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Issue No.16 RRP £3.75

www.magicseen.co.uk Vol. 3. No.4 September 2007

THE MAGAZINE EQUIVALENT TO CARE IN THE COMMUNITY!

CHRIS COX
On the Air, On the Up!

JOHN THOMSON
Acting Sensibly!

FREE
200 One Liners in our
COMEDY SPECIAL!
AND ENOUGH
TO KEEP YOU
GOING... UNTIL
YOU RUN OUT!!

official sponsors of magicseen

THE MISTRESS OF
MANIPULATION!
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The Merchant of Magic supply magic tricks, books and DVDs to professional and
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A week before the show, the performer posts an envelope to a

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WELCOME TO magicseen
Issue No.16 RRP £3.75
www.magicseen.co.uk Vol. 3. No.4 September 2007

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR THE MAGAZINE EQUIVALENT TO CARE IN THE COMMUNITY!

As readers will know we love to we are pleased to feature the Graham Jolley's Anger CHRIS COX
On the Air, On the Up!

have a laugh here in the World’s leading lady magician, Management Page - nope, JOHN THOMSON
Acting Sensibly!

magicseen offices, but this who hails from China. Other absolutely no idea what that's all
month we're having about 200! luminaries who were strapped to about but I'll race you to the page FREE
200 One Liners in our
Introducing our great comedy a chair and forced to talk to us now to find out as it's bound to COMEDY SPECIAL!
AND ENOUGH
issue which is full of stuff to tickle include actor John Thomson and be fun! TO KEEP YOU
GOING... UNTIL

your funny bone and mangle you Radio 1's favourite magician September is the month YOU RUN OUT!!

with merriment and mirth! To set Chris Cox. when the magic world starts to official sponsors of magicseen

THE MISTRESS OF
the tone for issue 16 we enlisted We also have another of our awaken from its summer slumber MANIPULATION!

the help of some of magic's top features on magic from overseas as people return from holidays
funny people to provide us with a as we present The Magic In and things get back to some Editor: Mark Leveridge
large number of their best lines, Germany. Prepared by semblance of normality, and so Deputy Editor: Graham Hey
and we are really grateful to enthusiastic amateur German issue 16 also has the usual mix Design Editor: Phil Shaw
Noel Qualter, Noel Britten, John magician Henning Koehlert, we of news, reviews and other Advertisement Manager:
Peter Salter 07977 567424
Archer, Pete Firman, Wayne learn about how the magic scene features to get you back into the
Website Design: Jane Stewart
Dobson and others for their is in Deutschland plus get some mood for the longer Autumn and
Circulation: Sarah Logan
assistance with all the funny stuff. Masterclass German - style magic Winter nights ahead when we Circulation Assistant:
Laugh? We almost paid them! to learn too! forget the big outdoors and Jessica Culver
The cover star this issue is As Editor you no doubt concentrate on fiddling with Contributors: Jay Fortune, Paul
the amazing Juliana Chen. The imagine that I have all the power decks of cards in the corner of a Preager, Stuart Bowie, Paul Kelly,
John Archer, Pete Firman, Noel
last three issues have all featured when it comes to selecting the darkened room. Finally, those of
Qualter, Wayne Dobson, Noel
stars from overseas starting with material for magicseen, but the you who are shocked at the Britten, Henning Koehlert,
Luis de Matos from Portugal in truth is that Deputy Editor absence of the Think Tank this Mike Porstmann, Martin Duffy,
issue 14, followed by David Stone Graham Hey is the genius behind time can relax in the knowledge Jack Stephens
from France in issue 15, and now much of what you see in the that Jay Fortune's somewhat magicseen’s management board
magazine each time. So, anarchic column will return, we consists of Graham Hey, Mark
sometimes there are items which just don't want to get too Leveridge & Phil Shaw
are as much a surprise to me as predictable. General enquiries and
they are to you. One such item is Enjoy your read! comments:
[email protected]

Mark Leveridge, Editor Subscriptions:

On-line at www.magicseen.co.uk,
or sending your details and a
cheque payable to ‘magicseen’
to magicseen Subscriptions,
13a Lyndhurst Road, Exeter
EX2 4PA, UK. £22.50 for annual
subscriptions, Europe £34.50,
worldwide £43.50.
Copyright. The views and opinions
expressed in this magazine are those
of the individual contributors and do
not necessarily reflect the views of
the publishers. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part is
strictly prohibited without the prior
consent of the publishers. Colour
transparencies, manuscripts or discs
are sent at the owners’ own 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.

Thanks to: Juliana Chen, Clive

Court, Chris Cox, Graham Jolley,
John Thomson, Henning Koehlert

Published by MSUK Publications

www.magicseen.co.uk 7
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LETTERBOX
Share your random

Inbox
H@ve Your Say!!
views with the world
If you have anything you would like to tell us
whether it’s about the magazine or anything
magic related please email:
[email protected]

You could recommend we’re not even getting a work (secretly, of course),
sites for us to view! Oh, I’m cut, to say so! but have you any ideas
too good for this place! what I should do with all
these pages once I’ve
Dave Gregson, Manchester finished with it?

Thanks Dave. So, you Josh, Ohio, USA

want us to do all the
work for you, is that it? No.
Well, we are doing
something slightly along MAGICIANS, THE
those lines, but it won’t MOVIE
THE SORCERER’S tricks for the sake of it. rear its ugly head until How come there was little
APPRENTICE! Seems all the negative the next issue. And yes, or no coverage of The
Many people will have gossip was wasted! you certainly are too Magicians Movie? I have
been aware that this BBC good for this place. come to expect better of
children’s TV series was Mr Anthony Miele, Leeds. you lot!
going to take place, and MENTAL AS ANYTHING
there was endless Yes, we’ve seen it…and I’m into magic, but I’m Paul Taylor, Derby
amounts of gossip about it’s good!!! looking to perform more
it. For those few who don’t mentalism routines as they Good point Paul! The
know: Over a few weeks, a are more popular. Is there a timing of our last issue
group of children received definitive guide to meant we just missed WHAT’S
expert tuition in magic –
and each week, the
mentalism effects? I am
inexperienced, and couldn’t
the pre-publicity, and we
did try and get an INSIDE
THIS
weakest performers were believe it when I saw a interview with Director
given the boot from a very magazine on magic in my Andrew O’Connor but he
nice castle! Many people local bookstore. You could was totally unavailable
suggested that this
programme would be
MORE GLAMOUR…
PLEASE!
be the answer to all my
dreams! (I doubt it, -ed).
due to punishing work
commitments. We are
ISSUE
dreadful for magic, as it Nice feature on ladies in hoping to do some in the Welcome 7
would reveal lots of sacred magic! I thoroughly enjoyed Simon Percy, Cambridge next issue to coincide (?) Letters 8
magic tricks! I have seen a it, so well done. How about with the DVD release. News 9
few of these programmes a feature on the role of the Well Simon, firstly, don’t Sorry to let you down, Kennedy – Live 13
myself – and found them glamorous assistant? just jump on to the fella! A couple of Juliana Chen 16
to be excellent and they bandwagon because magicians have told us Hecklers 20
Ali Bongo 23
have had some brilliant Neil Jameson, Belfast something happens to they have small
Sound Familiar? 24
magicians guesting, too. be perceived as popular parts…but we don’t like
Comedy Special 29
Etienne Pradier, David Yes, we’ll send an email at the moment – perform to know personal details
Pro’s Pointers 30
Penn, Marc Oberon to straight off to Barry & things which suit you like that!
One Liners – Part 1 32
name a few – and Max Stuart to ask which one personally. In the last Graham P. Jolley 34
Somerset is a great host. is the glamorous one. issue we reviewed a DVD DOWNLOAD John Thomson 36
OK, it may be for kids, but by the slightly-less-than- DITHERER! One Liners – Part 2 38
there hasn’t been a line-up YOUTUBE FOR YOU ALL… dynamic duo Peter Nardi I buy your mag as a Reviews 42
of top magicians on TV like Just a thought for you, why & Marc Spellman. This download version each Chris Cox 50
this for years!! Oh, and all don’t you do a regular really is an excellent issue. I prefer it this way Magic In Germany 56
the effects are handled feature on what’s product. It’s well priced or I have to wait a couple Masterclass 58
excellently – there is happening on the internet and contains some of weeks to get it by mail. Dealer’s Booth 64
certainly no revealing sites such as YouTube? mentalism gems. And I print the whole lot out at Back Issues 66

8 magicseen Issue No.16 September 2007

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NEWSQUICKIES
FORTHEMAGICIANONTHEGO

BARRY & STUART GET DOWN & DIRTY!

What better way can you possibly spend a Tuesday night than in the company of
twisted wizards at a secret society on a barge on the Thames? Those Scottish
sorcerors of demented magic are continuing their popular evenings of
madness. They say: “Come and purge your soul of your darkest secrets.
Marvel at the impossible... near death experiences, ladies with moustaches,
myspace haircuts”.
Details here www.myspace.com/dirtysecretclub

THE GREAT
MOBLIN & DORIS
magicseen readers who saw MICHAEL BAILEY’S ABOUT TO TALK!
Elizabeth Maskell's animated
magician 'The Great Mobilini & Former President of the Magic Circle, Michael Bailey has his book,
Doris' at Eastbourne or the Magic titled: The Magic Circle – Performing Magic Through the Ages
Circle last year can see them on published on November 8th, 2007. The price is £18.99 (Hardback).
Youtube at the link below. Those The book covers everything you can think of, including classic
who have yet to see this very effects such as The Bullet Catch and the Floating Light Bulb. There
entertaining act can also follow are sections on entry to the Circle, women in magic and a section
the link for a real treat!
http://www.youtube.com/watch
?v=0uh0SD16EoY
DEBBIE’S chronicling the lives of magicians from the past, as well as modern
performers; Derren Brown, Tommy Cooper, David Copperfield and
Channing Pollock. There’s far too much to tell you about in a news
STILL GOT IT! snippet, but now at least you aware of its existence! magicseen will
Reader Pete Harrop of Henley be interviewing Mr Bailey in a forthcoming issue. This is a book we
says he recently saw Debbie can’t wait to read!
McGee, and she: “Looked
absolutely fantastic, in fact, drop-
dead gorgeous!” Alright Peter, we BEST EVER IBM COMING RIGHT UP!!
know she’s an attractive woman, There’s one of the best ever
but please calm down. Try and magical line ups to hit these
get an appointment with your GP shores at the up coming IBM
as soon as possible, before you convention. To see all these

SO RANDI!
To see James Randi extolling the
blow a gasket. tasty treats, visit:
www.britishring.org.uk for a
full schedule of the
virtues of Bounce fabric softener on
NOT HARSH ENOUGH Convention Events taking
an American TV commercial from
FOR HASHAR! place in Southport between
somewhere in the early 1980s, visit: the 12th and 16th of
http://www.youtube.com/watch September. Paul Stone, the
?v=gqk3wzGyBho Ring’s Convention Executive
Producer has worked his
WHEN JACK MET socks off to secure some of the world’s leading acts. Gaeton Bloom,

CHARLES (AGAIN) Iraq born magician Hashar, 26,

David Williamson, Paul Zenon, Bill Malone, Boris Wild, Paul Kieve,
Michael Vincent and Lennart Green are just some of the beautiful and
Jack Stephens tells us he had a of Argosy Road, Blackpool, has talented people who are going to trick you!
good old chin-wag with Prince been committed for sentence for
Charles recently, when he was theft of the handbag on
booked to appear at Camilla’s April 6 and four offences of
60th birthday bash in the village of handling stolen goods. "He crouched down and walked away with his jacket under his arm.
Bromham, Wiltshire. Says Jack: Miss Jo Shepherd, The woman asked where her bag was. He had picked it up in his coat,"
“He asked me all about my prosecuting, told the court the said Miss Shepherd. The handling offences dated between June 26 last
balloon modelling and I offered woman had left her bag on the year and April this year and involved bags taken from women, some
the Prince a lesson at a future floor at the Savoy Hotel while a elderly. He has previously worked as a magician in the pleasure beach
date”. Two years ago Jack had the quiz was taking place. It show Mystique. That says it all, then!
pleasure of entertaining Her contained personal possessions Hashar was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for
Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II with and two envelopes each two years. He will also have to do 100 hours unpaid work for the
his close up magic and now has containing £1,000. Hashar had community. Doesn’t sound like much of a sentence to us – we’ve heard
completed a Royal Double. He’s dropped his coat near the OAP. longer sentences from Teller!
becoming one of the family!

www.magicseen.co.uk 9
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NEWSQUICKIES
FORTHEMAGICIANONTHEGO

MAGICAL ILLUSIONS
Nick Einhorn's new book Magical Illusions
is now available. The book features over
200 magic tricks and is illustrated with
1,300 step-by-step photos. Hardcover, 256
pages, published by Lorenz Books, RRP
£14.99. This is an ideal book for the
novice magician and a superb reference
book for the more initiated. Nick's previous
book The Art of Magic has now sold over
250,000 copies worldwide. See
shows with additional features www.einhorn.co.uk for more details.
“STEP RIGHT UP!” including an illustrated lecture by
Late July 2007 saw a celebration
of Blackpool’s entertainment
Dr Vanessa Toulmin `Freaks
Geeks and Wild Women, A History
STONED ON SUCCESS! As if we didn't hate David
heritage with The Cabinet of of Sideshow Amusements' at the Stone enough already,
Curiosities featuring two original Studio Theatre at the Grand and with his amazing magic,
sideshow illusions from 1950s also well known Blackpool good looks and sexy
showman, magician and fire- magician and historian Cyril French accent, he's finally
eater, Jon Gresham – The Girl in Critchlow presented a nostalgic sent us over the edge
the Goldfish Bowl and The look at Blackpool's Golden Mile with this image that
Headless Lady. These were on the Sunday afternoon. The found its way into the
presented by Jon Marshall’s original Girl in the Goldfish Bowl, French gossip columns.
Sideshow Illusions Company who Pat Gresham, “I never knew Here we see him
have worked with Eddie Dawes whether Jon (Gresham) would ask about to attempt a daring
and Pat Gresham to restore these me to be Headless in Margate or sleight-of-mouth
and other sideshow illusions Legless in Yarmouth!” was there movement, while
using the original show fronts, to talk about her involvement in socialising in Saint
they have also built eight modern the shows. Tropez. We hear that he
sideshow booths for During the next year the successfully completed
contemporary performers to thrilling heritage of fairground, the manoeuvre.
present their shows in. The music hall, circus and seaside
Whoopee Agency of London entertainment will be brought to
booked a huge number of life in a series of events in
THE 3RD COMMERCIAL CLOSE-UP FORUM
Burlesque attractions for the Blackpool. From circus curiosities
weekend including Marisa and side-shows to brilliant The 3rd Commercial Close-up Forum is set to take place on Sunday
Carnesky, Levitating Lovely (of the burlesque, the spectacular events 14th October 2007 at the Ramada Hotel, Peterborough. Organised
Ghost train fame, for which Paul will be curated by Director of the by Mark Leveridge Magic the day is dedicated to the performance,
Kieve devised some fabulous National Fairground Archive Dr explanation and discussion of working close-up magic commercially.
illusion effects), a Snake Lady, Vanessa Toulmin and have been This year's event features input from Shaun McCree, Peter Wardell
Tattooed lady, Red Sarah’s fire dubbed Admission All Classes. and Mark Leveridge. Numbers are limited to a maximum of 60 and
show and Floss’ Museum of www.admissionallclasses.com delegates are divided into three groups so that everyone who
Prodigies with his Man Made If you wish to see other strange attends gets the maximum benefit from the
Monsters and many more acts. novelties, then visit the shows and lectures. With comfortable
An exhibition on the history of the magicseen offices and see us in surroundings, plenty of free venue
Winter Gardens accompanied the action. Free entry! parking, on-site catering and
complimentary tea/coffee all day, the
atmosphere is not so much that of a
THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP OF convention as of a gathering of
MAGIC™ 2006 DVD TO BE RELEASED like minded close-up
enthusiasts, who spend a
As of September the DVD of the Championships of Magic™ 2006 day exchanging views and
World Championships of Magic™ television show as well as many information. For reports
2006 will be available for extras including a short movie and comments on the
purchase. The long-awaited from David Stone. previous two events,
arrival will be available on This sounds like a great and to register for the
www.fismstore.com. The DVD DVD, even though we hate 3rd, visit:
features the 90' World David Stone!! www.markleveridge.co.uk

10 magicseen Issue No.16 September 2007

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NEWSQUICKIES
FORTHEMAGICIANONTHEGO

DANIELS GOES TO CARDIFF

Cardiff Day of Magic. The Cardiff Magical Society have just
announced the line up for their inaugural Cardiff Day of Magic at the
BY ROYAL APPOINTMENT! Magicians Etienne Pradier Cardiff International Arena on November 11th. Following previous
Jumpingfrogs Entertainment is and Paul Martin also were invited successful Sale and Lecture days, the CMS decided to add extra
now the preferred agency for the to perform for the whole family at events and an evening show to form the inaugural Cardiff Day of
Royal Family with over twenty a very private event. Anne-Cecile Magic. Paul Daniels tops the bill and will also lecture. There will be
contracts in the last three years. who jointly runs Jumpingfrogs close-up sessions with James Piper, Keith Bennett, Paul Daniels and
Recently, magicians Lee Warren with Etienne Pradier said "We are Adrian Sullivan. Dealers Practical Magic, Keith Bennett, Magic
and John Danbury together with delighted that the Royal Family Supreme, Burning Card and Dr Bobs Balloons. Food, light snacks,
juggler Ian Marchant, had great constantly use us for all their beverages and alcohol will be on sale
pleasure in performing for Prince events, it makes us very proud - throughout. The Gala Show will be
William and Prince Harry and who said that the English did not hosted by magician Stuart Watkins
their guests at Wembley Stadium like the French!" and Real Radio Breakfast
at the Concert for Diana. www.jumpingfrogs.com Show presenter Angela J, and
promises to be a fun packed magical
evening starring Frank E Haschka,
DIGGIN’ DERREN! • The Boston Globe’s Joanna Kockov, Bruce Airhead, Jason Thomas,
Following Derren Brown’s new TV Weiss revealingly admits she’d Roger Bafico and Paul Daniels.
series being aired on Sci-Fi in the “probably let him take my wallet, Please Note: Evening passes are
USA, here are a few quotes too.” She found Mind Control “a limited and available on a first to
collected from the reviewers different sort of TV magic than register basis. More information and
stateside! what we’ve grown used to on registration forms are available from
• The New York Post’s Linda this side of the pond.” the website www.cardiffmagic.org.uk
Stasi says it’s “mind blowing,” Sounds like a hit! We’ll get you or by contacting Mr T Ricks on
Brown is a “charmer” and the some viewing figures as soon 0845 6300210.
show is “a hoot.” as we can…

GET YOUR COPY OF THE

HOTTEST NEW BOOK
FROM ONE OF THE UK’s FINEST
PERFORMERS – TODAY!

AVAILABLE in semi-hardback
and limited edition
hardback* NOW!!!
PUBLISHED BY AND AVAILABLE FROM:
www.magicseen.co.uk
*Get one while you still can!!

12 magicseen Issue No.16 September 2007

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LIVEREVIEW
backs as Kennedy looked away. doing so in front of an audience.
He guessed correctly for this one I can see where Kennedy was
and the next one (£10) but got the coming from including this but it
£20 one wrong! The lady left the left a nasty taste in my mouth.
stage with it – having had her seat It was also slow and confusing and
unexpectedly paid for! if you weren’t seated on the first
One of the strongest effects two rows you couldn’t see the table
for me followed – a sort of Seven or envelopes.
Keys to Baldpate (using 4 keys) The final routine was the
with a spectator’s set of car keys. strongest – a five book Book Test.
His reactions made this. This was The five words were then shown
a fantastic routine. to have been predicted all along
I was not keen at all on the in a ‘revolutionary’ way. I don’t
next effect. Asking for a lady to want to give this away but this is
come up Kennedy asked her to when the title of the show Peer6
write down details of her children was explained.
To his credit Kennedy is
generating a tremendous

Kennedy
following – one couple travelling
up from London for the night just
to see the show! He has created a
90 minute show that amazed the
lay audience.
Personally I don’t think we
have seen the best Kennedy has to

Peer6 July 2007

Review by Martin Duffy
offer. He has set himself high
standards and has improved since
I saw him doing his spot in the
Beyond Belief UK tour over a year
So why Peer6 for the title? Well, I shock in it. On walked Kennedy. – names, ages, hair colour, ago. However he still seems unsure
can’t give that away; although it is I won’t be going through every favourite memories etc. This was of the character he wants to
explained in the second half of effect performed – that wouldn’t sealed in one envelope and £10 portray. Parts of the show were
the show. achieve anything. Kennedy has in another. They were mixed and delivered in a light-hearted way
The venue for the three night taken some standard mentalism the lady had to pick which and others in a more serious
run was magnificent – the Castle effects and made them his own. envelope held the money. She did. manner. However, Kennedy’s
Keep in Newcastle upon Tyne built He also uses some of his own This was then upped to £50. She youthful appearance does not lend
in 1178. original material. got it right again. As she did this a itself to the latter. This was
If you have seen Kennedy you Not everything went to plan on scrolling message which the lady especially evident at times when
will know he is a great one for one of the nights I saw the show – couldn’t see appeared at her side he came across as being
image. He used his unusual look Kennedy later told me there was reading ‘How much do you value disrespectful to older volunteers.
(blonde spiky hair!) to tremendous no method for a couple of the your family’. Everybody I asked on the way
effect on a stunning back-drop. It items – he wants to do some Now, on all the publicity there out thought it was a great show
had a white background with three things ‘for real’. was mention made of a member although one or two did suggest
silhouettes in various sizes and The first half (35 mins) ended of the audience getting a chance that the £20 ticket price could have
depths of grey. When Kennedy’s with Kennedy’s original routine, to win £1000. This was the part. included interval refreshments.
live shadow was cast on the back- Mirage, from his book. Kennedy wrote out a cheque for
drop throughout the show it made After a 15 minute interval we £1000 and replaced the £50 with ADDENDUM
for a dramatic look. were invited back into the Great it. She chose the envelope and At one point in the show a
As the audience arrived they Hall where Kennedy entered and got the cheque...however there spectator marked a horoscope
were held in the Museum Room proceeded to sit at a table and eat was a kicker which meant she did page held behind his back with a
until told they could ascend the 5 razor blades to some serious not go home with it. He finished cross which turned out to be right
stone spiral staircase to the Great atmospheric music – this did not the routine by proclaiming that he next to the star sign of the other
Room - a stone room with a 100 work for me as they were not keeps his family close to his heart spectator. After the show I had a
foot high ceiling. shown to be genuine in the usual and so should she. chance to speak to the spectator
The eerie music subsided and way before he did it BUT the It was messing with a lady’s and asked him if the effect with
a video was projected onto the audience loved it! devotion to her family – the cross had impressed him. He
back-drop. This was brilliant. Two more spectators were suggesting she would give them told me he had indeed been
Without giving it away it was a chosen to assist and one of them up for the chance to win £1000 impressed...especially as he had
psychiatrists report with one huge was to hide a £5 note behind their and to rebuke her for supposedly drawn a circle!! ms

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JULIANACHEN

16 magicseen Issue No.16 September 2007

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THE MISTRESS OF

Mystery
Born and raised in the Hunan province of China, Juliana’s rise to become
one of the World’s top magicians is the sort of story that would make a
brilliant movie. Not only does she possess supreme manipulation skills, she
is a performer of the classiest kind and has performed to amazed
audiences from China to Las Vegas.

In 1997, Juliana won title; World Champion came to her school looking for candidates
Magician, Manipulation, at The World for the prestigious Hunan Arts School. The
Congress of Magicians in Dresden, Germany. recruiters selected the beautiful Juliana,
In doing so she became the first woman and and her father, a worker on the Chinese
first woman of Chinese heritage to win the railway and a supporter of Mao, knew what
title in the 50-year history of the competition. an honour it was to have his daughter
A true world magic star, magicseen were plucked from obscurity and offered a
delighted to talk to Juliana about her lifetime sinecure in the company - possibly
amazing life and career… as a ballerina or an acrobat. Says Juliana:
As a three-year old, Juliana was taken to “So, you see, to begin with, I did not really
the theatre by her nanny, and she was choose to be an entertainer. The
regularly put to work tugging on a long rope government chose me. They selected me
that swung a suspended carpet, fanning the at a very early age to be a professional
audience below to keep them cool. When she entertainer and I was duly enrolled at the
was ten, a group of communist party officials Hunan Academy of the Performing Arts.

17
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knew
her name!
The young
Juliana decided she
needed to broaden her
horizons and enrolled at a
language school in Vancouver, Canada.
When she got onto the plane she says she
held her passport close to her heart and
felt “as free as a bird beginning a new life!”
I was Arriving in Vancouver, she discovered
very lucky that the language school was something of
because it scam and she had to live with other students
meant a free in overcrowded and unpleasant conditions.
education and the However, she was determined to make the
opportunity for a lifetime of most of her new opportunity and was soon to
work - my parents were really be found in a Vancouver magic store called
proud of me. The academy had a Ken’s Illusionarium. In China, the secrets of
special uniform and I was very proud to magic tricks were carefully guarded, but in
wear it when I returned home each weekend!” capitalist Canada, she quickly realised that
Juliana first trained to be a dancer and secrets were for sale!
then was trained to be a juggler and acrobat, Store owner Ken Gerbrandt remembers
as the arts school was short of performers in her like a child-possessed wanting to inspect
this discipline. As a teenager, she toured with everything. He invited her to a meeting of the
the Ghangzhou Troupe to Europe and the Vancouver Magic Circle the following evening,
South Pacific performing as a specialist foot where she asked if she could perform for the
juggler. “Then fate intervened,” says Juliana, 40-odd magicians. Expecting a kiddie show,
“in the form of a bad training accident where Gerbrandt says: “Chen took the stage. Playing
a stack of chairs and acrobats collapsed. cards began to appear from her hands with a
Both my legs were injured and one of my speed that was unbelievable! She moved like
knees was shattered. After the operations, a bird, arms outstretched, seemingly
the doctors said I had to stop acrobatics and grabbing cards from thin air, as if her
foot juggling - otherwise I might be unable to fingertips were hemorrhaging cards. She
walk by the time I was thirty.” ended the performance with a display of
Everything was looking bleak for Juliana “scaling” that sent scores of airborne cards
– until she happened to see iconic Japanese bouncing off both the ceiling and the people
magician Shimada on television. “I loved the in the audience!”
way he had woven his Asian heritage into his One can only imagine the reaction such
magic,“ she says passionately, “I made the skill received. Gerbrandt says the place
decision to become a magician!” erupted with thunderous applause, way
For several years she practised before she finished, and it went on for a full
relentlessly. Being ambidextrous certainly minute afterwards. “I’d never seen a display
helped, along with her natural balance and of magic like that before,” he says, “we were
co-ordination. Before long, she had stunned!” Those who were there that night
developed amazing magic skills and was still talk about the event almost twenty years
back performing, only this time as a later, with unmitigated amazement.
magician. She was soon appearing regularly Juliana has that effect on people.
on Chinese TV and a hundred million people

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I enjoy designing costumes, sets, and

promotional materials.

doing an illusion act and Is there anything you always carry with you?
nearly everything went wrong. In the sub I am not addicted to them, but I always carry
trunk, I forgot the routine and confused my painkillers in case I need them to get through
What assistants. No one closed the curtains! a performance. It is those old circus injuries
gives you the But my worst experience was an All-Ladies coming back to haunt me…but I would not
greatest pleasure as a show at the 1999 Desert Seminar in Las have been a magician without them! ms
magician? Vegas. I was the closing act and the emcee
The beauty of the magical presentation accidentally released my big confetti finale. Special thanks to: Clive Court for his endless
and the reaction of the people who really The emcee stretched to allow me some time to help, and also to ‘Saturday Night’
appreciate it. fix it, but in my rush, all my costume loads got publications, Canada.
twisted. So I was trying to fan the shooting
What is your finest achievement? cards and shoot the fanning cards. It was a
Winning nearly every competition I have disaster! In the final quick change, my outside
entered…and the biggest thrill of costume fell down but the inside costume
all was winning at FISM in 1997. didn't fall out to complete the change. I
couldn't move. I cried!
What have you found hardest to master?
Producing fans of cards and shooting cards - Tell us a little about what you do away
combining the manipulative techniques into from magic....
an artistic presentation involving music, I really enjoy good music and
dance and costume change. I am always sometimes 'dance’ to it when I
practising. am walking or in my car. I like
driving in the countryside near
How has your act developed over the years? Vancouver and Seattle. I drive
I began to focus on changing from Western mainly when I am at home in
style magic and music to a more mysterious Vancouver or Las Vegas, which
Oriental style. is not often these days. I enjoy
looking at houses and shopping
Which other magicians do you admire? because, like music, it opens my
Many. Especially Shimada, Norm Neilson, mind to new ideas and creativity. I
Channing Pollock, Michael Ammar, and also read a lot. Of course, I love
Mac King. watching magic and I am always doing
research to find new music and effects. I
Do you get stressed before a performance? am also looking for new talent because I
I am usually very calm but I need about 20 am now booking and producing shows
minutes, to be quiet, thoughtful and focused in Europe and Asia. I also love dogs. I
on what I have to do. I don't like to talk or love travel, dining out and spending time
waste any energy. with my family in Vancouver.

What is next for you in your career. Are you You used to be a graphic
working on anything new? designer -- do you design
A concept for a 13-part TV series based on all your own sets and
my life story combining both performance costumes?
and documentary storyline. It will be shot in Yes, I have a good
both Chinese and English for different background in
markets around the world. In the immediate art and
future, I will be at the Berlin Wintergarten design.
until October 6, at the Shanghai International
Magic Festival from Nov.8-12; touring Canada
with the Murray Hatfield Show between Nov
24-Jan 13, and then I have to be in Hamburg
from January 13 to begin a three-month tour
of German cities.

What are the best venues you have played?

The best venues? The London Palladium and
The Princess Grace Theatre in Monaco.

Your worst magical experience....

Two shows I would rather forget:
At the Magic Hands Convention (1998) I was

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HECKLERS

s hu t it!
As we are featuring a selection of comedy one-liners in
this issue, we decided to do some research to see if we
could find a selection of heckler put downs that would
make us laugh. After an extensive search, we’ve come up
with a brilliant array in heckler stories and responses. All
we can say is that we have been in absolute hysterics
reading some of these, and we hope you will be too. Some
are not related to comedians or magicians, but we decided
that they were really too good to leave out.

"Please don't talk to me when I'm was greeted with a shout of: Frank Skinner at the Edinburgh on". He paused long enough for
on stage. I don't come to your job "She's in the attic!" Fringe, some years ago, singled her to take in the compliment
and tell you when the fries are out an audience member who then said "Of course, before I saw
done." David Baddiel was telling a story answered his mobile phone. you I had a full hard-on.”
about a comedian floundering on "Well, who is it then?" Skinner
"Out of 50,000,000 sperm, it's stage, when someone shouted: asked. "A comedian," came Jerry Sadowitz was performing
hard to imagine you were the "Nobody likes you. Surely you the reply. one of his low key magic shows
fastest!" remember that from school." in London. He was in the middle
Bono on stage in Glasgow: "Every of a card trick when one of the
Comedian at a tryout, started his Some irritating young buck went time ... I clap my hands ... a child audience shouted out “f*ck the
act with: "…I'm schizophrenic, me". to the toilet twice in quick in Africa ... starves to death ..." magic, tell us a joke!” To which,
To which he got the heckled succession at the cinema, Glaswegian voice: "Stop f****n' quick as a flash, Sadowitz
response, "Well, both of you f*** walking across the screen. The doing it, then!" answered "I don't tell you how to
off then." first time he elicited tuts and pimp your sister so don't tell me
sighs. On the second, after he how to do my job."
Joel Douglas, the less famous tripped and fell, there was a
son of the actor Kirk, was shout of: "Run, Forrest, run!" Lee Hurst towards the end of a
performing at the Comedy Store crap stand up gig, taking
and getting increasingly At the end of Raiders of the Lost audience questions. Someone
frustrated by the audience Ark, when the ark was being asks 'What did you do before you
reaction, he started shouting: warehoused, hidden, or whatever, were a comedian?'
"You can't do this to me, I'm Kirk some bright spark shouted: Bono thinking about world Before Lee gets the chance
Douglas's son!" At which point "What was all the fuss about; poverty, while sitting in his to answer someone in the
£14m mansion.
some wag stood up and said: there's millions of them." audience shouts "He did this!"
"No, I'm Kirk Douglas's son." Ryan Adams paying an audience
Then someone else stood up, At a London comedy club, a member his ticket fee and Jimmy Carr had offended an
and so on… frustrated compere asked an making him leave after he overweight lady in the audience
audience member what he shouted out a request for with a joke. She therefore
Someone apparently spotted did for a living. He responded: Summer of 69. shouted out 'You are fattist!'
David Hasselhoff in London and "I'm a talent scout for sh*t Carr: "No love, you're the fattest".
shouted: "You - you're nothing comedians." An English comedian was being
without your talking car!" badly heckled by a woman at a Jerry Sadowitz being punched on
A blind heckler shouts: "Get off!" gig. He looked into the audience stage by a punter after opening
A stage performance of The at a sh*t comedian. After a and said "Oh it's you - I saw you in his act in Montreal with the
Diary of Anne Frank was so bad moment's silence, he adds: "Has the queue on your way in and I immortal line "Good evening
that the arrival of the Germans he gone yet?" have to admit I got half a hard- moosefu**ers" ms

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ALIBONGO
NEWSQUICKIES
FORTHEMAGICIANONTHEGO

There’s Only One Ali Bongo!

Actually, that’s not quite correct…
We all know Ali Bongo, the loveable enigmatic magician and
magical advisor of repute – but there are other Ali Bongos around!
Oh yes, and to prove it, we did a bit of research and come up with
some interesting finds. We have also thrown in a few interesting
facts about Ali Bongo the magician, just for the sake of it!

URI’S BENDING
OVER BACKWARDS
FOR SUCCESSOR!
Uri Geller is widening his search for
The Taj Mahal Indian restaurant.
potential successors across the
ocean, together with the illusionist
Criss Angel. The NBC network, one of There is another Ali Bongo who In Evesham, Worcestershire, Magician Ali Bongo’s real
the four largest television networks in is age 29 and is currently the you will find the Ali Bongo name is William Wallace, and
the United States, recently bought the Foreign Minister of Gabon. Ali Motorcycle Club. Those the fellow was born in India!
format for “The Successor,” the first is the son of President Omar wishing to join, please visit:
time an Israeli format has been Bongo. True! www.alibongos-mcc.org.uk
purchased by a major US broadcast
network. In America, the show will be
called “Phenomenon".

For those of you lucky enough

HOUDINI IN to live in the Norwich area of

East Anglia, England can visit
If you find yourself in Marbella,
Spain and are looking for a
JANUARY 2008 the Ali Bongo Shop! This is one Magician Ali Bongo was the great night out, then perhaps
It’s been over half a century since Tony of those ‘lifestyle’ shops that magical advisor on: Carrie: The you could do worse than visit
Curtis pulled on a straitjacket for Harry sell all manner of things that Musical – based on the book by ‘Kinky Malinki’s’ nightclub,
Houdini’s 1953 eponymous biopic, so hippies like to smoke etc. Oh, Stephen King. The musical was where you will find a certain
it’s about time for the world’s most you know what we mean! staged on Broadway in 1988. Mr Ali Bongo on percussion!
renowned trap-dodger to get another
outing – this time the remit to act
one’s self out-of-a-tight-spot having
fallen to Guy Pearce. Fresh from
playing that another great 20th
century icon Andy Warhol, Pearce, as
Houdini, travels to 1920s London
where he meets Catherine Zeta-Jones’ Travel to Saudi Arabia in your
Mary McGregor – a psychic out to con mind. Are you there yet? Well, if
the alliterative artist. you are, and you happen to need
With Death Defying Acts set just If you find yourself a little a bridge building or something
30 years after The Prestige and peckish while travelling around like that, then you could hire the
being labelled a “supernatural Magician Ali Bongo was the the Kanchanaburi area of services of Ali Bongo’s Civil
romantic thriller” by those in the original magic consultant on Thailand, then worry not. Just Engineering Company. But
know, director Gillian Armstrong’s the totally excellent TV series: set back off the main road is remember – always get more
film is shaping up to be our favourite Jonathan Creek, written by the Ali Bongo restaurant, which than one quote before deciding
movie in 2008. David Renwick. is owned by an English couple! on the company you will use…

www.magicseen.co.uk 23
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SOUNDFAMILIAR?

COPING WITH
MY CHILDISH
HUSBAND
I was so worried and
curious that I went
to our bank to see
what had happened.
It turned out that
the missing money
had been transferred
to a new business
account. The business
was Uncle Malcolm
Ltd. My Malcolm.
The swine.

Dear Magicseen,
I’m writing to you to ask for advice about our youngest son David to his school friend’s about what he was doing. I said that I was
whether I should divorce my husband or not. 8th birthday party. The children had a happy for him to become a children’s magician
Being married for 23 years would make you magician entertain them and made them at the weekends and make some extra cash
think that I wouldn’t need advice. If you think balloon animals as well as the usual magic but did he really need to take nearly £3000
this then that would be quite true. We’ve tricks. My Malcolm spent over an hour from our account to set this up? He grew very
always discussed everything between us and hassling this poor gentleman wanting to know angry (a bad temperament to have if you’re
have always reached a decision that we were how to become a children’s magician and the entertaining children surely?) and told me to
both happy with over any obstacle that stood fees to charge and so on. About a week after mind my own business. With that he stormed
in the way of our happy marriage. But my this I realised that a lot of money had been upstairs to his ‘Secret Room’ and left me
husband Malcolm has a dark side. During the taken from our bank account and I was downstairs crying. Well, his ‘Secret Room’ is
week he works hard at his job as a mechanic worried that it may have been fraudulent use actually our youngest son’s bedroom. Or
and has always provided for me and our three of our hard-earned money, money which pays should I say it was our youngest son’s
children. I work too as a the bills and puts food on the table for our bedroom. He’s been moved to the other boy’s
part-time receptionist. But family. When I tried to talk to Malc’ about this bedroom so now all three share one room. Our
in the last few weeks he he would get angry and say that I had hard-earned cash has been spent on many
has become very awkward probably spent it at the bingo with the girls. items which now lurk in this Secret Room.
to live with and my Now, I go to bingo once a month and would Since then Malcolm has placed an advert
children (that should not spend anywhere near the money which in our local Yellow pages and gets the
say ‘our children’ – as had gone from our account. I was so worried occasional enquiry which I have to answer as
you can tell I’m already and curious that I went to our bank to see he is usually at the garage working. To be
planning the divorce what had happened. It turned out that the honest he’s actually really awful as a magician
and custody of the missing money had been transferred to a new and when anybody says this to him he remarks
kids) find him a business account. The business was Uncle that he just hasn’t got the time to practise. But
constant Malcolm Ltd. My Malcolm. The swine. that doesn’t seem to stop him going out
embarrassment. That evening (this was about six or seven working. In recent weeks he has found the
About three months weeks ago) when the kids had gone to bed, I answer and decides to practise and ‘entertain’
ago Malcolm went with turned off the telly and tried to talk to Malc’ wherever we are, usually as a family. We would

24 magicseen Issue No.16 September 2007

MS Issue 16 BU4.qxd:Issue 9 12/8/07 21:23 Page 25

go shopping in toy stores where he would find

NEWSQUICKIES
a cuddly teddy bear or something and then be He did do a party FORTHEMAGICIANONTHEGO
harassing other shoppers with it, claiming it is
alive and trying to do ventriloquism with it to
for a friend of
make it speak. Our oldest son Steven now ours, but that
refuses to even go out with us. So he and his
Dad are not talking at present. He says his
ended in tears
Dad is an embarrassment. And even though when he made a
I’m his wife I have to agree.
We have always had our dinner together
balloon dog and
made it bark into
every evening as a family. But in the last two
weeks even this ritual has disappeared. (It
seems miracles like this and making his oldest
every child’ s face. NEW LECTURE
BOOK NOW FOR YOUR CLUB
son and his own dignity vanish are the only real One of the most popular and entertaining
magic tricks he has actually achieved). We had lecturers in the business is Paul Gordon. His
dinner ready and Steven had brought his new subject is Professional & Entertaining Card
girlfriend over. We were all having a good time sure you know this procedure. A sponge cake Magic. Paul Gordon’s lectures have received
chatting away before Malc’ had come home ended up being in the dish at the end. We RAVES the world over. If you’ve seen his
from work. As soon as he came home we were couldn’t actually eat it for some reason (thank previous lectures, then you know it’s fast,
suddenly all tied together in pairs with a length goodness) and that was when our youngest furious, entertaining and magical. Paul is
of rope between our wrists. We were then given started to cry. enthusiastic and obviously adores his subject,
three minutes to try to escape without undoing Since then life has gone from bad to and it’s card magic that he teaches so well –
the knots. Only Malc’ found this to be hysterical. worse. No matter what intelligent conversation to and for YOU! Well, now Paul Gordon has a
I didn’t laugh in the slightest. I also ended up you try to conduct with Malcolm he retorts BRAND NEW LECTURE. If you are the
burning the sprouts as three minutes became a with a really bad joke. He also approaches secretary for your local club, then book Paul
hysterical quarter of an hour. At the table Malc’ strangers and asks them their name. He has NOW! If you are organising a convention, then
then proceeded to ‘perform’ childish tricks with some kind of awful line about not hearing book Paul NOW. If you want to read the rave
the salt shaker appearing to stick to his finger, them properly and when they repeat it, him reviews (letters and comments) and watch –
making a spoon bend but then show that he being sorry that they have that particular for FREE – Paul’s promotional video, then visit
hadn’t actually bent it and we name or something. It’s actually quite www.PaulGordon.net or call 07894449230
spent several minutes offensive more than funny in any way. He’s
having to take also given up his secure job and still hasn’t
turns in received hardly any paid work. He did do a
guessing how party for a friend of ours, but that ended in
many small bits of tears when he made a balloon dog and made
scrunched up paper it bark into every child’s face. The only place
were under his where he seems to really enjoy himself and
upturned plate; where he tells me he goes down well is his
something to do with local magic club which he joined a few weeks
them apparently jumping ago. I’m kept in the dark about what happens
from his pocket to under
the plate and back again.
He ran off laughing just
there but I’ve been invited to a night with the
club president or something where Malc’ is
performing. I’m too embarrassed to go.
BEN’S BIG ONE!
Ben Hart wins The Magic Circle’s Young
before I was preparing to serve dessert. In our Well, there’s so much more I could tell you; Magician of the Year Competition 2007.
house, etiquette is paramount, so we waited for he carries a piece of carrot with him everywhere 16 year old Ben Hart’s stylish performance at
him before dishing out. He appeared a few so that should we be in a house where they The Magic Circle headquarters in London
minutes later in a bright green blazer and have fish, he pretends to pull it out of their tank brought the art of the silent magician firmly into
yellow braces over an orange shirt. He wheeled and eat it. One of our friend’s children had the 21st Century by applying fresh thinking to a
in a very large and cumbersome suitcase which nightmares for weeks after he apparently ate number of classic effects, whilst completely re-
after lots of crashing and banging around sort their beloved pet ‘Charlie’. Oh and he regularly working others. His variation on the Linking
of unfolded to twice its size. Onto this he pretends to pull off his finger and put it back Rings was both clever and charming (you’ll
placed a silver dish and into it he began again. To adults. Totally embarrassing, yet he have to see it) and allowed him to really
pouring foods from various kitchen cupboards. thinks he is the life and soul of the party. Oh connect with his audience (the hardest aspect
These were apparently his ingredients. Finally and the things he does with this bloody duck of performing silently). Dressed in a sharp
he set fire to the contents and also the hair on (excuse my language) which bobs up and down black suit he looked like a young Bryan Ferry -
the back of his hand. I think the latter was an is enough to make anybody consider murder. very cool and charismatic with a winning smile.
accident as he swore blue murder and spent a And Steven has since broken up with his He’ll go far. Congratulations to all seven
few seconds putting it under the cold water tap. girlfriend – or rather she did with him. I don’t finalists, especially Joe Ray (2nd place) and
Finally he placed a lid on the metal dish and spend too long pondering why. Lexi Watterson (3rd). The judges were Roy
handed Steven’s rather embarrassed girlfriend So I guess what I am asking you is; Davenport, Julia Howson, Peter Pinner and Paul
a magic wand which fell into small pieces when surely all children’s entertainers aren’t like this Stone. The biennial competition was introduced
she held it (which I truly believe she did out of are they? by Derek Speight in 1961 and has launched
fear). Anyway, as magicians yourselves I am Marion, 44, North Yorkshire. many a professional career since its inception.

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COMEDY SPECIAL

THEY CAN’T
STOP US
LAFFIN!
200 One Liners from
the best comedians around!
Tips from the PROS!!
Improve your performances with
advice from: John Archer, Noel
Britten, Noel Qualter, Pete Firman,
Wayne Dobson and lots more!
MS Issue 16 BU4.qxd:Issue 9 12/8/07 20:13 Page 30

COMEDYFEATURE

Pro’s
Pointers!
We thought you'd be
interested in what a few
top pros and writers had to
say on the subject of
performing comedy...and
here are their thoughts!

What’s the first thing you say when you approach a table?
• "I know what you're thinking, hasn't he let himself go since Billie Piper dumped him". It's self
effacing and it stops some arse from saying "doesn't he look like a fat Chris Evans”,
15 seconds into my set.
• Very few comedy magicians actually make me laugh out loud. However, I can honestly say I
have nearly lost my bowels watching David Williamson with an honourable mention for Chad
Long. In the UK I am fans of my friends Alan Hudson and John Archer who are both terrific.
• I don't bill myself as a comedy close up magician but I do concern myself with the comedic
aspect of my close up performance. I don't sit and write scripts for new routines, I have a vague
premise when I am bedding in the trick and I let it develop over time. Very often the audience
will give you the lines. Leave the effect for a year or two and hopefully it comes out nicely. I do
ad-lib of course, You get the best reactions and laughs by acting on what they are giving you.

3 tips to create successful comedy magic...

• Don't use stock lines.
• Understand the audiences perception of you and either play to it or oppose it strongly.
Noel Qualter • Listen to the audience, don't just plough through your lines.

Pete’s Top Tips

1. Be Original – You don’t have to come up with brand new tricks, but try and pick material
that people aren't doing. I think The Vanishing Bandana/Banana is the worst trick I’ve ever
seen, but loads of ‘comedy’ magicians do it. It’s not even funny. The comedy should come
from you, not a ‘do it off the shelf’ routine.

2. Do Strong Tricks – The danger with comedy magicians is that the tricks are weak, thrown
away or exposed for a cheap laugh. If you are billed as a magician you need to fool people.
John Archer and Mac King are two performers who make you laugh ‘til you hurt and fool
you badly.

3. Write Jokes – If you are serious about putting comedy in your act you are going to have to
put as much, if not more, time into writing jokes as thinking up/rehearsing magic tricks. You
will be a much better performer and gain more respect from your peers if you write your own
stuff, instead of using ‘stock’ lines.
Pete Firman

30 magicseen Issue No.16 September 2007

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John’s Words of Wisdom

1. Try to be original in what you do. You have much more chance of surprising an audience if
you do your own stuff. Agents and TV people generally know what gags are old or belong to
other people, so you stand more chance of making an impact with your own material and style.

2. Gig lots and don't be afraid to die lots. It's inevitable when you start that you will have bad gigs
but this is good, honest! Because by dying you slowly lose the fear of it. As a result, you go out
feeling more confident (you have nothing to be scared of), and as a result of that the audience
pick up on your confidence and feel relaxed with you, and as a result of that, you stop dying.

3. Edit yourself. Lots of people talk about the importance of having a director to look at your
show. I think with comedy you need an editor and since that's not practical for every gig you
need to edit yourself. Be honest and lose a line or change it if it isn't working. You can't
afford to get attached to a line just because it felt funny when you came up with it, if it only
gets a few laughs in the show. Also get rid of stuff between lines that isn't funny or required
John Archer therefore bringing the laughs closer together.

For stand-up, do you have any special technique for

remembering all your act?
Comedy Club Act & Bizarre Bath script stay pretty much the same so not usually a problem.
Good to get heckled once in a while to run through the memory bank of relevant lines! I tend
to do more new material when compering and that obviously gives you a chance to do new bits
in smaller chunks, making it easier to remember. And also gives you a chance to go back to
stuff you may have left out earlier in the show as call backs etc...

They say the first 30 seconds or so are crucial - what

do you do to make sure you get off to the right start?
Any advice on opening an act?
I'd say it's possible to lose them in under 30 so don't hang around! A good strong opening is
my preferred route. Some comedians I know tend to improvise more at the start of the act –
feeling that if the audience goes with it they can continue on a roll for a while, if not they go
into strong material to hook them back in. Relevant lines to what has happened in the show
before or the venue are obviously also good. And again these can be scripted more than one
NOEL BRITTEN may think. Ken Dodd (or Victoria Wood-can't remember which) said you can always refer to
how bad the one way system is in the town you're appearing and that this always goes down
well as it looks like you've done a bit of homework but is apparently universal!

Can you give us three top tips for performing successful

comedy?
1. Never fully answer questions from journalists

Top tips I think are pretty individual.

however I have always tried to stay
within the following guidelines:
1. Be you, whatever it maybe. Audiences detect fraudulent people very quickly.

2. Get the audience to like you, in that way they will like whatever you do.

3. Always make sure that your comedy material pertains to the effect/situation, never do jokes
that are totally alien from what you are doing. i.e. If you are pouring milk into a glass, don’t
break away and say something like; “this guy went into a chemist... blah, blah, blah. Unless
he was pouring milk into a glass at the same time – now that would be funny...and stupid!

Wayne Dobson

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COMEDYFEATURE

So, What’s
Funny?
Graham Hey introduces some classic one-liners.
I have always been fascinated with humour. Like most people, I love to hear a
great one-liner, but I have always had an interest in why gags work in the way
Is it fair to say that there'd that they do. If you have ever read a joke book, it’s a fair bet that you will only
be less litter in Britain if have laughed at a fraction of the jokes, and most of them you will not have found
blind people were given funny at all. What is a killer gag to one person, is a damp squib to another.
pointed sticks? We’ve compiled a couple of hundred one-liners by acts past and present - and
hopefully, many of them will be new to you. We hope you enjoy them.
Adam Bloom

My mum and dad are Scottish but they moved They sent flowers to the funeral. And I couldn't
down to Wolverhampton when I was two, 'cause help thinking, if you'd sent them before, she'd
they wanted me to sound like a tw*t. have pulled through her illness.
Susan Murray Reginald D. Hunter

Men's legs have a terribly lonely life - standing The world is a dangerous place; only yesterday
in the dark in your trousers all day. Ken Dodd I went into Boots and punched someone in
the face. Jeremy Limb
A lady with a clipboard stopped me in the
street the other day. She said, "Can you spare Cats have nine lives. Which makes them ideal
a few minutes for cancer research?" I said, for experimentation. Jimmy Carr
My dad is Irish and my "All right, but we won't get much done."
Jimmy Carr My friend said to me: "You must be more
mum is Iranian, which
American," so I went to have botox. The
meant that we spent We have our own local version of Big Brother surgeon said to me: "That's $8,000." I couldn't
most of our family round my way. It's called jail. Colin Ramone even look shocked. Shazia Mirza
holidays in Customs.
Patrick Monahan Honolulu - it’s got everything. Sand for the I saw that show, 50 Things To Do Before You
children, sun for the wife, sharks for the wife’s Die. I would have thought the obvious one was
mother. Ken Dodd "Shout For Help". Mark Watson

Police arrested two kids yesterday, one was I’ve just bought a puppy and named if after my
drinking battery acid, the other was eating ex-girlfriend. It’s called ‘Two-Timing-Lying-Bitch!’
fireworks. They charged one and let the other Graham Hey
one off. Tommy Cooper
When I was in prison I played football for the
I joined a dating agency and went out on a load stalkers. We weren't bad players but when one
of dates that didn't work out. And I went back to of us would go for the ball, we'd all go. There
the woman who ran the agency and said: "Have was no one looking for space. Rhod Gilbert
you not got somebody on your books who doesn't
Sleeping with prostitutes is care about how I look or what job I have and has Got a phone call today to do a gig at a fire
like making your cat dance a nice big pair of boobs?" And she checked on station. Went along. Turned out it was a bloody
with you on its hind legs. her computer and said: "Actually, we have one, hoax. Adrian Poynton
You know it's wrong, but but unfortunately, it's you." Karl Spain
Employee of the month is a good example of
you try to convince yourself
I realised I was dyslexic when I went to a toga how somebody can be both a winner and a
that they're enjoying it as party dressed as a goat. Marcus Brigstocke loser at the same time. Demetri Martin
well. Scott Capurro

32 magicseen Issue No.16 September 2007

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An American girl hit on

me in a club and asked
me to make her an
Egyptian princess. So I
threw a sheet over her
head and told her to be
quiet. Ahmed Ahmed

A dog goes into a hardware store and says:

"I'd like a job please". The hardware store
owner says: "We don't hire dogs, why don't you
The trouble with retirement is that you never
get a day off. Abe Lemons Jimmy Carr
go join the circus?" The dog replies: "Well, what If you're being chased by a police dog, try not to I grew up in Slough in the 1970s. If you
would the circus want with a plumber". go through a tunnel, then on to a little seesaw, want to know what Slough was like in the
Steven Alan Green then jump through a hoop of fire. They're 1970s… go there now.
trained for that. Milton Jones When you eat a lot of spicy food, you can
I read a book called The Secret Life of Adolf lose your taste. When I was in Mexico
Hitler. It told me things that I never knew. For Am I really the brains behind The Office? Put it last summer, I was listening to a lot of
instance, when Hitler was having sex he liked this way, I was signing copies of the script in Michael Bolton.
to pee on people. That put me right off him. Waterstones the other day. They threw me out. I'm not saying Michael Jackson is guilty.
Martin "Bigpig" Mor It appears that you're meant to get permission But if I was a billionaire paedophile, I’d buy
first. Robin Ince a fun fair for my back garden.
Me hot water heaters packed up so I had to fill My girlfriend said she wanted me to tease
the bath using a kettle and a load of The right to bear arms is slightly less ludicrous her. So I said, "All right, fatty."
saucepans... Mind, it was effing uncomfortable than the right to arm bears. Chris Addison Boxers don't have sex before a fight.
when I got in. Seymour Mace Know why that is? They don't fancy each
Ask people about God nowadays and they other.
Hey - you want to feel really handsome? Go usually reply, "I'm not religious, but deep down, If we're all God's children, what's so special
shopping at Asda. Brendon Burns I'm a very spiritual person." What this phrase about Jesus?
really means is: "I'm afraid of dying, but I can't A dog is for life, not just for Christmas. So be
Walking down Princes Street, soaking up the be arsed going to church." Colin Ramone careful at the next office Christmas party.
atmosphere, I saw a big sign that said: "Bus I live near a remedial school.
tours, ten quid." So I thought I'd give it a try... 50 Cent, or as he's called over here, My dad's dying wish was to have his family
What a rip off. Ten quid to have a look round a approximately 29p. Sarah Kendall around him. I can't help thinking he would
bus! Seymour Mace have been better off with more oxygen.
I was walking the streets of Glasgow the other There's a sign on the road outside that
I like the Ten Commandments but have a week and I saw this sign: "This door is says, "SLOW CHILDREN". That can't be good
problem with the ninth. It should be: "Thou alarmed." I said to myself: "How do you think I for their self-esteem.
shalt not covet thy neighbour's ox" - except in feel?" Arnold Brown Throwing acid is wrong... in some
scrabble. David O'Doherty people's eyes.
How many members of U2 does it take I went up to the airport information desk.
I enjoy using the comedy technique of self- to change a light bulb? Just Bono... he holds I said, "How many airports are there in
deprecation - but I'm not very good at it. it and the world revolves around him. the world?"
Arnold Brown Al Pitcher I've got no problem buying tampons. I'm a
modern man. But apparently they're not a
"proper" present.
I hate those emails where they try to
sell you penis enhancers. I got 10 just
the other day. Eight of them from my
It's easy to distract fat girlfriend. It's the two from my mum that
really hurt.
people. It's a piece of
cake. Chris Addison

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GRAHAMP.JOLLEY’S

The second best mentalist in Essex talks to

magicseen about what has been getting
under his skin in the past few weeks…

34 magicseen Issue No.16 September 2007

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NEWSQUICKIES
Last time we spoke to you, you were annoyed of this happening. I think Kreskin is a good FORTHEMAGICIANONTHEGO
about something, what are you really annoyed example. He opens his act with the Linking
about at the moment? Finger Rings. Al Koran performed the routine
Things haven’t changed much. Last time we in the middle of his act. They both did well.
spoke Anthony Owen and John Fisher were
irritating me. Things with Owen have improved What is the main thing that younger performers
slightly. He very kindly sent me some double let themselves down on when performing?
sided tape for his excellent any card at any Poor microphone technique, poor dress
number effect. Relations with Fisher are much sense, and a lack of bodily hygiene.
the same. I was invited to perform my act at You must not leave the microphone for a
the Magic Circle Banquet last year and he moment. The way you dress is of vital
seemed to be slipping in and out of importance. As for the last point, have you OH, WHAT A LOVELY PAIR!
consciousness again. It was the nearest I have been to a convention lately? I have to leave Many years ago, you may remember, topless
been to witnessing a near-death experience. the room sometimes. I can’t work out where model Linda Lusardi joined Wayne Dobson on
People tell me he can be charming. I wish he it’s coming from! his TV series as his new ‘glamorous’
would stop drooling on about Channing Of course you must look the best you can. assistant. We now hear that the sexy one
Pollock’s sexual fission. How about mine? I Someone told me I look older all of a sudden from Baywatch with the firm chest and lovely
must be the only mentalist who has had sex recently. So I went to Houston, Texas in July to backside is now also becoming a magician’s
during my act. I haven’t actually had consult with a cosmetic surgeon to improve assistant! Why’s David Hasslehoff doing it,
intercourse, but I’ve had a few near misses. certain features. I am having my turkey neck you ask? No, we’re talking about Pamela
On a lighter note, there are several things removed, my jaw line made firmer, and my Anderson! She’s about to take the role of a
really pi**ing me off at the moment. genitals reduced by 50%. I’ve had a few magician’s assistant in a Las Vegas show!
Firstly, I’ve lost count of the times I’ve complaints lately from older women. Hans Klok - who bills himself as: "The
arrived at a show, and the close up performer World’s Fastest Magician" and has one of
introduces himself to me, and asks if I mind him Which mentalist should young performers those haircuts that only a magician could
watching the show. I don’t care either way. He study, in order to better themselves? have - convinced Anderson to be his high-
then tells me he has gone round the tables and I really can’t think of anyone. So much of profile assistant. It also helps that Klok is
performed a book test, a confabulation type mentalism performed is rubbish, so I Anderson's boyfriend.
effect, and a billet reading routine, so I might suppose you can learn from that. Catch them in action at the new Planet
like to adjust my act. So I do find the trend of Hollywood Casino (which is the former
mentalism coming under ‘ close up’ rather Finally, what’s the most annoying thing that’s Aladdin Casino). "I knew that one day my
irritating. Unless you are on television a lot, happened to you today? dream of being a Vegas showgirl would come
mentalism is a stage or cabaret performance. I had a call from a close up worker telling me he true -- even better a magician's assistant,"
Some people don’t like the notion of cabaret had a client who wanted him to predict the Anderson gushes in a quote on her website.
mentalism, but if it makes a noise like a duck, sales figures. He said, “Can I borrow or hire your "It's every girl's fantasy. I'm thrilled!"
and walks like a duck, then it is a duck. Time Capsule Box?” “No!” was my rather
convoluted reply. I don’t understand this trend in
Lots of young people are jumping on the thinking you can borrow props from performers
mentalism bandwagon – have you any advice you have never spoken to in your life. F**K EM,
for them? I say. I also got a call from a prostate cancer
Don’t try and be to dark and edgy. Derren charity in London. Another thing that annoys
Brown does it brilliantly, but he is a one off. me is Agents, and what they say to try and
You must entertain. It’s nothing to be ashamed convince you to accept a particular booking.
of. Unless people have come to see you, you An Agent the other day phones me and asks if
have to bully them into liking your act. This you I do shows for Charity. Yes, I replied, but only CRISS ANGEL KNOWS
can do by projecting energy, and giving them within a 100 yard radius, and there has to be a “AMAZING” WHEN HE SEES IT.
the feeling you enjoy what you are doing. I’m fee. They haven’t got a budget for The star of the wildly popular MindFreak
sorry to say, but you have to use humour. You entertainment I’m told. Where is it I ask? At series on A & E and soon his own full-evening
have to say things that will surprise an The Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Knightsbridge. show at the Luxor gushed about his new love
audience. Compliment an attractive women Tell them to book The Holiday Inn, Holborn and interest, Cameron Diaz and their very special
who helps you in the show. A good line to say come back to me I suggest. Look Graham, this relationship. Hollywood Teen Website
to a young lady on stage is ‘I wish I was older’. could be a very useful engagement for you. It’s revealed:
No one else is going to use this line, because to raise money for Prostate gland sufferers, Magician Criss Angel has broken his silence
you have to be my age to get away with it, and Gloria Hunniford will be there. She hasn’t got a over his newfound friendship with Cameron
there aren’t many mentalists of my age left. Prostate Gland I point out. They follow this up Diaz, declaring the actress is “amazing.” Angel
with ‘Bob Monkhouse's widow will be there, and Diaz were romantically linked earlier this
Many performers seem to overlap areas of Bob died of complications in that area. I month when they were spotted partying and
magic these days, how do you feel about that? expressed sympathy, but felt obliged to point dining together in Las Vegas.
I suppose the simple answer is, I don’t agree out that I never liked Bob Monkhouse. Anyway Onlookers at Sin City claimed the couple
with it. Magicians including some mental will his widow organise a fund raising evening had been kissing, but the pair has refused to
magic is fine, but a mentalist performing what when I’m ill? I won’t do it. Get Marc Paul – clarify the nature of their relationship.
looks like a magical effect is maybe unwise. In perfect for the job. Or even Paul Potassy. I Angel, 39, says, “Cam’ is an amazing person. I’m
the latter case, I haven’t seen much evidence can’t entertain audiences who are sick.” ms so honoured to be able to call her my friend.”

www.magicseen.co.uk 35
MS Issue 16 BU4.qxd:Issue 9 12/8/07 20:16 Page 36

JOHNTHOMSON

Born in Salford, Manchester, actor John Thomson has

starred in many of the most popular TV programmes of
recent times. From ‘Cold Feet’ to ‘The Fast Show’, he has
one of the most impressive CV’s in one of the most
difficult industries to crack. In 1992 he won the coveted
Perrier Comedy Award with Steve Coogan, and he has
since gone on to star on stage and in several movies such
as: 24 Hour Party People and Wallace &
Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit.
A regular in the national newspaper
gossip columns, John has become one
of the nation’s best loved actors and
continues to wow the critics and
audiences alike with his subtle
characterisations.
Often seen signing autographs
at the Blackpool Magic
Convention, John is a keen
magic fan and enjoys
performing for friends.
Graham Hey asks the
friendly northern fellow a
few questions…

36 magicseen Issue No.16 September 2007

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Besides all your obvious acting roles, you for many, but I don’t have the perseverance
have also done stand-up comedy. Would you
ever consider doing a cool magic act or a
to practise. Just a few tricks you can really do
well is enough. The one thing that blew me 10 Comedy
character who’s a magician?
I enjoy stand-up, even though I don’t really do
away was the sheer number of toupees in
evidence – truly astonishing!
Items or Acts To
much these days. The whole live thing – the See Before You Die!
instant response from the audience – the Any magical memories from your youth? Deputy Editor Graham Hey has made a list!
laughter lets you know you’re doing well. With I used to love David Nixon when I was a kid, In no particular order...
magic, however, I don’t feel the odd ‘gasp’ is although I don’t remember that much. I just 1. Stewart Francis: A superb Canadian
really enough. As far as cool goes, it’s down to remember that he was very kind and gentle comedian who is a master of the one-
the performance style how cool you make it. Too in his performance. liner. See him on www.youtube.com just
much lycra and robotics – then you’re in trouble! More recently, I love Blaine because he’s search the name ‘Stewart Francis’. My
I do magic for friends and it goes down got a good style and I think his magic favourite one liner of his: (He’s white by
really well. I think it’s the best way to practise persona is an act. I think Daryl is a good the way) is: “If anyone accuses me of
because it doesn’t matter if it goes wrong. I teacher and very watchable. nicking another comedian’s material, he
used to try stuff on the wife (magic, that is), Paul Daniels gets knocked a lot but he can kiss my big, black ass!”
she made me nervous and it always went brought magic to the masses. I never missed 2. Graham P. Jolley Live! Brilliant style,
wrong. She used to give me a great a show. Who can forget Hans Moretti? sharp one-liners and just as funny off-
introduction in front of friends: “He’s crap, stage as he is on it. It’s a breathtaking
you know.” Who are your favourite magicians? experience!
I wouldn’t do a comedy magic character. I I like David Blaine. His take on it all brought 3. Paul Zenon swinging a pint of beer
like comedy magic, but no-one will ever be as about something of a renaissance in magic – around his head in the middle of a ‘pool
good as Tommy Cooper, so there’s no point and as I said, I think he’s putting on a kind of triangle!’
really, although I’d do an evil magician: “You cool stage persona, which I like – It’s his 4. Tim Vine: A brilliant comedian with superb
won’t like this at all, not at all.” That would be prestige. I also think David Copperfield does visual gags. Some of
his catchphrase, and then I’d perform the some great illusions, but he’s a bit too camp his original gags are
polystyrene cup and spike routine with a for me! I like all kinds of magic really, very Tommy Cooper-
member of the audience. although there’s only so much zombie ball esque, but there's
and dove pan I can take. nothing wrong with
Do you think there should be more women that, of course! If you
in magic? What do you get up to between projects? don’t like Tim Vine,
If I was a woman in magic I’d be scared, it’s When I’m resting I like to read. I also love there’s something
so male dominated – and from what I’ve cinema, eating out and cooking. I’m also into wrong with you! See
seen, full of pervs! You want to see the opera games: Xbox, PSP, PSII, Nintendo DS. I’m a big his Live DVD…And
glasses come out at Blackpool when an kid really. I’m currently reading a great magic catch him on
‘international’ assistant appears on stage! book – the illustrated history of magic by www.youtube.com
Milbourne and Maurine Christopher and David 5. Russell Kane: A dynamic young
What’s the best way to learn magic? Copperfield. Other great reads are: Hiding the comedian who is a brilliant ad-libber.
One-to-one instruction is the best. The Elephant and The Secret Life of Houdini. Usually to be found as a ‘recommended’
second is a DVD. The third and hardest way act in The Times newspapers comedy
is from a book, the old school way. What’s the best thing about being a choices.
Sometimes this is actually impossible to successful actor? 6. Noel Britten: Pure class with timing as
follow. The last trick I bought was a comedy The best thing about being a successful actor good as anything you'll ever see. Shame I
card trick: ‘One Track Mind’ and I carry it in is being famous for being talented, not famous never got to see his ‘Bizarre Bath’ walk
my wallet. It never fails to entertain. for being famous. I hate the term ‘celebrity’, this summer – flippin’ rain! Watch Noel’s
but anyone in the spotlight is stuck with it. routine with the extra-large banknote –
Any ambition to perform at Edinburgh again? you’ll remember it forever!
Edinburgh’s hard work. I’m clean living these SOME THINGS THAT JOHN’S 7. Harry Hill live! Not everyone's cup of tea,
days, so it wouldn’t be much fun. Besides, BEEN IN! but his humour is totally infectious and
myself and Steve Coogan won the Perrier Cold Feet – The award-winning drama often bizzare. How can you not like Harry
there in ’92, so there’s not much point. Knowing Me – Knowing You (with Steve Coogan) Hill? What’s wrong with you?
New Street Law 8. Die Zauderer – the German three-man
You seem to have the knack of working in Blackpool (mini-series) magic act dressed as knights going
TV shows and movies that become cults… The Man Who Knew Too Little (movie with Bill through their magical paces. Fantastic
It’s nice to be in cult things as I prefer that to Murray) drama.
the mainstream. There’s a bit more kudos to Men Behaving Badly 9. Bill Malone performing his signature
it – and it never did Johnny Depp any harm. The Fast Show/The Fast Show Live/Ted & effect: Sam The Bell Hop. No one can do
Ralph it like Bill!
We usually bump into you at the Blackpool Coogan’s Run 10. Rudy Coby: You have to see Rudy’s
magic convention, why does it appeal to you? classic ‘Labman’ act where he plays the
I love going to the Blackpool convention, it Most popular character? role of a mad scientist. A brilliant comedy
just fascinates me. I love all the characters ‘Jazz Club’ host Louis Balfour and his magic routine that has taken him around
you see. Magic for me is just a hobby, as it is catchphrase: “Nice!” ms the world several times.

www.magicseen.co.uk 37
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COMEDYFEATURE
I hate people who
think it's clever
to take drugs...
like custom officers.
Jack Dee

We used to play spin the bottle when I was a PAUL MERTON:

Bob MONKHOUSE
I got my start in silent radio.
kid. A girl would spin the bottle and if it pointed
to you when it stopped, the girl could either kiss
I'm always amazed to hear of air crash victims
so badly mutilated that they have to be
The last time I was in Spain I got through six you or give you a dime. By the time I was 14, I identified by their dental records. What I
Jeffrey Archer novels. I must remember to owned my own home. Gene Perret can't understand is, if they don't know
take enough toilet paper next time. who you are, how do they know who your
Kids, you tried your best and you failed miserably. dentist is?
Personally, I don't think there's intelligent life The lesson is, never try. Homer Simpson
on other planets. Why should other planets On my first day in New York a guy asked me if I
be any different from this one? All castles had one major weakness. The knew where Central Park was. When I told him I
enemy used to get in through the gift shop. didn't he said, 'Do you mind if I mug you here?'.
My wife's see-through nightie is now bi-focal. Peter Kay
Jack DEE:
Growing old is compulsory - growing up is I don't mean to sound bitter, cold or cruel, but I One of my friends went on a murder weekend...
optional. am, so that's how it comes out. Bill Hicks now he is doing life for it.

If you don't go to other peoples funerals, they It's not that I'm afraid to die, I just don't want to The rain forest has Sting. Now Siberia has Jack
won't go to yours. be there when it happens. Woody Allen Dee. Someone had to draw the short straw. In
this case it was the rain forest.
A miniature village in Bournemouth caught Before you judge a man, walk a mile in his
fire and the flames could be seen nearly shoes. After that, who cares? He's a mile away, TOMMY COOPER:
three feet away. and you've got his shoes! - Billy Connolly I inherited a painting and a violin which turned
out to be a Rembrandt and a Stradivarius.
I swam in the dead sea when it was only I've had death threats...well, OK, a petition. Unfortunately, Rembrandt made lousy violins
critically ill. Jack Dee and Stradivarius was a terrible painter.

My father only hit me once - but he used On the one hand, we'll never experience BOB HOPE (GENE PERRET):
a Volvo. childbirth. On the other hand, we can open all DYING is to be avoided because it can ruin your
our own jars. Jeff Green whole career.
They laughed when I said I was going to be a
comedian. They're not laughing now. The wife's mother said: "When you're dead, I'll I see the Beatles have arrived from England.
dance in your grave. "I said: Good, I'm being They were 40lb overweight - and that was just
I tend to sleep in the nude. Which isn't a bad buried at sea." Les Dawson their hair.
thing except for maybe on those long flights.

I remember when safe sex was a padded

headboard.

Real happiness is when you marry a girl for

love and find out later she has money. My school days were the
I'm not saying my wife's a bad cook, but she happiest days of my life;
uses a smoke alarm as a timer. which should give you
My mother tried to kill me when I was a baby.
some indication of the
She denied it. She said she thought the misery I've endured over
plastic bag would keep me fresh. the past twenty-five years.
PAUL MERTON
38 magicseen Issue No.16 September 2007
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A dog is not intelligent.

Never trust an animal
that's surprised by its own
farts. Frank Skinner

I thought Deep Throat was a movie about a giraffe. become a Mason, and goes around giving his

A bank is a place that will lend you money if

colleagues the secret milkshake.' TIM VINE
But I'll tell you what I love doing more than
you can prove that you don’t need it. 'We'll continue our investigation into the anything: trying to pack myself in a small
political beliefs of nudists. We've already suitcase. I can hardly contain myself.
She said she was approaching 40 and I noticed a definite swing to the left.'
couldn’t help wondering from what direction. And the back of his anorak was leaping up
In a packed programme tonight we will be and down, and people were chucking money
A rather chubby lady walked by, and the talking to an out-of-work contortionist who to him. I said 'Do you earn a living doing
panhandler went into his pitch and he said, says he can no longer make ends meet.' that?' He said 'Yes, this is my livelihood.'
‘Ma’am I haven’t eaten in three days’. She said,
‘Gee I sure wish I had your willpower.’ So I was getting into my car, and this bloke says
Comedy Advice from the Pros! to me "Can you give me a lift?" I said "Sure, you
When she started to play, Steinway came down If you’re going to tell a joke that’s doing the look great, the world's your oyster, go for it.'
personally and rubbed his name off the piano." rounds, try to make it your own. For instance,
when I pass on a funny story, it’s always So I went down my local ice-cream shop, and
You know you are getting old when the candles trimmed, polished and punched-up as If it was said 'I want to buy an ice-cream'. He said
cost more than the cake. me in the story. Phil Proctor Hundreds & thousands?' I said 'We'll start
with one.' He said 'Knickerbocker glory?' I
I do benefits for all religions. I’d hate to blow When telling a joke, keep it as conversational said 'I do get a certain amount of freedom in
the hereafter on a technicality. as possible. Comics create the illusion that they these trousers, yes.'
are just talking, while people telling a joke go,
I remember my staff asking me when I was ‘I’m going to tell you a joke.’ Eugene Mirman I went to Millets and said 'I want to buy a
going to retire. I said when I could no longer tent.' He said 'To camp?', I said [butchly]
hear the sound of laughter. They said, ‘That Leave the funny voices and faces at home. 'Sorry, I want to buy a tent.' I said 'I also want
never stopped you before’. Sometimes people feel like they have to act to buy a caravan.' He said 'Camper?' I said
funny when they’re telling a joke – most of the [campily] 'Make your mind up.'
On his centenary - ‘It feels great to be nearly time, this ruins it. Usually, jokes are funnier if
100. I mean, for those parts of me that still you tell them with a straight face. Just because So I went to the dentist. He said "Say Aaah." I
have feeling’. you’re telling a joke, it doesn’t mean you have said "Why?" He said "My dog's died.'
to act ‘funny,’ because that’s when you look like
RONNIE BARKER: a summer camp counsellor at a talent show! Now, most dentist's chairs go up and down,
'Next week we'll be investigating rumours that Christian Finnegan don't they? The one I was in went back and
the president of the dairy council has forwards. I thought 'This is unusual'. And the
dentist said to me 'Mr Vine, get out of the
filing cabinet.'"

So I got home, and the phone was ringing. I

picked it up, and said 'Who's speaking
please?' And a voice said 'You are.'
An apple a day keeps the
doctor away, but in my So I rang up my local swimming baths. I said
experience so does an air 'Is that the local swimming baths?' He said 'It
depends where you're calling from.'
rifle in the top bedroom
window. Harry Hill So I rang up a local building firm, I said 'I
want a skip outside my house.' He said 'I'm
not stopping you’.

www.magicseen.co.uk 39
MS Issue 16 BU4.qxd:Issue 9 12/8/07 20:17 Page 40

COMEDYFEATURE
I saw six men kicking and
punching the mother-in-
law. My wife said, "Aren't
you going to help?" I said,
"No, six should be
enough". Les Dawson

STEVE WRIGHT Comedy Advice from the Pros! cont. says. "Did you follow my instructions?" The
I'd kill for a Nobel Peace Prize. Love your joke so much that you feel like woman nods. "I'll tell you, though, I thought I
laughing along with the crowd afterward. Go was going to drop dead that third day." "From
I woke up one morning and all of my stuff right ahead! There is nothing wrong with hunger, you mean?" said the doctor. "No, from
had been stolen...and replaced by exact laughing at your own joke after you have told it! skipping," replied the woman.
duplicates. Isaac Asimov (Science Fiction writer and
author of two joke books) A boy is about to go on his first date, and is
Borrow money from pessimists - they nervous about what to talk about. He asks his
don't expect it back. One main difference between professional father for advice.
comedians and amateurs is that pros invest in The father replies: "My son, there are three
Half the people you know are below average. every joke. They don’t waver, they aren’t unsure subjects that always work. These are food,
of themselves, and they never tell it half-assed family, and philosophy."
How do you tell when you're out of out of fear that it may not be funny. If you’re The boy picks up his date and they go to a
invisible ink? going to tell a joke, you need the same level of soda fountain. Ice cream sodas in front of
commitment. Eugene Mirman them, they stare at each other for a long time,
My mechanic told me, 'I couldn't repair as the boy's nervousness builds.
your brakes, so I made your horn louder. Topical doesn’t have to be as funny, because He remembers his father's advice, and
it’s topical! Current events seem like something chooses the first topic.
Why do psychics have to ask you for has just happened in the room, which is always He asks the girl: "Do you like spinach?" She
your name? funniest. So, giving a quip about something says "No," and the silence returns.
current can be as funny as a prepared punch After a few more uncomfortable minutes,
If love is blind, why is lingerie so popular? line. DC Benny the boy thinks of his father's suggestion and
turns to the second item on the list. He asks,
Why is it called tourist season if we can't Self-deprecation is a skill worth developing if "Do you have a brother?" Again, the girl says
shoot at them? you want to be funny. The best way to do this is "No" and there is silence once again.
to tell true stories where you are the butt of the The boy then plays his last card. He thinks
If the black box flight recorder is never joke. Generally, jokes demean someone, of his father's advice and asks the girl the
damaged during a plane crash, why isn't making you look like the ar**hole, whereas following question: "If you had a brother, would
the whole airplane made out of the stuff? ‘true’ jokes work the other way round, where he like spinach?"
you suggest that YOU are the a***hole, but
If most car accidents occur within five people realise that you are quite the opposite! A man was quietly reading his paper when his
miles of home, why doesn't everyone just Tony Hendra, former editor of National wife sneaks up behind him and whacks him on
move 10 miles away? Lampoon, USA. the head with a frying pan.
"What was that for?" he says.
"That was for the piece of paper in your pants
pocket with the name Mary Lou written on it",
I'm not
she replies.
normally a
religious man,
Miscellaneous "Two weeks ago when I went to the races,
Mary Lou was the name of one of the horses I
but if you're up
there, save
Gags
A woman is overweight, so her doctor puts her
bet on", he explains. She looks satisfied,
apologises, and goes off to do work around
me, on a diet. “I want you to eat regularly for two the house.
Superman! days, then skip a day, and repeat the procedure Three days later he's again sitting in his
HOmer for two weeks. The next time I see you, you'll chair reading when she nails him with an even
Simpson have lost at least five pounds.” bigger frying pan, knocking him out cold.
When the blonde returns, she's lost nearly When he comes to, he says, "What the hell
20 pounds. "Why, that's amazing!" the doctor was that for?" "Your horse phoned." ms

40 magicseen Issue No.16

MS Issue 16 BU4.qxd:Issue 9 12/8/07 20:18 Page 41

The Fabulous Lota Pot

This is an amazing Lota Vase just
4 inches high and made by hand
by a potter. It is a little work of art
and once filled it can pour the most
amazing amount of water or fluid of your
choice. I am constantly knocked back by the
number of times that I can seemingly empty
the vase by turning it upside down and then
pouring out some water and then again and
again and again. I usually manage to get at
least seven separate loads of water from the
beautiful pot. Martin Duffy who had this made
has provided the instructions and it comes with
two brilliant routines: one by the famous bizarre
magician, Mary Tomich and the other by
Christian Chelman. They are both fantastic.

Martin Duffy uses Mary Tomich's routine

which is called the Shaman's Vision and he
also uses the Christian Chelman routine which
is really a fantastic bit of story telling about a
pot and money.

This is a wonderful prop and half a dozen magic

friends who have seen the Lota Vase in action
have been incredibly impressed. So there you ONLY
have it. The pot is quite small as can be seen
from the photograph and it will nestle very
neatly on your outstretched palm. Best item I
£55
have stocked for many a year. And all thanks to
my friend Martin Duffy who had it made.

Price Only £55.00 ($110) plus £5 postage in UK

and £7.50 ($15) airmail elsewhere.
Order direct from Martin Breese International 82 Broad Street Sheffield S2 5TG. Pay by
cheque or Mastercard, Visa or PayPal (use email MBreese999@aol,com) or go to
www.abracadabra.co.uk and place your order online.

See more details at

www.abracadabra.co.uk
Martin Breese International
MS Issue 16 BU4.qxd:Issue 9 12/8/07 20:18 Page 42

WHAT’SHOT - WHAT’SNOT

Reviews
★ - poor
★★ - OK, but could be better
★★★ - reasonable middle of the road value
★★★★ - good product
magicseen takes a look at what’s hot and what’s not! ★★★★★ - outstanding/exceptional

information you need to make the which features Scottish close up

correct prediction is to be found magician Peter Harrison. The DVD
cleverly hidden on the receipt. features the performance and RECORDS...
The secret is not easily seen, so I explanation of just one effect, an LONGEST MEMORISED CARD
would suggest you have a good effect which can be summed up SEQUENCE - U.S. RECORD
knowledge of this effect before as a 'torn and restored card to Frost McKee
you jump in at the deep end – spectator's wallet'. The DVD Memorised with a single
you don’t want to be obviously begins with footage of Peter sighting a random sequence of
squinting as you search for the performing the routine twice, the 36 separate decks of cards
code! The only handling skills first time to a couple of (1872 cards in all) that had
needed are not too difficult and spectators and the second to one been shuffled together, with
shouldn’t present a problem, and person on his own. Both are only eight mistakes, at the
CUSTOMER COPY the moves are well explained by filmed outside for reasons which Ramada Inn, Georgetown, TX
by Mathew Leatherbarrow Mathew on the DVD. The effect one can only wonder at since the on October 17-18, 1992
Available from selected magic basically re-sets itself, which routine is not especially designed
dealers and: www.in-magic.co.uk makes this ideal for table- for a street performance. Peter FASTEST DECK
Price: £9.99 hopping. A good, strong effect. comes across as a quiet and MEMORISATION
There’s also a bonus card effect undemonstrative performer and Tom Groves
The magician takes out a small which is excellent and a nice he clearly truly loves 'Connected' Memorised the order of single
wallet which is shown to have six touch to add to the package. GH and has used it, I suspect, for a deck of cards in 42.01
different symbols on each side, very long time commercially. As a seconds, Jesus College,
and then proceeds to remove a WHAT’S HOT: Well priced effect, result his performance is very Cambridge, England, On
customer receipt which has an something different. assured and he gets a genuinely November 3rd, 1994
array of numbers on it. He asks WHAT’S NOT: The code is quite strong reaction from the
the spectator to simply think of small on the receipt – watch the spectators we see on the DVD. MOST EXPENSIVE DECK
any number on the receipt – lighting. The routine itself has been OF CARDS
there are actually twelve to STAR RATING: ★★★ structured very carefully by Peter The highest price paid for a
choose from, and they are then to extract the maximum impact deck of cards is $143,352
offered the chance to change from it, and indeed the method purchased by the Metropolitan
their mind. does rely on the performer being Museum of Art, New York City
The number is named by the with a group of spectators for at Sotheby's in London, on
spectator, and if, for example, the several minutes where there is an December 6, 1983. The cards,
number 8 is chosen – then the opportunity to perform at least 3 circa 1470-85, are believed to
magician closes the wallet and or perhaps ideally even 4 tricks in be the oldest known complete
counts along the symbols in a sequence together. The reason hand-painted deck
rotation and stops at the eighth is that the first effect in the
in sequence. At this point, the performance sequence sets up MOST EXPENSIVE SINGLE
magician points out to the the climax to Connected itself, PLAYING CARD
volunteer that an envelope has which is a closing routine, and The highest price paid for a
been in full view since before the you need a time delay between single card is $7450 for a card
trick began. Inside is a single the first and last tricks to make it dated 1717, which was used as
piece of paper revealing the very truly fooling. So, with this in mind, currency in Canada. It was sold
same symbol that was stopped I would suggest this routine is not by dealer Yasha Beresiner to
on a moment earlier. As a final really suitable to include in a Lars Karlson (Sweden) in
kicker, the magician then reveals CONNECTED repertoire to be used at a busy October 1990.
that the wallet now no longer has by Peter Harrison dinner function where time at a
different symbols on one side, Available from: table is very limited, but is better MOST CHARLIER CUTS IN
but they have mysteriously www.bigblindmedia.com suited to a more relaxed 30 SECONDS (UNOFFICIAL RECORD)
changed to be the same symbol Price: £16.99 atmosphere such as at an Ashford Kneitel reports that he
just predicted! informal party or in a restaurant beat the record of 24 Charlier
I quite like this effect. It’s well Connected is the latest DVD where there is not too much time cuts in 30 seconds. Ashford
thought out, and all the offering from Big Blind Media pressure. performed 28.

42 magicseen Issue No.16 September 2007

MS Issue 16 BU4.qxd:Issue 9 12/8/07 20:18 Page 43

WHAT’SHOT - WHAT’SNOT

difficult at times to see their blank card case. This is what you The photographic instructions
Technically the effect is fairly faces, particularly Peter's. In one would see if you were watching clearly show the simple
straightforward. It relies on basic section at the end, you virtually the effect. The magician shows a preparation and the handling of
card handling and some can't see his eyes at all because couple of unfolded blank card the gimmick although the text is
spectator management. of the shadow and I found this cases and explains that this is rather brief. Some further
Experienced performers will work made it more difficult to how they look before they leave handling hints and tips on the
out the basic method from the concentrate on what he was the factory. Holding one of them printing ‘moment’ would have
performance segments, but for saying. at his finger tips, it instantly been useful. A video
those who are less versed in Connected will appeal to becomes a printed standard demonstration is available on
methodology, Peter goes through competent close uppers who are Bicycle deck case. The magician David Regal’s website and is
every last nuance of the handling looking for something strong to now folds the flat case up to form useful to check back to. It’s
to make sure that viewers start and finish a close up show a card box . . . and removes a probably better suited to a formal
understand not only the physical set. There is a minor amount of deck of cards from inside! presentation and controlled
moves required but also the re-set and you will destroy a card The printing effect is quite conditions where it will be a great
underlying psychological points. I every time you do it. To perform it startling and almost adds to the way of producing the deck ready
must confess that for my taste one spectator at least must be innocence of the empty case for the amazing card routine that
the explanation section was a carrying a wallet (any sort will before you fold it up and remove follows. PP
little too drawn out - I'm not sure do). With the correct time delay the deck. You will have to choose
that the method justifies such a and spectator handling, this the conditions under which you WHAT’S HOT: Startling double
long time to impart the necessary routine can be played as a perform this trick carefully as the whammy effect
details - but perhaps for a total miracle, particularly for the more angles matter. For this reason WHAT’S NOT: Limited performing
beginner, the pace would be sceptical and attentive and the fact that it also needs to conditions
about right. spectators. Overall this is another be reset means you won’t be STAR RATING: ★★★★
I have seen a few Big Blind good product from BBM. ML doing this at every table at your
Media products in recent months next close up booking. It might do
and they do make interesting WHAT’S HOT: having a torn card for making that big impression at
DVDs with often quite innovative appear restored in a spectator's the managing director’s table
presentational formats. When wallet though. Even then it really is an
reviewing the Cullfather in issue WHAT’S NOT: need enough time ‘intro’ effect prior to a card trick
15, for instance, I praised the with the spectators to set up the or routine – and it had better be
split screen use which I felt was final phase convincingly a good one that has to follow
very helpful. With Connected they STAR RATING: ★★★★ such a magical way of producing
have inserted into the a pack of cards from nothing!
explanation section snap shots of Having produced a pack of cards,
relevant performance moments it would be strange then not to do
to illustrate the point that Peter is a trick with the cards.
currently making, with Peter's You receive specially made
explanation still continuing as a gimmicks to attach to your own YOU CAN DO MAGIC
voice over. I thought this was very card box one for both red and TOO!
good as a way of instantly blue decks plus two unprinted by Russ Stevens
reminding the viewer of the exact blanks. The mechanics are quite Available from www.rsvpmagic.com
moment that is being referred to. simple and although what Price: £149.99
What I don't enjoy so much, actually happens when the deck
is the way the performance suddenly prints itself is very Back in issue 3 (July 2005) we
segments are filmed with the simple I had trouble making it reviewed a product called The
camera moving around all the look magical every single time I Magic Hands Of Mystery which
time, zooming in and out for no did it. When it doesn’t look as was a DVD containing simple
particular reason and using odd magical as it should do, the tricks aimed at children or starter
angles and focussing. I know it is chances are, you will reveal the magicians and which was
supposed to be youthful and SUDDEN DECK II method of the ‘printing’ and feel supplied for entertainers to run
trendy, but actually it's little more by David Regal rather embarrassed – but that’s off and either sell or give away as
than annoying for the viewer. I Available from www.regalmagic.com magic for you. Fold it up quickly prizes or promotional goodies.
also think that the lighting for the and UK dealers and produce the deck! That’s the Two years later an almost
explanation segments, while Price: $35 (about £17) easy part. The gimmicks are card identical product has arrived from
perfect for the close ups on the board and therefore won’t last RSVP Magic.
hands, was too much to one side David Regal’s Sudden Deck II forever but I haven’t seen any You Can Do Magic Too is
with the result that huge dark follows on from the original sign of replaceable spares once aimed at beginner magicians
shadows were cast over Peter Sudden Deck effect with an you have bought the trick. from 5-85 and presents 8 very
and Owen Packard making it additional magical printing of the simple to make and do magic >>

www.magicseen.co.uk 43
MS Issue 16 BU4.qxd:Issue 9 12/8/07 20:18 Page 44

WHAT’SHOT - WHAT’SNOT
>> tricks. As with the TMHOM DVD, will need to pay for. However, the audience the suggested patter and
the performer's face is never production quality is extremely presentation could be quite fun, as
seen and he does all the magic good and once produced, you will attention is focused as much on the
wearing white gloves, something have a personalised DVD that you spectator as on the final effect.
which I find mildly eccentric! All can use as often as you wish as a You get the necessary bicycle
the explanations are done via on promotional give-away or sales cards and a six page, full colour
screen text and by visually item. DVDs form an important instruction booklet. The instructions
pointing up the necessary props part of children's everyday clearly guide you through an
or moves - there is no speech interest, and being able to hand introduction to the gaffed cards and
used at any point. Even though out a magic DVD not only looks to the minor set up. A simple but
there is not a large amount of generous, despite the fact that effective ‘Zero Sleight Version’ is fully
wordage, using text in this way the actual copies will cost you explained, each step illustrated with
does slow up the explanations only pence, but it also will be full colour photographs. The
because you have to read it all, something the recipient is likely instructions conclude with two
and for a 5 year old (remember to keep and watch. And in doing variations to allow the faces and the
this is intended to be of use to a so it ensures that your name backs of the cards to be displayed SECRETS OF STAGE
child of that age), it could be goes home too. ML and require nothing more difficult HYPNOTISM
problematical depending on how than an Elmsley count. by Jonathan Royle
good their reading ability is. I'm WHAT’S HOT: very easy to do magic As with the original, the effect 3 DVD set available from Prospect
not quite sure why speech wasn't tricks in this variation is quite strong. House publishing.
used as this would have made it WHAT’S NOT: quite a lot of text to What is different, and what I liked www.hypnotorious.com
much quicker and easier, also read, quite pricey about Regal’s approach, is the Price: £97.00
more 'human'. STAR RATING: ★★★ suggested presentation. This
There are 6 tricks revealed makes the spectator, rather than I know most students of mental
for performance and two the oh so clever magician, karaoke have had to wearily pan
interactive effects. The 6 responsible for the effect. It’s a for gold in Jonathan Royle’s past
performance pieces feature some small change but one that avoids DVDs, sifting frantically amongst
of the usual suspects - the the tragic magicians’ ‘Aren’t I clever’ hours of therapy lectures until they
classic, simple version of the trap. With the focus on the have found a gleaming nugget of
cups and balls (the explanation is spectator, this presentation opens hypnotic stage craft. Well
done with transparent cups, up the wonderful opportunity for a prospectors, it’s time to throw
which is nice), water to ice cubes, friendly group to entertain away that pan, because this time
Jacks jumping to the deck top themselves with appropriate, and you have struck pure stage gold!
etc, and all are sleight free and possibly inappropriate, remarks. Mr Royle, with the aid of two
straightforward to do. All the The effect is an interesting assistants (and two cameras,
props are easily to be found novel variation to a good eeh! He really has gone up in the
around the home and preparation established effect, easy to lean world), performs and explains
is minimal. and pretty much angle free. 18 inductions and 11
What makes YCDMT different Although I suppose the four cards suggestibility tests.
is the fact that Russ Stevens will could be removed from a regular For the novice or the
personalise the Master DVD that OFF WITH HIS HEAD deck, ‘Off With His Head’ is seasoned pro, there are some
he supplies with your own details. by David Regal essentially a packet trick. As with belters on here. Including the
This doesn't mean just on the Available from the original Parade of Kings, the Peter Powers world record high
DVD label, but actually on the www.regalmagic.com spectator’s apparent free choice, speed induction, that will have
footage itself. You will receive a Price: $20.00 (about £10.00) leading to the surprise revelation, your subjects flat on their backs
completed DVD which you then will appeal to those who want a quicker than a gallon of absinth.
are free to copy using your ‘Off With His Head’ is David Regal’s strong, almost sleight free, effect. This is closely followed by the
computer, in the same way that take on Parade of the Kings. The The very novelty of a king with a rubber legs induction. Don’t fret,
TMHOM did. The DVD is quite basic plot, that of a spectator’s missing head might intrigue but Jonathan’s obsession with cheap
short (about 20 minutes) so will chosen king revealed to be different the gaffed card cannot be handled nasty booze does not creep into
copy quicker than the TMHOM did backed and reversed in a packet of by spectators. If packet tricks are any other inductions. A personal
(which ran for 45 minutes), but four, is given a novel twist. Using your thing this variation could favourite of mine is included, the
you will need to have the the suggested patter a spectator is be fun in small group and Andrew Newton hand shake
computer equipment to do this. invited to identify which of the walkabout situations. SB technique. This is very
Some people may be put off ‘trusted servants’ is unreliable impressive, even when you see
by the price tag, but you need to before pronouncing “Off with his WHAT’S HOT: Novel link between how it’s done.
understand that Russ will have to head”. The back of the apparently patter and effect. I once had the pleasure of
insert on each DVD Master your freely chosen king is revealed to be WHAT’S NOT: Gaffed cards can’t seeing the old master perform
personal details and this will a different colour and is shown be inspected. this one and the crowd went nuts.
naturally take time, time that you minus his head. With the right STAR RATING: ★★★ A real crowd pleaser.

44 magicseen Issue No.16 September 2007

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WHAT’SHOT - WHAT’SNOT
The first 2 DVDs in this read the page, which has been in paperback book, not the three phase routine with just a
compilation cover how to get your their possession throughout. parchment it comes on, but that’s coin and a shot glass. If you are
audience to go under in a variety Imagine their reaction as it dawns just me. looking for something completely
of entertaining ways. The third on them that the printed page If all that’s not enough for different then ‘Relentless’ could be
DVD sees our hypnotic host accurately describes the scene you there’s even an optional for you. A spectator’s coin visibly
putting it all together and they had created in their mind extras section in the booklet penetrates the screen of your
performing his act, from walking moments earlier...well this is which offers you five more mobile phone. This can also be
on stage, to the opening patter, to exactly what happens with additional effects you can add on applied to a torn off corner of a
suggestibility tests and ‘Between the lines’. if you wish! playing card.
culminating in trance. The whole routine is based I think ‘Between The Lines’ is Also on this first volume are
This is by far his best home on the theme of psychometry - one of the strongest commercial ‘Hells Bend’, a coin bend with a
stage hypnosis study aid to date the ability to tell a lot about an effects I have seen in a long time great handling, ‘Broken Home’, a
and a welcome departure from object’s owner and history just by and for the bargain price of just broken and restored spectator’s key,
his filmed seminars. PK touching it. £14.99 I highly recommend it. ‘Lightless Lights’, flickering lights
‘Between the Lines’ is an I can’t wait to see what Michael appear in your hands from nowhere.
WHAT’S HOT: No waffle, easy to excellent new effect from Michael Murray comes up with next! PS But my favourite of this first volume
use menus and each technique is Murray and ticks all the right has to be ‘Evolution’. You begin by
clearly performed in his boxes. It’s relatively easy to WHAT’S HOT: Fantastic idea. drawing a portrait of your spectator
trademark no nonsense fashion. perform, although I should stress Astonishing results! on your business card – actually it’s
WHAT’S NOT: The pub setting did that you will need a fair amount WHAT’S NOT: Nothing really, other only a stick man. The back of the
take the showbiz shine off it. of time to memorise the script than the book page could have card is signed by the spectator. You
STAR RATING: ★★★★ supplied and the numerous been printed on a better paper then cover the head of the stick
subtleties involved - please don’t stock. man and visibly move its head
think that you can perform this STAR RATING: ★★★★ across the card where it stops and
effect after reading the can be fully examined. This is a
instruction booklet once! belter. I’ll definitely be adding it to
The great thing, in my opinion, my repertoire.
is that the spectator does Volume Two in contrast is
everything. They are the ones purely card effects. Although
describing everything, not you. there’s nothing really new here,
So what do you get for your what there is are Alan’s handlings
money? Well, firstly you receive an of seven good, workable card
excellently written and laid out effects – all of which use relatively
20 page booklet that runs you easy sleights.
through both the routine itself and ‘JoKing’ is a nice little sandwich
all the outs you may need. You routine with a kicker ending that
also receive two identical torn FINGERS OF FURY should please many of you. If you
pages that contain the storyline to VOL1. & 2 want a fresh approach to the Torn &
BETWEEN THE LINES the whole effect. Make sure that by Alan Rorrison Restored Card plot then check out
by Michael Murray before you read the page, you run Available from www.bigblindmedia.com ‘Whiteside and Pennman’. Also on
Available from www.magicbox.uk.com through and answer all the Price: £14.99 each this volume is ‘Linker’,
Price: £14.99 questions yourself. You’ll be ‘Polterdeck’, ‘No Way’ and ‘242’ all
amazed at how closely they match Alan Rorrison may not be a name of which are worth a look.
Here’s what it says on the tin! the scene from the book! that many of you have heard of Both DVDs are filmed in typical
It has long been said that the The more you perform this before, and that included me. But BBM style – excellently filmed and
strongest effects are those which effect the better it will become. I the guys at Big Blind Media are edited together. Oddly enough, Alan
happen in the hands of the was a bit unsure myself the first set to change that! performs all the routines to himself
spectator, what if the effect could time I tried it, but the reaction Fingers of Fury is a two DVD (in a hoody) using a bit of clever
take place in the spectator’s mind? you get with it is unbelievable. set, which includes 13 of Alan’s camera work, and as strange as it
‘Between the Lines’ combines You can literally fold this up, best material from his own may sound, it actually works.
some revolutionary thinking with a pop it in your pocket, and away working repertoire. Another quality release from
classic mentalism effect to create you go. I think the page itself will Volume One - ‘Weapons of the Big Blind Media team and at a
one of the most powerful routines look even better the more it’s Choice’ is mainly close-up material fantastic price too! Well done. PS
available to date! used as it gets worn. However if and only contains one card trick
Imagine handing a spectator this concerns you, for a small fee, and even that’s NOT your standard WHAT’S HOT: 13 good, useable
a torn page from a random book. replacement pages can be pick a card trick. It’s called ‘Deep effects from a rising star of magic.
You then ask them to imagine a supplied by Magicbox.uk.com Impression’. A selected card slices WHAT’S NOT: Nothing – other than
fictitious scene in their mind Personally I would have into your arm like butter. This is a if you’re not into cards then Vol2
building it up piece by piece. The preferred the page to be printed great routine and very believable. may not be of interest to you.
spectator is then instructed to on the same paper stock as a Next is ‘3 Shot Slammer’ Alan’s STAR RATING: ★★★★

www.magicseen.co.uk 45
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WHAT’SHOT - WHAT’SNOT
you have carefully considered be!) you will be glad you made The whole routine by Stefan
everything. All the hints within, the purchase. JS is choreographed and well
come from half a lifetime of explained on the performance
tradeshow experience, so ignore WHAT’S HOT: Very well produced; DVD, plus the price of the effect
them at your peril. crisp and clear, with good includes everything from the
The book is concisely written, instructions too. briefcase, the puppet, cards,
well laid-out and contains WHAT’S NOT: Not suitable for the DVDs and even the make-up, if
everything you need to know beginner to card magic, but that’s you’re brave enough to go the
about trade shows and how they not a criticism! whole way and perform a-la-
work. Recommended. GH STAR RATING: ★★★★ Marcel Marceau! Stefan performs
the mime sequences very well,
WHAT’S HOT: Makes you realise and this makes the routine stand
that you probably don’t know as out as different.
much as you think! But, the big question is: Will
A MODERN TRADE WHAT’S NOT: Slightly on the pricey you do it? And what happens
SHOW HANDBOOK side. once you have completed the
by Seth Kramer STAR RATING: ★★★ effect? Do you rush backstage to
Ring-binder book. 77 pages. wipe it all off, or continue, looking
Available from like a younger version of Barbara
[email protected] COMMERCIAL CARD Cartland as you perform more
Price: $60 USD postpaid global MAGIC effects? I suspect, that you will
priority Mail via PayPal. by Wolfgang Riebe not go for the make-up.
Available from PIERROT There is good potential with
I’ll bet that most magicians simply www.theriebeinstitute.com by Stefan Olschewski this effect, although Stefan has
skate over items such as this, in Price: £25.00 Available from worked this effect successfully for
their endless desire to seek out www.pierrot.tobit.net or from eight years exactly how it is
new effects! However, you can be Wolfgang Riebe is a name that various magic dealers. performed on the DVD. To be
the greatest magician on earth, but should be familiar to you all, as he Price: 159€ (free shipping for honest, I feel slightly
if you cannot sell yourself, market was featured in magicseen recently. Europe) uncomfortable with the way the
your services and have knowledge Wolfgang has released a monkey selects the card –
on every aspect of your profession, brand new teach-in dvd titled: A performer walks on stage although I’m not blaming the
then the chances are you will not Commercial Card Magic. carrying a briefcase. He proceeds monkey for that, obviously! To me,
be a success. This book was Featured are 8 items that are to do a comedy mime routine it was slightly obvious – but maybe
published in 2006 to coincide with suitable for a mix n mingle and where the briefcase appears to a normal audience will be
a lecture Seth Kramer presented at close up environment. Wolfgang be immovable and then really oblivious to the sleight required. I
the IBM convention in Eastbourne. shares his ideas on his own heavy etc. He then removes a think the effect needs to be pacier
Seth has successfully performed in routines, as well as on two pack of cards from the case. In than it is performed here – and
the tradeshow arena for over standard items, FRED and OUT total silence, he selects a there could be much more comedy
twenty years – his feet must be OF THIS WORLD where he gives volunteer to help him, and she added with a bit more thought.
killing him! them his own makeover. proceeds to select a card at My overall thoughts are that
Seth shares an abundance of There is one item on the dvd random after freely shuffling the it’s quite an expensive effect for
information with the reader, and that is not strictly a card trick, in deck. The cards are placed on to what it is ( you could’ve quite
he certainly knows what he’s that it is not done with playing a table where they are mixed-up easily provided the briefcase
talking about. There are sections cards but with blank face cards, once more…and then for a final yourself, for instance ), but it can
on: Getting your first client, and it is a true beauty. Influenced time they are mixed while face-up certainly be turned into a quirky
Customising your props, by Steve Tucker, it is titled Blank on the table. and unusual opener. I really liked
Promotional material, Card Surprise and has a lovely The performer then returns to the idea of a monkey selecting a
Communication with the client, personal touch that your his case and introduces his card, and also the fact it is
Trade Show Do’s and Don’ts, and spectator will remember for a magic assistant – a hand-puppet performed without dialogue will
many, many more. long time after the performance. monkey. After the monkey appeal to many. The monkey
No matter how experienced This dvd is not aimed at the communicates with the puppet included is very good for
you are, I am sure that there are card beginner but at the performer, he rummages around comedy – and there’s no reason
things within this book that you intermediate and advanced card amongst the cards and finally for the little fellow not to help out
could utilise to add that little bit worker. selects one in his mouth. Yes, it’s with other effects in your act! GH
extra to your trade show Double lifts, Ascanio spreads the very card freely chosen by the
performance. Just a simple idea, and the like are used and boy oh volunteer. The whole routine is WHAT’S HOT: An ideal cabaret
such as having a large clock on boy will you love his appearance performed in total silence – or to opener and for international
the stand, giving the time that of the fourth ace in his four ace music, making this ideal either as audiences.
you will next perform can impress assembly. If this is the only item an unusual opener and/or for an WHAT’S NOT: Quite expensive.
your clients and show them that you use from this dvd (it won't international audience. STAR RATING: ★★★

46 magicseen Issue No.16 September 2007

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WHAT’SHOT - WHAT’SNOT
other magic prop, the real magic is and behold their thought of card
in how it it presented. has now travelled into the other
Martin Duffy, who based this spectator’s pile, leaving just 9 in
pot on Mary Tomich’s version, has one packet and 11 in the other.
provided the instructions which The ‘thought of cards across’
include two brilliant routines: one plot has been around for years, and
by the famous bizarre magician, many of the top pros at some point
Mary Tomich and the other by in their careers have had a go at
Christian Chelman. Both are creating their own version of it.
certainly worth a looking at. Many of which use gimmicked
The neat thing about this cards.
THE LOTA POT version of the Lota Pot is its size. ‘Thought of Cards Across Project’
Produced by Martin Duffy At only 4” in height, it fits is a nicely produced 12 page A5
Available from Martin Breese perfectly in the palm of your hand booklet by Christopher Williams, and COMPETITION!
International. (unless you only have 3” hands of contains three equally good versions Win a copy of Alan Stockwell’s
www.abracadabra.co.uk course!) and would easily pass as of this classic effect. There’s one by new book: The Singular
Price: £55.00 an ordinary ceramic vase. Christopher himself, one by John Adventures of Sherlock Holmes!
All in all, there’s nothing NOT to Carey and a third by Gary Jones. All All you have to do is answer
What’s only 4 inches in height, like about this. Good job guys! PS three handlings can be performed the following question by visiting
looks great and holds more liquid with an ordinary shuffled deck, at any www.mrsherlockholmes.co.uk –
than you could possibly imagine? WHAT’S HOT: Easy to use, Looks time, with no switches or gaffs within unless you already know the
No it’s not magicseen favourite great. a 50 mile radius! answer, cleverclogs!
Pete Firman, it’s Martin Breese’s WHAT’S NOT: I have to send the one John Carey’s is the first version Email your answer to:
latest product – The Lota Pot. I have back now the review’s done! in the booklet – his effect uses just [email protected]
Over the years, there have STAR RATING: ★★★★ 12 cards and out of the three is by September 15th.
been many variations of the Lota probably the easiest handling in my
Pot - all different shapes and opinion. There are also some nice Question: In which story does
sizes, and all made from various little afterthoughts included with it Princess Zelda vanish from
materials such as metal, glass that are certainly worth reading. the stage of “Maskelyne’s
and plastic. Next is Gary Jones’ handling. Mysteries”
For all you readers out there Gary’s uses a total of 20 cards and
who are unfamiliar with the Lota requires a few more sleights but it’s We asked Alan if he thought
Pot, here’s the basic idea. Thought of Cards Across Project
still a nice version. Sherlock would have made a
An ordinary looking vessel is My favourite out of the three good magician?
shown to be full of liquid. This is has to be Christopher’s - this also “I do not think he would
poured out until the pot is shown utilises a few sleights, and is similar have made a good magician in
to be empty. However, the pot can in some ways to Gary’s, but it the sense of a performer
instantly be shown as full once seemed to be the most suited to although he does exhibit a
again. This can be repeated over my style. Remember though, what theatrical streak in some of the
and over again. Christopher Williams suits one person doesn’t stories – eg. producing missing
Many performers who use a necessarily suit everyone. So what items with a flourish and not
version of a Lota Pot in their acts are you waiting for? Get on the revealing all he knows until the
tend to show the pot earlier on in
THOUGHT OF CARDS internet or phone, order your copy, dénouement. However he would
their set and then keep referring ACROSS PROJECT and find out for yourselves which have been a brilliant inventor of
back to it again and again By Christopher Williams version you are! Recommended. PS tricks as he had a very logical
throughout their other routines. Available from The Merchant of WHAT’S HOT: Nicely produced and calculating mind.
This is an amazing Lota Pot Magic. www.magicshop.co.uk booklet with three good handlings. He would have made an
which has been handcrafted to Price: £14.99 WHAT’S NOT: Nothing really, other excellent mentalist as he was
perfection by a potter. than practise is needed to perform supreme at reading signs from
This fantastic little prop once For anyone who’s not been on some of the sleights well. a person’s appearance. He
filled with water can be shown to planet earth for the past 100 years STAR RATING: ★★★★ deduced all manner of things
pour out an astounding amount or so, here’s a brief description of from objects and could, indeed,
of water. I think I managed to get this classic effect: 20 cards are be classed as the father of
approximately 7 loads of water taken from a deck and divided into THIS ISSUE’S REVIEW PANEL psychometry. Almost every story
ML - Mark Leveridge
from the one I have for review. two piles of ten. One pile face up, in the canon has an example of
PS - Phil Shaw
The mechanics to the Lota Pot one face down. A spectator is GH - Graham Hey his prowess. On his first
couldn’t be easier. I can honestly asked to just think of one of the SB - Stuart Bowie meeting with Dr Watson he
say that if you can’t manage to get face up cards. Each ten are given to PP - Paul Preager famously remarks “You have
the hang of this, then magic’s just two different spectators. Your best JS - Jack Stephens been in Afghanistan, I believe.”
not right for you. However, like any magical word is uttered, and low PK - Paul Kelly

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CHRISCOX

50 magicseen Issue No.16 September 2007

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CHRIS COX
Everything
happens for
a reason!
Twenty three year old psychological performer Chris Cox has quickly gained a reputation as
a unique and skilful performer with sell-out shows at last year’s Edinburgh Festival and his
show was listed by The Stage newspaper as a ‘Must See’. With performances on BBC3,
BBC7 and live at the prestigious Comedy Store, he is one of the rising stars of the UK
scene. Top comedy star & writer Ricky Gervais said: “He’s brilliant, he’ll blow your mind!”
Chris is currently the Official Magician for Radio One, the station listened to by millions
every day, and as I write this, Chris is warming up for a long stint in Edinburgh with his
brand new show: Everything Happens For A Reason…

So, how do you get to be the Official Magician perform for them, and also develop ideas
for Radio One? based on magic for possible show features
I'm Radio 1's Resident Magician, and also and the like.
work here as the Assistant Producer for The
Chris Moyles Show. I've been working in What's your magic background?
Radio since I was 13, so my radio career is I've always loved magic. I, like so many
something I've always been working towards. people, have Paul Daniels to blame. I got a
I got the magician title after doing some work Paul Daniels magic kit when I was 6 and
experience here when I was 19 and doing a have been toying around with it ever since. I
bit of magic on air, and then working on a remember spending loads of money on
One Click magic special. So now I combine Marvin’s Magic stuff whenever visiting
my actual work with my magical work, and London. I have, however, always been a
perform tricks for guests and on air every performer. I had my first professional acting
now and again! role at the age of 9 and have been
entertaining or performing ever since, so
What does it entail? magic was a natural extension of that. I see
Basically being a magic bitch; if someone myself as an entertainer who does 'magic'
wants to see a trick, I do it! Guests come in and 'mind reading-ey stuff' - not a magician.
all the time and are often waiting around so I Just before I started University I became

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that it's a prediction effect for the 21st

century! I also am a big fan of a routine I've
been doing for about 5 years now which is a
psychological card routine, in which I work
out through a series of carefully scripted
questions what card, or object the audience
member is thinking of. It always gets big
laughs, and manages to show people some
of the tricks of the trade without giving away
too much. It's about crediting them with
enough intelligence to know that this is a
form of magic, and give them what they need
to be able to sit and enjoy the show without
constantly trying to think how this is done or
out-smart you.

You are at Edinburgh - how did this come about?

This is my second year at the Edinburgh
Fringe. I performed 9 shows of He Can't Read
Minds? last year, and this year I'm doing the
whole run. It's something I've always wanted
to do, so two years ago started developing a
show to take up to the festival. It's a place
I've been going for about 6 years and just
love the atmosphere and seeing loads of
stand up, and catching up with friends, so it's
a real delight to be able to take my show
there. It's a huge investment though, it costs
around £10,000 to put the show on, and
even though this year I've been invited to
perform in one of the biggest venues the
festival has to offer, it's still a very scary and
costly publicity exercise! It does allow me to
perform night after night for an audience that
are there for a good time, a real audience. It's
so flattering that people come to see me, and
I just hope I can do a good show for them.

Do you write new material for events such as

these, or do you keep things pretty much the
same?
This show is a re-working of last year’s, so all
the effects are similar but with extra added
magic and brilliance... we've written a whole
interested in mentalism and combining it with happen for a reason, with plenty of new script and created virtually a new show.
the knowledge I had on psychology, and then influencing, subliminal messaging and the Combining new and old effects to hopefully
throughout University I played around with like. I fuse magic, psychology, illusion, give something exciting for anyone who might
mind-reading type stuff and stand up technology and mind-reading, in a new have seen it before, and something even
comedy, developing ideas and trying out little entertainment experience that will not only more exciting and amazing for anyone who
shows to see if it'd work. It did, and I've been amuse, baffle, delight and screw with might be new to my show. I do, however,
doing it ever since. I could easily go full time, audiences’ minds as never before, but will develop my show without magicians in mind,
but I love Radio 1 so much and the two jobs have them leaving the show asking the big and as a rule, feel frustrated when magicians
work so hand in hand that I don't mind not questions and wondering if EVERYTHING are in my audience. The show is there for a
devoting all my time to magic. HAPPENS FOR A REASON. normal stand-up/theatre audience, not for
someone who’s going to sit there and go, I
Tell us a bit about your stand-up act… What are your favourite effects? know how that's done, I know that, I know
I don't really have a stand up act. I fuse I love my end effect which threads throughout that, and be jealous that it's not them up
stand-up material into my show ‘Everything the show, it's truly original and no one is there. I've got a lot of stick from magicians
Happens For A Reason’ which is part stand doing anything like it (as far as I know!). The and magic forums in the past, despite very
up, part theatre, part mind-reading and part moment when the audience realise what is good reviews from mainstream press, so sadly
bull sh*t. The show was inspired by my being happening is always a joy as they gasp, laugh it's made me move away from the magic
mugged earlier this year and uses mentalism- and try to control themselves. I actually don't world. That said, recently a few magicians
based routines to see if everything does want to say exactly what it is, so all I'll say is have been seeing the previews and saying

52 magicseen Issue No.16 September 2007

MS Issue 16 BU4.qxd:Issue 9 12/8/07 20:20 Page 53

very nice things. Those magicians are the releases which are fabulous and loved
ones I like, those who appreciate that I'm Alakazam’s yes/no card thingy they've
entertaining, not doing anything to fool them, recently brought out. That's a brilliant in-the-
and who don't look at the act in those terms, pocket mind-based illusion!
but look at it as a normal audience would.
Do you develop your own, original effects?
Do you do warm-up gigs before an Yes, as much as you can re-develop drawing
Edinburgh show? routines and the like. I tend to take some
Yes we do previews, you have to, the show principals of my own and other published
changes after each one as we re-write, re- effects and combine them into an original
arrange and tighten things. Last year we did routine which has multiple climaxes and
too many and I was knackered before even moments of amazement. It's about making
starting, so this year we're doing lots of something which the audience will relate to,
rehearsals and 2 London, 1 Bristol preview and forget about the workings behind it.
and 4 previews at the start of the festival in
Edinburgh. The show is constantly being Who is your favourite magic creator?
adapted throughout the festival to make it The stuff Andy Nyman and Derren Brown do
play the best way possible. is just mind-blowing. It's difficult as I often
get compared to Derren but like to think of

‘‘
How do you feel before a show? I try to take each myself as a very different sort of mind-reader.
I get a little nervous but have a routine that I
follow, a warm up and the like. I feel more
day as it comes, In the same way two singers can sing the
same song, two mind readers can read
comfortable on stage than I do in the pub but I know roughly minds, but differently.
with people I don't know. So just can't wait to
get out there!
where I want to go. Tell us three things about yourself that people
I'd like to develop will not generally know!
Do you work closely with other magicians on
your act?
the act further I'm a big fan of musical theatre, I like to think of
myself as being a bit like JD from scrubs and I
No, not at all, in fact I have no real magician and tour it use three different types of product in my hair.
friends. I have a few magician acquaintances
with whom I'll talk things through, but as a rule
nationally, I'd also Tell us your three favourite singers/bands?
the people I work closely with are actors, like to move into The Killers, The Barenaked Ladies and Rufus
directors and comedians. Ben Furness, a friend
I first met at Uni works very closely on every
TV, both magic Wainwright are all at the top of my ipod
playlist at the moment! ms
show with me and helps me develop my ideas, based stuff and
and co-directs the show. Richard Lewis helps
non-magic What exactly can

’’
me out with the script. He's a radio presenter
and script writer so he's a great person to throw entertainment. you expect from
ideas around with and I get lots of advice and
tips from Colin Murray, who helps fine tune the audience members ever. He has a childish
Chris’ new show?
EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON is
show to play bigger and get more laughs. wonderment with everything, and gets really
a comedy-fuelled, interactive, theatrical
‘weirded-out’ by stuff and not being able to
experience utilising cutting-edge magic,
What are your strengths as a magician? know how it's done. He loves it and makes
multimedia technology and youthful
Confidence, friendliness, knowing my audience, performing it for him even more enjoyable.
showmanship, energy and flair, with not a
creating a likeable character and making
wand, fez, saw or crystal ball in sight. In
something which fits a late teens early twenties Do you have a career plan in mind?
EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON,
market. I'm not the best magician in the world, I try to take each day as it comes, but I know
through subliminal messaging, subtle
but I know how to create a memorable effect roughly where I want to go. I'd like to develop
suggestion, illusion and psychology, Chris
and make a piece of theatre work. the act further and tour it nationally, I'd also
performs a series of individual mind-tricks
like to move into TV, both magic based stuff
as he takes the audience on a path to
Who are your influences? and non-magic entertainment. I'm currently in
their own grand finale that Chris will have
Derren Brown, Max Maven, Richard Osterlind development with a few companies on
predicted – and if he didn't, then perhaps
and Barrie Richardson constantly inspire and different ideas involving my magic stuff, and
he wasn't meant to. The show will finish a
delight me. I'm always hugely impressed with other things. So ideally I'd like to be able to
couple of minutes early and who knows
Luke Jermay’s stuff. Outside of magic people continue doing what I'm doing, but on a
where those extra minutes will lead; To the
like Mark Watson, Russell Howard, Russell bigger scale.
purchase of a winning lottery ticket? To
Brand and Ricky Gervais inspire me to
the middle of the road at the wrong time,
continue making things which will make What was the last effect you bought?
only to be struck down by a bus? Meeting
people laugh and think. I hardly ever buy stuff these days, it's terrible.
a soul-mate through a chance encounter
Not the stuff, the fact I'm not buying it! I'm
as you leave the venue early? And, should
You must have performed for celebrities? trying to work on developing my own effects
that happen, will it have been influenced
Which have been memorable? rather than using others. That said, I brought
by Chris suggesting it might?
Gervais stands out as one of my favourite some of Luke Jermay's limited edition

www.magicseen.co.uk 53
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HYPNOTIC
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MS Issue 16 BU4.qxd:Issue 9 12/8/07 20:25 Page 55
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MAGICINGERMANY

Magic in
Germany
By Henning Koehlert

Siegfried & Roy and David Copperfield are the

magicians almost every German will name. If you ask
for more there will be silence.

Topas, Helge Thun

and a defenceless
animal.

Henning Koehlert.

S
iegfried & Roy and David Copperfield
are the magicians almost every
German will name. If you ask for more
there will be silence. But there are names
very well known to the public: Take Franklin,
FISM winner of 1993. He is better known as
a TV presenter who is connected with various
TV shows rather than with magic. Eckhard
von Hirschhausen has a name as a
comedian with regular appearances on TV,
though he started as and still is a magician.
More names? Thomas Fraps, Desimo, Helge
Thun, Ingo Oschmann are all magicians you
regularly see on TV but in other ‘guises’ as
comedians, show hosts etc. Even Germany’s
most successful all rounder Topas, who tours
Germany and the world together with his wife
Roxanne, has a go in comedy clubs now. It
looks like this is almost a trend amongst
German magicians as the Magische Welt an
independent German magic magazine
recently stated.
The majority of our professionals find
work via agents and local promoters. A lot of

56 magicseen Issue No.16 September 2007

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produced some top quality magic acts over the

years and that their quality has been shown
not only by their popularity around the world
but also by their success in competitions at

them have a full evening show consisting of the top three acts in each category to get to
anything from stage illusions right down to a the German Magic Championships, the
Over the last few years
stand up show with props that fit in a national convention of the MZvD. Only the Germany has
handbag. Public and private shows, cruises, best three acts are sponsored for FISM. So experienced a kind of
and of course trade shows are probably the there is enough time in between to polish
same as in Britain, only working on children’s your act, and only the best get through. In the
revival of variety
birthday parties is not as common over here. last few years there have even been theatres, and these are
Over the last few years Germany has
experienced a kind of revival of variety
additional conventions organised by the
MZvD for FISM participants to show their
spreading all over the
theatres, and these are spreading all over acts. country. And some of
the country. And some of the old, traditional Another factor has been the organisation the old, traditional
venues such as “Wintergarten” in Berlin or of some of Germany’s top close up magicians
“Tigerpalast” in Frankfurt, are also still into groups such as Die Fertigen Finger. Here
venues such as
operating. Bucking this trend, however, is one some of Germany’s most creative and ‘Wintergarten’ in Berlin
of the oldest, the renowned “Hansa Theater” productive magicians get together to or ‘Tigerpalast’ in
in Hamburg, which had to close a few years brainstorm ideas and to put on shows either
ago. More modern ones like the GOPs in as individuals or as members of the group.
Frankfurt, are also still
various towns supply regular work with There can be no doubt that Germany has operating.
monthly engagements for magicians with
their acts or as emcees.
Like in Britain there is a club scene, too.
But there are differences. We do not have so
many functions like “presidents’ dinners” or
presidents’ chains of honour. The biggest
organisation is the Magische Zirkel von
Deutschland (MZvD) with more than 80 local
rings. Over 2800 members including about
150 professionals receive the monthly club-
magazine Magie, in form and substance
comparable to the Magic Circular of The
When the knights draw in,
Magic Circle. A few local and regional clubs
watch Die Zauderer!
like the Magische Nordlichter are a magical
“home” for many magicians, but the majority
are not organised into any clubs.
The magic dealer scene in Germany is
fairly typical of many other countries. We
have a small number of general dealers
(ZZM in Munich, Stolina, Kellerhof),
plus a lot of specialised dealers
and a vast number offering
magical items via the internet.
Germany’s magicians have
been extremely successful in
FISM competitions. This is to
some extent thanks to an active
club life in some towns e.g. Berlin
(Die Zauderer), Munich, Hamburg,
Nuremburg and above all Stuttgart. Here
Eberhard Riese (author of the book
“Fundamente”) has been coach and
inspiration to many top artistes.
However, more important is the system
which gets the acts to the FISM stage. The
year after a FISM convention, regional
congress competitions are the first stage
each act has to pass. You have to be among

www.magicseen.co.uk 57
MS Issue 16 BU4.qxd:Issue 9 12/8/07 20:28 Page 58

MASTERCLASS#1

INVISIBLE
COINS
by Henning Koehlert

Effect:
Somebody who is interested in dollar on the table, in which case of all the cards in the lower half
your business card, chooses one you ask her to pocket the other of the pile you write “US $ Tails”.
of three different imaginary coins coin. Because the pile will look the knew this was for me. I
and flips it; then she takes one of Here is some patter that you same whichever way round it is experimented a bit and worked
your business cards. On the back may care to use if at some stage held (the text side of your cards out this presentation together with
there is a correct prediction: the in the process either the pound will always show), all you need to my friend Harry Reeve (who works
chosen coin and the correct side. or the Euro need to be do when you want to show your now a slightly different version).
eliminated. prediction is to remove the pile
“You picked the pound coin. 95% from the clip or wallet so that the
Method and of British housewives I show this correct side of the pile is on top. NEWSQUICKIE
Presentation: to, do the same. They see the Spread a few of the cards and
Somebody asks you for your real value in the coin. So this is ask the spectator to take one out
business card. You ask back if my invisible gift for you before and turn it over to reveal the
she has any imagination, we start.” prediction matches the actions of
because you want to show her the spectator.
something. You put a small pile of Or:
business cards (in a wallet or a “You picked the Euro – I guess for Afterthoughts:
clip) on the table. You say this is curiosity reasons. In the far or • You can perform this effect
a prediction. nearer future you will get more anytime and anywhere – as
Next you produce three familiar with it. I tell you what – long as you have your
invisible coins: a Euro, an take this invisible Euro, go into a business cards with you; but
American silver dollar, and a pub in Germany and ask for an it is best at the end of your SOFIA NAMED HOST
British pound coin and you invisible drink for which you pay act or as an encore, so you OF THE FISM™
pretend to line them up next to with this invisible coin. See what can hand them out as a give- EUROPEAN
each other on the table. You offer happens.” This gets a little laugh. away.
CHAMPIONSHIP OF
her a free choice. You are now • For a cheap version you can
MAGIC™ 2008
going to use the Conjuror’s Force So, the silver dollar is eventually, keep together the stack of
to make her end up with the one way or the other, the coin business cards with a For the first time ever, the
silver dollar. that is left. You now hand the doubled rubber band instead FISM™ European
invisible coin to the spectator and of a clip or wallet. Championship of Magic™ will
Here’s one method: ask her to flip it and catch it. • When you are sure this is an be held. Top magicians from all
Ask her to push towards you two More fun to be had with this, of effect for you and you want to over Europe will gather to
of the invisible coins. If she course. Now ask her whether the add it to your repertoire, have perform their spectacular and
pushes the pound and the Euro, coin ended up with its tail side or the predictions printed nicely astonishing acts in hopes of
you pretend to collect them up its head side uppermost. on the backs. being able to be known as the
and hand them to her suggesting Whatever she says, you will now • It is better to glue the two very best magicians in Europe.
that she pockets them leaving the show that your prediction is cards in the middle, so it is This event will coincide with
silver dollar on the table. correct. Here’s how. easier to spread the top half the 6th Balkan Magic
If one of the two coins she The pile of business cards only. This keeps you from Convention held in the
pushes towards you includes the has half the cards with the text exposing the backs of the Congress Center of Sofia
dollar, pick up the invisible coin side facing down (this is the lower bottom half. (Bulgaria) and will run from the
she left behind and ask her to half of the pile) and the other half 6th to the 9th of November
pocket it, and then ask her to of them with the text side Credit: 2008. The hosting organisation
hand you one of the two upwards (and these are on top). I first saw this effect (magician’s will be the Bulgarian Magic
remaining coins. She will either On the back of each of the cards choice of one of three coins and Union, under the presidency of
hand you the dollar, in which case in the top half of the pile you the flip) presented by Axel Antranik Arabadjian (Astor).
you use it, or she will leave the write “US $ Heads”. On the back Hecklau from Berlin. I instantly Sofia, so good!

58 magicseen Issue No.16 September 2007

MS Issue 16 BU4.qxd:Issue 9 12/8/07 20:28 Page 59

MASTERCLASS#2

SWITCHGAME
by Mike Porstmann

EFFECT:
Two spectators are invited to Spectator #2: “Yes.” Spectator #2: “The £20 note.” PRESENTATION:
assist. One of them (spectator Performer: “Ah! That was the first Performer: “What a pity! Now you At the beginning of the
#1) is the owner of a £20 note. question and you should have really have lost the game. The performance both clothes pins
The performer is handed the note answered with ‘The Queen Of money has already returned itself and the stack of envelopes are in
and he puts it into a small Hearts’! But I’ll give you a second to its owner. Please open your your left outer jacket pocket. The
envelope, while he asks the other chance.” envelopes.” flaps of the envelopes are pointing
spectator (spectator #2), if he to your body. The forcing deck
wants to play a simple game with The performer turns to spectator (without its box) and the felt tip
the chance of winning £20. Of #1 to make sure that he is in REQUIREMENTS: pen are in your right jacket pocket.
course spectator #2 is willing agreement with this and then For this trick, which mainly Ask the audience if someone
to play! turns back to spectator #2. succeeds because of its comical is willing to lend you a £20 note
The envelope with the £20 is situation (one spectator answers for the next trick, and invite its
marked with the initials of Performer: “Are you ready? silly questions to win the money owner (spectator #1) to join you.
spectator #2 on its back and with Spectator #2: “The Queen Of off the other spectator) but also Approach a second spectator
the word ‘prize’ on its address Hearts.” has a strong magical climax (the (spectator #2) and ask him if he
side. Then, with a clothes pin it is Performer: “Bravo! Excellent! But transposition of the bank note would like to take part in a game
attached to the jacket lapel of I almost caught you out again. and a playing card) you need: of chance. Position spectator #1
spectator #2. Did I not?” on your left and spectator #2 on
Now it is the turn of spectator Spectator #2: “The Queen Of 1. Eight small envelopes. 2. A felt your right.
#1 to determine the ‘answer’ to Hearts.” tip pen. 3. A forcing deck. 4. A While you turn your attention to
the questions for spectator #2 Performer: “I see that you duplicate of the force cards. 5. spectator #1 to thank him for his
and he is asked to take a playing understand the game. Now we Two clothes pins. co-operation, with your left hand
card out of a full deck. It happens come to the final and crucial The envelopes are about 2.6 you take out the stack of envelopes
to be the QH. questions. What would you prefer x 4.2 inches in size. They all lie in from your pocket. As you do this,
The QH is put into a small to win – the £20 note or the the same way: the flaps are leave the topmost envelope (an
envelope that is then marked Queen Of Hearts?” pointing upwards and later they empty one) back in the pocket.
with the initials of spectator #1 will always be pointing in the With your right hand you take
on its back and with the word Now there are two possibilities. direction of the audience. The the topmost envelope from the
‘answer’ on its address side. With One is that the spectator gives third envelope from the top stack and hand it to spectator
the clothes pin it is attached to the ‘correct’ answer. contains the duplicate of the #2. Ask him to confirm that the
the jacket lapel of spectator #1. force card. The face of this card is envelope is empty. Take back the
Now the performer turns to Spectator #2: “The Queen Of pointing towards the flap side of envelope and put it on top of the
spectator #1 and explains the Hearts.” the envelope. stack which is still held in your
rules of the game. In a few Performer: “Then open your The (fast drying) felt tip pen left hand. The envelope is tilted
seconds spectator #2 will be envelope. You already have it. should have a thick enough point slightly to the right. Fig. 1.
asked three questions. But he is And you (turning to spectator #1) so that the initials and the
only allowed to answer with the have back your £20 note.” markings ‘prize’ and ‘answer’ can
name of the playing card that clearly be read.
spectator #2 has chosen. All Both spectators open their The forcing deck consists of
other answers will be wrong. envelopes and find that the 26 duplicates of the force card
Should he correctly answer all playing card has indeed changed and 26 indifferent cards. The
three questions, then the prize in places with the bank note. force cards are on top of the face
the envelope will be his. The second possibility is that down deck.
The performer ends the the spectator will give the ‘wrong’ Instead of the clothes
explanations with the question: answer. pins you could also use two
“Do you understand the rules?” bulldog clips. Fig. 1

www.magicseen.co.uk 59
MS Issue 16 BU4.qxd:Issue 9 12/8/07 20:28 Page 60

MASTERCLASS#2 CONT...

insertion as his ‘answer’ card. If

the spectator again would not do
what I want him to, I would kick
him off the stage and give up
magic – or buy a one way force
deck!!]
Put the deck back in your right
jacket pocket while you take out
Fig. 2 Fig. 3 Fig. 4 the stack of envelopes again from
your left pocket. In exactly the
same manner as you switched the
bank note for the duplicate of the
Ask spectator #1 to hand you advantage in the next manoeuvre. playing card and take the deck out force card, you now switch the
the bank note and you fold it with While you tilt the stack of of your pocket. Fan the cards face force card for the (original) note.
your right hand to a quarter of its envelopes towards you again, with up between your hands – but only This time, of course, you write
size. Put it into the envelope and your left thumb you sweep over the for about 20 cards – in order to the initials of spectator #1 on the
close the flap. flaps from front to back. As you show spectator #1 that there are a flap and ‘answer’ on the address
Take hold of the envelope at reach the centre of the flaps you lot of possible ‘answers’. Then you side of the envelope, and then
its right inner corner and lift it off only let the initialled topmost flap turn the deck face down and cut attach it to the jacket lapel of
the stack. Tilt the other envelopes spring upwards. approximately a quarter of the spectator #1 with the second pin.
slightly towards you. You press down onto the lower cards from the bottom to the top. The work is now over. The
You explain that you would like flap with your left thumb while you This brings the group of 26 force envelope of spectator #1 contains
to mark the envelope with the move it forward and thus up and cards to the centre of the deck. his own money, the envelope of
initials of spectator #2. While you under the topmost flap. Fig. 4. Start to fan the cards with spectator #2 contains his prize.
look at him and ask him to tell you Take hold of the initialled flap with their backs pointing up while you You can start now with the
his initials, you apparently put the your right hand and start to pull ask spectator #1 to take an question and answer game, as
envelope back on top of the stack. the envelope out of the stack. At ‘answer’. When you move the cards detailed above, and bring the
In reality, you slip the flap end the same time, turn your left hand towards him you should already effect to its conclusion.
of the envelope under the flap of palm down thus concealing the have passed the first quarter of the
the second envelope (that’s the fact that you are really withdrawing deck. Now it is his free choice to
one with the duplicate of the force the second envelope from the top take one of the next 26 cards and NOTES:
card). Fig. 2. and not the topmost one. the answer will be the QH. This item goes back to The Card
The thumb and fingers of the Now turn the envelope so its [Of course you could do Or The Cash, an effect described
left hand assist you in squaring the address side is pointing up and put without the special deck and just by Ken Brooke which I found in
envelope on top of the others, it back on top of the stack in a force a card by a sleight of hand the 1994 book Ken Brooke’s
while you put your right hand into similar way as it is shown in Fig. 1. method, but why take the risk? Magic Place. Although I
the pocket to bring out the pen. With bold letters write the word There’s no ‘out’ possible in this immediately liked the effect, I did
Your left thumb rests on the ‘prize’ on the address side of the trick. In my forcing deck I know the not like the use of two sets of Roy
left side of the two flaps of the first envelope and take it back in your 13th card from the face of the Johnson’s Flawless Envelopes.
and second envelopes and presses right hand. deck. When I show the faces to the Then I saw a lecture by my friend
them down slightly. Tilt the stack of Your left hand puts the stack spectator at the start, I slightly Mark Leveridge in which he
envelopes forward again so that of envelopes back in your left injog this 13th card. This makes it revealed the envelope switch
the spectators can look at them jacket pocket in such a way that easy for me to later cut exactly a described above, and I gained his
and watch you while you write the the empty envelope which was left quarter by means of a triple cut permission to incorporate the
initials of spectator #2 on the there when you took out the stack from the bottom to the top of the switch in Switchgame and
upper of the two flaps. Fig. 3. earlier, is added again to the top of deck. When spreading the cards explain it in my lectures and
As you hold the envelopes and the stack. face down for the selection I then lecture notes.
flaps well squared between thumb Leave the envelopes in the know that the 14th card is the first The switch has a number of
and fingers of your left hand it is pocket and bring out one of the of the 16 duplicate force cards. distinct advantages, namely – the
impossible to detect that in reality clothes pins. Use it to fasten the It has never happened to me, envelopes do not have to be
you are writing on the flap of the envelope to the jacket lapel of but should a spectator refuse to prepared in any way, the effect
second envelope from the top, spectator #2. Pay attention that take one of the 26 force cards, can be performed with any
although from your point of view a the word ‘prize’ can be seen and here is how I would proceed. I currency bill, the spectator
minimal break between the two read easily. would close the spread of cards actually gets back his own money,
flaps is visible. The flap on which Now it is the turn of spectator and then ask him to insert the card you can even use credit cards for
you are writing lies a tiny bit more #1 to determine the answer. he has removed into the centre of the effect, and to reset all you
to the front (this is exaggerated in Explain that the answer to your the deck and invite him to choose need to do is transfer two empty
Fig.3). This situation is used to your questions will be the name of a either the card above or below the envelopes to the top of the pile!

60 magicseen Issue No.16 September 2007

MS Issue 16 BU4.qxd:Issue 9 12/8/07 20:28 Page 61
MS Issue 16 BU4.qxd:Issue 9 12/8/07 20:47 Page 62

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MS Issue 16 BU4.qxd:Issue 9 12/8/07 20:48 Page 64

DEALER’SBOOTH
Hamleys of Regent Street, Martin magic instead. He is one of a
Breese and Davenports. dying breed of magic dealers who
In 1984 he met (and later actually demonstrates all his
married) fellow magician Maggie lines. He doesn’t go in for the
Bonner. They honeymooned at heavy sales pitch that some
the 1985 British Ring convention adopt. He prefers to bombard you
in Southport. with several mind-blowing effects
In 1994 he appeared on BBC that leave you reeling, then say
television’s The Paul Daniels Magic something along the lines of,
Show, and these days, in addition “Why not go for a lie down to
to being the editor of The Budget – recover, then have a coffee and
the magazine of British Ring 25 of think about what I’ve shown you.
the I.B.M. – he is also a I’ll be here all day. In the
professional close-up/cabaret meantime, I’ll happily look after
performer, and a magic your wallet for you – just in case
dealer/lecturer with his own range you get tempted elsewhere!”
of magic. His range of magic tricks and
Throughout the 1990s, having DVDs does not contain thousands
retired from competing, he taught or even hundreds of lines. The
others who wanted to make a reason for this is that he soon
name for themselves. His pupils gets tired of repeatedly
have virtually all gone on to win demonstrating the same line over
close-up/stand-up magical and over and over and... get the
competitions and become idea? So, he cryogenically freezes
professional performers. His certain lines from time to time,
greatest successes were Maggie only re-animating them a decade
Tucker, Alistair Cook (of TV fame), or so later... when they’ve long

STEPHEN TUCKER and Ron Popple – formerly ‘just’ a

children’s entertainer [his
description] who now also lectures
been forgotten and are new again.
Stephen’s website is a fairly
recent innovation. It’s actually

MAGIC... and performs in the close-up arena.

He was very pleased when
Wayne Dobson asked him to write
only been up and running for just
over a year now. He prefers for
customers to purchase items from
Stephen Tucker is a name to orientated magic magazines, his Dobson’s Choice trilogy of him in person at conventions, but
strike terror into the heart of any Spell-Binder and Chicanery. After books, devoted to his incredible is now happy for you to do so from
wallet-carrying magician who that he was the editor of the close-up and stand-up routines. his website, especially as you can
might happen to stroll innocently Pabular magazine for a number He was even more pleased now see many of them
past his dealer stand with no of years. when his friend, Bob Ostin, asked demonstrated on his video demos
thought of buying anything that He has written quite a number him to compile, partly write and page. This, he believes, is crucial
day. Stephen specialises in close- of magic books including: Cardinal illustrate his life’s work into his as magic should not be
up and stand-up magic mostly of Sins, Cardiac Pacemakers, Cardiac new best-selling book, Bob Ostin – purchased blindly without seeing
his own devising. I say mostly, as Stimulation, Cardiac Arrest, The A Lifetime Of Magical Inventions. what you are buying. As he says,
he occasionally exchanges his Gemini Book, Thought Waves and In January 2004 he joined magic dealers use more license
own items with other dealers, and Card-Bored, produced various The Magic Circle and was with the English language, in their
may therefore also carry various videos and DVDs, marketed surprised, but delighted, to be adverts and descriptions, than
books, DVDs etc. not of his own numerous effects and published awarded the AIMC with silver star. estate agents do! Stephen Tucker
origination. routines in most magic magazines. This honour, he was later told, Magic has a staff of just one.
He took up magic after seeing He is proud to have been honoured was due to his achievements in Though he tells us Maggie lends a
a magician at one of his dad’s with two one man issues of Harry the world of magic. hand when it comes time to make
annual factory Christmas parties. Lorayne’s Apocalypse magazine. These days Stephen up new stock for the next major
At Grammar school he met He has been featured as a lecturer concentrates more on his magic magic event. She is also a great
David Britland, who introduced and a dealer at magic societies dealership than the performing sounding board for what is good
him to The Mahatma Magic Circle and conventions throughout the and teaching side of the art. and what is crud! ms
of Liverpool, where he met world, though these days no longer Having said that, we still haven’t
(amongst many others) future travels overseas. been able to talk him into taking Stephen Tucker Magic
friends... Bob Ostin and the late In the past, before he became out a two page, full colour, centre 1 Castle Haven, Foley Terrace,
Joe Dignam. a dealer himself, he worked for spread advert in magicseen, Malvern, Worcs. WR14 4RQ.
In the early 1970s he was several magic dealers (and stores) but... we’ll keep trying! It seems Tel: 01684 566485
involved with David Britland and as a demonstrator or using his that he prefers to let his personal E-mail:
John Brown, in the Talon close-up writing talents with regard to tricks, demonstrations, at various [email protected]
magazine. A little later he catalogues etc. These have included conventions and magic days Website:
published his own close-up Paul Stone’s Ace Place in Liverpool, around the UK, advertise his www.stephentuckermagic.co.uk

64 magicseen Issue No.16 September 2007

MS Issue 16 BU4.qxd:Issue 9 12/8/07 20:48 Page 65

LIVEREVIEW

John Carney in Sweden!

A magic wonder workshop with John Carney VISIT THE MAGIC CAVERN SHOP
was held at Fridhem College in Svalöv, 399 Chorley Old Road, Bolton, Lancashire BL1 6AH
Sweden, recently, with twenty magicians
from amateurs to full time professionals
accepting the challenge to learn more about 10%
off your 1st
the inner secrets of magic from a very telephone
skilled, professional magician and teacher, order

reports Åke Hallberg.

”We were a little confused after the first
day, as John had shown only three tricks.
Instead, his lectures focused on the
psychology and philosophy behind the magic and the construction of the
performance with respect to both routining and presentation. John’s
Magic Cavern
approach to these subjects turned out to be both unique and highly
useful. As far as I am concerned it was the best seminar I have ever
- a real Magic shop!
attended - and the longest! John Carney gets my highest mark!
Magic for professional, Magic for everyone!
”On Tuesday night, the evening entertainment saw 150 people Cards Books DVDs Coins
thoroughly entertained. John Carney, Peder Andersson (who also
introduced the show), Stefan Nilsson, David Persson, Seth Engström and
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Isak Johansson performed magic of the highest quality and all received and much much more...
generous and deserved applause from the audience.
”Fridhem College is a nice boarding school in south Sweden with Order online or call now on

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cosy rooms, excellent food and good entertainment in the evenings
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MS Issue 16 BU4.qxd:Issue 9 12/8/07 20:52 Page 66

LASTBUTNOTLEAST

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66 magicseen Issue No.16 September 2007

MS Issue 16 BU4.qxd:Issue 9 12/8/07 20:52 Page 67
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Joshua Jay
Guestt Stars:
Felipe e Abreu
Paull Cummins talkabout
tricks
Joell Givens
Runee Klan
Johnn Lovick
Rajj Madhok
Rickk Maue
Franciss Menotti Standing: (L to R) Rick Maue, Raj Madhok,
Paul Cummins, John Lovick, Josh Jay,
$99.95
5 3-DVD
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Joel Givens, Rune Klan.
Sitting: Francis Menotti, Felipe Abreu.

From the pages of MAGIC Magazine to your TV screen, the “Talk About Tricks” DVD Box Set is one of the most eclectic, unexpected collections of magic and magicians
ever captured on DVD. The concept is simple: Joshua Jay writes the critically-acclaimed “Talk About Tricks” column every month in MAGIC Magazine, and this set is the
column come-to-life! Every month, Joshua Jay features original effects from the world’s greatest magicians. There are hundreds of fantastic tricks buried in those
pages. Now we can finally see how great these tricks look at performance speed.
From close-up to parlor, from cards to Q-tips, from money to mentalism, from easy to difficult, this collection boasts over seven hours of the best magic ever published
in “Talk About Tricks.” Better still, many of these effects are performed live by their originators. See magicians Felipe Abreu, Paul Cummins, Joel Givens, Rune
Klan, John Lovick, Raj Madhok, Rick Maue, Francis Menotti, and more, all performing and explaining their creations. You’ll also see magic created by Eric
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This benchmark collection of DVDs features the best magicians

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EACH DVD IS JUST $19.95! (U.S. Dollars)
CHOP CUP – JUST RELEASED!
Ever since the Chop Cup was invented by magician Al Wheatley (whose stage name was Chop Chop, which is where the trick
derives its unusual name) in the early 1950s, magicians have devised increasingly clever ways to use it. The basic one-cup one-ball
approach to the classic Cups and Balls has held the fascination of magicians through the years most probably due to its devious use
of a mechanical principle along with sleight of hand to create an intriguing and compelling illusion. Featuring: David Regal, John
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CARD TO WALLET – JUST RELEASED!

The discovery of a chosen – and oftentimes signed – playing card in the magician’s wallet is a centuries-old crowd
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MAGIC WITH DICE – JUST RELEASED!

In this unprecedented collection, you’ll find completely different approaches to conjuring with dice. Dice are intriguing and romantic props that guarantee spectator
interest and these routines represent the best dice magic ever created. Featuring: John Mendoza, Daryl, Steve Dacri, Mark Leveridge, Daryl, James Zachary.

ALSO IN THE SERIES: Card On Ceiling, Magic with Everyday Objects, Stack of Quarters & Copper/Silver, Ring on Rope, Metal Bending, Scotch &
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