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A Magical Legend

A Magical Legend

THE MAGAZINE FOR MAGICIANS & MENTALISTS

MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE

Taster Issue No.10

ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE: KEN BROOKE PLUS... MASTERCLASS COMEDY REVIEWS LETTERS LES GIBSON MAGIC SEEN ONLINE JAMES EARL JONES THE INFINITE IMAGINATION OF RICHARD SANDERS , READERS If you have anything you would like to tell us, whether it’s about the magazine or anything magic related, please email: [email protected] LETTERS

JACK’S TASTY MAGIC FOR PIERRE! World class Chef, Marco Pierre White continues to fall for the magical skills of Jack Stephens who in turn continues to fall for the wonderful food on offer at Marco’s magical restaurant (watch those calories, Jack!).

DYNAMO IS WET! camera tricks anyway? They have and the Daily Mail devoted a We’d just like to point out our Am I the only person who been around for years… whole page to his exploits! reference in the last issue about thinks ’s shows are just Jack being rushed to hospital full of camera tricks, and stunts DYNAMO THE KING I read the article when he was was a joke. Jack is alive and well, which did ten How great to see a young featured on the cover of and performing miracles on a years ago? Walking on water? magician like Dynamo on the TV! It Magicseen, and it really daily basis! Call me cynical, why don’t you? is the highlight of the TV week for opened my eyes to all the hard H.K Stourbridge me and my two sons. He is work he had put in to get making magic really cool and where he is today. When I hear IT AIN’T ALL MAGIC Dear cynical, cut the lad some some of his tricks are AMAZING!!!! magicians criticising him, I Great to see an article of slack! What a breakthrough for a Dan Harrop, West Ham, . think they are just jealous. alternative ways to entertain young magician to have his own Jake Taylor, Jersey Children, as stated in the article series!!!! When was the last time HAND IT TO DYNAMO! children’s parties are not the that happened in the UK? At least I’m not a big fan of Dynamo, but We are big fans of Dynamo, and cash cow they once were, the public are talking about magic you have to admire the way he we don’t mind saying it. Not only despite other entertainers telling again, which can only be a good gets publicity and national is he very skilful, he happens to me otherwise. thing. And anyway, we think coverage in the press. With his be a really nice guy. If we had a Dynamo is ace. And there is no walk across the Thames river, he spare room at Magicseen I have just decided to get back harder working magician than was featured in almost every Towers, we would adopt him! into face painting, so I am eager him. Who cares about a few national newspaper in the UK, to read what your article on this CELEBRITY MAGIC

Mr Bean! I started off enthusiastic about the series and ended up pretty bored! Jane Southall, Kilmarnock

STARTING OUT! I am just getting in to magic and found Magicseen during an online search. Could you recommend any books for someone new to magic? Miles Fenton, Salisbury

Hi Miles, You could try Mark LEO GOES MAGIC! Wilson’s Complete Course In Magic, A short interview with the subject has to offer. And a guy Thanks, Chubbz! As far as a mag for which is great, or The Tarbell poptastic Leo Sayer – you doing it? - well some of the best children’s entertainers, the idea is Course in Magic. Also excellent are remember, the guy with curly hair face painters in the world today good, but publishing’s an expensive the books by Nick Einhorn. Street who used to dress as a clown or being men (Brian & Nick Wolfe business these days and usually Magic by Paul Zenon is also an something like that. from America.. Look them up). relies to an extent on advertising. excellent book, as is Pete Firman’s We will think about a regular ‘Tricks to Freak Out Your friends’. How long have you been a magic fan? On a side note, have you guys section for children’s entertainers – Since I was a kid. It seemed in ever considered doing a sister we will discuss this at our next those days that there was always mag for the children’s meeting! NOT magic or speciality acts on TV – entertainer? I don’t recall ever CROSS ENOUGH! and there was barely a talent seeing a magazine in the UK. Oh, Magicseen! Excellent article show in sight! There are loads of subjects to PENN & TELLER - on Chris Cross – but there were What are your earliest memories of cover from Face painting to UP & DOWN! no swearwords, and barely magic? doing hospital shows etc, just a I thought the Penn & Teller series anything offensive! Has Chris I was a fan of – thought. was for UK magicians to try and finally cleaned up his act? I love mainly when he did the close-up Best Regards, fool ‘em. It has rapidly become a the guy, but tell me he hasn’t magic, and I also watched and CHUBBZ & Co. showcase for world champions dumbed-down!! loved , because I and performers from overseas. Steve Fearnley, liked the way he did comedy, The standard has fluctuated Tommy Cooper, and I also liked wildly, and there have been acts Fear not Steve, we had to edit out all the big illusion acts. performing which wouldn’t fool more than fifty four-letter words, and Ever done any magic? several explicit references to sexual I’ve used a svengali deck and acts! So, to answer your question, one or two other gimmicked Chris is just as loveable as ever! tricks - but ? I would love to have the time to spend learning more skilled tricks YANN FOREVER! but I’m too busy. Great to see Yann Frisch on the What did you have for breakfast? cover. Long live the cups & balls, A donut and a coffee. Is this long live Yann Frisch, and long wrong of me? live Magicseen! What was the last magic you saw Karen Hardy, via email. on TV? I actually watched a clip of on Youtube doing his dove act. I hate dove magic, I really do, but when you see someone so skilful at it, you just have to admire it. Even with a rewind facility it’s still impossible to detect the moves. That’s why I stuck to singing. Comedy.. .it’s no laughing matter! By Graham Hey

This issue, we reveal the TOP MISTAKES you must QUICK GAG! avoid making, thanks to the good folks at This is great if you have two people on stage with you. (Or can be done if you are doing Virginmirth.co.uk. If you take any of the following close-up, too!) advice, you’re doomed to have less success than the Get two people to stand side by side, and football team! then say to one person: “Put your thumb up in the air...” (as if this is going to be part of a trick). Then say to a second person: “And will you put your thumb up as well?” Don’t Learn Your Act (Again, do this as if it’s going to be part of a It can be highly amusing to watch a new act for the icing on the cake, pull out your trick...). Once they have done this, simply struggling to remember the next bit of their scrappy hand-written sheets of A4, peer at take a camera out of your pocket and say: act - but not in the way he/she intended. To them in the dim stage light and shuffle them “I’ll just take a photo for my website of two be certain of confirming the audience’s frantically while keeping a fixed inane grin on people enjoying themselves at one of my suspicions that you don’t care enough about your face - it will be fine, really! shows!” Then you simply go into the them to learn your material, simply toss a routine you had planned. This always gets few ideas around in your head without once Don’t Greet The Audience a really good laugh! committing them to paper. Don’t even think Why bother saying “Hello”, “Evening” “Hiya” about making a list of keywords and or any other greeting – this might well memorising them. No way should you try to introduce you to the audience in a friendly link the image evoked by the last gag in one way and get an immediate response – who section with the first gag in the next section. needs that!? Dive into your material, don’t The audience are a forgiving bunch and will pander to the plebs with populist attention- gladly wait patiently while you trot out those getting devices, they’ve come to hear your highly original “savers” like “So...what else gags, not your pleasantries. And while we’re can I tell you?” or “I know this - really!”. And on the subject… COMEDY

Don’t Say Goodbye and Thank You later, too. Far, far better to plough straight right to the bitter end. If they miss the next Look – they’ve heard the gags, they either into your first supremely clever 5 minute gag because they’re still laughing at the first like you or they don’t. It’s no good thanking piece of comic genius full of intricate (probably because the fools were too bloody them for their attention, especially if they counterpoint and obscure references to 20 thick to understand it within the allotted 0.4 didn’t give you enough of it – tell them what year old episodes of Star Trek. If the seconds you generously allowed for you really think of their half-arsed attempts at audience aren’t sophisticated enough to “objective audience response”) – well, their understanding the depth and substance of appreciate a true artist who cannot be loss! your hand-crafted material. That way they’ll constrained by hackneyed formulae of appreciate your honesty – even if they’re yesteryear, well, darling – stuff ‘em! Don’t Look At Your Whole 100% honest with you about whether they Audience ever want to see you again! Don’t Learn How To Use The Come on, who still believes that old garbage Microphone about people who avoid your gaze being Don’t Care How You’re The mic is simply a tool, which cannot shifty and untrustworthy!! People haven’t Introduced enhance the quality of an act with high come to be admired and appreciated by With an act which has such unique fidelity sound. You know audiences will granting them the respect of glancing at character, instant appeal and a turn of wit always readily forgive that acceptable half them occasionally, they’ve come to that beggars belief, you don’t need to even minute of fumbling with the mike at the start. appreciate raw comedic and magic talent. hear what the compere says about you - Even if you drop it, they’ll wait patiently and They surely don’t need the reassurance of a never mind ensuring that it sets you up in the give you the benefit of the doubt. Should mutual gaze which forms an unspoken bond right way! He may introduce you as a one- you be holding it too close to your mouth, between the performer and the audience, legged ballet dancer from Bulgaria, or just as they’ll just hear you all the better, and the and is the best known a sh*t new act whose name he can’t even distortion introduced thereby will give it an precaution against be arsed to read out from the scrappy authentic “club” sound. If it’s too far away heckling. chewed up bit of paper you gave him earlier. from your mouth, then more of your A true can work with any unadulterated aural ambience will add a introduction, no matter how demeaning or natural ring to the sound (and allow them to confusing, it’s just the power of a master continue their undoubtedly important improviser on display. And even if takes five conversations in peace, without the constant minutes for the audience to recover from a interruption of rip-roaring gags). So don’t poor intro and begin to understand what ever think of practising mic technique – leave you’re all about, well – they’ll know next that to the androids. time! Don’t Make It A Double Act Don’t Give Them Any Quick Look – you’ve sweated blood over your act, Relief practised it over and over until it’s word Absolutely no need to offer your audience a perfect. It’s timed to the millisecond and, quick first gag, something that is consistent frankly, you don’t need it to be interrupted by with your stage persona or the theme of constant sounds of amusement from people your act. This might only give them the who obviously don’t give a damn that you’re impression that you’re worth listening to and on a tight time slot and you simply might even give them another few laughs have to get through this material

GARY DELANEY ONE LINERS...

“I took four Es last night. That was a tough hand at Scrabble.” “Technically, shoplifting from the Apple store only counts as scrumping.” ‘Made in Dagenham’, a film about the struggle for equal pay, is a big hit. Producers said ‘It was cheap to make too, as it’s mostly women’. MAGIC SEEN ONLINE! By George Luck

This month I am taking a look at something that you may well have heard of (and if you haven’t, in approximately four words you will), The Academy of Magic. This is an online magic venture that was created back in 2009 by London based magician, Tom Weil.

The Academy of Magic is what started the Our goal is to create a centralised web but we feel that it offers such a huge concept of presenting lectures online, via a platform for learning magic, making the opportunity to see those lecturers that you live internet stream, meaning you have no process easier, cheaper and more effective. wouldn’t ever be able to see in the flesh. Some convention fees and can be sitting in the The Academy has 3 main unique aspects: of the greatest teachers don’t travel and a lot comfort of your own home. of keen magicians can’t attend conventions or 1: Live Streaming lectures, either for financial or health reasons. The team consists of Tom (as you may have We did beta launch this (admittedly a little The goal is not to replace the physical lecture, gathered) as well as other London prematurely) in early 2010 in order to stake but support and expand their effect. magicians, Lee Hathaway, Neil Henry and our claim before EMC, to enable lectures, Daniel Young. filmed and streamed live online, to be watched 2: Video On Demand from the comfort of your home while still We wanted to improve the efficiency of video We had a chat with the man himself, Tom, allowing the viewer to interact with the lecturer. learning, so we came up with our video on so I shall leave you with what happened... demand system. A lot of sites are now Previous lectures included the likes of calling short tutorial videos ‘on demand’ but Etienne Pradier, Steve Dela, Anthony ours means it in the truest sense of the WHAT IS THE ACADEMY OF Jacquin & Paul Gordon. The Academy can phrase. You can watch & pay for just the MAGIC ABOUT? be used by anyone, anywhere, to host their parts of a video that you want to see. So if The Academy is about embracing the digital own lecture – from a convention, local magic you’re researching a particular move or era of magic. We have a huge amount of club or your front room - and practically no effect you can browse all the videos in the amazing technology at our fingertips, which technical knowhow is required. This is a catalogue and watch just the relevant parts only a few people seem to be utilising to great opportunity for up-and-coming of multiple videos. Like a ‘best of’ DVD but further our art. This is what The Academy is magicians to get their work recognised for whatever you want to learn! Our ultimate all about. Over the last couple of years we’ve internationally at the click of a button. goal is to have every magic video available custom developed loads of technology that on one system. A kind of iTunes for magic, could really benefit the learning process of Live streaming does receive a negative but without the inevitable trademark magic across the world. response from some, for encouraging laziness, infringement that would involve. MAGIC SEEN ONLINE

Whilst centralising all the tutorials would Academy. It is the most secure way of and lack of understanding. However, taking make it much easier to learn a specific effect distributing magic tutorial videos in the inspiration from Copperfield, we’re going to instantly, it would also give the option to world. If videos can’t be copied then they plough straight through the middle of those broaden your knowledge-base by watching can’t be fileshared. Secure streamed video walls! It’s an expensive and relatively daunting around the area you are interested in. This and video watermarking means it’s pretty prospect to try and change how people learn can’t be done currently without the expense much impossible to steal any video - which an art form; that is why we’re trying to make of purchasing several DVDs or books. On means the creators don’t lose out and this a collaborative process to build the library The Academy, for the same price as one ultimately the quality of the content of tutorial of content available for our On Demand physical DVD, you could watch over an hour videos will improve. We think it would be service. There is more information about our of several digital video explanations and, cool if EVERY magic video had this security. vision and plans and for how you can get what’s more, the creator gets paid for every involved, visit www.academyofmagic.com second you watch! WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY 3: Security WORKING ON? The other thing that is really important to us The sad thing is we have come across a is the security of the video content on The number of brick walls, mainly through fear

YOUTUBE CHANNEL OF THE MONTH: www.youtube.com/theacademyofmagic1 COMPETITION WINNER FROM LAST ISSUE: Jack Stephens. THIS MONTH’S COMPETITION: Film a funny video that is linked in some way to magic and send it to me at [email protected] and the winner will receive a prize...which we have not yet decided on but will be good. PROMISE! RICHARD SANDERS MIRACLE WORKER

ccording to the sandersfx.com website, in 15 years as a full time, professional magician, Richard Sanders has found 16,000 freely selected Acards; vanished $24,000 worth of hundred dollar bills; caused 916 borrowed objects to float in midair; and entertained tens of thousands of people at corporate events, conventions, trade shows, comedy clubs, cruise ships, and more! What sandersfx.com doesn’t tell you is the stunning reaction his original magic receives. His marketed effects are highly original, utra-clever, and each one is lovingly crafted to create high-impact, memorable magic. Earlier this year Richard visited the Magicseen stand at Blackpool for a chat, and we are pleased to report that not only is the fellow a creative genius, he is also a very funny and likeable guy... Graham Hey asks the questions. Richard at the Magicseen stand in Blackpool earlier this year.

What got you started in magic? Norman. I studied it voraciously. I studied the Were you a magic geek? I got into magic when my Grandfather took pass, the double lift and all kinds of By geek are you referring to a boy who was me to a local magic shop when I was 16. techniques. The book had one or two line so shy and introverted that in early high Behind the counter, a guy showed me a drawings per move, I really had no clue what school a girl once called out his name and silver ball that took flight under a hank. Then I was doing but I didn’t care. he blushed beet red for about ten minutes? he took a silver cup and caused a little red If so, then yes I was an UBER GEEK. ball to appear and vanish from under the I was the king of card magic…IN MY OWN cup and then BAM…there was an orange! MIND...and it was a blast! I was a very shy and introverted kid. My parents were divorced at a young age. Then I saw this quiet guy in the corner of the Years later, after much I grew up with my Mom and 2 younger room doing something with playing cards searching, I finally learned sisters. I was not the sociable type. I took that made my heart stop. I was watching the miracle that I saw in pleasure in things I could do on my own. I aces materialize under his hand literally “like the store years earlier, it had two choices and magic was the choice magic!” was ’ “Invisible that didn’t make me blind. It allowed me to Palm” routine. dream, practise and create all by myself. The When I left the shop I didn’t have a zombie real beauty of magic however, is that magic ball or silver cup, instead I had a copy of That effect changed my life! ultimately calls you to task: eventually you “Basic Card Technique” by Anthony must do this stuff for another human being. RICHARD SANDERS

“I was the king of card magic… IN MY OWN MIND...and it was a blast!” RICHARD SANDERS

“Magic is the perfect way to meet girls if you have no other options. I know this because I had no other options.” RICHARD SANDERS

I would spend the majority of my time walking into corner stores with the giant QUICKIES! fluffy mascot and harassing people with cards tricks as they attempted to purchase things like milk and cigarettes. Without Last time you shouted? sacrifice there can be no growth. That A month ago while alone in the car. summer I grew a lot.

Did you ever use magic to meet girls? Magic is the perfect way to meet girls if you have no other options. I know this because I had no other options.

Early on, magic allowed me to interact with girls who I would have never had a chance in hell of interacting with otherwise. The problem was that after the trick finished so did my social skills. Favourite TV show? Curb Your Enthusiasm, 30 Rock, 24, Flight I realised very quickly that no matter how of the Concords, Fringe. “Jay was a real amazing I made him sound, women just inspiration - weren’t interested in Fantasio. Fav ? Bill Mauer, Steve Carell, Will Ferrell, Monty having to keep Tell us about creating unique Python, Woody Allen, Mitch Headberg, Zach up with Jay effects... Galifianakis. I have been best friends with Jay Sankey kept me on my ever since I was 16 years old. What did you have for toes and breakfast? We used to get together at his Dad’s office in I am trying to cleanse my body. I am eating forced me to Toronto and create magic. We came only fruits, veggies and nuts. So I had fruits expand my equipped with a deck of cards, paper clips, and nuts. I miss meat! coins, matches and anything else we could own skills.” get our hands on. I believe oven mitts were Last Movie part of one session. Jay was a real you saw? inspiration - having to keep up with Jay kept Barbie: A Fairy For years my humans were my 2 sisters. By me on my toes and forced me to expand my Secret. (Shut up, I week two, I had already sucked the love of own skills. have a daughter!) magic right out of them! One of my first creations was called “Twig Secret hobby? from Ear.”(Nice title eh?). As I talked with the Graphic design Earliest job as magician? audience they could see the edge of a twig I think my first real job as a magician other sticking out of my ear. I slowly pulled it out - Personal thing? than kids parties would have been my time a 2 foot tree twig! This was my start! I am a LOUD snorer. as the ‘Hostess Munchies’ Magician. I was about 16 and still introverted. My father Your favourite effects? Best Venue? somehow managed to convince someone Interlace and Extreme Burn and Identity and 5 years of working he knew to hire me on as the magical Fiber Optics and Ultra Gum….stop…I can’t cruise ships. A cruise entertainer, where I would perform magic pick a favourite!!! ship is a fantasy job. along side the 7 foot, orange, furry mascot. I was decked out in a full black tuxedo Seriously, I really work hard at creating all of You are spoiled like a complete with a powder blue ruffled shirt the magic that I market. passenger with the added responsibility of and a bow-tie. I considered this a good style performing 2 shows a week for people that choice (please refer to the previous question, Every effect has a little of my blood, sweat love to laugh and have fun. Awesome “would you consider yourself a geek?”). and tears in it (don’t worry, all the DVD memories! 29 “If you enjoy seeing and making people laugh then by all means make this part of your magic. Humour in magic should be an extension of who you are naturally.”

Are you a solo creator? I am a solo creator but in fact I love working with others.

This year I released an incredible effect called Ultra Gum, where I worked very closely with Spidey and Deven Ye, two very creative guys.

I have projects planned with Cameron Francis, Ben Williams, Spidey and more. In fact this year Sanders FX is on the lookout for magicians with original effects and/or ideas. I will personally work with you to help bring to boxes were sanitised before shipping!). I love If I was in charge of magic market a cutting edge, top notch effect. The each effect for a different reason. world...? creative process is much more effective with A public “Troublewit” burning! more than one person at the helm. Most of my magic has a visual slant for a reason. I grew up in Montreal which, when I Public hangings for anyone that starts their Sense of humour!!? was a kid, was primarily English. As I grew show with “people often ask me, what’s the I think humour is very important in your up it transitioned into a French city. difference between magic and illusion…well magic….IF YOU ARE FUNNY! Unfortunately my French was not up to tonight we are going to find out!” standard and I had a problem I think a sense of humor is a wonderful thing communicating. I got around the On a serious note, I wish we would stop to have. communication problem by performing critiquing other magicians and instead, use mostly visual magic. This became my that energy positively to create magic for If you enjoy seeing and making people laugh trademark...to this day. ourselves. then by all means make this part of your magic. Humour in magic should be an Best magic books? Best Advice? extension of who you are naturally. Sankey Pankey, Art of Astonishment and “Have fun and love your audience!” I forgot Williamsons Wonders. who told me this. People always say that if you aren’t funny then don’t try to be funny on stage. Influences? 1. Audience Jay Sankey for incredible creativity. Bill 2. Customer I disagree with this. I think the important Abbott for effortless skill as a performer. Dave 3. You question to ask is: “Would you love to make Williamson and Bill Malone for comic genius. (in order of importance): Colin Magor people laugh?” If the answer is yes, then go RICHARD SANDERS out and try to do it. Making people laugh comes naturally to some, it takes work for others and it just isn’t a good fit for others. If Richard’s Favourite Effects... you never try, you will never know. Experiment with people. Try to crack a joke during your magic set. Try using a funny routine. Try an open mike night at your local INTERLACE: ULTRA GUM: comedy club, etc. A borrowed finger Unlike traditional ring appears hanging effects like this, I used to be a very quiet, polite performer from the loop of your (bill in lemon for when I started but by working at it over and shoelace. I love example), the over (and taking a few chances here and there) Interlace for the spectator gets I became funnier and funnier. The funnier I strength of the to see the bill in became the looser I got and the funnier I was effect. The idea of a the impossible able to be. Eventually I became a funny guy. borrowed ring location (the This may not be the route for everyone but if appearing on the lemon) only after it is something you truly want then by all loop of your it is cut open. With Ultra Gum the spectator means go out there and try it. shoelace always struck me as an impossible gets to see his bill trapped inside an organic miracle that would be remembered impossible location WHILE IT IS STILL IN Who was I 10 years earlier and long after the effect is over. THE IMPOSSIBLE LOCATION. how have I changed since? I performed primarily at corporate events and private parties. I am still doing that today FIBER EXTREME BURN: but as a person I have changed. I am much OPTICS With a shake of more comfortable with who I am and who I EXTENDED: your hand, am not. I love this for it’s paper visually pure visual changes to With another 10 years of performing beauty. This is money. experience under my belt, I have a lot more hardcore, high I love this because confidence in myself as an entertainer. octane visual magic. of the visual There are about 20 changes. With no I am free to do things that I would have visual magic moments in a span of 3 moves and no cover never done ten years earlier. minutes! your own eyes see money or paper transform. The magic is Example: At the recent Blackpool 2011 undeniable! convention I performed on the close-up show. The show was performed for a group of about IDENTITY: 500 people in one large room complete with a It was an amazing experience but an A full out card large video screen. I had my show prepared experience that I could never have done routine where marks but after sitting through all the magic acts I without the aid of 20 plus years of jump from card to just couldn’t stand to show everyone another performing experience. card until they end up card or coin routine so instead, last minute, I on the selection… and decided to trust myself, and wing it. Do you like ? then the marks visually I love mentalism done well. change into the I was armed with an opening joke and a spectator’s name. quick closing trick but other than that I had I am writing this article from my hotel room in no clue what I was going to do. Las Vegas where last night I saw Gerry I love Identity for the killer ending where McCambridge’s show. What an amazing the marks change into their own name. I walked up to the close-up table with surprise. He combines a comedian’s sense The transformation of the marks to their nothing but a trust in the universe and a trust of humor, powerful effects and very clever name at the end of the effect is like a in myself. The show was a mish-mash of psychology. sucker punch to the solar plexus.. improvised magic, bits of business and situation comedy. I literally had no clue what What makes him really shine is his ability to I would do next throughout the show. convince the audience that what they are watching is the real thing. What I found really sandersfx.com Fifteen minutes later, the show was over and interesting is that he is funny as hell and at I received a standing ovation from 500 the same time people are actually scared of people in the close-up room. him…a very difficult combination to pull off. KENBROOKE brooke ne ‘Return’ of a magical legend

by Steve Cook

On February 26th 1983, the “There are no tricks in the ‘Legend’ book controversy often brought him into conflict with magic world mourned the loss but some wonderfully funny, as well as some the magical hierarchy but, if Ken thought he of probably its most colourful, very poignant stories”, says Steve, “there are had a genuine grievance, then he’d usually air charismatic and controversial also some great gags, ‘bits of business’, plus it: contumacy is a natural progression for any character…the legendary, lots of priceless advice and a wealth of sincere ‘barrier-breaker’. Ken Brooke. excellent photos”. Ken Brooke was responsible for having a On February 26th 2008, in order to It seems incredible to think that a major influence on the careers of many of the commemorate precisely, twenty-five years quarter of a century has vanished since Ken biggest and most respected names in magic; since that very sad day, Steve Cook officially passed away. Today, in the opinion of Paul Daniels, Wayne Dobson, Tommy Cooper, publishes his long-awaited book: Legend: An countless magicians, there is still nobody in Al Koran, , Johnny Hart, Terri Rogers, anecdotal tribute to Ken Brooke. the world of magic who comes close to , Gaetan Bloom, , Slydini, The main aim of the book is to keep alive matching him as ‘the greatest magic , , Maurice Fogel, Ali the name of Ken Brooke for future demonstrator of all time’. Bongo, John Fisher, Jerry Sadowitz, Alex generations of magicians. It is important to He was often outspoken, controversial and Elmsley, , Channing Pollock, highlight ‘magic revolutionaries’ like Ken, who sometimes vehement in his opinions on magic, , … to name but a few! has been described as the most influential magicians and show-business, which is almost Ken should publicly have been a star; his man in magic; a man who constantly strove always the case with real innovators and ‘torch desire not to pursue that route, led him to to elevate magic into a real art form. bearers’. Naturally, such outspokenness and being content within his own special magic

magicseen Issue No.19 March 2008 shyness or some other childhood insecurity. The fact is, that if performers didn’t possess Ken’s words the attention thing, then they wouldn’t perform. Period. Which is the greater loss? of wisdom Without doubt Ken Brooke had a wicked Below is a small selection of the sense of humour, which unfortunately was priceless advice from Ken, which is often misinterpreted. He was the sort of guy included at the end of the book in a who’d push you in the river, then jump in chapter entitled: Gold Dust. It’s a cliché after you… sometimes… he wouldn’t! to say this but, without doubt, this If however, Ken took a liking to you and chapter alone is worth many times the eventually came to trust you, then you had a price of the book. The advice is just as true friend for life. If that trust was abused relevant today as it was then: then God help you! Also, if he saw you do something which, magically, he thought wrong, “It is the journey that counts, then he’d tell you so in that brusque Yorkshire not the destination. dialect, but he’d also help you to put things right. He could be embarrassingly generous Throughout any trick, the and thoughtful too, often when he couldn’t action should be kept afford to be… the mark of a true humanitarian. enjoyable. No use having a Born in Leeds, West Yorkshire, on five minute build up to a arena doing what he did best, and what he November 3rd 1920, Ken became fascinated ten-second climax did best, was demonstrating his exclusive with magic as a very young schoolboy. As a ” range of magic. ‘Demonstrating’ is actually a young boy, he was selling Svengali decks on You may have a perfect weak description: it was a ‘complete street markets under the auspices of “ performance’. He was also a superb pitchmen, such as the legendary, Joe sleight but, if your timing is salesman: top notch, the best! In fact his Squinters. Such experiences certainly helped off, you’ll get caught out; sales technique was so subtle, that the punter formulate both his no-nonsense attacking whereas, if your sleight is poor invariably bought from him unconsciously! magical style and his acute and subtle but your timing is good, you’ll Ken knew instinctively what worked for an salesmanship, which were to serve him get away with it every time. audience. He cared passionately about his extremely well in later life. Timing is everything! art, as a dealer, demonstrator and performer. Ken served in the RAF during the Second ” Being a professional cabaret performer World War in North Africa, the Western Desert himself, he understood completely, the rigid (around Cairo) and Italy. During the campaign “It is essential that within a demands of the professional, as well as he was involved with ENSA and helped organise few minutes of starting your acknowledging the criteria sought by the many shows for the troops. He also met many performance, both your dedicated amateur: in short, he knew the magicians, who later were to become famous in character (performing persona) magic business inside out and back to front! their own right: Tommy Cooper, , His written instructions were unique, and Pablo, Jack Gwynne, among others. and the nature of your act are respected throughout the magic world Post-war Ken ventured into magic established to your audience. because they explained every nuance, bit of dealing, and initially worked briefly for Alan They have to instantly warm to business and offered a wealth of professional Milan and later for Paul Veroni in , you because, if they think advice with every effect he sold. The West Yorkshire. He eventually set up a magic they’ll like you as a person, message was delivered in a relaxed, business of his own in that city but, he went then they’ll almost certainly humorous and intimate style. bust and lost everything… even his furniture! like what you do Some magicians found Ken to be a Shortly afterwards, the well known magic ” problematic character who often alienated dealer, Harry Stanley brought Ken to London to and indeed occasionally offended some of manage the Unique Magic Studio in Soho. “When practising a move… his acquaintances and customers. To be fair, Both men were responsible for advancing the sing! Occasionally, change the the problem was probably with the people careers of many big names in magic by song, say every ten minutes, who took offence, in that they failed to bringing them to British shores in order to but keep singing! You might be comprehend the man’s humour, which at lecture, especially magicians from America times could be cutting, off-beat and satirical. such as; Dai Vernon, Slydini, Don Alan, Johnny a lousy singer but, your efforts A few people have mentioned that Ken loved Paul, Al Goshman and Ricky Jay plus, from will take your mind away from to pull gags on others, but didn’t like it when Holland, a man acknowledged then as the the ‘moves’. I wish more the roles were reversed. This may in part be greatest magician in the world… Fred Kaps. magicians would sing more true, however, it must be understood that he In 1966, after encouragement, often: it’s a natural thing to was so charismatic, that his character persuasion and finance from his friend, Frank do. Now, change the song for actually commanded attention: he was Farrow, Ken decided to set up Ken Brooke’s always the life and soul of the party… always! Magic Place in London’s Soho. Eventually the talk, any talk, just keep talking Let’s be honest, there’s a selfish streak business settled in Wardour Street (Soho), to yourself for a further ten in all performers and extroverts; the need to and over the years, the studio became world minutes or so. Being natural is show-off, to be accepted; to be the centre of famous and a magnet for visiting magicians 99% of the battle: it’s the attention. It’s probably Freudian: an inherent from all over the world. keynote to success!”

www.magicseen.co.uk KENBROOKE

some of his ‘friends’ let him down badly both prior to, and after, his death, is heart-breaking. He didn’t deserve to finish his life that way. After suffering several strokes Ken Brooke finally succumbed, and passed away probably due to hereditary circulatory problems. Ironically, that weekend was the Blackpool Convention. In February 1980 (three years before Ken’s death), at the Blackpool , a Fiesta of Magic was held in his honour, with all participating performers giving freely of their services. A testimonial fund (inaugurated some time before the event), raised a substantial amount of money for Ken in recognition of his services to magic and his impending retirement. Ken, humble as ever, was overwhelmed. The list of contributors to this fund is listed in the Legend book… that list The Ken Brooke range of magic sold there known to have sold out in a matter of hours! If speaks for itself, and only serves to highlight was an exclusive collection of top class you were in Ken’s company, you just didn’t his tremendous popularity. ms commercial items. It was the only magic want to leave… such was the charisma of the dealership in the world which offered a money man… now that’s a real star! Legend: An anecdotal tribute to Ken Brooke back guarantee on every item it sold! Many of In 1981, Paul Stone arranged for Ken to is crammed with anecdotes about Ken and the biggest names in magic gave Ken the visit America to collect (after considerable lots of fascinating facts and photos. Fifty-two exclusive marketing rights to some of their pet delay), a Special Fellowship Award from the contributors provide an intimate portrait of the effects; great magicians such as: Fred Kaps, Academy of Magical Arts. During this time, Ken man, these include: Wayne Dobson, Gaetan Gaetan Bloom, Finn Jon, Wayne Dobson, Scotty was recovering from a serious stroke and his Bloom, , , Terry Herbert, York, , Ali Bongo, Roy Johnson, speech was badly affected. Despite this, he Martin Breese and many, many more! Terri Rogers, the list goes on and on and on! still managed to win over many people with his It is published in hard back (220 pages), in a Unfortunately, with ever-increasing rents, undiminished charisma. He was often reduced 25th anniversary limited edition of only problems of piracy from some of his to tears by the response of his generous hosts. 1,000 copies worldwide. Once gone… they’re competitors and Ken’s failing health (he was a Those great showmen, Siegfried & Roy, hosted gone! To be officially released on 26th real ‘workaholic’), he had to end his association a party at their beautiful home in honour of February 2008. Two charitable projects will with the studio after many successful years. Ken. He was treated like Royalty: such was the benefit from some of the profits from the There really was no place like it! If you esteem in which he was held by his peers. book. Price: £30-00 (plus £5-00 p&p - UK). ever attended a convention where Ken was During the last few years of his life, Ken Overseas enquiries welcome. Reserve your dealing, then you couldn’t miss his stand: it was nursed with dedicated care by his partner, copy by calling Steve Cook: 01472-349753 or had the biggest crowd around it in the hall! He Barbara McNaughton. Listening one evening to Email: [email protected] held the crowds all day and he has often been Barbara open her heart and describe how Copyright © Steve Cook 2008

Finally, here are a few anecdotes from “Ken never lost his sense of humour, even People looked at him as though he were mad, the book. These don’t even scratch the when he was seriously ill, and due to his but it got a great reaction and I dare say that surface… there are scores and scores illness, he could only eat a meal slowly. Once it endeared him instantly to total strangers!” of them. Ken’s close friend, Barry during this period, we both went for a meal (Barbara McNaughton - Ken’s partner) Stevenson, alone wrote close on 8,000 and when Ken was settled in the restaurant, words about the man! we ordered, and he said to the waiter: “Leave “One night in a pub, Ken bet a guy that he the keys… we’ll lock up!” (Remo Inzani) (Ken) could leave his pint of beer on the bar, then walk out of the room and drink the pint “He once gave me a nice bit of routining with “Ken had many sight-gags, but the following without walking back into the bar! Of course, a Vanishing Birdcage and a Jumping Stool (in always impressed me, no matter how often I the guy took the bet! Ken would then walk out fact, I still use it today). He would walk on saw it. He would hobble along the street of the bar and after a few seconds would walk holding the cage and say: “Can you see it at apparently in great pain, until he caught back in, but on his hands! He’d drink the beer the back?... No?… Just a minute…” He would someone’s attention (which never took long), and the guy would honour the bet! He didn’t then exit and return with the stool and say: then he would stop and say: “It’s no good I do it for the free beer but for the laugh “I’ll stand on this”. He’d start to get onto the can’t go on…” (or words to that effect) He because the bar was full of people who knew stool, it would jump up into the air and, as he would then remove the offending shoe and tip nothing of the bet and, as Ken walked in on reached out to catch it, the cage would from it a large stone or a piece of brick, which his hands, the expressions on their faces was vanish! He’d look around and say: “Where’s hit the floor with a resounding thud, then he’d ‘gold-dust!’ I don’t think we paid for another the bloody cage?” I love it! (Pete Biro) say: “No wonder…! Or “That’s better!” etc. drink all night!” (Barry Stevenson)

magicseen Issue No.19 March 2008 REVIEWS ★ - poor ★★ - OK, but could be better ★★★ - reasonable middle of the road value ★★★★ - good product ★★★★★ - outstanding/exceptional

The 11 card principle is one of process you will always know the cards, you will need to develop those strange self working identity of the card at that some cold reading skills, but mathematical miracles, the position. given the arcane nature of Tarot origins of which are now cards with their esoteric becoming lost in the mists of $25 would be verging on theft for characters, it’s fairly easy to time. Martin Gardiner, Henry just this underwhelming premise, attach meanings to the cards as Christ and Jon Armstrong have so Jeff Stone has cloaked the they come up! This has the toyed with it and another more mathematical method and potential to be quite a powerful recent sighting is Paul Gordon’s moved the presentation away presentation in the right hands, What a Triple Kick. Check John from a card trick into the vague although you will need to get to Scarne’s Mathematical Finder in and misty area of card reading know the Tarot deck well in order Scarne on Card Tricks for a basic where it becomes something a to have some credibility with the version or Giobbi’s Numerology little more real to lay people. With Tarot version. in Card College 3. the addition of thinking on your SPECTRAL CHILL feet and presentational ploys At its most basic, this is a self An E-Book by Jeff Stone Mathematical principles can about the methods of fortune working card trick which has Available from often be boring because it will tellers who reveal links between been taken to a completely www.stonecoldmagic.com inevitably mean a lot of dealing or the cards and the spectator, it different level and made into Price: $25 (approx. £15.50) counting and guess what, that’s becomes the sort of thing they something a lot spookier. For just what happens in this trick! want to believe even when it’s fans of the Tarot or just the Jeff Stone’s presentational Keeping the presentation lively slightly off the mark! spookier end of card magic, this updating of the old 11 card with some sprightly dealing will is a powerful presentation, but principal is here applied initially to help those moments when all Following this, Stone then adapts despite its near 50 pages, it’s playing cards and transforms an that happens is a lot of counting. the whole principle to a routine maybe a little pricey for a old card trick into a great The trade-off is a self working with Tarot cards in which Tarot downloadable E-book. PP conversation piece, but more for routine that becomes more readings are weaved into the a casual setting than for a formal inexplicable the more you do it. presentation. This will be easy for WHAT’S HOT: modern day show. That’s an important point What we have here is essentially those already familiar with the presentation for an old card trick! as it’s better if the audience a mathematical dealing trick, Tarot deck but will take some WHAT’S NOT: a pricey download? doesn’t associate this with a card although an intriguing one where getting to know for the ★★★ trick and it becomes more about whatever number is arrived at by uninitiated. For this, and the the skill of ‘reading the cards’. the randomness of the dealing previous routine with playing

Running to 252 pages, The Book and, I have to agree, it’s nice to ‘Imp-Ossible’. A drawing of Lies is a collection of see how Paul would perform duplication effect with an added mentalism effects and ideas from each effect even if you choose Thought of Word revelation the mind of Paul Brook. not to use the scripting. using a clever dual-reality method. Broken down in to chapters, the With around 45 effects it is book covers ideas for impossible to mention all of them, There is some good solid Impromptu, Stage, but highlights for me include: material in this book - some Psychokenesis and Media, along needing preparation, some you with a chapter entitled Some ‘BI-FAW’. This is a method of can do on the fly but anyone Concepts. making a billet index inside a who performs or has an interest regular wallet. in mentalism will take something If you have read any of Paul’s from this book. other books then you will be ‘Watch Your Money’. Paul takes THE BOOK OF LIES familiar with the format. Each you step-by-step in how to create, Recommended. PS Paul Brook effect is fully scripted leaving what he calls, a James Bond style Available from nothing out. The book could watch which can be used to tell WHAT’S HOT: Some great effects. www.heknows.co.uk actually have been half its size if which hand a coin is being held in. Thoroughly explained. Price: £65 not for the scripting but Paul is And it will only cost you around WHAT’S NOT: A bit pricey. often praised for his detailing £10, plus an old watch. ★★★★ REVIEWS

down, then back, then upside The instructions I found website. This shows a single tube down again. When the tubes are somewhat difficult to follow. The routine with a completely different lifted the spectator’s bottle is concept of how the trick works is patter story to the one in the upside down but the performer’s easy enough to understand, but instructions, and although the is still the right way round. This is the way that this is expressed in originators say it is not the ‘official’ repeated a second time with the the instructions by the originator dem of the product, I thought the same mis-match. Then on the leaves a lot to be desired. The effect was actually much better third attempt the bottles supplied patter is provided but it’s than the supplied classic one! magically end up matching. At hard to work out exactly what is which point the performer happening at any given point in If you have always wanted to do produces a third bottle that patter. As if acknowledging the Topsy Turvy Bottles and are THE TOPSY-TURVY which he gives as a gift to his this fact, there is an extra bit of looking for an up-to-date set, SODA BOTTLES volunteer. handling instruction given these props will do you fine, Walt Anthony and Michael Mosher afterwards in which what you do especially if you already have a Available from: www.practical- The tubes are very sturdily made is broken down into three stages, handling that you are familiar magic.com and will survive even heavy but even trying to follow it with with. If you are coming to it for Price: £49.50 + £5.75 P&P handed treatment. One of them tube and bottle in hand, I still got the first time, be prepared to is gimmicked and therefore a bit confused! And then the extra work through it until you can Here is the classic Topsy Turvy cannot be shown empty at any bottle production is skipped over figure out what is supposed to Bottles done with Coca Cola stage. The bottles are regular half fairly quickly in a ‘Notes’ section be happening, because then bottles. The effect is the time litre coke bottles which are at the finish. I really think that eventually you will have a trick tested one. Two tubes are supplied empty in order to make these instructions could have which would make an ideal act shown, the performer having one mailing the trick lighter, so you been put together far better and I opener or be suitable as a quick and a spectator the other. Each will need to fill the bottles with think it spoils what is otherwise interlude for a compere. ML takes a full bottle of coke and coke or with correct coloured quite a nicely made outfit. holding it the right way round, water so that the bottles match WHAT’S HOT: the well made props covers it with their tube. With the supplied gimmick. Having the One way to make things a bit WHAT’S NOT: the somewhat their palms covering both ends, bottles full also makes the trick clearer is to watch the video dem inadequate instructions the tubes are turned upside easier to handle. that Practical Magic have on their ★★★ CELEBRITY MAGIC

What's your earliest David & Karen memory of seeing magic on TV? Paul Daniels when I was a kid.

Paul Daniels or David Copperfield? David Copperfield.

Seeing as Britain’s Got Best thing that's Most positive aspect of overs, had a lot of this in before happened to you BGT for you? Talent has just recently BGT, but now the huge recognition because of the show? Recognition and experience of a makes the work more exciting. finished, we thought we Best thing that's happened from life time with the tour. would ask one of the the show is the recognition What’s coming up for you finalists a few questions. before a gig and in the street. What are you working in the next 12 months? on at the moment? The next 12 months has more of We decided to chat to the Last magic you saw on TV? At the moment I'm doing a lot of the same work but with a bigger brilliant impressionist Les David and Karen on BGT - very, fly backs for top holiday profile, BGT is a great platform Gibson.... very good. companies and cruise. Also voice for my kind of act. MASTERCLASS

WE WANT YOUR BEST IDEA! The Masterclass Award for 2011, which consists of a cash prize of £250 plus a special certificate, will be presented to the person who contributes the best trick published in the Masterclass section of Magicseen during Volume 7. Wayne Fox is the next to contribute - so what can you offer to wow our readers even more to put you in the running? Please send your contribution to the Editor at [email protected] as soon as you can. Four issues of Volume 7 are already gone, so you have just 2 issues left to stake your claim to the cash! So don’t delay, show how creative you are and let us tell the world for you.

A FINE CHANCE depending on what props you by Wayne Fox can lay your hands on.

This really does pack small and Five different coloured casino play big, in every sense of the chips. Fig.1. These can be found word. I perform this ‘close up’ online and indeed most big and on stage with spectators. department store sell them, When I want to make an costing a few pence per chip. If impression with mindreading, this you do not want to use chips you is the one I use. I came up with can use different value coins, or this idea when we as magicians indeed cut coloured card into are asked the tiresome question, discs. “Do you play cards”, and “Do you gamble”. This is a simply A large die (large enough to be FIG 1. wonderful way of answering seen by all at the table) these questions and the A prediction. This can be a photo outcome seems totally of you by a Roulette wheel impossible as you end clean. holding the chip of your choice. More important to this, the magic Fig.2. This can be easily done on happens completely in the Photoshop on most computers. spectator’s hands. Just scan your image onto a roulette wheel. However you Effect: You bring out an envelope could simply Google images of a which is in full view at all times, roulette wheel with chips. Failing and explain that when you go to all these you could simply have a a casino you leave the whole written prediction stating your experience to chance. Firstly you prediction. show a list of the games you like to play, Black Jack, Crapps, Six lists produced on small Roulette and so on, these are pieces of thin card which are numbered 1 to 6. You then about the size of credit cards. show five different coloured These are laid out as in Fig.3. chips. The spectator rolls a dice Roulette is at number 1 on the and cross-references the number first list, on the second list it is at on the list and finds that they number 2, on the third list have landed on Roulette. number 3 and so on, rotating the other games on the lists on the They then choose a chip colour, way. ‘white’. The envelope is opened by the spectator and there is Set Up: Take your six lists and your prediction, a photograph of arrange them in a known order in you sitting next to a Roulette the credit card slots in your FIG 2. wheel holding white chips. wallet. This should enable you to instantly grab whichever list you What you need: There are several need following the selection with ways of presenting this the die. Your spectator is now asked to want to force. The spectator roll the die a few times to show eliminates one of these which it’s not a ‘loaded’ die. They stop you remove and place to one rolling wherever they want, let’s side, returning the other chip to say ‘4’, and you now remove the join the remaining two. list from your wallet which has ‘Roulette’ in the fourth position, This leaves three chips. The and pass it to the audience spectator selects any two and member to read off what is at you eliminate one that is not a number four. white chip.

You now bring out the chips and That leaves just two, the white lay them out on the table. You and one other colour. Ask him to FIG 3. now need to force the white chip hand you one of the chips. If he by using a version of the Roy hands you the white one place it Make up the prediction to your You tell them that firstly you Baker ‘P.A.T.E.O. (Pick Any Two down next to the games list as specifications, and put this in an would want to know what game Eliminate One) Force’. It goes like his selection. If he hands you the envelope which gets handed to a to play at the casino, and this….. other colour, drop that chip on spectator to hold. opening your wallet with the the pile of discarded ones and inside facing you, pull out any The P.A.T.E.O. Force slide the remaining white one Put the five chips and dice in one of the lists inside. Show the The spectator chooses any two over next to the games card. your trouser pocket and you are audience this briefly then draw it of the five chips and you Either handling appears logical ready to go. back and read just some of the eliminate one, simply making given the way the chips have games in a random order off the sure that if they choose the white been handled and eliminated up Performance: Tell your spectator list and tell them that each game one as one of their two to that point. that gambling is a game of luck, is numbered. By not showing selections, you eliminate the and that when you gamble you them the numbers they will not other one. The remaining chip is All that remains is to recap on leave the choice of game to be able to remember an easy put back with the other three. what has happened so far and chance, even the chip colour is position of one of the games, then get the spectator to open left to the odds of possibility. such as the top one. Slip the list You now point to two of the and reveal the prediction. Hand your prediction to the back into the wallet which you chips. You can select any two spectator. close and place down in view. chips except the white one you

CELEBRITY MAGIC - JAMES EARL JONES

We decided to ask top US actor James Earl Jones currently starring at the Wyndham’s Theatre in Driving Miss Daisy, a few questions about magic. This is the transcript of our phone call at 9pm...

....the phone rings... the world’s number one magic magazine. MS: Oh, hello. Is James Earl Jones in? Will that get me through to him? THEATRE: Which department does he work in? THEATRE: No. We’ve never heard of it. Can MS: No, he’s the star of the show!!! you ring tomorrow and we’ll put you through THEATRE: Ahh, James Earl Jones! He’s to the marketing and performing right now... promotions department? MS: Any chance we could have a quick word MS: Have you heard of Ian with him while he’s standing at the side of the Keable? stage or anything? THEATRE: No. THEATRE: No... MS: OK, good bye and thank MS: I’m ringing from Magicseen – you know, you for your expertise.

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