Issue No.53 Vol. 9. No.

5 November 2013
THE MAGIC MAGAZINE
FOR MAGICIANS & MENTALISTS
RRP $6.00 US/CAN ISSN 2163-0550

MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE PLUS:

REVIEWS
PATRICK KUN CELEBRITY
ST. VALENTINE’S SEBASTIAN WALTON
& VEGAS MAGIC MOMENTS
TIM SHOESMITH AND MUCH,
TALKS TO MUCH MORE...
STEVE EVANS
AND ALL THE
WORLD’S
A STAGE - PART 2
SOCIAL MEDIA

THE FABULOUS
MATTHEW WRIGHT OFFICIAL SPONSORS
OF MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE

MAGICSEEN: PROUD TO BE THE WORLD'S 2,437,689TH MOST READ MAGAZINE!

 WELCOME

F
irst of all this time I would like you which people communicate with each other. It
to join us in welcoming a new is also something which you need to try to Issue No.53 RRP £5.50 Vol. 9. No.5 November 2013
THE MAGIC MAGAZINE
member of the Magicseen team, come to terms with and harness if you aspire to FOR MAGICIANS & MENTALISTS
Merlins of Wakefield! Merlins are doing paid bookings, because even if you
PLUS:
the official sponsors of Magicseen Magazine aren't that interested, many of your potential REVIEWS
MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE CELEBRITY
for at least the next 12 months and we are customers probably are. Scott Watson SEB WALTON
MAGIC MOMENTS
PATRICK KUN
delighted to be able to involve one of the few provides us with an excellent starter overview ST. VALENTINE’S
AND MUCH,
MUCH MORE...
& VEGAS
bricks and mortar magic shops left in the UK which I urge you to read and absorb. TIM SHOESMITH
TALKS TO
STEVE EVANS
with our publication. AND ALL THE
WORLD’S
We love to encourage live magic performance A STAGE - PART 2
SOCIAL MEDIA
Merlins have been advertising with us since and we try to bring you reports of shows
issue 1 because owners Mark Lee and Phil where possible. This issue sees several reports
Peters understand that advertising is all about including the three shows which took place in
consistency and being there when people September at Smoke And Mirrors in Bristol,
need you, and not just making a big splash and plus Ali Cook's one man show and the much THE FABULOUS
then disappearing! All aspects of Magicseen's anticipated Illusionists show, which we caught MATTHEW WRIGHT OFFICIAL SPONSORS
OF MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE

independence remain unchanged, but what up with in Manchester. MAGICSEEN: PROUD TO BE THE WORLD'S 2,437,689TH MOST READ MAGAZINE!

our new association does mean is that our

readers will get to benefit from all manner of This issue also includes .... the final part of Neil
VOLUME 9 No.5 ISSUE 53
extra deals and specials from Merlins, so look Robert's excellent article on how to put THE TEAM
Editor: Mark Leveridge
out for Merlin's announcements in these pages together a stage show .... interviews with the
Deputy Editor: Graham Hey
over the next few issues. Young Magician of the Year winner Sebastian Design Editor: Phil Shaw
Walton, and also with Patrick Kun and Steve Advertisement Enquiries: Mark Leveridge
Matthew Wright - have you seen him work? Evans .... 30p's worth of chat with the one and [email protected]
Website Design: Number 23
He's great! He must be great because only Penelope Cruz in The Phonebox .... Circulation: Sarah Logan
otherwise he would not have made it on to the second instalment of Jay Fortune's Secret Circulation Assistant: Jessica Culver
our cover, that plus the fact that it took the Agent chat with Tobias Beckwith .... and so Contributors: Rav Singh, Tim Shoesmith, Scott
Watson, Jay Fortune, Neil Roberts, Chris Rawlins,
incredible Yann Frisch to stop Matt winning much more.
Alexandr Erohin, Richard Leigh, Christopher Evans
FISM last time round in Blackpool. Read our Reviewers: Mark Leveridge, Phil Shaw, Chris
in depth chat with Matt in this issue and see We had fun putting it all together, and we hope Payne, Stuart Bowie, Paul Preager, Graham Hey
whether you think Luke Jermay is wrong you have as much fun reading it! Magicseen’s management board consists of:
when he suggests that Matt's magic is 'just Graham Hey, Mark Leveridge & Phil Shaw

pulling faces'! Mark Leveridge General enquiries and comments:

[email protected]
Thanks to: Matthew Wright, Patrick Kun, Steve
Social Media is increasingly affecting our lives, Evans, Sebastian Walton
and in many cases is starting to make email a
second choice when it comes to the means by
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WHAT’S INSIDE for all other countries are available from www.magicseen.co.uk,
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7. News Copyright. The views and opinions expressed in this magazine
are those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily
9. In The Phone Box reflect the views of the publishers. All rights reserved.
10. Patrick Kun Reproduction in whole or part is strictly prohibited without the
prior consent of the publishers. Colour transparencies,
13. The Illusionists - Live Review manuscripts or discs are sent at the owners’ own risk. Neither
14. Steve Evans the company nor its agents accept any responsibility for loss
or damage. All unsolicited material should be accompanied by
17. News a stamped addressed envelope.

20. Being Social

The US/Canada version of Magicseen
26. Smoke and Mirrors - Reviews Magazine (ISSN 2163-0550) is published
27. Dealer Shout Outs bimonthly by Lybrary.com, 14 Durham
28. The Secret Agent 46. Magic Moments Str., Somerville, MA 02143. Periodicals
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MSM Issue 53 5
 If you have anything you would like to
tell us, whether it’s about the magazine

LETTERS
or anything magic related, please email:
[email protected]

written quite a few ebooks and As there seemed to be

kindle books myself and would some confusion about
encourage anyone to have a go who exactly kicked off
(assuming they have something the show, we asked Ali to
to write about). My ebooks are clarify things. Was it Ali
sold (automatically) via lulu.com just dressed up or what?
either as downloadable pdf Said Ali, "As for the warm
documents (or as printed up act: The Enchanter.
softback books). I also sell my (The 70's crime fighting
books as kindle books, which cruise ship magician) Of
means they are downloadable course it's someone else.
to kindle, android, iphone, He had his private jet out
laptop, you name it. I’ve even the back as he was
written a cartoon book in this opening for Englebert
IT'S THAT BY ANY format with lots of graphics. Humperdinck in Milton
DYNAMO! MEANS, IT'S You can see my offerings at Keynes after my gig." So,
What a very interesting DYNAMO! kindlebooksplus.co.uk. that's sorted then!
feature on Dynamo in your They say that you're really Kindle books are sold
last issue. It just shows that famous when your name is automatically via amazon
the young man is not just a referenced in TV dramas. I've (worldwide) and, together with
skilled magician. I didn't lost count of the times that my ebooks, earn me around
realise just how big he was David Copperfield's name has £30 a month. No big deal yet,
overseas.. and from reading been mentioned on TV and in but it’s growing.
previous interviews and movies. Now, for the first William Freeman
articles in magicseen and time, Dynamo has just been Toastmaster and MC
other publications - he mentioned in the latest BBC
deserves his success... drama series, ‘By Any Means'. ALI COOK &
Neil Kilbride, Accrington The BBC may think they are SUPPORT!
being cool by mentioning I recently saw the marvellous Ali
Dynamo - shame they never Cook on his UK tour, and it was
took the option to buy the great to see a performer totally
series! at ease in front of an audience
P.Ludlow, London and performing so many types
of magic. I particularly liked his
1970's cruise-ship magician
WE ARE SAILING... We have received quite a parody - and the wig reminded
I've just returned from a cruise few emails regarding the me of many that I see each year
ship holiday and saw an cruise ship industry, and worn at the Blackpool magic
excellent magician performing a recently had an excellent convention!
couple of shows over the six feature by the brilliant Mel John Dyson, Carlisle
days we were on the ship. It Mellers. We currently have
seems more and more two other features on this Interestingly John, our
magicians are finding work on area just about ready to man recently saw the
ships these days - yet I thought publish, the first of which same show (see review in
that after all the publicity when will appear in the next this issue) and during the
the 'Masked Magician' began issue of Magicseen. interval got into
revealing tricks, that the conversation with the
magician's days were WRITE ON! fellow sitting next to him.
numbered!? I enjoyed Mark Leveridge’s The chap said, "I really
L.K Rotheray, Bournemouth article on writing ebooks. I’ve liked both performers!"

6 MSM Issue 53
 A quick look at the weird and

NEWS
wonderful world of magic!

THE CHEAT!
LUCA'S BIG According to an article from
AWARD! therivardreport.com, a
Magicseen favourite Luca Volpe, biographer is putting the
Italy's hottest mentalist, will receive finishing touches on a
the Merlin Award for 'Mentalist of biography about the life of
the Year 2013’. Richard "The Cheat" Turner and
there is a documentary in the
He will receive the award from Tony works currently titled "Dealt."
Hassini on November 16th at the
Unicorn Magic House in Rome: According to the article, "What
www.theunicorn.it he’s most interested in getting
out of the film project – besides
Congratulations to Luca, top performer, and top guy, too! being able to spread
his inspirational message – is
SPELING ERRER! Here is Luca's promotional video: being a guinea pig of sorts for
So which is right? Philip www.youtube.com/watch?v=rU74hoEtn7c medical doctors. Turner has
Escoffey, or Phillip Escoffey? developed a rare condition that
You used both in the last issue allows him to “see with my
of Magicseen! Slapdash, I call it!
2014 COMBINED mind’s eye,” he said. “It’s like
J. Haynes, New York (via email)
CONVENTION CONTESTS looking at a kaleidoscope … I
see the most brilliant colors and
You are correct Jane, it For the first time at any magic residents of North America will shapes … and can arrange them
was very slapdash. Just convention there will be a triple have the opportunity to into phone numbers (or
the one ‘l’ in Philip magic championship advance to the FISM 2015 words)… or complex building
Escoffey is correct. We competition. The combination World Championship of Magic plans so I can remember them
have apologised to him of the I.B.M. and S.A.M. annual in Rimini, Italy. Two of these later.” All thanks to his eidetic
and settled out of court. competitions with the 2014 winners will be crowned FISM (photographic) memory."
FISM North America 2014 North American
BY GEORGE! Championships of Magic will Champions, one in stage and
We magicians always receive offer the greatest magic one in close-up.
laughs when we perform the competition ever presented.
popular 'Baby Gag' item in our These three magic contests will All contestants must be
shows. However, I recently offer a total of over $30,000 registered for the convention in
used it and was 'caught out' by a cash awards plus performing order to be eligible to compete.
member of the audience on this contracts. While you must be a
occasion. Asking her to think North American resident to be The convention is limited to
and then reveal the name of a eligible for the FISM 1400 registrations. Information
well-known or famous Championships, all accepted can be found on the convention
personality from film, stage, contest participants, regardless website: www.ibmsam.com
sport or politics etc, she of their home country, are
immediately revealed Prince eligible for the I.B.M. and
George as her choice! S.A.M. cash awards. MAGIC HISTORY IN THE MAKING?
No laughs this time - Hypnotist, Magician and Mentalist Jonathan Royle is embarking on
withdrawing a picture of a baby The contest is limited to 30 an ambitious plan to create the most read and biggest ever series of
from the envelope when the stage and 30 close-up Magical, Mentalism and Hypnosis Books in History. This is your
subject is a baby himself just competitors. These competitors chance to see your ideas in print and all you need to know to get
doesn't work! will be chosen from audition involved is explained at this link - http://tinyurl.com/pvppxgu
Best wishes, videos (see the website for Or watch the video explanation of how to get involved at -
Ian Adair, via email details). A potential of fifteen http://youtu.be/dfCPwSlAUUY

MSM Issue 53 7
IN THE
PHONE BOX
...WITH PENÉLOPE CRUZ!
It’s a terrific Magicseen exclusive!
Yes, we’d all like to spend some time in the phone
box with the Spanish beauty Penélope Cruz , and
while you read this, you can pretend you are! It’ll be
hot and steamy in there, so be prepared to loosen your
clothing! This is the bit where we send a reporter into a phone box
with 30p and ask him to speak to someone about magic, whether
they are interested in it or not! This issue, we’ve sent our celebrity
specialist Rav Singh, who was supposed to ask questions about a
new movie release...

MS: Hey! Penelope Cruz – star of many PC: Ahhhh, THAT Derek Lever! (laughs)
movies, including Woody Allen’s brilliant MS: Anything else you’d like to discuss
‘Vicky Christina Barcelona’. You are regarding magic?
amazing, you really are... the readers of PC: I must remember to buy this
magicseen magazine absolutely LOVE you!!! magazine, what’s it called?
PC: laughs MS: Magicseen
MS: Are you a big magic fan then? PC: Cool!
PC: (laughs again) No, not really... although
I know Woody Allen is a fan...
MS: Have you ever watched any magic?
PC: On TV when I was young, I think. I’ve
seen David Copperfield.
MS: You’ve got a new film coming out. Is
there any magic in it?
PC: Yes, I have a new movie called The
Counsellor, along with Brad Pitt & Cameron
Diaz, but there’s no magic in it. It’s about
drug trafficking....it’s directed by the
amazing Ridley Scott...
MS: Will there be any close-up magicians
performing at the premiere?
PC: ...hmmmm, I will have to check!
(laughs) Rav Singh is the former
MS: Have you heard of Derek lever? News of the World Entertainment
PC: No, is he a movie director? editor and now works freelance in
MS: No. Hollywood.
PC: Should I know him?
MS: He’s ONLY the organiser of the World’s
BIGGEST magic convention!!!

MSM Issue 53 9
PATRICK
KUN VISIBILITY!
HIGH
The visual side to magic has really had its character
defined in the last decade or so and Patrick Kun has
been pursuing this not only through his performance
with high quality production. I was studying
design at the time so I had a good base on
which to build so it all went from there.”

but also through his graphic design and consulting Tell us about your ‘Valentine’s Magic’
roles. Based in Las Vegas, Patrick has a commendable videos. (For the last three years, Patrick
list of accomplishments under his belt and has become has produced videos for YouTube which
especially prominent on YouTube with his distinctive, take the form of short films- telling a story
high quality videos. Our man in Las Vegas George Luck, alongside some great magic). Patrick laughs
talks to the aimiable fellow... as he tells me how it was a somewhat
unlikely story.

I
began by asking Patrick why he had easily accessible way of sharing content. I “It’s funny because I have just released the
chosen to target the online audience, would look at all sorts of videos and saw that third video but I never planned to even
especially since it’s a platform where all it was flourishers who had the higher release one. The first, which I did in 2011,
too often, quantity seems to exceed quality. production quality because the internet was was just meant for my girlfriend at the time
“I think it’s because when I started out the only outlet that they had to showcase but I decided to edit out all of the ‘lovey
learning magic I was using sources like what they did. From that realisation, I dovey’ stuff and put it online. People
Penguin - and the internet was the most decided that I wanted to combine the best of seemed to really like it and it got thousands
both worlds and merge high quality magic of views which I never imagined it would.
Then I started to see other people who were
performing my routine which was strange

10 MSM Issue 53
 PATRICK KUN

QUICKIES
1. There are 2 things I'm addicted
to: cards and gym
2. I sleep with eyes open. Don't
know why. People always think
that I am awake. Scary stuff.
3. I can get to sleep no matter
how much caffeine I have
before I go to bed
4. I rarely eat with my hands
because I hate getting grease
on my cards. Cards always
have to be in perfect condition
5. Used to be the #1 tennis player
at my high school.
6. I love practising magic when
walking.
7. I hate scary movies.

MSM Issue 53 11
 PATRICK KUN

of the MGM Grand in the form of the logo

he designed for Copperfield.

More recently, Patrick has been working

with Cyril (Takayama) on some of his latest
TV pursuits. Yet on top of this, he still
manages to find time for his own
performances as well as marketing some of
his material! Definitely look out for his latest
release, Reflex - a highly visual routine using
a ring. Even with so much in the way of
opportunities, Patrick is always looking
ahead to what he wants to do next and to
wrap things up, I wanted to find out what
plans he has for the future.
but at the same time cool because it meant outcome which not only explores the
that people liked it.” possibilities within YouTube but also gives a “It’s really tough trying to decide the
funny and entertaining end result. However, direction that I want to go in. As far as magic
Patrick continues, “Before I knew it, there the final product doesn’t come without its goes, the way I see it, I have four options:
was a hype surrounding the video and by tribulations. “I don’t think people tend to Performing, TV magic, lecturing or
the time the next Valentine’s Day came realise quite how much goes into producing consulting but then I have to figure where
around, I had people messaging and asking each video. As well as all of the filming, design can fit into that. I suppose that
me what I was going to do for the next one! I there’s the editing, scripting and audio ideally, a job that combines everything
didn’t have a girlfriend the second time mixing as well as the things that you would be great but at the moment, I think I’ll
around but everyone who asked motivated wouldn’t necessarily consider, like finding a see which door opens first. Having said that,
me to do another and now I’m on the third!” controlled environment where you can I am considering going back to ‘grad’ school
But why choose Valentine’s Day? “The day shoot. Then, for this year’s video, I added to get a masters degree in design and
itself I more stumbled across but my goal motion graphics for the interactive side perhaps filming as well.”
was to get away from the magic for which was also really time consuming.”
magicians that YouTube seems to be filled Patrick hastens to add that producing a good Patrick forgot to mention that he is also
with. I actually didn’t target the video at looking video doesn’t always require so suspiciously good at the ‘Gangnam Style’
magicians. Instead, I wanted it to be much effort and often, a correctly placed dance so with that in the mix, who knows
something that laypeople would find camera and a well lit environment can be all what exciting things the future has in store
entertaining. Also, it was a challenge to write you need. This effort seems like a lot for for him!
a story for the video without making it too something that is intended for a world in
cheesy or cliché. Every video I do, I try to tell which people can choose to watch anything www.patrickkun.com
a story and be more creative. For example, they want but Patrick has a genuine passion
with the second video, I wanted it to be an for putting out high quality content for Scan the QR Code to watch Patrick’s latest
encouragement to those who have a long magicians and laymen alike and this has led ‘Valentine’s Magic’ video.
distance relationship. The magic actually to some well deserved opportunities.
acts more as the undertone. The story is the
main part. I always try to Probably the most notable came in 2012
use a story to do something new.” when Patrick was recruited to work for
David Copperfield where he was able to
This year’s ‘something new’ was to make a combine his passions of magic and design.
video where the viewer decides the Testament to his talent can be seen in front

12 MSM Issue 53
 LIVE REVIEW

LIVE AT MANCHESTER O2 APOLLO,

OCTOBER 4TH 2013
pproximately 2500 people Andrew Basso The Escapologist performed straps around her ankles and neck (both

A attended the Illusionists show

in Manchester - a great turn
out for the first of two nights in the
the Houdini Water Tank Escape, with the
drama you would expect from a show such
as this. Top marks to the musical director for
held by audience members), and she was
duly sliced in half - but the spectators still
held the leather straps. In a second, the
northern city. a brilliant score throughout which added a coffin lid was removed and she was back in
huge dose ot tension. one sexy piece, with the straps still intact.
Philip Escoffey began proceedings with an This was SUPERB!
on-screen routine with humour, predicting Philip Escoffey returned after his opening stint,
certain things about the audience, and then to perform a chair routine with a kicker ending Kevin James was and IS the star we all know. He
performed an on-screen card effect with a appreciated by an enthralled audience. performed his classic Charlie Chaplin In A Box
twist of an ending. Throughout, the show routine and followed this later with his amazing
was brilliantly accompanied by a band Weird close-up magic was the order of the cutting-a-person-in-half routine as seen on
strategically placed at each side of the stage day from the gothic magician Dan Sperry America's Got Talent, which drew gasps from
on scaffolding rigs. In no particular order who performed his original polo-mint from the audience. He lived up to expectations, and
here's a brief breakdown of who did what! neck routine. He also performed more shock also performed a couple of close-up effects
Jeff Hobson stepped right out of the 1950's magic, and a dove routine which climaxed shown on an accompanying big screen. He
(fashion-wise) and performed a couple of with a 'dove from a balloon!' His cool style finished the show with his 'Snowstorm in China'
routines - a card to mouth effect, and his struck a chord with the young magicians routine - a great visual ending to the show.
egg-bag routine. The audience warmed to sitting near me!
him after not knowing what to make of him All told, this was an excellent show, and the
for the first minute or two. His Mark Kalin & Jinger Leigh were the surprise general public loved it. I must say it was great
professionalism was superb, and he's of the evening for me, performing a couple to see a variety show again, and we hear that
obviously performed those routines a few of great illusions - my favourite being where one of the major TV networks are filming it
times! Jinger was placed into a 'coffin' with leather for a TV special. And about time! GH

MSM Issue 53 13
 “Magic audiences
don’t like magic
performed in a
standard way, there is
an element of, how
dare you think I don’t
know how that is
done, I know more
than you mate.”

STEVE EVANS
ON THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE
Tim Shoesmith goes to meet him...

teve Evans has recently been “When Lawrence Olivia walked on stage he would
S awarded AIMC by The Magic
Circle. He is a magician with
thirty years experience and a much
have the crew turn the lights up a notch to make
everything look brighter, Steve does this without
loved MC at the British Ring
Conventions. He a past winner of
the technology.”
the Close Up and Stage Competitions
at both the British Magical Society stomach. In September 2011 he was given a So it was with great pleasure that I arrived at
and Wolverhampton Circle of year to live. Now he seems to spend most of his house in Wolverhampton. Septina his
Magicians. his time being interviewed by the media wife answered the door and I walked into
about his condition, the politics surrounding the quiet calm of Steve’s study. The
Steve and I became good friends in 2005. I treatment and the importance of friends, and tranquillity was quickly broken as Steve
had just won the IBM Close Up Competition he has a lot of those. entered the room. He is a tall man, with
but was still struggling to find an accessible huge smile, looking far too fit for someone
on stage persona. I was looking for a friend He is my kind of magician being much more who has recently undergone such
and mentor to help me develop and Steve interested in presentation than method, aggressive chemotherapy. When Lawrence
was perfect. although both feature highly on his radar. Olivia walked on stage he would have the
My discussions with him about audience crew turn the lights up a notch to make
Steve is what is now termed as “life limited” contact and comedy have played a major everything look brighter, Steve does this
due to a non-operable tumour in his part in my own development. without the technology.

14 MSM Issue 53
 STEVE EVANS
“Morning Mate, welcome to our humble
home,” he booms in his trademark,
Wolverhampton accent. I was then
immediately invited to his prized
Summerhouse located half way down the
back garden, just far enough from the house
to be out of ear shot so Sep can have a rest!
It is a warm and inviting space. In the far
corner there is a large poster publicising a
John Bishop tour, personally signed and
messaged to Steve, something that is
completely unique, which would strangely
feature in our discussions.

Steve was an Events Manager for the

Council and has managed many of the
country’s biggest stars. Even now he is
occasionally called out of retirement when
his experience and expertise are needed. Steve backstage at the IBM convention in Buxton.

“Look at that signed poster Tim,” Steve says

as he points at the John Bishop poster, “...you can perform a trick as per the instructions,
“Would you rather have that, unique and
valued or a blank poster of which there are or you can invest time and energy and make it
another twenty in the cupboard.”
your trick, your routine, so you have something
“Obviously the signed poster,” I replied. different to what everyone else has.”
“Magicians can be like that.”
I love that analogy. For me many magicians Although Steve believes he has taken a
“What do you mean?” seem to feel it is their duty to include the modicum of natural talent and, “stretched it
patter from yesteryear when performing the like a banjo string,” he has risen through the
“Well you can perform a trick as per the Invisible Deck, for example. I understand (at ranks at the IBM and by the time he found
instructions, or you can invest time and one level) there is no harm in that, the out about his condition his stage presence
energy and make it your trick, your routine, problem comes when the magician doesn’t was capable of taming the British Ring IBM
so you have something different to what feel there is any need to go further, to grow, to audience.
everyone else has. The blank poster is evolve. Effectively to get their poster signed.
common, there are lots of them, but the “Magic audiences don’t like magic
valued signed poster is more sought after, Although Steve has had what might be performed in a standard way, there is an
more valued. If someone has never seen a described as a proper job all his adult life, his element of, how dare you think I don’t know
poster before, they will think the blank experience as a comedian dates back over how that is done, I know more than you
poster is amazing but as soon as a signed twenty years. He first appeared at the mate.”
poster comes along they will see the Comedy Store in 1989, playing his alter ego
difference. Good magicians stand out from Norman, alongside such performers as Frank Having made the mistake of performing the
the crowd, just like a personalised poster. Skinner, Eddie Izzard and Lee Evans whilst bowling ball production at one competition I
You just have to decide what you want to be. travelling the country doing free try out know exactly what he means. You have to
But it’s ok being a blank poster, all posters spots with Stewart Lee. include the audience in the magic and the
start that way. You see you can’t be a signed joke. If they feel they are passively watching
poster without being a blank poster first. A couple of years later he added the magic magic that they often do themselves, then
and has considered himself a comedy you won’t get a reaction.
“We all have our own journeys in magic, we magician ever since. “I’m a performer who
start off like the rest and then (hopefully) does magic!” is the way he puts it. We both Steve and I both agree that magic is a crutch
have the opportunity to grow. You see believe that comedy first and magic second in the comedy world. The old joke, “If you’re
without blank posters there wouldn’t be is a good way to go and it seems to have not laughing it must be a trick!” helps in the
anything to sign in the first place!” worked for Steve. stressful world of laughter making. Even

MSM Issue 53 15
 STEVE EVANS
other type of performer is that they can play When I suggested that maybe, in some
anywhere to anyone. You can overcome a deterministic way, his performing career was
language barrier and cultural differences. leading toward this period of time when he
You can perform for any age group or all ages could so eloquently talk about his
at the same time. You can overcome staging circumstances to professionals and
problems, perform in a living room or a laypeople alike, Steve brushes it aside. “You
thousand seat theatre. Of all the art forms deal with what’s thrown at you with the tools
magic is the most adaptable and versatile. you have at your disposal. What I do in life is
all about me personally, that’s what I use to
I glance down at the time, “Don’t look at deal with my cancer. As a performer, talking
your watch son! I’m in full flow!” bellows to people is what I do, so it seemed perfectly
Steve. I realise that we are both wearing the natural to me that, once in this condition, I
Casio 220W. Originally the only watch with a would be talking about it. That people want
vibrating alarm. Used by stand up comics to to listen, is something very special indeed.”
secretly tell them when their time is done.
Comedians religiously work to time, I respectfully suggested that talking publicly
something magicians should take note of. about his illness was perhaps now his calling
There is not much time left so I address what so to speak but he was having none of it.
comedians call the, “Elephant in the room.” “No it’s just something I can do but I do
This refers to something everyone is aware believe I have this awful condition for a
of but hasn’t been mentioned. I ask him how reason and if giving the condition a public
he thinks his illness has affected his voice is it, then so be it. Because anything I
performing career, apart from shortening it, can do that even in a tiny way can help
which he quickly points out. others is ok by me.”

Steve has faced the reality of his position Now that I’m typing this up Buxton has come
face on. There has been no denial or and gone. I drove up for the Thursday to see
sentimentality, at least not publically. This is Steve MC the Stage competition. I am sad to
not a question which offends or creates say I didn’t see his performance but I heard
tension in anyway. He has been an from many reputable sources that it was
inspiration to many and continues to be as spectacular. I spent the entire evening back
videos of his talks get daily hits on YouTube. stage with Steve making sure he was
“Well,” he says as he gears up for a punch comfortable. A true professional, tired and
line, “Dave Taylor, my very close friend put it drained in the dressing room but vital and
perfectly when he said, ‘No offence mate, quick witted on stage. He had quite a team;
but since you were diagnosed, you’ve never Richard Pinner was there for support and
been funnier.’” Mandy Fletcher for makeup.
when Steve is working as an MC he will take
an Invisible Deck on with him only to find To some this may seem a harsh or Steve was as happy as I have ever seen him.
out he doesn’t use it. “Just knowing it’s there inappropriate joke but both Steve and I see At Great Yarmouth, the year before, he
is enough.” the funny side immediately and the irony promised to see everyone next year in
which it brings. I too believe that Steve has Buxton. Something in his voice told us he
He doesn’t see this as a weakness he just got funnier. Whether this is due to increased didn’t really believe it would happen and yet
believes he is a comedy magician not a stage time over the last two years (now he there we were.
comedian. When I asked him why not, he no longer has a proper job) or a change in
admits that he simply sees it as laziness on his philosophy due to his illness, I don’t know. After the convention Steve dipped and
part. Writing comedy is hard and time The IBM at Buxton is now only a few days found himself critically ill in hospital, his
consuming. He points out that Frank Skinner away and I can’t wait to see what fresh messages were not optimistic. However, he
(a good friend), believes if you can write one comedy Steve brings to the stage. “Make it grew stronger again and has been allowed
joke you can write a set. We both believe about the audience,” he always says (a home. In fact he goes fishing tomorrow.
that is true, it is just a question of volume and philosophy given to him by his long time While in hospital I received this text, “The
that takes time and a lot of effort. mentors Max Blake, Mike Gancia and Noel memory that will always be with me is of the
Britten) and from what I’ve seen it’s true – 4 of us in the dressing room during the acts.
However we both agree that the great when Steve is on stage everyone feels I think Mandy witnessed a master class in
advantage that the magician has over any included. friendship if you can have such a thing.”

16 MSM Issue 53
NEWS A quick look at the weird and
wonderful world of magic!

INSURANCE WOES!
Cosentino’s latest special, The Magic, The Mystery, The Madness ,
recently aired in Australia on Channel Seven. In an interview with
Australia’s The Telegraph he reveals “The insurance is killing me. It’s
ridiculous.” His skyrocketing insurance rates, he insists, are the result
of doing truly dangerous stunts and effects.

When not performing magic with crossbows and bear traps,

Cosentino is also competing on the current season of Australia’s
Dancing With The Stars.

BLACKPOOL
2014 LINE-UP
Blackpool 2014 looks set to be a sell out, and here's a list of
performers who'll be doing their stuff. Also booked to appear are
the winners of this year’s Britain's Got Talent, 'ATTRACTION' -
the Hungarian Shadow Theatre.
JEFF McBRIDE - Star magician from Las Vegas who will also be
conducting a WORKSHOP (additional fee required, and full
details TBA) in the Blackpool Magicians Theatre
Club on Thursday 20th February, 2014.
CLIVE WEBB AND DANNY ADAMS - the
hilarious visual comedy act
PETER MORETTI - presenting his father's acts
with the Cardboard Sword Box and the Crossbow
MEL MELLERS - making a return visit after his HOUDINI NEWS!
sensational comedy debut in the 2013 Gala Show As we approach the anniversary
JAY SANKEY - He returns to Blackpool every 3 years with new of Houdini’s death on
material which everyone enjoys. Halloween of 1926 as well as
ALDO COLOMBINI - will compere and present Close Up and the release of the new Houdini
Lecture. mini-series and musical, expect
WAYNE DOBSON - will host his very popular ‘Wayne Dobson to see a boom in Houdini
and Friends’ show. related material. The Mirror
PAUL MEGRAM - will present his Children's Magic lecture. recently published an account
There will be an AUCTION in the Pavillion Theatre commencing of their famous 1904 challenge
at 1:00pm to the Handcuff King, which
3 GALA SHOWS includes a reprint of the original
THE FOUR F's COME TO BLACKPOOL - Obie O'Brien has full page account. The non-
for many years produced the famous close up convention called standard cuffs used by The
"Fetchter's Finger Flicking Frolic", (known affectionally as the Four Mirror presented Houdini with a difficult and dramatic escape, but
F's). Obie has kindly agreed to help organise many world class escape he did. You can read a different account, as well as familiarise
close up performers who have starred at his convention. Expect yourself with Houdini’s life story before the upcoming play and movie,
big names galore! Sounds great!!! in William Kalush’s biography The Secret Life of Houdini: The Making
of America’s First Superhero.

MSM Issue 53 17
 BEING SOCIABLE
THE ARGUMENT FOR WHY YOU SHOULD USE SOCIAL
MEDIA AS PART OF YOUR SELF-PROMOTION
by Scott Watson

Have you ever come out with something Social media is worthless and a waste of your right audience – the people who want to
like this, or known someone who has? time. Of course when I say this, I'm assuming book you.
you have no interest in building a rapport
1. I don't need a computer, I'm quite happy and trust based relationship with your Now before we delve deeper into this, first
with pen and paper. clients, while lifting your business out of the allow me to dispel one myth. Despite all the
2. Why would I need email? I can call them local market and into the national or even constant online hype trying to convince you
on the phone. worldwide market. otherwise, social media marketing will not,
3. Who needs a website, I'm in the and is unlikely to ever, replace traditional
Yellow Pages. Unlike traditional marketing, which is for the marketing efforts. Although the majority of
most part a numbers game i.e. get your my overall marketing is now online through
Today I hear the same about social media message in front of as many eyes as possible social media and email, I still pick up the
and social media marketing. It's “worthless”; and you can expect a certain percentage of phone, hand out business cards and get
“a waste of time”; “just a phase”... well you leads - social media marketing is all about face-to-face with potential clients, just like I
know what? They're right! getting in front of and connecting with the always have in the past.

20 MSM Issue 53
 SOCIAL MEDIA
Networking has always been the key
concept in growing any business whether
you are a magician, a photographer, a
builder or a butcher. Social media has simply
increased the reach of our networking
capability. It has turned the way in which we
reach potential customers on its head,
putting a wide range of low-cost and no-cost
marketing solutions at the fingertips of
everyone with a smartphone, tablet or
computer; and adding a more targeted and
personal touch to our marketing efforts.

What is Social Media

Marketing?
First and foremost social media marketing is a
way of driving traffic to your website where
you can convert them into new leads and
ultimately paid gigs. This is a rather simplistic
view, however pay particular attention to the
wording... “social media marketing is a way
of driving traffic to your website”. “...social media marketing is a way
All too often I hear of people who are of driving traffic to your website”.
substituting their websites for a Facebook
page or a profile on Google+. Sure you will
get a lead here and there, but in the long run people find you, know who you are, what is to figure out where exactly your target
you will not convert visitors into leads using you do and book you as the magician for audience are hanging out.
this approach, because the networks a) their next event.
frown upon selling directly through their As magicians we aren't big businesses with the
sites and b) they simply aren't built for it. Social media is like a 24-7 worldwide party. If resources to put 100% into every social media
Your website is your office, the hub of your you go to a party and stand in the corner platform available to us – there are literally
online activity. It's where you do business without talking to anyone, nobody will talk thousands of them out there. Instead we need
and the one place you have 100% control. to you. You won't swap any cards, you won't to focus on a couple of sites that best suit our
All of your social media should be directing make any connections, and you won't be style, our needs and our target audience.
potential leads to your website. So the first marketing yourself. You have to jump in, talk
thing to do is make sure you have a website, to people and spark those conversations that For example, if you are a children's
then as a very minimum ensure each of your lead to potential new clients and build entertainer whose primary business comes
social media profiles has a link to it. relationships with these people. That's how from birthday parties, then the mums
social networking works. Engage; start chatting with their peers on local Facebook
Social media is best summed up as the conversations; generate leads. groups or pinning party ideas to their boards
democratisation of information. There are on Pinterest are going to be key to your
conversations between ordinary individuals Where do you start? business. However if you are a mentalist
like you and I happening online every Marketing yourself through social media working with a more corporate client then
minute of every hour of every day – involves so much more than just creating a perhaps focusing on the businessman
whether you are part of them or not. Facebook page and asking your friends and tweeting between meetings or using
But the real question is, how many of customers to "like" it. Firstly, how do you LinkedIn to connect with his own clients and
these conversations are about you as a know your clients even use Facebook? Okay associates will be a better use of your time.
magician? so it's a long shot to assume that none of
your potential clients use the biggest social Start by brainstorming your ideal client.
Social media marketing is about finding the network in the world, however there are What age is he? How is he accessing the
existing conversations about your business thousands of networks, forums, blogs, and internet? When is he online? Does he access
and converting them into first-time and other community-driven sites other than the internet via a desktop computer at home
repeat clients and it is about creating the Facebook that may be a better way of or is he using a smart phone on the go? Is he
conversations if there aren't any so that connecting with your clients. Your first task a regular on the forums, or does he prefer

MSM Issue 53 21
 SOCIAL MEDIA
spending hours blog hopping? Is he on Making Good Use of Your Time If you feel you do not have the time or desire
Facebook? Twitter? Google+? YouTube? Do what you enjoy and what you are good at to do all of your social media marketing, then
LinkedIn? Pinterest? – good advice in any walk of life. If you feel consider outsourcing it. Life's too short to
you have time to dedicate to social media spend time doing something you don't
Chances are you don't know the answers to marketing, that you are able to communicate enjoy. There are lots of IT and marketing
all these questions, but a quick search on well with your clients and enjoy it, then go students who would love the opportunity to
any of these networks will help you figure it for it. However social media can be gain experience in this field, and it won't cost
out – try searching for previous clients and overwhelming and if not managed properly, you an arm and a leg either. Alternatively
build up a picture of what networks they are it can be a major 'time suck'. Set aside some there are numerous companies online that
using for your own reference. Most time each day, and avoid checking it every offer professional social media management
importantly however, remember that YOU five minutes – I know how great it feels to packages from which you will also benefit
are not your client. Just because you don't get likes, shares, new followers and from the experience and knowledge of the
hang out on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest comments; but I also know how much time individual looking after your accounts. My
doesn't mean you can't reach your clients can be wasted waiting for them. own business 'theonlinemagician.com' does
there. Your clients use the internet just that.
differently to you, and in order to reach Have an idea of how often you are going to
them, you need to go to where they are. post and set a schedule. I usually check my It is important to remember however, that if
social media three times a day: morning, you do have someone else managing your
Understanding your target audience will lunch and early evening before I finish for social media, you will need to thoroughly
allow you to tailor your content to them and the day. This allows me to maintain my sanity brief them regarding the tone, personality
to post at times that will increase the and ensure I have time to actually do some and brand you wish to portray for your
likelihood of your content being seen. It will proper work. business and, even more importantly, stay in
help you to develop an informed online touch with them regularly.
marketing strategy. You don't need to Third party tools such as Buffer
write another War And Peace, but (www.bufferapp.com) are My Social Media Marketing Tips
making some notes while answering the fantastic as they allow you to
questions above will force you to think schedule posts in an easy to 1. Build relationships: The vast
a little more about the content you are manage queue for Twitter, majority of social media users don't log
creating, where you are posting it Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+ onto Facebook, Twitter or YouTube to be
and who is reading it. and others. At the beginning bombarded with in-your-face
of the week you can spend an advertising. They have had that for
hour writing all your posts for that years through TV, radio and magazines
week and they will be posted etc... Instead build trusting and loyal
automatically at times set by yourself. relationships with your fans and
It's also free. followers. Be friendly, share great useful
content, help people – then throw the
odd promotional post in every so often.
People like individuals and companies
that they can trust and as most of your
competitors aren't doing this, you will
stand out.

2. Rule of thirds: This is a great

technique for balancing your social
media content and it works especially
well on Twitter. Share your own stuff a
third of the time, on-topic content from
other sources a third of the time, and
interact with your customers and help
them out on a one-to-one basis, a third
of the time.

3. Don't disappear: A social media

profile that appears abandoned is the

22 MSM Issue 53
 IT’S THE CELEBRITY BIT

JEAN DUJARDIN
Remember the Oscar wining 2011 movie
The Artist? You know, it’s where a silent
movie star meets a young dancer, but
the arrival of talking pictures sends their
careers in opposite directions. Well its
brilliant Star Jean Dujardin likes a bit of
magic, so our man in Franceland asked
the dashing fellow a few questions….

“Success with social media marketing MS: Hello Jean!

JD: Hello to Magicseen? Magicseen, right?
doesn't happen overnight.” MS: That’s right Jean, don’t pretend you
haven’t heard of it!
JD: Oh, OK. So you are from the very famous
online equivalent of a shop turning the magician than it is to have 10,000 who Magicseen?
lights off and closing the doors. People couldn't care less about what you post. MS: Correct! Now, can we crack on, we
will assume that you are closed or no haven’t got all day! What’s your favourite sort
longer in business. Even if you are 6. Test and adjust: You won't get this of magic?
extremely busy, make time to update right first time. Don't be afraid to test the JD: I am a fan of close-up magic, where real
your social media posts regularly and be waters with new ideas, tweak your skill is involved. I love the fact that someone is
consistent... even if it's just one post a strategy and repeat things that work for prepared to master something – which is
week, set a schedule and people will you and your audience. Keep notes on virtually undetectable.
start to look for your updates. what happens with certain post types MS: Any magicians you really like?
and regularly brainstorm what you can JD: I very much like Juan Tamariz. I have seen
4. Stay clean: Unless you want to cause a do to improve your ongoing marketing him on TV, but not in the flesh. He is a real
great deal of damage to your own online efforts. entertainer with character.
image and brand, never attack or slag MS: You could play Juan in a movie!
off your competitors on social media. As Finally... JD: Yes, we look similar! (laughs) Maybe his
the saying goes, “What happens in Success with social media marketing doesn't hairstyle would suit me!
Vegas stays in Vegas, but what happens happen overnight. Just as in 'real life', MS: What was your first memory of magic?
on Social Media is there for everyone to relationships take time to build and you will JD: I remember seeing Las Vegas magic
see... FOREVER”. Instead use social need to stick at it in order to see the results. I specials on TV, which they don’t seem to do
media to see what your competitors are know of far too many instances of any more. I loved those. On a bigger scale, I
up to, then communicate and market individuals jumping with both feet first into love the theatre and drama of things like David
yourself better than them. the fast flowing rapids that is social media Copperfield walking though the Great Wall of
only to give up within a month because they China. Very exciting!
5. The world doesn't revolve around do not have 300,000 Facebook fans and MS: We loved you in The Artist. It must have
'Likes': One of the most over hyped enough paid gigs to last them a decade. So been difficult having all that black and white
metrics to how successful you are on please be patient. make up on every day…
social media is 'Likes' or the number of JD: It was actually filmed in Black & White –
followers you have. In the grand scheme we were all in normal colour! (laughs)
this really isn't as important as many of For more free social media MS: Jean, thank you very much for talking to us!
the so called gurus online would have marketing, personal branding JD: Magicseen, you are very welcome! (laughs)
you believe. It's far better to have 100 and website advice for See The Artist, or catch him in the
genuinely engaged followers who share, magicians, visit my blog at terrific spoof-spy movie OSS 117:
comment and promote you as a theonlinemagician.com. Cairo, Nest of Spies on DVD now!

MSM Issue 53 23
 SMOKE & MIRRORS BRISTOL
LIVE REVIEWS
SEPTEMBER 6TH 2013 Fritz Alkemade
Tim Stracey and Fritz Alkemade
The transformation of an old pub in the
centre of town has given Bristol its second
magic themed venue and is now also the
UK’s only dedicated Magic Theatre Pub.
The autumn programme began with Bristol
magician Tim Stracey, who is quickly finding
his feet and forging a career as a magician in
the mentalism field. Some of his original
routines had a striking effect on the audience
and they soon warmed to his relaxed style.
Tim Stracey
Dutchman Fritz Alkemade is probably better Wayne Fox
known for his close-up work than as a stand
up performer, and he is clearly still finding his 29TH SEPTEMBER 2013
feet with a stage act. The act started Martin Cox and Geoff Williams
confidently enough, but some of the routines Mark Bennett warmed up and welcomed
were confusing and the Professor’s Martin Cox. My neighbour muttered
Nightmare to music, although nice was rather “blimey he nearly fills the stage” – large in
out of character. Despite everything he kept body and personality, emphasised with
the audience with him and maintained a high glittery show biz suit and slightly ex convict
energy right to the end. PP appearance. The hint of menace increased
when he whipped out a huge knife for a
20TH SEPTEMBER 2013 really well executed splash bottle production
Wayne Fox and Diamond Jim Tyler – to strong reaction from the largely lay
The second show of September featured audience. Half an hour of fun ensued with a
compere and support act duties from Wayne cod prediction of any (balloon) animal, and a
Fox in his own inimitable style, and touring couple of strong card effects aided by the
American Diamond Jim Tyler. deployment of two toilet plungers as
thought extractors. A well received first half
Wayne knows no fear and with a script of and a chance to replenish drinks.
non-stop gags and one-liners there is no-one
better to warm up an audience. Starting with Geoff Williams from the US is a man who
the audience crossed hands test, repeat card has written scripts for David Letterman, and
to pocket and wallet, £20 note to dollar bill many of his lines had me squirming with
and ring and rope routine, there was plenty delight. After a rather subtle six card repeat
of magic and laughter. opener he restored some random paper Diamond Jim Tyler
clippings back to a full newspaper –
Diamond Jim Tyler was also funny with one- accompanied by an engaging self delusional
liners, but had a more restrained style with a rant about some enthusiastic full page
soft southern Texas accent. Opening with a coverage in Time magazine. At this point he
splash bottle production, unequal three to began to click with the audience and from
one ropes, coins in glass, phone in balloon then on was on a hugely entertaining 50
and the moving pip card, he showed a minute romp via Rubik's cube solved in the
variety of smaller close-up magic with plenty mouth, C+R Rope exposed to everybody
of gags along the way. Ending with a funny except the spectator on stage, Stephen
story deck routine with jumbo cards the act Bargatze's “I hate kids” done for adults to big
seemed a little short but nonetheless full of reaction, Torn Wallpaper gag and finishing
quality magic and brought this second magic with signed card shot with dart gun. A great
night of the autumn season to a close. PP performance to close a great evening. CP Geoff Williams

26 MSM Issue 53
 MERLINS OF
WAKEFIELD
Mark and Phil from Merlins of
Wakefield are pleased to be the
HERE ARE SOME official sponsors of Magicseen.
SPECIAL 'EXTRA' Merlins have advertised with
ANNOUNCEMENTS Magicseen from the very
FROM A FEW OF beginning and written feature
OUR REGULAR articles for publication as well as
ADVERTISERS... retailing copies of the magazine
in their magic store. Mark says
that they will be making special
offers available exclusively for
DEAN METCALFE the anguish to better herself to become the Magicseen readers (see page 19
This new book by Dean Metcalfe entitled 'sexy' assistant. It's revealing stuff.
of this issue for the first one).
Frankly Disillusioned has everyone describing
it as 'a must-read'. It's a unique insight into the Magicseen describes the book as a wonderful
world of Dean and Claudine's lives, and it's an roller-coaster ride, always readable, Merlins latest preview is out
acutely honest and funny book. sometimes funny, often amazing and regularly
now and is free for the asking,
surprising. If you like behind the scenes, real-
It tells the story of his passion for magic as a life stories then this book is a real treat, it's simply call in, email
small boy, of trips into London to buy tricks, actually quite hard to put it down. [email protected] or
and the hours spent perfecting his sleight of
phone 01924 339933.
hand with the help of a charismatic and You now have a chance of winning a
mysterious Dutchman. copy of Frankly Disillusioned as 5
copies are being given away free to Phil has given us a heads up on
Dean was a prize winning manipulator and the first opened correct entries to the
some real collectors’ pieces
had a great act that he was constantly competition below to be sent to
improving, but it was only in later years when [email protected]. coming in shortly, they are from
he met Claudine in Jersey while performing a Closing date is 30th November 13. Magic Wagon and will be in
summer season, that their shows took off.
VERY limited numbers, details
When performing a show for soldiers in the 1) Name the current FISM world champion
Falklands Dean said, “I quickly learned not to 2) Who was the founder of International are on their website
try to perform any magic when Claudine was Magic Studio in London? www.merlinswakefield.co.uk
on stage, as all eyes were on her, not me! 3) Which famous Dutch Illusionist performed
and are strictly first come first
She'd bloody stolen the show!” at the Peacock Theatre in London in 2012?
4) Dean Metcalfe has won various awards for served. Also, they will soon be
Genii Magic Magazine recently described what style of Magic has he done so – getting in stock the very latest
Claudine as undoubtedly the most glamorous Illusion, Close-up, Manipulation or
releases from Tenyo for 2014.
magician's assistant ever to set foot on a UK Comedy?
stage. Dean often handed the book to 5) Which famous performer is on the cover
Claudine, and she gives her own account of of issue 52 (Sept.13)? Merlins of Wakefield,
www.merlinswakefield.com

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE INCLUDED ON THE SHOUT

OUTS PAGE IN A FUTURE ISSUE PLEASE CONTACT
[email protected] FOR MORE DETAILS

MSM Issue 53 27
 AGENTS AND THE
‘BUSINESS OF
SHOW-BUSINESS’
PART 2
Jay Fortune talks to Tobias Beckwith, who something that is done more often there,
has been manager to Jeff McBride and Marco and with some success.
Tempest for over twenty years. He is the
author of “Beyond Deception,” a series on Jay: What are your top 3 secrets to being a
successful agent?
the business of magic for MAGIC magazine,
and an upcoming book for the general Tobias: My top principles are:
public, “Wizards’ Ways.”
Tobias Beckwith
1. Build and maintain contacts. The more
people there are out there who know
who you are and have good feelings
about you and your clients, the more
good you’ll be able to do for your clients.
2. Help your client be clear about their
purposes, which will filter out into all of
their performance and marketing
decisions.
3. Learn to communicate clearly and in a
professional manner. This has to do with
everything from the way you answer the
phone, e-mail, contracts…everything.

Jay: How do you like to receive material for

possible representation from magicians?

Tobias: I don’t. [Jay laughs] I have no

interest at this point in my life in expanding
my business as a manager.
Jay: More and more magicians seem to be Jay: What are the key differences between
doing close-up. Do you think there's a the US and UK magic markets? But I don’t want to duck the question quite
market for managing close-up magicians? so easily, so I’ll speak as though I were an
Tobias: Again, it’s tough for me to say, agent: I’d want to see good, fast moving
Tobias: There certainly could be. I think since my guys don’t work in the UK that video clips. Something professionally shot
David Blaine started as basically a close-up much – and at the level they do work, it’s and edited, with lots of enthusiastic
magician, and I’m quite sure his manager is pretty similar. A giant corporate launch or audience shots included. I would NOT want
happy with the decision to work with him. meeting tends to be pretty much the same to see 100’s of badly shot videos on
Management is a funny thing, though. Some everywhere. From what I’ve seen, though, YouTube. But, in addition to the
magicians need management as someone to magic seems to be slightly more respected “commercial” or “demo” I mentioned above,
complete their teams. Others are actually there than it is here. There seems to be I WOULD like to see one or two “full pieces’
better off doing it themselves. It’s the more interest in the mentalism side of magic, on video. Ultimately, if I were going to work
personality and ability of each magician to or at least there was until a few years ago. with the artiste over time, I’d want to see
earn – whatever level they work on – that Where it’s really tough to put out a theatrical some live performances, and hang out with
makes them eligible for management. tour for a magician in the US, it seems the artiste – arriving at a venue with them to

28 MSM Issue 53
 LIVE REVIEW

ALI COOK
LIVE
Selby Town Hall, Friday,
September 20th

A sell-out crowd greeted Ali Cook

see how they behave before and after their work to continually expand their reach, to in Selby, and the show opened
shows, and so on. open up new markets, to develop with his 1970's cruise ship
relationships that will pay off again and again magician performing a few classic
For me, a management arrangement is a bit for their clients – those agents add real value effects complete with a big dose
like a marriage, and the approach to one to the whole thing, and I think the internet of cheesyness!
should be similar. I’ve “gone out” with many actually helps them thrive. We work with
artistes who I still love and adore their work Concept Artists Management for Marco Ali 'himself' soon appeared and informed
– but for whom a long term management Tempest’s corporate work – and they’re that the audience that he would be
relationship would never have worked. kind of agency. And they just keep getting performing pretty much every type of
bigger and better. I think it’s the same in magic known to man - and he was right.
Jay: What characteristics make an act ideal Hollywood. The agent who just signs a lot of This was an extremely varied evening of
to manage? talent and waits for the calls to come in is magic, and it's credit to him that it all tied
adding nothing – just putting themselves in together well - even when moving from
Tobias: For me, it’s a good synergy of the middle and taking money away from comedy routines to 'serious effects'.
talents, and having a similar vision. If I don’t people who probably deserve it more than
enjoy spending time with my clients – I’d say they do. But the ones out their hustling, There were illusions, mentalism, close-
recreationally, but for all of us our recreation is those who love knowing who is doing what up magic (an excellent coin matrix), card
pretty much the same as our business – they at any given time, and thinking of new ways effects and more. What stood out
shouldn’t be my clients. The way I manage, for the clients they’ve signed to get more though was not necessarily the magic
it’s a full time occupation. I’ll often wake in work that’s right for them. The ones who content, but the relaxed and laid back
the middle of the night with a new idea for actually put whole projects together and style of the performer.
something to pursue with one of my clients, take them to the studios – they are adding
and I know it’s the same for both of them. If great value to the whole equation, and the I saw Ali several years ago, and his
we didn’t get along, didn’t share a common internet helps them be more effective. manner is now much more developed -
vision for the kind of art and businesses we thanks to lots of comedy club gigs - and
want to create together, it wouldn’t be such a Jay: Thanks Tobias. he's instantly likeable. Some of the most
happy situation for any of us. memorable moments proved to be his
add-libs, which is not to be negative
Jay: And finally Tobias, with the internet Jay Fortune ‘The Secret Agent’ about the magic.
and search engines, do you feel that the role © Jay Fortune 2013. The Secret
of the agent will be diminished in the future, Agent is also featured on I particularly enjoyed his shoe
given how easy it is to now connect direct McBrideMagic.TV Monday’s 7pm PST. vanish/production and his performance
with talent? www.facebook.com/mrjayfortune of a mentalism effect where he predicted
@mrjayfortune which drink a member of the audience
Tobias: Yes. Those agents who basically put www.jayfortune.co.uk/category/blog/ would taste after the unlabelled, hidden
up a web-site and wait for people to call and ‘The Secret Agent’ concept was choices were freely mixed up. A great
hire his clients – the agent as order taker – devised by Jay Fortune and Jeff routine! An excellent evening's
will, and should, go away. Agents who really McBride. entertainment! GH

MSM Issue 53 29
 MATTHEW
WRIGHT
ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE TRACKS
atthew Wright is one of the

M magic world's hottest

magicians, creating a
massive impact with his unique
brand of magic and comedy. In the
magicseen office, we constantly have
people telling us how brilliant this
likeable performer is, so we thought
it was high time we found out more
about him.

Graham Hey asks the questions.

Born and bred in Burnley, Lancashire,

Matthew's Mum and Dad split up when he
was young. “I had two lots of friends!” says
Matthew. “My sporty football friends and my
gangster badboy friends. I was hanging
around with some of the cooler badboys and
getting in trouble at weekends then playing
football and basketball through the week. A
lot of my weekend friends are dead from and be contacted by the guys doing the ‘real and moved to Majorca to busk around the
drugs or in jail. Magic saved me from that stuff!’ That happened for real when I met bars and hotels.”
world. Things could have been very Eugene Burger and Jeff McBride!”
different otherwise....” Matthew had been working in a partnership
Matthew read the book ‘Magic & Meaning’ with his Dad running a bar and restaurant,
Did you join a magic society as a youngster? when he was around 23 yrs old. He says, “It and admits that he left his Dad a little in the
“To be honest, I didn’t even know magic blew my mind. I decided it would be my life lurch when he left the bar, but says his Dad
clubs existed. And I always thought magic mission to meet Eugene Burger. I didn’t was very supportive. “I could never have
was real. Right up until I was around 14 or know who or where he was or even if he made the move without my Dad!”
15. I had been into magic since I was a very was alive. The internet had just started out
young kid and had Paul Daniels magic sets and I had heard of it through my brother, but Humour plays a big part in Matthew’s act,
from about 5 or 6 years old and then got never used it. I gave it a go and within a few and I ask him if he’s ever thought about
Mark Wilson's complete course for hours had had a direct reply from Eugene doing stand-up comedy? “I have never
Christmas when I was 8. I spent about 4 inviting me to join him and Jeff in Las Vegas. thought about stand-up,” he laughs, “It
years working through every single trick in I sold my car and was there the following would scare the life out of me. I don’t think I
the book, but I believed it was always an week. I then flew back to Europe and met up have any “jokes” in my act. Just funny
apprenticeship. I always thought that one with them on their European tour the moments. I never intended to be a comedy
day I would prove myself with the ‘tricks” following week. The next week I left my job magician. For me it was always about the

30 MSM Issue 53
MATTHEW WRIGHT

“I spent about 4
years working
through every
single trick in the
book, but I
believed it was
always an
apprenticeship.”

MSM Issue 53 31
 MATTHEW WRIGHT

“It was disappointing not to win but I knew from seeing

Yann Frisch’s act at FISM Europe that it was going to
be very difficult to beat him.”

32 MSM Issue 53
 MATTHEW WRIGHT
magic. I only got into comedy magic when I
joined the House of Illusion (Cabaret theatre
in Spain) 5 years ago. Matt Edwards, the
regular comedy magician, had left and they
needed someone to fill the spot. Matt was
an incredible performer and an absolute
legend at the House of Illusion. I had some
massive boots to fill so I just threw myself
into it totally!

“I still don’t really class myself as a comedy

magician though. I am magician first and
foremost. The comedy is just the vehicle that
I choose to deliver my magic. I think a lot of
‘comedy magicians’ rely on the comedy as a
kind of excuse for weaker magic. I think my
magic is as strong as most ‘straight
magicians’ out there. Luke Jermay describes
my magic as ‘just pulling faces’ but I think
there is more to it than that! I think I can still
create that moment of astonishment as well
as getting the laughs.” Matthew says his
favourite comedians include Peter Kay, Ricky “Luke Jermay describes my magic as ‘just pulling
Gervais and Lee Evans, but when it comes to
comedy magic, Matt Edwards is his top faces’ but I think there is more to it than that! I
choice. “I have worked hundreds of shows
with him and he still makes me laugh even
think I can still create that moment of astonishment
though I know exactly what he is going to as well as getting the laughs.”
say. His delivery and timing are incredible.
Tom Mullica was also a big influence on my
magic when I was starting out.” stage and knock people out with magic- I girlfriend would be too happy about me
was so pumped up backstage!” dedicating the same kind of time I had to for
You perform lots of stand-up magic - is this the Blackpool comp. I may enter in the
what you enjoy doing most? “Well, I would “It was disappointing not to win but I knew invention category...”
say I am a parlour magician. I still do close-up from seeing Yann Frisch’s act at FISM Europe
but don’t really find it as much of a thrill as I that it was going to be very difficult to beat At the beginning of the year, Matthew
once did. There is so much more planning him. Yann was a great influence. I really launched his brilliant effect ‘Nut Dropper’,
and choreography needed for routines worked hard after FISM Europe redesigning and I’m keen to know if he has anything else
when on stage and I love that challenge. and building an act that could beat what I in the pipeline? “I have quite a few projects
Having said that…almost every routine I do saw him deliver at FISM Europe. I believe I that are coming together. I did a degree in
on stage has started life as a close up did that. I just didn’t plan on Yann going Special Effects at university which gave me a
performance. I usually work new things in away from the Euros and spending the time really good grounding in manufacturing
on the bar at the House of Illusion. It’s a needed to improve his already incredible props and I have been working on a lot of
great way of bedding in new lines etc. act. The act he came back with was ideas. I didn’t want to release effects until
Planning and writing scripts is all well and phenomenal. I feel no shame coming second after I had the launch pad of FISM. Now
good but there is nothing like getting your to him!” So, any more plans to enter FISM people are starting to know who I am I have
material up in front of real people for again then? After a few moments thought, a platform and I have thirty years of ideas
developing an act.” he says, “Jeff McBride always says, “a goal is bubbling away. I want to make Marvellous-fx
dream with a deadline”. There is no bigger a force in magic but it is a long term project. I
It may be a while ago now, but I ask Matthew goal in magic than FISM but I will have to am happy performing at the minute and just
about his FISM experience. “FISM was a lot decide quickly if I am going to go for it. I bringing out a few items each year. I have an
of fun. I knew I was ready for the wouldn’t want to enter with anything weaker effect called Horizon coming out very soon
competition as I had worked hard on the act or less prepared than I was at Blackpool. I and a few very exciting projects that will
for 18 months. I wasn’t nervous at all. I was am thinking about FISM Italy…..but it is a hopefully be ready for Blackpool.”
like a boxer….I just wanted to get out on huge commitment and I’m not sure my

MSM Issue 53 33
 MATTHEW WRIGHT
Do you have any particular working methods position to give us your view on the current means use an edit to stop someone being
when thinking up new effects? “It varies from state of world magic? “Well, I’ve travelled able to rewind and pause footage to
effect to effect but I am a big believer in from Hong Kong, all the way through Asia discover secrets…but I think some people
‘effect’ being only one part of a three point and round Australia and New Zealand and have gone too far with it. I guess that is an
plan for magic. I think premise and method there are a lot of good things happening argument that has been running since magic
combined with effect are the main areas to over there. Obviously the Koreans are taking first appeared on TV though.
concentrate on. The nutdropper came from a manipulation to a whole new level. In the UK
desire to have an organic impossible location and I guess everywhere else too, I worry “I think there has been a real upturn in live
effect in my act. I just went out and bought about good magicians not getting the work magic shows over the past few years.
some lemons and walnuts and sat playing they deserve. There are a lot of mediocre Certainly in the UK. Magicians lost a lot of
around for a few weeks with different things. magicians who know how to build a great venues and cabaret clubs so have decided to
I think a lot of trial and error comes into it. I looking website and they get all the work. put on their own shows and they are doing
also use Google quite a lot. I will type in a Work that really good seasoned pros miss very well. There are some great
“keyword” and just surf looking for out on because their website isn’t top of monthly/weekly shows in London and I am
background and history. It isn’t magic related Google search engines. These people very proud of my good friend Mark Bennett
things I am looking at. Just anything that can charge the same prices as the good guys and for what he is doing for British magic by
spark off a thought about a new plot idea or do magic a dis-service. I’m not sure there is opening two magic venues in Bristol.”
something. I have a few close friends that I much can be done about it though.
bounce ideas off too.”
“Magic on TV is a bit of a worry too. There
Over the past year you’ve done practically a are an awful lot of edits and camera work
world tour - so you must be in a good done and I think this is a danger. By all

I don’t know of any other trade where you The biggest lesson you’ve learnt in
aren’t told what you are buying and then you magic is?
cannot return it if you don’t like it. It’s crazy. Jeff McBride has a saying that I adopted.
“The enemy if the best is the good”. My
Most underrated magician is? magic lives by that motto.
My favourite magician is Matt Edwards and
very few people have heard of him so I What are your plans for the next
would say Matt. I am glad the question twelve months? And ever thought
wasn’t most overrated magician…because I about doing cruise ships?
think quite a few big names would fall out I can’t do cruise ships. I get really sea sick.
with me. Lol When I first met my girlfriend I walked her
home one night and we stopped by a park
How do you feel 30 seconds before and sat on a swing to talk. I had to stop after
you go on stage? a minute because I felt sick.
I am on stage twice a night six nights a week.
I very rarely get nervous about it at all now. TV talent shows… what do you think
There are special occasions of course where of them?
nerves kick in but mostly I just get on with it. I don’t own a TV so rarely watch them.

QUICKIES: You do have to remind yourself sometimes

when you do as many shows as we do that
although it might be the 40th show of the
However, I do love The Voice and download
it in iPlayer. My girlfriend is a singer and we
argue about the contestants all the time. As
Most annoying thing about magic? month for you, for the person watching it is far as Britain’s Got Talent - I’m really pleased
I get annoyed with how much rubbish you the first time….so you have to keep for James Moore. He’s another House of
can buy. Everything looks great and comes motivated or you are not being fair on them. Illusion graduate made good and it couldn’t
with promises of making you the greatest Usually the crowd give you that lift happen to a nicer guy. I really enjoyed the
magician in the world. Rarely do these immediately the curtains open. But Fool Us series. I thought it was a great
promises come anywhere near the hype. sometimes when the crowd are quiet it can platform to showcase the best of British
I think magicians should take a stand. The be difficult and just put your head down and talent and was disappointed another series
“paying for the secret” argument can only go put on the best show that you can. wasn’t commissioned. I think we have a lot
so far. more to offer.

34 MSM Issue 53
MATTHEW WRIGHT

MSM Issue 53 35
 Craig and Joanne ‘s
Wizard Craft Magic

Th_ Trilogy
Th_ Book is out. Trilogy _n]omp[ss_s
t_n y_[rs of i^_[s, workshops, r_fin_-
m_nt, p_rform[n]_s [n^ l_]tur_s. Two
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WWW.WIZ@[email protected]
 “...AND ALL THE
WORLD’S A STAGE.”
PART 2 OF OUR EXPLORATION INTO
THE TECHNIQUES REQUIRED FOR
CREATING A STAGE ACT
BY MARK LEVERIDGE

L
ast time our expert Neil
Roberts, President of the
British Ring and long time
Stage Manager for the IBM
Gala Shows, provided a lot of salient
information about certain aspects of
what any aspiring stage magician
needs to consider when creating a
suitable act. He covered where a
stage act might work these days, gave
advice on act material, clothing and
music, plus offered opinion on act "You don’t need to know anything about
duration and what needs to be the technical side of lighting, all you need
included in a technical spec sheet for
stage crews. Now let's move on to get
to know is the effect you want to achieve;
more details on some further but don’t ask for the impossible.”
important aspects of the stage
magician's craft...
"In most of the places that we have to work follow-spot always use it. Front lighting makes
these days the facility for using complicated it difficult for you to see the audience, but
Anyone who finds themselves having to work lighting plots is very limited. At most venues makes it much easier for them to see you.
their act on a large stage will have to deal with you have a choice of “on” or “off” and not
the question of lighting as the act will almost much else. As a general rule try to have as "You don’t need to know anything about the
certainly be asked what their lighting much light as possible, even if it means technical side of lighting, all you need to
requirements are. So does this mean that you having all the audience lights on, as it helps know is the effect you want to achieve; but
need to understand yourself the technicalities visibility and if they can’t see what you are don’t ask for the impossible. One of the
of stage lighting? Neil feels it is usually doing you are wasting your time. For this easiest effects to arrange, and that can be
relatively simple. reason if you have the opportunity to use a worked in most venues, is a blackout either to

38 MSM Issue 53
 ...AND ALL THE WORLD IS A STAGE
start or finish. It can be very dramatic and is
an effect that I use a lot. In cabaret it can take
the place of stage tabs.

"If you are going to use threads there is no

need to use very dim light that is practically
non-existent, just avoid reflections and glare
from the thread. If the thread is always very
visible consider finding a better thread. A lot
of thread camouflage is down to the
background; a patterned backcloth can hide a
multitude of sins. I have seen an act that used
a mirror ball and disco type lighting for a
floating ball – it was impossible to see the
thread. Also I have seen a floating ball
presented in front of a silver slash curtain, but
then you couldn’t see the ball either!"

In the last article we discussed briefly the

advantages of using music, so if audio is “With a standard corded hand/stand microphone
required, what is the best format to
provide it in so that the sound crew can there is the disadvantage that you are either tied to
play it?
the stand or, if you move away...”
"CDs can be used, but you do need to be
aware that you may get problems getting a What about patter acts, or shows in which "A radio system gets around this and in theory
home-recorded CD to play on some high-end at least some of the time the performer a radio microphone (lapel type) would seem
players. I am a great fan of MiniDisc. These wishes to speak to the audience? to solve all the problems, as you can use both
have the advantage of being convenient and Presumably a microphone is essential? hands and you are not limited as to where
portable and a recognised standard. Music you can go on stage (or in the audience). But
can be edited “on disc”; tracks can be moved, "If you are going to talk then the audience can it can pick up noise from clothes as you go to
split, erased, recombined etc, etc. It is quite only respond if they can not only hear what your pocket etc, you can’t cue an assistant
easy to record tracks for several alternative you are saying, but also understand what you “off-mic”, you can get feedback and
acts and re-edit each time to give an are saying. If you don’t use amplification you interference and if anything does go wrong
individual order. It is also very easy to skip will not have sufficient impact and in many you can’t do much about it.
between tracks in both directions “live” places the audience will start talking and
during a show. ignore you. "Although I normally use a radio microphone
when I work patter, I always suggest arranging
"Nowadays acts are starting to use MP3 "The basic types of microphone are; and rehearsing the act so that you can work it
players for the act and it is possible to put the 1. A hand-held microphone, which you either using a standard hard-wired stand microphone,
music for an act on a USB key in MP3 format hold or put into a stand or neck-clip; using a neck clip at times if needed."
that can be played from most computers. 2. A head-set/lapel microphone. There are
Please use a standard player such as an iPod pros and cons of every type, and all can be If you are part of a big show, there is
that the operator is likely to be familiar with radio systems. usually some technical rehearsal time.
and that is easier to play from a dedicated What advice would you give for how to use
stage-music app. "With a standard corded hand/stand an available run through slot to the best
microphone there is the disadvantage that advantage?
"Try to have all the tracks on one CD or you are either tied to the stand or, if you move
MiniDisc with nothing else on the disc and away, you have only got the use of one hand "Technical rehearsals (sometimes still called a
always have a back-up copy and don’t forget as the other has to be used to hold the ‘band call’ which is a throw back to the days
to collect the disc before you leave. It is not microphone. A neck clip gives you more when you actually had a band) are just what
the stage crew’s job to find you. You will also freedom of movement and both hands free they say; a time to rehearse the technical side
need a cue-sheet that should be written or but still leaves you limited by the length of the of the act, check sound levels (music and
printed large and clear, as it will often have to lead. Also your head may be too far away or microphone), set lighting states, determine
be read at speed in poor light." in the wrong position to pick up properly. where props will go (and mark the positions

MSM Issue 53 39
 ...AND ALL THE WORLD IS A STAGE
on stage with coloured tape), check for You've given a wonderful amount of ridiculous played out on the stage in front
angles and run through cues. detailed advice in this article, but for the of you. Any amusing anecdotes you care
serious 'student' looking to delve further to share?
"It is not a rehearsal of the act, nor is it the into it all, can you recommend any books "Acts that work with livestock are always fun;
time to start arguing over the running order. on this subject? from the doves that fly away, the rabbit that
You don’t need to be in costume and you "There is a vast difference between fell off a table, to the pair of Shetland ponies
don’t necessarily need the props, but if any demonstrating a few magic tricks and that got a bit too frisky and gave away their
props are relevant to any of your cues, it is a performing an entertaining magical act. There hiding place well ahead of time resulting in
good idea to have them to show the crew so are endless books full of magic tricks but very the male being visibly ‘excited’ when he
they know what they are looking for." few on how to perform them. Most of the finally appeared.
classics books date back to the 1940s with
Taking into consideration everything that Edward Maurice’s Showmanship and "Then there was the performer who during
you have said so far, is there one single Presentation and the Fitzkee trilogy. Henning technical rehearsal was amazed that “the light
piece of general advice that you would Nelms’ Magic and Showmanship came out at just followed me”. I resisted telling her that
like to impart to our wannabe stage the end of the sixties and Tommy Wonder’s was why it is called a "follow spot".
performer? Books of Wonder (1996) cover some aspects
"In the past I have spent a lot of time, money of presenting. I wrote an expanded set of "And there are always the performers who
and effort putting acts together and then lecture notes (From Page to Stage) in the late turn up with half a dozen CDs stored loose in
because something seemed “not quite right”, 1980s that have provided some of my the toolbox and proceed to give their cues:
I have scrapped the lot. So I would now comments here and recently Tony Middleton “start with track 4 off this one, then track 6 off
always recommend working out as much as has released Performing Magic, which is the the blue one, track 1 off the first one, it’s a bit
possible on paper to start with, as it is cheaper only modern book on the subject that I am temperamental so if it doesn’t play try track
to cross out a few pages of notes than it is to aware of." 10, then track 8 off this one, but don’t play
have to get rid of a lot of unsuitable props. the introduction bit …..” and so it goes on!"
Finally, in your role as British Ring Stage
If I’d known this thirty years ago I would have Manager you must have seen everything
saved a lot of money." from the truly sublime to the utterly

THE 3 BIGGEST MISTAKES final impression left on the audience. A good

STAGE ACTS MAKE act can be spoilt by sloppy bows and a poor
act can be made to seem great.
1. Forgetting the audience
An extremely important part of any silent 2. Getting Thrown By The Blinding
act, that many tend to ignore when Lights
planning, is the audience. The only (polite) With bright stage lighting it is often difficult to
way an audience can react to an act is by see the audience – some performers don’t
laughter and applause. Very few performers like this and some get thrown as they don’t
rehearse the applause (you feel an idiot expect it. One thing I hate is performers who
reacting to silent applause but it must be ask for the house lights if they want to pick
done). In fact far too many acts do not know volunteers etc. Two reasons; from the
where the applause should come. If you performers point of view it often doesn’t help
don’t know – the audience won’t know – as the blinding effects of the stage lights are
and they won’t clap. still dominant, and from the audience's point
of view it breaks the theatrical effect. What I
Don't forget that with a manipulative routine try to do is have a couple of stage lights that
you will perform many, many magical effects cover the front few rows of the audience and
in the course of an act, so you need to know use these ad lib as ‘audience lights’. The standard cue is “when I do this – then
where the applause should come. It is no do that”. Be wary of cues like “when I
good waiting to see where they will clap; 3. Ambiguous Cues produce the last ball skip to track 3” if you
you have to he ready for it. Always try to give simple, clear, unambiguous, don’t say how many balls. If you say, “when I
non-magical cues. Don’t forget you are relying produce the eighth ball" that is not much
It is important not to forget the final bows on technicians who may know nothing about better – think what would happen if you
and the call – this should be rehearsed as magic and won’t have any idea what a miss the steal of one ball; the music would
much as the rest of the act since this is the “zombie” is, let alone the “twentieth century”. never stop!

40 MSM Issue 53
 MASTERCLASS
DROP CARD
(extracted from Mind Experiments)
CHRIS RAWLINS
(author of Roulette, an E-Book collection of great mental routines available from www.magicseen.co.uk)

card even though their eyes are “When you feel it, just stop near the person’s hand. Spread
closed and they never see, nor your hand right where it is. Just out the remaining cards in a
could know, the card. move your hand slowly back wide but connected spread. Be
and forth until then. Something sure to leave plenty of each
METHODOLOGY: in your mind will tell you to card’s surface showing so that
I love this effect because it is stop, just go with it.” when the spectator stops it is
simple, strong and direct. clearly more over one card than
People will remember you another. Instruct the spectator
Force a card on a spectator and saying that something will tell to hold out a single finger now
give the deck to the spectator them to stop as this is the last to see if they can get “pinpoint
EFFECT: to shuffle. While the cards are thing you say and they will skim accuracy.”
Two spectators sit opposite each shuffled you induce the other over the mention of pressure.
other at a table. One is given a spectator with the handshake Repeat the process, stopping
fair selection of a playing card induction and tell them to relax. As this spectator begins to the person with your secret tap
and shuffles the card back into move their hand over the cards, right over the selected card.
the deck themselves. While this If you don’t do a real induction, turn to the other person and Everyone will be amazed that
is happening the performer just make it look and sound like say: “Your task is to guide them somehow the spectator with
rapidly induces the other you do. Here confidence is key. to your card with your mind but their eyes closed was able to
spectator and asks them to Then ask the person to close say nothing out loud. Believe or intuit where the other person’s
relax, awaiting further their eyes and relax. (See at least imagine that you can do card was in the spread.
instruction. The cards are ribbon Kenton Knepper’s Ultimately it, and eventually you will.”
spread in front of the induced Under book This was created as I was
spectator who has their eyes (www.wonderwizards.com) for With your peripheral vision look playing with Banachek’s
closed. The performer helps the more along these lines.) to see when the induced “Psychokinetic Touches” and I
induced person feel where the spectator moves their hand in decided to do something more
spread starts and ends. The Explain that this is a the general area of the selected with the secret touch idea.
spectator is asked to move their psychological test to see how card. Tap their foot secretly
hand back and forth over the sensitive the person is now. with yours by applying pressure Obvious influences for this are
cards until they wish to stop. Ribbon spread the shuffled gently but surely so they feel it. Derren Brown and Banachek.
deck face up and make a mental They should stop over the
While this is happening the note of the selected card’s general area of the selected
performer asks the other position in the deck. Take hold card. If not wait until they move
spectator to guide them with of the induced spectator’s wrist near it again and press a little
their mind. The induced and show them where the more firmly. Get them to stop
spectator eventually stops over spread starts and ends. over the general area and say:
a general area. The performer “Good, you’re doing great.
removes the eliminated cards “You are aware of that pressure Keep doing what you’re doing!”
and sets out the remaining now aren’t you?”
cards. Again the induced This makes the spectator feel
spectator moves over the Say this while you secretly press important and reassures them
remaining cards. This time they their foot with your own under that they are doing the right
stop right over the selected the bar or table. thing. Eliminate the cards not

44 MSM Issue 53
                 
      !" #$% &  '   (    )**#)   
+ ,-    - . /   

THE TURNED CARD

ALEXANDR EROHIN

EFFECT:
A spectator calls 'stop' as the performer riffles the deck and makes a magic pass over
his thumb down the side of the deck. The the cards.
cards are cut at this point and the spectator is 6. You then start to spread the cards
shown the face card of the top stock of the between the two hands. Fig. 4. As you
deck when cut at his selected point. do so, the right fingers extend below the
deck and slide the reversed bottom card
The deck is squared up and a magical off the bottom of the deck to the right,
gesture made over the cards. The performer this being hidden by the spreading of the
starts to spread the cards between his hands other cards. Fig.5 shows an underneath FIG 3
and when he reaches the deck's centre, the view of this.
selection is now seen to be face up! 7. Once the selection has been culled under
Comments: This appears to be move free if the deck, contrive to re-insert it
done properly. You just need a regular deck. somewhere in the bottom half of the cards
as you continue to spread the top half. Fig.
WORKING: 6 shows this happening from underneath.
1. Hold the deck in the left hand and riffle 8. If you continue spreading the cards
down the top left corner with your left eventually you will reach the selection
thumb asking a spectator to call 'stop'. wherever you have managed to push it
2. When he does so cut off all the cards back into the deck and the card will be FIG 4
above his selected position and turn the seen to be face up in an otherwise face
cards of the top half towards the down deck.
spectators for them to see the selection.
3. Once it has been seen bring the top half (To watch a YouTube video of this idea, go to
back down to the lower half still held in www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGkFiUcbX_g)
the left hand and as you replace it, the
left fingers contact the face of the
selection and as the block of cards is
squared from right to left on the top of
the deck, these fingers push the FIG 5
selection so that it ends up sidejogged
for about a quarter of its length to the
right. Fig.1 shows an underneath view.
This situation is hidden by the back of
the right hand. FIG 1
4. As soon as this position is reached, your
left second, third and little fingers curl
around the far right edge of the
sidejogged card (Fig.2) and immediately
FIG 6
start to pull it round the deck so that it is
slid out and onto the bottom of the pack.
Fig. 3 shows this half way through.
5. The selection ends up reversed on the
bottom of the deck and as soon as it is
squared there, the right hand releases FIG 2

MSM Issue 53 45
 MAGIC MOMENTS
Magic show producer Richard Leigh reflects on this year’s Magic Moments day

Magic Moments is very easy for me, it's just

an extension of what I do on a day-to-day
basis. I encourage you to look at a similar
environment within your specialised area of
magic, stage management, organisational
skills etc. and apply that to an event.

Having read this article ... Put a date in your

diary at random, and work backwards from
there. Big or small. Raising money or not.
Just let us know about your event and if MAGIC MOMENTS -
there are any finances raised we can add it MAJOR LIVE EVENT!
to the community total (our dedicated page Saturday 21st September 2013.
agic Moments Day is a is on MagicWeek.co.uk). There is no In association with Magic 105.4. Jay

M revolutionary concept where

magicians across the UK can
bring a moment of magic into the
restriction on when you can arrange an
event which fits in with your schedule.
Fortune (pictured with Cash 4 Kids
mascot Courage the Cat) organiser of the
flagship event reports a fantastic success
lives of others on a specified day of The biggest question of all that remains raising loads of money for a brilliant
the year. Raising money for charity however (and sadly the most important one cause. 'This charity helps disadvantaged
and performing to an audience of to address) is 'what’s in it for you?’ No one and vulnerable children. In the current
their choosing on that day, magicians can answer that apart from you on your economic conditions it's difficult to ask
nationwide will be raising funds, personal reflection and life journey, good or others who are also suffering hard times
smiles and awareness of magic and bad. If the answer is ‘this is not for me’, then to part with money, but we're delighted
charitable causes. do nothing. But if you do feel inspired then so many turned out to help.
just do it. An aching body and a smile on
‘I found myself going back to the raw basic your face at the end of the day for sure is the In no particular order thanks to Richard
idea behind 'Magic Moments' for my worst case scenario. Leigh, Steve Sampson, Jamie and Anna
involvement this year. And although from Nickelodeon, Magic 105.4's Jamie
circumstantial, it was for me a very worth The message behind this piece of writing is Edwards, Britain's Got Talent comedy
while reminder. I was unable to be part of to illustrate how easy it is to do something star Kev Orkian, Box of Awesome, OMG
the major event under the 'Magic Moments’ for Magic Moments. The platform is there for Boys and Girls, Ricky Carusso, Linda
banner this year. I was there in sprit, but not and will always be there should you want to Lusardi, Sam Kane, Debbie Arnold, Katy
in the physicality and also this was the first get involved or your personal path finds a Kerry, Steve Saunders, Mike Sullivan,
year when I have felt quite guilty for not cause close to your heart that you would Lynn Whitnall, Pete Sampson, Alex
being in a position of organising something care to raise money for. It’s good for magic, Smale, Emily Jane, Paradise Dancers, Rye
for my clan of people to get involved with. good for you, and all for good causes.’ House Go-Karts, Seghire Segways,
Peppa Pig, Nik Robson, Pinky, Lennie,
I wanted to do something though. Jay Fortune and Richard Leigh are Aaron, Craig, Ty, Cam, Matt Boyles,
delighted to be taking part during the Keith at PSL, Passion for Flavour catering,
It was going back to the very first International Magic Festival, talking Mayhem Theatre, Hollyoaks' Anna
conversation with Jay Fortune six years ago about Magic Moments on Monday 11th Phillips, Everyone's A Winner and all of
that was a powerful reminder of just how November alongside other inspiring the staff, animals and folks at Paradise
simple this idea is, which allowed me to magic initiatives. Organiser Noel Wildlife Park, our friends at Magic 105.4
present something under the 'Magic Britten says, ‘I have organised many and everybody else who helped make
Moments' banner with so little effort. I events and conventions and this is the this a truly special Magic Moments.
simply dedicated the performance of my day that I am proudest of putting
weekly magic show 'The Magic Cavern' to together in terms of presenters and We'll add an update, total money raised
my charity as normal. That took ten minutes material’. Tickets are available from and photos shortly to our Magic
to organise. www.internationalmagic.com Moments page on MagicWeek.co.uk.’

46 MSM Issue 53
NEWS A quick look at the weird and
wonderful world of magic!

JOHN CALVERT R.I.P. 42ND INTERNATIONAL

MAGIC CONVENTION, 15,
He entertained Hollywood
movie stars, worked as a stunt
man and appeared in several 16 & 17 NOVEMBER 2013
major motion pictures. He was London's ONLY magic convention! This event has attracted the best
102 years old. names in the world of magic to London each year since 1972, many
of them making a debut UK appearance. Although established by
According to The Los Angeles the late Ron MacMillan over 40 years ago it is still affectionately
Times, Mr. Calvert was bitten by known as "Ron's Day". The convention is now run by Ron's family
the magic bug at the age of 8, and close friends.
when his father brought him to
see Howard Thurston perform in The omnipresent Noel Britten is the convention booker for all events
Cincinnati. He immediately as well as compére of the gala shows. This year look out for Andy
began working to impress his friends with his new-found skills. Nyman (or The Nynamo, as we call him!), Michael Vincent, Charlie
'Don't drop a thing!' Frye, David 'Where's my table' Berglas, Richard
Mr. Calvert and his wife Tammy travelled the world many times and Leigh, Duncan 'advertising on magicweek is very affordable' Trillo,
he piloted his own yacht and plane and survived incredible mishaps Paul 'the gypsy legend' Zenon, Big bad John Archer, Patrik Kuffs and
with both means of transportation. many, many more top performers.

At the age of 100 he appeared at the London Palladium, and The Oh, and let's not forget Jay Fortune, who will be dressed as a lady, or
Magic Castle heralded him as their oldest regularly performing maybe we've read his bumpf wrong...
member.

MSM Issue 53 47
  - poor.
 - OK, but could be better.
 - reasonable middle of the road value.

REVIEWS
 - good product.
 - outstanding/exceptional.

experiences “total shutdown of practice. The key to the

the puzzle solving process.” method is that the sequence
of moves needs to look natural
So – practicalities. The box is and the spectator must not
beautifully made in shiny acrylic feel that their choices have
perspex, and is supplied with been constrained.
several accessories, for
CLARITY BOX alternative presentations. The That said, the audience should
David Regal DVD is clear, succinct and be unaware of the methods,
Available from: includes an explanation of the which leaves them with an
www.penguinmagic.com or Mercury fold and a “beginner’s” apparently simple and direct
YFD method for folding the card, INEXPLICABLE match which would be
Price: $80 (US Dollars) together with a simple card Steve Shufton ‘inexplicable’. While the
(approx. £50.00) routine, bill in box and a Available from: single card and envelope are a
This is an instant classic. A thick prediction. The method seems www.shufton.com neat idea, what lifts this effect
walled perspex box with an particularly suited to prediction Price: $20 plus shipping is the detailed attention to
“Emergency use only” sticker effects – although the routine (approx. £14.00) handling, presentation and
sits on the performer's table, given is a simple 1 in 5 ESP Refreshingly, the effect you misdirection, all of which are
with a folded card clearly visible prediction, the limits are get with Inexplicable matches carefully explained and
inside. At the end of any signed boundless when combined with the description on the illustrated in a small twelve
card routine attention is directed other techniques such as a packaging - “There is a single page book of instructions. Ten
towards the box and the folded thumbwriter. card in an un-gimmicked photographs illustrate the
card tipped out and unfolded to envelope. The spectator deals important stages.
reveal it is the signed card. The initial state – of the box cards face up from a normal What might be considered the
containing a folded card – is deck and stops whenever they weaknesses in the method
On the excellent explanatory deceptive but not perfect under want. Your prediction have been addressed through
DVD David Regal credits Bruno all conditions. It is utterly matches.” handling and built in
Hennig as the first to show a deceptive from the front, bears misdirection. The whole
“folded card revealed in a small close scrutiny at 2-3 feet from 45 Although the effect can be sequence has the feel of a
box” in the early 1970s, and degrees and is acceptable round described simply, the method routine which has been road
most experienced magicians to 90 degrees either side at 4 to 6 is a little more involved. There tested in live performance so
will have seen several versions, feet, particularly looking down on is a single card and the that, in addition to the props,
including from Tommy Wonder, the box. For angle reasons it is envelope is un-gimmicked, you get the creator's
Scotty York and John Kennedy. not suitable for table hopping. A however to reveal which of a experience from performance.
confident performer with good number of outcomes the
This version has two advantages: attention management will spectator reaches, does For anyone who does not feel
Firstly, the tip out move on to stretch these limitations. I suspect require some careful handling confident about the spectator
your hand is extraordinarily as people play with this principle and the card is never management required,
deceptive – watching it in a tweaks will appear which will completely seen. alternative methods are
mirror is like watching trick make it more angle proof. CP described which should make
photography. Secondly, and this Similarly, given some prior the effect accessible to most
is most important, the effect is WHAT'S HOT: Beautiful prop, preparation, the effect can be magicians. SB
completely different. The clear, simple, stunning effect, done with a regular deck but
traditional plot is “how did my excellent DVD. Potential for “in this option needs to be WHAT'S HOT: apparent
card get in that small box?” – view” mental predictions. combined with effective directness of method appears
while this is “card in open view WHAT'S NOT: Not suitable for spectator management. So, to rule out trickery.
throughout turns out to be the grabby, table hopping, although there are no sleights, WHAT'S NOT: will require
card I subsequently selected” – walkabout performance. Card this is not an easy self-working confident presentation to pull
reminiscent of Jay Sankey’s effect really needs mastery of effect. To present it off.
“Paperclipped”, of which Jay Mercury card fold. convincingly will require 
comments the spectator  handling and presentation

MSM Issue 53 49
          
+(%!!,( "!$$%-123*44#"%&$
!"#($" - "(%.) !!)%'$%&53 ) /42467855638

especially when it is so easy to well worth putting in the effort.

use and workable under most Sam Fitton's presentation of GOT AN ITEM
stand-up conditions. Power to the People is a FOR REVIEW?
favourite of mine. A spectator
Some twelve different effects puts 3 possessions onto the Items for review can
be sent to any of the
are explained, but the real table. Another spectator writes following addresses:
purpose in describing them is to the names of the objects onto 3
illustrate a few possibilities, with envelopes etc... the effect Graham Hey:
the aim of inspiring you to come culminates with 3 envelope 6 St Everilda’s Terrace,
up with your own ideas. predictions stating which pocket Everingham,
each item ends up in. It York YO42 4JE.
Effects include (and there are reminded me of the snooker ball
Phil Shaw:
around 17 in all!) : The 3 Way effect performed by the
WAY OUT Bet - a very effective stand-up sensational Graham P. Jolley!
23 Stock Close, Norton,
Malton YO17 8BE.
Marc Oberon effect using 3 volunteers. Next There are so many excellent
Book/material for the gimmick is 3 variations on a theme (3 effects within the book that it'll Mark Leveridge:
Available from marcoberon.com playing cards are selected, and keep you busy for many hours. 13A Lyndhurst Road,
or your favourite magic dealer! freely mixed up between 3 And lots of the effects are pretty Exeter EX2 4PA.
Price: £20 pounds spectators. The performer easy to do! There's even a couple
(approx) shows that not only did he know of great effects for kids’ Please also supply
Marc Oberon's Way Out is a which cards would be chosen, performers. See Marc perform information on
versatile utility item that enables he also knew who would end up this if you can - see YouTube! GH price, postage
a single, folded piece of plain with which card!). There's also a and where your
paper to contain the outs for variation for a one-on-one WHAT'S HOT: great, unique product can be
anything up to twelve different performance included. mentalism effects - excellent purchased
predictions. It can be instantly value for money from. If you
opened to reveal only the In fact, the book covers many WHAT'S NOT: Nothing have a digital
desired one, with no fumbling more routines ideal for stand-up  image (JPEG, TIFF, PDF) of
or suspicious handling. or close-up. I was fortunate to your item too that would be
see Marc perform this in person, appreciated, but not
Experienced mentalists will and the impact is brilliant! This essential.
readily appreciate its potential, will take a little bit of work, but is

I’d recommended doing it shows which cards are the best

sooner rather than later before to use, how to hold a pack
the price goes up. correctly, spreading, riffling,
Tired of seeing people cutting and shuffling. Even if
CARD MAGIC performing poor magic due to For the small sign up price you you are not new to card magic
COURSE learning from online bedroom get access to over 130 online these are still worth watching.
Steve Faulkner tutorials Steve set about creating tutorials. More will be added The rest of the training is broken
Available from what could be the Royal Road to over the coming months and down into the following
www.cardmagiccourse.com Card Magic of the future. years at no extra cost so this modules:
Price: £35.00 really is value for money. 1. Shuffle Work, 2. Cut Class, 3.
(introductory price) For a one off payment of £35 Controlling Cards, 4. Use the
Card Magic Course is the you get a lifetime access to The tutorials are broken down Force, 5. Switches, 6. Palming,
latest venture from magician Steve’s Card Magic Course. into a Foundation section then 7 7. Counts and Steals.
Steve Faulkner. This is an introductory price so if modules. The Foundation starts Each module contains
you are interested in signing up right back at the beginning and approximately 10-12 videos.

50 MSM Issue 53
 '(('- ( (   !(! '## 
 ! '  %   ! *  !&! $'   $'    $,/$,0$ "$'

     !"  ###$ !  $ $"

Magic, although naturally there favourite fellow magic and associates. But Ian's 30+
are plenty of references and inventors, reveals who his year association with Supreme,
stories from his time with that performing heroes are, and and all the drama that unfolded
business, but is a more general explains what it was really like to there, plus his many
amble through Ian's long and be part of the biggest magic achievements in magic, make it
productive magical life. dealership in the world, both a justifiable project in his case. I
Split into 34 chapters, Ian the triumphs and the disasters. suspect Ian rather enjoyed
recounts, in no particular order For young magicians, this book going over his diaries to
or time sequence, a wide range will be a puzzle, because they produce this book, and I would
of stories and anecdotes about will probably not know or imagine that if you are old
people and events that he has recognise many of the people or enough, you will also find it an
been involved with. The reader events that Ian talks about as interesting read. ML
is treated to many inside stories they took place well in the past.
A 'SUPREME' of tricks created, people met But for those of us who have WHAT'S HOT: fascinating
LIFETIME IN and other nostalgia which Ian memories going back at least 20 facts, opinion and anecdotes
MAGIC has gleaned from his life's years, the names and times will from someone who has had a
From the pages of Adair's Diaries diaries. ring a bell and will provide a core role in magic over the last
Ian Adair Want to know who offered to fascinating insight into that 60 years
Available from: Mystic House, buy Supreme Magic and who period, making it a read that is WHAT'S NOT: rather
15 Oak Tree Drive, Barnstaple was turned down flat? Want to difficult to put down at times. rudimentary production values,
EX32 0HE understand just how huge Many people feel compelled to with typos and errors that could
Price: £18.00 + p&p of Supreme became and why it put pen to paper when they easily have been eradicated
£1.80 (UK), £5.00 was their ultimate undoing? Are have been involved in with a proof reader
(Europe) £8.00 (Elsewhere) you interested to learn about something for a long time in 
Not to be confused with Ian's how Ian has created so many order to recount things that
earlier book 'Dealing With ideas over the years, about his have happened to them. Quite
Magic - The Rise And Fall Of books, videos, TV appearances, frankly, when you read some of
The Supreme Magic Company', trophies, and how he was really these books you do wonder
this new 200 page A5 size treated in the end by the why the author bothered, as
perfect bound book does not owners of Supreme? Well, it's all there seems very little to interest
exclusively deal with Ian's long here, and much more. those other than the author
association with Supreme Ian also talks about many of his himself and his immediate family

Shot in HD against a simple So much work must have gone address, but Steve is so confident Steve’s aim for this course is
black background, the tutorials into the setting up of this that you will like his course that he that you learn card magic the
are all clear and concise. course, and Steve has to be offers a 24hr 100% money back right way with clarity and
applauded for what he has guarantee, so there’s absolutely detail, resulting in quality
Steve is a great teacher and achieved. It would have been no risk to anyone interested. magicians with a deep
should you not understand easy to set something up with understanding of this
something properly Steve offers just a handful of clips but this There’s already a vast amount of wonderful craft.....and I think
to help out via email support and really is a complete step by step clips uploaded and the course is he’s right! PS
where possible he will upload a guide to card magic from set to get better as Steve adds
new video should it be necessary. beginner to professional. more and more to the site. WHAT'S HOT: Excellent
online reference whether you
Some of the video clips also If you are unsure about signing up You can also access the site via a are a beginner to card magic
have a second clip with an over for this course you can get access tablet or smart phone should or professional
the shoulder angle too for extra to free online content by simply you not have access to a WHAT'S NOT: Nothing
clarity. submitting your name and email computer. 

MSM Issue 53 51
  - poor.
 - OK, but could be better.
 - reasonable middle of the road value.

REVIEWS
 - good product.
 - outstanding/exceptional.

just about the most impossible practicalities of the reload.

ending you could want, Bear in mind that each ice
especially for walk around. Just block will take 8 hours to
about any thin object can be freeze and you will start to
used and the borrowed or realise how long the
signed item will be the one preparation will take to
encased in the block of ice prepare two or three blocks of
which once broken, destroys ice. Busy performers will need
the evidence of entry. to have a stock in the freezer!

The block of ice is about 12 cm x The preparation aside, this is

RE-MAXED 7.5 cm x 1.5 cm, similar in size well worth the effort for the
ICEOLATION to a medium sized wallet and it impact it can make and is so
Kieron Johnson loads in a similar way to a card to different and more
Available from: wallet load, just colder. On the memorable than most other DAYS OF WINE
www.magicshop.co.uk practical side, ice making is ways of ending a routine. AND MAGIC
Price: £100 slow, so this requires a lot of They really will remember this John Derris
Kieron Johnson is quite at advanced preparation - days in and consequently you. Available from: YFD or a signed
home performing magic with fact - plus some special ways of Kieron’s own ‘Time Traveller’ copy from John Derris at
ice and water where other travelling with the ice and card routine is included with Hockleys House, Lindenfield,
magicians would fear to tread preserving its solid state for as live performances on the Chislehurst, Kent BR7 5RG
partly because their messy long as possible. DVD although it’s not the Price: £25.00
nature tends to suit his chaotic easiest routine to follow. John Derris is a man who has
style but mainly because he You will receive the special had the good fortune to spend
likes to go that extra mile for stainless steel mould to make All the ice preparation details much of his magical life mixing
maximum impact. the ice blocks, as well as some are clearly explained as well with some of the best and most
special items to help preserve as advice on setting up, respected names in British
His latest professional utility them for a couple of hours in travelling and looking after magic. Alex Elmsley, Jack Avis,
device demands exactly that, transit, as well as later in your the gimmick, which will last a Al Koran, Roy Walton, Fred
but certainly makes the use of pocket. You will still need to lifetime by the way. If you Robinson plus many more have
ice more practical for walk make an additional purchase of want a practical way of shaped his thinking and his
around performances. a fat thermos or cool bag to miraculously encasing an views on magic in a
Designed with the working transport your ice blocks to a object in a block of ice a few tremendously positive and
magician in mind this is an gig, but these shouldn’t cost you times a night and are energising way, and his regular
ending, rather than a trick in much more than a tenner. prepared to make the effort, get togethers with some of
itself, for all kinds of routines look no further. PP these luminaries at Champagne
you may already do, but is What you will receive will Charlie's wine bar in London
essentially a signed card in practically allow you to perform WHAT’S HOT: Practical resulted in a huge number of
block of ice. this maybe up to 2 or 3 times a method of making and carrying ideas being swapped and
night. To say it “resets easily for a loadable ice block. Massive discussed.
Normally considered a one-off table hopping” as the ad quotes impact on lay people in a walk
trick, this is now made is frankly misleading; in the around situation. Gimmick will This nicely produced 85 page
possible, with limitations, for privacy of your own toilet last for ever with care. book contains a collection of
walk around use. It could be a cubicle maybe. You won’t be WHAT’S NOT: Not quite as thoughts, routines, ideas and
finale for an Ambitious Card doing this at every table but it’s repeatable as claimed. nostalgic reflections by John
routine, an effect with a up to you as to how many ice Advance planning, patience which give the reader a flavour
signed bill or a borrowed key, blocks you take with you to a and care required in of those times and which
or even a routine with a gig. You could take 5 if you preparing the ice blocks. provide a varied range of magic
borrowed credit card – it's want, but you can only Additional item required. to try as well. The ideas
entirely up to you. Whatever realistically carry one at a time, Quite expensive. revealed are mostly additions or
trick you use, this will provide so you are restricted by the  alterations to known effects,

52 MSM Issue 53
     !"#$
tricks! FREE Postal Price List available.
01843 850036 www.zanesmagicshop.com

with some of the contributions There is nothing modern about Ring Flight, a way of making an who are in search for the latest
also being fully described this book or its contents. Nearly Okito Box actually look like new thing will even give it a
routines. everything is seated in the 50's something you can explain, a second glance, but that is to be
to 70's/80's both in terms of the clever way to vanish a coin, plus expected I guess, and it's their
This is not particularly a book people talked about and also many more. For mentalism he loss. This is a book of nostalgia
for the novice or the beginner the magic explained. And no offers a book test, for stand up with some magic ideas thrown
in magic, as there are often apology is made for this, there's a nice dressing for the in for good measure, and while
assumptions made that the because John is deliberately Bending Glass and a neat there is nothing here that is
reader will know and setting out to reveal the gems variation on a Jumbo Brainwave going to make you leap out of
understand references made to that arose from those times and trick. He offers you a whole your seat with excitement, it is
objects or moves which are not with those great people, and selection of one liners (he nevertheless a thoroughly
always fully explained. For the provided you understand this admits they are dated, but in pleasant read. ML
reasonably knowledgeable going in you will hopefully the right circumstances...), as
magician, particularly one who enjoy the contents of the book. well as interesting essays on top WHAT'S HOT: well written,
has been involved in magic for performers and basically what interesting for older magicians,
quite some time, this should not The magic covered is wide makes them great. some nice magic and ideas
be a problem, but for the ranging. There is close up with WHAT'S NOT: nothing really
younger magician or less items such as a wrinkle for the For anyone who is middle aged to attract the younger
experienced performer this may self folding banknote, a clever or older, this book will make for generation
leave some questions way to introduce the sponge a fascinating read. I doubt 
unanswered. balls into your act, a variation on whether younger magicians

Having watched the trailer expected disk 1 to be the main Several card routines are taught
online I was excited to see the feature, and disk 2 the bonus? on the DVD. There’s a simple
whole DVD when it arrived. The transposition effect, Paul’s
trailer was fast and furious and After being left disappointed by handling of the thought of card
the clips of the Electric Chair the Electric Chairs DVD I was plot and a nice signed card at
routine looked great. I’ve always pleasantly surprised by the close- named number.
loved this routine ever since up (bonus) DVD. I really did
seeing Paul Daniels perform it enjoy this and I can see myself Other effects include a chop cup
on his TV show back in the 80s. using quite a few things from it. routine, thoughts on jumbo coin
However I understand that the magic, a funny routine using a
whole Electric Chair DVD had to Filmed in the Blackpool Rocky Racoon and a simple but
be re-shot at the last minute and Magicians’ Club, Paul is joined direct mindreading effect.
ELECTRIC (2DVD) personally I think it showed. by Harry Robson and Shaun Sections on jazz magic and a
Paul Roberts McCree as he performs and move library are also included.
Available from The performance that ended up explains his pet close-up
www.tasteofmagic.co.uk on the DVD lacked all the pace of routines. Some of the routines If this release had been just the
Price: £25 the trailer, and in fact was a are also filmed on location at ‘It Works for Me’ disk then I
Electric is Paul Roberts’ first completely different handling. The Lightwater Valley theme park. would be singing its praises but
DVD release and it really is a Electric Chair aspect of the whole The banter between the three is unfortunately it was let down by
tale of two halves. routine was only a small part and great and there are some laugh the Electric Chairs DVD. PS
was more of a torn and restored out loud moments making this
Billed as ‘Electric’, Paul’s take napkin routine. It was a real DVD a joy to watch. WHAT'S HOT: Excellent
on the Electric Chair routine disappointment in my opinion. close-up routines. Still worth
with bonus DVD ‘It Works for It’s obvious to see that Paul getting for the close-up disk.
Me’ containing his working What I also found strange was performs these routines all the WHAT'S NOT: Poor main
close-up repertoire it really that the DVD containing the time and he does a good job at feature (Electric Chairs) disk let
should have been the other Electric Chairs routine was explaining each routine too with it down.
way around. actually disk 2. I would have the help of Harry and Shaun. 

MSM Issue 53 53
  - poor.
 - OK, but could be better.
 - reasonable middle of the road value.

REVIEWS
 - good product.
 - outstanding/exceptional.

spectator can open the Most of the first nine routines influences and the Derren factor
envelopes. This slight risk are suitable for parlour or is quite strongly evident in a
enhances the strength of the platform performance and the number of the ideas, not least in
routine by taking advantage of methods could also be adapted Boxes For All Occasions.
an unconscious piece of social for more intimate settings. The
conditioning that should remainder of the book contains Inspired by ‘Where’s Darren’s
guarantee that the correct five routines and a discussion Shoe?’ a routine from the
section of the envelope is which briefly reviews techniques Svengali show, this item is
opened. like anchoring and using Oliver Dobb’s solution to
suggestion to influence the constructing a box which can be
The envelopes are easily choices made by a spectator. shown empty, or full, at will.
constructed from detailed Considerable effort has been
MENTAL MAGIC instructions and there are a Of the routines, Desktop put into producing this
& MIND READING number of possible Russian Roulette, is a more publication and each routine
Oliver Dobbs developments suggested, domestic version of Smash and comes with a detailed script
Available from: including a re-usable version Stab, performed with regular outlining the suggested
www.alakazam.co.uk and combining two envelopes staplers. It should appeal to presentation. For an
Price: £9.99 to provide a four way out. As anyone who does not mind experienced mentalist I don’t
This well produced E-book with most gaffed envelopes, taking a (small?) risk. Spectators suppose that there will be much
contains fourteen effects and an however well prepared, care are invited to secretly load four that is surprising or new but
introduction to using has to be taken in the of the five staplers. By a process most magicians who would like
psychological techniques to construction and handling to of elimination, the performer to incorporate a mental routine
influence the spectators. The prevent the seam of an chooses which one to fire into or two should find something of
first nine effects are all based on additional flap being visible, some tender part of their interest. SB
a gaffed envelope which particularly when the spectator anatomy. None of the staplers
provides a two way out. In Fairly is opening the envelope. The are modified and the method WHAT’S HOT: Detailed and
Unfairly five of the gaffs are use of two envelopes back to relies on a simple principle - but comprehensive explanations.
used in a Just Chance routine back to provide a four way out getting it wrong will be painful. WHAT’S NOT: There are
which is easy to do and in which seemed to me a less attractive already many fake envelope
the spectator cannot win, or option than the alternative, Amongst others, Derren Brown, options out there.
rather should not win, as a which is to have a smaller John Archer and mentalist Ben 
feature of the gaff is that the envelope within a larger. Cardall, are credited as

and Deluxe Nest of Wallets falls new), how to set them up for Nick is a great teacher and
into that category. performance, and then teaches explains lots of routines that
several routines using them. can be performed with the
You are supplied with three well wallets; some don’t even need
made square wallets which get Once you have the wallets the wallet.
progressively smaller so they fit worked in it is surprisingly easy
inside each other. Once set up to load any object. A red cloth is This is a solid product that
you are able to load a small also supplied which can be should last a long time if cared
DELUXE NEST object such as a ring, or coin inserted into the smallest wallet for. Highly recommended. PS
OF WALLETS into the wallets with ease. so not only does the object
Nick Einhorn & Alan Wong appear to be inside a nest of WHAT’S HOT: Object to
Available from your favourite Also supplied with the wallets is three wallets but it’s also inside a impossible location prop that’s
magic dealer an instructional DVD where folded up piece of cloth. This easy to perform.
Price: £39.99 Nick shows everything needed makes a nice presentational WHAT’S NOT: The wallets
The object to impossible to get the most out of them. He angle using a ring as the cloth cannot be opened by the
location plot in magic has been explains how to work the wallets looks as if it could be from a spectator.
around for a very long time in (as they will be stiff when jewellers, for example. 

54 MSM Issue 53
 SEBASTIAN
WALTON
By Christopher Evans
IT’S ALL
BECAUSE OF
THE MAGIC!

ebastian Walton, the newly

S crowned Young Magician of the

Year, talks magic, winning and
his dreams of Vegas…

Sebastian Walton is living the dream. Fresh

from his triumph at the Young Magician of
the Year awards, the 17-year-old from Leeds
is expecting a bright future. With an
appearance on BBC Breakfast and increasing
press interest, the young magician is
determined to stay grounded but can’t help
but have big ambitions for the future.

Sebastian starts a six-month stint at the

House of Illusion venue in Salou, Spain in
May and can’t wait to try some new tricks.

Where did you grow up? for my mates and people would stand How did and do you learn your
I was born in Leeds on 1st March 1996. I’ve around and watch. The teachers would then tricks?
been in Leeds all my life. I live at home with ask me to do it – they loved it! They used to By reading books. I’m also a member of the
my Mum, Dad and two sisters. give me five minutes in the class every day Leeds Magic Circle, so they teach me a lot. I
to show everyone a new trick I had learnt. get advice from other magicians and they tell
What were your interests growing up? me what to do and what not to do. We expose
Like most lads, I liked football. I played it all I’ve left school now. I was in college doing A tricks to each other and help each other out.
the time and that was my initial passion – as levels but quit before Christmas to practise
well as Leeds Utd – they aren’t doing so well more. I needed the time to practise ready for What do your parents and family
at the moment though! the Young Magician of the Year. think of your job?
They are really supportive. My Dad is my
I only recently got in to magic, about three What did you want to be when you chauffeur - he drives me everywhere at the
and a half years ago. I saw a magician on were younger? moment as I can’t drive yet. When I’m
holiday and that was it. I knew what I wanted I didn’t really have any plans. I just wanted to practising for a show I always show my
to do. I made the switch and quit football to stay on at college but then I discovered magic. family and they give me constructive
do magic. I really enjoy it. criticism about it. It’s good feedback before I
It was on holiday in Orlando, Florida. I was at show it to the public. They’re very proud.
Did you enjoy school? Universal Studios and saw a great magician. I
No, not really. It was good seeing my mates bought some tricks from the shop and I What magicians have influenced you?
but I didn’t enjoy the lessons. practised them on holiday and when I came Pete Firman and Wayne Dobson inspired me.
home. Then I showed a few people at They do magic with comedy, which I’m a big
I liked doing tricks at school. That was the school and they loved it. So I kept doing it. I fan of and is what I like to do. Also Penn and
best bit. I used to do tricks in the playground was 14 then. Teller, I’d like to be like them - in Las Vegas.

56 MSM Issue 53
 SEBASTIAN WALTON

“I realised I could
make a living out
of it when I was
asked to perform
at the Royal
Variety after show
party last year.”

That’s what I aspire to. That would be my previous winners Ben Proos and Michael
dream to have my own show there. Jordan. They are good friends of mine. I
decided to enter myself and made it to the
Do you have a favourite trick by final. I didn’t expect to win it.
another magician?
Not any trick in particular, but I love seeing What did you have to do?
Derren Brown. I go and see his show when I had to perform a stage show suitable for a
he comes to Leeds and he just baffles me. family audience that lasted between eight
He’s just brilliant. and twelve minutes.
I’ll be going over to Jeff McBride’s Magic
Did you ever think that you could Were you nervous? and Mystery school in Las Vegas in March
make a living from magic? No not at all, I was just excited and I couldn’t for a week – I’ve never been to Las Vegas so
I realised I could make a living out of it when wait to go on. I maybe had some butterflies I can’t wait! I’ll definitely go and see a Penn
I was asked to perform at the Royal Variety two minutes before going on, but I don’t and Teller show too, as Teller has been
after show party last year. I had met Giles really get nervous. helping me a lot lately and has invited me
Cooper, who was the Executive Producer of along as a guest.
the show, at a bar in Watford and I showed Did you think you could win?
him some tricks and he invited me down. I thought I had a chance because of what What are your hopes for the future?
people were saying about me. But I’m a I’ve just signed a six-month contract working
I was at a table doing magic and there were modest guy - I didn’t think I’d win. I entered at the House of Illusion in Salou, Spain. I go
other magicians going around, proper full because it would be a good accolade if I there in May and that’s where I will learn my
time magicians - the best in the country – could win. craft.
and they were giving me advice and telling
me I could make a career out of it. So that Also, the prize for winning was four years in Hopefully, when I get back from there I’ll do
gave me confidence and I realised I could do the Magic Circle in London and to be magic full time and get booked for corporate
this for a living. mentored in Las Vegas by Jeff McBride. events around England. I’m also hoping to
do a tour. My main goal is to perform in Las
When did you decide to enter the How did you feel when you won? Vegas – that’s the dream!
Young Magician of the Year? I was over the moon! It was brilliant. I was
Well I knew about it as I know two of the shocked too, but over the moon. www.sebastianwaltonmagic.com

MSM Issue 53 57
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58 MSM Issue 53