PDF Taster Issue No.

1 THE MAGIC MAGAZINE FOR

www.magicseen.co.uk MAGICIANS & MENTALISTS

DAVID COPPERFIELD:
STILL FLYING HIGH

PLUS:
THROWDINI
GAFF COINS PART 4
REVIEWS
MASTERCLASS

MARC
OBERON
ER
SU D OM
IS AN FR
T

HOW TO BECOME A
CK SUE TS
AS

ES
BA IS RAC

WORLD MAGIC CHAMPION

FT
ED ST XT
CT TE E
LE LA NG
PD
SE E I
TH TAIN

magicseen: THE MAGAZINE YOU CAN’T WAIT TO PUT IN YOUR RECYCLE BIN!
N
CO
 LETTERS

Readers’ letters...
If you have anything you would like to tell us, whether it’s about the magazine or anything magic related, please email: [email protected]

TREVOR’S ESCAPES
I watched a TV documentary recently, which featured Trevor Baylis, the man
who invented the wind-up radio, and he mentioned that he was an
escapologist! What exactly did he do?

Liam Morton, Berwick

Trevor was an accomplished swimmer in his younger days (he swam for great
Britain when he was just 15!) and worked for a company called Purley Pools which
developed swimming pools. He subsequently got into stunt work and worked as an
entertainer/escapologist - diving into ‘clear-sided’ pools and escaping from things like handcuffs! He staged an
elaborate underwater escape while working for the Berlin Circus, and make a pretty penny out of it, which bought
Eel Pie Island where he lives today.

BRING BACK GUY! I NEED A CHANGE! McClean, who

Hi, I am looking to make a big has worked in HELP!
Great to see Guy Bavli featured in change to my act. I have TV for a Hi, I have been offered a
the last issue of magicseen. I performed as mainly a children’s number of couple of stand-up shows in
remember seeing him around entertainer, but would love to do years writes an April, but the audience know
fifteen years ago in the UK, and I a more adult act. Any advice article about me pretty well already. Any
managed to have a brief chat with would be appreciated as it’s an how he has put ideas for effects that will help
him when he lectured at a magic area I know very little about - and an act together me fill 20 minutes?
society. He was a really friendly I don’t want to rush in, buy tons for the comedy clubs (with comedy
chap - and very down-to-earth of stuff and never use it. What’s mind-reading) starting from scratch. Harry Gregg, Cardiff
despite all his success in Vegas the first thing I should do? He covers everything from choosing
and on TV in the US. It’s great to JS, via email the effects, the sort of humour he Not easy really, as only you know
hear that he sounds as enthusiastic wanted and the sorts of venues he the sort of things that will suit you,
as ever, thanks for featuring him… Well…get an act that will suit the wants to play. This may help you and that you like to do. However,
audience you intend to perform for. In more than a few sentences on this there are things which have
Kenneth Yates via email the next issue of magicseen, Mike page ever could. Good luck with it. impact, and might fit the bill… Bill
Abbott’s 5 card opener - easy,
builds to a climax, room for your
WHAT’S THE EFFECT CALLED? personality, gets the audience fully
involved! (3-5 minutes).
I have been looking for the name Harry Lorayne says, “It's called
of one I saw performed once but Melt-Through. I used to sell it, but Mel Mellers’ Pseudo card trick
cannot remember anything else then taught/explained it in Trend (based on a Barry Richardson
about it apart from: An odd card Setters so that I wouldn't have to idea) - easy, audience
is placed on the bottom of 2 sell it anymore. Trend Setters is out involvement, fun... Perhaps
others and when rubbed comes of print, but it's being re-written, Invisible Deck with a decent
up between the top 2. I think this updated, etc., along with other stuff, presentation... Choose reasonably
is fairly new? in LORAYNE: THE CLASSIC quickly and then concentrate on
COLLECTION, Volume 3. the patter.
M.H, Middlesbrough

4 magicseen Taster No. 1

 NEWS

In the news...
You read about these things of Royal Berkshire in no time at all.
course, so the first thought was By now Debbie had joined me
‘Is this what a heart attack feels and sat watching it all happening.
like?’ I guess you don’t know
unless you’ve had one. “By now of course I was bored so
I started to create comic answers
I waited until 8am before calling the to the questions and Debbie kept
local surgery who said they could on ruining that by telling them the
fit me in about 10.30am. I thought truth. I was connected up to Blaine does it
PAUL’S SPOT OF
that might be a bit too late,
because, being a man, I already
loads of gadgets and now I knew
it was really serious because I for Haiti
BOTHER! knew I was at death’s door, so they know how painful it is to pull them Illusionist David Blaine has
Paul Daniels reported on a recent changed it to 8.50am.” damn sticky pads off again. worked some of his magic to
heart scare through his always help earthquake victims in Haiti.
interesting blog. Paul said he sneaked out of the “They scanned my heart and
(http://www.pauldaniels.co.uk/blog/). house and went to see the doctor. showed me the scan pictures. David performed round the
Ah... it wasn’t a heart attack... clock for three consecutive
Of course, we wish the master “After some questions I was put I was pregnant, well, that’s what it days in Times Square to raise
magician well - and some of us into the nurse’s room for the looked like. money for Red Cross
were surprised to hear that Paul is same questions and tests and earthquake relief.
71 years old! He seems to have suddenly I am in the back of an “It turned out my heart is slightly
more energy and passion for the ambulance, “ he continued. enlarged. Big Hearted Daniels “People could give me a penny
art than people half his age. that’s me, and now they want me or a hundred dollars, whatever
“I must say that the doctor, the to have my arteries checked to see they wanted,” said Blaine, who
Paul said, “I awoke at about 6.30am nurse and the ambulance crew if there is any blocking because the performed sleight-of-hand
to find that I had a pain in my chest. were all brilliant and I was in the scan doesn’t show that stuff.” tricks near the Army recruiting
station at 43rd St.

FISM AT BLACKPOOL 2010 Blaine’s latest stunt was inspired

The FISM European Championships will be held at Blackpool during by the 10 days he spent
the 2011 event, and a meeting will be held at this year’s event to plan performing magic in Haiti in
the fine details. Of course, the FISM World Championships will be held 1999. “That trip changed my
in Blackpool in July 2012 (and the normal magic convention will take life, when I heard about the
place in February as usual). earthquake, I couldn’t
understand how it could
happen to these people. I feel
obliged to do what I can to
help.”

DOBSON’S CHOICE In 2000, Blaine stood in a

Love him or love him, you cannot block of ice at Times Square
ignore him - even though he for over 63 hours for a TV
swears like a ruddy trooper. Mr FREE RESOURCE FOR MAGICIANS! special.
Dobson, or “Wayne” as we like to A FREE resource-topsites for magic, magicians, creators, retailers,
call him, has a briliant new book publishers and all things magical to identify the very best magic related Pal of magicseen, the MD of
out called Dobson’s Choice: web sites on the net has been launched! Joining The Magic Top will Blacks Magic, James Clark
Special Effects. It’s a real cracker connect you to a Magical Network and expose your website to new was also doing his bit for Haiti
and you can find out more details readers interested in exactly what you have to offer. Join NOW ! It's 100% - he was out there using his
from www.waynedobson.co.uk FREE at www.themagictop.com military experience to help.

www.magicseen.co.uk 5
DAVID COPPERFIELD

When I pull
up to a theatre
or arena, I
can’t really
wrap my brain
around the
fact that
people want to
come and see
what I do.

8 magicseen Taster No. 1

 DAVID COPPERFIELD

DAVID
COPPERFIELD
STILL FLYING HIGH
I’m in the amazing MGM Grand hotel in Las
With 21 Emmy Awards for artistic Vegas with David Copperfield. After so many
excellence on television, 2 years of continued success, the name
‘Copperfield’ has become an iconic symbol and is
Entertainer of the Year Awards, recognised throughout the world. He’s probably
knighted by the French more well-known than most world leaders! I ask
government, and the only him if he has come to terms with his status in the
entertainment world and beyond? “When I pull up
entertainer to have his image as
to a theatre or arena, I can't really wrap my brain
legal tender on postage stamps by around the fact that people want to come and
four different nations, it quickly see what I do,” he says, “I still find it amazing
when a president refers to my name, and when
becomes apparent that David
Orson Welles introduced my first TV special, it
Copperfield is so much more than was a crazy thing like a dream, in fact, if I could
a magician. do it over, I would love to be a film director. Orson
Welles was possibly one of the greatest movie
directors and Citizen Kane possibly the greatest
Over 3 billion people have seen his shows, and movie ever made”.
he continues to perform more than 500 shows
around the world each year. However, it is Does hearing your name mentioned even now
‘Project Magic’ which perhaps gives him the have the same impact it did back then when
most satisfaction. This rehabilitative you first started appearing on TV shows?
programme, established in 1982, strengthens
dexterity and motor skills in disabled patients “Yes, in fact there have been a couple of recent
using sleight-of-hand magic as therapy. Over references - in the movie Night At The Museum,
1100 hospitals in over 30 countries worldwide when one of the dinosaurs is suddenly missing,
have embraced the programme. the Ben Stiller character says: 'Is this a David
Copperfield thing?'” he laughs. “So it's cool to
After watching David Copperfield’s live show, be mentioned in movies...and the actor Denzil
and having a tour of the star’s amazing magic Washington in The Inside Man - a guy escapes
museum, magicseen reporter Michael J. Fitch from a safe - and where I would think of Houdini
talks to the master magician about his iconic escaping from a safe, they refer to 'David
image, Houdini, and how to fly… Copperfield'!”

www.magicseen.co.uk 9
 DAVID COPPERFIELD

I’m proud of flying. When I first did it,

magicians came to my shows and they
didn’t know what I was doing.

If people use my name in those sorts of the plexy box... to be able to invent all those magic shows from very early on - Thurston
reference, then that's very flattering, you know. things was a cool thing to do... with Arabian Nights or Dante with an Egyptian
So, I guess I'm doing OK. People seem to number. I don’t think there was ever a really
attach credibility to what I do.” “The Death Saw Illusion was another illusion moving story combined with magic, and that
which had a huge effect on people... I think was kind of my goal.” David adds that in the
On his TV Specials, David has performed so that was good work and flying was good work beginning, he would be dancing while doing
many memorable grand illusions. I reel off and I think when people see the car appear in the zig zag – like in an MGM musical, and then
Niagara Falls, The Great Wall of China, Burning my live show that’s pretty good, too.” I tell him when he did his levitation, the set was 'An
Rope, Statue of Liberty – and they are all that when I saw the car illusion in his show, I American in Paris.' “The storytelling was
amazing pieces of art… was blown away and it brought back to me all always there, and I developed it, and I think
the reasons I became a magician. “That’s why that defines what I brought to our craft, you
“And of course there's the flying!” says David, we do it, that really is why we do it, and that know. I have invented a lot of magic and
pointing out perhaps his most famous feat of happens so rarely to magicians. When you created a lot of new effects from scratch. But
all. “I’m proud of flying. When I first did it, have a lot of great magicians in the audience, adding a layer of depth with a story is
magicians came to my shows and they didn't people who have seen it all, yet they are blown something people relate to and is very special.”
know what I was doing. This included Peter away, that’s pretty cool! I’m also really proud of
Foy the guy who did all the flying effects for ‘Snow’ with it snowing in the audience, it’s David Copperfield is still the biggest name in
‘Peter Pan.’ He said he had no idea, which been ripped off a lot, unfortunately, but it’s up world magic, but recent years have seen a
was amazingly flattering.” You have perfected there with my favourites.” change in presentation styles with David Blaine
the art if you can baffle him, I say. “Watching and Criss Angel trading on celebrity image as
people crying in the audience - including grown In all of your TV shows and live performances, much as their creative skills. It appears that
men, it seemed to touch something in them… David Copperfield is a storyteller - is that magic has lost its element of theatre – is this
nothing like that had been done and it was something you discovered you had a natural down to budgets - that it's cheap to make
amazing for people to witness it. Then we tried flair for? “My goal from the very beginning was street magic? “I think it's good at keeping
to take it further: flying with a girl in my arms, to tell stories with magic. Themes were used in magic out there,” says David, thoughtfully, “It's

10 magicseen Taster No. 1

DAVID COPPERFIELD

www.magicseen.co.uk 11
DAVID COPPERFIELD

I live in Vegas
for six months of
the year, then the
rest of the time I go
on tour and stay at
the island. But
honestly, home is
really where my
friends are, it’s not
really about the
location.

12 magicseen Taster No. 1

 DAVID COPPERFIELD

far different to what I do, but I support people “You may have heard of a ventriloquist called
as long as they are being original, I don’t love it Sharie Lewis - she was amazingly popular over
when people are doing my material or here. She had a character called Lamb Chop (a
something I invented, but when they are doing sheep, which was a hand-sock, she also had
their own stuff in their own style, then I think several TV series in the UK during the 1970s).
it's good for magic. And if it's credible, then it's She's a kind of icon of American pop-culture.
better. I wish those guys well. It's a far different We now have a large display of her puppets.”
world than getting out on stage and taking an Do you ever get spooked out in the museum if
audience on a journey - it's kind of the promo you are there on your own? “People are really
for a show that you can never sit in an freaked out with the ventriloquism room with
audience and actually see for an hour, but it the vent dummies, I guess it’s because there
keeps magic out there in the public eye.” are so many movies with dummies coming to
life, but it’s never really creeped me out at all.”
As we chat, people wander past us in the
hotel, and there’s a constant buzz of With David’s reputation for performing miracles,
excitement as guests realise The David I suggest he must meet people who challenge
Copperfield is right there! I ask if he has had him to walk through a wall, or to fly - what does
any memorable meetings with fans? “I was he say to them in reply? “You know what? That
flying with a girl volunteer in my arms......and never happens - and I'm not sure why!” he
she started to pee in my hand. I guess she says, shrugging his shoulders. “People never
was moved,” he says matter-of-factly. say, 'Will you do a card trick for me?' On a TV

ONE
show they will ask me to do something, but
I suppose that success can be measured in never in public or at a party. I’m never asked to
many ways, but when you have your own perform, but I get the usual requests asking me
private island, it can be said you’ve done pretty if I can make people's wives disappear, and if I
well for yourself. David has his own paradise can make the check (bill) disappear.”
island retreat, Copperfield Bay – recently the
subject of a TV documentary by Trevor Unlike many magicians, David tells me that
MINUTE
McDonald. I ask David how you actually go he’s never been one of those magicians who with the Maestro!
about buying an island? “It had been my carry a pack of cards around with them. He
dream for a very long time and I have been says, “As a kid I used to carry sponge balls Coffee or tea? Tea.
looking for years and years - and I was able to and an acrobatic match box, and when I was Bath or shower? Bath, no...actually both.
locate it with a little magic! I drew a line on a 14 I used to carry an attaché case with a Depends on the mood! But not at the
globe from Stonehenge in England to the brainwave deck, a fingertip flash pot, a Walsh same time.
statues of Easter Island, and then I drew appearing cane, and many of Tannen’s packet Favourite food: Fajitas, this week.
another line between the Mexican pyramids tricks. But I’ve never carried any magic with Movie: Citizen Kane, or Gone with the
and the Egyptian pyramids. Those two lines on me since then.” Wind, or the Wizard of Oz.
a globe intersect on my Island!” Book: Not ‘David Copperfield!’
From collecting magic tricks as a young boy, Comedy: The Producers - the original
With constant touring demands, and spending David is, of course, the owner of the world’s version. I actually own the original script for
time at Copperfield Bay, I wonder where David biggest collection of magic history. When the the movie, written by Mel Brooks
actually calls home? “Well, I live in Vegas for six Mulholland library of conjuring arts was being TV Show: I love South Park and I’ve
months of the year, then the rest of the time I auctioned off, friends of David’s suggested to watched some Entourage - they have used
go on tour and stay at the island. But honestly, him that it was an opportunity for him to my name as a reference so that’s pretty
home is really where my friends are, it's not preserve it in one place. “I thought about it and cool, but I just don't have enough time
really about the location,” he says, bought it all for a couple of million dollars - and because I'm always onstage
acknowledging passing fans. I fell in love with it!” David has since quadrupled Blonde or Brunette? Hmm... I don't want to
the size of his collection, and he tells me that offend by picking just one!...But my mum
I ask him to describe a typical day. “Well there was one area of his collection which I was brunette so I guess I would say
sometimes I do three shows a day,” he replies. didn’t get to see. “Leslie Cole was one of the brunette!
“My day involves being on the phone, working biggest magic collectors from the UK, but we Favourite place in the world? Copperfield Bay
on magic and the 'staging' for the shows - I haven’t archived it all because we don’t have (who’d have predicted that? - ed)
work with architects and builders who are enough room yet. There’s a whole side of the Favourite car: 1948 Lincoln convertible - this
working on the island. I also look at possible museum waiting to be revealed. We have the is the one which appears in my show! That
new acquisitions for the museum – in fact we Robert J. Albo collection of apparatus. It’s an was my grandfather’s dream car...
have just opened a new area to the ever-expanding collection - a really amazing
ventriloquism collection. amount of stuff.”

www.magicseen.co.uk 13
DAVID COPPERFIELD

The Houdini Room was my favourite part of the People think I

museum and it had a tremendous impact on
me. I recall there was a really strange old dusty
don’t have any
smell as you opened the metamorphosis trunk… feelings, and you
With David in possession of many of Houdini’s
are indestructible,
personal letters, I suggest he must have a real and forget you’re
insight to the man. What was Houdini really human.
like? “Well I think he’s normal like me, every bit
of jealousy that a modern magician has - anger
and pride - all those things, back then Houdini
was copied and ripped off, and I’ve lived You’ve been in the public eye for so long now,
through all the same stuff which Houdini went has the novelty of it worn off? “I have taken a
through. Not just Houdini but other magicians break from all that for a while, now, it’s more
in history. It’s there in writing. It’s astonishing about the work rather than who you’re dating
how history repeats itself over and over again. and how many red carpets you can appear on.”

“And it’s not just in magic, but this stuff exists in Having achieved genuine movie star status
technology and computers today. Houdini was through being a magician, David has provided
an innovator in the escape concept, not so magicians with a dream to aspire to, but he
much in magic, but in the escape world he’s says that when he was a child, the days of ‘big
the guy who created it and was totally ripped magic’ like Thurston and Blackstone had gone.
off. He responded by exposing his own secrets, The only magicians around were on revue
so others couldn’t copy him, and of course he shows, maybe on the Ed Sullivan show
had an amazing ego - like we all have.” occasionally, but really going from paycheck to
paycheck. “As a child I knew I could do well
Sitting beside David Copperfield, I’m beginning with magic and storytelling, and the
to find out that it can be hard work being an combination of magic and emotion. I tried to
international superstar! David reveals that he give it the respect and I worked hard - and I
has a special method which means he can go didn’t really look back.”
out without being recognised all the time.
“I have a way of holding my posture a little It’s really great to see David Copperfield in his
differently and I wear a hat and I can be sort of ‘own back yard’, but it’s possibly even more
invisible. But if I stand up straight and make thrilling to see him perform on tour – when the
eye contact, then they recognise me. It’s all David Copperfield Show rolls in to town to
about my posture and how I move, I don’t go stage a magic ‘event’. Are there plans to come
round doing a lot of posing and stuff.” So you back to the UK? “There are no immediate
don’t go round waving your hands in front of plans, we have a tour of Australia planned - I
elevator doors to open them? “No,” he replies haven’t been there for 10 years, we’ll see -
in a humorous dead-pan way. maybe a European tour.” I try desperately to
convince David to perform in the UK, but I’m
With an unquenchable thirst for celebrity gossip, not sure I got through to him! I tell him about
the media often stoop to intrusive ‘journalism’, I the amazing 02 arena. “The first time that I
wonder if this 24/7 media-culture has affected went to the UK I made a big mistake,” he says
the way people think about you? After thinking honestly. “I played Earls Court, which was a big
for a moment, he says, “People think I don’t mistake because it really wasn’t the perfect
have any feelings, and you are indestructible, venue for magic, but the good news is, we
and forget you’re human. I have many blessings sold it out about a dozen times… it was
and have also worked hard for them, but I do unbelieveable.
care what people think and what they say. I’m
not a piece of granite.” So what are the “Then we came back and played the Apollo
advantages of being a celebrity? “People give which was a wonderful Theatre, and Princess
me the time of day and people are very nice to Diana and the princes came to the show.
me, but sometimes it can work against you with
people not wanting to help me because I’m It’s been many years since I was there last, so
David Copperfield, but that hardly ever happens, we’ll see what happens. Right now I’m
most of the time people are very nice to me!” enjoying myself.” ms

14 magicseen Taster No. 1

 exclus i v e !
magicseen are proud to announce that
we have published the only biography
of legend DAVID COPPERFIELD!

We’ve got together with David himself,

who tells us his truly magical story. The
book covers his amazing life from
childhood memories right through to
buying his own island!!

As well as the biography, this edition

also includes extra material including
an exclusive interview with David done
by magicseen’s reporter Michael J.
Fitch, and also Michael’s account of his
personal tour of the famous Copperfield
museum. A Magic Life is a must-read ORDER NOW
FOR ONLY

£20
for anyone interested in the
*
phenomenon that is David Copperfield.

U.S. Dealers contact Murphy’s Magic

For more information or to order visit

www.magicseen.co.uk
*Plus P&P £2 (UK) £4 (Europe) £7 (Worldwide)
IN THE PHONE BOX

In the Phonebox
with Throwdini!
18 magicseen Taster No. 1
 IN THE PHONE BOX

The Great Throwdini (Rev. Dr. David Adamovich) is one of the foremost professional knife throwers in
the world today. Respectively referred to as The World’s Fastest Knife Thrower, he has 25 world records
to back up that claim. One record has been designated as One of The Top 100 Guinness World Records
of All Time. Throwdini has performed with Stars of The World Famous Moscow State Circus, received
an IMS Merlin for Outstanding Performance in the Impalement Arts, and performs regularly at New
TGT and target girl
Tina Nagy.
York’s longest running magic show, Monday Night Magic.

What better way to list. If a stunt is too risky I’d rather leave it out
than risk harming my partner.
Biggest influence in your life?
My parents. They’ve always loved me and
spend thirty pence than given me the best they could. My dad is
Tell us your biggest fear... deceased but I’m sure he’d be very proud of
to ring up one of the My biggest fear was performing the Wheel of me.
Death for the first time before a live audience.
world’s leading knife- Believe me, after that everything else is a piece What are your greatest accomplishments as a
of cake. knife thrower?
throwers, and ask him First and foremost, being a Merlin recipient. I’m
What don't people really understand about knife the only person to have stopped/caught a
some stuff! This is what throwing? bullet, an arrow, and a knife. Ripley’s Believe it
Some people think knives come from the back or Not! honoured me with a cartoon. My top
we got for our money... of the board. That might be true for certain world records are throwing 144 knives around
illusions, stabbing a playing card for example. a target girl in 1 minute, throwing 3 knives
But not in mine. In fact I finish my act by within 1 second, throwing 10 knives in 3.7
impaling a chosen playing card. Some say it’s seconds, catching 25 knives in 1 minute, and
How do you get to be a famous knife-thrower? I magic. I say it’s magical. throwing a knife through the ash of a lit
guess you have to kill a few people along the way cigarette held in a target girl’s mouth — without
while practising? Has knife throwing brought you any other fame? moving the cigarette!
Fame comes from “paying your dues” over Yes, it’s opened the door for me to represent
many performances. It starts out with just one Record Holders Republic If you could do anything in 2010 what would you do?
lucky break and some good exposure. (www.recordholdersrepublic.co.uk) as their US Perform at both the Magic Circle in London
Regarding killing a few people along the way, President, allowing me to adjudicate world and the Magic Castle in Hollywood.
it’s better to “Aim to miss your targets (target records. We are about to release Believe The
girls). They last longer that way.” Unbelievable — The Ultimate Book of World Best advice you can give to would-be knife throwers?
Records and the People Who Pursue Them. Practise and don’t do anything careless that
Everyone can have an 'off-day' - but not you, eh? Bartleby Press, 2010. could jeopardise the safety of your partner.
For me an OFF day could be costly. I always Sine qua non (without which there is none).
aim to miss. There has been an occasional What would you do for a million dollars?
scrape, nothing serious but upsetting none- Make me an offer. I can be bought. Got 2 million? Throwdini's website is www.knifethrower.com
the-less. It’s helped develop a deep sense of (would you have expected anything else?)
trust between my partner and I.

Were you always good at throwing stuff at school?

No. I began knife throwing at the age of 50
after a career as a professor of exercise
physiology and electrocardiography. After the
initial learning curve, which was very fast for
me, it became second nature. I don’t think
about throwing, I just do it!

What sort of mentality do you have to have?

Mentality? Yikes, I’ve been accused of having
none for what I do! But it requires a great deal
of concentration and serious attitude. My
target girl’s safety is always number one on the

www.magicseen.co.uk 19
 MARC OBERON

Marc Oberon
GOING FOR GOLD!
The last couple of years have been amazing for Marc Oberon, he has won more-or-less
every competition he entered - and that included FISM in China and SAM/IBM in the
USA. OK, we know he’s a brilliant magician, but what do we really know about this
reserved and laid-back performer? magicseen has spent quite a bit of time with him,
and we’ve found out one or two very surprising things….

Graham Hey asks the questions.

Y
ou can see Marc Oberon at the top Surprisingly, given Marc’s studious approach to Germany, Holland, Switzerland and Taiwan.”
conventions where he often has a magic, at school he failed to live up to But for Marc, winning at FISM wasn’t the most
dealer stand - he’s the one who looks expectations, but puts the blame squarely on recent highlight. “Whilst being a FISM winner is
pretty cool dressed in all black, looking like the himself. “At school I was lazy and did not pay something to be pleased about I am much
fifth Beatle with his polo-neck jumper and much attention. I remember thinking my being more proud of my SAM/IBM in America, and
leather jacket. But is he approachable? Does there was a waste of time: I will be a magician!” the reason is that the audience voted for the
he give freely of his time? Is he a man of the winner. To me this is much more validating than
people? So many questions! But was that really what you believed? “Well, the decision of a panel of judges.”
people say ‘you need to have something to fall
Perhaps looking at him, it would be a fair bet to back on’, but I believe that if you have But what is the motivation for entering
guess that he went to a private school and something to fall back on, then you inevitably competitions - it sounds like a lot of stress!
excelled as a choirboy - or something like that. will do so. I have always been a magician
However, Marc had a much less privileged because I never had anything to fall He thinks for a few seconds before answering,
childhood. “I was raised in a single parent back on, and don't know anything else!” “The reason I entered competitions was to
family by my mother, Patricia, along with my motivate myself to improve, you know you
two brothers,” he says, “we were not well off, Fortunately, Marc has made the most of his have a deadline to work to, your credibility is at
and lived on a council estate, but my mother magic skills, and this led to him winning at stake, it’s a pressure which I need to refine my
has always been very supportive and would FISM last year, in China. For most of us, the act. What I have noticed is that at times I forget
drive me to magic conventions.” achievement is but a dream, but what does the real reason I actually entered a competition
actually winning it mean these days? Is it just a and start to obsess about needing to win. This
The magic bug struck Marc very early, credibility thing, or does it catapult you in to the can be quite negative.”
and he remembers seeing several of the heady world of superstardom? (yes, this is a
magic greats. “I remember seeing Fred Kaps, tongue in cheek question!). I ask him how he thinks he is perceived by
Al Goshman and Richard Ross perform others, after all, he is sensitive, and the type of
live at Ron McMillan’s International Day of “The biggest impact is the invitations to person who cares about how he comes
Magic. At the time I was 12 years of perform and lecture at magic conventions all across. “I really don’t know - we all see
age, and in complete awe of these over the world,” laughs Marc, “In the next few something different, and then the act of
magicians.” months I will be in America, Canada, Russia, agreeing solidifies a perception! Somebody

22 magicseen Taster No. 1

MARC OBERON

www.magicseen.co.uk 23
MARC OBERON

24 magicseen Taster No. 1

 MARC OBERON

once posted on a forum that my head was so

far up my a**e that I wouldn’t talk to Performing on cruise ships is just
anybody…” says Marc, obviously still taken
aback by the thought of it. “I don’t look on wonderful, it is a performing situation where
forums any more,” he adds dryly.
I strive to improve as the other acts are of a
One thing we know for definite about Marc is
that he is obsessive about his performances - if very high standard, the technical team are
there is one magician who is constantly striving
for perfection, it’s him. It takes a strong will and top notch and the audience are
a certain character to be so focussed - and yet
Marc never comes across as confident about sophisticated, intelligent people.
his act or the effect it has on others. He’s
constantly questioning the quality of it,
seemingly oblivious to the fact that what he
does is world class. Maybe this is what makes
him so good. I actually received a call from Life on the Ocean waves seems to suit Marc always an amount of background noise, or one
Marc as we began to think about this interview, though, and, though 2009 was a great year for of two people talking, the audiences Marc has
and he was on one of the world’s finest luxury him professionally, he suffered an upheaval in his experienced are perfect for him. He says: “It is
cruise ships, heading for Hawaii. He was due to private life, so maybe some time away will be the so satisfying to have the total attention of the
perform within the hour for the first time - and yet tonic he needs. “Performing on cruise ships is audience.”
even then, there was concern about how he just wonderful, it is a performing situation where I
was going to be received. I asked him what he strive to improve as the other acts are of a very Cliff Richard and Daniel O’Donnell were guests
was going to perform. “I’m doing a 45 minute high standard, the technical team are top notch on the ship (The Odyssey) and Marc was
spot, opening with my FISM act,” and the audience are sophisticated, intelligent delighted to be asked to perform a show for
he replied. people.” Unlike corporate events where there is them and their party of twelve.

www.magicseen.co.uk 25
MARC OBERON
O’Connor (top guy at Objective Productions),
When I board a and second place went to ace stand-up,
Noel Britten.
new ship I spend a
Early in his career, Marc took inspiration from
while choosing the Fred Kaps, Richard Ross, David Charles and
Bobby Bernard. And later, from Simon Drake,
material for each theatre Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Tommy Wonder,
Derren Brown, and more recently, Raymond
as the audience, Crow. As you can see - his influences come
from all areas of magic, so perhaps it is no
shape, size and surprise that Marc has a varied repertoire. His
UV show is a really brilliant spectacle, and is
proximity vary from ship just one area where he has been aided by his
friend Nik Hull, who is a designer of movie
to ship special effects. “Nik makes my wonderful
props and he is a master craftsman! We have
worked together for over 15 years now.

Marc is firmly established as a close up star, And, while I mostly wear the hats of Visionary,
and his stunning UV cabaret show has Conceptual Design and Choreographer, Nik
received acclaim around the world. Add to this specialises as Technical Designer and
his stand-up FISM act, and you have a truly Assembler.
versatile performer. “This has certainly been
essential for me to survive,” he says. “When I This partnership has proved to be invaluable to
board a new ship I spend a while choosing the me and has contributed greatly to my
material for each theatre as the audience, success.” Marc’s two children, (Torin,10, and
shape, size and proximity vary from ship Xavier,11) both have a keen eye for magic, too
to ship.” - although he says they both have their own
paths to take. “However, they know what
After 2009, what are his hopes for 2010? “I do works and they give very helpful feedback to
not presently have a clearly defined goal for my performances. Sometimes we get together
2010, it is more of a nebulous... get through it, be with UV masks, props and costumes, put on a
creative, save some money,” he says honestly. UV light, some atmospheric music and have
lots of fun playing magic. Often I find new
Another area in which Marc has built a solid visions and moves arrive in the spirit of play.”
reputation is in the effects he markets. Where
many magicians seem to release things on a Despite a slightly serious exterior, we found
weekly basis, Marc is more considered in his that over a few drinks, Marc possess a good
approach - only releasing tried and tested sense of humour - even though he denies it! I
material which he has performed hundreds of ask him if he has any secret ambition to do
times. “Two effects I will release are the ‘name comedy. “I have absolutely no desire to be a
deck’ which is a method of a named card comedy magician,” he laughs uncomfortably at
having the actual name of the person who the very thought of it, “but I think a bit more
named the card on the back. I perform this a humour would benefit my act.”
lot and it is one of the best effects I have ever
created. The second effect is called ‘Ring Fling’ So, what have we learnt about Marc Oberon?
which is a visible penetration of a ring onto a Well, he’s quite a complex character - perhaps
piece of cord, this is another effect which I naturally an introvert and certainly modest about
really enjoy performing.” his achievements. Above all though, he is one of
the most genuine and honest magicians around
Marc has certainly come a long way since - and all those big, shiny trophies certainly
gaining his first award at the age of sixteen. haven’t gone to his head. He likes to focus on
how he can improve, how he can keep up with
“I came 3rd in the Young Magician of the Year the rest - how he can justify his place on cruise
with a manipulation act, I was trying to be ships alongside other talented performers. One
Richard Ross!” To show the quality of that day, he’ll look back at his achievements and
competition, 1st place went to Andrew realise that he was OK, after all. ms

26 magicseen Taster No. 1

 MARC OBERON

I have absolutely no desire to

be a comedy magician.....but I
think a bit more humour would
benefit my act.

www.magicseen.co.uk 27
 REVIEWS H - poor

RATINGS
HH - OK, but could be better

reviews
HHH - reasonable middle of the road value
HHHH - good product
HHHHH - outstanding/exceptional

woven around the main magic of attention because it is quirky and one that is rather akin to the doctor
the effect. unusual. The re-set, such as it is, pushing that flat stick to the back
could easily be done between of your mouth in order to look at
A large spoon is shown openly tables and the angles are good your tonsils. So, something to bear
and placed into the mouth. The enough to work at a table side. All in mind, perhaps.
idea is that you are going to try to you have to carry is the spoon
turn the spoon over in your gimmick and a playing card. Oh, You receive the well thought out
SPOONAROUND mouth without using either of and it is very easy to do. spoon gimmick, which has a
Axel Hecklau your hands. A playing card is clever design to make it practical
Available from: attached to the end of the spoon OK, there is a downside to this and surefire, plus written
www.axelhecklau.com so the rotation of the spoon is effect. The spoon you are supplied instructions and a DVD which
Price: $59.50 (approx. £35.00) very visual as it moves round. with has a big bowl, and I simply makes everything clear. It’s
However, the turning over of the did not have enough room to turn particularly useful to see Axel
Axel Hecklau probably first spoon is simply lulling the it over in my mouth! Maybe I have perform his routine not only to
caught your attention with his audience into a false sense of a small mouth, but I found it camera in a studio but also in a
widely publicised and reviewed security from which they are impossible to turn the spoon over live cabaret spot. It makes you
torn and restored newspaper suddenly jolted when the spoon unless I was to cut out my tongue realise that what may read as a
effect called News Flash, and is removed and is discovered to and remove my teeth! So, I guess fairly uninspiring plot can be
Axel is now back again with this have changed into a fork. you could leave out the part where turned into a funny and
quirky close up / stand up effect you really turn the spoon over and captivating entertainment piece by
using a large spoon. Essentially I think this would make a great restrict the actual turn over to just following Axel‘s presentation. ML
the plot is extremely simple and item for table hopping. It’s quick, it when the fork is in your mouth.
direct. A large bowl spoon uses an item which is totally in Mind you, even this is not quite as WHAT’S HOT: Axel’s funny
unexpectedly changes into a fork. keeping with magic at a table straightforward as it may appear, presentation
That’s it. Well, there have been where there are countless pieces because the length of the fork is WHAT’S NOT: The size of the
similar effects before, but what of cutlery anyway, and because such that for all of it to be hidden, it spoon could be a problem, as
makes Axel’s different, and in my everything takes place at your has to go quite a way towards the might shoving a sharp object to
opinion, more of a feature item, is face level, it is highly visible across back of your mouth which I found the back of your mouth!
the presentation which he has a table. I’m sure it would also get rather an unpleasant sensation, Star Rating: HHHH

You ask a spectator, “Is it the card. The spectator chooses your wallet nicked that is! This is
possible to influence the thoughts a culprit and, of course, is correct something you’ll carry around
of another?” Unsure of the everytime, yes EVERYTIME! with you at all times. There is a bit
answer, you offer to try a of scripting you’ll need to learn to
demonstration of subliminal Convinced it was a lucky guess pull this off convincingly, but once
messaging. you explain how you were able to learnt you’ve got a great piece of
influence them. You confess that pocket mentalism for life.
From your wallet you remove a the card is not really from a board
SLEUTH credit card sized game card and game but one you created just for Inspired by Paul Brooks’ effect
Michael Murray hand it to the spectator. You this effect, and contained within ‘You Know Who’ Michael has
Available from: explain that it is taken from a the design of the card are cleverly put his own spin on Paul’s
www.magicbox.uk.com murder mystery board game hidden messages that they have excellent effect and in doing so
Price: £9.99 called ‘Sleuth’. subconsciously picked up on. All has created a great lead up
the clues were right there, hidden effect to any mentalism set. PS
Following on from his effects The spectator is asked to read in plain sight!
‘Beyond ESP’ and ‘Between the out aloud what is written on the WHAT’S HOT: Quality product at
Lines’ is Michael Murray set for back of the card and then to try The card is excellently designed a great price.
a hat trick of successes with his and choose the murderer from and made and should last a WHAT’S NOT: Nothing really.
latest offering, ‘Sleuth’? a list of names on the front of lifetime, providing you don’t have Star Rating: HHHHH

32 magicseen Taster No. 1

 REVIEWS

and very magical. As the first item and at the same time open up lighters, and Helicopter Band,
in the book it also sets the tone possibilities for patter and humour which is a fun idea in which a
for the rest of the contents - you’ll depending on which word was rubber band is made to spin
find magic that is unusual, written by the spectator. round your finger. There’s a cups
commercial and very entertaining. and balls move, a nice ring off
Next we are invited to learn some string move, a finale for a Coins
Having revealed his competition of Jon’s stand-up magic. A bottle Across which happens in a
act, Jon then sets about offering production, a routine with mobile spectator’s hand, and more.
a wide range of other individual phones, a version of Bank Night
effects. In the Close Up and using a borrowed credit card and John Lovick, who has written this
Walkaround Magic section you’ll a newspaper headline prediction book, has done a great job of
discover tricks with rings, coins, are all fully explained and all are explaining not only the mechanics
sugar packets, bank notes, extremely workable. of Jon’s magic, but also in
spoons, rope and rubber bands, imparting his sense of humour.
EXPERIENCE every single one of which has the Most of the magic explained in There are some great lines in here
The Magic Of Jon Allen stamp of someone who performs this book, while certainly not for which Jon uses and I felt Jon’s
Available from: for people rather than just sits at the beginner, is probably within personality came across strongly
www.vanishingincmagic.com home devising esoteric yet clever the capabilities of most as a result of the way it has been
Price: £40.45 magic. He explains his versions of performers who are prepared to presented here. If you are
some classic effects such as The work a little on their magic. Jon interested in good commercial
This large size hard back book Professor’s Nightmare, The Crazy does not use a lot of knuckle magic, I would be very surprised
runs to about 200 pages and is Man’s Handcuffs and the busting moves to achieve his if you didn’t find several things of
copiously illustrated with clear Cigarette Through Coin, and each routines, but neither is his interest here as this book should
black and white photos and it is a handling and presentation reflects material self working as a rule. be a very worthy addition to
celebration of the magic of top Jon’s commercial style and his However, Jon can get ‘difficult’ if anyone’s magical library. ML
English award winning performer attention to detail. His ideas with he wants! In the next section we
Jon Allen. And it’s great! In a a bill switch handling were encounter some of Jon’s moves, WHAT’S HOT: the range of magic
marketplace that is replete with particularly good and could open including a couple of fancy offered and the commercial
books and e-books that purport the way for all sorts of other looking multiple cuts, then he nature of that magic
to contain the miracles that will presentations and ideas for offers some shorter more quirky WHAT’S NOT: some work required
make you a star, but which in anyone who decides to learn it. offerings such as Twins, in which to do many of these items, so not
reality usually offer little that is a borrowed lighter is apparently for the beginner
genuinely new or practical, Jon‘s The next section concentrates on snapped into two identical Star Rating: HHHHH
massive book is a breath of fresh cards. Here Jon offers a range of
air, filled as it is with terrific effects practical, engaging card routines
and solid magical thinking. which are so much more
interesting than card effects often
Winning the IBM Close Up are. Once again Jon has taken
Competition in Oakland, some classic routines (Out Of
California in 1995 gave Jon a lot This World, Anniversary Waltz, the
of credibility and positive ‘Fred’ Trick) and twisted them to
exposure, and in this book you make them far more memorable
will learn full details of the very act for the audience than they might
that brought Jon his success. otherwise be. His ideas on the
While you might not want to Ambitious Card are especially
perform the act as is, bearing in interesting in presentational
mind that it was created basically terms, since he questions why we
to win a magic competition, it always get a spectator to sign
does give you a clear idea on the their name on a card when in fact
way that Jon’s mind works and they could put any word at all,
also how it is possible to structure which would make the card even
a routine that is funny, surprising more unique than with a name

www.magicseen.co.uk 33
 MASTERCLASS

magicseen masterclass

Photo 2 Photo 3

REQUIREMENTS: Put the brown packet in your left

A brown sugar packet, a white trouser pocket and the white
sugar packet, a sharp knife, packet in your right back trouser
some white glue, and a Sharpie pocket. Place the Sharpie in your
marker. Also, there must be a right trouser pocket.
sugar holder on the table where
you are performing with at least
eight to ten sugar packets— PERFORMANCE:
about half of each kind. At the table, pick up the sugar
holder, and pick out a number of
brown packets and drop them in
SETUP: front of someone on your left
Using the knife, take a white (drop them on the table, not in
sugar packet and cut a slit about her lap). Put the holder down and
one-sixteenth of an inch from a ask the person to choose any
short edge. If there is a flattened one of the brown packets. When
Photo 1 border then cut just inside this. she does, take it from her and
The slit does not have to run the explain you want her to sign it.
entire width of the packet. Ensure You will now switch the freely-
you only cut through one side of chosen brown packet for your
CITIZEN CANE the packet by shaking the sugar prepared packet using Juan
BY JON ALLEN down to one end and cutting at Tamariz’s double crossing the
that end. Pour the sugar out onto gaze switch. In short, hold the
Here is a wonderful restaurant effect involving the a sheet of paper. Do the same chosen brown packet flat on your
with the brown sugar packet. right fingers. Put your left hand in
transposition of brown and white sugar inside their
your trouser pocket as if you are
sealed packets. It is easy to do and the magic is Carefully pour the brown sugar looking for the pen, and secretly
incredibly strong. All of the dirty work is carried out into the white packet, and vice obtain your prepared brown
versa. Glue along the edges of packet. Look at your pocket
before the effect apparently begins, which puts you in an
the slits and press them down to throughout these actions (Photo
advantageous position. Also, it is a good example of seal them, ensuring there are no 1). After failing to find the pen,
magic being performed with objects in their natural granules in the way. When the look up (Photo 2) and think “It’s
environment. It requires a bit of preparation but it will be glue has dried, check to make not in there”—there’s no need to
sure there are no gaps through act it, just think it. Now look to
more than worth the effort. which the sugar could escape. your right pocket as you remove

36 magicseen Taster No. 1

 MASTERCLASS

Photo 4 Photo 5 Photo 6 Photo 7

your left hand from your pocket, table in front of someone on your behind you. Make some magical You can substitute other packets
and apparently place her brown right. Ask for one of the white gesture and ask that the two for the sugar packets: salt and
packet in your left hand by packets to be chosen, and then people now lift their hands. It will pepper, ketchup and mustard,
turning your right hand palm take the chosen packet in your be seen that the two packets chili powder and Parmesan. This
down and touching it to your left left hand (Photo 6). Ask for it to have not switched places, and is a transposition effect, not a
hand (Photo 3). However, you be signed also and, realising the have remained where they were. sugar packet trick.
actually retain the right-hand pen is to your left, apparently take Say that you feel confident that
packet with your thumb. Your the white packet into your right something has happened, so It is important that neither of the
palm-up left hand remains hand. In actual fact, you switch take the white packet and tear it switches looks staged or like a
stationary, with the switched-in the packets under cover of the open along the glued slit, thus move; instead they should look
packet sitting on your fingers holder. Your right hand places the destroying the evidence. Slowly like logically motivated natural
(Photo 4), as you immediately sugar holder into the left hand, tip out the contents onto a actions.
place your right hand in your right and your right hand moves away, napkin, saucer, or other
pocket, again in search of the now holding the switched-in receptacle to reveal the brown This actually started out as a card
pen. The entire move depends on white packet (Photo 7, sugar sugar. Likewise, tear open the trick, but while playing around in
you doing this naturally and not packet exposed for clarity). brown packet to reveal the white a restaurant after a job, it evolved
overacting. sugar. The transposition is into this. As Jon says, “If I can
Put the sugar holder back down complete. save the world from another card
Leave the packet in your pocket, on top of the pile of white trick by turning it into a sugar
and remove the pen (Photo 5). packets, secretly dumping the packet trick, I feel I have done a
Ask the participant to sign her hidden packet on top of them. NOTES: great service.”
name on the brown packet. While Pick up the pen and hand it and There are four reasons why Jon
attention is on the signing of the the white packet over, so the likes this routine, and why he
brown packet, secretly get the packet can be signed. When it thinks it is a strong effect. CREDITS:
prepared white packet into your has been signed, ask that the 1. It uses items found in the Juan Tamariz’s double crossing
right hand. When the participant signer cover it with his hand. Pick restaurant. the gaze appeared in his book,
has finished signing the brown up the holder and put all the 2. All the dirty work is done The Five Points in Magic (1988).
packet, ask her to cover it with sugar packets back into it. Put before anyone knows what
her hand. the pen away and state that you the effect will be. This routine has been extracted
will attempt to make the two 3. Once you say what the effect with permission from Jon Allen’s
Pick up the sugar holder with packets of sugar switch places. will be, the packets are out of new book Experience – The
your left hand and place it in your your control. Magic Of Jon Allen (see review in
right hand on top of the white From here, it is nothing but 4. The magic happens in (or this issue)
packet. Take several white presentation as the hard work, rather under) the participants’
packets and drop them onto the indeed the entire method, is now hands.

www.magicseen.co.uk 37
 GAFF COINS

THE WORLD OF
FAKE COINS

PART 4
By Craig Petty

COPPER SILVER
A copper coin and a silver coin are examined by the audience and found to
be normal. The coins are then made to change places numerous times
under test conditions with each phase becoming more and more impossible.
The coins finally change places in the spectator’s hands to end the effect.

REQUIREMENTS METHOD
1 x Cooper English Penny OPENING PROCEDURE
1 x Silver Half Dollar Take out the purse making sure the audience
1 x Copper / Silver half and half coin cannot see the extra coin, which is hidden
1 x Real Man’s Coin Purse underneath (Fig 1). Open the purse, take out
the two coins inside and hand them to the
audience to be examined.
SET UP
The Real Man’s Coin Purse is available from As they are doing this close up the purse and
most magic dealers. It is a wallet shaped coin using your left thumb pull the hidden gimmick
purse which has a secret compartment in the into left hand finger palm. The gimmick should
back that can hold a coin and enables you to automatically be orientated so that the copper FIG 2
steal it whenever you require. (Ed: if you can’t side is facing away from the fingers. Place the
get one of these, simply hold the coin with your purse down in the centre of your table space compartment in the purse (or simply leaves it
hand under the purse you do have). Put the or mat. loose underneath if you have a standard purse).
Copper / Silver coin (hereafter this will be
referred to as the gimmick) in the secret Take back the copper coin holding it in an open Drop the coins on the table and show your
compartment of the coin purse so the copper finger palm in the right hand. Take the silver hands empty. Pick up the gimmick (which is
side is facing out. Have the regular copper coin back and place this in the right hand more showing copper) and place it into an open finger
and silver coins in the purse. Place the purse towards the palm. Display the two coins to the palm in the right hand. Tell the audience that
into your pocket and you are set to begin. spectators on the right and apparently throw the copper coin will always be in the right hand.
them into the left hand so the spectators on the Close your ring, middle and little fingers around
left can see. In reality instead of throwing the the coin apparently taking it into your fist.
two coins the copper coin is finger palmed and
the silver coin is thrown on its own where it The right hand thumb and forefinger are free
ends up with the gimmick coin. which allows you to pick up the silver coin and
display it (make sure the other fingers remain
closed around the apparent copper coin).
PHASE 1 – THE COINS SWITCH
While displaying the coins in the left hand the You will now perform a modified Bobo switch
right hand reaches down to the table and picks to apparently throw the silver coin into the left
up the purse and places it away further to one hand whilst in reality switching it for the
side on your mat. As this is done the right hand gimmick. Open your left hand palm up (Fig 2)
slides the palmed copper coin into the secret and bring your right hand over to it. In one
FIG 1

40 magicseen Taster No. 1

 GAFF COINS

PHASE 2 – A VISIBLE CHANGE

Display the coins in both hands being careful
not to flash the nature of the gimmick. Stack
the coins and hold them in the right hand so
that the gimmick (which is showing copper) is
on top of the regular silver coin.

Open the left hand so it is flat and palm up and

drop the stack of coins into the centre of the
palm ensuring that the copper side of the
gimmick stays in view on top. Close your hand FIG 5
around the coins and rotate it palm down.
FIG 3
As this coin comes out it will look like the silver
With your right hand reach in through your coin although in reality it is actually the silver side
thumbhole and pull out the bottom coin of the of the gimmick. The silver coin is still in the
motion the right forefinger and thumb pull the stack. This will look like the silver coin, spectator’s hand although they will be
silver coin into a thumb palm (Fig 3). At the however it is actually the silver side of the convinced that they are holding the copper coin.
same time the right ring, middle and little gimmick and the silver coin is still in your
fingers open for a fraction of a second allowing closed left hand. Put the apparent silver coin into your left hand
the gimmick inside your right hand to be (Fig 5) on the fingertips and close it into a fist
thrown into the left hand. Bring the apparent silver coin up to your eye therefore turning the coin over. Ask the
level and display it to the audience. All you spectator to squeeze their coin tightly to
The gimmick will automatically turn over as it is have to do to change this coin is turn it over. prevent you from getting to it.
being thrown and therefore land silver side up However if you do this openly the audience will
on the left palm (Fig 4). As the gimmick is see so you need to disguise the motion. Pick up the purse with the right hand (gimmick
being thrown across the right hand allows the Shake the right hand up and down whilst at side away from the audience) making sure that
thumb palmed silver coin to fall into the right the same time blowing on the coin. The larger your thumb rests on the copper coin in the
fist, which closes around it. The illusion is action of the shaking combined with the secret compartment. Tell the audience that all
created that the silver coin is thrown across. blowing means you can use your forefinger you have to do is wave the purse over your
Due to the gimmick landing silver side up this and thumb to flip the coin round. It will look hand to make the magic happen.
move is very deceptive. like a silver coin is shaken and then when
you stop it has changed into a copper coin. Wave the purse over your hand and then place
The gimmick should land towards the tips of As soon as the change occurs open your it on the table stealing the copper coin into
the left fingers. This means that when the left left hand and show that the silver coin is right hand finger palm at the same time. Open
hand closes into a fist the coin will now there. your left hand to show there is apparently a
automatically turn over. Ask the audience to copper coin inside (actually the copper side of
watch both hands and then open them. the gimmick).
The left hand will now have a copper coin
showing and the right hand will now have the PHASE 3 – IN THE SPECTATOR’S HAND Tell the spectator to open their hand, which will
silver coin. Place the coins down on the table in full view. show that they have the silver coin. As they do
Tell the spectator that for this phase you will this carry out a shuttle pass apparently
make the coins change places in the purse. dumping the copper coin from the left hand
into the right hand. In reality the left hand
Have the spectator hold out their left hand and finger palms its gimmick and the right hand
place the silver coin in the centre of their palm turns palm up at the same time showing the
followed by the gimmick so that the copper regular copper coin.
side is showing. Tell the spectator to close their
hand around the coins and turn their hand over. As soon as the spectator’s hand is opened
showing a silver coin, throw the now regular
Make sure that the spectator has their copper coin into their hand as well so they can
hand in a loose fist as you are going to be examine everything. Hold out the gimmick in a
reaching into it in a moment. Tell the spectator finger palm and as you are putting the props
you will take a coin out of their hand. away load it back into the secret compartment
of the purse. Place the regular coins into the
Reach in through their thumbhole and take the purse as well and put everything away in your
FIG 4 bottom coin of the stack, pulling it out of their fist. pocket. You are instantly reset. ms

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