SEEN Lite

ISSUE 13

MAGIC BY NUMBERS ANDREW BASSO 2 POKER CHIP TRANSPO SKATING ON THIN ICE REVIEWS MICHAEL MURRAY MENTAL AS ANYTHING

THE TEAM Editor: Mark Leveridge CONTENTS Deputy Editor: Graham Hey Hello everyone, you are very welcome Design Editor: Phil Shaw to our latest free taster issue, this edition Advertisement Enquiries: featuring selected content from the main [email protected] issue 98 (May 2021). To start our third Website Design: www.magicdp.co.uk year of Lite we are pleased to include the Circulation: Sarah Logan Circulation Assistants: full interview with cover star Michael Frankie Shaw, Edward Shaw, Jessica Preece Murray, who is making a big success Contributors: Allan Taylor, Gregg Webb of marketing his own mental effects. Reviewers: Mark Leveridge, Paul Preager, He is joined by Andrew Basso, one of Stuart Bowie, Chris Payne, Jay Fortune, escapology’s leading lights in a relatively Phil Shaw rare article about an important allied art. Magicseen’s Management: Graham Hey, Mark Leveridge & Phil Shaw We know most readers enjoy learning a General Enquiries and Comments: good trick, so we offer you a simple yet [email protected] 8 Thanks to: extremely effective chip transposition Michael Murray, Andrew Basso routine from Gregg Webb taken from the Masterclass. Then if you ever worry about H H H H H making mistakes when you perform, our Michael Murray 8 article Skating On Thin Ice will suggest Magic By Numbers 14 ISSUE NO.97 various ways to avoid them. VOL 17. NO.1 SEEN MARCH 2021

BORIS WILD ON FOOL US Masterclass 17 CHRIS CROSS ON THE UP, Plus....we include Magic By Numbers, a UP NORTH F!@K selection of some of the Product reviews Andrew Basso 20 IT’S THE AMAZING and of course a full line up of tempting LETTERS JOHNATHAN! REVIEWS MASTERCLASS PHONEBOX SERIAL WINNERS ads from Magicseen’s discerning dealers. Dealer Shoutouts 26 Skating On Thin Ice 28 SUBSCRIPTIONS If you like all this and could do with Online at www.magicseen.com, or sending your more, then why not jump in and sign Product Reviews 32 details and a cheque payable to ‘Magicseen’ up for the full monte by taking a 1 or to Magicseen Subscriptions, Anne's Park, 2 year download or printed copy sub? Cowley, Exeter EX5 5EN, UK. £33.00 for annual subscriptions, Europe £45.00, worldwide £54.00. Not only do you get everything that the USA/Canadian subscriptions (one year) are also main issues offer every two months, but available from our Distribution Partner in the States - www.lybrary.com­­ subscribers get other benefits too, such as free download copies and discounts Copyright. The views and opinions expressed in this 30 magazine are those of the individual contributors on book purchases. You can get further and do not necessarily reflect the views of the details and sign up at www.magicseen. publishers. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is strictly prohibited without the prior com. consent of the publishers. Colour transparencies, manuscripts or discs are sent at the owners’ own Mark Leveridge risk. Neither the company nor its agents accept any responsibility for loss or damage. All unsolicited material should be accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope.

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4 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE

MICHAEL MURRAY Mental As Anything

Having seemingly been around for years, and well known for working at Magicbox, Michael Murray has now firmly established himself as a brilliant creator and performer. His reputation around the world has blossomed and his career has never been more high profile than it is now. Graham Hey chats with the outstanding mentalist.

What were you like as a youngster? “I sadly it had a downside as I also managed position at Magicbox which is based in my suppose in many respects I was a little bit to wind up on detention due to my home town of Newcastle. of a Jekyll and Hyde character at school,” uncontrollable laughter.” says Michael. “On one side, I was a shy “When presented with the choice of and introverted child with a very small Michael says he witnessed his first magic working in an office behind a computer or circle of friends. I was often labelled as the show at the age of seven in Salou Spain, making money demonstrating magic and teacher’s pet as my homework was always and an interest in both puzzles and magic having access to all of the latest books and promptly handed in on time and I did was born. “Understandably, whilst my effects there was no hesitation in my mind reasonably well academically. However, parents supported my interests, they and so I emptied my draw and began what there was another more mischievous side couldn’t see any future in these ‘hobbies’ would ultimately become a huge chapter to me that loved playing jokes on other from a career standpoint - even I did not in my life.” unsuspecting members of the school. have a clue what direction I would take at that point in time,” continues Michael, I ask Michael, as a performer and creator “I vividly recall my physics teacher waking “and as such, they pushed me to pursue now, what were the benefits of having a a friend up who had fallen asleep during various business-related qualifications to magic shop? “Working at a magic shop was the lesson. The teacher demanded that ensure that I had something to fall back on of huge benefit to me from both a creating he answer the question that was asked if my dreams did not pan out the way that and performing stand point. Firstly, I moments earlier. In an effort to ‘help’ him I hoped. was privy to all of the latest books, videos out I gently whispered the number 32 to and gimmicks so that I could make very him. My friend immediately proclaimed “Work-wise my career path is relatively informed choices on those products that I aloud that the answer was 32 which to his short. Whilst studying for my wished to purchase for myself rather than surprise only succeeded in angering the qualifications in business studies I became only having the ad copy to work from. The teacher further. What my friend didn’t a youth trainee at the Northern Rock only downside to that was that I very rarely know was that the actual question asked (now owned by Virgin). After gaining my walked home at the end of each week with was ‘What is the closest planet to the sun!’ qualifications I was offered a full time any money. Instead I would work to pay Note: This was perhaps my first successful position at the Northern Rock which I was off the endless list of magic products that attempt at influencing anyone ha ha - but just about to take when I was offered a had taken my fancy!

8 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE ...there was another more mischievous side to me that loved playing jokes on other unsuspecting members of the school.

WWW.MAGICSEEN.COM 9 Without a shadow During his time at Magicbox, Michael of a doubt, the also created several commercial effects and once again had a constant platform of biggest hurdle I have fresh faces willing to see a demonstration of his latest ideas and these people ever had to overcome helped him to refine the products into future commercial releases. His very is confidence. first commercial release was Beyond ESP (a marked set of ESP cards). To date, Magicbox have sold over 20,000 copies which is incredible. The only downside “The other benefit was having the is that he sold the rights to the effect for opportunity to demonstrate these mere £300! products and effects for a constant, but Michael tells me that there have been a ever changing, stream of customers. This What has been the biggest hurdle you couple of times when he has seriously knowledge helped to sharpen my mind on have had to overcome as a performer? considered throwing in the towel and which effects would be most fooling and Without having to think, Michael replies, packing it in altogether. He says, “Perhaps which would not. “Without a shadow of a doubt, the biggest the most poignant was in my latter years hurdle I have ever had to overcome is at Magicbox. Having constant access to “From a creative standpoint these very confidence. Right through my childhood videos and DVDs of such talented and same benefits applied. I would quite often years and even into my mid to late teens, charismatic performers as say Shoot tinker with the handlings of many of the I was very lacking in confidence and social Ogawa and David Williamson I realised effects that we sold and perform them my skills. Both magic (and subsequently that despite being involved in magic own way. Many times, customers would mentalism) forced me to interact more for many years I was nowhere near return and ask me to walk them through and in many respects my love for the art as technically proficient as Shoot, or the handlings that I had created, and this became a greater force in my life than nowhere near as confident a performer as led me to believe that my ideas may have my shyness. It forced me to interact with Williamson. As such I thought to myself further potential. As a creative exercise strangers and the reactions to the effects I ‘What is the point? I would often take a look at the video was performing only succeeded in drawing demonstrations that were presented to the bigger crowds. “Thankfully, in a somewhat unrelated dealers and in my mind, I would consider event, my aunt had told me that all of the ways that I could achieve the end “As I performed more and more, I started everybody is good at something, you just goal. In many respects it turned into a little getting requests to perform at weddings, have to find what that something is. After game that I could play in my mind and birthdays, office parties, restaurants and a few years of contemplation, I realised when the actual products arrived, I could hotels and whilst I often felt nerves before that whilst my earlier thoughts were see how close I had come to the actual any performance began, these would indeed correct, my actual strength was methods used.” quickly subside after my opening effect.” in creating material and as such I began

10 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE to focus on my strengths rather than my Michael explains that his decision to “If I am honest I am deeply grateful weaknesses…” leave Magicbox was a bitter-sweet choice and humbled to be in the position that to make. He says that on the one hand I am in right now. This is entirely down So where did MindFX come in? And what he was leaving a company that he had to the support that I have had within were the goals you wanted to achieve? worked with for so long and formed the community as a whole and in many “Whilst I enjoyed many years working countless close friendship and had so respects, I have all that I could ask for in at Magicbox I grew older, got married many treasured memories, but on the life and more. Working for myself and and then along came my two beautiful other hand, if he has stayed, he would having the freedom to play and express my children. Sadly, the peak times of the have missed out on all of the school plays, thoughts and ideas through my releases business conflicted with those times when sports days and other events that he is literally a dream come true. Perhaps my children wanted to spend time with me simply could not have recaptured. “We my only long term plan is to get better at most (Christmas, Halloween, Guy Fawkes, only have one life to live and I did not playing the guitar!” he laughs. etc). want to regret missing out on a beautiful opportunity that was within my grasp.” So, which person or performer has been “Also, due to balancing my family life most influential and inspirational in your with the general running of the business, I Do you see yourself as more of a creator professional life? And how has it impacted rarely had the free time to advance with all than a performer? “Despite considering on you? “Although this may sound like a of the ideas that I had in my mind. In light myself as more of a creator than a very cliche answer, Derren Brown was, and of this I decided to work on my first book performer, I also feel that in many respects still is, the most inspirational performer and reasoned that if there was enough I do actually perform far more than people I know. To be honest, I never had any interest in my material then I would make may realise. Whilst these performances interest in mentalism until I witnessed the leap to form my own company which may not take place in the conventional his first TV special - and I don’t mind would become a creative outlet for my sense, I am now a very sociable person and admitting that I was among the first in the ideas. I grab every opportunity I can to test and queue to grab some books on NLP and perform my latest routines. body language reading after watching that “Working late into the twilight hours series! armed with a glass of my favourite single “Almost all of these performances take malt, I embarked on a mission to collate place unpaid, at social events, giving me “Derren’s presentations were both many of my thoughts and ideas pertaining the opportunity to fail countless times believable and thought provoking and specifically to mentalism (which had now over until I have polished my ideas into it was very easy to understand the wider become my sole interest). With the book workable commercial releases. Since my appeal that they had for any given complete, I released it to the community participants aren’t bound by social graces, audience. Whilst a magician’s skillset has and held my breath. Thankfully, interest they will be quick to highlight any flaws in limited scope for application in the real in the book was far greater than I had ever my work or thinking and this is precisely world (save perhaps for the gaming table), anticipated and after selling thousands of why I enjoy the route I have taken.” the skills that Derren was portraying copies of the book, I decided that it was a had everyone’s mind spinning at the case of now or never and thus MindFX was I ask Michael if he looks to the long term, opportunities that they would present. born!” and does he have a plan for the future? “It came as no surprise to me that there

WWW.MAGICSEEN.COM 11 care about what it is that they are seeing. I decide in my mind what I want the participant to take away from the experience and what benefit this could bring to them personally. Whilst I still see the appeal of magic as entertainment, I just find that most effects lack any depth to them. If I don’t care about my participants, why should they care about what it is that I am showing them?”

As a performer, what would you say your strengths and weaknesses are? “One of my biggest strengths is my willingness to accept criticism and openly encourage feedback at every opportunity. Even if our point of views differ, there is always something that can be learned from looking at things from another angle. Performers have blind spots in the exact same way that drivers do. I am also not afraid to fail since each failure brings us one step closer to success!

“This may come as a surprise to some, but I suppose my biggest weakness is a lack of confidence in myself. Despite all of the success that I have enjoyed within this industry I do not take praise well and always feel undeserving of the position that I am in. In many respects, I overthink things and my mind obsesses over the small details, ultimately hindering my progress. I also find myself very easily distracted too, since my mind continually occupies itself with new thoughts and new I want my ideas - I rarely find the time to complete “As a side note, I actually spent some time one project before another is started.” participants to walk in Derren’s company long before he had his first TV Special and he was just as kind Michael tells me that the most difficult away with a greater and generous with his time as he is today. aspect of performing for him is actually So many others who have started climbing finding the right situations to perform appreciation of the ladders of fame in this industry could the material that he loves most. He much learn a lot from Derren’s approach to life.” prefers to perform in actual situations who ‘they’ are and which aren’t governed by time constraints what ‘they’ are What are the main criteria you look for and to do this rules out table hopping and when creating an effect? “When I create restaurant work. He says, “I am not one capable of. effects I often look to deliver a message for creating a set list that I will perform within them. I want my participants to each time but instead carefully choose the walk away with a greater appreciation of effects that I perform to suit the specific who ‘they’ are and what ‘they’ are capable individuals that I am performing for. Sure, was a surge of interest in mentalism after of. This is why I favour the ‘spectator as this means that I don’t often get paid for he had hit the scene. Having said all of mindreader’ effects (effects where the the material that I perform, however I am this, Derren still continues to inspire me participants are the star of the show or are performing for the love of performing in other ways. His art is phenomenal and seen to do something special). Rather than rather than the money that I make from it. as a person he is so humble and kind and hogging the spotlight myself, I want my caring. I have been fortunate enough to participants taking something personal So, what’s the best advice you can meet him on a small number of occasions away from the experience. give someone starting out? “I would and despite his success, he has never let recommend reading as much as you can, any of it go to his head and he has no “Before creating an effect, I always watching as much as you can and learning shred of ego at all. consider why my participants should as much as you can about everything.

12 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE QUICKIES How happy are you with how your career has panned out so far? I am extremely happy with my career so far and feel both privileged and grateful to be where I am. My only wish is that there were more hours in each day so that I could progress myself further on a personal level. There is so much that I want to do but just never any time to do it (and believe me when I say that I burn the candle at both ends). Best live performance you’ve seen in the last few years? One of the best live performances that I have seen over the past few years was by the Evasons. Their act the premises, I had to do a large amount is as real as it gets. No fancy props or ...after selling of DIY work myself and what would have backdrops, but instead two people taken the correct tradespeople days to performing a highly polished routine thousands of copies complete, took me months. that appears so unfathomable to even those who ‘should’ be in the know. of the book, I decided “Other than working on the studio, I Best of all, they are two beautiful embarked on learning the guitar. Having people too. Just like Derren, they are that it was a case of bought a guitar for my 18th birthday I had so down to earth and always take the never actually sat down and learned how time to listen and engage with those now or never and thus to play. In many respects, this has now that they speak with. become my full time hobby and has very MindFX was born much kept me sane throughout this crazy How do you feel one minute before period. you go on stage? I always suffer badly from nerves, “As restrictions begin to lift, the right up until the first line of my Find your own niche within magic or studio work has been brought closer script has been said. Thankfully, from mentalism, the thing that brings you most to completion. As soon as the work is that point forward they quickly fade enjoyment and run with it. You may be complete, I will be opening the doors and away and with each performance, good at performing, you may be good at filming several projects that have been the nerves affect me less and less. creating, you may be good at scripting, sitting waiting for that day to arrive. I Although I don’t perform on stage package designing, filming, app designing, will also be examining the possibility of too much, this is something that I whatever it is and no matter how it relates hosting lectures (both live and streamed would like to expand upon in the to the art, take it and run with it. You only from the premises) and have invested in future (time permitting). have one life so don’t let anything hold some new cameras, lighting and sound you back, life is too short to regret the equipment for this purpose.” Favourite TV series? choices that you didn’t take. Give things My favourite TV series ever a go while you can, but most of all make Michael tells me that he’s also been has to be ‘Only Fools and sure that you enjoy what you are doing!” collating a list of old projects that have sat Horses’. No matter how on the back burner for far too long and many times I watch each How have you spent the last twelve he hopes to get these released before the episode I never fail to months or so? “The last twelve months close of the year. Once these projects are laugh out loud. Even have been filled with a delicate balance of complete he plans to finally finish writing when you know what to highs and lows. The month before Covid the second volume of ‘A Piece of My Mind’ expect, you still enjoy struck the UK, I invested in a new filming which is going to be released under the watching the same studio for MindFX. Whilst I had hoped title ‘The Missing Piece’. We can’t wait! moments and hearing the same to film several projects there along with a “Oh and I also hope to get some live guitar lines over and over again. Much like few intimate shows for the public, Covid lessons too which will please my wife no the classics of magic and mentalism, prevented me from doing this. Unable to end ha ha!” this is a classic for a reason. get anyone to do the renovation work on

WWW.MAGICSEEN.COM 13 MAGIC BY NUMB3RS Compiled by Mark Leveridge

The number of episodes of the main Paul Daniels Magic Show that ran on the BBC between June 1979 and April 1994 The number of live shows most magicians have 0 performed in the last year 121

The age of Dai Vernon when he died in 1992

The number of live shows that David 98 500+ Copperfield normally presents each year 78

103The number of times the signed selection jumps to the top in Gary Jones’s Ambitious Card Routine

The total number of cards in a Tarot deck (22 major arcana, 56 minor arcana)

14 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE THE MOST IMPORTANT RELEASE OF 2020 “ REAL MAGIC REVIEWS “

78

FROM SOME OF THE GREATEST MINDS IN MAGIC, COMES THE MOST EXCITING AND COMPREHENSIVE SELECTION OF ROUTINES, TRICKS, CONCEPTS, ESSAYS AND TECH SOLUTIONS FOR VIRTUAL MAGIC, ALL IN ONE MASSIVE RELEASE.

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WWW.THEMAGICCIRCLE.CO.UK 16 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE 2 Poker Chip Transpo by Gregg Webb A quick and simple transpo of two poker chips.

Comments: This is based on a coin effect shared by Sol Stone with Gregg 1 2 Webb. The original method required a third coin, and Gregg eliminated the extra coin and changed the props to more visible poker chips. EITHER...... OR? We are all faced with choices in Requirements: magic, so we asked one or two Two poker chips, one of a dark well known magicians to select colour, say red, and another much between two magical options lighter colour, for example yellow. 3 4 and explain their decision! This time we put Sean Carpenter on Working: the spot... Bring the two chips out and hold them spread at the tips of the left first finger and thumb. The red 1. Coin magic....card magic? chip is to the right of the yellow Definitely card magic: if I dropped one when viewed from your side. coin magic, I would lose 3 tricks that Fig.1. I only perform in close-up, whereas 5 6 losing card magic would cost me over Bring your right hand up and take half my close-up repertoire plus about the red chip, pretending to place 30 minutes of stand up material. it into the left fingers which close around it, but in reality stealing 2. Live shows....Zoom shows? the chip away in the right finger I have never performed over Zoom, palm. Figs.2 and 3. so this is not a tricky decision – live shows. Has anyone said Zoom? This Now use the right fingers and strikes me as like asking someone who thumb to take the yellow chip 7 is currently in prison which they would out of the left hand leaving it choose when it’s all over: being released displayed. Fig.4. ... or staying in their current cell with Big Vern. The left hand, still apparently closed around the red chip, goes 3. David Copperfield....David to the left jacket (or trouser) Blaine? pocket and ‘leaves’ the chip there, Copperfield I think. I’d prefer the the empty left hand coming public to think of a magician as back out of the pocket and being being a performer on a stage, rather openly displayed. In classic Spellbound fashion, the yellow chip has changed to the than as someone who hangs around moment that the yellow chip is red one. The empty right hand approaching strangers on street The right hand now places the obscured from view by the right lifts the visible poker chip away to corners. yellow chip into the left fingers in fingers, the yellow chip is released display it back and front. Spellbound position. Fig.5. by the left fingers so that it falls 4. Blackpool Magic into the curled left finger palm As it does so, the left hand, with Convention....FISM? Having paused to display the chip and immediately the left fingers the yellow chip finger palmed, Like many magicians in the Covid there, the right hand comes across and thumb grip the red chip goes to the left pocket and era, I haven’t done a gig since March, in front of the left hand with instead. Fig.7. apparently removes the yellow so I’ll stick with Blackpool because it’s the fingers held out straight and chip from there, thus proving cheaper. the red chip held by the thumb Without a pause, the right hand that the two chips have instantly behind them. Fig.6. moves away to reveal that the transposed.

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D I M I N U T I V E R E D - H E A D E D C O M E D Y M A G I C I A N

MAX MAVEN

C U S T O M E R R E V I E W S

w w w . v a n i s h i n g i n c m a g i c . c o m ANDREW BASSO “World’s Greatest Escape Artist” - CBS

specialises in escapology and death- home on the couch watching Netflix. It defying acts, earning him the moniker has been quite shocking, but I tried my “The Escapologist”. In 2005, he became best to see an opportunity in all of that. the youngest magician in history, and the The opportunity of having plenty of first Italian, to win the Escape Champion time to dedicate to personal life, to get in World Title. He also took 1st place better shape, and to start moving the first in the 2012 Italy “Masters of Magic” creative steps for the projects that were championship. Considered by the press as only in my imagination for a long time “the natural successor to Harry Houdini”, and which previously I never had the time he is ranked as one of the top magicians for. Certainly a highlight of the lockdown of the 21st century. for me has been being able to play with all the magic that was forgotten in the Allan Taylor – Chairman of the United basement. So much fun! As a performer Kingdom Escape Artists – speaks I‘ve been using social media to stay in with Andrew to find out what’s been touch with my audience and I went Live happening during Lockdown. a bunch of times to have a feeling of “being on stage”, it was quite therapeutic. Allan: Ciao Andrew, great to speak to I created a weekly appointment where I Performing internationally in over you, hope you are doing well and thanks was talking about Houdini with different 300 shows per year and reaching for agreeing to speak to Magicseen experts, from historians to collectors, more than half a million audience magazine. Lockdown has been tough trying to chat about curious facts that members annually, Andrew Basso is for us all, but how have you found it we may have never heard of. And during the powerhouse performer behind personally? Have you managed to remain those weeks I realised there was a specific the success of the enormously popular focussed and to keep yourself busy? audience for those appointments, Broadway smash-hit show, The definitely an escape community. That led Illusionists. Known as the “World’s Andrew: Ciao Allan, great talking to you me to thinking about creating something Greatest Escape Artist” and the “Rock and it is my pleasure to meet the friends to reunite all the escape artists in a future Star of Magic”, Basso’s performance of Magicseen! In February 2019 I was in convention. A thought that 2 other career has broken box office records and Prague with The Illusionists in a sold out people also had and so a few months later traversed the world’s preeminent stages: week of shows. Then the world changed we created the GEO. Broadway in New York City, Hollywood’s and lockdown came into our lives. I flew Pantages Theatre, The Kennedy Centre in back the US at home with my fiancée Allan: Wow, “The GEO” - that sounds Washington, D.C., London’s West End, Amanda and I experienced for the first pretty cool, I guess I shouldn’t sound too Sydney Opera House, Arena di Verona, time in 9 years of touring what it's like surprised here, as you know I’m also part Moscow’s Crocus City Hall, and Dubai’s to be home consecutively for more than of the group – but for the benefit of the World Trade Centre. a couple of months. The beginning was readers can you explain more about the particularly challenging, going from a group? What is the idea behind it and One of the only performers skilled rhythm of taking 4 flights every month who were the visionaries and founders in a variety of genres of magic, Basso and performing 10 shows a week to being behind it?

20 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE For sure a highlight of the lockdown for me has been being able to play with all the magic that was forgotten in the basement. So much fun!

WWW.MAGICSEEN.COM 21 Escapology has always been a little niche of magic and I think here there is space to really explore the pure art of escape

Andrew: Being the first and only stage after such a long period off? Do you worldwide escapology group, members have any advice for some of our readers Andrew: GEO stands for Global should expect to enter a community who may be feeling a little bit nervous Escapology Organisation and it has been where you can talk with people who have about getting back out there? created by joining forces with Allan James experience in the art of escape. For now, Taylor, who is the chairman of the UKEA we are limited to gathering in a private Andrew: The opening night was very group (United Kingdom Escape Artists). Facebook group and via Zoom meetings, challenging for me. I was closing the show The UK group is doing a great job for the but we aim to have an international with an underwater escape act. I need to art form. They have face to face meetings, convention in the USA and Europe as walk on stage with a controlled heart rate, competitions and awards and lectures soon as the world is ready. Escapology has below 50 beats per minute. I was focused from subject matter experts of escapology. always been a little niche of magic and I and ready but when the curtains opened, We also have Cliff Gerstman from the think here there is space to really explore and I saw the audience after so long a time USA, who’s been a running a newsletter the pure art of escape, its techniques and I had to mentally work extremely hard to for escape artists for many years and who skills, tools and safety procedures, thanks not let the excitement make my heart race! also holds a world record for the Fastest to the expertise of the masters of this Straitjacket Escape in Zero Gravity. We discipline. We will have Zoom meetings I understand performers may be feeling shared a common goal with each other and lectures with the ultimate goal to a little nervous about getting back out with the aim to create a community for have a GEO Escape Artist convention in there – to be honest I was a little nervous escape artists. This gave birth to the Europe and the USA. too. But then I saw the safety protocols. GEO organisation that aims to educate All artists and crew were tested every performers to perform safely and to Allan: I’ve noticed that recently you have week before entering the theatre, masks improve and advance the art of escape. been performing again. Would you like to were required in the backstage and each tell us more about that? artist/team was a “bubble” that was not Allan: That’s great. So if we have any allowed to join another during breaks readers here in the UK who are interested Andrew: I’m so thankful for this! After or meals. The director of the show was in joining, what is the application process one year without performing, I received ready and flexible to replace an act in case and how do they find out more? a call from Spain’s household magician a performer tested positive. Audience Jorge Blass for his XI International Magic temperature was checked and access to Andrew: It takes only a minute, you just Festival in a gorgeous venue called Circo their seats was managed. It felt safe and need to fill our online form and agree to Price. Madrid allows 75% capacity in its nobody got sick. It is normal to be a bit our code of ethics. Well, first you need theatres and so we were able to perform nervous for the first few days but then it to escape a pair of regulation handcuffs almost like a normal situation. All Covid feels normal. and pick a padlock too. You can find out safety measures were in place and it was more info at the-geo.com, but if you have amazing being able to walk on stage Allan: Some great thoughts there and interest in escapology you are welcome again. Something I truly wish in a near wonderful advice, thanks for sharing and to join! future for every performer! being honest. So the big question that most people probably want to know is Allan: So what should members expect Allan: You must be really pleased about when will we see you performing with the from The-GEO that? How did you find getting back on Illusionists again?

22 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE Andrew: The Illusionists is a big company and touring is a complex and an expensive machine that needs organisation that goes from 6 months to 1 years of planning in advance. When the world is ready, The Illusionists will be ready to tour again. The demand for the show is very high worldwide and I’m optimistic for the near future as the vaccine will allow showbusiness to reopen.

Allan: Thanks Andrew, we all look forward to seeing the show tour again. As part of the Illusionists, you are famous for performing the water tank escape. How did you learn to hold your breath for so long and what is your personal record?

Andrew: I’ve been in The Illusionists since day one and it was the producer’s idea to have me perform what he had seen in my TV special, a full-view version of the Water Torture Cell. No curtains, I’ve been in no covers. That is my approach to the legendary Houdini’s act, to fully The Illusionists since day and visually engage the audience to one and it was the understand and appreciate the real skills producer’s idea to have me of an escape artist. They see me picking the handcuffs and the lock as I’m holding perform what he had my breath for 3 or 4 minutes. To perform seen in my TV special, a the act safely I had to train in static apnea (no movement) up to 7 minutes. My full-view version of the team trained me for the act rather than water torture cell. to attempt a particular record - though one day I would love to train and take on a record attempt. The philosophy for us has always been about the quality of the performance in terms of safety. To cheat death nightly in hundreds of shows a year you need discipline and no compromises on a safety level. Time underwater Unfortunately, I’ve seen people really Andrew: I started with magic at 8 years has value on a spectacular level, but risking their life - not because of the of age, but it was at the age of 14 when my priority is the quality of the breath nature of the act itself but for their I felt the fascination for danger and holding I perform. totally irresponsible approach and lack of being prohibited from certain things preparation of themselves and their team, and the things your mum did not want Allan: Thanks for that, I’m sure all our if they had one. With the GEO we want you to do…and my interest focused on readers are now holding their breath to to create awareness about those risks and escapology. What an adolescence! see if they can manage 7 minutes – I’m we offer free of charge the opportunity to guessing most people will gasp out after chat with very experienced people. There My first escape was at 17. I wanted to a minute. So, moving on slightly – how will be online and live master classes recreate the escape I saw in the Tony would you describe the current state of in the near future too. Advice from the Curtis movie “Houdini”. Chained and escapology? Is it popular? experts that can save lives. locked inside of a box and lowered underwater. I did it in a lake in northern Andrew: In the past 7 years I’ve seen Allan: I’m glad you mentioned safety Italy and at night! It was terrifying, but escapology getting more popular, again, that is certainly at the forefront still one of the best memories from the especially in the Talent shows. It seems of everything The GEO will try and start of my journey. I’ll never forget being “dangerous acts” are a hot seller in those emphasise to our members. You are also an inside the box and seeing the water rising TV shows and producers ask for more and accomplished magician but when did you and consuming all the space inside. I felt more danger! Especially when it puts the start escapology, and do you remember like I was in a movie. I loved it! performer’s life at risk! your fist escape and how you felt?

WWW.MAGICSEEN.COM 23 Andrew: First I want to escape this lockdown forever! I do like to revisit the legendary acts, those acts that for certain reasons survived through the centuries in the popular imagination. Like the Bullet Catch, the Buried Alive. That’s the one! Buried Alive - this is another stunt that captures the imagination of people of every age and generation. I already have the coffin, I just need to see when it will feel right to go six feet under…

Allan: Wow Buried Alive, I guess that is the escape that most people fear and rightly so – over the years we have seen many accidents. So, one last question before I go. You are quite a Houdini Allan: Wow – most people at 17 get their Dean Gunnarson. It was a video of collector and I believe you have recently thrills from driving their first car – not a Las Vegas show with a variety of acquired something very special. Can you being lowered into a lake! Are there still excellent performers including my friend possibly tell our readers about this special times where you feel nervous? Do you Kevin James. Dean was restrained in a item? ever invent an escape then suddenly think straitjacket and then a long chain was why am I doing this? tightened around him. I remember, Andrew: Interesting how I’m answering medical gauze was wrapped around to this on Houdini’s birthday! Besides Andrew: I try to turn the nervous avoid the chain hitting his face during the having a rare “Harry Handcuff Houdini” feelings into focus. Performing many escape. When I saw that I thought “there signature and a piece of the glass from times makes you confident and in is NO WAY he can get out”. But with Houdini’s water cell that I have turned escapology, especially when dangerous slow paced movements and 2 minutes of into a precious ring, I recently acquired elements are involved, always keeping struggle he was out. Since that moment from an auction what is considered the the level of attention high is key to a I was hooked, and I immediately went Holy Relic of Houdini’s collectibles: the safe performance. I try to turn fear and searching for a real straitjacket. tuxedo shirt collar that Harry used in nervousness into my best companions. his last years, probably in his last show In the preparation of a new escape stunt, Allan: What's the secret to a great escape too. I was able to locate this incredible I’m always very excited. Then the time routine? piece thanks to my favourite Houdini to actually do it in front of the audience historian, my friend John Cox. Soon, comes and the stress levels suddenly get Andrew: I wish I knew the secret! If there we are going to have the collar sent to higher and I often think “I’m so jealous of is a secret then you certainly can’t find it a laboratory. I would love to find out the magicians out there performing with in books or videos, it is experience. Only what Houdini’s DNA looks like! The a deck of cards!” when you’re able to perform something response in the Houdini world has been in front of an audience many, many of great support, especially from George Allan: What is the big appeal of times, then you are able to listen to the Hardeen, Houdini’s great nephew, who escapology for you personally? audience reactions and understand offered to help in the DNA test and from how to create an entertaining escape forensic anthropologist Matteo Borrini, Andrew: Empathy. There is something act, either a funny or a dramatic one. also president of the Liverpool Mahatma unequivocally interesting in seeing My most successful act comes from the Magic Circle, who offered his expertise someone getting out of a troubled experience of over 100 shows, because and passion on this subject to help us. situation. We feel for that person, it that for me is the number that really This is going to be a very exciting journey. becomes a collective experience. When begins shaping my act. In terms of skills, I’m hanging upside down, above the I think escapology has a lot in common Allan: Ciao Andrew – thanks for taking tank, taking deep breaths before getting with mentalism - in that credibility is a the time to chat to us and please keep us lowered in…the entire audience become key role in the performance. You either informed about Houdini’s DNA. silent. In that moment I feel everyone is have it or you need to learn how to create hanging upside down with me. it. Believable stage presence, charisma Andrew: Ciao Allan, see you soon at the and speaking skills are for me the tools for upcoming GEO meeting! Allan: Over the years which escapologists a successful escape before any technique. have been the most inspirational/ memorable for you? Allan: You have accomplished many www.andrewbasso.com/ things during your career but is there www.the-geo.com Andrew: The first escape I saw on a an escape that you haven’t done yet but www.theukea.co.uk VHS tape was Canadian escape artist maybe it’s on your bucket list? www.cliffg37.wixsite.com/tiesociety

24 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE lybrary.com THE LEADER IN MAGIC DOWNLOAD

“Follow the Gold Plated Drive to Boston to get Gregg Webb's Ebooks and Supersessions at Lybrary.com” https://www.lybrary.com/gregg-webb-m-215953.html Here are some special ‘extra’ announcements from a few DEALER SHOUTOUTS of our regular advertisers PROP DOG CARD-SHARK One staff member at PropDog has posters of David Regal on his walls, At Card-Shark, we are aware that with so it comes as no surprise they have teamed up with David to bring his Brexit, shipping between the EU and Colour Changing Knives to the UK. The routine doesn’t differ wildly the UK may give you a headache. We are doing our best to make this as from the traditional but David Regal has added a light-hearted premise easy as possible for you, logistically as well as financially. If you already which justifies why you are carrying a knife and also the colour changes. have purchased from us, you are aware that you would have seen Euro However the really big difference is the knives themselves. These aren’t prices that were easily converted to British Pounds during your PayPal modified off-the-shelf knives but purposely designed props for this effect. payment. However, these prices contain our German VAT. With Brexit The look and weight is just perfect. This effect has been popular for this means you would be paying twice this VAT, as the import tax to the generations, performed by the greats such as Ascanio, now it has been UK for goods from the outside equals your VAT. given the Regal touch. The first sets sold out immediately, but a handful of the latest delivery are still available. The PropDog doors are open once Our Dollar prices are without VAT and therefore lower. We changed again, should you want to see the quality in person. www.propdog.co.uk. our system so that all British customers, from now on, will order automatically in US Dollars. PayPal will again convert the payment in British Pounds automatically and easy for you. This change will ensure BLACK HART you will not pay VAT twice on any purchases. A Twist of Fate – a brand new close-up Bizarre Magic effect from Black Artefacts. Based on Twisting the Aces, The Black Hart gives this classic Also, until June 1st, we are offering FREE SHIPPING to the UK. Just a truly Bizarre Magic presentation that takes it way beyond a card trick, enter the PROMO CODE “UK FREE” to benefit from the FREE and even better news, with the specially manufactured Tarot cards, there SHIPPING! is no sleight of hand required, just follow the handling and the magic happens! The Rider Waite size Tarot cards are laminated for long life and Also, until June 1st we are offering our Vibrant Series Large Index Decks will easily slip into your pocket or smart phone case ready to perform and the Vibrant Series Collection Set to the UK at an amazing discount. at any time. You receive the 4 specially gimmicked Tarot cards and full Produced at US Playing Card in Casino Quality Large Index, these cards instructions and script by The Black Hart. Cost: £15.00. Only available with our Phoenix Back Design are printed in colours that are just… from Black Artefacts: http://www.blackhart.co.uk/twistoffate.html STUNNING! These colours don’t just POP… they EXPLODE! Greener than green, blacker than black, orangier (?) than orange and a purple… READ MY MIND Shawn Farquhar wishes he could get a suit in this colour. In 2018 Looch released what is now considered to be a game changer www.card-shark.de/ads/vibrant in the world of mentalism. His Blink peek case had been described as one of the very best peek cases in the world by renowned mentalism (Sorry, the “The Limited Collector’s Edition” is not discounted) reviewer Jheff over at his Marketplace of the Mind. Looch has just released his follow up: Blink 2 which has changed the game again. Until we are able to see you at a Convention near you; please visit our Beautifully hand made in premium brown leather this modern weekly YouTube Channel “Card-Shark International”. Stay Safe and minimalist business card case is the finest you will find anywhere on Stay Healthy! the market. Designed to excel at just one thing... peeking, Blink 2 will be one of your best investments in your peek portfolio. Limited to 300. www.readmymind.co.uk ILLUMINATI MAGIC ILLUMINATI MAGIC RELEASE PENSENSE LITE. The team at Illuminati MISSION MAGIC Magic has launched a brand new Color Match System. If you are not Congratulations to Jamie Doyle who has become President of the familiar with Color Matching Routines, this couldn’t be simpler. Imagine Fellowship of Christian Magicians, taking up the reins from Duane this – the magician hands a prediction to an audience member and Laflin. Readers of Magicseen will recognise Jamie from his ‘57 Cents And then asks the audience member to blindfold them. After the magician is Little Hattie May Wiatt’ coin routine in the March 2021 issue. Jamie blindfolded, a second spectator takes a pen and begins to colour in a black is a children’s pastor and a prolific creator of original gospel magic. He and white cartoon, selecting the pens at random. After the spectator has has just published the fifth eBook in his ‘Tricky Message for Kids’ series. coloured in all five regions, the magicians removes his blindfold and asks ‘These are real resources from a real children’s minister who has worked the audience member to open his prediction -- and low and behold the in real churches with real kids… really!’ Jamie says. All five eBooks are prediction 100% matches the spectator's colouring in! No switches, no available for instant download from www.jamiedoylemagic.com and www. stooges. 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26 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE No. 1 IN EUROPE FOR GOSPEL MAGIC

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Being a secretive art, the performance time to any of us, we thought it might be of magic brings with it an extra layer helpful to take a look at a number of steps of potential worry and pressure. which we can take in order to preempt The magician is expected to create a disaster, because many of the accidents presentation that is both interesting and that befall us are avoidable if precautions entertaining for the audience while at are taken in advance. the same time executing any number of additional covert manipulations that are essential to the successful outcome DOUBLE JEOPARDY of the magic and yet which must remain I would suggest that there are two main invisible to the audience. So, no pressure categories where failure can arise. The there then! first is with an error performing a move or in trying to execute some sleight of hand, The fact is, all conjurors are regularly and the other is where a prop fails to work just one slip away from disaster, whether as it should. So let’s start by looking at that be dropping the stacked deck all both these aspects and discussing how we ...you can over the floor, or being the victim of a can reduce the risks associated with them. malfunctioning prop. Quite frankly it’s a successfully wonder that any of us ever summon up SLEIGHTLY OFF achieve in the the nerve to try to get away with it! But The term ‘sleight of hand’ covers a wide try we do, again and again, because when range of technical manoeuvres ranging calm atmosphere it works (which hopefully is most of the from a simple French Drop coin vanish of a practice time), the rewards in terms of audience through to complex sequences of manual reaction and self satisfaction make it all dexterity. Every performer has a different session in front of worthwhile. threshold for where they move from a mirror... being well within their capabilities to Working on the, not unreasonable, areas where they are technically more assumption that no performer is perfect challenged. Only you can judge where that tipping point may move depending and that mishaps can happen at any your particular line is drawn, and indeed on performing circumstance or how you are personally feeling on any given night. In other words, what you can achieve on one occasion may be more than what turns out to be possible on another.

Clearly, the more practised you are with your sleight of hand moves and the more comfortable you feel when executing them, the less likely you are to make a mess of it. But the trick here is to understand that what you can successfully achieve in the calm atmosphere of a practice session in front of a mirror, may well be reduced in the pressure of a live performance.

So one way to help reduce the potential for error is to ensure that the technical aspects of the magic you want to perform is well within your levels of ability, not at the extreme edges of it. Successfully

28 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE ...some pieces of MALA-PROP-ISM see whether they are still fit for purpose, If your sleight of hand seems pretty much and indeed put on new bands if necessary apparatus are by within your personal control, the same before the old ones break. It’s all too easy the nature of their cannot always be said about your props. to never critically look at props we use a While some pieces of apparatus are by lot, but if there are inbuilt weaknesses you construction robust the nature of their construction robust can avert failure by being aware of them. and fairly failsafe, and fairly failsafe, others can be far more others can be far delicate and therefore prone to failure. Experienced performers will attest to the more delicate and fact that if a prop has the potential to therefore prone to go wrong, then over the course of many performances the likelihood is that it failure. probably will! practising a difficult move time and again In my view the best way to try to in isolation is not the same as having minimise the potential for error is to do to hit it first time at a key moment in a a sort of magic risk assessment on any A NERVOUS DISPOSITION live performance, and so practising at prop which could possibly fail. Look Some performance errors are not caused random moments to create that one-off critically at the way the apparatus works specifically by an inadequacy in sleight of pressure, can help you to assess what you and imagine a worse case scenario. For hand or because a prop fails to work, but are genuinely capable of in a show. instance, if you are using an electronic because the performer himself is simply clipboard which is designed to secretly really nervous. Tension can make us do, Of course, some moves are not terminal send information about anything written or not do, things which normally would if you happen to mess them up a little. on paper attached to it, imagine that it not be an issue. Errors in presentation A flash of a palmed coin or a marginally fails to provide the info and ask yourself, or patter even can be brought about by fluffed card move, may well not even be “what am I going to do?” not being able to think straight when noticed by most of the audience in the standing in front of an audience. flow of a presentation, so the key here is You may decide that it would be possible not to react yourself to any slight mishap. to amend the presentation of the effect Keeping calm before a show can help to If you don’t comment on it or pause your on the spur of the moment so that alleviate errors caused in this way. Being presentation, even what seems to you the information from the board is no well prepared, arriving in plenty of time to be a quite glaring error will often go longer central to the routine. Or you for the show start, feeling confident in unnoticed by spectators who aren’t really might decide that the info is so vital to the material you are intending to use, tuned in to what they are seeing in any the trick that it would be better to use avoiding last minute changes, all these case. an alternative low tech method instead things and more can help you to avoid in order to remove the risk entirely. unforced errors. Back in issue 60 (Jan But there are some sleights which are Whatever the final decision, the key is to 2015) we did a full article on how to central to the moment of magic. The pass have thought about it in advance so that if successfully combat performance nerves, of a hand over a tabled card which causes the worst happens, you will have already so you may wish to check this out if this is the card face to change, for instance, is a considered what you will do and will something that you suffer from. high pressure moment where you have hopefully therefore be able to seamlessly invited direct spectator scrutiny of exactly continue. where the sleight of hand needs to be AVOIDING THE executed. It’s not a move that is done on Being mentally prepared for potential UNAVOIDABLE the off-beat, it’s one where the audience disaster may seem on one level to be Of course, the truth of all of this is that has to watch carefully in order to witness unnecessarily pessimistic, but if you occasionally you will get caught out no the magic. have a contingency plan for most of the matter how thorough you are in trying to possible prop failures, it does provide avoid mistakes. But I suppose the way to Because you know this is an important you with a sense of reassurance rather look at it is that we’re only talking about moment, the nerve levels may increase than being caught totally unaware mid entertainment here. If a trick goes wrong and the chances of a mistake due to the performance. or a move is messed up, nobody died, so extra pressure may also go up, and so if possible keep it all in perspective, laugh you need to decide whether this move is Analysing the weaknesses of your props it off, and move on. And if you put into sufficiently within your skill level or not. should also alert you to aspects of your practice some of the advice given above, If no amount of practice can make you apparatus which may need occasional hopefully the number of times things do feel comfortable enough about the move, repair or renewal. For instance, the bands go awry will be few and far between and it might be worth considering a different in a folding coin gradually degrade with so the overall impression of you and your method or even a completely different time and may snap in performance. If act will go untarnished in the minds of trick, rather than expose yourself so fully you have thought about this in advance, your audiences. to potential error. you can check them from time to time so

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to formulate your own squares Work on bank-night and other and provides different plots pack-small, play-big routines to make them unique for the follows, all with well structured person, or audience, you may handlings where process is at be constructing it for. I liked this a minimum, while impact and chapter a lot. the fairness of performance is heightened. The next section covers full deck stacks. These stacks were easy With further chapters on subjects to understand and remember such as ‘How to construct a ARCHER’S without too much thinking on forcing matrix’, ‘marker cribs’ the part of the performer. With and how to create a marked TIP-OFF! many different stacks, original to deck system with any standard CALCULATED Dyment, each with its USPs, with pack of Bicycles, plus an entire Comedy mentalist John Archer THOUGHTS further explanations of effects section of Dyments thoughts on posts: “Playing with quite a Doug Dyment possible with them, this segment performance and theory, and a novel travel themed effect Available from any Murphy’s was another I liked. A lot. closing chapter featuring routines by Arnaud van Rietschoten retailer or dealers contact and collaborations from Dyment’s called ‘Take Off’. It has a lot of www.murphysmagic.com Following this, we are taught circle of mentalist friends, there possibilities for mentalists. Not Price: £44.00 effects using the various stack really is so much packed into getting paid or even asked to principles including work with this book, space forces me to be do this but thought I’d give you Doug Dyment is a name I was, Tarot cards. succinct. all a heads up”. until this book, unfamiliar with. A quick bit of research and I An entire section is devoted to This really is a good book. The discovered the man to be a bit Dyment’s ‘Quarto’, his latest in a deep thinking Dyment proffers, SHAWN’S of an underground mentalism long history of evolving billet- his excellent use of foot-notes and legend. This book collects tears. Here we uncover more crediting, the bibliography dotted REPORT together his output from his 25 deep thinking, clever methods throughout the work, the depth plus years as a pro mentalist. and downright deviousness. This of explanation (I sometimes did Shawn Farquhar posts: “This chapter was another that I liked. feel things were perhaps a little weekend I did two private And what a book this is! A lot. over explained in some cases) Zoom shows and it lifted and the way he can make what my spirits some. Lori says I’ve never been a performer of A section on how to read and appears at first to be a difficult I'm a walking ball of gloom ‘serious’ mentalism but enjoy interpret ESP/Zener cards was process, simple to understand lately. I'm not going to allow reading the methods, theory and most informative. This section and remember, make this a book the stupidity of a few selfish thinking in this branch of magic. alone could encourage the savvy worthy of your attention. individuals ruin my spirit, I Outside of Tenyo, there are few reader to consider opening up a have too many good things in other branches of magic that have new market for personal readings. This is one of the best books on my life. If you're one of those such clever thinking, devious mentalism I’ve ever read. Highly who "knows more than the methods and psychological Impromptu performance pieces recommended. JF scientist" folks and you're subtleties that make you feel all abound, each having (on paper) reading this, please stop fuzzy in the groin area. significant magical impact. The What's Hot: detailed explanations following me and go away WordPlay chapter has mind- with sound theory on a whole host until you grow up. You're This 400-page hard-back book reading effects with no props in of mentalist plots, routines and one the biggest parts of the is packed full of mentalism plots sight (plus a psychological word tools to achieve apparent miracles. problem... the biggest problem (or ‘experiences’ as Dyment force that got me as I read it; one Original systems. Excellent plots. is you can't see it. I'll get off refers to them) with clear, of those nice occasions when What's Not: the diagrams and my soapbox now and go do detailed explanations. The we realise that, despite our own explanations may put some something to distract me... first chapter deals with Magic magic knowledge, we are only people off on their first flick- Stay safe, wear a mask, support Squares. For me, this was one of human and as easily duped as the through as they appear complex. local arts if we ever return.” the book’s highlights. Dyment mere layman). I liked this chapter. Their loss! Listen to Shawn! offers mathematical solutions Rating: 90%

32 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE move is not difficult, more feel and the need to switch which piles are knack than a complicated sleight. used during the deal and loses the correction into a natural step in With a glance at the corners it is easy the final handling. I think it works to tell if the separation is perfect partly because of his personality and this is also my reservation. It is and presentational style, and partly quite possible to see that there is a because he is in a parlour style difference between the corners of presentation, but the basic principle some cards even while the deck is could easily be adapted to other being shuffled. Whether in a live settings. performance this would fly by I don’t know, but I was aware of it. You get a deck of the specially prepared Bee cards and access to CASINO OOTW show. The first allows the pack In Paul Curry’s original handling the twelve minutes of video explanation Mark Elsdon to be shuffled by a spectator and performer (false) shuffles the deck at filmed in a bar setting to an Available from any Murphy’s retailer completely reset into blacks and the outset and the spectator shuffles audience of magicians. SB or dealers contact reds in a single cut. The second at the half way stage. Whether www.murphysmagic.com avoids having to stop half way having a spectator make the initial What's Hot: effective way to deal Price: £20.00 during the deal to switch which piles shuffle by adding a gimmicked with the discrepancy between the are designated red and black. deck is better is a moot point that two piles of cards after they have Many magicians have made minor I suppose comes down to personal been dealt. variations to Paul Curry’s Out of To facilitate the spectator shuffling preference. What's Not: need to trade off the This World since the trick was first you get a pack of specially prepared benefit of an initial spectator shuffle created in 1942. In Mark Elsdon’s Bee cards so that however thorough Mark Elsdon’s handling to correct against a gimmicked deck. version he makes two changes to the shuffle the two colours can be for the discrepancy in the two Rating: 75% adapt the presentation for his Art stripped out in a single cut. The piles works very well. It gets rid of

inevitable that creative thinkers will blockbuster action film. All of this devise similar effects and gimmicks. intense build up leads to a few other mask wearing spectators, politely This is a well-made gimmick but reacting to a card which clings to fragile. The 20-minute online video their finger a short distance from the V&B SHUFFLE MAT teaches the modus operandi but top of the deck. To say the build up Vorst & Bosch /Vanishing Inc most of the time is spent teaching isn’t justified is an understatement. Available from UP you how to repair the card when www.vanishingincmagic.com Steve Marchello the gimmick breaks. There are no Should any spectator, apart from the Price: £63.30 Available from any Murphy’s magnets, wires, blah, blah. The participant who is involved, take a retailer or dealers contact floating, signed card is a free choice. second to look under the hovering Measuring just 10 x 7 inches and www.murphysmagic.com Instant re-set. card, the method will be obvious. brought to you by the team at Price: £27.00 Whilst this is easy to do, there is a Vanishing Inc, the V&B Shuffle mat But here’s where the effect falls a plethora of rising and floating card is the perfect accessory for practising Under the pretence of static bit flat. The card hovers a fraction effects on the market and in books your shuffles and cuts, etc. Of course electricity, a freely chosen card above the deck. The chosen, signed, which are far more magical. JF the mat could also be used for any clings to a participant’s finger, hovering card can be given away as other close-up magic that requires a hovering around 1-2cm above the a souvenir which leads the audience What's Hot: an easy-to-do small footprint. deck. to question the only other thing in levitating card effect with a freely play, namely the deck (which the chosen, signed card. The mat is expertly made as you As a teenager in the mid-90s, I card hovered very slightly above). would expect from V&B and feels owned a gimmicked playing card Should they ask to examine the What's Not: the height of the great when shuffling cards on it. that was almost exactly what you deck, good luck with ditching the levitation is a little underwhelming. There's not really much more to say are supplied with here. The only gimmick! The fact that the top card of the other than if you are looking for a difference is that in this effect the deck is ‘hot’ once the signed card small shuffle mat then you can't go gimmick will break with wear Another gripe; the trailer is 90 has been given out needs to be wrong with this one. Available in and tear, whereas the original I seconds, of which the first 30 depict considered. several colour options. PS had was much sturdier and the our creator, Mr. Marchello, standing Rating: 35% card floated a tad higher. With with his anti-Covid mask on, What's Hot: Perfectly sized and the sheer volume of magic that holding a deck of cards with a sound very well made. Soft velvety feel. is constantly being created, it’s track that would fit the latest epic What's Hot: Quite pricey. Rating: 85%

0-20% = VERY POOR 21-40% = A BIT WEAK 41-60% = REASONABLE 61-80% = GOOD 81-100% = EXCELLENT WWW.MAGICSEEN.COM 33 prongs fully penetrate your finger and the photograph, with the fork being lifted up and out through the photograph at the finish and therefore apparently it has been driven right through your finger.

The stages of the effect are well FORK THROUGH constructed, each building up to the FINGER big penetration. This is a convincing Axel Hecklau illusion. Hecklau has clearly given ONE QUESTION Available from the structure of the effect a lot of You ask a question completely www.axelhecklau-shop.com thought and explains his thinking Ollie Mealing unrelated to the trick like, “what Price: £13.00 process in the video. He also Available from any Murphy’s did you have for breakfast” and instructs on where best to present retailer or dealers contact comically interpret the answer to I often wonder what motivates this, how to work with angle issues www.murphysmagic.com get the clues to the card. You pick a magic creator to take an effect and how to practise. Price: £21.90 up the pack and spread through which could have been a page or removing one card which when two in a book and instead decides But… I can’t really see this being Some tricks I review amaze me turned over proves to be the it warrants being released as its much more than a stunt. The more because they are ever correct card. own stand alone effect with an age old and well known stunt of released in the first place than the accompanying 45-minute video removing your finger tip/thumb trick itself. This could be another. The routine is all about the discussion. Well, Fork Through is one step away from the secret It’s not that it doesn’t work or presentation as the magic is on the Finger could easily have been the of this effect. I’m not sure how entertain an audience. It’s a lightweight side. It’s a fun piece former, but instead appears as the many intelligent adults would be practical idea, but it’s been over- and the ‘daft as you like’ question latter. convinced that this is a real mystery. packaged just to reach a suitable asked to help you guess the card price point. will allow you to entertain with This horror-stunt is where you take So where would you use this? The your ridiculous interpretation, a fork, ask a participant to hold effect might produce hysterical The unnecessary inclusion of thus leaving them with an absurd it, prongs uppermost and then it, street magic reactions for Instagram normal items like a deck of red explanation as to how you were apparently, penetrates your finger. and Tik Tok. It might be a nice Bicycles and a mini ‘post it’ note able to deduce the card. stunt to do at the dinner table or pad are there because the simple Given it had 45 minutes of when having a meal with friends gimmicked card alone would A 30 minute online video helps discussion accompanying the basic (whenever that particular delight barely justify half the price. It’s with all the nuances that make effect, let’s look deeper. Firstly, will be allowed again!). I can’t see a novel routine based on a very the routine easy to present with a the effect is based on Matthew it being a highlight effect of any simple premise but despite the red backed gimmicked card and Johnson’s Pen Through Finger. I’ve serious table hopper or close upper marketing blurb, is far from an extra bit of ‘something’ so you also seen Mark Setteducati do a due to the sensitivities of guests. original. can gimmick a card from your similar finger stunt using the basic Who really wants to see a magician ‘favourite’ deck, or just a blue technique. at the table side asking a participant It’s a mental card revelation backed card. to help plunge a fork through the presented as a party game like In the clear, well presented video, magician’s finger? Heads Up or Twenty Questions You wouldn’t want anyone behind creator Alex Hecklau is joined by except in this case you will only you or to the sides in performance Tobias Dostal as they perform and Overall, this effect is well structured ask one question. You start by which could be problematical as dissect the effect. Hecklau presents yet ultimately, Fork Through Finger writing a card on a sticky note and this is mainly suitable for casual the trick on a sword box premise, felt all too much like a juvenile placing it on your spectator’s head performances. The method will where his finger represents the girl. finger stunt and not much like a to prove that it’s impossible for be transparent to a magician but A photograph of your finger is then performance of magic. JF them to see what you wrote. They will provide a fun piece of card used to cover up part of the finger then do the same for you. Without mentalism for lay people. PP being used, and this is explained What's Hot: a well structured, you seeing anything, you are now to be the box which covers the girl. almost impromptu, convincing going to guess the name of the What's Hot: has the potential for Finally, the prongs of the fork are penetration of a fork through your card written on the note stuck to an entertaining piece of mental said to be the swords. finger. your forehead. card magic. Practical to perform. What's Not: felt all too much like What's Not: transparent method Over three stages, your finger a beginner’s finger stunt. Could In the party game version, to some. An over packaged is first pricked by the prongs, have been in a book on table/dinner questions are asked to try and product to reach a suitable price then a quick stab results in the tricks instead of as a release in its deduce whatever is written on the point. See if you can figure out prongs penetrating your finger own right. note. In this case you say that you how to open the box before you and puncturing the photograph. Rating: 30% will only ask one question which want to rip it apart! The final penetration has the fork will give you the clues to the card. Rating:: 55%

34 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE COLORFOOL person. The blue back of the card the change. Viktor Zatko prior to the change does not bear I am a great fan of the new Available from any Murphy’s retailer full scrutiny, but that can be easily generation of flap cards (which are or dealers contact managed through appropriate cheaper than this setup) and are www.murphysmagic.com “wrist kill” and routining. The more practical to introduce, operate Price: £25.00 transformation itself takes place and dispose of than this rather progressively as the top card is unwieldy clump of three cards. CP A single blue backed card is moved drawn back slowly hovering a slowly back above a blue deck, and centimetre above the changing back. What's Hot: a nice slow motion the top card changes to red. The visual colour change ending with a changed card can be examined. The accompanying video explains card that can be examined. This is a very brief moment, brought the mechanics of the cards and What's Not: needs a clump of about by a few highly faked cards how to execute the change, with a cards to be controlled and kept which need to be controlled and suggestion for a colour changing in the correct orientation. Poor got into, or kept in, position. The deck routine. The mechanics work angles. Back prior to change cannot change is quite poor on angles, so well enough, small back markings be closely scrutinised. Relatively is perfect for social media or for would help ensure that the cards are expensive. showing one or two spectators in in the correct orientation prior to Rating: 40%

and there is a helpful section on set up for Out Of This World. This supporting card techniques, such as opens up possibilities for modifying false cuts and shuffles. the stack, using the basic cyclical pattern, to simply carry the suits The stack is simple to set up but and values needed for a particular does not bear prolonged scrutiny. effect – for example keeping the suit However reds and blacks do not or colour separation but forfeiting THE STING four of a kind, to a climax revealing alternate and adjacent cards have some of the sequence. CP Scott Paton the pack in new deck order. The no discernible relationship. There is Available from routine could technically be done no memory work and the divination What's Hot: a highly adaptable, www.alakazam.co.uk by a near beginner but needs some of a removed card is simpler than Si strong sequence of self working Price: £9.99 mastery of false shuffles and cuts to Stebbins. magic. An excellent introduction to be fully deceptive. It would perfectly cyclical stacks. No memory work. Scott Paton has devised a cyclical complement a display of Cardistry. The principles in the stack can be Clearly explained. stack that is simple but far from more subtly deployed than the new What's Hot: unlikely to be simplistic. A three stage routine Peter Nardi fronts the instructional deck order finish, which in unskilled convincing in the hands of a takes an apparently mixed deck video, with occasional comment hands is probably “too perfect”. beginner. and moves from a simple revelation from Scott Paton. Instructions are Peter Nardi gives an example of how Rating: 70% of a chosen card, through finding extremely clear, even to a beginner, scrapping the ending leaves an ideal

The Notifier 2 device connects and It's small enough to conceal the unit should you require this option. I sends information via Illuminati in your hand or house in a playing have not had my unit very long but Magic's Unifi iOS app. This app is card box ready to peek the necessary already in a short time playing with the central hub for managing and information when required. it I can see its huge potential. pairing all of your devices. Although the device is small there are quite a I currently have my Notifier unit If you are an electronic mentalism few settings which can be tweaked to connected with Pensense Lite fan then this would be a great NOTIFIER 2 suit your own requirements (screen (see review on p48) and it works addition to your arsenal. Having Illuminati Magic brightness, vibration strength, flawlessly. The notifications are such a tiny peek device which can Available from colours, etc). I'm quite tech savvy instant and very easy to see. connect to so many different props https://illuminati-magic.com but it did take me a while to get the can only be a good thing. PS Price: £170 hang of the various options available The unit can receive information both in the Unifi app and the from many other electronic devices What's Hot: Tiny unit with very Notifier 2 by Illuminati Magic is an Notifier unit itself. There are lots of both from Illuminati Magic and clear retina display that's easy to see electronic peek device which allows video tutorials to work through on several other electronic device and read. It can connect and receive you to receive notifications from the Illuminati Magic's website. manufacturers (ProMystic, Inject, info from many electronic devices multiple electronic magic devices via WikiTest to name a few). Notifier What's Not: A bit confusing to set its tiny display or vibration thumper. Once set up you soon realise what a can also receive text messages or up at first. Not cheap. powerful piece of kit the Notifier is. vibrations from an off stage assistant Rating: 85%

0-20% = VERY POOR 21-40% = A BIT WEAK 41-60% = REASONABLE 61-80% = GOOD 81-100% = EXCELLENT WWW.MAGICSEEN.COM 35 JOE MOGAR Knives and Coins www.joemogar.com

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