery business and turn Wheeltappers And Shunters Social Although he made a show called the Morecambe And Wise Show, full time pro. Club, a format which was ideally Paul Daniels’ Blackpool Bonanza in off the no.1 ratings spot. Magic had suited to Paul’s act and performance 1978 for ITV, it was the BBC which never before achieved such heady Television was to define the man and style since it replicated on TV the was to capture and promote his coverage and success and certainly the magician in him. His first foray type of audience and working mens’ talent and which really thrust Paul not over such a long period of time, into TV was when he was the runner- club venues that he was working at into the national limelight. The Paul and the run established Paul as the up on the talent show Opportunity in any case. Through some smart Daniels Magic Show first appeared in nation’s premier magician. Knocks in 1970. According routining of his spot, Paul made it 1979 and was to run every year until

16 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE MAY 2016 Magic had never before achieved such heady coverage and success and certainly not over such a long period of time, and the run established Paul as the nation’s premier magician. Photo: Casablanca Photography at Chris Cross’s Quayside Cabaret Club Photo: Casablanca Photography at Chris Cross’s

SUBSCRIBE AT: WWW.MAGICSEEN.CO.UK MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE MAY 2016 17 Paul’s career, from the humblest of starts to worldwide fame and fortune, is an example of a man with huge talent and equal measures of drive and perseverance. Photo: Casablanca Photography at Chris Cross’s Quayside Cabaret Club Photo: Casablanca Photography at Chris Cross’s

18 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE MAY 2016 So why was it such a success and consultant, and comedy script writer how did Paul manage to maintain George Martin, both of whom had his position for 15 years? I think worked previously on the David there are a number of factors which Nixon Magic Show. Unfortunately, all came together to enable him to according to Paul, the two of them achieve such phenomenal success. kept trying to refer everything in the The first is Paul himself. As is often show back to ‘how David would do the case with performers, Paul it’, and in the end Paul, even though was actually quite a shy character, he was a big fan of David’s, had certainly in his youth and early to put his foot down and tell them adulthood. But where he felt totally that he wasn’t, and never would be, confident was in his ability to perform another David Nixon, and that the magic well and, more importantly, to show had to reflect his own style and present it with humour and ‘attitude’. character. His playful put-down humour was, when he first developed it as a The fourth reason is that he was performing style in the 60s and 70s, fortunate to be able to collect around unusual. Most magicians at the time him and harness the inspiration were still more in the David Nixon and ideas of a number of significant mould, or were producing doves magical brains. Ali Bongo has When he was in production meetings for while dressed in a tail suit. Paul’s already been mentioned, of course, the first Paul Daniels Magic Show series, style contrasted hugely with this but there was also Graham Reed, stereotypical image and as a result who Paul had known from years he was teamed up with Ali Bongo (who he seemed fresh and exciting by ago and who was brilliant at coming stayed for all 15 series), as magical comparison. up with plots for tricks (not the methods, apparently, just the plots!), consultant, and comedy script writer The second reason for his success Gil Leaney who was highly skilled George Martin, both of whom had worked was the length and indeed depth and experienced at making magic previously on the David Nixon Magic Show. of his performing experience. The props, and Barry Murray, whose old line about an act taking years to strength centred on magic research. become an overnight success was John Fisher produced and also certainly true of Paul. Although he researched for the majority of the although in the last decade or so, cost in terms of his family and private worked many working mens’ clubs shows, and then of course there was he mellowed and started to attend life, and ended up creating a magical he also, during the 1970s, started Debbie, who brought a slightly more magic conventions in order to lecture legacy that will survive thanks to the to do summer seasons in holiday ‘outsider’s’ view to the magic, as she or chair discussions. recordings of the many years of TV resorts, work for companies doing was always able to see things more work that he enjoyed. corporate entertainment both in the from the lay spectator’s point of view. During this period Paul was always UK and abroad, and entertained No top performer on TV, a medium very happy to share his knowledge He will be remembered as the in proper theatres, most notably at which eats material voraciously, can and experience, and I for one always most recognisable magician in the the Palladium, including in 1977 a survive on their own (Derren Brown enjoyed listening to him. I spent a UK during almost half a century of Royal Variety appearance. Being and Dynamo both have creative bit of time with him and Debbie at celebrity and success and the size the support act for big stars such forces behind them these days, of a couple of conventions abroad of hole that he leaves behind is a big as Val Doonican taught him a lot course), and Paul used his team to when we were both on the same bill, one for the rest of us in the magic and, of course, increasingly he was refine his own ideas and to create and I really enjoyed listening to him world to fill. getting more and more experience the magic that he needed for the and experiencing his views. When of television work itself with spots on shows. he appeared at the third Essential shows such as ‘For My Next Trick’, Magic Conference, the online event ‘The David Nixon Show’, ‘Pebble Getting to the very top of your organised by David Britland, Marco Mill Showcase’ and many more. If profession is a double edged sword. Tempest and Luis de Matos, I you roll all this variety of experience On the one hand big success brings thought Paul’s contribution was one together you can see that if anyone you wealth and fame and enables of the best on offer. The relaxed way was well prepared to take on the you to live the sort of existence that that he dealt with the fairly stressful responsibility of having their own most people can only dream about. and intimidating TV style set up of show on the BBC, it was him. But the flipside of that is that when the event spoke volumes for his you are at the summit, everyone experience of being in front of the The third reason was Paul’s seems to think that it is their right to cameras and was in stark contrast clear sense of who he was as a comment on and criticise everything to the somewhat nervy contributions performer. His style was modern you do. An intrusive press means from some of the other presenters. and his performing personality you can’t really live your life in peace, was of the times, a fact which he and Paul was clearly annoyed at Paul’s career, from the humblest fully understood. When he was in the levels that his private life were of starts to worldwide fame and production meetings for the first intruded upon at times. For many fortune, is an example of a man with Paul Daniels Magic Show series, he years during the height of his huge talent and equal measures of was teamed up with Ali Bongo (who fame he also avoided mixing with drive and perseverance. He worked stayed for all 15 series), as magical magicians, particularly in the UK, incredibly hard, often at a personal

SUBSCRIBE AT: WWW.MAGICSEEN.CO.UK MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE MAY 2016 19 BRIGHT IDEAS JOE MOGAR ARE OUR Knives and Coins BUSINESS www.joemogar.com

emember the end of pier evening is one of my most treasured mechanical horse racing memories; Paul and Debbie were so Rattraction? I was eight and welcoming. We laughed, talked and put my last 10p bet on the white shared stories. A few months later, I jersey jockey. His win would net was at their home again. We were in me £2; a fortune for any kid. It deep discussion about sponge balls. came in. Tugging the sleeve of Paul was pro-sponge and I was anti- my mum standing next to me, I sponge. At 1am Debbie popped her was ecstatic! Only, it wasn’t my head round the door and, thinking mum. This charming lady smiled I was going to be politely asked to down at me and congratulated leave as it was getting late, instead me on my win. Still buzzing, I asked ‘if any of you boys want a scooped up my loot and went to fried egg sandwich!’. We did, and locate mother. continued to talk sponge until the wee hours (I’ve since been pro- Jumping like Sam Beckett (he of sponge, thanks to Paul’s persuasion). Quantum Leap fame) and I’m now in the body of me at fourteen. I’m The generosity and kindness both at the Bristol Day of Magic and Paul and Debbie always showed was Mark Leveridge (he of MagicSeen a testament to their genuine affection fame) is showing me a trick. It was for magicians worldwide. Paul and I good. Tugging the sleeve of my stayed in touch periodically via email dad standing next to me, I asked and phone. His creativity knew no to borrow the money to buy the bounds and often explored outside trick. Only, it wasn’t my dad. It was of magic. Paul would tell me of his Paul Daniels. ‘Sorry, I thought you ideas from art installations through to more often than not a long drive after depth interview with Paul. He finished were my dad!’ I stuttered. Here I inventions for safer driving! the show. But Paul stayed and in his the show with his signature Cup and am, once again, tugging the sleeve laid back manner talked magic and Ball and a few other pieces all given of a stranger, only this time it’s a far One year I was mentoring an shared time to part with his incredible the ‘Daniels Touch’ that made his greater feeling than a horse win. It’s executive to present an in-house knowledge. He once told me he read tricks real magic. Paul Daniels; the magician I’ve been talent show. He had picked ‘magic’ a magic book a day, and based on watching every Saturday night since out of the hat. I arranged for him to his recall of methods and magic I’m I’m so grateful for the quality time as young as I can remember. Paul attend Paul’s live show in a nearby certain he wasn’t joking. spent in Paul’s company. A one- Daniels; who’s magic set I saved theatre at the time. Afterwards man-brand who inspired a million my pocket money for. Paul Daniels; Paul spent time talking to my client Paul made you feel special. He made magicians. I was always aware of the magician who I faked illness for and asking about the act we had you feel like doing magic. He was being in the presence of someone to stay home from school to watch prepared for him. After a while we infectious. who had shaped the entire journey my videotaped magic shows. And were the only folks left in the theatre. of my life. Seeing Paul Daniels on TV my first ever remark to him was ‘I My client left and Paul and I walked To share one final memory; our paths I began on the road to becoming a thought you were my dad!’ Paul took out of the theatre, now well past crossed for a final time last summer magician and exploring the wonderful time out to laugh and joke, sign my midnight. I asked if he was staying thanks to our friend Kev Orkian. We world of magic. programme and talk magic. This was locally and he laughed and told me were broadcasting a series of shows our first encounter of many. he was now driving from London to featuring entertainment legends, and Thank you Paul. I hope you also Yorkshire to meet Debbie as they Paul was our first. Prior to the live enjoyed the few times we spent Quantum Leap again to 2005. had an engagement there the next Q&A at the London Hippodrome, together. Not a lot. But I hope you ‘Layman Steve’ (he of Radio Magic day. Having been a pro performer Paul, Kev and I had lunch and as liked it. fame) and I are on the way to Paul I know how keen I was to get the always, was great fun. The event and Debbie’s to do an interview. That show done and get away as there’s was recorded and may be the last in- JF. March 2016.

SUBSCRIBE AT: WWW.MAGICSEEN.CO.UK MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE MAY 2016 21 NEW RELEASE

152 pages, softback, produced in colour MEL MELLERS throughout and featuring THE TRAVELLING “ A comedy magic genius, an outstanding talent and one of a kind” MEL MELLERS routines, comedy lines Jonathan Blackburn and advice from the UK’s

MAGICseen MAGAZINE Published by www.magicseen.co.uk Mel Mellers is one of magic’s real larger- ISBN 978-0-9566539-5-6 than-life characters, and this book will also explain some of his background, give you various anecdotes from his closest friends in magic about the antics that Mel has got up to over the years, and will provide you with a thoroughly entertaining and AVAILABLE TO BUY instructive read. NOW FROM:

WWW.MAGICSEEN.CO.UK MAGICseen MAGAZINE NEW RELEASE IN THE NEWS 152 pages, softback, produced in colour MEL MELLERS throughout and featuring THE TRAVELLING “ A comedy magic genius, an outstanding talent and one of a kind” MEL MELLERS routines, comedy lines Jonathan Blackburn and advice from the UK’s

TRICKSTER “He’s deliciously devilish and endears THE TRAVELLING top comedy performer. “ A comedy magic genius, an outstanding his audiences with acerbic wit and MEL MELLERS THE TRAVELLING TRCKSTER talent and one of a kind” gentle put downs. You’ll be addicted. With his hilariously sharp yet Jonathan Blackburn Being Mellerised should be a new verb!” Stephen Worbey and Kevin Farrell playful put down lines and quirky “He’s deliciously devilish and endears comedy plots, Mel Mellers has his audiences with acerbic wit and gentle put downs. You’ll be addicted. Being rightly established himself as one Mellerised should be a new verb!” “Some people perform magic and some TRICKSTER of the nation’s favourite stand up Stephen Worbey and Kevin Farrell people are magic. Very few people have performers. Equally at home in both of these qualities, Mel Mellers is “Some people perform magic and some one of those few!” front of lay people or a theatre people are magic. Very few people have Paul’s Nephew on both of these qualities, Mel Mellers is one Wayne Dobson full of magicians, Mel’s individual of those few!” performance style, which has been Wayne Dobson “If laughter is the best medicine. honed over many years as a pro and BritAIn’s Got Talent! Mel Mellers should be available “If laughter is the best medicine. Mel on the NHS!” through countless performances Mellers should be available on the NHS!” Debbie McGee said she hopes that stage, he’s very brave, and he didn’t William Allenby William Allenby all over the world, is a delight to experience. the “legacy” of her late husband Paul have any help from myself or Paul “Funnier than someone being incredibly “Funnier than someone being incredibly Daniels will be continued in their because Paul was too ill and I was funny, being even funnier, on the funniest funny, being even funnier, on the nephew, who has auditioned as a nursing him. We’d just have phone day of the year!” Now you can go behind the scenes with Anonymous. funniest day of the year!” magician for this year’s Britain’s Got calls – he’d say, ‘Don’t worry, Aunty Anonymous. this truly inspiring performer and learn Talent series. Deb, I’ve come up with this idea, it’s “Mel Mellers is a mirth-making, how you too can become a top flight going to be great.’ mad, magical-master manipulator of “Mel Mellers is a mirth-making, mad, James Phelan, 23, will follow in merriment!!!!” entertainer. Mel gives freely of his advice Derek Lever magical-master manipulator on all aspects of performance, including the footsteps of Paul, who died in Paul would be so proud. It would be of merriment!!!!” audience management, misdirection, March from a brain tumour, as he fantastic if he won.” Derek Lever THE MICK HANZLIK AWARD shows off his sleight of hand in the how to put an act together, creativity, talent competition – and he’ll have a Debbie, who was the popular “He’s deliciously devlish and endears the 6 rules of comedy, practising, A Guinness World Record holding personal cheerleader in the form of magician’s assistant and then wife his audiences with acerbic wit and hecklers and entertaining children and escapologist picked up the first ever Debbie. of 28 years, revealed Paul had been gentle put downs. You’ll be addicted. families. He shares with you scores of “Mick Hanzlik Award” for the best impressed with James since a young Being “Mellered” should be a new verb.” Thoughts, tricks, escape of the day at the UKEA (United She explained: “As his Uncle Paul age when he showed off a cheeky Worbey and Farrell hilarious one liners covering all manner Kingdom Escape Artists) annual got ill, James applied for Britain’s entrepreneurial side. scripts and of performing situations that you will be meeting. Got Talent. He’d never been on the routines from able to use in your shows too. Plus he the world’s most gives full details of over 50 of his feature Stuart Burrell, Southend on Sea, was travelled comedy routines and ideas, most of which are presented with “The Mick Hanzlik magician. simple to do and which come with Mel’s Award” 2016 at Northampton on Saturday 13th March, The award was Tom presentations and patter lines. presented by Louise and Stephanie, daughters of the late Mick Hanzlik, MAGICseen MAGAZINE Master Locksmith and member of the U.K.E.A. Mullica Published by www.magicseen.co.uk Mel Mellers is one of magic’s real larger- ISBN 978-0-9566539-5-6 When asked about the award the holder of 12 Guinness world records said The brilliant and unique Tom Mullica than-life characters, and this book will also “The UKEA has some of the most talented performers in the field of passed away on February 18, 2016 explain some of his background, give you Escapology amongst its members. To be voted the best, when there was so after being disconnected from a life various anecdotes from his closest friends much talent present, is humbling. support machine. He had gone in in magic about the antics that Mel has for a hernia operation, blood clots got up to over the years, and will provide I cannot praise the UKEA enough for giving us the opportunity but also formed and brought with them you with a thoroughly entertaining and for creating this award in Mr Hanzlik’s name.” several strokes and a shut down of AVAILABLE TO BUY instructive read. his kidneys. The decision was made Throughout the day all members had the opportunity to perform an escape to disconnect the artificial life support of their choice and all members placed a vote on who they thought and Tom passed away shortly after NOW FROM: deserved the award. If anyone is interested in joining the U.K.E.A then 7:00 p.m. Las Vegas time. Tom was please email [email protected] and maybe you can try for the a true great of magic and will be 2017 Award. sadly missed by magic fans around the world. WWW.MAGICSEEN.CO.UK MAGICseen MAGAZINE SUBSCRIBE AT: WWW.MAGICSEEN.CO.UK MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE MAY 2016 23 IN THE PHONEBOX WITH... DAZ CRAWFORD

This is the bit where we send the editor Mark Leveridge into a phonebox with a cheese and ham baguette and 40p – and he has to ring someone interesting and do a quick interview before his money runs out.

This issue we have a quick convo with the brilliant Daz Crawford, who plays Kebo in the popular MARVEL’S Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D TV series. Check it out! He’s also been in a James Bond film amongst a whole load of other TV shows and movies. We are pleased to report that the boy from Liverpool has done good!

MS: Daz. You’ve done well for I had to learn to be open, accessible live shows recently. MS: Tell us 3 things about you that yourself. Scowling and flexing your and vulnerable. I had a fear of people will not know… muscles on Gladiator to being in being ridiculed when showing these MS: What’s the biggest lesson I’m not a fan of body hair. I have a really cool movies and TV series. emotions which made it hard for me. you’ve learned so far as an actor? ‘kings foot’, it’s exactly 12 inches What’s your secret? DC: To live in the moment and to long. My belly button is pierced. DC: Hahahahaha.... ambition, MS: Do you think you could beat listen, really ‘listen’. dedication, focus, determination and Dynamo in a fight? MS: What do you think of magic in hard work. DC: (Laughs)... what do you think? MS: What’s under your bed? general? Hahahahaha you guys are too funny. DC: A couple pairs of shoes. DC: Amazing and very clever, I’m MS: Were you a fan of Marvel always looking for the answer ‘how before you got the part in Agents of MS: Which is your fav Marvel MS: How did you get your original did they do that?’ S.H.I.E.L.D? And be honest!!! superhero? Ours is ANTMAN!! part in ‘Agents’? DC: I’d grown up reading Marvel DC: Hahahah when I was a kid DC: My agent called me with the MS: You’ve worked with Pierce comics and really enjoyed them.... Spiderman was a favourite, I audition details. Marvel are very Brosnan - what was he like on a honestly. Becoming an actual guess he’s still there along with the secretive with scripts so I didn’t scale of 1 to 10? (1 is rubbish, 10 is character in a Marvel movie and TV Fantastic 4. receive the lines/sides till 15 minutes amazing human being) show wasn’t an ambition but more before the audition. We’re all in DC: Hahaha oh come on, he was par for the course of acting jobs. MS: Were you a big lad at school? the same boat, nobody has any James Bond. He did make me smile Now I have been inserted into the DC: I was always tall but very skinny. advantage. A few days after the when on the set of ‘The World Is Not Marvel world I am extremely grateful At 13 I was well over 6 foot. I didn’t audition I received a call to say I’d Enough’. H is assistant asked me for and appreciative of this. It’s a great start filling out till I was around 19 booked the job. a signed autograph for Pierce to give place to be in. or 20. to his son, as I was the Gladiator MS: Your fav sci-fi movie or series of (Diesel) at that time which his son MS: What’s been the hardest thing MS: Have you ever seen any all time? was a fan of. Not many people can about being an actor so far? magicians live? DC: That’s a hard one. I’ll go old say James Bond asked them for DC: Growing up I was quite DC: I remember when I was young school and pick the whole Star their autograph. Hahaha. introverted which I’ve found as an there was a lad who always brought Trek ensemble. Some of the newer actor doesn’t work. When I attended tricks to school. Watching him movies like ‘Ex Machina’ and ‘Dawn Thanks to Catherine Lyn Scott/ drama school I quickly realised I do the ‘magic’ always brought a Of The Planet Of The Apes” (2014)’ London Flair PR needed to learn to be the opposite, smile to my face. I haven’t seen any and ‘The Martian’ are also up there.

24 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE MAY 2016

HOW TO BOOK MORE SHOWS AT A HIGHER AVERAGE FEE... By Using Proven ‘Direct Response’ Marketing Strategies By Clive Hyams

n simple terms there are two like. How do I know? Because message is going to get lost in the In short DR says to the market place ways to market your magic all websites and adverts I look crowd. It will be all but invisible to “if you are interested in this (for us it Ibusiness, or any business for at follow this basic pattern. your potential customers. It is a very is a magic show) then I have some that matter. The vast majority What’s wrong with that I hear you expensive, scatter gun approach, very important information that you of businesses use what I will thinking? where the vast majority of people must know about before you ever call institutional marketing (IM). who see your advert are not consider contacting a magician. IM in short says to the market Well the problem is, IM is fine if interested in buying. Best of all I am going to give that place, “here we are over here, you have an unlimited marketing information to you for free.” Now the we sell xyz products, services budget, I guess you don’t. If you The other way of marketing your people who respond to that kind of or treatments, if you would like are Ford Motors, Apple Computers, business is called Direct Response marketing approach and ask for your to buy one here’s our contact McDonalds or Microsoft etc then (DR). If you are in business, any free gift, are your target market. They details”. Adverts, including IM is fine, it builds the name in the business, then I urge you to learn all wouldn’t respond if they were not websites, start with the business customers’ mind and it will work. you can about DR marketing. It will interested. owners or company name at the do you more good than your best top, what they do in the middle However, we consumers are 100 magic tricks put together. Luckily Now you do need to make sure that and their contact details at the bombarded with thousands of for you, editor Mark Leveridge has whatever you give them is of the bottom or on a contact page. marketing messages every day twisted my arm to give you a very very highest quality in content and I am 99.5% sure this is what and if you don’t have an unlimited brief insight into DR marketing here look. You must give them everything your website or adverts looks budget to spend then your marketing and now. you know about whatever it is that

26 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE MAY 2016 you are selling. They are going to Unless you are Dynamo or Derren visitors will spend time on your surface as there is so much more I judge you on this and if it is rubbish Brown remove your name from the website if you are helping them solve could tell you but space here is at a then you know what they will think top of your website and replace it their problem. The more you tell the premium. of you. If it is top notch then they with a benefit laden headline. I know more you sell. will think “this guy knows what he that sounds controversial, but I If you are interested to learn more, is talking about” and they will want promise you no one is interested in Know the path you want your and you should be if you want to to deal with you. WARNING: Make who you are, they are only interested 5 website visitor to take though your sell more shows at a higher average absolutely sure this is not in any in what you can do for them. Think site. Then advise them how to take fee, then I would like to make you a way a sales pitch. If it is you let the about what attracted you to this that path. Treat them as if they were special offer on my book called “How cat out of the bag and you will lose article. Was it my name? No. It was a your very best friend and advise them To Increase Your Income from Under them very quickly. You are not at headline that told you about how you as such. Metaphorically take them by £40,000 to Over £80,000 a Year as a this stage selling your show. You are can benefit from reading this piece. the hand and lead them. Working Magician”. telling them exactly what they should Your websites and/or adverts needs be looking for in a magician. How to to do the same. Understand you are building a Ian Rowland MIMC said in The Magic book a good one, what questions 6 relationship with your visitor. This Circular... “Many years ago I was the they need to ask and why, what Remember when a visitor arrives relationship is similar to that of a new Sales & Marketing Director for a big qualifications the magician should on your site, you have only 5 to 8 girl friend or boy friend. You start by company. I’m not proud of this, but have, what insurances etc etc. Tell seconds to attract their attention. If treading carefully, giving small gifts what can I tell you? I was young, them everything they need to know. you fail to do so many will leave. If and being very polite. In time, as desperate and I needed the money. You are the expert in the field and you succeed they will stay for as long trust builds, you move further into The fact that I held this position you are advising them. as you are benefitting them. that relationship. Help them, give doesn’t make me a marketing expert, but it does mean I can usually tell You can now spend your marketing good marketing advice from bad. budget on the people who have You can now spend your marketing shown themselves to be interested budget on the people who have shown Circle member Clive Hyams has by asking for your free gift. Do you themselves to be interested by asking written a book on marketing that think you will take more bookings I think is very good indeed. It from this group? Of course you will. for your free gift. Do you think you is primarily aimed at children’s will take more bookings from this entertainers who would like to The way to get the buyer to pay group? Of course you will. significantly increase their earnings. more is to make yourself into the However, I think just about anyone only logical choice in their minds. If with a product or service to sell, who they want to book a magician and Sell only ONE service on your them small gifts (information is best) would like to make more money, all magicians seems much the same 2 website. If you are happy to help them solve their problem. Then would benefit from studying the they will book the cheapest one, this perform at children’s parties, have a clear call to action, this should information in this clear, easy-to- read drives the price down and down. If, corporate events and weddings, tell them exactly how to further the book. It will cost you £75, but it will however, they want YOU, they are make sure each of these services relationship with you. A call to action pay for itself many times over if you relieved you are available on the day has a completely separate website. I might be to pick up the phone and put the information to good use. and would be much more willing to don’t mean a separate page on your call or fill in the web form etc. pay a higher price. That’s why Rolex site, I mean a standalone website for Among other gems in the book, Clive watches, Rolls Royce cars and Mont each service you offer. The customer Use video on your site. You are has a wonderful chapter on dealing Blanc pens sell at a high price. By is only buying one thing and if you 7 missing out on many sales if the with calls where someone asks you doing the above, providing them with have a website that talks about only video is missing. to perform for free because it’s a good quality information and help, one service then you come across charity event. In essence, he gives you become the one that they want as an expert in that field. If you sell If you are not good at writing you an excellent way to (a) get the to deal with and the price goes up. lots of services on your site then you 8then employ someone to do it for gig, (b) get paid your normal fee, (c) come across as a generalist. Most you. It might cost a bit but will pay leave the organiser even happier than Next you may need to change the clients want to deal with experts. handsome dividends. Make sure you they would be if you had worked for way you think about certain areas of write in the present tense. Read what nothing. This is well worth knowing marketing. Have the URL (website address) you have written and take out all the about.” 3 reflect the service you offer. Mine ‘will’ words and the job will be done. Here are the 9 most popular are StunningWeddingMagic.co.uk If you send me an Email to clive@ mistakes and how to correct them: and StressFreeChildrensParties. Use social proof. In other words tssl.co.uk with the subject line saying Understand people only surf the co.uk and GrownUpMagic.co.uk. Do 9 show what you were able to do “Marketing Book” I will send you 1 web for two reasons. a. To find an you see how these names reflect the for other similar customers and what the cover and contents pages by answer to a question or b. to find a service I offer, not my name? This the results were. Testimonials on the return Email. When you invest in my solution to a problem. If you think will help Google and other search same page as your story, videos, book before 31st May 2016 I will about your own use of the web you engines promote your site. surveys and snippets of what others pay the postage for you and I have a will find this to be true. If you are have said about you. These all help special bonus package including my not promising your visitor that your On your website tell the whole to show the visitor you are the real Advertising for Magicians DVD and a site will help them answer those 4 story of what you have to offer. deal and really can deliver. copy of all my winning sales letters. questions or solve their problems Be the expert in the field. Make You will see the exact words I used BEFORE they are required to scroll your writing interesting, informative, This is only the very briefest of to generate thousands of shows at down, then you are missing out on educational and advisory but not too insights into Direct Response an interestingly high average fee. many sales. salesy. Contrary to popular belief, Marketing, it barely scratches the

SUBSCRIBE AT: WWW.MAGICSEEN.CO.UK MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE MAY 2016 27 VOX MAGIQUE Two to Tango! It’s still early days for speciality act, Vox Magique, who present a 45 minute show featuring magic & illusion, singing, comedy and audience participation. However, what makes Vox Magique unique, is that all the tricks being performed relate directly to what is being sung, with each track being written or adapted from scratch by an expert music producer. This unusual presentation makes their act different from the rest, and is gaining great reaction from audiences around the country... magicseen’s Graham Hey chats with Tim Osler and Faye Smith to find out more.

28 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE MAY 2016 MS: Tell us about how you met, and how you formulated your act…

Tim: We met in 2013, on a ship. I was a children’s entertainer on-board and Faye was an entertainment host. She would introduce and tech my show every day. When both of our contracts had finished, we decided to stay in touch. I was based in London and she lived in Devon, so we were quite a distance apart.

Faye: I didn’t like him much at first, but then I grew to love his…er… ways!

Tim: The following year, Faye joined a show team on a holiday park for 8 months. During this time, I started writing a show with help and direction from Jay Fortune. We decided which illusions were going to feature and auditioned for box jumpers.

However, all these plans changed when, one evening, Jay suggested that Faye could be the other half of the act. Instead of “being my assistant” she could sing whilst I performed the magic. I asked Faye FAYE: My influences aren’t Magic based, although I do love Mel if she would like to get involved and she agreed! The general manager of Mellers’ charisma on stage. I ALWAYS get my photo with him her holiday park very kindly let us use at Blackpool! My idol has to be Barbara Streisand. My personal the venue and stage for rehearsals and we got started. influences are my dance teacher, from when it all began, who is still teaching now at 86. MS: What were you both doing before you met?

Tim: Faye started singing and dancing from the age of 4. She has worked with a ten-piece funk soul Magic” which then evolved into “Vox Tim: Our first gig actually went OK! of building this show was to band and a six-piece function band. Magique” as we thought it sounded We have had worse since then. It avoid it becoming two separate As well as session singing, she a bit more “showbiz!” was a hotel in Cornwall and we had performances happening on the performs regularly as a solo cabaret to get changed in the kitchen. There stage at once. We try and interact act. MS: What sort of venues do were probably around 30 guests and with each other as much as we can. you play in? a small line of kids on the floor. They One element that helped to achieve I have been performing magic were a friendly crowd and I think I this was having all the backing tracks professionally since the age of 16, Tim: We’ve played in all sorts of opened the show with the lines, “This recorded from scratch. Dee Kruger from corporate events to private places. Lounge rooms with no stage is the first time we have ever done was the talented musician who parties. A lot of my work is London in hotels, wildlife parks, theatres this, so I hope you like it!” Which helped us with this. We spent many based but I also perform in many and the usual holiday parks. The was probably my way of apologising hours in his recording studio. We holiday parks in Devon and Cornwall. variety of venues has meant that beforehand, for what they may added sound effects to accompany we have had to learn to adapt the have had to endure…? Despite my moments of magic happening MS: Where did you get the show accordingly. This could be pessimistic view, we both enjoyed it in the show. Dee also wrote an name Vox Magique? anything from, doing our own sound and they seemed to as well. instrumental for “I dreamed a dream“ and lights, to, leaving out an illusion which allowed us to perform a Tim: We came up with a few ideas altogether. MS: What’s the most difficult levitation mid-song. for the name of our act. “Magic in aspect of your show? Harmony” and “Voxillusion” to name MS: How did your first ever gig Also, Faye isn’t a magician! So she a couple. My dad suggested “Vox as a duo go? Tim: I think the hardest part has had to learn to handle props

SUBSCRIBE AT: WWW.MAGICSEEN.CO.UK MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE MAY 2016 29 MS: How would you describe MS: Biggest influences on each other’s personalities? your career? And how important is chemistry between you two? Tim: There are lots of magicians who I draw inspiration from. I love Tim: We have been together for a Penn & Tellers showmanship and few years and have lots in common - artistry. David Copperfield is the our relationship is great. When Faye’s master of the theatrical, Mac King’s not singing, she’s actually a qualified comedy timing and Arturo Brachetti’s teacher. She’s very organised and creativity and originality. likes to write lists. I have always been fairly laid back in everything I do, so I believe that the thinking and we seem to balance each other out philosophy of performance is just well. as important. Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger and Larry Hass have all Faye: So basically, I tell him what written books on the subject. I’ve to do, and he humours me. No found these extremely helpful seriously, he’s my best friend and formulating new pieces or adapting it’s great that we are both within old ones. the entertainment industry, when it comes to other projects, ideas and Faye: My influences aren’t magic decisions. based, although I do love Mel Mellers’ charisma on stage. I Tim: I believe chemistry with ALWAYS get my photo with him at someone is essential when working Blackpool! My idol has to be Barbara with them. I tend to only go in to Streisand. My personal influences are business with friends. my dance teacher, from when it all began, who is still teaching now at Faye: I’m glad I’m your friend then. 86. Tank Sherman, a West Country comedian, helped me restart my MS: What are your ambitions career again in 2011 and without this whilst singing. This was a first for deal of time with that person both for the act? I wouldn’t have met Tim and started her. Now she belts out songs whilst on and off stage, so need to have a this incredible journey. plunging swords through my head! fun and healthy relationship and be Tim: Eventually we would like to see prepared for a lot of hard work. “Vox” on cruise liners. We have some MS: Besides your cabaret MS: What sort of thing do you nice ideas for a second forty-five show, you also do some kids’ do in your act? Tim: Try and be original with your minute show, featuring quick change stuff – is this something you presentation and think of new ways and some bigger illusions. really enjoy? Tim: The show features five set of performing. You’ll need ‘flight’ time pieces of magic and song combined. when you first get started, so be However, in the meantime, a long Tim: I’ve always enjoyed performing I could be producing coins whilst prepared to have a flexible show that contract abroad so we can try out magic for children. I’ve been doing it Faye is singing “Price Tag” or will work in most conditions. new material would be our next step. for 20 years now and would happily trying to escape from handcuffs to do it for 20 more! The joy you can “Release Me” We have performed on open air MS: Your best gig so far? bring from making a balloon model stages in the past, we had to deal or letting them perform a trick is all We’ve written the show to portray with wind, rain and the cold! Tim: We liked Pontins, they had the motivation I need to carry on. us both as an arguing couple both a big stage and nice lighting, this struggling for the lime-light. This MS: How has your act evolved always gives the show a more MS: What are you up to at the means that there are moments in from when you first got elegant finish. There were quite a moment? the show where I may do something together? few children in and Faye took the wrong and Faye will let everyone opportunity to interact with them. Faye: This year I’ve been offered know how rubbish I am. She often Tim: The biggest change in our act I perform a butterfly blizzard near a six month contract abroad, so storms off the stage due to my has been the way we interact during the end of the act, all the kids had I will be singing and dancing in a childishness. the set pieces. We now argue with collected them and wanted to show production show in Spain. each other during the magic. Faye us. MS: What advice do you have will purposely drop silks on the floor Tim: I have been developing a magic for people thinking of doing a and stamp on my feet when I get on Faye: There’s a part I do in the show, workshop with another magician that double-act? her nerves. just before the Levitation where I I hope to be running throughout the ask the kids their dreams. I show a summer as well as children’s shows Tim: I think it’s important to have a We also have different songs book that I use to write down all my and close-up gigs. Whilst she’s away good relationship with your partner. depending on the demographic of dreams and wishes. One girl came I’ll be working on new ideas for You should be able to be honest with the audience. We will replace pop up to me after seeing us a 2nd time “Vox Magique”, to try out over the each other and offer constructive songs for golden oldies if there are and said I have a dream book too Christmas period. criticism. no children at the venue. and want to be like you. This was a Faye: You will be spending a great touching moment. voxmagique.co.uk

30 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE MAY 2016 Large Collection of Magic Books For Sale! I am selling my magic book collection, which consists of 367 different book titles (hardback, softback and spiral bound), 112 VHS videos, and various magic magazines from the 1980s and 1990s. Most of the books are in good condition and they are packed in 17 boxes.

I accumulated these books over a 15 year period, and they feature many classic titles by well known authors. They also feature other excellent titles that are not so widely available. Mainly, the books relate to close-up magic, mentalism, card magic, coin magic, manipulative magic and cabaret. There is a wealth of quality information here, which will appeal to all magic enthusiasts.

I have had the collection valued at approximately £6000, although this is just a guide price and I am open to offers. Potential buyers are welcome to inspect the collection in person (I am based in North Yorkshire, UK).

If this interests you, please email [email protected] and I will send you the full list of titles.

Bristol Society of Magic is proud to present the

ANNUAL 56th DAY OF

Sunday 8th May 2016

          Make a note for your diary  www.bristolmagic.co.uk        CLOWNS - MORE THAN JUST A CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINER IN A

COSTUME By Mark Leveridge he father of modern clowns The origins of the clown go back into is generally considered to be TJoseph Grimaldi who worked the mists of time but are believed to in the 1800s. There are several have been based on rustic fool type different, distinctive clown types, including the Auguste, characters portrayed in Greek and Pierrot, Jester, Whiteface and Roman theatre. Shakespeare called more, and each has a singular clown appears to find even the most his fool characters in Othello and A way of behaving and a unique simple of everyday tasks difficult! dress and make up appearance. Larger than life slapstick humour, Winter’s Tale ‘clowns’, but it was the Circus clowns first appeared outlandish props and costumes, all development from the 17th century when they were used as comedy make clowning suitable for all ages entertainment in between and are especially appropriate for onwards of the Harlequinade, a slapstick sessions of equestrian events put larger events. version of the Commedia del’arte, which on by Philip Astley’s riding school in the 18th century, and even In more recent times, clowns saw whole sections of the pantomime today most circus performances have started to appear at smaller being given over to the harlequin and still feature clowns prominently. functions, such as children’s parties clown, and it was this which established and even some corporate events Clowns often work as mimes, and for adults. So I wondered just what the clown as a consistent character. they create situations in which the the professional modern day clown

32 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE MAY 2016 was all about and to find out I the clown red nose, then remove Here are Sheena’s top three tips for approached Sheena Duigenan aka the track suit, revealing the bright Clancy Clown, to see if she could and colourful clown costume, thus any wannabe clown: give me a few pointers about what it completing the transformation. takes to be a modern day clown. Always be in character when before the general public: whilst “This worked extremely well for in costume there should be no eating, drinking, use of mobile 1phone etc. Sheena has always worked as a smaller house parties in my earlier clown character and in fact has career. However, for corporate/family never worked any other way! As a events, which is now the mainstay of Ensure costume, accessories and props are in superb result she has been able to carve my work, I would not appear before condition throughout (when performing a day’s walkaround out a niche market for herself that the audience until I was in full make- 2 in a shopping mall or supermarket I take 6 pairs of white includes working for high profile up and costume. As an addition, I gloves, pristine and ironed). This ensures a totally immaculate and clients and their companies as well would say at the start of a show it is professional image throughout the day. Costuming must always as featuring in children’s events. critical not to be too brash or loud be immaculate: any sign of any item being faded or worn MUST Being a genuine clown requires when first approaching children, as be replaced. Audiences notice this, despite what anyone may attention to detail and is not quickly then they will find their own level of believe. achieved, as Sheena explains. comfort with any (unusual) character they come into contact with for the Do not use, under any circumstances, a multi-coloured joke “It is not an easy option to adopt a first time.” shop wig. These are for the general public as fancy dress clown character. It requires a level 3 items and have no place in the realm of a professional clown. of dedication and professionalism So, if you fancy taking on the role of Do not use too much make up: LESS IS MORE! which relatively few entertainers a clown, you may wonder where you understand as there must be a level can get more information and also of joy, laughter and fun in what has buy the all important professional to be achieved.” supplies. Here are Sheena’s recommendations. So, does being a clown naturally define the type of material that she uses when she performs? BOOKS “Of course the character of a clown Kids’ Stuff - Frances Marshall leads to specific types of material: if - available from http://www. any performer feels that it’s simply a abbottmagic.com/Kid-Stuff-Volumes- case of “dressing as a clown” (that ABBkidstffbk.htm is, not addressing the character with full professional characterisation) then they are clearly a children’s Clowning supplies entertainer in a costume. This is For ready made costumes go to not what I represent. I am a clown Priscilla Mooseburger - https:// performing magic, visual and www.mooseburgeronline.com physical gags and three ball juggling, For hand made clown boots see all of which has been developed Clown-So-Port - try http://www. during my performing career.” ebay.com For clown noses got to ProKnows - This certainly draws a line between http://www.proknows.com those who use a clown costume For make up use Leichner stick as a performance ‘uniform’ and Clown White or Mehron liquid those like Sheena who believe that (various suppliers) being a clown is far more than the superficial use of a clown make up Sheena also recommends that and clothing. you try to watch other top clowns (especially David Larible, Fumagalli, One of the most common things that Bello Nock...) performing either people say about clowns is that they live in circus or obviously you can can be scary for young children. So find plenty of footage to watch on what advice would Sheena give to YouTube. those who have encountered this type of problem? MORE... “When I first started entertaining at For more information and children’s parties I was advised by help you could also contact an ex- Bertram Mills clown to arrive Clowns International (www. in a grey track suit; put the make up clownsinternational.com) or the on in front of the children as part of World Clown Association (http:// the show and then put on the hat, worldclown.com).

SUBSCRIBE AT: WWW.MAGICSEEN.CO.UK MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE MAY 2016 33

RAFAEL Rules the World!

This is the feature where we select a top performer and make them the supreme ruler of the world. Will they rule with compassion and wisdom? Or will they rule like a tyrant? This issue we put Belgium’s master illusionist and all-round lovely person Rafael into the hot seat. Don’t ruin the World, Rafael!!!!!

man is a woman I would wish for Which magic book would Romany, Alana or Malin as they replace the bible, if any? are not only beautiful, they are all Tarbell course because it is THE talented, kind, smart and with a bible of magic. great sense of humour… Which magician would be What would be your first your court jester? meal as the grand ruler? David Williamson or Otto Wessely Sushi, “Nyotaimori” style Any personal hurdles you’ve As supreme ruler of the had to overcome to get world, who would you put where you are today? forward as magic royalty? Watching long gala shows or really Paul Daniels, Doug Henning and bad performances - or both! David Copperfield because they have done so much for magic How would you abuse your The first law you’d bring in Would the power go to your new power? straight away if you ruled the head? Where would you live, as To improve and advance our art, world? See answer 2: Egos are forbidden! ruler? as magic is somewhat behind No more greed or war, only love So NO!! In the Sleeping Beauty Castle at compared to other art forms. and happiness… Disneyland Park because it’s the Who would be your most magical place on earth! When was the last time you Would you introduce any henchmen or women - the cried? (positive or negative) rules or regulations into the people you could trust to put And where would your first Last time I cried was two minutes world of magic? your plans into force? holiday destination be? ago when my girlfriend broke up More creativity, no copy-cats and I would select an army of creative A trip around the world (which with me and took my pet rabbit with big egos are forbidden (lots of people like Gaetan Bloom, Kevin I’ve always wanted to do but my her because I spend too much time magicians will be in trouble ;-) ) James, Jim Steinmeyer, Tom Stone. girlfriend wants to go somewhere answering questions for a magic And since behind every successful else). magazine. I will miss that rabbit ;-)

SUBSCRIBE AT: WWW.MAGICSEEN.CO.UK MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE MAY 2016 35 INTERNATIONAL MASTERCLASS DOUBLE PERSONALITY Boris Wild A red-backed deck is introduced, shuffled and cut. Turning away, the magician asks the spectator to cut the deck and look at the card that she has cut to. She is then to show this card to the group and to slide it face up into the face-down deck. The cards are squared up and retained by the spectator. A second deck is introduced... but this deck has been on the table all along. The magician takes the deck in hand and asks the spectator to do the very same movements that he does. He fans the deck to uncover a face-up card... and so does the spectator. It is a match!

WHAT YOU NEED 1 A red marked deck. I highly 23 - Ten of Hearts recommend the Boris Wild 24 - Seven of Clubs Marked Deck of course! ;-) 25 - Four of Diamonds A blue Invisible Deck also 26 - Ace of Spades known as the Ultra-Mental 27 - Jack of Hearts Deck. This special deck 28 - Eight of Clubs allows you to show all the 29 - Five of Diamonds cards face up except for one 30 - Two of Spades card, which is face down. 31 - Queen of Hearts 32 - Nine of Clubs PREPARATION 33 - Six of Diamonds 2 The Invisible Deck is in its 34 - Three of Spades case. 35 - King of Hearts The marked deck is stacked 36 - Ten of Clubs as in the chart below (from 37 - Seven of Diamonds 1. top to bottom of the face- 38 - Four of Spades down deck). 39 - Ace of Hearts 1 - Jack of Diamonds 40 - Jack of Clubs 2 - Eight of Spades 41 - Eight of Diamonds 3 - Five of Hearts 42 - Five of Spades 4 - Two of Clubs 43 - Two of Hearts 5 - Queen of Diamonds 44 - Queen of Clubs 6 - Nine of Spades 45 - Nine of Diamonds 7 - Six of Hearts 46 - Six of Spades 8 - Three of Clubs 47 - Three of Hearts 9 - King of Diamonds 48 - King of Clubs 10 - Ten of Spades 49 - Ten of Diamonds 11 - Seven of Hearts 50 - Seven of Spades 12 - Four of Clubs 51 - Four of Hearts 13 - Ace of Diamonds 52 - Ace of Clubs 14 - Jack of Spades 15 - Eight of Hearts 3 Aficionados will have realised 16 - Five of Clubs that this is a reverse Si 17 - Two of Diamonds Stebbins stack. Thanks to 18 - Queen of Spades this arrangement and the 19 - Nine of Hearts markings, you will be able to 20 - Six of Clubs know a card that has been 21 - Three of Diamonds cut to without ever seeing 22 - King of Spades its back, face, or the face of 2.

36 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE MAY 2016 any other card! All that you for you to succeed. Keep Square up the deck as 8 Continue doing so, making need to remember is to: the explanation short and you mention that you do sure that they imitate your • Add three to the value; simple. Cut the deck in not want to see any of the gestures, deportment, • The Clubs - Hearts - two, and complete the cut. cards. Take this opportunity and behaviour. Locate the Spades - Diamonds order Take off the top card and to take a good look at the card associated to the (conveniently remembered insert it partially, face up, top card’s markings: photo selection via the Invisible through the handy CHaSeD into the deck: photo 1. Tell 2. Figure out the name of Deck principle you are mnemonic). The result will the spectator that she will the card through application using. As soon as you do, be a complete deck with the need to push the card flush of the rules (+3, next suit in separate the cards and Ace of Clubs facing you. and to square up the deck. the CHaSeD sequence), and expose the card’s back. Once you are certain that commit the card to memory. Keep on spreading further PERFORMANCE she clearly understands to emphasise the fact that 4 Show the two tabled decks. what is expected of her, 7 Extract the Invisible Deck there is only one face-up Put the blue deck aside as pull out the outjogged card from its case (appropriate card in each deck. Turn the you explain that it contains and put it face down on top side up) and hold it in cards face up, in unison, for a prediction. Extract the red of the deck. Cut the deck, dealing position in the left the conclusion: the cards are deck from its case and give complete the cut and turn hand. Ask the spectator to definitely the same! it a casual display, either in away. take the same position you the hands or on the table. are taking with her deck This is one of my favourite Indulge in a false shuffle and 5 Go through the process with held face up in her hands. 9 classic effects with a in a few complete cuts. your back turned: ask her to She is to imagine that there marked deck. If you want Enlist the help of a spectator. cut the deck, complete the is a mirror between the to know more about the Ask her to cut the deck – cut, take the top card, look two of you, and that she newest version of the BW and to complete the cut. at it, and insert it face up in should mimic your every Marked Deck and the book Show the spectator what the face-down deck. gesture. Once she seems to Transparency where Double you will want her to do understand the idea, start Personality comes from, in a few moments. The 6 As soon as the spectator spreading the cards in your please visit www.boriswild. spectator must do exactly has completed the task, hands. com what she is told in order turn to face the audience.

www.magicseen.co.uk

SUBSCRIBE AT: WWW.MAGICSEEN.CO.UK MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE MAY 2016 37 THE EASY TRICK THAT CANNOT BE EXPLAINED Vincent Hedan From a borrowed deck, the magician takes one card as a prediction, putting it face down on the table. The deck is shuffled thoroughly by a spectator. The magician reveals his prediction : 2D. So the spectator spells TWO OF DIAMONDS from the top of the deck. The final card is turned over: it’s the 2H, the mate of the prediction! Now that everyone knows what the prediction is, the magician offers to do it again. The 2D is left as an open prediction while the spectator shuffles the deck again. This time he spells TWO OF HEARTS and still finds the 2H!

COMMENTS: I found this method for Dai 5 If he cuts the crimp so it’s in to find the 2H. Spell HEARTS reveal the 2H. Vernon’s The Trick That the 13 bottom or top block of from the top or bottom and Cannot Be Explained by cards, proceed as follows: reveal the 2H. (You could also 19 As you can see, all you do trying to make the original Estimate its position more spell HEART and take the is play with variations of the effect easier for me. The precisely. Then depending on next card) counting/spelling to find the original version was pure your evaluation of where the 2H. It requires some skills jazz, with some outs better card is proceed as below. 7th from the top or bottom - in estimation, and some than others. In the variation I 12 show the prediction, 2D. Spell reactivity to choose the right describe here, you know you Top or bottom card - show DIAMOND and reveal the 2H. option once the crimp has will always succeed and the 6 the prediction, then reveal (You could also spell HEARTS been located. outs will look very similar. that the spectator put the and take the next card) prediction’s mate on the top After this first effect, leave the METHOD: (or on the bottom). 8th from top or bottom - 20 2D face up on the table, lose When you borrow the deck, 13 show the prediction, 2D. the 2H in the deck then give 1 secretly crimp the 2H. I use 2nd from the top or bottom Spell DIAMONDS and reveal the deck to a spectator so he the miniwave ; you can also 7 - show the prediction, a 2, the 2H. can shuffle. As he is doing it, use a corner crimp although then count 2 from the top or explain that the first time was it is more visible. Now take bottom to reveal the 2H. 9th from top or bottom - easy, because he didn’t know the 2D out and put it face 14 show the prediction, 2D. Spell what the prediction was. But down on the table as a 3rd from the top or bottom - DIAMONDS, take the next now that he does know what prediction. Then give the 8 show the prediction, a 2, then one and reveal the 2H. it is, will he be able to escape deck to the spectator for him spell TWO from the top or the prediction? to shuffle. bottom to reveal the 2H. (You 10th from top or bottom- could also count 2 and take 15 show the prediction, 2D. Take the deck from him, After the shuffle, take the the next one) Explain that a match would 21 locate the crimp and run 2 deck back and roughly be to find the 2H. Spell through the same sequences, estimate the position of the 4th from the top or bottom TWOHEARTS, take the next revealing the 2H again. If the crimp. Depending on its 9 - show the prediction, a 2, card and reveal the 2H. type of revelation is exactly position, different sequences then spell TWO from the top the same as the first time, the are triggered: or bottom, take the next card 11th from top or bottom - effect is even stronger. But if and reveal the 2H. 16 show the prediction, 2D. Spell it’s different, it doesn’t matter, The crimp is in the central TWODIAMONDS and reveal as you say that his knowledge 3 26 cards. Put the deck face 10 5th from top or bottom - the 2H. of the prediction is changing down on the table and ask show the prediction, 2D. the chain of events leading the spectator to cut. Explain that a match would be 12th from top or bottom - to it. to find the 2H. Spell HEART 17 show the prediction, 2D. Spell He cuts the crimp to top or from the top or bottom and TWODIAMONDS, take the 4 to the bottom of the deck. reveal the 2H. next card and reveal the 2H. Show the prediction, then reveal that the spectator put 6th from top or bottom - 13th from top or bottom - the prediction’s mate on top 11 show the prediction, 2D. 18 show the prediction, 2D. (or on the bottom). Explain that a match would be Spell TWOOFDIAMONDS and itsmagicuk.co.uk GREAT PACKET TRICKS AT POCKET MONEY PRICES!!

38 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE MAY 2016

Xavier TapIas Man or Machine? For those lucky enough to be in the audience at the Blackpool magic convention a couple of months ago, seeing Xavier Tapias was one of the stand-out moments. Imagine this: the curtains open and lying there on a park bench is a man who’s obviously had a good night out. He’s dishevelled and surrounded by litter on the ground. He gradually builds a ‘boy’ robot from the litter, which is sitting down on the bench. Once complete, the newly-built robot looks around. He then proceeds to stand up and walk off!! It sounds unbelievable, but it’s true!!! A sensational act that had the crowd on its feet. Graham Hey talks to the super-brilliant award-winning performer from Spain...

How long have you been three real technology revolutions – the volume and weight of your stuff. Do you also perform close up doing your ‘robot from trash’ and each of them helped me provide Mine is 23 Kg (bench included). magic? act? new applications for magic! Yes. I perform close up magic for the I started performing it in April What other acts do you public. I like the reaction of people 2003 and the first competition I How long did it take to get perform? close to you too, but I love stage entered was the Spanish National your act perfect? I have another act that I love too. magic the most! Convention in June, where I was Haha, my act is not perfect – I am “The boxes”: A man who misses awarded third prize! However, continually trying to improve it. the train and goes home with a Had you been to the the act really took off in FISM car made of cardboard and empty Blackpool magic convention Stockholm… ten years ago. Are you an engineering boxes… and a Teddy bear who before? expert? Did other people work falls down, and stays alone on Yes. I was invited by Derek Lever What was your inspiration? on this act with you? the stage… I performed it at FISM through the recommendation of It was three things converging at Not at all. I am a curious man. Blackpool in 2012. I remember the my friend Mark Oberon in 2010. the same time. Firstly I learned When I`m interested in something, reaction of the public when the Also in 2011 and as a competitor how to programme the movement I try to learn and understand how Teddy bear waked up un-aided! in 2012. Also as a dealer since of several servomotors working at it works. The method of “Trial and 2010. It is an amazing convention the same time - but I did not know Error” is how I work. I solved all the Who are your favourite with a wonderful theatre and a what to do with this improvement. technical problems by myself. In performers? great audience. I keep in my heart Secondly, I saw Nicholas Night’s the artistic part, I had the help of a Everybody and nobody. I like it when beautiful moments in Blackpool’s act – I was astonished, and I fell in famous theatre director in Spain: a magician touches my heart. When Convention. The first time in 2010 I love with it! Finally, my daughters Sergi Belbel. Of course, also my emotions are stirred... I felt this had a standing ovation in a gala for were watching the Disney video of best magic friends helped me with with Yann Frisch, Hector Mancha, VIP’s in the Spanish Hall. I will never “Pinocchio and Gepetto” – and it many details. Lennart Green… forget it. was the combination of these three things that provided my inspiration. What advice would you give Who has been the person who Which other performers in to people beginning to put has inspired you most? Spain should we look out for? How technically difficult was together a cabaret act? Magician: David Copperfield. Hector Mancha, Miguel Muñoz, it to create this act? Be original and creative but the Theatre: Mummenschanz Charlie Mag, Sergi Buka, Jaime It was possible because I learned most important thing is consistency. Figueroa and many others. It is a about how to programme in Read the book ‘Foundations’ by Where do you perform your good time for stage magic in Spain. advance all the movements Heberhard Riese – it’s brilliant! Also, act? Because of the influence of Juan of several servomotors in a think of a universal plot (short and I perform it all over the world. In Tamariz, card magic was brilliant for microcontroller. Also, thanks to the easy to understand) and remember festivals, conventions, magic tours, many years. Now in Spain, close-up new technology of cell batteries and that no borders exist in magic. theatres, etc. Never in cruise ships magic and stage magic are shining neodymium magnets. There were Logistically, remember to control (I hate cruise ships!). brightly!

40 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE MAY 2016 Be original and creative but the most important thing is consistEncy. Read the book ‘Foundations’ by Heberhard Riese – it’s brilliant!

SUBSCRIBE AT: WWW.MAGICSEEN.CO.UK MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE MAY 2016 41 lybrary.com THE LEADER IN MAGIC DOWNLOAD

ROBERTO GIOBBI “Ask Roberto” & “Secret Twitter”

http://www.lybrary.com/giobbi-m-60.html

CONSULTANT ROBERTO GIOBBI TO WORK HIS MAGIC “Ask Roberto” ON YOUR ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS & www.flameenterprises.co.uk “Secret Twitter” [email protected] http://www.lybrary.com/giobbi-m-60.html FREE UK SHIPPING

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WWW.MURPHYSMAGIC.COM 1.800.853.7403 CARD-SHARK... Have you ever tried to memorize a deck of cards? It is really worth the effort, because it allows incredibly strong effects. But from my own experience I have to tell you: I always forget some of the cards, as I am not using the stack frequently. Sounds familiar, right? But a stacked deck is so powerful... Maybe next Shout time?! Well, here is the solution: the new Phoenix SUM Deck 2.0! SUM stands for Set Up Marked. This deck is using our popular Phoenix marking but also tells the info of the card above, the number of cut-off cards, the stack number in the Tamariz Mnemonica system and includes some other features.

It was never easier to use the Tamariz stack without knowing it Outs thoroughly, do amazing effects while being able to get used to HERE ARE SOME SPECIAL ‘EXTRA’ the Memorized Stack (if you like).

ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM A FEW OF OUR Comes with strong routines by Luke Jermay, Martin Lewis, REGULAR ADVERTISERS Wayne Dobson and others. Definitely worth a try! www.phoenixdeck.com/SUM20

Also keep an eye out for another reengineered favorite: The BLACK ARTEFACTS... Invisible Deck - improved with Science Friction. Softest Sign of Satan is a classic Black Magic Theatre Show effect Handling, solid, reliable roughing, lasting way longer than any and is one of The Black Hart’s favourite presentations. It has other Invisible Deck you ever handled. been in his repertoire for many years now, but has not been available for sale before. www.phoenixdeck.com/SFID

The performer gets a volunteer to name any playing card out loud. They have a free choice (no force). The card named is taken out of the deck and is placed face-up in full view. Following an intriguing story involving the volunteer in a PROPDOG... The spring clean in PropDog HQ witchcraft trial they turn over their chosen card only to find happened a few months early this year in order to make that it is the only card in the deck that was marked by Satan! space for a HUGE delivery of ELLUSIONIST products! We Like all Black Artefacts effects this is simple to perform now have an extensive range of their products physically in which allows you to concentrate on the important thing…the stock from the hugely popular Pyro Fire Shooter to Solved, presentation. POP, The Informant, Stay Cool, Messado Rings plus more, You receive everything that you need all ready for the effect to to nearly all of their exclusive decks- Kings, Keepers, be performed and of course a script by The Black Hart. The Sleepers, Rounders, Killer Bee, Dealers, Steelers… You get cost – just £15.00. the idea!

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CARL DE ROME... For all those who went to the BLACKPOOL MAGIC CONVENTION in February , I have to say what a fantastic time I had this year. It was great meeting up with old and new friends, and the amount of magicians raving about and performing my HEAT effect took me back. Great news for me was that HEAT actually completely SOLD OUT at Blackpool this year, but the good news is I have now made up a new batch and IT IS NOW BACK IN STOCK for immediate despatch worldwide. So why don’t you join all the other magicians and start performing Heat for yourself today. And remember, I still offer a full 7 day money back guarantee, even if you find you simply don’t like it, BUT YOU WILL. To order your bottle of HEAT….. see the advert in this edition of Magicseen. HEAT in the UK is also available direct from The Merchant of Magic www.magicshop.co.uk ( type Hot Heat), Aladdin’s Magic Shop http://www.aladdinsmagicshop.co.uk, and in Australia from Magic Dealer Steve Geelong http://www. geelongfireworks.com.au/heat---hot-spot1.html.

46 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE MAY 2016 PRODUCT REVIEWS A QUICK LOOK AT WHAT’S HOT AND WHAT’S NOT! spectator’s card, all the backs have AN UNEXPECTED changed to a different colour. TRIUMPH Vernon’s original uses his simple version of the pull through shuffle Magician Anonymous and a regular deck. What you Available from any Murphy’s have to weigh up is whether the retailer or dealers contact www. addition of a colour change is worth murphysmagic.com the constraints the method for An Price: $34.95 (approximately £25) Unexpected Triumph requires. First off you have a heavily gaffed deck Appropriately for an effect from an which can only really be used for anonymous magician the effect this one effect. Second, unlike the arrived in a stylish sealed jet black original where the spectator has a box. Remove the packaging and free choice of card, with this you inside you find the twenty six need a sure fire force as there is specially printed gaffed cards only one card that the spectator can As you would expect from Peter required to make up a full deck have and there is no room for error. TRANSFUZE Eggink, the method is ingenious, for this effect. It took me a minute In the video it is suggested that you Peter Eggink comprising of a well made or so to find the small label in the use ‘your favourite force’. Finally this Available from any Murphy’s gimmicked card, with spares to lid with the web address for the effect is not sleight free. You need retailer or dealers contact www. make up a couple more. instructions which come in the form a good force and, although there is murphysmagic.com of a short downloadable video. The plenty of cover and not much heat, Price: $30 (approx £22.99) The instructions include two routines air of mystery is maintained as, in an a half pass. with simple switches that introduce otherwise silent video, the gloved The magician folds a card in half and get rid of the gimmicked card hands and English subtitles carefully So there you have it. The effect in across its width and a banknote in so everything can be examined at and clearly explain the working of an Unexpected Triumph is good, half along its length. Wrapping the the end. the effect. but it comes down to whether you note around the bottom of the folded are happy to accept the associated card, a shake and the note is now If you like interlocked folded cards In Dai Vernon’s original classic limitations imposed by the method. inside the folded card. doing strange things that can version, first published in Stars of SB immediately be examined – stick to Magic, a spectator’s chosen card is There is a nice visual moment but Card Warp. CP returned to the deck which is then What’s Hot: surprising and for the penetration to be convincing mixed, face up and face down. convincing colour change. the spectator needs to be absolutely What’s Hot: a nice “moment” when When spread, all the cards in the What’s Not: you start and finish sure the note starts outside the card the note visually disappears from deck are once again face down, with a heavily gaffed deck; still and ends up within. Neither of these view. with the exception of the spectator’s need some sleight of hand; quite criteria are well met, with the initial What’s Not: the display before and chosen card. What this version expensive for a single card trick. wrap around looking a bit “pokey after is awkward and just not that adds to that original plot is that the ★★★ in” and the display afterwards rather convincing. whole deck can then be spread “don’t touch”. ★★ again, showing that apart from the

Items for review can be sent to any of the following addresses: DO YOU HAVE A PRODUCT Graham Hey: 6 St Everilda’s Terrace, Everingham, York YO42 4JE. Phil Shaw: 23 Stock Close, Norton, Malton YO17 8BE. YOU’D LIKE US TO REVIEW? Mark Leveridge: 13A Lyndhurst Road, Exeter EX2 4PA.

SUBSCRIBE AT: WWW.MAGICSEEN.CO.UK MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE MAY 2016 47 entire session is any of this core won’t however explain his excellent material explained or taught, raising double lift, as it is to be marketed the question, when is a lecture not later in 2016. One of the best a lecture? The answer in this case sequences is advice on how to blow seems to be when the principle an egg for use in an egg bag routine. guest plans to market the material later in the year. Through the two If, given Gazzo’s undoubted hours, despite the host’s very polite knowledge and experience, you efforts, Gazzo seems reluctant to came to this session expecting to explain very much at all. learn some solid effects or to learn more about how to work outdoors, Even when asked about aspects then you would be disappointed. of busking in the street the advice Overall it had the feel more of an offered is quite limited. The most extended promotion for future complete answer concerned how to releases than a lecture. SB two hours. After a short studio build an audience. ‘Don’t try. Set up, AT THE TABLE discussion you see Gazzo working don’t make eye contact and just do What’s Hot: short section on how for an audience at the Magic Castle something. Crowds build crowds’ to blow an egg and tips on some EXPERIENCE where he performs his ambitious was the substance of the reply. sleights. Gazzo – February 3, 2016 card routine, culminating in the When asked for tips on passing the What’s Not: only the odd titbits of Available from any Murphy’s production of the signed card hat the answer seemed to be ‘be standard sleights explained. retailer or dealers contact www. from an orange, followed by an sincere’. ★ murphysmagic.com impressive egg bag routine with the Price: $7.95 £5.63 (approx.) production of multiple eggs. Through the two hours you do get small insights and tips into how to The session with Gazzo, a highly Back in the studio Gazzo more handle some standard sleights and experienced street performer and or less repeats the performance in the last ten minutes there is a an expert on cons, scams and with the host as an audience. useful explanation of Le Paul’s peek card cheating, runs for just under Unfortunately, at no time in the and using the top change. Gazzo

password to a web address where A spectator can also pick up the you can view a 15 minute video of opposite two corners of your cloth a Ammar and Losander demonstrating la Losander’s Floating Table and see the techniques. the base of the glass underneath. To finish the gimmick can be lapped if For those who have performed the seated in more formal presentations Zombie Ball effect this has a very or if standing there is practical way similar technique. You can walk up of losing the gimmick out of sight, to a table, cover an empty wine although a jacket will help. The cloth glass with a cloth and go into a is then free to be thrown on the 30 second floating routine. You table. could float the glass back to the table or on to a spectator’s hand. I think this has the potential to Connecting to the glass on the table produce some startling reactions has a little knack to it but it should in a strolling situation. Imagine EXQUISITE - covered with a cloth like the classic be easily learnt. floating a glass containing a mobile zombie floating ball and can be phone playing suitable music. You done either standing or seated. The The floating technique isn’t difficult receive the well designed gimmick FLOATING WINE type of glass is slightly limited by once you get to know how it feels in an exquisite box although I find it its thickness and delicate thin glass when the glass is locked into the difficult for that alone to justify the GLASS should be avoided. gimmick. It’s only right handed which price. PP Mike Ammar and Dirk Losander has to do all the work. It might be Available from any Murphy’s Dirk Losander has experimented better to practise with a plastic What’s Hot: well designed gimmick retailer or dealers contact www. over a few years and come up with glass or over the bed with a real for producing a ‘zombie’ style murphysmagic.com the ideal shaped gimmick that gives glass until you get used to operating floating glass at a table. Price: £68.00 (but prices vary) the maximum vertical lift without the gimmick! The instructions What’s Not: Not a cheap moving the hands. You receive the also give you the five vital rules investment. This is a floating wine glass effect gimmick with a four page printed when animating the glass which ★★★★ which can be done under close-up and illustrated instruction sheet come down to the independence conditions either formal or informal. but don’t worry, if you are allergic of actions between the glass and The floating effect happens while to reading, you also receive a yourself.

48 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE MAY 2016 ★ POOR | ★★ OK | ★★★ REASONABLE | ★★★★ GOOD | ★★★★★ EXCELLENT

updated more recently with Christian “overhandling” evident even when skilled and full of good advice. Most Engblom’s “Cooler”. performed by Gregory Wilson. of the aspects of performance are covered in the video, however it is Gregory Wilson’s Cold Case is a The other main technique, the “Hip clearly not scripted, with the same well made metal shell, dressed in Switch”, involving a slight body turn points being covered several times. a Bicycle deck, complete with flap, to dump the case in a hip pocket, is General tips are buried in individual but with one long side removed in much smoother and ideal for stage trick explanations. addition to the complete underside. or parlour performance. Several This design allows the deck to enter of the other switch techniques are If you are a serious performer and leave the shell particularly easily, simpler and bolder, exemplified in interested in exploring the newer enabling a dozen or so different some strong routines explained possibilities of this well made prop COLD CASE ways of executing a deck switch on the video. These show how then buy it. If you think this will give Gregory Wilson described in the accompanying timing and misdirection can be you a self working, indetectable, Available from any Murphy’s video. built in and around the plot to deck switch then give it a pass. CP retailer or dealers contact www. make the exchange indetectable in murphysmagic.com The signature “Flap Switch”, performance. What’s Hot: well made prop, very Price: $40 (approx £25.00) demonstrated on the trailer and full video instructions with generous taught in some detail, takes place in The video instructions can advice and extra routines. Allows There are dozens of ways of the performer’s hands in the guise be downloaded (and kept) deck switch in full view without need achieving a deck switch, most of closing the deck case and setting from Murphy’s website and is, of pockets usefully summarised in Roberto it aside. The skill needed, although extraordinarily, 3 hours and 40 What’s Not: moderate level of skill Giobbi’s “The Art of Switching less than a well executed Classic minutes long! Unlike a DVD there required, with misdirection, to be Decks”. Many depend on pockets Pass, needs considerable practice is no browsable structure and so a indetectable. Video over long and but the use of a deck shell is not to get smooth. Misdirection will separate document is provided with poorly structured. new, first described at least 85 be needed to overcome the split a list of sections and timed positions. ★★★ years ago in Greater Magic and second tell tale “tenting” and slight Gregory Wilson is enthusiastic,

together one after another in a fact in one of the variations of the case changes into a Tic Tac box or video trailer. But just think about gimmick, one which enables you a shower of coins, are done. Totally this for a moment - you wouldn’t to do a colour change of a card impractical for live performance, normally perform more than one at box and then instantly make that except under very controlled any given time, and so what you are one change into a single card, even conditions (both lighting and angles), actually buying here in terms of a Shin himself admitted that he found but again, wonderful when filmed. performance piece, is a single visual it really hard to make and that he effect lasting 3 seconds or so. You rather dreaded it when he needed to If you are a TV or internet performer need to bear this in mind. construct a new one! looking for a highly visual and jaw dropping few seconds, then The main downloadable video So, be prepared to take your time Gone Deck might be worth your GONE DECK instruction footage, in which Shin and follow Shin’s very thorough time and attention. For everybody Lim explains how to make your instructions carefully. Once you have else, commercial performers and Shin Lim Gone Deck gimmicks and which the gimmick made, the basic use hobbyists, I would suggest that this Available from any Murphy’s shows you various ways to use of it is easy. It almost works itself would be a waste of your time and retailer or dealers contact www. them, runs for just under an hour. especially changing the card box money. There’s nothing wrong with murphysmagic.com The first 25 minutes of this is taken into the single card. The other way the idea - in fact it’s really great - Price: £26.00 (approx) up with him showing you how to round, takes a bit more skill however. it’s just that for 99% of us there is make the main intricate gimmick. The problem that you have is how nowhere that you could use this This is the extremely visual Apart from a couple of bits and to introduce it into a performance. in any sort of practical performing appearance or disappearance or pieces which he supplies, you’ll To turn the box into the card you situation, so unless you just want change of a card box to a single also need the usual line up of craft will need to set it right and have it to buy this to learn the secret of the playing card, or the other way round. products that you have probably held in a very particular way in your gimmick, I suggest you keep your If you need some inspiration or already assembled when you hand. Fine if you are filming the money. ML clarification on that, go and find Shin constructed other gimmicks that change as a one-off moment for the Lim’s trailer for this product online also weren’t supplied with other internet, not so good if you want What’s Hot: a fabulously visual and watch it. I’ll wait until you get tricks you’ve already bought. So, to incorporate the change into a change, ideal for video or TV back.... scissors, rubber cement, superglue, routine. What’s Not: impractical for virtually Xacto knife, etc. all normal performing situations, ....welcome back. Suitably inspired? Further into the video you get to the gimmick is difficult and time Based on one general principle, Shin The construction of the gimmick use the Gone Deck gimmick with consuming to make well, and if your has created a range of unbelievably is fiddly and you need to be very a black art principle as well. This is audience blinks, they’ll actually miss visual looking transformations which accurate and precise in how you do how some of the more incredible the magic itself look great when you put them all it if you want it to work properly. In looking illusions, in which the card ★★

SUBSCRIBE AT: WWW.MAGICSEEN.CO.UK MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE MAY 2016 49 audience. A prediction is removed be focused on the presentation. In the table to select a card at the from the deck and set on the table with the printed cards are two more beginning to see who is going to be from the start. Six cards are now instruction cards which explain the the helper. Obviously if you are giving selected by a helper. The aim of setup and how the effect works and away a lottery ticket at each table the game is for their six cards to two different prediction cards. Any then the cost could start to add add up to more than a score of 101 number above 101 (which can be up now the price of a single lottery (as in the popular 80s classic TV made by 6 of the cards) can be used ticket has risen to £2 (this could be show Bullseye). If they do manage for the prediction but you would added into your performance fee to score more than 101 then they need to write down your own card though if necessary so not a huge stand a chance of winning 1 million should you wish to use a different issue). pounds!!!! number than supplied. There’s also a link to a YouTube video tutorial There is virtually no reset should you Each card is turned over and added where Andy runs through everything wish to use this around the tables together. Their score totals 107….. you need to know. At the end of but I would recommend using at they win!!! When you turn over your the video tutorial there is a full live least a couple of different number prediction card that is on the table performance of 101. In this clip predictions should someone see it says “I predict a score of 107”. A you can see how the audience is you perform 101 more than once in perfect match! Next your attention involved in the trick as Andy has a the night. If you do decide to use a 101 turns to the prize for scoring more bunch of spectators chose a card different outcome each time then it Andy Clockwise than 101. From the card box you at random and the person with the will only take a minute or so to reset. Available from www.andyclockwise. tip out a lottery ticket. You tell the highest numbered card is the person weebly.com audience that when you choose who helps and has the chance of If you are looking for a cracking Price: £28.00 lottery numbers you throw six darts winning the lottery ticket. multiphase mentalism routine that’s at a dart board so they are randomly easy to do and gets great reactions Often in magic it’s the simplest selected. When the spectator The cards supplied are nicely printed then look no further….101 by Andy methods that provide the best reads out the numbers printed on and handle well and should last if Clockwise could be the perfect effects and 101 by Andy Clockwise the lottery ticket they are a perfect you are careful with them. trick! PS is no exception. match for the six numbers they chose. You give the lottery ticket to The routine lends itself to more of What’s Hot: Easy to do, multiphase You are supplied with a deck of the spectator to keep! a parlour setting but I can see this mentalism at its best cards which have 52 possible working in close-up too providing What’s Not: Nothing to report! outcomes printed on them from a This is a brilliant routine that is you have the space to set the six ★★★★★ single dart thrown at a matchplay basically self working. It’s so easy cards down on the table. You could dart board. These are shown to the to do that all your attention can get the spectators sat around

it isn’t recorded with professional I’m a fan of the Tossed Out Deck equipment, just a single fixed so I like this routine and there is camera on a tripod at the back of no doubt you are getting a very a large echoing room. It’s all a bit commercial piece suitable for a on the fly which is not professional professional act. Normally, download enough. prices tend to reduce without the inclusion of props, DVD or hard It also starts a few minutes in, copy, but the principle doesn’t seem so you don’t see the way he to apply here. It’s a homemade introduces the routine and selects video with virtually no overheads so thankful for acronyms! the ‘sceptic’ spectator who chooses the price baffles me. It’s essentially DAT DRAWING the other helpers for him. He keeps a one trick DVD without the DVD The routine plays well and is more this person standing on stage for much the same price. The best DUPLICATION or less self-working but will be throughout the entire routine doing trick of Jacob Smith is that by the dependent on the presentation very little, which I’m not convinced is end of the video he’s grown a beard Jacob M Smith skills of the performer. Like the the best handling of this spectator. and a moustache! Professionalism, Available from: www.magicshop. Tossed Out Deck this is all about scripting, continuity, oh who gives a co.uk presentation. The rather long 70 The memory reading will have tossed out deck! PP Price: £24.50 minute video explains how to make to be adapted for non-American up the gimmicked pack of drawings, audiences as it’s based round the What’s Hot: nice adaption of the This is a video download of a feature the presentation and the ‘reading’ of scenario of an American county Tossed Out Deck for mentalists with mental routine that could play to the spectator’s memory, but I have a fair and the experience of a UK additional features. Commercially 20 people or 200. The routine itself few issues with it. funfair will have completely different very usable. is a clever adaption of the Tossed features. Mr Smith does ramble on a What’s Not: the live performance Out Deck routine with the addition You will see a live performance of bit throughout the video and repeats is hard to understand and the of a drawing and ‘reading’ of a the routine by Jacob Smith but it’s some quite obvious and well known explanations are rambling and spectator’s memory related to his hard to make out much of what he is techniques. It could have been much repetitive. Homemade video quality. chosen picture. DAT stands for saying partly because he sometimes tighter and shorter with a more High download price? ‘drawings awkwardly tossed’ so be speaks quickly but mainly because concise script. ★★★

50 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE MAY 2016 ★ POOR | ★★ OK | ★★★ REASONABLE | ★★★★ GOOD | ★★★★★ EXCELLENT

rise – Cardiographic – is fully questions from viewers are read out. explained, as is Sidewalk Shuffle, There appears to be only a couple Technicolor Prediction and several of people in the live audience, strong routines with double face which diminishes the audience cards, including a McDonalds style reaction. Martin comes across assembly, disguised as a poker as a competent performer with a deal. A couple of lighter items, “Big quiet and engaging personality. Switch” and a remarkable colour His responses to questions change pencil, are interspersed are thoughtful, with interesting with more solid routines such as a anecdotes about well known 3 Signed Card Transposition and performers such as Robert Harbin a multiple card revelation under and Ken Brooke. impossible conditions. Although the lecture steers safely The final linking bracelet routine is an clear of being a dealer demonstration Shuffle, Cardiographic and a host object lesson in strong magic, with with approximately one third of of other excellent magic effects, the gaff switched out two thirds of the material using standard props, AT THE TABLE gives a lecture that starts strong the way through the routine, after some of the rest could be made at and continues that way for 3 hours. which the three regular rings still home, though in practice it would be LECTURE There is enough material here to appear to link and unlink before simpler to buy it. CP build several stand up and close being handed out for examination. It Martin Lewis up sets. It is strong, well routined is this clever routining that sets the What’s Hot: lots of practical, well Available from any Murphy’s and practical, from the beautifully lecture above much of the current routined, strong magic for close retailer or dealers contact www. displayed T+R cigarette paper “eye candy” and allows an eye up and parlour, including several murphysmagic.com opener, through a commercial popping 3 card monte to finish with modern classics. Engaging and Price: $7.95 £5.63 (approx.) egg bag routine to a series of well everything examinable. thoughtful lecturer. constructed pieces of card magic. What’s Not: a minority are Dealer British born Martin Lewis, son of As it is a live lecture there are the items. Eric C Lewis, inventor of Sidewalk The original sketch pad card usual pauses as props get reset and ★★★★

and five effects - a solo in- the- Tung starts by teaching two sleights is quite a lot of card movement hands Triumph, a two card Monte in which you will need in some of and handling which probably owes which two Aces change places and the subsequent effects. The first more to the demands of the method three other effects with Aces. As a is a single handed double lift than to the clarity of the effect. This ‘bonus’ you also get a combination from the centre of the pack, and is not to say that Aces changing, routine which as far as I can make this is followed by a two handed transposing, rising through the pack out comprises of the three Ace alternative. The second uses a and the like won’t be impressive, effects linked together. I say ‘as far similar technique adapted to switch it’s just that it is a long way from the as I can tell’, but more of that later. a spectator’s chosen card. Both Vernon school of simplicity and not procedures, as are the subsequent always easy to follow. The video is filmed in what looks effects, are quite move heavy, like a variety of domestic settings. making this material one for the card For me quite the best was Solo However, that is not a problem as enthusiast. Triumph. A convincing version that the lighting is good and the camera can be done in the hands and focuses closely on the hands at all STUNTS is an acronym, the first suitable for many situations including times, including some very useful letter of the five effects, though apart walkaround. If you like cards and over the shoulder shots during the from Solo Triumph the names of the card sleights you will probably like explanations. There is no spoken other four effects don’t help much this and the rest of the DVD. The sound track so you might want to in identifying the effect. Indeed, the two sleights are interesting and with FIVE STUNTS turn your sound off as forty three reason for the ‘as far as I can tell’, some thought could be adapted to Chuang Wei Tung minutes of a continuous music loop is that it is quite difficult to work other situations. SB Available from any Murphy’s gets a bit tedious. out in advance exactly what the retailer or dealers contact www. intended effect is. I had to watch the What’s Hot: interesting to see murphysmagic.com Each effect is performed first to performance section several times the sleights and to look for wider Price: $24.95 (£17.65 approx) camera and is followed by a detailed and write an almost literal step by applications. Solo Triumph is a explanation with the key points step description to work them out. potential worker. If you are not a cardician and in love appearing on the screen as text. What’s Not: a long way from with knuckle busting card effects I found this quite useful as it was Why? Two reasons. First Tung’s simplicity. Too many occasions then stop reading now. possible to follow along, pack in rapid performance style owes when cards touch the deck and hand, pausing the screen to take in something to the Cardistry school other similar procedures without any On this DVD Chuang Wei Tung the detailed handling. of thought - lots of movement apparent justification. performs and teaches two sleights performed at speed. Second, there ★★★

SUBSCRIBE AT: WWW.MAGICSEEN.CO.UK MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE MAY 2016 51 As this is a download only you will table top and Jonathan’s hands it is routine with a clear lidded box need to supply your own tin (or tins impossible to disguise the mercury instead of the opaque metal tin. I depending on which routine you card fold move. In the real world got the feeling this was added just want to perform). Jonathan uses a though it is much easier to cover. because so many of the previous small Altoids (mints) tin, hence the ‘card to box’ releases used a clear ‘toi’ in the name. These are readily The latter half of the tutorial is box to display the card rather than it available in the US but not so easy where some of the many routines being a version that Jonathan uses to find over here in the UK. Not possible are shown and explained. but should you like it it’s there for many shops sell them but you can To be honest once you’ve throughly reference. buy them online from sites such as learned the sleights then the Amazon. So although you can’t just effects themselves are pretty self The only negative I have with pop out to your local supermarket explanatory. The first routine, this release is that with it being TOIBOX and pick up a tin they are easy to ‘Choose Again’, is the one which a download it is hard to move Jonathan Kamm buy online. Jonathan uses the most and is a between the many moves/routines. Available from www.penguinmagic. solid 3 phase effect which ends Especially in the first 40 minutes com Once you have the correct tin you with the tin being shown to be full there are a lot of different moves that Price: $19.95 can get to work learning the many of mints. It is simple to follow and would be easier to navigate to on a sleights that are possible. There are contains lots of magical moments. bookmarked DVD. A small point but 2015 seemed to be the year for card various loads and switches taught If you were to learn just this one I had to mention it. to box routines. There were many in great detail by Jonathan. Most handling then you would have an excellent ones produced including of these will take a bit of work to excellent routine which you could Toibox is a brilliant download with David Penn’s Mystery Solved, and get down smoothly but if you give use in your act for many years. It’s so much magic to learn. The beauty Jon Allen’s brilliant Paragon 3D. Both them the time they deserve you a bit of a cliché but this one routine is that there are no gimmicks, just of the two releases just mentioned will have an excellent set of skills in alone is worth the price of the a simple metal tin and a deck of used clear boxes. Jonathan Kamm’s your arsenal which can be used in download. cards. There’s enough information Toibox is the latest card to box a structured routine or that you can taught that you can structure a system to hit the market and it uses use to jazz around with should you A few other routines explained are routine to suit your own needs. nothing more than a regular mints wish to. The loads are especially ‘Trifold’ which is a quick routine It can be a simple quickie or a tin. nice and you can show both the tin designed for when your performance multi-phase routine. Whichever you and your hands to be empty but on time is short. It’s easy to do and decide to learn and use you are sure Toibox is a video download which closing the tin you have loaded in a the perfect quickie! ‘3 Tin Monte’ to have a solid piece of magic to runs to approximately 1 hour and 20 folded card. is a monte style routine which uses wow your spectators with. Highly mins. The footage is split into two three tins. ‘Face-Out’ is a method recommended! PS main sections. The first 40 minutes As with the majority of card to box of showing the folded card in the or so is dedicated to explaining routines a mercury card fold is tin to be folded with the face of the What’s Hot: Lots of magic with just which kind of box is right for the necessary. For anyone not familiar card showing instead of the back. a simple metal tin and a deck of routine as well as the many different with this Jonathan takes you through Personally I don’t see the need for cards. moves possible with the simple tin. all the details. It is not a hard move this handling but for completeness What’s Not: Altoids are not readily The last half is dedicated to the to learn it just requires a bit of it’s offered should you like it. available in the UK so you will many routines which Jonathan uses misdirection. As the whole of the probably need to buy online in his regular repertoire. download is shot focusing on the The download finishes with a simple ★★★★

the real bottom card by the dealer. card or cards appear between two supplied a couple of Cut Cards that Because the Cut Card is made of of the coloured Cut Cards helps had different colours on each side to brightly coloured plastic (commonly to point up the sandwich effect open up more possibilities. black, blue, red or yellow) it doesn’t because the selected card will look get irretrievably mixed up with the very different to the two coloured As it stands, the cards are very regular cards when it is in the deck. card backs either side of it. visual, look nice and a bit different, It is often used in casinos. but the suggested tricks with them CUT CARDS The only problem with this is left me a little underwhelmed. With Jon Armstrong What Jon Armstrong has done is that the tricks themselves are a bit of thought you might be able Available from any Murphy’s to supply a set of 8 double sided still just sandwich effects. Having to come up with one or two different retailer or dealers contact www. coloured Cut Cards which have the coloured cards either side of ways of using them, in which case murphysmagic.com been printed on regular card stock the selection is nice, but does it you would get better ‘value’ from the Price: £15.00 (approx) and with a broad white border round measurably improve the impact of novelty of the cards. ML the colours. This means that when the effect? I’m not sure that it does If you play poker you may be familiar one of these special cards is slipped particularly. What’s Hot: the supplied cards are with something called a Cut Card. into a regular deck, it is invisible until nicely printed and look colourful If not, let me explain. A Cut Card the cards are fanned or spread. I think it’s a pity that Jon didn’t put and a bit different. It’s good value in is usually a piece of coloured card some more thought into other things terms of price. or plastic which is the same size On the accompanying DVD Jon that you could do with the principle What’s Not: limited use for the as regular playing cards. It can be presents five routines using these of having all over coloured card cards if you only follow what is placed on the bottom of the deck cards, all of which are more or less faces. Colour change effects, for included on the DVD to prevent an accidental flash of ‘sandwich’ tricks. Having a selected instance. He could perhaps have ★★★

52 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE MAY 2016 ★ POOR | ★★ OK | ★★★ REASONABLE | ★★★★ GOOD | ★★★★★ EXCELLENT

performs and explains many items manipulation material includes from his own close-up repertoire. the linking pins, water to wine, Greg Wilson tries to retain some a demonstration of his ultimate order to the enjoyable chaos as sleeving device, the oyster pearl Rocco wants to surge on with yet routine, Hook Coin, 3 coins and ring, more of his material stacked up on 5 second card routine, Tenkai palm shelves behind him. His explanations technique, coins across and others are usually swift and concise but too many to list. nevertheless contain the important information. Eventually after two and a half hours Greg Wilson has to depart for the Opening with a recording of his airport and a young boy in the studio Crazy Horse stage act on French takes over as host doing a great television he then demonstrates all job for another hour. The amount the pre-show loading, steals and of material, ideas and techniques, used to create magic with all kinds productions wearing a transparent never mind the amount of stuff that AT THE TABLE of objects. jacket. The quantity of items used in ended up on the floor (he’s almost the act has to be read from a check wading through it!) is far too long to LECTURE This lecture, at well over 3 hours list when he ‘loads up’ and then list in a brief review. Suffice to say Rocco long, is not quite like any other he walks though the act showing there is bound to be more than a Available from any Murphy’s lecture you will see but then Rocco the choreography of the steals and few items to inspire and interest you. retailer or dealers contact www. isn’t quite like any other magician. productions. Rocco is one the great characters murphysmagic.com Not many would be brave enough to in magic, fearless, charismatic, Price: $7.95 £5.63 (approx.) base an act purely on sleeving! A lot He then changes to a pre-loaded eccentric, and original. It’s worth of what he performs isn’t specifically jacket to go into his encore 5 minute a few dollars just to enjoy his I can recall Marvin Roy (Mr Electric) intended to be learnt direct but stage sequence. You get all the enthusiasm for everything he does. If saying, “To be original, create an more for sparking your own ideas detail of his amazing productions, some of it rubs off, it will have been act with something that no other by utilising the sleeving technique but never mind performing this worthwhile! PP magician is using”. Rocco does he uses. type of act, rehearsing it must be a that in spades! He uses liquids, ice nightmare. What’s Hot: marathon of magic lollies, rice, ice cubes, gum, peanuts, But that’s not all you get within this including stage magic, manipulation, pretzels, grapes, eggs, bread rolls three and a half hour marathon The Slydini section includes some sleight of hand techniques and and even occasionally oysters. In the as Rocco was a young student of techniques and routines including close-up items including Slydini words of the title of his book, if it fits Slydini and in contrast to his stage the revolve vanish and retrieval, material. Sleeving is his speciality. the sleeve, sleeve it! It’s not so much act he performs and explains some paper balls in the box, one What’s Not: explanations can be the items he uses as the technique of the classic Slydini material as coin routine and anecdotes about brief. that he demonstrates that can be taught to him by the master. He also Slydini. His own close-up and ★★★★★

effects claiming to be ‘new’ and to the only possible conclusion less so, for example, there are times THINKING INSIDE ‘original’ the premise of thinking that the magician must have ‘done when you need to cull, top palm, ‘inside the box’, of rethinking something’. execute a pass and pinkie count. THE BOX established effects, is intriguing. The test of ‘new takes’ is I guess Similarly, the small initialled Torn It’s obvious that Kyle is a Kyle Purnell whether they add to or improve on and Restored Post It Note adapts knowledgeable and skilful card Available from: www.magicshop. the original. Although considerable a technique used for torn and magician and it is evident that he co.uk work has gone into this production restored cards and can almost be has put a lot of work into these Price: £24.50 I’m not convinced that the majority done impromptu. The position of the effects. I get the impression that he would pass that test. initials has to be carefully controlled, is really interested in the methods Shot in studio conditions, this but the more significant problem is and techniques and these are likely video download features Kyle The premise for Mysterious Card that the note is not fully torn and to be interesting and potentially Purnell performing one on one and is lovely. From the outset an cannot be displayed as two separate absorbing to anyone sharing that explaining six ‘easy to learn effects indicator card from a different pack pieces, plus it then has to be fully enthusiasm. If on the other hand with new takes’. The session runs is face down on the table. The hidden in the magician’s hand to what you are looking for is material for just short of ninety minutes with spectator then selects and signs affect the clean up. The whole to use in a commercial setting, this is the six effects first performed and a card from a pack with a different process is not very visual and for a probably not for you. SB then carefully explained. There are coloured back. At the conclusion small item seems to be held very four card effects, a torn and restored the indicator card not only matches closely by the magician. What’s Hot: in depth thinking on Post It Note and a finger ring to the selection but has become the method and technique. rubber band link. selection, bearing the spectator’s The effects are described as ‘easy to What’s Not: technique triumphs signature. The problem? To reach do’, but easy is a relative term and over effect. At a time when the magic the end, the indicator card has to be it depends where you are starting ★★★ community is bombarded with placed on and in the deck leading from. These routines are not sleight

SUBSCRIBE AT: WWW.MAGICSEEN.CO.UK MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE MAY 2016 53 named. These 3 numbers are added of the numbers is given. The 3 set up is much simpler. The premise together to make a new number (for numbers are added together to for the effect suits me better too as example the number 23). The cards create a new number (e.g. number it uses invisible dice rather than the are dealt face-up to the 23rd card 20). The cards are dealt face down use of cartomancy. Although Scott’s (e.g. Jack of Clubs) which is placed until the 20th card is reached and explanation for this bonus handling to one side. You explain that you it is placed to one side. All the uses the same method as version already knew they would choose the remaining cards’ faces are shown. one the same principle is easily Jack of Clubs and that you knew it You turn over your original prediction adapted to create the same effect would be in the 23rd position of the showing it to be the 4 of Diamonds. as version two (but with the much deck after the shuffle and that their When the tabled card if turned over easier set up). This is how I have AUCAAUN 3 combined numbers would also it is the 4 of Diamonds with the made it up and I think it’s a brilliant Scott Creasey total the number 23. The remainder number 20 written on its face. effect that I will use. Available from www.scottcreasey. of the pack is shown front and back com showing that if they had chosen a The method for this is essentially the For your £12 you receive a 30 Price: £12 different set of 3 numbers a different same as the first version other than minute video download which shows card would have been selected. a prediction is used and the card and explains the 3 different versions. AUCAAUN (which stands for Any When you turn over the card which reveal is the face of the cards rather For the performance of the first two Unknown Card At Any Unknown was at the 23rd position it has a red than the colour changing back. This versions Scott is in the company Number) is Scott Creasey’s take on back with the number 23 written version will take the same amount of the brilliant Iain Moran, the third the classic Any Card At Any Number on it. of time to make up as the first one version is performed to camera premise (ACAAN). but you will need to buy some by Scott alone. This is a no frills This first version is Scott’s preferred extra cards (unless you have them download but what you get is three Scott’s version isn’t technically method, and once you have run already). great card effects that you can pick an ACAAN but more of hybrid, a through the one time make-up of and choose from to suit your own brainwave/number prediction type the deck needed the effect itself is Personally I prefer this version to the performing style. effect. actually self working. The method first as I think the prediction adds to is very simple but very deceptive the effect. This version to me shows The three effects aren’t really On the 30 minute long download to a lay audience. You should have more clearly that you knew both the ACAAN effects in my mind but Scott shows and explains 3 different everything you need to make up this exact card that would be chosen they are brilliant card routines that I versions of his AUCAAUN effect: version without the need to go out and the number generated. The first recommend that you check out. PS and buy anything additional. version using the different coloured Version one: This version, based back design just doesn’t seem as What’s Hot: Three good solid card around the premise of cartomancy, Version two: A prediction is made strong in my opinion. routine that are worth learning. starts by shuffling the deck (blue and placed on the table at the start. What’s Not: Basic filming. backed) and asking the spectator Again, as with version one, the Version three: This is billed as a ★★★★★ to name 3 numbers between 1 theme for the effect is cartomancy bonus handling but I actually think and 10. A brief description/reading and 3 numbers are asked for and it’s the best of the three. This is the is given for each number that is a brief explanation of the meaning same effect as version one but the

but despite the glowing with the bonus that the four Aces before using them. It’s all well praise from some big are examinable at the end and don’t explained in detail even if you aren’t name well-wishers, I have have to be sheepishly pocketed familiar with the moves above. some reservations with away. Arriving there however is a Packet trick aficionados will overlook this one. bit of a conglomeration of moves, the handling and enjoy the solution You show four cards counts and handling. to making the multiple changes which consist of 3 red happen, as I suspect some of the backed Jokers with Joker What confuses the surprise ending well known card magicians did in written on the back and is that I can’t see any logic in a 3 their marketing quotes for the trick. a green backed Queen Card Monte plot where the Monte If you can perform the opening with Queen written on the cards change into four different displays with ease and make sense back in a Monte themed coloured backed Aces. Surprising of the kicker ending it’s a packet routine. On the pretext and magical maybe but a payoff trick you will no doubt enjoy doing. of making it fairer and simpler, one without much logical reason for its PP THE FULL of the Jokers is removed leaving appearance. I expect the surprise only three cards, two red backed factor will probably override any What’s Hot: a big surprising finish MONTE Jokers and a green backed Queen. question as to why it’s happened. to a Monte plot which is examinable Liam Montier The green backed card must be the Your card handling will need to be at the end. Custom printed USPCC Available from any Murphy’s Queen but with a snap of the fingers, neat and tidy to arrive at the ending cards and DVD instructions are retailer or dealers contact www. the three cards change to four (?) so be prepared for an Ascanio included. murphysmagic.com different coloured backed Aces spread, multiple block turnover, What’s Not: a variety of counts Price: £15.99 (which have QUEEN written on the Bannon’s ‘Bullet Party’ count and and displays will require some backs)! Huh? a three for three count. A ‘roughed’ neat handling. The climax is more As a packet trick fan I would pair also plays a part in the handling surprising than logical. normally enjoy this type of effect It’s a strong kicker ending coupled although I had to re-spray mine ★★★★

54 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE MAY 2016 ★ POOR | ★★ OK | ★★★ REASONABLE | ★★★★ GOOD | ★★★★★ EXCELLENT

The usual craft supplies need to be makes the effect any stronger, but it wheeled out once more, but the does provide necessary misdirection preparation, although needing care, to cover one of the dodgy moments is not too onerous provided you are you need to arrange immediately not hamfisted when wielding a sharp prior to the link, so it does have a knife and a pot of glue! practical purpose too.

The filming of the performance of Ben suggests that you present this the actual link is not very good. The effect not as a card trick, but almost vital ‘get ready’ of the card rings as an exercise in card origami. His prior to the moment when they are thinking is that this takes the heat apparently magically entwined, was off the way that the cards need to done completely out of camera shot. be handled in order to make the link I suppose you could argue that in work. I think he has a point, because real performing conditions your patter there is not really a truly visual magic would take the heat off your hands moment that you can highlight that and thus create a similar blank spot makes this a strong magic trick. But in the spectators’ minds - or you what you are left with is an impossible could suspect that a bit of fiddling is card novelty which an onlooker can necessary! keep, and that is where its strength lies. ML Well, there is a bit of fiddling and the handling that Ben shows you is What’s Hot: the linked cards can be certainly not done for the most part at closely examined and taken away by fingertips. You need to cover the card a spectator that allows both rings that are torn rings at one point quite a lot with your What’s Not: the handling is not very O.C.L. from one card to not only be linked fingers, which I felt made it look a bit magical and so there’s a danger that Ben Williams and given away at the end for the suspicious. However, thanks to the the trick gets reduced to a slow, Available from: www.magicshop. spectator to keep, but also that clever card gaff, once the dirty work card folding novelty co.uk enables both card rings to be signed has been done and the link revealed, ★★★ Price: £12.99 by the spectator prior to the link itself. the card can genuinely be handed to In exchange for your hard earned a spectator to examine and indeed There have been a number of card cash you receive a 35 minute video keep, which is a nice strong touch. linking methods released over the download in which Ben goes through years, some using more than one the construction process that you The signing of the two card rings card, and others, like this one, will need to follow in order to create could also be seen as a strengthener using just the one. In this version, the special gaffed card that will too. I’m not particularly convinced Ben Williams has devised a set up enable you to perform this effect. that personalising the two card bits

be done with two identically sized over the shoulder shot would have dollar bills but that would depend on been useful, avoiding the need for them being perfectly aligned for the the viewer to reverse everything in change. their mind.

Alan strongly suggests giving the This change is faster and more visual higher denomination bill away, than methods using a thumb tip, but something also advocated by because of the angle problems, size Larry Hass. To do so is emotionally of note restriction and not being left engaging and takes the heat off “clean”, it is arguably less practical. the palmed bill. This could make CP This is a “no thumbtip” method which a strong, relatively clean, parlour NOVO depends only on a carefully pre- opener. What’s Hot: pleasing semi Alan Rorrison folded £10 note, well explained in the visual wipe change of bank note. Available from: www.magicshop. 20 minute video. The actual change There is a momentary “woodeness” Clear concise instructions. Well co.uk is pleasingly visual, rather like pulling to the right hand just before the bill is choreographed moves Price: £9.99 a blind down over a window. Angles transformed and the demonstration What’s Not: needs audience in will be a major problem – the change video is slightly dishonest in that front of performer, works best with A £5 note is borrowed, held vertically cannot be viewed from behind, the specator’s bill is dumped out of different sized bills, not left as clean and stroked with the other hand to or even extreme sides, and it also camera shot, probably on to the floor. as thumbtip method, or as the trailer change instantly to a £10 note, which works best with the new note being Alan gives clear instructions on the video implies. may then be handed out. slightly larger than the borrowed concise video, for the folding and ★★★ note. The instructions claim this can theSTAGE choreography 3 of the moves. An

SUBSCRIBE AT: WWW.MAGICSEEN.CO.UK MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE MAY 2016 55 Dealer’s Flame Booth Enterprises By Mark Leveridge

hose readers who like bespoke tasks. It may be fine if to scan the adverts in you are just using the software in a TMagicseen will hopefully small or limited way, but sometimes have noticed a new advertiser there are shortcuts or alternative in the last few issues - Flame ways of working which the standard Enterprises. Now, on first software either won’t do or which hearing the business name requires some tweaking in order to you might assume that this is a set it up in the most efficient way. business supplying pyrotechnics Aidan can write code or can identify to stage magicians, and that ways in which you can use your own therefore it might not be of much software more productively and thus interest to you. However, nothing save you time, effort and heartache! could be further from the truth, because as you will hopefully At first glance you may wonder what see from this article, what Flame all this has to do with magic. Well, Enterprises offers is of HUGE apart from the fact that most of relevance and importance to just us use computers in our everyday about everybody! lives so much these days and can often do with some friendly and Flame Enterprises is the new expert advice from a trusted and is not all about the money. In fact, underlying problem, not just the business run by Aidan Heritage. approachable source, there are also for the last few years he has been superficial effects that it causes, and A semi-pro magician with over ways that software can be designed offering free advice through places as a result you will end up with a 30 year of performing experience to meet our magic needs too. For such as Allexperts.com, and he also solution that is more robust and is behind him, Aidan has spent the instance, Aidan designed a simple has a YouTube channel where he tailored to your specific needs. last 20 years or so earning his ‘real’ show booking system which also will be posting training videos too. money in IT services. His speciality created a confirmation letter in Word Certainly, if your problem is a simple Aidan likes to give a free initial is working with Microsoft Office and an Outlook calendar entry at one, he is happy to dispense some consultation, so get in contact with and he has a detailed knowledge the same time. This is an example free advice, but if he is required to him and see how he can help you. of all the Office software, including of how IT can be used to semi- do more work, he will pre-quote you By bringing the problem or challenge spreadsheets and databases. automate a process and thus avoid for the job and even if it takes him to him, he may well be able to see Recently he was made redundant, errors and save time. longer than expected, the price will ways round it that you never thought and so he decided to see this not go up. of. Most of us are self taught on situation as an opportunity to offer So, could you do with Aidan computers, but there is no substitute his computer software skills to the having a look at your software and IT experts are two-a-penny these for real background technical wider magic community through processes to see if he can streamline days, but how many of them knowledge, and Aidan can offer you Flame Enterprises. and improve the efficiency of what understand magic and magicians this plus bring his experience in the you do? Do you have perhaps some in the detailed way that Aidan magic world to bear too to ensure But why use Aidan in particular? software issues which he could does? Not many! Running a magic that you get exactly the solution that Where he has carved out a special advise you on? But perhaps you’re business, even a part time semi-pro you are looking for. niche for himself is in his ability nervous about running up huge one, creates very specific issues, to use his creative skills to solve costs if you get involved? Well, the and Aidan has the understanding You can reach Aidan on IT problems that businesses and good news is that although Aidan and then the technical knowledge to [email protected] individuals encounter when they is obviously hoping to earn some create sensible, workable solutions. or visit his website at www. want to make the software do income through his business, he His aim is always to look at the flameenterprises.co.uk.

56 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE MAY 2016 all order despatched the same day before 4pm!

Oz Pearlman’s 21st Century Phantom Cut Outs

Easy Bend Coins

We use the same heat treatment technique for the Easy Bend Coins as we do with the Heat Treated Forks below.

If you perform coin bending routines with gimmicks such as the Quantum Bender or Coinvexed, you'll know just how difficult some coins can be to bend, especially the newer steel coins, well we've taken all of the hard work out of the bend with the PropDog Easy Bend Coins!

We heat them, cool them, clean them up and polish them. They are so soft, you can almost bend them with one hand! Lots of other characters are available too, such as Star Wars and children’s television characters. So no more trying to hide the grimace as you bend and the bonus is Custom characters are available once they bend, they're really hard to bend back. on demand!

Ellusionist has landed in the UK!

PropDog are proud to announce that we now have a HUGE range of Ellusionist products physically in stock and available for immediate shipping! This includes tricks such as PYRO by Adam Wilber, Solved by Adam Wilber, Warning by Kostya Kimlat, Stay Cool by Tobias Dostal, all of their decks such as Kings, Rounders, Madison Dealers, Keepers, Sleepers and loads more! All of these products are available on our website and we stand firmly on our promise to you Othat Mif it is Non oIur wDebsEite CthenK it is inE stNock GreadRy foAr immVediaIteN desG- patch! No longer wGillr eyoaut hfaovre wtoe pdady ifnorg esx,p ecnosripveo srhaitpep infug nancdti aodndsit,io tnraal dCeusthomows asn de tc! Import taxes or wait for weeks to get hands on with the latest releases! We can engrave almost anything!

If it’s on the website, it’s in stock! www.propdog.co.uk Tel: 020 8894 3410

Keep up to date with our new projects and ideas at facebook.com/PropDog LISTINGS MEET THE TEAM... Editor: Mark Leveridge ALAKAZAM MAGIC UK. www.alakazam.co.uk Deputy Editor: Graham Hey Design Editor: Phil Shaw BLACK HART. www.blackhart.co.uk Advertisement Enquiries: BRISTOL SOCIETY OF MAGIC. Mark Leveridge www.bristolmagic.co.uk [email protected] Next CARD SHARK. Website Design: Number 23. www.card-shark.de www.numbertwentythree.co.uk CARL DE ROME. www.cdrmagic.com Circulation: Sarah Logan Circulation Assistant: Jessica DISCOUNT MAGIC. www.discountmagic.co.uk Preece EL DUCO’S MAGIC. Contributors: George Luck, www.el-duco.se Jay Fortune, London Flair PR, Issue... ELLUSIONIST. Clive Hyams, Sheena Duigenan, www.ellusionist.com Boris Wild, Vincent Hedan FLAME ENTERPRISES. Next time in magicseen, the www.flameenterprises.co.uk Reviewers: Mark Leveridge, JOE MOGAR. magazine that even doctors www.joemogar.com Paul Preager, Stuart Bowie, JP PLAYING CARDS. Chris Payne, Phil Shaw refuse to stock in their www.jpplayingcards.co.uk LYBRARY.COM. Magicseen’s management waiting rooms (cos it makes www.lybrary.com board consists of: Graham Hey, MAGIC BY POST. Mark Leveridge & Phil Shaw people ill) www.magicbypost.com General enquiries and MARK LEVERIDGE MAGIC. Our prediction for the NEXT BIG www.markleveridgemagic.co.uk comments: MATRIX MAGIC. [email protected] www.matrixmagic.co.uk THING in comedy magic.... all will be Thanks to: Joshua Jay, Xavier MURPHY’S MAGIC INC. revealed in issue 69! www.murphysmagic.com Tapias, Rafael, Tim Osler & Faye Smith, Chris Cross NUMBER 23. www.numbertwentythree.co.uk PROPDOG. SUBSCRIPTIONS Plus: Mandy Muden, www.propdog.co.uk On-line at www.magicseen.co.uk, John Carney and a STEVE LAWS. or sending your details and a Email: [email protected] cheque payable to ‘Magicseen’ whole host of other THE PEEK. www.thepeek.co.uk to Magicseen Subscriptions, 13a Lyndhurst Road, Exeter humans! WORLD OF MAGIC. www.tricks.co EX2 4PA, UK. £30.00 for annual subscriptions, Europe £42.00, worldwide £51.00. USA/Canadian subscriptions (one year) are also available from our Distribution Partner in the States - www.lybrary.com

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58 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE MAY 2016