Issue No. 3 Lite
MANDY FRIEND MUDEN NOT FOE ALLAN NATURAL BORN DE-VAL THRILLER!
THE OPENER
A WORD FROM THE EDITOR
ow, we are into in Comedy Clubs after giving helps to fill us in on everything our third edition up her attempts to become an that is happening in this niche of Magicseen Lite actress, and although her rise entertainment world. already, yet it only has been steady rather than seems minutes meteoric, her good showing on What else have we extracted from sensible buying decisions. ago that we Britain’s Got Talent has helped the full September Magicseen If you enjoy this free taster edition Wdecided to go ahead with the to firmly established her act. We to include here? Well, there’s of Magicseen, maybe we can project at all! It’s great to see are delighted to provide further Friend Not Foe, which is an article tempt you to sign up for the that lots of readers are taking background on her for you to exploring how we can harness whole thing! We have 1 or 2 year advantage of these special enjoy in this issue. the ‘comedian’ in the audience printed copy or download subs taster issues and we hope to enhance our act rather than available, and subscribers not that you will enjoy this latest Escapology is an allied art to destroy it, we offer a Masterclass only get the full versions of every one too. magic that we rarely get to routine from David Regal’s brand issue 6 times a year, they also feature in Magicseen, so we are new book Interpreting Magic, we get other benefits too. For more This time we welcome Mandy particularly pleased to talk to let you see what things are on our information and to order go to Muden, one of the UK’s foremost Allan Taylor, the newly elected readers’ minds in the letters page, www.magicseen.com. comedy magicians, to our cover. chair of the United Kingdom and there is a selection of the Mandy cut her performing teeth Escape Artists organisation. He product reviews to help you make Mark Leveridge CONTENTS
A Word From The Editor...... 5 Letters...... 6 Mandy Muden...... 8 Friend Not Foe...... 14 Masterclass...... 18 In The News...... 20 Shout Outs...... 22 Allan De-Val...... 24 Product Reviews...... 32
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If you have anything you would like to tell us, whether it’s about the magazine or anything magic related, please email: grahamhey@ YOUR VIEW magicseen.co.uk Have your say
on stage when all eyes are on me. I LETTERS | REVIEWS | MASTERCLASS | IN THE PHONEBOX | MORGAN & WEST LIVE PETER TURNER wondered if you have any advice for me. I’m not into the magic chat rooms Brilliant that you featured Pete Turner on your last cover – and what a or anything and I live a bit remote to brilliant piece of artwork. I also loved the effect he contributed. There join any magic clubs, so I feel like I’m Issue No. 87 Vol 15. No.3 July 2019 are one or two things I don’t like about Magicseen, but I love 95% of out on my own to be honest. Any it – and I really like the fact you introduce us to people we may not suggestions? rory aDams necessarily know. I had not heard of Pete Turner before, but I am Thank you, The man now a huge fan. It was the same when you featured Ian D. Montfort. Matthew Dixon, via email wiTh all The answers! Caroline ravn It’s amazing what he’s gone on to achieve – so far! I saw him at Devilishly Blackpool and he got another standing ovation. Let’s have more on Hi Matthew, thanks for your email. Cool! Pete Turner please! We remember talking to the N. Dawson, Wallsall fabulous Wayne Dobson about this ages ago and he said, ‘Why PETER TURNER THE GREAT! do complicated sleight-of-hand on stage when there’s no need to?’ He Loved the feature on Peter Turner – and the STAR told us that for many years he used best Magicseen cover EVER! LETTERS! to use a one way forcing deck on Neil Simpson, Edinburgh stage, so he could never get things wrong. That makes sense. You also need to remember that when you just bought a couple of books, one by magician should have a selection of are on stage at a venue, in front of ROBERT DE NIRO David Stone and the other by Patrick his material in their library, if not in their the hot lights, and a crowd thrown Page, and they are fantastic. I’ve also act. This guy was so gifted. I know in, there’s lots of extra pressure Dear Magicseen, been to see a few magicians, and the that he’d won many awards, but I think too, your hands become sweatier I saw an interview on TV in the USA magic world is very lucky to have so he’s one of the greatest magicians of and it can distract you from actually with Robert De Niro who was talking many talented performers- such a all time, without any doubt at all. A performing. So, go for easy, every about magicians and how he couldn’t shame that more are not on TV. genius, and so very, very sad to lose time. It will give you confidence, understand it how everyone knew J.P. Stevens, Chicago, USA. Via email him so young. and you can concentrate on your they were going to attempt to trick Jared Davis, Toronto, Canada performance. (Ed). the onlookers, but the onlookers still seemed to believe every word they said. He added that he thought SKILL OR SIMPLICITY? LIFE'S A BEACH VOL2 magicians were masters of psychology. I believe that performers in the magical Dear Magicseen, When is the next volume of Gary’s arts – and I’m talking about the really I’m putting together my first ever book out? Volume one was ace… good performers here – really are stand-up act, and It’s proving more K.T. via email psychologists, with additional skills difficult that I thought. I have previously thrown in. How they can manipulate done close-up, but I have been asked Hopefully in the people’s minds to think one thing, several times if I do a cabaret act and next 4 weeks, when the opposite is happening at the I’ve had to say no. So I’ve decided we’ll let you same time is a beautiful skill to have. to try out with a stand-up set. Where know asap. All I’m a psychologist, with zero magic I’m finding it difficult is that I’ve tried to the material is skills, but have recently become really CLASSIC DARYL simply to do a close-up set, only do it in – and there interested in magic because of the bigger. Where I’m struggling is that the are some magic creators. How can a single Dear Magicseen, sleight of hand moves are more difficult fabulous, easy mind create something that will fool a I’ve just bought a boxed collection of to do in a cabaret situation as there is tricks in there. thousand people in the same room? DVDs by the late, and unbelievably so much more to think about – it’s very Gary is so These really are amazing minds. I’ve great Daryl. I recommend every difficult to do sleights to a spectator brilliant!
6 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER 2019
MANDY MUDEN MANDY MUDEN NATURAL BORN THRILLER!
he hilarious comedy magician and mentalist wowed the country with her brilliant performances on Britain’s Got Talent and has since achieved so much. She’s worked in the USA, won an Award from a Woman’s Magazine and bought Therself a very expensive handbag. She’s come such a long way since being sacked as a beauty consultant at a famous London department store for drawing a moustache on a rude woman who wanted to have her make-up done. We are BIG fans of this fabulously funny performer with attitude, and so are delighted to sit down for a chat with Mandy Muden. And she bought the coffee and cake. Result!
Graham Hey asks the questions.
Well Mandy, we saw you at Blackpool and it’s been really difficult getting hold of you, you’ve been so busy. We really loved your spot at the convention, how was Blackpool for you? ‘Aw, thank you very much. I have to admit I was very, very nervous because as we all know
8 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER 2019 MANDY MUDEN
‘I was the naughtiest, silliest kid in the school. I just found humour in everything. I had a tough home life and laughter was my escape.’
SUBSCRIBE AT: WWW.MAGICSEEN.COM 9 MANDY MUDEN
‘...I saw a job in the back of the Stage for Kids' Entertainers and never looked back. I went to Davenports and stocked up. I still have all my kids entertaining stuff. I just can’t part with it!’
10 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER 2019 MANDY MUDEN magicians can be a very hard audience. But I have to say I loved every moment of it. The audience were amazing and I was so thrilled to perform at the Blackpool Magic Convention at the Opera House!’
Mandy is no overnight success (although she is still young, obviously!) – her grounding was in the comedy clubs around the UK. I ask her if she recommends it for magicians who want to try and be funny? ‘Absolutely!’ says Mandy, ‘Comedy Clubs are the only places to really cut your teeth in this business now. I still do them now because they keep you totally match fit and on your toes. Bite anyone’s hand off for a gig. I am still learning from doing them.’
Mandy reveals that she actually started out as an actress, but found it extremely tough. ‘I would turn up to auditions and there would be 100 other women after the same job.’ She says, still obviously frustrated by the whole thing. ‘But then I saw a job in the back of the Stage for Kids' Entertainers and never looked back. I went to Davenports and stocked up. I still have all my kids entertaining stuff. I just can’t part with it!’
Mandy tells me that she was always a funny kid. ‘Comedy Clubs are the only places to really cut ‘I was the naughtiest, silliest kid in the school. I your teeth in this business now. I still do them now just found humour in everything. I had a tough home life and laughter was my escape.’ because they keep you totally match fit and on What are you like when you’re off stage? ‘I’m your toes. Bite anyone’s hand off for a gig. a shy person and off stage I don’t like to be the centre of attention. So people rarely see that side I am still learning from doing them.’ of me off stage unless they know me really well.’
SUBSCRIBE AT: WWW.MAGICSEEN.COM 11 MANDY MUDEN
show, she says, ‘I was asked to take some jokes out… but ‘I forgot’. It was live, what could they do?
‘I think the spots were supposed to be 3 minutes. My first was around 9 minutes and the second was probably longer!’ She continues, ‘I loved doing it. I think you should be clear about what you want from it before you do it. I saw it as a free advert on Prime Time TV and for me that is exactly what it was.’ The result is that she’s been a lot busier, and if you’re friends with her on Facebook, you’ll know that she's been doing some terrific, high-profile gigs around the world.
She reveals that her comedy hero is The Amazing Jonathan. ‘I love him. I went to see him and I was scared sitting in the audience. It was brilliant. You just didn’t know what was going to happen next. I loved Joan Rivers too, she was a comic genius.’
Like many performers, she is her own worst critic. She says she has lots of weaknesses but is not sure about her own strengths. Says Mandy, ‘I am always anxious before a show. I hate doing a bad job. I never come off stage and feel happy. You had a great run on Britain's Got Talent I always think I could have done better.’ She – why did you decide to enter the show? The should be on a high right now, as we heard she answer isn’t what I expected. Says Mandy, ‘I had stormed it last night at an Edinburgh Preview a cowboy builder in who had taken my savings with Omid Djalili… and wrecked my home…I needed to make more money.’ It’s time for Mandy to scoot off. She’s a very busy lady. If you get the chance, check out her As far as BGT goes, she tells me she had total performances on YouTube. control of her spot. For the live performance Quickies with Mandy What has been the highlight of your last How do you go about constructing your year or so? own show? It’s been such a wonderful year that it's hard I just sit in front of a computer screen for to pick something .BGT, obviously, getting hours and hours and get nothing done. I ring an award from a major women’s magazine, everyone I know and moan. Them I write it working in America… getting a very out like a story and try and piece it together. expensive handbag. Eventually I get about 3 minutes of new stuff.
Most difficult aspect of being a performer? What’s coming up for you in the next few I find it hard to have a proper life. I miss months? a lot of family dos, special occasions and As I do this interview, I am currently just seeing people I love for a cup of tea. working on my Edinburgh show Mandy Sometimes travelling around on my own all Muden: Is Not The Invisible Woman. I the time I get very lonely. am only doing Edinburgh to work on new material. Please come - Gilded Balloon Someone’s putting a cabaret act together, Teviot at 4pm. Also, I’m thrilled to be doing what advice would you give them about panto in Belfast at the Royal Opera House. performing? As Pat Page said to me, go out for What would you say to any girls wanting to ‘sandwiches’ - work wherever you can. get into magic/mentalism/performing? Do it. Try and be your own person on stage. Last time you bombed on stage? It’s not about the tricks most of the time. It’s Corporate in Dublin where the whole you and how you sell them. audience was drunk before the event even started. When I went on it was like a scene Are you married? from a disaster movie…bodies everywhere. No, not married but I am now looking. If Tough crowd. anyone’s interested?
12 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER 2019 NewNew DiceDice MagicMagic k k u u . . o o c c . . c c i i g g a a M M t t . . e e l n l n b b u a u a d d o r r o o o f f f f Casino style gaff dice a
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k BIG NEWS ON A a a w M M w MAJORMAJOR PROJECTPROJECT NEXTNEXT EDITION.EDITION. FRIEND NOT FOE? Friend Not Foe USING THE HUMOROUS SPECTATOR BY Mark Leveridge
"Subconsciously the Joker will now possibly feel the need to wrest back the control of the group, and so he starts to make his own jokes and asides, thus interrupting your performance. His mates will laugh automatically at
f you are a strolling or table magician whatever he says, even though most of the time his comments you will no doubt recognise the are not that humorous, but that’s how it is all the time in following scenario. You are walking up to your next group ready to that peer group." entertain them and as you approach, one of the spectators, usually a man, Iwill see you coming and immediately fire off some sort of ‘funny’ comment or quip, THE JOKER IN THE PACK A DISTURBANCE IN THE FORCE such as, “Oh, hello Dynamo, what have When you are entertaining at big commercial So, up until the moment that you arrive, all you got to fool all of us then?” At which events such as company parties or club the attention of the table or group has been point everyone else in the group falls socials, most of the people who attend will on him as usual, which is how he likes it. about laughing at the ‘hilarious’ comment. probably already know each other. They may Then the magician turns up. The entertainer work or regularly socialise together, and so might be smooth, slick, fooling and funny, Hmmmm. You probably think to yourself, when you approach a table of 8 people, the and immediately the balance of power shifts “Oh dear, this doesn’t bode well!” and you chances are they will already be very familiar from the Joker to the performer, and the Joker immediately feel a bit defensive because you and comfortable in each others’ company. suddenly feels superseded and possibly even anticipate that this spectator is going to cause Groups like this can often have one character ignored. you trouble. who dominates. He will be the guy who leads However, rather than see this person as enemy the conversation, who makes all the jokes and Subconsciously the Joker will now possibly no.1, I would suggest that in most cases, who the rest secretly look up to. When they feel the need to wrest back the control of that comedian could well turn out to be a real are all sitting together, the Joker will be holding the group, and so he starts to make his asset for you if you handle him right, and in this forth on this and that, and because all the own jokes and asides, thus interrupting article I am going to take a look at the whole others know him so well, anything he says or your performance. His mates will laugh situation and recommend ways to deal with it. does is automatically hilarious! automatically at whatever he says, even
14 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER 2019 FRIEND NOT FOE? though most of the time his comments are not and popularity with the group, because if determine whether you did a good job. So, that humorous, but that’s how it is all the time he gets on with you and seems to like you, if the Joker and his comments are creating in that peer group. everyone else will too. laughter at the table, and if as a result the people are having a great time, I would suggest THE PYRRHIC VICTORY Here are a few personal suggestions for do’s that this is a win/win situation. The Joker gets Now, as the entertainer you need to deal with and don’t in this situation. to keep his status unblemished with the group, this situation. Some people overreact, in my 1. Don’t use abrasive put down comments but you get the kudos for the magic and leave view, and start a verbal battle with the Joker, or lines the moment the Joker starts to get the group feeling amazed and amused in equal trying to basically shut him up by proving that involved with your show. Remember, he may measure. they are far funnier than he is. The trouble is, not be heckling, just joining in! his mates are more used to him than they are 2. Do acknowledge his comments with a It shouldn’t be a matter of ego or status for to you, and I would suggest that this is a battle smile or an aside of your own which builds you. If you go in to each group thinking that you will rarely win. on what he has just said, thus keeping the you have to be an performing deity that no good humour of the moment. one should interrupt or interfere with, you are If you do manage to halt him in his tracks 3. Don’t let the Joker take over entirely, missing out on a lot of potential entertainment by using heckler stoppers, the potential however - remember you have the magic value. Some of my best and funniest moments humiliation that the Joker will feel is not healthy as a weapon, so if you are doing amazing over the years have come when I have been for the general atmosphere of the group - after things the spectators will react to you and having fun with the Joker! He sets up a all, your job is simply to enable them all to be keen to watch what you are doing. situation, and using my experience I can nip have a good time, not to win a verbal jousting 4. Do keep the pace and direction of your and highjack the moment or the comment and match! The rest of the people in the group performance on track. In other words, while prolong the fun of it. may not like the way you have just treated their it is politic and sometimes desireable to hero, and so they will not be as receptive to acknowledge the Joker or something he The net result of all this is that at the end of you and your magic as a result. has said, make sure that you still continue to your set, if you have handled it right, the Joker perform through your routines, because that will often be the one who extends his hand to EMBRACE THE MOMENT is how you will get your credibility at the end. shake yours while complimenting you on the So, my contention is that you should help the show. He’s happy because he has not lost Joker to enhance your time with his group LET THE GOOD TIMES FLOW face, and you have benefitted because you rather than attempt to stop him. However, you The fact is, you are being paid for the have harnessed his goodwill and standing should try to do it in such a way that you still spectators to have a good time with you. with his peers to ensure that your act was well maintain control of your show, but at the same Exactly how that is achieved is not the issue, appreciated. It’s the benefit of having him as a time embrace the Joker’s presence, humour it is whether you succeed or not that will friend and not a foe.
Only once in YEARS do you witness a release to the mentalism community that absolutely blows you away and exceeds all expectations. Looch’s Article sets the bar for the most fooling and practical system for predictions! This utility device goes way beyond headline predictions and also gives you the ability to devastate with a squeaky clean Confab routine. Also, the ideas he presents and deep thought involved in his teaching are top notch. I was Innovative boutique mentalism for real-world performers, created beyond impressed by this product and give it my highest by award winning UK Mindreader & Mentalist Looch. Each recommendation. product is the result of years of professional development and Oz Pearlman - AGT Finalist : Praise for Article V.2 refinement, and is designed and manufactured to be used reliably day in day out, creating powerful, exciting moments for YOUR audiences. Visit the site today to receive Looch’s FREE ebook ‘Negotiating Gigs’ and learn the secrets Find out why workers trust Read My Mind. of negotiating with bookers to get the gigs you REALLY want with the fee you deserve.
SUBSCRIBE AT: WWW.MAGICSEEN.COM 15 MICHEL HUOT
“SO CLEVER” FRANCIS MENOTTI “KILLER” RICHARD SANDERS
WWW.VANISHINGINCMAGIC.COM MICHEL HUOT
“SO CLEVER” FRANCIS MENOTTI “KILLER” RICHARD SANDERS
WWW.VANISHINGINCMAGIC.COM THE TRICKS MASTER CLASS SAFE DEPOSIT 1 2 David Regal
(This is one of the many routines featured in David’s new book called Interpreting Magic which is due to be published imminently. Look out for a review of the book in our next issue (#89 Nov 19))
3 4 EFFECT You will end up with a row of piles The spectator cuts to the Aces. 5 (Fig. 2). The reason you stress “that’s almost all of them” is to REQUIREMENTS ensure that you have a good-sized A deck of cards. pile on the left, the Ace pile.
PREPARATION “If you did this perfectly, the The Aces are on top of the deck in 6 piles will all be exactly the same any order. The Ace fourth from the size”…Look at the piles—they will top is given a convex crimp at the be slightly different. “Hmm… that’s inner end. all right. I’ll take what you gave me. 5 6 That’s the whole idea.” This serves WORKING to remind the audience that you False shuffle the deck, retaining arrived at random spots in the deck. 1the top four cards, then table it. “You cut here… here… here… and Have the spectator cut the deck into here.” a row of four piles, the Aces atop the leftmost pile. The right hand goes to the 7rightmost pile and lifts off the top The way I usually have this done card by its inner end (Fig. 3). The 2is by testing the spectator’s card is placed onto the left fingers “luck quotient” or ability to handle (Fig. 4). The hand goes to the pile cards. “Cut off three quarters of the left of the first, and removes the top 7 8 cards from here… to here. Three card in a similar manner, the hand quarters—that’s most of them.” I covering a bit more of the card (Fig. indicate that the cut is to be made to 5). The card is placed into the left the left of the deck (Fig. 1). hand on top of the card already there. “Okay, let’s shake things up. Let’s 3try sixth eighths. Try to cut six The right hand goes to the pile eighths of the cards from here to 8second from the left and picks up here. Again, that’s most of them.” the top card from above, depositing Indicate a spot to the left of the just- it on the two already in the left hand. cut pile. Finally, the right hand moves to the leftmost pile and picks up the four 9 10 Continue in this manner. “All Aces, the right fingers masking the 4right, let’s just go nuts: twelve thickness of the cards in its hand sixteenths. Do not confuse that (Fig. 6). The crimp allows you to with sixth eighths or three quarters. do the four-card pickup with a light Cut twelve sixteenths from here to touch. here—that’s almost all of them”. “Let’s see what you got”… The 9right hand brings the squared
18 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER 2019 THE TRICKS
Aces to the left hand and essentially You will now apparently repeat 11 12 overshoots the mark, laying its 12the process with the next Ace, cards about three-quarters of an but it is here that the dirty work inch to the left of the cards already occurs. The left fingers slide out the in the hand (Fig. 7). The right thumb next Ace, and flip it face up in front maintains a small break between the of the pile second from the left. As two packets of cards as the right this Ace is displayed, the right hand hand takes the combined pile from momentarily lowers onto the pile above. second from the right, leaves the cards below the break, and rises This is a very efficient moment (Figs. 10 & 11). 10in the routine, as the piles are segregated—and you have The right hand gently moves 13 performed a get-ready for the move 13to the right as the left fingertips to come—with zero adjustment. In a slide out the next Ace, flipping it face continuing action, the left fingertips up in front of the pile second from spread the Aces, sliding them to the right (Fig. 12). the left from the bottom (Fig. 8). The right thumb break above the X cards Finally, the last Ace is flipped is maintained. 14face up and placed in front of the last pile (Fig. 13).It must be The hands move over the piles. stressed that the laydown of the 11The left fingertips slide the Aces occurs in an unhurried rhythm. lowermost Ace from the right hand’s You are clean after the second Ace cards, and flip it face up in front of is shown, when you still have two the left pile (Fig. 9). Aces to go—a nice situation to be in.
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3 WORLD RECORDS AT THE EHRLICH BROTHERS SHOW!
On 15 June 2019 the two brothers played the football stadium in Duesseldorf, Germany with a special full-evening show. The show was sold out with 40,211 visitors. This gained Andreas and Chris Ehrlich a new world record for the “Largest Audience for a Magic Performance”. The former record with 38,503 had been set by the Ehrlich Brothers at their first stadium show in 2016 in Frankfurt. When twenty-something James Valentine
The German magicians received a second world record by the RID pays an unscheduled visit to a fortune teller REKORD-INSTITUT fuer DEUTSCHLAND for the “Magic trick with the in Whitby, he is told that he’s going to meet highest number of spectators involved”. Guided by the Ehrlich Brothers 36,190 visitors tore four pieces of cardboard each, shuffled them, exchanged three women that will influence his life in pieces with other visitors until only one piece was left. This last piece exactly ways that he could never imagine! fitted to another piece that the visitors stored away during the process.
A third world record was not for Andreas and Chris Ehrlich - but for their It’s the fabulously funny story of a struggling fans. They collected the longest fan letter in the world with a length of 23,023 kilometres. Can that really be true? If it’s not, we’re sure there will be a letter magician trying to find true love somewhere in the next issue telling us we got it wrong! amongst the gay bars, working men’s clubs and
The world record show was filmed and will be aired on RTL TV in late cake shops of a West Yorkshire town. autumn 2019. A fruit cake, an International drugs dealer and the Heimlich Manouevre play pivotal roles in this tale of romantic failure set in the un-glamourous locale of Huddersfield.
E-BOOK AVAILABLE FROM WWW.MAGICSEEN.COM
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�cccc��ccccccccccccccccccc�c�cc�cccccc�ccccccc�c�cccc���c�ccccc�c�cccc�c���c�ccccccc�cc �cccc��cccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccc ccccc�c���cc��cccc����c��c��cccccccccc�c���cccccccc�c���cccccccccccccc� �cccccccccccccc� ccccccccccccccccccc SHOUT OUTS SHOUT OUTS Here are some special ‘extra’ announcements from a few of our regular advertisers
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Don't forget to register for The Real Magic Roadshow in a city near you. See the announcement on Page 27 of this issue.
READ MY MIND. BLACK HART. Back in 2007, Looch set the mentalism world on fire by introducing the Trickery for Tarot Readers is a great ‘how to’ book from The Black L.P.I (Looch Pocket Index). This well designed pocket miracle maker Hart. TFTR is NOT about performing tricks with Tarot cards, it’s instantly sold out and was considered by the pro’s as one of the best much more than that, it’s about techniques that are available to the pocket indexes ever made. card magician but adapting them so you, as a Tarot reader, can demonstrate the latent power within the Tarot. Over the years one of the most frequent requests from fellow mentalists was for the L.P.I to be made available again. After years of research, TFTR contains the following: discussion and development, Read My Mind Ltd are delighted to announce that this incredible product is finally back and better than Six presentations that are perfect for Tarot readings ever! Three simple card forces that look deceptive and natural How to control a card in a stack n a completely natural manner Each L.P.I has been expertly manufactured in Stainless Steel and will How to handle Tarot cards and ‘mix them up’ so you do not look last a lifetime of performance use. Load up your L.P.I with billets, folded like a ‘card sharp’ business cards, or even currency and it will always be ready to assist you in producing mind blowing mental miracles for your audiences! The ethics of using trickery in a Tarot reading:
Each Stainless Steel L.P.I comes with its own custom printed velvet In other words all you need to know to make your Tarot readings bag and access to an eBook with detailed instructions. You will also stand out above all the other readers your clients are likely to come be granted access to the Facebook owners group to share ideas and across. TFTR is a 25 page comb bound book packed with useful routines with each other. (Facebook account required) and useable information. It is written and published by The Black Hart and is exclusively available from Black Artefacts. If you want *Please note, the L.P.I is designed as a billet index, with the primary to make Tarot reading for private or corporate clients a part of your focus being to simply and efficiently organise a range of ‘outs’ and give portfolio, the TRTF is an essential part of your armoury. Check it out you instant access to them during performance. It will not hold a full at blackhart.co.uk deck of playing cards. www.readmymind.co.uk.
22 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER 2019 SHOUT OUTS
CARL DE ROME. In my HEAT advert this month, I have included A VERY SPECIAL LINK at the bottom of the advert. This is really for those magicians/mentalists/hypnotists who are still sceptical about the HEAT effect. Normally this link I only send out to people after they have ordered the HEAT effect direct from me, but I thought some of you may like to see all the extra info, tips and warnings about HEAT, so you can at last have a look at the videos and decide for yourselves if this effect is for you. May I also thank all the entertainers worldwide over the years who have bought HEAT from me and have had great success performing it over and over again. Remember Heat is available direct from my web site www.cdrmagic.com/heat or if you are in the USA/Canada it is now available from www.getmagicheat.com. And for those who like to buy their magic from the best magic dealer in England, HEAT has been stocked in the UK by The Merchant Of Magic www.magicshop.co.uk. Type HEAT into the search box. Lastly CONGRATULATIONS to MARC SPELMANN performing as X, for featuring my HEAT effect in his winning semi finals performance on Britain’s Got Talent. Proving HEAT can also be performed on stage.
COPELAND COINS. Copeland Coins is super excited to release Sly Palm to the magic community. It’s a brand new, clever sleight by Rick Holcombe that has as many applications as a classic palm! Rick is a clear teacher and the lessons are taught through the DAVE teaching system which lets the viewer learn via book and video at the same time! It’s like speed reading. Only at CopelandCoins.com
UKEA. Hello Escapologists, The UKEA (United Kingdom Escape Artists) are looking for new members. We are the only recognised group in the UK for escapologists and have been running since 2004. We have a wide range of members, from those that are very academic, focusing on the history of the art itself, through to novice / semi-professional performers who are keeping the art form alive. We currently have 2 meetings per year full of lectures, demos and the chance to compete for the Mick Hanzlik award. To join, we do require each applicant to demonstrate that they are currently part of a recognised magic association, or a full time or retired performer, an author, someone who has an academic interest in the art or someone who has been recommended by a current member.
The first part of the membership will be access to our private group and is free, from here you can apply for full membership at a cost of £20 per year. If you are interested then please contact us at [email protected] for more info. We look forward to hearing from you. www.theukea.co.uk POM POM PRAYER PASSING WATER STICKS £45 £130 +P&P +P&P
Water is poured through a volunteer with endless comedy possibilities. An exceptional Kovari Original. Please make sure you indicate the size required. Small is The ORIGINAL Pom-Pom with ALI BONGO’S routine and suitable for use with children, medium for adults, and large for instructions. Great for platform, parlour and children’s shows. large adults. The price is the same for all three sizes. An ideal MC item. www.kovarimagic.com 1 Scotts Close, Stock Hammond, Bucks, MK17 9RQ England Tel: 01525 270536 Email: [email protected]
SUBSCRIBE AT: WWW.MAGICSEEN.COM 23 ALLAN DE-VAL
ALLAN DE-VAL UNSHACKLED or the past few years, Magicseen named after the late Mick Hanzlik, who ‘As a previous winner I understand how has been reporting on the U.K.E.A created some sensational effects. What was much this award means to the escapology (United Kingdom Escape Artists) your connection to Mick? ‘We knew Mick for community and trust me when I say the and with escapology in the many years through our connection with the competition is getting hard. Everybody wants spotlight recently – especially on U.K.E.A and we became great friends. Mick to win the coveted Hanzlik award. This year, Britain’s Got Talent - we thought was also a friend of my wife’s late father David the award was won by Tim Houlton from Hull. we’d better get our act together De-Val,’ says Allan, ‘Mick supplied David with Tim came up with an unusual escape and and find out what’s really going a lock back in 1984 when he performed his possibly the first of its kind anywhere in the Fon in the world of escapes. rollercoaster escape at Blackpool pleasure world.’ beach, a lock that Mick kindly passed onto my We chatted with Allan Taylor from De-Val Magic wife Rebecca.’ Tim combined his love of motorcycles and and Escapology, newly elected chair of the escapology. The escape comprised of getting U.K.E.A Tell us about this year’s award. ‘The Award secured into a straitjacket, and then as if this is named after Houdini Historian and Master wasn’t hard enough, he then put on a pair of Firstly, congratulations on your new position! Locksmith Mick Hanzlik and is presented for full body motorcycle leathers, with the straps Now, every year you have an Award for the the “Best Escape” of the day as voted for by all from the straitjacket being inserted through best escapology routine – which is partly members of the U.K.E.A. the arms of the leathers. Motorcycle helmet
24 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER 2019 ALLAN DE-VAL Escapology is very real and has to be treated with caution....so even the smallest of routines would have had hours of training behind the scenes. If you fail to plan - then plan to fail!
and full boots were also worn. Says Allan, This year's award was ‘This was surely enough to secure Tim! After won by Tim Houlton around 5 minutes of wrestling with the suit and from Hull. straitjacket and even throwing in some comedy air guitar, Tim much to our amazement managed to escape successfully. A very well deserved winner!’
Allan speaks about Mick with obvious affection, continuing, ‘Mick had a lot of great effects and his most famous is probably the Supalok. However, it was his research into the Houdini Mirror Cuffs that really amazed me. This was something we spoke about with David Copperfield last year when we were lucky enough to be invited to David’s International Museum and Library of the Conjuring Arts.’
There were one or two escapologists on BGT this time... Jonathan Goodwin etc, what did you make of it? ‘I loved it. We have obviously seen a rise in magicians over the last few years but it’s great to see some real escapologists on TV,’ says Allan enthusiastically. ‘Matt Johnson did an amazing job last year with some of his underwater stunts – he’s one of the hardest ‘We are also getting asked for more and more Allan tells me that it’s partly the danger aspect working people I know and is now working escapology products at De-Val Magic so we of escapology that appeals to him, and a real with the Illusionists tour. have just brought out a range of padlocks, sense of achievement when you get out of handcuffs and straitjackets. We are also something that people deem to be impossible. ‘Jonathan Goodwin also did an amazing job seeing TV coverage. Rebecca and I were ‘Escapology is very real and has to be treated and I was shocked that he didn’t get through recently visited by George Hardeen (Harry’s with caution,’ continues Allan,’ ‘so even the to the final. His take on the water torture cell/ great nephew) and featured on the Discovery smallest of routines would have had hours of buried alive was amazing and deserved to go Channel show called Houdini’s Last Secrets training behind the scenes. If you fail to plan - further. Jonathan is also part of the Illusionists that was aired in the USA and the UK.’ then plan to fail!’ and is part of the London show.’ Do you think there will ever be another true Who has been your own personal inspiration? So how would you describe the state of world star of escapology? ‘I think the inclusion ‘My wife’s late father David De-Val has had escapology at the moment? ‘Absolutely of Matt Johnson and Jonathan Goodwin being the greatest impact on me but I can’t possibly buzzing. BGT has obviously done it well and part of the global illusionist shows definitely leave Houdini and his Brother Theo Hardeen here at the UKEA we are getting more and proves that we have stars of escapology. out – they are the ones who have probably more people reaching out to us to find out However, I would like to see a full escapology inspired most escapologists out there more how they can join or how they can start up in show on tour. I think once that happens and than anyone else!’ escapology. only then, will we have the world star.’
SUBSCRIBE AT: WWW.MAGICSEEN.COM 25 ALLAN DE-VAL the secret to a great escape routine is to make the impossible possible - and you have to keep the audience on the edge of their seats.
the shackles and the cell, but he had already escaped from the prison and was found fully dressed in his street clothes (but these were locked in the cell adjoining the condemned cell)! They found David some three hundred yards away from the prison, drinking a pint of milk.
‘The press fired questions - Was a double of David used? Was a confederate involved? Was there a tunnel between the condemned cell and Clifford’s Tower, where David was found? These were the questions and a little thought showed them to be very wide off the mark. How did David do it? That’s a good question isn’t it?’ We’d say that’s more than a good question!!
Allan says that the secret to a great escape Allan with George Hardeen. routine is to make the impossible possible - and you have to keep the audience on the I put Allan on the spot and ask him about his edge of their seats. ‘They need to be sat all-time favourite escape routine. ‘Wow that is thinking will (s)he or won’t (s)he. Add in some a tough one. An American escape artist called danger and it will get most people excited Norman Bigelow performed “The Doors of but a good story behind it will keep most Death” which was very dangerous indeed, but people interested,’ says Allan who is obviously for sheer skill then I would say the York Cell passionate about the art. ‘Danger alone escape performed by David De-Val, something will keep the audience occupied for several that the great Houdini refused! minutes, but add in a great performance and a story and they will be hooked!’ ‘David was challenged to escape from the condemned cell in the Debtors Prison. The cell So, we can safely say that escapology is still walls are six feet thick and the tiny windows are attracting creative performers and the public securely barred. Under the sceptical scrutiny of seem to love it, when they can witness it. ‘Yes, the press, David allowed the steel waist band I think it’s actually more popular now than it’s to be locked tightly on him. Then his wrists ever been. We are also seeing more females were locked on each side of the waist band. getting involved too which is great. There was His ankles were secured in heavy leg irons and a time where people were overlooking escape finally a short chain was locked at one end to artists as they were seen to be too dangerous the waist band and to a ring attached to the to book. I would like to see more acts on the wall at the other end. outdoor circuits again. Luckily we have just had Rob “Roy” Collins appear at Glastonbury and ‘Security guards checked both ends of the we have Doctor Diablo appearing at outdoor passage where the cell door was. No-one was events…’ allowed to open the door from the outside. Five minutes or so after the cell door had www.de-val-magic.co.uk Allan meets the legendary been slammed shut there was a cry from the Inner Circle member David Copperfield. press of ‘He’s out’! Not only was David out of www.theukea.co.uk
26 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER 2019 ezmagic_ad.pdf 1 4/15/19 11:43 AM
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When you are a pro entertainer you get to know exactly what works with TODAY the lay public and what doesn’t. You hone your methods so that they are practical yet strong, and you create magic plots that are clear and easy to follow. The material in this book reflects these principles throughout and will delight anyone looking for new worker tricks to add to their repertoire.
Published by www.magicseen.com ISBN 978-0-9566539-9-4 www.magicseen.com
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WWW.MURPHYSMAGIC.COM 1.800.853.7403 THE REVIEWS WHAT’SWE TAKE A LOOK AT HOT and what's not! You are supplied with a set of 7 over to reveal the actual selected so if you have that product and very nicely produced cards on the drink. want some new drinks cards, faces of which are featured colour this will also supply an ideal pictures and the names of different The method is straightforward, replacement set. drinks that you might buy in a pub. pleasingly contrived and, I would A spectator is asked to mentally suggest, pretty fooling. Vinny says The instructions come as a select any of the drinks, then to you will learn the method in a small neatly printed booklet shuffle the cards and deal them all matter of seconds (!), and although featuring 18 colour photos, a out face down onto the table. understanding the principle of the welcome departure from the often trick will not take you very long, redundant online video directions, You now show a metal beer bottle you will nevertheless need to although you are given a link to cap (supplied) and you place the spend some time working with the some footage as well. I can’t see cap randomly on the backs of the cards in order to get the handling why you would need to bother face down cards one at a time, smooth. There is, however, no watching it though, as the written asking the spectator to silently sleight of hand of any sort. instructions are clear and perfectly spell the name of his drink, one sufficient.ML letter for each card, as you do so. This is not a particularly TIPPLE When the spectator gets to the last commercial trick because of the Vinny Sagoo letter he calls out STOP. need to spread the 7 cards out on WHAT’S HOT: good routine Available from any Murphy’s retailer the table, and table space might that is fooling yet easy to do. or dealers contact You then state that it would be not allow this. But in every other Nicely printed cards, written www.murphysmagic.com impossible for ‘Your Drink’ to be respect the trick is engaging, instructions, and even the Price: £20.00 under the bottle cap, since the interesting and a baffler. bottle cap is supplied chosen drink was only mentally WHAT’S NOT: probably selected, to which the spectator A few years ago I released a not for the usual commercial This is an unassuming yet effective can only agree. As a gag, you then routine called The Leveridge performance situation, unless mental flavoured packet trick that turn over the bottle cap to reveal Beverage which came with a set of the conditions allow for the I am sure many close uppers the words YOUR DRINK printed 7 cards with drinks on them. The cards to be spread out on a looking for a novelty effect to inside the lid. However, groans set of cards supplied with Tipple table perform for friends or family should turn to surprise when the card you would be perfect for using with the RATING: 75% consider. randomly ended up on is turned routines that I originally supplied,
In the Bill It effect you hold a pad of There is a reset, claimed to take Post It notes in your hand and start fifteen seconds but which I think WHAT’S HOT: nothing, it is to peel sheets off one at a time into would take longer. The note can be not even luck warm a spectator’s hand. On the third handed out for examination but the WHAT’S NOT: the price, the sheet the Post It note transforms Post It pad cannot be examined. effect and the fact that you into a bank note. Effect over. could only use it in very limited What you get for your £27 is a pad situations, so pretty much The whole thing takes about ten of Post It notes, a cheap plastic everything. BILL IT to fifteen seconds to perform, is gimmick and eleven minutes of RATING: 10% SansMinds, Workers Series quite angle sensitive, best viewed downloadable instructions. Available from any Murphy’s directly from the front and just retailer or dealers contact about suitable for posting on social The first seven minutes tell you www.murphysmagic.com media but not really much use in how to assemble the gimmick. Price: £27.00 any other situation. There is nothing else to say. SB
32 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER 2019 0-20% = VERY POOR | 21-40% = A BIT WEAK | 41-60% = REASONABLE | 61-80% = GOOD | 81-100% = EXCELLENT THE REVIEWS
removed and turned over, they suitable for a small audience match exactly. When each deck is parlour type show especially with turned face up, every card in each a husband and wife or partners deck is completely blank. presentation. If I wasn’t surprised at a dealer marketing an item that You receive two blank decks of felt rather dated and similar to cards, two duplicate cards and other marketed tricks, I am utterly a certain something that aids the gobsmacked at the ridiculous price trick, to give you a ‘rough’ idea. for a package that contains two The method is fine, the trick is blank face decks, two duplicate very easy to do and would suit cards and a small amount of a novice. The best part is that ‘stuff’, which in some cases is the two spectators do all the work best part of forty quid! If you can according to your instructions live with that you get a hobbyists without you having to touch the dream trick that requires no skill, CHOICE up with similar methods for this cards. has a strong effect and a kicker Jerome Sauloup type of plot. At least its lack of ending! PP Available from any Murphy’s retailer originality won’t be apparent to a The online instruction video feels or dealers contact lay audience. interminably long at 35 minutes www.murphysmagic.com for a method that could be easily WHAT’S HOT: An easy to Price: £37.00 Two spectators have a red and explained in 15 including the perform method that with a little blue deck and deal face down ‘bonus’ ideas, one of which offers audience management doesn’t cards stopping at random places a slight improvement to the original even require you to touch the Jerome Sauloup’s Choice is a in the pack. They exchange each by having a regular card on the cards. Strong effect with a nice trick but similar to a lot of other’s cards at the position where bottom of each pack. That didn’t kicker finish other ‘Gemini Twins’ coincidence they stopped and reassemble both take long to explain did it! WHAT’S NOT: Similar to other type tricks that have been on the decks and swap decks. When the marketed tricks and far too market in recent years. That’s cards are spread across the table, The reset involves too much for expensive for what is supplied not to say there is plagiarism the stranger backed card is found mix and mingle/walk around gigs RATING: 55% going on, just that creators come in each deck but when they are so it remains a one-off trick, but
and more of a bandwagon. are better versions of so many of lazy. To describe any of this as Liam Montier at Big Blind Media these routines out there, and b) “a worker” is stretching credulity. seemingly pounces on any this is not what Carey does best. Sorry, Liam, I really am, but I fail to collection of easy-to-remember get this. John Carey cannot crave card tricks which are simple to I am well aware I sound more exposure than he already execute but OK in execution. BBM depressingly world-weary about enjoys, surely. BG alone have been responsible for this, but to me this type of material the bloated genre that is described has either already been explored, as ‘Self Working Card Magic’, as or is delivered better than this by WHAT’S HOT: nothing hot; well as the myriad others who have the inclusion of some sleight of there are three lukewarm clambered onto the bandwagon hand. I’m not sure why we are effects herein. Carey explains (Cameron Francis, Ryan Schultz, prepared to make so much of the stuff lucidly, so if you want any John Bannon, Steve Beam: I’m low road - when did it become of this material, he’ll teach it looking at you). undesirable to learn your craft? to you. And to watch him is Particularly when that craft has to share the company of a John Carey is highly fecund: he gifted advocates such as John genuinely nice chap. has released a lot of product. I like Carey to meld sleight-of-hand card WHAT’S NOT: the watching Carey perform, but lately magic with engaging presentation? needlessness of it all. Even SWEET SIMPLICITY he has clearly kept his hand off the the artwork on the cover is John Carey quality control button. To my eyes The inclusion of an approach naff. I fear this overcooked Available from any Murphy’s Carey is at his best with smart to ‘The Trick That Can’t Be genre has become self-serving retailer or dealers contact www. routining underpinned by nifty Explained’ is a particular low point. and copyist since Trost’s and murphysmagic.com handling with cards. It sidesteps the entire point of Beam’s days. Price: £22.00 Vernon’s original and is the magical RATING: 25% To be fair (for a moment) there is equivalent of the ready meal: a some useable material contained short instant gratification, with no The runaway truck, bearing the within this collection. I liked his lasting goodness in it and leaving John Carey brand overprinted handling of Equivoque, and the you feeling slightly cheated. onto the Eddie Stobart logo, Rainbow Deck is something you continues its unbreakable roll, might find useable. The ‘I In 52’ Look: if you like self-working stuff seemingly unstoppable. is an example of experienced there is already a wealth of it out thinking and routining, but I’m still there (much of it branded BBM). Actually this is less of a truck not sure… why. Because a) there It’s largely become derivative and
SUBSCRIBE AT: WWW.MAGICSEEN.COM 33 THE REVIEWS
as some self-working mathematical How’s this for attention to detail. Impossible’, a good effect with a fine effects and close-up mentalism. Powers has set up a dedicated site presentational hook. Truly something for everyone. containing some 60 films that teach the moves needed for any of the I hugely enjoyed exploring this It is a large format book, on very effects. Annoyingly each separate weighty book, which was more nice paper to show the 300+ clear film is password protected and fun and consistently practical than photographs off to good effect. the password has to be entered its physical appearance and the Personally I found the book design for each. Not user-friendly, but author’s weighty CV leads you and layout somewhat archaic, even indicative of how fiercely he protects to expect. If you like your magic slightly off-putting but then book his hard won secrets. to be thought-provoking as well layouts are part of my business as inspiring you to pick up the so I’m probably unnecessarily a The book is divided into eight necessary materials to try your pointy-head about it. sections: Unprepared Card favourites out right away, you will Mysteries; Prepared Card Mysteries; not regret this purchase. BG Aficionados will turn immediately to Faro Slough Off Ideas; Scripted the final effect in the book, bearing Mysteries; Friends; Moves; Pure the unlikely title ‘Heisting Histed Mathematics; Miscellaneous WHAT’S HOT: high quality TESSERACT Heisted 3.0’, his latest version of an Mysteries. The titles might lead you throughout; it will intrigue Mike Powers effect he’s been committed to for to expect a rather heavyweight, you as well as provide you Hard backed with dust jacket,11” many years, and highly regarded even theoretical approach, but something you’ll actually use. by 8.5”, 296pp, b+w photos, among the underground. Starting in practice the contents pass the It will speak to the enthusiast illustrations, 60 online teaching out as a self-worker, Powers turbo- practicality test. within you and encourage you videos boosted it in his previous book to explore many of its routines. Available from any Murphy’s retailer ‘Power Plays’ by bringing in that They also represent his catholic The online films are a welcome or dealers contact prop so beloved of scientists, the magical tastes. Self-working effects addition. The book is very well www.murphysmagic.com mem deck. rub shoulders with gimmicked written and taught. Great VFM. Price: £52.00 cards, alongside a plethora of WHAT’S NOT: his heavy Here he has replaced that stricture sleights with titles such as Double leaning towards cards may put with a Si Stebbins set up and some Lift From Centre, Finessed Gallo some off. I didn’t warm to the Subtitled ‘Magic – The Hidden ingenious (and not difficult) mental Shuffle, Kelly Bottom Replacement, layout design. This is a book for Dimension’ you know you’re in for calculations. He clearly regards the Centripetal Force and the Willis the serious reader, which again an interesting read when the author this as the book’s highlight, and it Kenney Deceptive Control(!) and would not endear it to those is a professor of physics, as well manages to be both interesting and the aforementioned Faro Slough more casual about their magic as a published magician of long strong. Off – not as offputting as the name literature. standing (for over ten years Mike led suggests, since it avoids the need RATING: 85% the ‘Card Corner’ column in ‘The Five people are each given a for full faro ability. Powers enjoys Linking Ring’). He even chooses packet of cards from which they colourful scripted narratives, with for his title a scientific term literally mentally select one. They each more than a nod to the Bizarre. meaning ‘a multi-dimensional shuffle their packets and then geometric structure involving the assemble them into a single packet The self-working material is of hidden 4th dimension’. Yes, quite. which is given a final shuffle by high quality, and manages to hide one of the spectators. Despite the mathematical principles well. I first encountered the author in all this cleanness you are able to On most of them you will not be 1990 when I purchased his superb determine each person’s card in aware of the principle making book, ‘Top Secret Stuff’. You might different ways. He adds a less the thing possible. If mentalism know him through his marketed convincing but self-working version interests you, it is well catered effect ‘Diminishing Returns’ which for those who find the main version for here. I particularly loved his became something of a minor too demanding. This is serious cloaking of ‘Bank Nite’. ‘Ring classic upon its release in 2002. thinking at its best, manifesting Bandit’, built upon Bill Kalush’s ‘Tesseract’ contains 55 items, the as a workable solution to direct classic ‘Rubber Ringer’ is another majority with cards but also coins, a mentalism. standout for me, as is the Cameron nifty rubber band/ring routine as well Francis contribution ‘Impossible vs
Items for review can be sent to any of the following addresses: DO YOU HAVE A Phil Shaw: 23 Stock Close, Norton, Malton PRODUCT YO17 8BE. YOU’D LIKE US TO REVIEW? Mark Leveridge: Anne’s Park, Cowley, Exeter EX5 5EN
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the perceived need to make the the creator, someone who has over information on the disc or fob look time tweaked and refined everything as if it has been engraved rather about the product in order to suit than written. The same issue could genuine performance conditions. potentially apply here too, but Collard 2 is one of the latter types because Collard is a much more of effect. Listening to John and lighthearted effect, I think there is far Levent discussing the detail of less scrutiny of the trick’s outcome, what is essentially a very simple and therefore the fact that the idea, reveals a depth of experience audience compiled name is on the and understanding of the small dog tag is more simply a pleasant details that make a big difference, result of the preceeding few minutes and that is why Collard 2 can be of fun and entertainment. wholeheartedly recommended to busy working performers. The instructions come via the usual the toy’s collar from the start. The online video directions. There’s a live If you are a serious mentalist, I don’t trick has its origins in Al Koran’s performance of John presenting the think this effect will be quite right for COLLARD 2 Medallion, and Don Wayne’s Room effect, which is helpful as it allows you. However, if you take a more John Archer Service, but the concept of creating you to understand how it is possible lighthearted approach to your work, Available from any Murphy’s a name for a toy dog is pure Archer! to get fun out of the situation that Collard 2 has much to recommend it. retailer or dealers contact www. the magic creates. Then there’s a I think it is especially suited to those murphysmagic.com This iteration of Collard shows a 21 minute explanation segment in stand up performers who combine Price: £45.00 number of improvements and small which John goes through everything magic and mentalism in their shows, but important embellishments on you need to know to technically as this routine is primarily about fun the original effect that appeared on work the routine. And finally there’s and entertainment and less about John Archer is one of those John’s DVD Educating Archer and a 17 minute chat between John and mentalism, and as such it is £45 very mentalists who manages to combine which was also sold as a stand experienced commercial performer well spent. ML laugh out loud comedy with mind alone product in the mid 2000’s. Levent, who regularly uses Collard. magic, and this routine is a perfect The quality of the products supplied example of just how wonderfully by Vanishing Inc looks excellent There are basically two different WHAT’S HOT: lots of comic effective it can be. (you receive pretty much everything types of marketed effects. There potential in the presentation required, except the stuffed are those which have been devised combined with a practical no- In essence the plot is that several dog!), and the routining has been with the hobbyist magician in mind, nonsense method that won’t audience members contribute to streamlined to make this an easy to and these often lack in terms of tax you unduly or let you down creating a unique name for the perform routine. cohesive plot or attention to practical WHAT’S NOT: you don’t have performer’s stuffed dog, a name that considerations. Then there are to be John Archer to get the impossibly turns out to be already One of the challenges that worries those tricks which have come to most out of this, but it helps inscribed on the name tag that many performers when performing the marketplace after they have RATING: 85% has been in view and attached to the Koran or Wayne versions, is been worked for many years by
From the creator of Lost for Words, The instructions come in the form The effect itself is not hard to Counter Intelligence is the latest of a 36 page printed booklet which do and it is completely baffling, release from the brilliant mind of is clear and concise. Everything you especially the final reveal of Steve Wood. need to know is there and easy to the secret code word which as follow along with scripting should previously mentioned can be a Based upon the story of a spy you wish to follow it word for word. completely different word each mission, a spectator is given a series Additional video tutorials are also time you perform this. of 50/50 choices. After deciding on available from Steve if you supply 6 or 7 choices (which happen to all him with the number and code Due to the method it is worth be correct) they are also shown to word from the contents page of the noting that Counter Intelligence will have predicted a secret code word booklet. only work in English so bear this which has been on the table from in mind if you perform in any other the very start. This can be a different The method for this effect is so language. word EVERY time! clever and must have taken an age to get right. The method for Counter Intelligence is another COUNTER You are supplied with a set of cards the 50/50 choice(s) section of the solid release from Steve Wood and INTELLIGENCE along with a couple of marker pens routine reminded me a little of an I for one am looking forward to Steve Wood to use while performing. effect we published back in issue 3 what he comes up with next. PS Available from www. of Magicseen by Max Maven called stevewoodmagician.com/products There is a small amount of Frozen Rodent. Without giving away WHAT’S HOT: Brilliantly clever Price: £29.99 preparation but this is a one time the method if you are familiar with method procedure so once done you Max's routine then you will know WHAT’S NOT: nothing really shouldn't really have to do it again. what I mean. RATING: 85%
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riffled off face down. A small amount to have already predicted – but that of work is needed to tailor the deck is a presentational trap of a lot of to your local currency. modern mindreading!
The online instructions could have There are two videos on the RSVP been better structured, giving an website, one achieves puzzlement, overview of the principles rather than the other, shot in Covent Garden, diving straight into a detailed card plays much stronger. The trick by card setup. A written crib sheet cannot be repeated so is not for the UK and US currencies would suitable for walkabout but could be also have been useful, even if this done as an extra special item at the was a downloadable PDF. end. CP
Another small grumble, only two of the four suits are provided for the WHAT’S HOT: strong, non force cards. The method relies practical, prediction effect using on the colour and value of these cards and a borrowed coin. ON THE MONEY show, say, heads. The performer cards and could include all four suits. WHAT’S NOT: single trick Gavin James runs though the deck and cuts to This is not likely to be important in gaffed deck, cannot be Available from any Murphy’s retailer a card, the spectator names his performance (who will notice only repeated to the same audience. or dealers contact chosen card – it matches. The card two suits flash by) but a simple extra Arguably not quite strong www.murphysmagic.com is then turned over to reveal a written 2 seconds in assembling the trick enough to feature or close. Price: £30.00 prediction of a 50 pence coin tossed could have avoided that. RATING: 55% to land on heads. The effect is strong, though needs A card is selected in a very fair The red Bicycle deck is gaffed for good presentation to lift it from a manner. A spectator chooses any this one trick and, using an age old puzzle to feature status. Part of this coin, for example 50p, from a principle, forces a card despite a is deciding how, or whether, you handful of change and tosses it to genuinely free stop as the cards are mindread something that you claim
together and orientated in the to say so over to you.” It is also same way. You will have to work claimed to be a “reputation out how to get to this starting maker”. You might not want to position on your own. Even in rest your reputation on this effect the demonstration video the and a couple of tatty plastic double thickness of the two coins. SB coins is visible. If you’re using the interactive handling the thickness is WHAT’S HOT: nothing further increased by the addition of WHAT’S NOT: over hyped a magnet to the real coin. and massively over priced. The twenty minutes of instructions RATING: 10% give you three ways to present the effect, all broadly the same. and yet another in the seemingly At times it felt like a barely OMNI COIN endless overpriced ten second disguised excuse to try and sell SansMinds, Workers Series. tricks from SansMinds. you other SansMinds products. Available from any Murphy’s If you want to perform the retailer or dealers contact It is available in different currencies, ‘Visual Interactive Handling’ www.murphysmagic.com including apparently a British 2p then you are recommended to Price: £27.00 piece. The ‘coins’ in my set were buy SansMinds Silent Assistant discs of plastic with a cheap $49.99. Alternatively, try the Bonus looking piece of paper stuck to effect using the SansMinds special Named after the much used Omni one side showing the image of a Sharpie, $24.95. Concerned how Deck this is an attempt to transfer Kennedy half dollar. They looked to carry the plastic coins, stop the concept to coins. The effect, and felt cheap. This might be them getting scratched and be with slight variations in handling, offset if there was original creative able to retrieve them easily? Buy is that a real coin is displayed thinking in the structure and the SansMinds wallet, $49.95. and placed in a spectator’s hand. composition of the effect. There Work the magic and the real coin isn’t. In the Final Thoughts you are transforms into a plastic version exhorted to “Let your imagination of a same value coin. It is a To perform you start with a real go wild”, usually a euphemism for completelyJAMES WENT underwhelming effect coin and the Omni Coin held “We can’t think of anything else
36 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER 2019 0-20% = VERY POOR | 21-40% = A BIT WEAK | 41-60% = REASONABLE | 61-80% = GOOD | 81-100% = EXCELLENT THE REVIEWS
So what do you get for your some practice to make the actions money? What you get is an effect fluid. which has been thought through and carefully constructed. The Both effects need a table construction disguises the method, top and are ideal for small emphasises the impossibility of the groups or a parlour setting. effect with the aim, successfully, The video instructions include of creating the biggest impact a live performance, very clear possible. explanations and details of how to make a replacement gimmick if The attention to detail, timing, required. SB misdirection and presentation is really a masterclass in how quite WHAT’S HOT: material that simple technique can be deployed you will use. More importantly, to create strong magic. The effect a case study in how to think ten coins as a surprise ending. is a very good illustration of the through and add subtlety and You also get a variation to the first Leonardo da Vinci maxim “Details DEBAJO thoughtful construction to an Juan Luis Rubiales effect using different objects. make perfection, and perfection effect, a transferable skill you Available from any Murphy’s retailer is not a detail.” It is the detail that can use to improve all your or dealers contact Inside the small Debajo package makes this effect work. magic. www.murphysmagic.com there is a single gimmicked WHAT’S NOT: nothing Price: £16.00 playing card, and a link to just In both routines the work with RATING: 80% over forty minutes of instructions. the coins is made easy using the At first sight it does not seem Debajo gimmick. In the matrix With Debajo you get two effects. that you are getting much for effect, unknown to the audience, The first is an easy to do card and your money, particularly as the eight coins are on the table from coin effect with a strong impact in gimmick, although well made, is the start. In this second effect you which spectators can apparently not some brand new concept, it will need to learn how to pick up a correctly name playing cards is something you may have come card and coin cleanly and to switch placed face down on the table. across before. Similarly, although a coin between two cards. None of The second effect is a coin matrix the first coin and card effect is this is very difficult and everything with a twist, more difficult to do quite strong the principle used is you need to know is very clearly but which has the production of also well known to magicians. explained. You will need to do
favourite plot - Card At Any As with all of Astor's effects effect. This may put some people Number (CAAN), with a twist. Numbered uses a simple method. off who have pocket space In fact the main method involved issues when performing. You begin by showing a prediction will be very familiar to most playing card which is underneath magicians. The app and the deck As with all of Astor's effects, if the card box cellophane wrapper. do all the hard work meaning you you like the look of it from the The prediction has a blank yellow can focus on the presentation. trailers then I would recommend sticker stuck to it. Opening an app buying it. You will not be on your phone you show a number The effect could be repeated with disappointed. PS counter counting for 1 to 52. A a different number should you wish spectator is asked to stop the to but as with all magic it is not counter anywhere they like. They recommended. It would be a good WHAT’S HOT: Good solid can change their mind as many effect however, to use if you're routine that looks impossible times as they like should they wish. tablehopping as anyone following WHAT’S NOT: The counter is Say they stop on the number 15. you around would see it performed not so much an app as a web You then write 15 on the yellow with a different number each time page. Deck can only be used NUMBERED sticker on the prediction card with which is a huge benefit. You would for this one effect Astor Magic a white board pen. have to use the same prediction RATING: 75% Available from card however due to the method. www.astormagic.com You remove the cards from the Price: €45 (approx £42) box and count down 15 cards. When you receive Numbered there You show that if they stopped the is a small amount of DIY for you counter one number before or to do. This will only take around I must admit to being a real fan one number after they would have 5-10 mins though and is a one of Astor's magic. Whenever I see got a different card. You turn over time task. him at a convention, more often the 15th card showing it matches than not, I end up buying one of your prediction. Not only that but it At approximately £42 it's not a his new releases. Numbered is has a yellow sticker on it with the cheap effect, especially when you Astor's take on the magician's number 15 written on it. can only use the deck for this one
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