THE MAGIC MAGAZINE FOR MAGICIANS & MENTALISTS

Issue No. 57 | Vol 10. No.3

Dani DaOrtiz
A Master At Work!

John Carey
The Miracle Maker!

Things I wish
I’d known!
14 top performers LUCA
reveal all... VOLPE
IN THE
JACUZZ
SEAN I!

ALEXANDER
ON THE UP AND DOWN UNDER
RRP $6.00 US/CAN ISSN 2163-0550

ALI COOK | COMEDY | MASTERCLASS | TREVOR GEORGE | REVIEWS

 WELCOME...

THE MAGIC MAGAZINE FOR MAGICIANS & MENTALISTS

Issue No. 57 | RRP £5.50 | Vol 10. No.3

EDITOR’S
LETTER
Dani DaOrtiz
A Master At Work!

John Carey
The Miracle Maker!

Things I wish
I’d known!
14 top performers
reveal all...
LUC
VOLPAE
SEAN

W
IN THE

ALEXANDER
JACUZZI
!
elcome to a really packed issue that hopefully will
ON THE UP AND DOWN UNDER mean your summer is not such a barren magical
ALI COOK | COMEDY | MASTERCLASS | TIME TUNNEL | REVIEWS
wasteland after all.

On the cover is super busy illusionist Sean Alexander whose

MEET THE TEAM...
Editor: Mark Leveridge tales of taking a big show out on the road are a real eye opener.
Deputy Editor: Graham Hey He is joined by John Carey whose work with cards has won him
Design Editor: Phil Shaw much acclaim and many admirers. And talking of cards, what
Advertisement Enquiries: can you say about the totally brilliant Dani DaOrtiz? Well, actually
Mark Leveridge quite a lot as you will see inside.
markleveridge@magicseen.co.uk
Website Design: Number 23.
www.numbertwentythree.co.uk Jez Rose, outstanding motivational speaker (I’ve seen him work
Circulation: Sarah Logan and he’s really terrific!), takes time out from his frantic schedule
Circulation Assistant: Jessica Preece
to offer some sage advice on how we can manipulate our
Contributors: John Carey, Arun audience’s preceptions of us as entertainers, while Jay Fortune chats to legendary UK theatrical
Bonerjee, Jay Fortune, John Archer, Nick
Einhorn, Paul Gordon, Shaun McCree, agent Trevor George about his long career in showbusiness. Meanwhile Graham Hey gets to
Geoffrey Durham, Mike Gancia, Jeremy spend 40p out of the Magicseen coffee fund jar in his local phonebox to chat to super star Ali
le Poidevin, Wayne Dobson, Ian Keable, Cook.
Pat Fallon, Wayne Fox, Simon Lovell,
Paul Daniels, Jez Rose
Reviewers: Mark Leveridge, Phil Shaw, Need some advice? Good, we’ve got LOADS in this issue. For children’s entertainers we look at
Paul Preager, Chris Payne, Stuart seven potential problems faced by them all and offer up some workable solutions, plus we cajole
Bowie, Terry Ford 14 top entertainers to reveal some of the things they wish they’d known before they started out
Magicseen’s management board on their magical paths. Read and learn from their experiences.
consists of: Graham Hey, Mark
Leveridge & Phil Shaw
And there’s more! Graham Hey serves up another comedy page with a great gag and some killer
General enquiries and comments: one-liners from top people in the business. The Masterclass has a couple of contributions from
grahamhey@magicseen.co.uk
John Carey and Arun Bonerjee, there’s the usual round up of product and live show reviews, as
Thanks to: Sean Alexander, John well as news, letters and other fun bits to keep you entertained. So we hope you enjoy our latest
Carey, Dani DaOrtiz
offering, and please try not to get suntan lotion all over it!
SUBSCRIPTIONS Mark Leveridge
USA/Canadian subscriptions (one year) are
available from our Distribution Partner in the States
- www.lybrary.com/magicseen. PDF + Printed
version $29.90, PDF only $22.00. Subscriptions
for all other countries are available from www.
magicseen.co.uk, or sending your details and a
cheque payable to ‘Magicseen’ to Magicseen
Subscriptions, 13a Lyndhurst Road, Exeter EX2
4PA, UK. £30.00 for annual subscriptions, Europe
£42.00, worldwide £51.00.
WHAT’S INSIDE
Copyright. The views and opinions expressed
in this magazine are those of the individual Editor’s Letter 5
contributors and do not necessarily reflect the
views of the publishers. All rights reserved. John Carey 6
Reproduction in whole or part is strictly prohibited Readers’ Letters 8
without the prior consent of the publishers. Colour
transparencies, manuscripts or discs are sent In The News 11
at the owners’ own risk. Neither the company Comedy Time 13
nor its agents accept any responsibility for loss
or damage. All unsolicited material should be The Kids’ Show Minefield 14
accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope.
Masterclass 18
The US/Canada version of Magicseen Pros and Cons 20 Smoke & Mirrors - Live Review 45
Magazine (ISSN 2163-0550) is The Secret Agent - Trevor George 22 Things I Wish I’d Known
published bimonthly by Lybrary. Dealer Shout Outs 26 When I Started 46
com, 14 Durham Str., Somerville,
MA 02143. Periodicals postage is In The Phonebox - Ali Cook 28 Product Reviews 50
paid at Boston, MA. POSTMASTER Sean Alexander 30 noitpecreP - Jez Rose 55
send address changes to Magicseen In The News 39 Celebrity Bit With Dick Van Dyke 57
Magazine, 14 Durham Street, Dani DaOrtiz 40 Next Issue 58
Somerville, MA 02143.
ISSUE No. 57 5
 JOHN CAREY

JOHN CAREY
FROM HOT SALES TO HOT SOUP!
G
rowing up, John Carey says he most. Supreme were a great company and of a great friendship and a total change of
was just like any other kid until his their customer service was wonderful. I used direction, magically speaking...”
mum and dad bought him David to dash home from school eagerly awaiting
Nixon’s book of magic when he was about my latest package. It was like Christmas every So, you’ve followed the path of pretty
eight years old. That changed everything! other week as this world of wonder opened up much everyone who performs today,
Years later, Carey is one of the hottest to me. but when was it that you realised you
magician’s around with a reputation for had the capacity to create effects and
producing brilliant commercial effects, “In 1986 I attended my first proper magic handlings?
performed with a skipful of likeability! convention, the IBM convention in Eastbourne. “It was only about 8 years ago. Up until then
Graham Hey finds out more. This was an amazing experience for a I pretty much just performed material as
youngster. Here I saw the late great Harry per the word from my books and videos. I
“After getting hooked by the Nixon book, my Blackstone perform his floating light bulb enjoyed streamlining effects and removing
family bought me the Paul Daniels book a in the big theatre. It was incredible. The big complicated handlings, without hopefully
couple of years later, “says John. “This really turning point for me at this convention was compromising the effects.”
inspired me. I went to the library and borrowed watching the late Kevin Reay perform his card
anything on magic I could. In one of these magic in the close up gala. I was blown away From all your studying of magic, what’s
books was a list of mail order and retail magic completely. been the most important lesson you’ve
shops. I wrote away and asked them to send learned?
me their lists and catalogues. Now things He weaved miracle after miracle with a normal “If you truly discipline yourself and study
really got interesting. One of the companies deck of cards. This was not the kind of magic I well, you will not only get great personal
who sent me their catalogue was the Supreme had been buying! I introduced myself to Kevin satisfaction, but also you will gain
Magic Company in Bideford, Devon. Wow! afterwards and he was an absolute gentleman. confidence. With confidence you can do
They sold hundreds and hundreds of items! I asked him where I could learn real card anything. Kevin Reay taught me discipline.
Every 2 weeks or so mum and dad would magic and the next day he took me to Magic We used to work tirelessly together through
treat me via postal orders to send away for Books By Post’s stand and got me to buy The each chapter of Royal Road, until both of
tricks. Small pocket tricks interested me the Royal Road To Card Magic. This was the start us were satisfied with each lesson. Having a

6 MSM MAGAZINE
 JOHN CAREY

world class magician take me through that extremely well internationally – let’s not forget “If you have an idea for a DVD think carefully.
book step by step and showing me what the that! [John laughs] Do some research and make sure you have
material could and should look like was an not reinvented the wheel. Make sure you
inspiration! I will never forget Kevin and still At Magicseen, we are big fans of your make every effort on crediting and consult with
think about him regularly. He was like a big latest release, ‘Keep Calm And Carey your peers. Don’t be in a rush and approach
brother to me and we worked together and On!’ Tell us about that... respected producers like Russ or Owen at Big
travelled extensively.” “There are 12 card items on this DVD. A feature Blind Media.”
of this particular DVD is my work on thought of
Tell us about your first release... cards. There are about 5 items with a thought It seems that no matter how experienced
“My first release, about 6 years ago was a of aspect to them, including my think a think the magician is, the public will always do
home made DVD called Spotlight On Carey. technique, which I am particularly proud of. something to surprise... what’s been your
This was filmed and produced by my great I guess with this DVD and indeed my earlier own biggest challenge as a performer?
friend, Keith Bennett,” continues John. work, I am known for stripping down handlings “Well, I was at a corporate event where on
“Shortly afterwards I put out 2 eBooks on or streamlining them, hopefully without the first table, a silly drunk woman decided it
cards, called Letters To Friends and Further compromising the effects.” would be fun to ‘drop’ my cards in her soup! I
Spotlight Carey On Cards. These were well didn’t have a spare deck and had to do lots of
received by magicians. A while later I got an quick impromptu non card items for the rest of
email from Russ Stevens at RSVP that long evening. I always take 2 spare decks
Magic asking me if I would like to film now.”
a project. I was delighted to be asked,
knowing the quality of work that Russ I’ve recently been catching up on all the TV
had already put out. The first DVD we did magic shows I’ve recorded, so with this in
together, called Handle With Carey was a big mind I ask John what he thinks of the current
success and sold extremely well worldwide. tsunami of TV magic? “Well it’s the very good
This really opened doors for me and I started and the not so good for me. Derren is still
to get booked regularly to lecture all over the I know you’ve done lots of really interesting the king in my opinion and his shows have
country. Three further projects have been things in the last twelve months – what’s your been brilliantly produced. James More and
produced since then. 24 S even, Carey On personal highlight? “Performing at The Session Darcy Oake are also showing what live magic
and Keep Calm And Carey On. The response convention for Vanishing Inc and also recently can really be like. Two fantastic young talents
to these projects has been fantastic and I am flying to Dublin to work at The Shenanigans with brilliant futures. I am not a fan of post
truly humbled. I can’t thank Russ enough for convention. Williamson and Tamariz on the production enhanced TV magic shows. That
all his hard work and faith in me. He is a true same line up!” simply isn’t magic in my honest opinion...”
professional.”
There are many, many DVD releases, *John has just put together a new lecture – if
And you’ve also produced 3 downloads for what advice would you give to someone you are interested, let the fellow know!
Vanishing Inc which have also been received contemplating releasing one? www.johncareymagic.co.uk or via facebook.

JOHN’S QUICKIES!
Best lecture At gigs I do a wide variety of my own card What annoys you most about
you’ve seen? work plus a couple of coin items, including the world of magic?
The best lecture I ever my one coin routine and triple spellbound The thing that annoys me most in the magic
saw was by the late coins to purse from Handle With Carey. All of world is the inflated egos of some. I don’t
great Tommy Wonder. the material is direct and to the point. That’s have time for these kinds of people and
Now he was a real important to me. their sycophants! I will always be the same,
magician! I hope. Willing to help people with their work
Describe your own personality? and share and have fun.
Favourite effect Personality wise I’m pretty laid back and
you’ve bought? enjoy a good laugh. I don’t like to take myself What do you love most about it?
The best effect I ever bought is probably card seriously. Magic is great because there is always new
to wallet. So strong for a lay audience and so things to learn. Learning gives one a sense
many presentations are possible. Favourite live act? of accomplishment. Also it has given me
My favourite live magic the chance to travel all over Europe and the
Favourite magic creators? act is probably Derren. U.K and Ireland. In turn it has fostered many
My favourite magic creators are Dani DaOrtiz I love watching Dani, great friendships for me, either in person or
and John Bannon. I love their different styles. Williamson and Tamariz online.
Powerful and practical card magic from two live too.
superb thinkers. What’s coming up for you?
Magic releases? I am looking forward to working in Spain,
What sort of stuff do you There are far too many magic effects released. Italy and Denmark later this year.
perform at your gigs? A lot of them leave a lot to be desired...

ISSUE No. 57 7
 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: grahamhey@magicseen.co.uk

PERFECT PACKET!
Dear Magicseen, I’m looking to buy a couple of
really good packet tricks – but something a bit
different, as many of them tend to be similar.
Any suggestions from the sober people in your
gold-plated office Jacuzzi?
Liam Collinson via email

Hi Liam, sadly, there are no sober people

available, but here are a few suggestions
from our over-the-limit experts (!) Stickman4 SCAM SCHOOL!
by Richard Sanders (funny guy!), Bob For those who aren’t especially up on their internet stuff – there’s a really good website
Farmer’s Headhunter is great, the sexy folk called scam school which specialises in bar tricks and pretty easy but really effective card
at Elmwood (and we are not talking about tricks – done really well and it’s certainly worth checking out. Here’s a great little effect!
you Paul!) have What’s Mine is Mine, which (below). My son is a big fan of this site and it’s really helped him.
gets great reactions, and don’t forget ‘3’ www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyOMcfIxH_k
by Steve Valentine, which is a cracker. The Liam Masterson, via email
laid-back genius Michael Ammar has Virginia
City Shuffle, which is great. Also worthy of a
mention is John Bannon’s book Royal Scam, these inside certain objects, and then use Hmmm, yes, they are expensive, but
which contains several gems within! There are them for different routines... hope this helps probably the going rate these days for a big
tons more, but these should keep you out of a bit! Oh, and for your info – the cheapest show like theirs. Can you sell any of your
trouble. magnets we’ve found ANYWHERE are from wife’s jewellery to pay for it? Ok, that’s a
guysmagnets.com joke and not meant to be taken seriously.
THE RAVEN Our deputy editor can remember going
I am just getting into to see Abba in 1979 and the ticket cost
magic and thinking £7.50 which he says was ‘extortionate’ at
of buying the Raven, the time. A ticket to see Blondie was only
but what can I do with £4.50! We rang Penn & Teller to see if they
it apart from make a would perform ‘cheap’ at your house, but
coin vanish? they said “No!”
Luke Farrar via email
LIVE LECTURES IS
Well, you can actually make a coin vanish THE WAY TO GO!
from someone else’s hand without touching I’ve recently been watching the live lectures
it, so that’s a great effect in its own right. You PENN & TELLER series that are being pushed my many
can chance one object into another – simply TICKETS magic dealers, and they are really brilliant! I
by hiding something small under a larger Shame the tickets for Penn & Teller are so live in Sweden, where not many magicians
object – as long as the top one is attracted to expensive – on my pitiful wages there’s no way are around to do their live lectures, so
a magnet. So, you can change a 10p English I can afford to take my wife and two kids who in the past I have really missed out, or I
coin into a penny for example. If you use are big fans, as it would cost us over £200!! have had to pay a lot of money to go and
duplicates, the possibilities are endless. Vanish (and then some!) Can you ask Penn & Teller see one. By bringing the lectures straight
a coin and make it appear wherever you like, if they can do a cheap matinee performance onto my computer, it has opened up a
by using a duplicate coin for example. If you round at my house? new world of magic to me, and one that is
have some small magnets, you can place Shelfstacker, Bristol not too expensive. I just wonder if magic

8 MSM MAGAZINE
 JACUZZI

DVDs will not exist

in five years time,
as everything will be No.1
direct downloads
– similar to the way LUCA
CDs have virtually
been replaced in the
VOLPE
music industry. This
opens up the area of
‘illegal’ downloads in the magic world too
– and as most magic suppliers or creators
probably don’t have the financial clout to
persue cases, it seems impossible to stop
the trend.
G.Svenson, Sweden.

*We are going to run a feature on this very

issue in the next 2 or 3 issues. It will also
be available on download. OK, that last bit
is a joke.

CHINESE
DOWNLOADS!
Dear Magicseen, I’ve been on the internet
(looking for magic tricks!!!) and stumbled

MAGICIANS IN
across a massive website based in China
where you can download virtually any
magic DVD you wish for a couple of dollars.

THE JACUZZI
I’m guessing that this is a pirate website
– but is there anything anyone can do to
stop the selling of magic effects like this?
For example – the new David Williamson
boxed set of DVD is available for $3.50 (£2).
It won’t be long before creators just won’t
bother to create anything at this rate! Here’s the first in a new series of magicians sitting in a jacuzzi
Ken Stevenson, Wallsall reading inappropriate material. To kick us off we have Luca
Volpe - the golden boy of Italian mentalism.
Hi Ken, yes, these Chinese websites are
not legitimate, but it seems everyone is
powerless to stop them as they are set
This photo was taken in the bedroom at his spacious semi-
up in China. The Chinese authorities are detached house in the rough part of Hull.
not prepared to stop their citizens trying
to make a living however they can, it Next issue we feature John Archer with his huge loofah.
seems. We spoke to someone from the
business section at the Daily Express

MEL MELLERS
who told us that nothing can be done.
However, it seems possible that as the
Chinese economy grows, and its ties
become greater within the European
market – pressure can be exerted upon
them to co-operate with international laws
and standards. But this will be many years
away. Because of the Chinese system,
entrepreneurs are few and far between, Just to say a big
as in the past, ideas have been taken over thank you to the
by the government and creators have not
really benefitted from their efforts – so, an readers of
economy has developed where they are
masters at copying a product that others
Magicseen for
have developed, rather than developing voting me Comedy
their own ideas. This is a real shame, as
just think what ideas they could come up Magician 2014!
with if a billion people were all asked to be
creative!!! Mel going to a corporate Bedouin gig

ISSUE No. 57 9
 NEWS

IN THE NEWS...
TALKING LOUD & CLEAR!
Penn & Teller were recently in London and the toast of the town with
great press ahead of their UK tour this summer. The Daily Telegraph
interviewed the duo. They expressed their admiration for Derren
Brown, “He’s one of the best live performers I’ve ever seen. He really
puts a lot of intelligence and thought into it. He’s an artist,” said Teller.

They professed only luke-warm enthusiasm for Dynamo, “Teller

says that while they admire his skills, ‘we know people like Johnny
Thompson who’s 78 – and by comparison with whom [Dynamo’s]
skills are somewhat… minimal. Compared with some of the old
masters of this stuff.’”

DEPP IS… HOUDINI! They respect David Copperfield’s incredible work-ethic but bemoan
the otherwise dormant magic scene.
Hollywood superstar Johnny Depp is in negotiations to lead The
Secret Life of Houdini: The Making of America’s First Superhero. “[Copperfield] does really good tricks, and he’s always doing new
ones. But there aren’t many [magicians], you know?” Penn says
The film is to be based on William Kalush and Larry Sloman’s book. heavily. Yes, there’s Siegfried and Roy, “but since Roy got his head bit
Writes Screen Crush: Depp will play the legendary magician in the off by a tiger, that slows him down somewhat. David Blaine doesn’t
new film from Dean Parisot, the director of ‘Red 2,’ which features really do anything now. Why not? I don’t know. I don’t think he made
Houdini as not just a magician, but an investigator of the occult — so that much money.”
it’s definitely territory with which Depp is familiar, given that he gets to
wear a hat and spend time in the supernatural realm. Insidemagic.com said: “We learned that they have been working on
a new effect that sounds pretty interesting. They are looking for a
Some of the coverage implies the movie will be adding a new way to perform the Vanishing Elephant but with a live cow dressed
dimension to the Houdini myth by portraying him as a debunker as an elephant. We don’t know why that sounds cool but it does. We
of Spiritualism. Students of the great magician’s history know his cannot imagine it is easy to work with cows and note that very few
persistent battle against the nascent occult movement was just as magicians have used cows in their acts in the last twenty years!”
important as his magic and escape work.
Magicseen had reporter George Luck on hand for an exclusive
interview – but at the last minute, Penn & Teller received another TV
appearance booking – so it’s now been re-arranged!

URI’S GORILLA
UNVEILED
A statue of a gorilla made from spoons for entertainer Uri Geller has been
completed after cutlery was donated from across the world.

It was originally to feature 5,000 spoons, but it was soon realised eight
times that amount was needed.

In January, the British Ironwork Centre in Oswestry warned the gorilla was
at risk due to a spoon shortage. The centre said the response to an appeal
meant it will include more spoons “than we could have dreamed of”.

The final sculpture, which will eventually be displayed at Geller’s home

in Berkshire, is 12ft (3.6m) tall and features more than 40,000 spoons,
donated from people in 23 countries - 70 spoons alone were used to
create the tongue.

Uri has recently been asked to help to find the missing Malaysian aircraft!

ISSUE No. 57 11
 COMEDY

COMEDY
TIME
Here’s a favourite visual gag of mine
By Graham Hey

that never fails to get a laugh when

performing either close up or stand
up. Gags like these are priceless, as
absolutely anyone can perform this, and no comedy timing is required! Result!
THE EFFECT: You are performing a card trick for someone which requires a spectator to sign a card. You say something along the lines of: You know
there’s a recession on, don’t you? Well, it’s hit me harder than most, so when it comes to having someone sign a card, I can’t afford to waste cards
like that. I hope you don’t mind, but I have a sticker I’d like to stick on the back of your card, so later on I can peel it off and use the card again – is this
OK? The spectator will say ‘yes’, of course. So you position a very small sticker (the smaller the better) onto the back of their card. Say: “It’s only a small
sticker, but I think you’ll be OK... just sign your name on it...!” As you say this, reach into your jacket pocket and bring out a massive pencil which is
about a foot long (12 inches), and is about as thick as a cucumber!

In the UK you can buy these pencils from The Range (chain stores) for £1. You must try this gag! For the sake of £1, you simply cannot fail!

DEPRESSED? “I think it’s wrong that only one company makes “I don’t worry about terrorism. I was married
A great one liner is worth its weight in the game Monopoly.” – Steven Wright for two years.” – Sam Kinison
gold, and because Magicseen is often
quite a depressing magazine, we thought “The worst time to have a heart attack is during “I had to stop drinking, cause I got tired of
you might like a few classic one-liners to a game of charades” – Demetri Martin waking up in my car driving 90.” – Richard
cheer you up a bit... Pryor
“You know, somebody actually complimented
“I have a lot of growing up to do. I realized me on my driving today. They left a little note on “Honesty may be the best policy, but it’s
that the other day inside my fort.” – Zach the windscreen; it said ‘Parking Fine.’ So that important to remember that apparently, by
Galifianakis was nice.” - Tim Vine elimination, dishonesty is the second-best
policy.” – George Carlin
“You don’t know anything about pain until “20 years ago we had Johnny Cash, Bob Hope
you’ve seen your own baby and Steve Jobs. Now we have no Cash, no “The people voting for the
drowned in a tub… Hope and no Jobs. Please don’t let Kevin Bacon Oscars are so old. I haven’t
and you definitely die!” - Bill Murray seen one Academy Award
don’t know anything voter with a tampon
about how to wash “I have a friend. He keeps trying to convince me in her purse.” – Joan
a baby.” – Anthony he’s a compulsive liar, but I don’t believe him.” – Rivers
Jeselnik Ben Bailey
“I had a wonderful
“I did a gig in the “It’s not that I’m afraid to die, I just don’t want to childhood,
U.S. once for the be there when it happens.” – Woody Allen which is tough
homeless. I because it’s
said ‘It’s “I’m on a whiskey diet…I’ve lost three days hard to adjust
nice to already.” – Tommy Cooper to a miserable
see so adulthood.” –
many “There’s no such thing as addiction, there’s only Larry David
bums on things that you enjoy doing more than life.” –
seats.’” – Jimmy Doug Stanhope
Carr

ISSUE No. 57 13
 KIDS’ SHOWS

THE KIDS’ SHOW

MINEFIELD
How to avoid some of the worst problems
Mark Leveridge

The trouble is that the party organisers have

If you work at children’s parties there are certain spent several lung bursting minutes inflating
difficult situations which will crop up again and these miniature wrecking balls, and do not
take kindly to being told that all their effort
again to cause you problems. In this article I have has been severely misguided. Also, to them
highlighted several of the most common ones and balloons = fun party, and until the mayhem
offer some solutions for how to get round them. begins they may not be able to understand
why you might be standing in the doorway
with a look on your face that appears to
PROBLEM NO. 1 - BALLOONS the door of the village hall to be faced by a suggest that you have just encountered a
I think the person who decided it was a good sea of balloons. From experience, you know particularly bad smell in the room.
idea to allow anyone except balloon modellers that when the thirty 5 and 6 years olds arrive,
to have access to spherical latex needs to they will immediately dive into this sea and will SOLUTION - if you want to run any sort
be strung up. Contrary to what most parents basically go demented. The balloons will be of organised party you absolutely HAVE to
think, allowing children to have unfettered kicked, punched, thrown, hit and often burst get rid of those balloons. If it is too awkward
access to a room full of balloons does not in a veritable frenzy of uncontrolled mania. The to suggest that the parents remove the
equal a fun party, but in facts spells D-I-S-A- smallest children will get knocked over in the balloons before the children arrive, at the
S-T-E-R! melee and cry with fright at the loud bangs, very least you have to make sure that the
and the older boys will basically fight over the offending articles are placed out of harms
A typical scenario is that you turn up several best and biggest balloons. A good way to start way before you start your show, preferably in
minutes before a party is due to start and open a party? I don’t think so! a completely different room.

14 MSM MAGAZINE
 KIDS’ SHOWS

If there is one stray balloon which is allowed

to remain in the party room, the temptation Howard Hughes
will be too much for some children to resist,
and there are few things more designed to
distract than a balloon in flight above the
heads of an audience of children. So, if you
want to run a good party, your no.1 priority
has to be to get rid of those pesky balloons.

PROBLEM NO. 2 - VILLAGE

HALLS
Whoever originally sat down and drew up
the basic design of the English village hall
clearly has never tried to run a children’s
party in one. There is hardly any aspect of
a traditional village hall’s design which you
could honestly say works in the favour of
having a good time when you are locked
inside one for 2 hours with a bunch of
youngsters.

What on earth can be wrong with a village

hall, I hear you cry? Well, for a start, most
halls have either a wooden or laminate
floor. Yes, it’s very practical for cleaning up
wee and vomit that has been accidentally
shot across it, but in every other way it’s a
nightmare.

Children love to run, and an empty village hall

to them is not a room with a lethally slippery
floor, but a running track, or a football
pitch or even a skating rink. So they arrive,
particularly the boys, see the large open
space, and immediately start to run round
it, chasing anything or anybody that will
move. They bump into each other, they slip
and fall over hurting their elbows and knees
and they bang their heads on the floor. No
party that takes place in a village hall would totally absorbed by the magnolia painted stud host child’s toys are anywhere in sight. Like
be complete without the sound of wailing walls. With a microphone, you are left with a a heat seeking missile, children can spot an
children just before it starts. dilemma - turn it up enough to be heard clearly interesting toy almost instantly, and for some
down the aircraft hanger length room and you kids the opportunity to play with a whole bunch
But that’s not all. Many halls have a stage will almost certainly be the victim of screeching of toys that they haven’t seen before will trump
at one end with mysterious curtains pulled feedback - reduce the volume and you might your Run Rabbit Run every time.
across it. Common sense would dictate as well not have the thing on at all.
that a platform that sits about four feet off The trouble is, the birthday child often wants
the ground would not be the most attractive SOLUTION - by using chairs, cut down to show off his toy collection, and having all his
place for a 3 year old to investigate. Wrong! the size of the hall and herd the kids into the school friends round to his house is a heaven
Like wasps to a jam jar, small children seem ‘party area’. Shutting down the space prevents sent opportunity for him to lord it over them all
magnetically drawn to the steps at the side them running round and round, thus helping to by demonstrating every noise activated gizmo
of the stage and within minutes several of prevent accidents, and means it is easier for in his toy box. Plus, on occasions, his friends
them will be jumping and cavorting around them to hear you without needing excessive will bring a toy of theirs round to his house
close to the edge of doom. Not that the speaker volume. If there is a stage, try to block too - do they not know there is likely to be an
parents will notice, of course, as they have off the stairs, again using a chair or chairs, so organised party going on and that this is not
either already beaten a hasty retreat from the that the children can’t easily get up there in the just some casual play date? Clearly not.
building or are far too busy chatting to the first place.
party Mum to be distracted by a minor thing SOLUTION - if you allow a single toy to
such as their small child plummeting to the PROBLEM NO. 3 - TOYS remain in your party area you are asking for
hard, slippery wooden floor below. I hate to tell you this, but no matter how good trouble. I usually collect up any offending
your show is, you are going to be no match toys and put them out of reach “for safety”,
The acoustics in most village halls are also for the latest sound emitting laser gun! Parties promising the kids that they can play with them
a nightmare. Without a microphone your that are held in the party boy or girl’s home later. Try to make sure that the room you are
voice gets highjacked by the high ceilings or can be an accident waiting to happen if the asked to work in is not the child’s playroom!

ISSUE No. 57 15
 KIDS’ SHOWS

Darren McDonald PROBLEM NO. 4 -

PRESENTS
Like Christmas, a birthday is a truly magical
occasion for any child. The fact that all their
friends turn up clutching armfuls of enticing
looking wrapped packages is enough to
make any young child wet themselves
with excitement. Indulgent parents will
sometimes allow the child to rip open the
parcels as soon as they receive them,
resulting in a veritable sea of discarded
wrapping paper and packaging. All the
children at the party immediately want to
investigate and play with the newly opened
toys, which results in a) fights, as the party
child sees their valuable new gifts being
manhandled by his friends, and b) your
Silver Sceptre being once more ignored.

SOLUTION - get the birthday child’s

parents to insist that the presents be put to
one side to be opened later.

PROBLEM NO. 5 -
Rob Newson WORKING OUTDOORS
I dread it when I arrive at a party and
virtually the first words that greet me are,
“It’s a lovely day, so we thought you could
do the party in the garden. Is that alright?”

Well, no, it isn’t alright. The British weather

is notoriously fickle, as we all know, and can
change quicker that you can say ‘severe
weather warning’. No sooner have you got
everything set up outside than the clouds
can roll over and you find yourself frantically
trying to pack everything away to get
indoors before your Who’s Who At The Zoo
becomes terminally damp.

The trouble with the weather is that it can’t

make up its mind. It can be too hot for
the kids, or too cold, or too windy. Sit the
kids facing in one direction and they may
find themselves looking straight into the
sun while trying to watch you. Sit them in
another direction and YOU may end up
being blinded instead. If they sit on the
grass it may turn out to be a bit damp, if
rugs are put down they become quickly
rucked up and the children fall over them.

The outdoors is also chock full of grade A

distractions such as ants crawling up the
little girl’s legs as she sits on the grass, or a
wasp deciding that little Johnny’s jelly and
ice cream looks too interesting to ignore.

And is the party area flat? Probably not, as

you discover when you try to put up your
roll on table and find there is no position it
can be placed where it won’t wobble. Oh
and on a really still day, there will always be
a sudden unexpected gust of wind which
will blow your nicely silk screen printed

16 MSM MAGAZINE
 KIDS’ SHOWS

cards off the card stand and into the pond.

Need amplification? Bet the nearest plug
socket is inside the house and just out of
reach of your extension lead, making you
sorely wish that you had purchased an amp
that could also work off batteries.

SOLUTION - my way round this is to

NEVER agree to work outside. Try to
make it clear before going to the booking
(especially if it is in the summer months)
that you only work indoors. If you tell the
booker that your show is not suitable for
presenting outside, they can’t then ask you
to suddenly switch to an alfresco location.
If you don’t want to work outside, don’t let
anyone force you to do so - after all, they
want a good show and if you feel you can
only deliver that indoors, then you have the
right to insist that a room is provided. If you
are fine about working in the garden, at
least think first about the potential problems
and have mental contingency plans in place
for solving them.

PROBLEM NO. 6 - THE

OLDER BROTHER Peter Aubery
I sometimes wonder whether parents really
understand anything about their children at
all. They book you to entertain at a 3 year “I like to try and involve the parents
old’s birthday party where you are told there
will be about 15 little ones. So you dutifully
by encouraging them to bring their
prepare a pre-school level show and arrive chairs in close to the children and to
at the venue expecting to present that
type of performance. On arrival the mother
actually watch the show”
casually mentions in passing, “Oh, Simon’s
older brother will also be sitting in with 3 of armed with some more ‘sophisticated’ magic The trouble is that sometimes the noise
his friends.” which you explain to the older ones you will is so loud and prolonged that the kids
show them at the end of the party. You can themselves start to get distracted. If they
Simon’s brother turns out to be 8 and has also explain to them that the rest of the magic see Mum tucking into a large slab of cake
reached that age when magic is nothing is not really meant for them but is younger and slurping a cup of coffee, they may get
more than a challenge to be solved, stuff for the little ones. Usually, if you speak to up and wander over to see if they can have
preferably out loud as it is being performed. them in advance, you can prevent most of the something to eat and drink too. It all makes
So there you are with a case full of simplistic potential damage before it starts. your task that little bit harder, and at times
magic designed for a 3 year old, and you it’s enough to make you want to pack up
are going to be scrutinised by four 8 year PROBLEM NO. 7 - your Hipperty Hop Rabbits and go home.
old Rotweilers. TALKATIVE ADULTS
Do some adults ever get together EXCEPT at SOLUTION - although not always
Does the booker not realise that there is a children’s parties? I mean, by the amount and possible, I like to try and involve the parents
chasm between what a 3 year old and an 8 level of conversation that sometimes goes on by encouraging them to bring their chairs in
year old are interested in and find amusing at the back of the room while you are trying close to the children and to actually watch
or engaging? Has she not ever watched to entertain their offspring, you’d think that the show. The nearer they are sitting to me,
her two kids play? Did it not occur to her they were all on day release from a monastery the more likely they are to get drawn into
to forewarn you that the brother would be where they had to observe a vow of silence. the show itself, and the harder they will find
there? The answers by the way are no, no it to ignore me and chat. The further away
and er...no. If you then add into the mix alcohol (shudder they sit, the less restraint they will feel, so
the thought!) or other adult refreshments, and get them in as close as you can.
SOLUTION - always try to ascertain in any restraint or thoughts of politeness towards
advance whether there are likely to be any the entertainer and what he is trying to do
older siblings present at the party. If there seem to fly straight out of the window. I’m So there you are, a little list of common
are a few younger children at an older child’s sure these people wouldn’t sit in a church and problems encountered by us kids’
party it is not usually such a problem, but chat noisily during a sermon, or hold a loud workers and some suggestions
older kids at a young one’s event can be. If and lengthy conversation in a library, but there for solutions. And they say that
you know in advance that there are likely to appears to be no such restraint at a children’s entertaining children is the easy option!
be some older kids present, you can come party.

ISSUE No. 57 17
 WELCOME...
TRICKS

MASTERCLASS
IT’S ALL IN THE NAME
John Carey

Here is my approach to the classic Mystery Card

plot. It has a good presentational hook and has Fig 1
proven very commercial.
PREPARATION AND card of the left hand packet.
SET-UP: 4. Replace the right hand packet
Let’s assume you are working with on top of the left hands cards
a blue backed deck. You will also and double undercut to the
require two red backed stranger break. Centre Hindu shuffle
cards. On the back of both of these and square up.
two stranger cards write the words 5. Secure a pinky break above
YOUR NAME with a marker. Fig.1. the bottom 2 cards of the deck
with a pull down move and Fig 2
Place one of the strangers in transfer the deck and your
your pocket and the other on the break to the right hand/thumb.
bottom of the deck. Make sure to Fig.2.
remove the matching card of the 6. Swing cut about 10 cards into
stranger on the bottom from the your left hand, Fig.3, and ask
deck prior to performance. Have your helper to pick up the red
the marker to hand. backed mystery/’name card’.
Ask her to place it on top of
WORKING: the left hand portion.
1. You approach a group and 7. Bring the right hand and its
introduce yourself. Single out a cards over and on top of the
lady and ask her if she would left hand portion for just a Fig 3
be impressed if you had her fleeting moment. Allow the
name written on a card, even two cards below your break
though you have never met to secretly drop off onto the
before? Once she responds left hand packet and separate
take out the red backed both hands and packets.
stranger from your pocket and 8. Say to your audience that it
display the two words on the would be fairer if your helper
back. This will get a groan, or placed the card at a position of
a giggle but more importantly her choosing, and not yours.
it will be used as a recall at the Push off the top card of the left
effect’s conclusion... hand packet - the switched
2. Table the unknown red backed in signed card - and ask the backed card hidden second over the card on top of the
card face down onto the table lady to hold it face down at her from the top as you do this) mystery card - again not
and take out the blue backed fingertips. until you come to the outjogged her card. Remind the lady
deck. Shuffle, retaining the 9. Place the cards in your left red backed card and point that the mystery card has
bottom stock and cut and hand on top of the deck and out that there is a card above, been in full view since the
complete, keeping a pinky hold it in your left hand. This and a card below where she beginning, before she even
break between the halves. will leave the other red backed stabbed the odd backed card. signed a card. Ask her to
3. Take out the marker from your ‘name card’ second from the 11. Take out the mystery card and name her card and then
pocket with your right hand. top and out of harms way! the card above and below it slowly turn the mystery card
Hand it to your helper and then Bring this hand closer to your and set the rest of the deck face up to reveal that it his/
execute a dribble force on her helper and ask her to stab the aside or pocket it. her signed card with HER
as you ask her to say stop. card she is holding into the 12. Remind her that she had NAME on it. Allow her to
Raise the face of the right hand deck, but leave it protruding. complete freedom where she keep the card as a souvenir
packet towards her and have We are on the home straight stabbed the odd backed card, and take a well deserved
her sign her name on the face. now. etc. Take out the card below round of applause.
As she is doing this, secure a 10. Hand to hand spread (make the odd backer and turn it face
pinky break beneath the top sure you don’t flash the red up. Not her card. Then turn

18 MSM
MSMMAGAZINE
MAGAZINE
 TRICKS
WELCOME...
REVIEWS

PARTLY RIGHT OR PARTLY WRONG!

Arun Bonerjee

PREPARATION:
Stack a deck in a Si Stebbin’s Fig 1
set-up, (i.e. cards are arranged
in Ace, 4, 7, 10, King, 3, 6, 9,
Queen, 2, 5, 8, Jack order, with
the suits of the cards rotating
in Clubs, Hearts, Spades,
Diamonds order. Fig.1). Return
deck to its case and keep it in
your pocket. Also remember
three lines: ‘SELECTED CARD’,
‘PARTLY RIGHT’ and ‘PARTLY
WRONG’.

WORKING:
1. Take out the deck of cards
and hold it face up in
your hands. Cut the deck
several times apparently
mixing the cards well. card second from the top. top of the dealt pile and then 11. Retain the card arrived at
Because of the cyclical Bring the deck back out return the complete pile to the on the final letter face down
arrangement of the cards, and with it face down, turn top of the deck. in your hand as you ask the
the stack will remain the top card face up. Ask 10. As you give the deck a false spectator to name his selected
undisrupted, but it looks the participating spectator shuffle or a false cut, ask the card. As the spectator says
to the spectators as if the whether this is his selected spectator whether he prefers ‘7H’ in this case, turn the card
deck is well mixed. Tell card or not. Obviously the to consider that you were in your hand face up to reveal
the spectators that you spectator will say ‘No’. ‘partly right’ or ‘partly wrong’! your computerised deck has
would like to show them a 6. Turn the face up card face Whichever he chooses, spell found the chosen card!
computerised card trick! down on top of deck. the chosen two words (P-A-R-
2. Square up the deck, turn Comment that because the T-L-Y-R-I-G-H-T or P-A-R-T-
it face down and fan it deck is computerised, all L-Y-W-R-O-N-G), as before
for a spectator to remove you need to do to find the dealing one card for each
any card. As he does so, selected card now is to spell letter.
split the fan at the point of ‘S-E-L-E-C-T-E-D-C-A-R-D’,
selection, completing the simultaneously dealing a card
cut. for each letter in a face down
3. As the spectator
remembers his card and 7.
pile on the table.
Do this and turn over the
MICKAEL CHATELAIN
shows it to other onlookers, final card spellt, which let
I am really proud to be
casually shift two cards us say, is found to be 7S. chosen as Best Creator
from the top to the bottom Triumphantly claim that this is in the Magicseen
of the deck. the spectator’s selected card Awards! I did not
4. Holding the deck squared
in your left hand, take back
and look surprised when you
are told it is not.
expect that!! So thanks
the spectator’s selected 8. Pause for a moment and then to everybody who
card in your right hand, ask the spectator whether voted for me!
keeping it face down. his selected card has got
Take both hands either
below the table or place
any similarity with the card
you have turned face up. DAVID STONE
them behind your back The spectator will say ‘Yes’, Wow, incredible! What can
for a moment. Comment as in this case (thanks to the I say? Surprised, happy
that you will now insert stacked deck!) his selected and proud to be voted
the selected card into the card will be 7H.
deck at a random position 9. You tell him that this means
Best Close Up Performer!
and that you will then data you are partly wrong in Especially when I know it
process the computerised locating his card! But obviously comes from people’s votes
deck. you are also partly right in and not arbitrarily decided
5. With both hands out of locating his card! Turning the
view, insert the selected 7S face down again place it on
by a magazine team.

ISSUE No. 57 19
 PROS AND CONS

PROS & CONS

IT’S ALL A MATTER OF OPINION
Mark Leveridge

FOL LOW UP

Books v DVDs
In the last issue our Pros and Cons article reflected on the advantages and
disadvantages of learning magic from books and DVDs, and one of our readers,
Nick Jones, was moved to send in his own view on the subject. Here’s what he said...

“I am in my mid 60s, I live permanently in versa - this is the best of both worlds. It’s the If you have any comments that you
France and have been dabbling in magic same parallel between books and teachers in feel would add to the debate on
tricks for several years, but only recently has it school - you need teachers to bring the books any of our Pros and Cons articles,
become more of a hobby. I have been buying alive and the DVDs take on the role of teacher. feel free to send them in to us.
tricks from Duvivier in Paris and Davenports in You’ll find Pros and Cons articles
London and some are backed up by a written On the other hand, there are millions of tricks on Magic v Games in issue 51, on
set of notes and some are only accompanied being explained on the web and some of Card Flourishing v Natural Handling
by a DVD. them are totally abysmal in quality and depth in issue 52, on Displaying Kid Show
of explanation. Lots of tricks don’t work or Props v Not Displaying Them in issue
My thoughts are that whilst great effort goes the artiste drops cards or there are shuffles 54 and the above mentioned Books
into both forms of explanation for these which don’t go through properly to name a few v DVDs in issue 56. Send comments
professionally produced notes, the written one drawbacks. I saw one the other day where the on any of these in to markleveridge@
is generally more detailed, but the DVD on the family’s pet cat walked over the cards as the magicseen.co.uk.
other hand shows you how to “do” the move/ guy was explaining the trick! However, these
trick/sleight. I think that DVDs cannot replace are free and so you wouldn’t perhaps expect
the written explanation fully, but the DVD can any quality control - you take the rough with the
complement the written word. So, I think smooth. It’s a good source of building up your
that with every DVD there should be some repertoire though at zero expense.”
supplementary written explanation and vice-

20 MSM MAGAZINE
 SECRET AGENT

by the bug! Another year passed and after

determined persuasion my father financed
me to enrol for a postal course of magic by
the St. James school of magic in London.
I spent hours studying the instructions,
photographs and diagrams for all manner
of tricks, from simple props to illusions.
When I started grammar school I often
made many of the tricks in the woodwork
class. My friends were my audience of
these latest self-made wonders and even
the head master acknowledged me as the
school magician! [Laughs] I was sometimes
introduced to the school inspector and
invited to demonstrate my skills!

I began performing at charity shows until I

joined the RAF in August 1942. Each RAF
Station had its own concert party and I
always joined and appeared in the shows,
which was excellent experience for a young
magician.

JAY: Any memorable shows at this time?

TREVOR: [Laughs] Have you got time?!

Here’s one event that taught me a lesson
in show-business which I’ve never
forgotten. I was 20 years old. It involved

TREVOR
Sawing Through A Woman. The carpentry
department made it for me. Rehearsal
was not easy in the RAF hut, as I had to
rehearse off duty in a room shared with 30
other airmen! My folly was to go out and do

GEORGE
the show under rehearsed.

JAY: That’s not really the kind of illusion you

want to be performing under rehearsed!
[Laughs]

O
ne of the most generous and TREVOR: As we shall see! The day of
knowledgeable agents I’ve had the show arrived and I was allocated an
the pleasure of meeting is Trevor attractive WAAF to be my ‘victim’. We
George. He started what is now the managed a hasty run through before
largest independent entertainment agency curtains up. We both knew the moves,
in the UK, began the careers of many but I was far from confident with the rest
household names and we meet once every of my untried act. A service audience can
few weeks for a pasty lunch (a tradition be merciless with a bad act and mine was
in particular entertainment circles) very poor! They whistled, booed, cat called
sharing magic anecdotes, methods and and I was getting ever more tense with
performances with a bottle of wine or two! embarrassment hoping the Sawing Through
He’s known by many performers in magic, would save me!
responsible for giving many of today’s
pro’s their first regular work. For those The girl was duly tied and lifted into the
who don’t know him, he’s just celebrated box. Well, through my embarrassed tension
his 90th birthday with 82 years of his life I had forgotten a vital move before the lid
immersed in magic. Over to the one those was closed. [Jay laughs] Two men started
in the know call ‘Sir George’… in Cornwall on January 6th 1924. My first to cut through the box with the saw rasping
awakening to magic was when a conjurer and through the timber. Then the girl let out a
JAY: Right, as you know, we’re limited on ventriloquist entertained our primary school piercing scream, and it suddenly dawned on
words, but in a nutshell how did you get when I was about eight years old. The following me what I had done! I shouted ‘STOP!’ as
started in magic and becoming a mentalist? year on Christmas Day my aunt presented loud as I could. The crowd were temporally
me with a magic set and I was thrilled. I soon silent aware something had gone wrong.
TREVOR: Limited on words eh? Well, we’ll after mastered the contents and performed to I opened the lid and this ashen faced girl
see how we do! I was born at Par, St Austell sympathetic applause to my family. I was bitten struggled out of the box! She glared at me

22 MSM MAGAZINE
 SECRET AGENT

and screamed, ‘Never, ever again!’ The

whole audience cheered and clapped. The
curtains dropped and I tried to console the
girl, who dressed hastily and left the theatre!

The commanding officer came back stage

and said in a loud voice, ‘Not up to your
usual standard George. May I suggest
that for tomorrow night’s performance you
place a bowl under the box to catch the
blood!’ I was not amused. I reverted back
to my original act for the following nights
show and regained a little of my previous
reputation but it took weeks to live that
episode down.

JAY: [Laughing] Always practice, practice,

practice!

TREVOR: Indeed!

JAY: Tell us about your double-act and

about Billie.

I was demobbed in 1947 and met Billie, a

young actress from London. She moved to
Cornwall with me and we formed our first ill-
fated touring company ‘The Pack of Cards’,
presenting a revue ‘Hullo Folks’, closely
followed by ‘Hullo Christmas’. Both financial
disasters! [Jay laughs] We were both on the
point of packing it in when we met Ernie
Toogood, a retired magical inventor who
had supplied Hamley’s magic department
in London with his products and suggested
he could teach Billie magic and build an
act. Her debut as a pro magician was
Coronation Day 1953. We then formed a
two person magic and memory act and
performed in Cornwall. We married in 1954,
moved to Torquay and performed at the
hotels and holiday camps. In 1958 I met
Tony Corinda in London. He introduced me
to mentalism and sold me a few props. I me and another audience. We were linked JAY: So, how did the agency come about?
subscribed to his ’13 Steps’ and studied by radio. It was a great success and received
these issues intently. From the knowledge excellent press nationwide. We performed TREVOR: We established the Trevor
gleaned, Billie and I produced an act unique for the Spanish Royal Family and Princess George Entertainment agency in 1959. To
to us. Being a trained actress Billie was Margaret’s Wedding. In 1960 we were invited my knowledge there were no entertainment
very convincing and possessed a brilliant to appear in the British Ring convention agencies in the West Country at this time. Our
memory. She created an aura of mystery in Hastings. The BBC booked us in 1965 task was to convince bookers the benefits of
and charm. I had extensive knowledge to appear with Rolf Harris in a series ‘Hey booking through our agency. This proved to
and experience in presentational skills and Presto! It’s Rolf’ Many of Britain’s best known be more difficult than we assumed. Many were
this combination allowed us to discard the magicians appeared on that series. In 1963 we skeptical at first, but as we were well known in
more conventional magic we had previously performed a sensational stunt of air-to-ground the area and trusted, we gradually educated
performed. telepathy at an outdoor gala to 7,000 people. them to this way of booking. There was a limited
Among the many attractions was an aerobatic number of artistes locally who were of the
JAY: How did you manage to grow your display by a squadron of ancient Tiger Moth required standard for us to recommend them,
profile to national status and bookings, aircraft. One plane landed and Billie was taken but even these were reticent to be booked by
moving away from the local hotels and aloft with a walkie talkie and radio equipment an unfamiliar method of agency and paying
holiday camp circuit? strapped to her back, relayed to a PA system a commission. As our reputation grew we
on the ground. We did a telepathy act under received masses of mail from acts and almost all
TREVOR: By staging big publicity stunts. these conditions, which resulted in much more were unknown to us. This was slowly resolved
The first was ‘Ship to Shore’ with Billie on a publicity and enhanced our reputation. We by auditions and eventually the advent of
pleasure steamer with an audience 3 miles also did a similar event from two radio stations, showcases. To my knowledge we were the first
off shore linked to a hotel in Torquay with Exeter and Plymouth, with equal success. to introduce showcases, our first being in 1960.

ISSUE No. 57 23
 SECRET AGENT

Der der der der der der duhhhhh!

LIKE A BAT
OUTTA HELL!
Each issue we ask a well-
known magic creator to tell
JAY: Did you book many magicians at that fanning and production, razor blades, misers us about their best-ever
time? dream culminating with a large production of selling product. One that flew
silks, flowers and a huge Union Jack to patriotic off the shelves ‘like a bat out
TREVOR: Surprisingly, given our interest music, with him saluting the flag. The effect of of hell!’
in magic, the answer is no not immediately. this little Indian in full national costume saluting
Magicians were not a priority in those days. the flag brought an emotional response from
The variety theatres were closing because
of falling audience numbers and the growing
every audience. The fact that the content of his
act was standard was made unique not only Mickael Chatelain
popularity of television. Because of this large
numbers of specialty acts were desperate for
by his superb dexterity but enhanced by his
hilarious patter in broken English. He was an
says:
work; jugglers, acrobats, contortionists, fakirs, extremely popular act for us.
fire-eaters, skating acts, Wild-West sharp In my relatively
shooters, knife throwers, rope spinners all JAY: Who else came through your doors? recent creations,
in abundance. There were many top acts to my best seller is
choose from including magicians. TREVOR: So many magicians passed M-Case. I took
through over the years, many now long
Bookers were not so demanding for acts forgotten. A few remain in my memory as they
almost two and
who could do 45 minutes minimum as is now nearly all had a stamp of individuality about a half years to
often required. Shorter acts of quality were them. Those who come to mind are Young develop this trick,
acceptable and popular. During the summer Magician of the Year Keith Cooper & Carol, to make it perfect.
months we could offer acts a complete Andrew O’Connor, Michael Vine, Duncan Trillo.
16 week summer season, with options of Plus, El Condor Magic of Mexico whose climax
I guess when you
extension all within a 45 mile radius. An act was the production of a massive Eagle with develop a magic trick you must do it
could base themselves in one area with limited an enormous wing-span! Des King, Tensai, with the spectator in mind – plus, you
travel requirements, giving them a good Zane to name a few. For special occasions must have the magicians’ feelings!
income and regular work. The venues received we’d book names like David Nixon, Franklin
If you are fooled yourself with your
first class acts at realistic fees and everyone and his Doves, David Berglas, Esme Levant
was happy! The agency gradually began to who finished her act with the production of own trick, then this is great! And I
expand. a wallaby! [Jay laughs] One local magician think I am really close to that with
deserving a mention was the ‘Magical Laughter M-Case, that’s why this is a big seller.
In 1964 we booked our first theatre for a Maker’ Ken Savage who sadly died in his
With M-Case, people can perform
summer season. This gave us the opportunity prime while on holiday abroad. His name is
to book an outstanding magician, ‘Shek-Ben- unknown to many. 15 effects and more. For just one
Ali’ India’s comedy prince of magic. Shek gimmick, this is great as it allows
had performed for many years on the Moss There was also a young lady magicienne with a you many different ways to create
Empire Variety circuit, the largest group of very novel act. I can’t remember her name but I
miracles!
variety theatres in the UK. He was a sensation. think she came from a circus family. Beautifully
Dressed in magnificent robes, turban and costumed, she would balance on a large glitter
jewels he created a great impression as soon ball. She had very high magic tables dispersed
But, you know I’m really proud of
as he entered the stage. on the ballroom floor, with one or two tricks set each trick I release, if not, they stay
on each. She’d then glide across the floor on on my desk!! For people who want
JAY: Can you recall his act? the ball from table to table performing the tricks to discover more of my tricks, please
as she went! A very glamourous, colourful and
TREVOR: Mainly standard effects; card graceful spectacle.
visit gimmickmagic.com

24 MSM MAGAZINE
 SHOUT OUTS

DEALER
SHOUT
OUTS
HERE ARE SOME SPECIAL ‘EXTRA’ ANNOUNCEMENTS
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26 MSM MAGAZINE
 PHONEBOX

IN THE
PHONEBOX
WITH:
Ali Cook

I’ve got posters outside my house and I’ll

be wearing t-shirts which say “it’s me yes,
it’s me from The Anomaly.”

Is this the end of your glorious

magic career?
Why what have you heard?

When you were filming, did

people know you were a
We gave deputy editor Graham If you were a real special agent decent magician - or did you
Hey 40p and told him to go into - how would you enjoy abusing leave all that nonsense behind
a phonebox and ring someone your powers? you?
connected with magic. He tried I’d use phone hacking for some pretty Yeah the producers had spotted me from
to ring Teller, but there was just impressive mind reading. Either that or very a pic on my website where I’m in specs
silence at the other end. It must bad journalism.... Wait someone has beaten and a grey suit. This suited the look of the
have been a faulty connection me to it. character so they were aware of my magic
or something, so in the end, work.
he rang the talented Ali Cook What’s that Noel Clarke like?
He genuinely is the hardest working man in As for the filming, however, it’s pretty
– top magician and now doing
showbiz. intense. It is harder than filming a TV
well for himself as one of them
magic show as you’re trying to conjure up
actors! real emotions at precise moments whilst
Most difficult aspect of your role?
Or did you take to it like a duck to also doing things like hitting a mark, not
Following on from his role in English period water? moving out of focus, holding up a prop
drama Mr. Selfridge, Ali Cook shoots to an I’m mostly water boarding suspected terrorists at the exact same moment or perhaps
international profile as he stars alongside so naturally I took to it like a duck to water as performing your scene to someone who
Ian Somerhalder (Vampire Diaries) Luke it’s my hobby. isn’t there.
Hemsworth and Alexis Knapp (Ground Floor) in
Sci-Fi action thriller ‘The Anomaly’. No, seriously, this was a very difficult role as So the chance to do magic on the set is
I had to do an American accent which takes pretty limited and also in any downtime
Cook plays Agent Travis, an American secret constant practice. It’s like the classic pass, I was just constantly working on the
service agent hell bent on finding the truth at you have to be doing it all the time in order for accent.
any cost alongside his partner Agent Elkin, people not to notice anything.
played by Hemsworth. Directed by the BAFTA Did you know David Stone is
winning actor Noel Clarke, Universal Pictures Will you go to your local cinema now a good-looking actor -
have bought the worldwide rights and the to watch it - secretly hoping to be just like you!?
movie is in cinemas on the 4th July. spotted? I had no idea!

28 MSM MAGAZINE
 SEAN ALEXANDER

SEAN
ALEXANDER
ON THE UP, AND DOWN UNDER!
O
ver the past few years Sean
Alexander has performed
his illusion show all over
the world, from 5-star cruise ships
to high-end corporate gigs. Add to
this his one-man mentalism show
which he has already travelled the
world with in 2014, plus his magic
consultancy work, and you can see
why Sean is one of the hardest-
working and most successful
professionals in the UK.
Graham Hey asks the questions

We meet in London, shortly after Sean has

returned from performing his mentalism show
in Australia – but more about that later.

Born in Norwich, Sean grew up with an older “I saw the Bluecoats working and
brother and younger sister. His mum and dad immediately knew that was what I wanted
split when he was very young and his mum
remarried. Says Sean, “My mum worked as a to do! At that point I didn’t know what I
jailer for the local police constabulary (so I had could do but I just wanted to entertain.”
to be a good boy) and my dad was a carpenter
which came in handy with a some of my first
props!”
So magic gave me the attention that I craved After finishing school, Sean stayed on to
Like most performers in this industry, Sean and still does. I didn’t realise back then though do a business and finance course and after
received his first magic set when he was that my magic would be the thing that would getting his grades, he continued to do the
around 8. “I recall my brother getting one too, take over my life and career and that was when advanced course which he hated! “So,” he
but it was me who became intrigued and I landed my first entertainment job when I continues, “after a few months I dropped
excited about it all. I remember putting together was 18!” out and got a job as an apprentice engineer
a magic show to show my family...it was truly which I hated!
awful!” he laughs. “I got my dad to make me At school, Sean tells me he was a pretty typical
this wooden magic box which was about 2 kid. Into soccer and loved music. Unusually That lasted a few weeks so I then had a
foot square and had a small trap door in the though, Sean also loved cooking and declared job in McDonalds which I hated even more
back that I could reach in and out of to make that he wanted to be a chef – which his wife and never made it past my probation period
things appear and disappear. I stole some of still struggles to believe! “I was a huge Michael before being, urmm; fired!” I continue to grill
my mum’s pillow cases; and lined the inside Jackson fan and when I was in my teens I him…
of the box with them! During the show I would became even more of an attention seeker
attempt to make borrowed items vanish and doing things like replicating MJ’s Billie Jean So, what was the big turning
then reappear....as my younger sister would dance routine; moonwalk and everything in point for you? The Eureka
excitedly point out how I was doing it (and class; typically just trying to show off wherever moment?
everything else)!” I could! Unfortunately for my friends and family “It was just before my 18th birthday that I
whenever I’ve had several (beers) and Billie went on holiday with my family and some
“I was always the one in my family who had to Jean comes on I still get this urge to do those mates to a Pontins type holiday park - Barry
be the centre of attention; maybe something moves...and No Graham, don’t ask me to do Island in Wales of all places and I was in my
to do with middle child syndrome (so I’m told). it now!” element. I saw the Bluecoats working and

30 MSM MAGAZINE
 SEAN ALEXANDER

“I didn’t realise
back then though
that my magic
would be the
thing that would
take over my life
and career”

ISSUE No. 57 31
 SEAN ALEXANDER

32 MSM MAGAZINE
 SEAN ALEXANDER

immediately knew that was what I wanted to Sean performing his mind reading act.
do! At that point I didn’t know what I could
do but I just wanted to entertain.

“As soon as I got home I applied to some

local holiday resorts and landed my first
job away from home...as a waiter! What I
didn’t realise at this point was that this was
a 5 star resort with a very high calibre of
entertainment. The next few months allowed
me to really get an insight into entertainment
and how it should be done and I would
attend their rehearsals to try and learn
what I could. Quite a few of the waiters and
other departments were substituting for
dancers and singers so they were involved
in the production shows in the evenings
and that was what I wanted to get involved
in! Eventually I got my chance....My first
appearance was in one of the shows and
I was standing in for someone. I was so
excited... And my leading role... the back end
of a pantomime horse!!! I can’t believe I just
admitted to that actually! I loved it though and
had such fun with it. From there I auditioned “That day changed my life really! I very much choose one from the café’s customers! He’s
(with my MJ moves) and started to learn a believe in fate and if I hadn’t met Nigel, today dressed down, and frequently playing down
few routines for the shows. I even ended would be very different I feel. He gave me the his skills, which is a likeable trait.
up having my own spot doing those moves path that I could walk upon and it’s because of
in one of the shows! From there I landed a that moment and him that I’m doing what I’m I ask him where he begins when
season on the south coast which placed me doing today. He was a great mentor and taught developing an illusion show
well and truly on my destined path!” me an awful lot in my early days! from scratch?
“There is so much involved in the process
You are more known for your It’s maybe more difficult to and takes a lot of time to build and establish.
illusion show – when did you connect with an audience as an You have to develop it gradually and build
develop a fascination for illusionist – how do you conquer upon it step by step; starting small and
illusions? What got you hooked? this aspect? continually adding and refining. There are
“As a child I was very much into Copperfield! “It took me an awfully long time to realise that a lot of aspects to consider not just the
I remember the specials coming on the it’s not about the props or illusions; don’t get physical props.
telly in the summer holidays and being in me wrong, I’m still obsessed with big, spangly
awe of him. When I’d watch Dobson or kit but I understand that it’s personality that “Once we have a chosen illusion, whether
Daniels it was always the illusions that I was people buy into and warm to; not just the kit. I it be an original idea that we’ve developed
fascinated by and it was that first season as try to talk to the audience quite early on in my and had built or a standard illusion, we begin
an entertainer that I got my chance to learn shows these days and try to get my personality by blocking it. I tend to have an idea and
about stage illusion and perform them. across. I believe I was able to build upon this feel for what I want to do with a particular
aspect as a result of me gaining experience piece and an idea of music I’m going to use
“My first Ents manager used to be an performing close up and having to engage lots beforehand. Sometimes I will hear a piece
illusionist and he had a few illusions that of small audiences repeatedly during events; of music in a movie or on the radio and
were in storage at another venue. We were having to win over groups of people who don’t instantly know which illusion would work well
very close and I would bombard him with know who you are by selling myself and my with it. It’s not a conscious thing; it’s like an
questions about illusion and one evening at a personality. That was good training (and still alarm going off in my head and I suddenly
team get together, he turned to me and said is) and allowed me to develop my personality sit up and take note. It drives my wife nuts
that he had had a call that day and had been more. When I look back (and cringe at times) at as we’ll be watching a movie, chatting or
asked to move the illusions as the venue past performances over the years I think I had even shopping and suddenly I’m tuned into
needed the space. He said that if I go and quite a harsh persona on stage. These days I it and everything else becomes irrelevant. I’m
pick them up I could have them! ‘What, for consciously try to be more relaxed and humble a huge lover of movie scores as they are so
free?’ I asked? I couldn’t believe it; I was like in my approach. Don’t get me wrong, I still get well suited to illusion. They have been written
a kid at Christmas! lost in the moment but I consciously try to be to evoke emotion and have all the right
more personable.” peaks and troughs and create drama.
A day later a van was booked and me and
a colleague went to get them! The van was As we have a coffee in a trendy café just off “For the blocking I tend to block key
full! There was a Temple of Benears, a double Wardour Street in Soho, we are surrounded moments in the performance and visualise
load crystal casket, a Peter Diamond sub by trendy people of many nationalities. Sean is those moments with the music and do a
trunk (which I still have) plus a bunch of other probably the last person you’d assume was a rough edit to fit the two together. From there
stuff! successful international performer if you had to my choreographer will come in and help with

ISSUE No. 57 33
 SEAN ALEXANDER

take two cases and hand luggage. In that

I have to get my two shows plus my show
suits and all my clothes for the duration. It’s
an illusion in itself I can tell you! If, as in the
past, I’ve got illusions - those will be flown
out by freight a couple of weeks beforehand
but storage is minimal and a lot of ships
can’t accommodate really big kit so you
have to be careful what you’re taking and
usually most of it will need to be packed
away until the day of your show.”

How long are you usually on the

ships for?
“Typically it’s a week to two weeks. In the
past I’ve been on ship for around 6 weeks.
Usually I will perform 2 x 45 minute shows,
but sometimes I’ll be asked to do 1 x 45
“Naturally there is a massive investment and then a 10 minute spot on the farewell
when it comes to illusions so higher fees show with other guest entertainers or a
20 minute split show with another guest
have to reflect that to make it viable.” entertainer.

the choreography and assistants and we then What’s the most difficult aspect “If I’m doing a 2 week run quite often I can
rehearse it over and over, as well as editing the of being an illusionist, I ask? do my first show early in the cruise and then
music to tighten the routine up so there are This is an answer he doesn’t have to think the other towards the end which gives you
limited dead moments and refining the overall about. “Logistics and team! The bigger your this big gap in the middle of doing nothing
piece. show gets the bigger the logistics get! Trying so I tend to offer a close up set to keep me
to move around with a show on the scale that sane!”
“Once I have that part down and we know I am can be logistically challenging and costly,
the routine and illusion inside out, it’s then a to say the least. There’s also the staffing issues I know that your wife used to be
case of lighting it and adding any visuals with and finding reliable and committed people who your stage partner too – is that
video screens and special effects such as you can trust. how you met?
flame projectors and smoke to enhance the “Yes; Vanessa was a dancer at a resort
performance of the piece. Then we do it all “You are so reliant on your team and if a beat where we worked together and at that time
over again with another piece and so on and is missed or a cue forgotten it can mean I needed a new assistant for the show that I
so forth.” disaster. They have to know the show inside was planning taking on the road. We began
out as much as me and even more so in some dating initially and then it wasn’t long before
How much does money influence instances. My show is very fast moving and she became my on stage assistant. That
an illusionist’s career - as they are there isn’t much room for mistakes or being was 12 years ago! We’ve seen and done a
all pretty expensive!? late with a cue. I’ve been fortunate in that I lot and it’s great that we’ve been able to do
“I guess at first in the early days just to be have a team that I am very close to and who it all together. She has since hung up her
performing to an audience and the passion and are all very passionate about what we do dance shoes and is now a fantastic full time
feeling we get as performers is what matters and they all gel very well together which is a mum!”
(as with any form of art); however unless you massive help.”
have a rich sugar daddy/mummy bankrolling So you are now a dad!?
you, that is short lived without the influence of How did you get on to the cruise “Yes we have a beautiful baby girl, Sydney
money. Naturally there is a massive investment ships? Mae, who is just 18 months and is a
when it comes to illusions so higher fees have “I had done smaller ships and mini cruises right little character! You can tell that her
to reflect that to make it viable. In addition to over the years via various agents,” says Sean, parents are in Showbiz; she is such a little
the investment there are the logistics of getting sipping his coffee, “and I then approached performer. She tries to sing and she is
the kit about, the rehearsal spaces required to a specialist cruise agent who is big in the always dancing at any given time; she’s got
get the illusions ready, assistants, crew, etc. industry with a view to moving into the larger great rhythm and timing. She continuously
American lines. We ended up signing to the smiles and laughs and she just lights up
“Don’t get me wrong; the reason for doing it is agent exclusively for the cruise market on a the room. I’ve got a feeling she will be a
the passion and buzz but unfortunately without three year contract at that time. From there we performer somehow in her own right when
money, it becomes an unviable entity!” found ourselves performing regularly on luxury she grows up!
liners and continue to do so today.”
Many performers tend to talk up how “When my wife was expecting; all my
successful they are, and they tend to What’s the situation at the friends would tell me that having a baby will
exaggerate how busy they are. Sean is different moment with the amount of change my life and outlook, which I didn’t
– it’s not easy trying to get information from him equipment you can take on really get! That was until she was born!
which puts him in a good light! He’s modest, board? There must be limits? People with kids talk about unconditional
and talks honestly about his career. “Yes! If I’m flying on with my kit then I can only love and it’s an incredible feeling and

34 MSM MAGAZINE
 SEAN ALEXANDER

“You are so reliant on

your team and if a beat is
missed or a cue forgotten
it can mean disaster. They
have to know the show
inside out as much as me
and even more so in some
instances.”

ISSUE No. 57 35
 SEAN ALEXANDER

real or a trick as they simply cannot fathom

what they have seen. Whereas with the
illusions the audience knows that there
is a trick involved somewhere - they may
not have the answer but they know it’s a
trick. They are very different and I love the
sophistication of the mind show; but I love
the theatrics of the illusion show which I try
to implement with the mind stuff.”

You’re also a consultant for

shows and attractions – what
have you been up to in the last
few months?
“Along with Adam from Illusioncraft, I recently
consulted on a Bourne Leisure production
which saw us create some unique illusions
for their show “Clockwork” which was to be
toured up and down the country. It was very
What’s the best piece of advice different from what they had ever done before
you can give a performer looking and one of the illusions we created was a
to do the ships? really cool production of 4 cast members
“Have a lot of good material and be flexible. from a large clock, which played really well.
Have great promotional material to sell yourself At the moment I’m currently working with a
with a great demo. Be great off stage as much theatre company that are looking to introduce
as on stage as I believe that goes a long way. a few illusions into their productions which is
No one likes a Prima Donna who walks around quite exciting and it is always a nice change
with his head up their arse! to performing.”

Headless Ghost “It’s a funny game the cruise ship world and it’s What’s the most exciting
not for everyone. While it can appear to be very project you’ve worked on?
glamorous travelling the globe and seeing the “I recently consulted on a brand new theme
world, it can be quite lonely at times if you’re park ride called Hobs Pit which is based
something that I could not comprehend fully on your own and you have a LOT of downtime on an abandoned mineshaft and is a scare
until Sydney arrived. She really is our world and where you’re not doing an awful lot! Don’t get maze/horror mine train type attraction. It
is just so adorable.” me wrong, it is a really great experience and is was given an age rating of a 12a from the
a great lifestyle but I guess as with everything it BBFC (British Board of Film Classification)
How does being a parent has its pluses and minuses.” which was only the second attraction in
influence your work now? the world to ever have been given an age
“It’s difficult being away and I miss them a lot, What sort of stuff do you do in rating. The project was a big success and
as they do me. I tend to try and take short your mentalism show?
contracts but it’s something we have to deal “All sorts. I do a Q&A routine based on word
with and we’ve been fortunate in recent years association, a magic square, book tests,
with the types of contracts I’ve had that I predictions, a lottery prediction plus loads more
haven’t needed to go away an awful lot. I stuff. I like to make it theatrical and as with
tend to just take each turn as it comes and do my illusion shows, music is very important
what’s best, and my wife and family are very in adding suspense and drama, creating
supportive. It’s finding a happy balance which a certain mood for the pieces that I’m
can be difficult at times.” doing.”

Even though it has been your How does the satisfaction

illusion show which you have you get differ from when
become known for, many people you do an illusion show?
are probably not aware that you “I love doing both and in my full
also have a mentalism show evening production show I get to
which you perform on the cruise blend both along with close up
ships too. Where have you been to magic. My heart has always been
recently? with grand illusion; however I
“I was recently in Australia and I’m soon off to love doing my mind shows and
the Baltics on the Royal Princess which is their some of the reactions I get are
brand new flag ship. I’ve been fortunate that amazing with some people
I’ve been to almost every continent and have really questioning whether
seen some wonderful places on ships.” what they are witnessing is
Sean with wife, Vanessa, and
daughter, Sydney Mae

36 MSM MAGAZINE
 SEAN ALEXANDER

even made the LA Times in the States.

QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS
“I was brought on board to advise on the
special effects and I ended up writing and What’s the biggest mistake you Yes my video expansion illusion. It came
producing the entire attraction. I brought see performers make when doing about as a result of me wanting to introduce
in a CGI artist called Rob Ostir from the stand-up stuff? video and a bit of technology into my show
States who has worked on Hollywood Trying to be someone else and trying to be as I’ve always been a fan of Marco Tempest
blockbuster movies such as Tron Legacy, funny when they’re not. I believe we’ve all been and the amazing things that he creates. So
X-Men and such, who I tasked with bringing there and we are all influenced by our peers; I created this illusion as an opening for my
to life the digital elements and characters however we need to discover ourselves and try show which involves an empty framework
I envisioned for some Pepper’s Ghost to find the unique and individuality in ourselves. which has a video screen and video of me
illusions and other unique digital pieces. that expands within the frame. I then stand
We used a combination of pneumatics and How have you changed as a up so the audience sees my head and
digital elements to create some really great person over the last ten years? torso while my legs are still “virtual”. The
effects and the results were fantastic with A lot. It’s amazing how you view things as you audience then sees my video self climb out
the ride featuring several unique pieces, get older. I have matured a lot and see things as I step out as the real me. It took a lot of
one of which sees a Pepper’s Ghost style differently than I did ten years ago. Having my trial and error refining the video elements
illusion in which a ‘ghost’ head appears baby girl has totally changed my outlook on life and technical side of the things and the
on a decapitated body that is automated also! I believe that with every day that passes timing has to be spot on to get the right
and sits up as the head appears upon its we learn something new and we continue to effect. Adam at Illusioncraft did a great job in
shoulders, which is pretty cool!” grow and evolve. My first manager said to building it and making it look deceptive!
me some 18 years ago that we never make
We’ve talked about several of mistakes; we have experiences and as long as If you could work with anyone,
the upsides of the industry we learn from those experiences they’re not who would you
– but there are also many mistakes. That has stuck with me all of work with?
difficult aspects – which I these years and I try to learn from my Ummm that’s
hear you’ve had to cope with experiences and try to be a better person a tough one! I
recently? through them. think it would
“Yes,” he nods. “I was recently in probably
negotiations and in planning for over 3 have to be
months to bring my show to a new venue JJ Abrams.
and was at the last stages of finalising things I love his TV
when it all fell through, which was a real shows and movies and he’s
shame. Previously to that I had been resident a fabulous producer and director. He is right
in the biggest grand illusion show in the up my street with his love and fascination
UK for 2 years and was all set to return for for the mysterious and he actually has a
a third year when budgets were cut as the You are known as ‘The Confusionist’ love of magic, which was one of the things
company made a loss. The industry is very – how did that come about? that led to his career in film and obsession
uncertain and you can be riding high one I was looking for an original identity so after with all things mystical. He still has his very
moment, only to then find yourself without throwing some ideas around with my brand first Tannen’s magic box which he has
a gig the next. Fortunately I have several and marketing guru Keith, we came up with supposedly never opened!
things that I am involved in so am doing well. this identity. It sums up everything that I do
That’s a real benefit for me - being able to be really; grand illusions, mind reading, close up In magic I’d love to work with Anthony Owen.
versatile and having the different shows that I magic. I like to confuse my audiences so it’s
do enables me to keep busy.” quite fitting! The person who has influenced
you the
Time is up, and Sean has to leave for What do you see as the future of the most is?
a meeting to discuss a possible new magic arts? Copperfield.
project. With his varied acts – and each I see it becoming more and more technical He was the
one of very high quality, it’s easy to see and digital (which is already happening), one who I really
how he continues to succeed – without thus keeping in line with our fast moving looked up to
the fuss and self-promotion that many technological world. I believe that there is a and aspired
performers devote much time to. With market specifically for grand illusion both on TV to when I was
a deadly combination of a hard work and in live theatre and they’re having a bit of growing up.
ethic and talent, there really is no revival in both these arenas of late. Audiences
stopping the brilliant Sean Alexander! just love to be amazed and entertained and What’s next
a lot of today’s generation haven’t had the for you?
Photography by Richard Jarmy. pleasure of seeing this kind of stuff, which is I’m looking to
Keep up to date with what Sean’s up to via the kind of feedback I hear a lot from my own bring my show to a new venue and also take
his website and Facebook page. audiences. it into mainstream theatres.
Website: www.seanalexandermagic.com
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ Your signature piece is your video I also have a few non magic related things I’m
SeanAlexanderTheConfusionist appearance illusion; can you tell us pursuing.
a little bit about that?

ISSUE No. 57 37
 REVIEWS
NEWS

IN THE NEWS...
. JEFF HOBSON SAYS...
“I was quite surprised to see
LUCA’S my name. Very pleased that I
SUCCESS! was voted Best Live Performer
You cannot keep a good man in the Magicseen awards.
down – and Magicseen pin-up MUCH better than
boy Luca Volpe has just won the alternative!” Best wishes,
the Nostradamus Silver Award
as Best Mentalist in Europe.
Jeff Hobson
The competition was held in
France. Well done sir!

KEVIN JAMES
SAYS...
“Lots of love to everyone
who voted for me as best
illusionist in the Magicseen
Awards poll. You all make
my day!!! “ - Kevin James

News

ISSUE No. 57 39
 DANI DAORTIZ

DANI THE SPANISH

SENSATION!

DAORTIZ
One of the most creative
thinkers in world
magic, Dani has gained
a reputation for his
brilliant technique and
quirky humour. He’s a
risk-taker, and is one
of the few magicians to
use improvisation in his
performances…
Graham Hey throws
questions towards the
man from Estepona.

Please tell us a bit about

your background - where
“I always have said that the
you were born, your family best thing that magic can give
and a little bit about your
childhood and school me is the simple fact of being
days!
I come from a humble family full of artistes. I
able to do magic.”
live in the south of Spain in Andalucia, where
passion for art and flamenco is normal in daily life. But it certainly was due to the influence respected magician /
life. My sister danced, while my brother played of a man who later will become one of my magic creator?
the guitar and so, to distinguish myself a little best friends, Juan Tamariz. In that time Juan I do not really like thinking about myself,
bit, I played with cards. appeared a lot on TV and I imagine that is why either in the past or future. Also I do not like
I fell in love with this fascinating art. thinking of my rating amongst my peers or if
My mother’s support was crucial to my career. I have achieved something or not. I always
When I was 13 she used to take me to the Has magic helped to shape have said that the best thing that magic can
magic club so I could spend some time with your personality? give me is the simple fact of being able to
magicians. Up until this point everything seems I started with magic when I was really young, do magic. That’s my prize. The greatest luck
normal, until you consider that the club was so I imagine that my personality has been is that my passion is my “work”. But I am
400 kilometers from my house and we always defined by my growth as an artiste. The values conscious that this luck has been found and
went by bus. that had shaped my personality were absorbed formed through years of dedication. I have
from my teachers. Magic is an act of love and always said that magic gives you back the
friendship. measure of what you offer to it.
How did you get into
magic? How have you made the If you could choose five
I do not really remember when I got in to transition from talented performers to be in a
magic. I remember playing with cards my entire amateur to world- perfect show, who would

40 MSM MAGAZINE
 DANI DAORTIZ

“I have always said that magic

gives you back the measure of
what you offer to it.”

ISSUE No. 57 41
 DANI DAORTIZ

you choose and why?

Lennart Green because of his life philosophy, “The magic only feeds on love
Juan Tamariz because of his great mind, David
Williamson because of his magical personality
and passion. Do not aim to
and the Fat Brothers (Christian Engblom and
Miguel Angel Gea) because they are part of
be better than anyone, but to
me. And the MC will be the legendary Ricky surpass yourself.”
Jay.

Who has been your biggest finished something. It is in that moment when faster pace and many new tendencies are
influence? I start to enjoy it, knowing that it is possible to being created. Most of the time I see many
Lennart Green, Juan Tamariz and David get more. good things, but also ones that are wrong.
Williamson. On some occasions David tells I am not the owner of this art, that’s why
the joke that I am Lennart Green who ate Juan Which effect that you have anyone can do it with whatever they like.
Tamariz. It’s great! I learn a lot with them. created has given you the I do not agree with how our art is treated
most satisfaction, and sometimes, but that’s a talk I will have with
Best piece of advice you why? friends, not in a publication. Many times I do
have ever been given? There are many and each one for something not agree with different points of view but I
The magic only feeds on love and passion. different. But if I have to select one; I will say really respect them.
Do not aim to be better than anyone, but to Open Triumph because I have a really special
surpass yourself. story with Juan Tamariz behind that effect. Magic will never lose the fellowship that
unites us as magicians (I do not speak
Have you always been a How do you view the about professional work). To get people
creative person - even at current state of world from different social classes, ages or
school? magic? political views together… all united by one
Maybe. I never liked the sensation of having Thanks to technology, magic is growing at a passion and with one thing in common,

42 MSM MAGAZINE
 WELCOME...
DANI DAORTIZ

magic. Nothing else matters. That, only

magic can give.

What advice would

you give to someone at
the beginning of their
career?
Love and passion. I know that I could sound
a little bit annoying with that, but that was
what they taught me.

How would you describe

your own personality?
I like the joy, to have a great time, to give
without expecting anything in return, to run
from problems and when I cannot, then
disguise them. I like people and I like people
who like me. I like to talk about magic
without giving importance to age or social
level. I like friendship. I think that’s all that
defines my human and artistic personality
(I think that both go together).

Which effect (not created

by you) do you wish you
had created?
Everywhere And Nowhere to Hofzinser.

Has the internet

been positive for you
personally?
Obviously yes. The internet is a really
important showcase for everyone in the
world. Even for those offering bad stuff…
Now we all have become more important
and our actions more relevant.

Is magic history
important to the young
magician today?
Magic is inherited from previous generations
and I think that it is good manners to know I would go back 200 years and would make into English. Too many projects and not
about who dedicated their time for you. an extensive tour of Europe. For sure I would enough time.
start in Vienna and Paris. I would love to be
How do you feel about a spectator and be fooled during one hour What is the magic scene
the amount of ‘set up’ TV by Hofzinser or to eat the orange of Robert like in Spain – and who
magic around today? Houdin’s trick. are the magicians of the
I just started to work as a consultant for future?
my good friend David Blaine; also I have How would you describe Spain has always been characterised by a
some input in the company of my good your performance style - good taste in magic. We are a generation that
friend Luis Piedrahita on one of the highest and when people say you has had it really easy, because we have grown
rated TV programs in Spain. I’ve always had ‘improvise’ a lot - what do under the hands of teachers like Juan Tamariz
this thought and now I can confirm it: no they mean by that? and Ascanio (I just only name the best known,
effect presented on TV will be able to cast a Magic cannot be improvised. I play with the art but there are many more).
shadow on one presented live. An ambitious of spontaneity. As the master Lavand says, my Maybe the peers that are working a lot are:
card routine performed live will create more improvisations are the fruit of my experience. Juan Luis Rubiales, Jorge Blass, Miguel Angel
emotion than watching someone walk on Gea, Woody Aragon, Luis Piedrahita, Gabi
water in a TV show. What project are you Pareras, Alberto de Figuereido…
working on at the All of them are great people and great
If you could go back moment? magicians.
in time and change Many. But really the next thing is a 10 hour
anything about the DVD shoot in Luis de Matos’ studio under the What is under your bed?
magic world, or your own name RELOADED. It will be UTOPIA’s second A hotel floor!
life, what would it be? part. Also the translation of some of my books

ISSUE
ISSUENo.
No.57
57 43
 LIVE REVIEWS

SMOKE AND
MIRRORS BAR,
BRISTOL
JON ALLEN 10th May 2014 turned out to be a rollercoaster ride of comedy,
Reviewed by Paul Preager storytelling, audience antics and of course magic.

Jon is one of the more creative magicians Danny is a high energy, quick talking performer
in the UK and his show therefore contains who soon had the audience on his side with a tall
unique magical effects presented in his own tale of how he could not find anyone to direct him
often dry comedic style. to the mysterious magic venue.

Opening with his own prediction effect the Most of the magic on display consisted of magic
Silent Treatment, his first trick is performed classics - a “Sands-style” rope trick, Homing
in complete silence using giant message Card/51 cards to pocket, Cards Across and 6 Card Repeat to name
boards which communicate the instructions a few. For me it was the unusual and entertaining presentations that
for a spectator to choose a card. Some amusing byplay and gags made this performance so much fun. I especially enjoyed a “Cards
along the way were all very entertaining and again all written on the Across” presentation where a very baffled audience member “performed”
boards. The intrigue builds as each board is revealed with a few more the magic, much to his surprise and delight. There was also a wacky
gags until finally the reason why Jon has remained silent throughout presentation where we were all asked to imagine ourselves as 6 year
the trick is revealed and the same card that the spectator is thinking olds and sing along with The Lion Sleeps Tonight, Danny leading the
of is revealed in . . . well I’d hate to spoil the surprise, so I’ll just say it singing with a surprisingly good vocal.
brought a great reaction from the crowd.
One thing I particularly liked was how despite the outlandish
Moving onto a contrasting piece, Jon performed the sliding knot presentations the magic he performed was hard hitting and …well
where a knot tied in an 8ft length of rope held by two spectators magical! He also used some very clever misdirectional ploys and
is slid from its original tied position to another position several feet techniques to cover some of the heavier sleight of hand work. It was
away. The big surprise was when the knot was untied proving the clear from the audience and helpers’ reactions that they were completely
impossibility of what has just happened. A word prediction followed amazed by what they saw.
where a book, a page and finally a word were chosen by randomly
selected spectators around the room. The random selection method A further strength of having the presentations weaved around fantastic
of the spectators then played a part in the revelation of a prediction tales and ideas was that they provided great vehicles for Danny to
which proved to be the selected word. This was another unique way interact with the audience and involve everyone in the show…and
of revealing a prediction that took the audience by surprise. interact they did! However it was all good natured fun and never
descended into heckling. For instance during a card trick an audience
The ‘Pain Game’ is Jon’s own version of the Smash & Stab routine, member on stage had selected a card…Danny was asking a seated
using an extremely long, sharp and dangerous looking nail which audience member to say “stop” as he dribbled the cards. As he turned
is hidden under one of several plastic cups. The tension mounted back to the first helper, Danny noticed that the guy had his phone out…
each time Jon’s hand crushed a cup and survived until the last one apparently he was updating his status on Facebook! Danny took it all
remaining turned out to be the dreaded nail. Jon successfully tried in good part and played it up for all it was worth, the audience found it
out a new idea for the first time in front of an audience where a freely hilarious. It all ended well when the guy then took a selfie of himself with
shuffled deck turns out to virtually match the order of another deck Danny and the audience in the background, which he posted live to
that was sealed inside a large envelope on view throughout the show. Facebook. What fun.
Still in development the trick was well received on the night. To
finish Jon performed his own version of 3 Fly which left the audience I think one secret of his success is that Danny comes across as a very
suitably amazed and Jon with plenty of appreciative applause for a likeable performer. The best way I can describe it is that, instead of
show of original and entertaining magic. delivering a monologue to the audience, Danny seems to have the knack
of getting the audience to engage in a dialogue with him. This seems
to make being led down the garden path so much more enjoyable for
DANNY BUCKLER 31st May 2014 everyone.
Reviewed by Terry Ford
I overheard an audience member after the show telling Danny that she
There was a crowded house assembled at the Bristol magic venue laughed until her ribs hurt, but that the magic was really good too. I can
Smoke and Mirrors to see comedy magician Danny Buckler. It only agree.

ISSUE No. 57 45
 I WISH I’D KNOWN

THINGS I WISH I’D KNOWN

WHEN I STARTED Compiled by Mark Leveridge

Hindsight is by far the best way for us to advance plan all the things that we’ve already done.
Well, it would be if that was actually possible! But if you do not happen to be in possession
of a time machine which can transport you back to your youth so that you can re-do all those
things you made a mess of in former times, we have the next best thing for you.
To help you to avoid future mistakes that hindsight would have prevented, we approached a
list of experienced performers and asked them to tell us what they wish they’d known when
they first set out. The combined knowledge of all our contributors should be enough to keep
most of you readers on the straight and narrow from here on in....

“I wish I’d known as a youngster the true value “That ‘show-business’ is two words, the latter “Video: When I was working in the clubs
of the time I was fortunate enough to spend being more important than the first to earn a in the seventies I wish I had had someone
with great magicians who took the time to living as a magician.” Jay Fortune video my act when it went well and likewise
advise a precocious young beginner. Now when it didn’t go so well!” Mike Gancia
that so many are gone there are thousands “It is better to learn 10 tricks well than 100
of questions I wish I’d asked them about their tricks badly.” Nick Einhorn “As you get older and better, it doesn’t mean
experiences - that’s where the true wisdom that getting work becomes easier. I had
lies.” Shaun McCree “As magicians we are always on call so it is anticipated that by the time I had reached
important that we can entertain at the drop my age, I could just sit back and watch the
“That you should never leave anything valuable of a hat. Being able to perform tricks with work come rolling in!” Ian Keable
in the dressing room.” Paul Daniels everyday objects, a regular deck of cards, or
borrowed items avoids that awkward situation “That it is best to study ALL types of magic
“Unless you know how to engage your of having to say those dreaded words. “Sorry I and not to only learn, for example, close up
audience, all the hard work you spent have nothing with me”. Pat Fallon card tricks.” Paul Daniels
practising the moves is completely wasted.”
Geoffrey Durham “Not everyone will like you. It doesn’t matter
“I wish I’d known how wonderful you are at what you do, you
“Don’t be afraid to wait for the laugh. This is that it is not the will always have people who don’t like you
something I am constantly challenged with to for lots of very valid reasons. Don’t worry
trick that makes
this day even though I know it’s true, it’s still about it, be the best you can in your chosen
hard to do at times. Some comedy magicians
the magician but field and accept that: Just like you may not
starting out are insecure about their comedy the presentation like someone who is successful and loved by
and as a result they fear the possible silence of of it. The most many, in the same way, some people won’t
a failed gag. This leads to them talking through difficult effect can become ‘get’ you.” John Archer
a possible laugh. Let the audience breathe a boring and tawdry in the
little and give beats. If you hear laughter start, wrong hands while the “I wish I had known how great being a
let it happen. Basically, listen as much as you professional could have been when I was
simplest of effects can be
talk and let the audience have their say.” younger. As it was, I didn’t turn pro until in
John Archer
a memorable event in the my mid thirties. Had I started that aspect of
right hands!” Simon Lovell my magical life fifteen years earlier, I might be
“I’m glad that I had to work hard to gain typing this list right now from a penthouse
my knowledge as it makes you a far better apartment in Monaco.” Paul Gordon
magician, whereas today the secrets are so “I wish I had known a good teacher to help me
easily accessible.” Wayne Dobson and guide me. When I started some 40+ years “You must pay attention to your helpers.
ago, I got a lot (of techniques) wrong which I Do not treat them as props but as human
“I wish I’d known that it is not the trick that later had to un-learn.” Paul Gordon beings with feelings and emotions. The
makes the magician but the presentation of it. same goes for the audience. As a performer
The most difficult effect can become boring “I’d have liked to have had the knowledge it is our job to give them a satisfying
and tawdry in the wrong hands while the and authority to have spoken with my clients experience not just perform for our own ego
simplest of effects can be a memorable event with true advice. In the early years I’d let the or gratification!” Simon Lovell
in the right hands!” Simon Lovell client always tell me how they wanted me to
work, when it was me who should have been “I wish I had known how helpful most
“When customers say, “I’ll certainly think about ‘advising’ them on how and when I should magicians are in encouraging you to get
that,” what they mean is, “I have no intention be performing. My magic has gone smoother better. I always thought that magicians
of buying that prop, now or in the future.” since I’ve given my client advice on what type were an esoteric bunch, but I was wrong.”
Jeremy le Poidevin, Practical Magic of magic show they need.” Wayne Fox Wayne Dobson

46 MSM MAGAZINE
 I WISH I’D KNOWN

“Customers never want what you have in

stock.” Jeremy le Poidevin, Practical “Don’t be afraid to wait for the laugh. This is
Magic
something I am constantly challenged with to
“Upsetting people - even if you are right -
this day even though I know it’s true, it’s still
doesn’t help your career in the long run.” hard to do at times. Some comedy magicians
Ian Keable starting out are insecure about their comedy
and as a result they fear the possible silence of
“If I knew when I started what I do now I’d a failed gag. This leads to them talking through
have saved a fortune buying tricks I never a possible laugh. Let the audience breathe a
used from dealers (sorry!) and bought more
little and give beats. If you hear laughter start,
books and magazines (I mean, I’ve amassed
quite a library over the years, but I’d have let it happen. Basically, listen as much as you talk and let the
bought even more at the time instead of audience have their say.” John Archer
having to track them down after the fact!)
- the wealth of knowledge in a book both
sparks your own creativity and your own
performance style plus it gives you an can do to your back I’d have taken more “It took me a while to realise that the secret
armoury of material you can perform without care of mine from the start, but then we’re to buying magic tricks was to ask some
buying costly props.” Shaun McCree all invulnerable when we’re young!” Shaun simple questions. Will it suit my style, can I
McCree build a routine around it, will it fit in with other
“Sound: In the 70’s it would have been great things I do, where can I perform it and most
to have had the lightweight digital sound “That when you read a magic book to learn importantly why would I want to perform it?
equipment available today instead of having (and that is NOT the easiest way) YOU see Pat Fallon
to lug around two column speakers, an YOU doing the trick in your imagination.
amplifier and a mike and stand, sometimes When you learn from video/watching another “If I’d have realised earlier that Vernon was
up flights of stairs.” Mike Gancia magician you become a copy of him (and that dead wrong it would have saved a lot of
is NOT the best thing to be).” Paul Daniels time - ladies do, in fact, like card tricks, what
“Whatever you buy from a dealer, however they don’t like is boring card magicians
good the dealer - I’m certainly not knocking “Success isn’t just about money. I’m not a who don’t understand they’re supposed
dealers - you will have to remodel the prop, poor man but equally I am not rich either. If to be entertainers, not purveyors of arcane
rejig it, repaint it or most likely rebuild it in its your motivation is just money then great, go for mathematical puzzles...” Shaun McCree
entirety if it’s going to be of any lasting use it, but you can be a success for lots of other
to you.” Geoffrey Durham reasons too. All the best memories in my life Magicseen thanks John Archer, Nick Einhorn,
have nothing to do with money, they are about Paul Gordon, Shaun McCree, Geoffrey
“Choosing magic to perform for your friends people and experiences. If you make decisions Durham, Mike Gancia, Jeremy le Poidevin,
and family is different to choosing material to based just on money you could miss out on Wayne Dobson, Ian Keable, Pat Fallon,
use commercially.” Nick Einhorn great moments and a lot of fun. Enjoy the Jay Fortune, Wayne Fox, Simon Lovell and
journey!” John Archer Paul Daniels for all those pearls of wisdom.
“You can be the best magician in the world Hindsight has never been so accessible!
but if you cannot market yourself properly “Because I started pre Google etc, I had to go
then no one will ever know. Time spent on to the local library for everything. I wish I had
marketing your business is never wasted as known about the more advanced books back
long as you stay in touch with reality.” Pat then.” Paul Gordon
Fallon “If I’d have
“I was only 22 when I started doing realised
“Simon Lovell told me twenty two years ago professional close-up gigs, and the thing I’d earlier that
to keep a small vanity case with a needle always wanted to have back then was better Vernon
and thread, manicure set, small aftershave negotiation skills. I actually went on a course was dead
spray, deodorant and a toothbrush, in in my late twenties which helped but what we
wrong it
my car at all times. I’ve used every item needed back then was something like Mark
on many occasions. From freshening up Leveridge’s Business Seminar for Magicians.”
would have
between gigs to having to sew a button Wayne Fox saved a lot
back on to my trousers. Good advice from of time -
Simon.” Wayne Fox “It’s not the tricks the audience likes, it’s YOU - ladies do, in fact, like card
be yourself and don’t try to emulate and copy tricks, what they don’t like is
“That 90% of magic dealers/societies have your magical heroes.” Nick Einhorn boring card magicians who
no real idea about giving sound advice
don’t understand they’re
to budding entertainers to help and not “That if you want to perform magic on
hinder their progression as a dedicated television, there is only a limited chance to
supposed to be entertainers,
magician.”Jay Fortune have that opportunity - because of age, not purveyors of arcane
style and other factors: so seize it early.” Ian mathematical puzzles...”
“If I’d have known the damage that leaning Keable Shaun McCree
over tables for years doing card tricks

ISSUE No. 57 47
 REVIEWS ★ POOR | ★★ OK | ★★★ REASONABLE | ★★★★ GOOD | ★★★★★ OUTSTANDING

PRODUCT
apparently using the numbers
to reveal personality traits of the
thought of person. A workable
understanding of Numerology

REVIEWS
is very important for this, and
might require someone new to
LEGION this area to put in as much, if not
more, rehearsal time than will

A QUICK LOOK AT WHAT’S HOT Andreu

Available from: www.alakazam.
be required to master the name
divination itself.
AND WHAT’S NOT! co.uk
Price: £29.99 Name divination is not new, but
This is all very interesting and what Andreu has tried to do is to
familiar stuff, unfortunately it is not This 39 page E-Book offers you remove some of the more obvious
always clear what the “point” or our a practical method for name fishing aspects of the process
take home message should be. It divination. In essence what this and streamline the method so
seems to be exhorting a tolerant means is that you can reveal any that you can get to the chosen
and wondering approach to these name that a spectator thinks of name really fast. His solution to
phenomena, however I found the without the need for excessive this is practical and, once you
thread hard to follow. fishing for clues. It can be understand the principles behind
performed over the telephone or on it, reasonably straightforward.
I accept this may be my lack of stage. Names are powerful things He claims that he can get 99.9%
brainpower, though I generally love and so showing the ability to reveal accuracy with this method and
magic theory books, am happy a name that a spectator has merely certainly I can imagine that in
with contemplating abstract topics thought of and not even written theory this is possible for anyone
and enjoy the unfolding discoveries down, sounds pretty impressive. who is prepared to put in the
of psychology. The book is full of necessary time to get up to speed
potentially interesting ideas but feels OK, before you start to have visions with the idea.
chaotic and ultimately unsatisfying. of starting a new religious cult with
this, if you are fresh to this type of In the right hands, and presented
The book touches on profound idea you need to realise a couple with the correct amount of
THE MAGIC OF issues of life and human experience. of things. Firstly, in order for you to panache and conviction, I can
CELEBRATING These are carried over into fully get to the name, the spectator will see this being a very strong
ILLUSION scripted presentations. I found the
opening lines of these scripts to be
be required to convert their thought
of name into a number. This is
performance piece. In the E-Book
Andreu offers a number of
Robert E. Neale the most compelling bit of the book done using a standard Numerology different presentational angles, so
344 pages softback e.g. “We all want our own space”, system which is widely available on you do get a choice of how to put
Available from your favourite “Perception is tricky, so tricky we the internet. The system comprises this across. Selecting the one that
Murphy’s supplier, dealers contact can fool ourselves”. Many reflect the of a simple chart which allocates a fits you and your performance
www.murphysmagic.com author’s religious background and single digit number to each letter of strengths will decide how effective
Price: $29.99 (US Dollars) or are difficult to imagine going down the alphabet. The spectator needs this comes across to your
£19.99 well with a British audience, with to look at this chart (either by looking audiences. ML
references to spirituality, religion or it up on the internet if they are able
Robert E.Neale is an ordained war. Huge themes are introduced to, or by you providing a copy of WHAT’S HOT: a very practical
minister and taught for 24 years and then often illustrated using the chart) and add up the total of system with little or no memory
as Professor of Psychiatry and rather mundane small props such the numbers created by the chosen work and without unnecessary
Religion. He is a prolific and as playing cards or a rattle box. name. This number is revealed to ‘fishing’ for clues
thoughtful writer on magic and its you and is your starting point for WHAT’S NOT: is more suited
role in life. This book is the first Robert E. Neale emerges from this working out the chosen name. to confident, experienced
part of a trilogy arising from three book as a humane, generous and performers who are able to carry
extended essays written between highly intelligent man with a lot of Secondly, for this to be convincing, off the Numerology slant required
1998 and 2000. interesting observations. A much the performer needs to be able to in the presentation
more rigorous editing process add in some Numerology readings, ★★★★
The book progresses through four may well have resulted in a more
sections - Visual, Psychological,
Spiritual and Performance Illusions.
satisfying and understandable book.
CP DO YOU HAVE A PRODUCT
The key message appears to be YOU’D LIKE US TO REVIEW?
that much, if not all, of our life is WHAT’S HOT: ambitious attempt Items for review can be sent to any of the following addresses:
based on illusions. For example, to show how illusion is central to our
what we think we see is actually everyday lives. Some fully scripted Graham Hey: 6 St Everilda’s Terrace, Everingham, York YO42 4JE.
Phil Shaw: 23 Stock Close, Norton, Malton YO17 8BE.
an elaborate construction, many and interesting presentational ideas
Mark Leveridge: 13A Lyndhurst Road, Exeter EX2 4PA.
of our conscious responses lag WHAT’S NOT: rather chaotically
behind and “explain” our automatic presented, likely to be highly Please also supply information on price, postage and where your product can be
responses and we invent stories to culturally specific in appeal purchased from. If you have a digital image (JPEG, TIFF, PDF) of your item too
make sense of the world. ★ that would be appreciated, but not essential.

50 MSM MAGAZINE
 REVIEWS

www.zanesmagicshop.com
01843 850036 - Phone Orders Welcome!
categories. First the basic moves originators’ names. There are applicable in many other spheres
and sleights, second routines drawn routines and moves from the likes of magic.
from some of the best names in of Albert Goshman, Slydini, Pat
magic, and finally, segments of Page, Fred Kaps, Roger Klaus, The three categories of
advice, information and general tips. Frank Garcia, Aldo Colombini, Mark information are spread across
Leveridge and Daryl himself. the four DVDs which makes it
Just about every sleight or move possible to buy only one or two,
that you could ever want is clearly These discs contain so many though at about £37 the full set
explained and the excellent studio good ideas it is hard to pick a offers very good value. While
shot footage makes everything favourite, but I particularly liked the there is no repetition across
very clear. Daryl, who researched demonstration and explanation of the set, there are one or two
and wrote the script, has compiled the classic Benson Bowl routine segments with similarities. The
moves from a very wide range of and the detailed instructions for retention of vision vanishes and
sources. You will learn multiple ways using the Sanada gimmick. retention of vision passes are
to produce, vanish, transfer, pass similar in content but are relatively
ESSENTIALS and lap balls. These sections, like The third and final category contains short and the opportunity for
IN MAGIC the rest of the DVDs, are shot in the segments of information and revision does no harm. All the
– MASTER relatively short segments, making it advice. Here you will find something DVDs offer the option of the audio
COURSE possible to easily pick out and study
the section you would like to learn.
on the history of sponge magic; the
range of sponge products available;
in English, Spanish or Japanese.

SPONGE how to handle spectators and a If you are interested in adding

BALLS The quality of Daryl’s explanations is segment that we could all do with a sponge ball routine to your
VOLUMES 1 – 4 amongst the best I have seen on an watching -what not to do. repertoire, or want to develop an
Daryl instructional DVD. existing routine, the DVDs offer a
Available from: www.Daryl.net Although the four DVDs are wealth of excellent material. SB
Price: $15.50 (approx. £10) Similarly, something in the order of concerned with sponge ball magic,
per volume, $59.95 (approx. eight or nine routines are performed much of what is explained involves WHAT’S HOT: excellent solid
£37) the set. and explained. These are mostly skills which are transferable. material clearly explained
suitable for close up/parlour WHAT’S NOT: minor repetition,
In this four DVD set, running in situations, though some like the In teaching the sleights and but not a problem
total for just over four hours, Jack Chanin production could easily the routines Daryl passes on ★★★★
Daryl demonstrates and be done in larger settings. approaches to handling, creating
teaches a wealth of sponge natural movements, using
ball material. The content The quality of the material is misdirection and the role of other
comprises of three different evident from just a sample of the props such as a wand which will be

LIVES OF THE So who is Professor Solomon? Written in a lively and highly readable research and work into producing
CONJURER’S - I’ve never heard of him before but style (not stuffy at all), Professor this well written and learned tome.
VOL.1 apparently he has also produced
a number of other free E-Books,
Solomon has put together what
appear to be well researched
This must be the original labour
of love since it is a free download,
Professor Solomon namely “How To Find Objects”, articles on some larger than life and since it is referred to on the
Available from: www. “Coney Island”, “Japan In A Nutshell” characters from the stated period cover as Volume 1, one wonders
professorsolomon.com and “How To Make The Most Of A whose lives and antics make for whether this is the forerunner to
Price: FREE! Flying Saucer Experience”! See a very interesting reading. Full of further editions. If you want an
theme here in these publications? quotes from other publications and interesting read about some of
This is possibly No, nor can I, other than the fact that extracts from previous contemporary the more unusual characters who
one of the most one starts to wonder if the author is sources, each story paints a vivid have spent their time using our
unusual products a little eccentric! and colourful picture of the life of art for various ends in the past,
that I’ve ever a magician in times when often this book will provide you with an
been asked to Lives Of The Conjurers consists of a being a conjurer could put you in entertaining time. ML
review, because whole series of life stories and tales mortal danger. It makes the life of a
it is the only one of magicians who lived between professional magician today seem WHAT’S HOT: very easy to read,
that is completely the 17th and late 19th centuries. like a total cake walk! appears well researched
free! As far as I Although I am not a student of WHAT’S NOT: one wonders why
can see, this 165 page E-Book magical history, I had heard of Professor Solomon is apparently these people in particular were
can be downloaded with no virtually none of the 20 people a magician in his own right as well chosen to be the subjects of the
strings attached, which certainly covered, but their stories were as an author, and it is obvious that book
makes it a bargain! nonetheless fascinating. he must have put many hours of ★★★★

ISSUE No. 57 51
 REVIEWS ★ POOR | ★★ OK | ★★★ REASONABLE | ★★★★ GOOD | ★★★★★ OUTSTANDING

shuffling the deck, he deals cards false shuffling will help greatly in a little more interesting (which it
face down until the spectator says creating the illusion of a straight needs) but only someone new to
stop. The selected card is shown deck. In its favour is the way that magic will need as much detail as
to exactly match the magician’s both choices made by the spectator in the 30 minute video.
face down prediction card. Next are in fact as fair as they could be,
the deck is turned face up and the simply because it doesn’t matter It’s sensibly priced but there is
cards dealt until the spectator says what cards they choose. If the no advancement in methodology
IN2ITION stop a second time. The card freely methods are old, they are at least here so under Mike Close’s rules
Brian Schwenger stopped on turns out to be the only practical! shouldn’t really qualify for market
Available from www.theatre52.com one with a red back! space and is nothing you couldn’t
Price: $14.95 (approx. £10) You receive the special deck construct yourself given a little
The two methods used won’t and other cards required with a thought. PP
This is a straightforward no surprise you and are the two most code to use on the Theatre 52
nonsense double card prediction commonly known ways of achieving website to access the detailed 30 WHAT’S HOT: Sleight free
effect from Montreal based Theatre this outcome, so in that respect minute online video instructions, handling and practical method.
52. It’s an ideal sleight free trick they are not bringing anything new the contents of which could have Good price.
for the newcomer to magic but to the market. The only new point just as easily been explained on WHAT’S NOT: Un-examinable
could also be useful as a low risk here is the combining of two simple an A4 sheet of paper, especially gaffed deck. Two old methods
prediction item for the walk around prediction methods to create a since there are no sleights and bring nothing new to card
performer with the pocket space double prediction routine, otherwise no complex handling involved! If prediction methodology.
and willingness to use a one trick this has all been done before, many magicians can’t be bothered to ★★★
deck. times! read a page of instructions, what
chance a whole book? There are at
The magician places a prediction The handling is simple enough for least some presentational ideas and
card unseen on the table and after anyone to do although some basic variations offered to help make this

explanations of all of the routines not be required by most performers. it does from the mildly crude
included in the show. As well as this However, any mentalist looking for to the relatively sophisticated,
purchasers also receive 3 DVDs some new material for their current which means that there should
with further materials and templates act may want to trawl through the be something here to please just
required to put together the act, show and lift those routines which about every type of performer.
plus a huge amount of extra bonus seem the most relevant or useful.
mentalism and hypnosis training Considering the amount of
videos and E-Books, all of which The filming of the show and of the material you receive in this
makes this package extremely explanations is fairly rudimentary but package, I think you would have
content rich. it does the job required. Jonathan to agree that at about £92 it
THE explains very fully the workings of constitutes very good value. But
MENTALISTS The show itself comprises of the routines and there is nothing Jonathan has also said that for
COOKBOOK a large number of mentalism here that is technically likely to a limited period (until midnight
PACKAGE favourites, with versions of many trouble the purchaser. The props on the 13th August 2014) he
Jonathan Royle classic routines. The Baby Gag, the required, including the tables etc will allow Magicseen readers to
Available from: www. Chair Prediction, Spiked, A Card that Jonathan uses, are sufficiently get the entire package for the
mentalismsecrets.co.uk Named Fred, plus countless more low tech that any interested person unbeatable price of just £40!
Price: £92.00 (approx) are twisted and contorted into a could easily put it all together, and Purchasers looking to take
variety of uses. Jonathan works at although it is designed for stage advantage of this special offer
This special package of materials pace and with lots of energy, and work, the entire act is compact need to pay via PayPal to shows@
provides information that will uses a large number of audience enough to fit on the back seat of a hypnotorious.com. So, if this type
allow the purchaser to put on members during his performance. family car. of material is your cup of tea, now
a complete mentalism theatre Some of the effects are fairly short is clearly the moment to dive in
show lasting over 2 hours. The and sweet, others more complex to If you are relatively new to and get a real bargain. ML
comprehensive contents include follow, but all the items have impact mentalism or are interested
instant online download access and seem to be enjoyed by the in getting into this type of WHAT’S HOT: huge amount of
to a number of YouTube videos, audience. performance, this package has material for the money
two of which show Jonathan a huge amount to offer. More WHAT’S NOT: may need to be
performing the show for a live I would imagine that it is unlikely experienced entertainers will selective about the show elements
theatre audience in Manchester that anyone is going to put together obviously find less of interest, but that you wish to use
back in 2012, plus three more the entire act and take it out on the even they should be able to deploy ★★★
in which he demonstrates and road. The number of opportunities some of the material from the show.
goes through the entire show to present a 2+ hour theatre show There is certainly a lot of variety
set up, plus provides detailed are somewhat limited and so may amongst the material, ranging as

52 MSM MAGAZINE
 REVIEWS

MAGIC BY POST 100s of amazing magic tricks you can do, plus joke shop classics.
www.magicbypost.com
can’t be that many different plots! Francis, Roy Walton, Bernard Billis, of moves required in the routines,
As a result of this, I think sometimes John Carey amongst others will so the book becomes a useful
card magic can seem somewhat testify, but he does so not only with reference resource too.
inpenetrable to those who have full credit but also with intelligence.
less than an obsessive interest in Liam is very good at taking the Some knowledge is expected of the
the pasteboards, as it seems so efforts of others and re-working or reader (you won’t find the Elmsley
cluttered and technical. combining the best bits to produce Count explained, for instance), but
worthwhile alternatives. everything else above that entry
If that’s how you feel about card level knowledge is well described
magic, then as an antedote may As with the giants on whose by Liam.
I suggest that you spend a little shoulders he stands, the plots
time studying some of the card too are a well trodden path. We I have a bit of a ‘thing’ about
ideas of Liam Montier. Liam has have routines reminiscent of the poorly produced E-Books, as
a knack of cutting away the Collectors, the Card Sandwich, so many authors seem to view
confusing elements of the art, the Ambitious Card, The Cannibal publishing something electronically
and producing card effects which Cards, Cards Across, Card as a licence to be sloppy and to
SHAZAM are clear, magical and often quite Matching, Twisting The Aces, the do away with any ideas of lay
Liam Montier entertaining. Ace Assembly, the Sympathetic out or style. Not so, I am pleased
Available from: www.tricktastic. cards and more, but none of to report, with Shazam. The
com His latest E-Book publication, the routines have been over- descriptions are well crafted and
Price: £10.00 Shazam, is a perfect example complicated or ruined by Liam’s thorough without being over fussy,
of what I am talking about. attentions, and so are worthy of the book’s lay out is clear and easy
With the possible exception Clearly explained over 63 pages, your time. to read, and the colour photos are
of sleight of hand coin magic, complete with many helpful pin sharp. And at just £10.00 this
card magic must be the most colour photographs, are a dozen In terms of difficulty, I would also represents excellent value for
derivative form of our art. The uniformally good card tricks. Yes, suggest that this material is money for anyone interested in
staggering volume of published Liam draws extensively on previous suitable for the intermediate to workable card magic. ML
routines and ideas available tells efforts of some of card magic’s advanced card worker, although
you that almost by definition, luminaries, as names such as Ed there is little here that is genuinely WHAT’S HOT: good, clear card
much of it has to comprise of Marlo, Paul Curry, John Scare, knuckle busting. This book not only magic plots, well explained
minor variations and alterations Aldo Colombini, Alex Elmsley, John provides some great tricks but also WHAT’S NOT: nothing really
to existing material - there just Bannon, Roberto Giobbi, Cameron Liam carefully describes a number ★★★★★

The basic effect is as follows: A climax. Most rubber band effects like about the routine taught, is
spectator is asked to remove two use 2 bands at a time, so five the fact that once the bands have
rubber bands from a handful and sets of regular bands just isn’t been examined you then need to
examine them. Pinching the bands really enough. I’m sure refills will take them back from the spectator
between their finger and thumb the be available though if this does to only give them straight back to
spectator is able to make the two become an issue for anyone. them once the dirty work has been
bands link together. This can now done. I’m sure there is a better
be fully examined and can be left as In usual SansMinds style the way of doing this if given a bit of
BOUND a souvenir. instructional DVD is very short. Only thought.
SansMinds a basic handing of the ‘Bound’
Available from your favourite You are supplied with 40 effect is taught. If you want to As a standalone effect I think
Murphy’s Magic supplier, gimmicked rubber bands and incorporate some of the other ‘Bound’ is nothing outstanding,
dealers contact 10 regular matching bands. The penetration effects shown on the it’s more of a puzzle. But if
www.murphysmagic.com bands themselves have been DVD then you will need to find an incorporated into a longer rubber
Price: £23.99 manufactured in such a way as to alternative source of learning for band routine, it is a very nice
make them stay in a nice circular these. climax. PS
Most magicians at some point shape, which is a nice touch. It
have included a rubber band would have been nice however to Even if you are new to rubber band WHAT’S HOT: bands hold a good
routine in their set. ‘Bound’ by have included quite a few more magic ‘Bound’ is so easy to do that circular shape
SansMinds is a linking rubber of the regular bands. I can see anyone will be able to perform it WHAT’S NOT: the bands are a
band effect which works as a most performers using the regular in no time at all. There is only one little small for regular rubber band
standalone trick or as a perfect bands for their other effects before real move involved, if you can even effects
closer. finishing with the linked bands call it a move. One thing I don’t ★★★

ISSUE No. 57 53
 REVIEWS ★ POOR | ★★ OK | ★★★ REASONABLE | ★★★★ GOOD | ★★★★★ OUTSTANDING

think). The spectator then stops at reveal. 25 cards are supplied (A-Z, can be forced if you carried both
a random page in a book. A card minus the letters X & Z, plus an gimmicks with you.
with two slots cut in it is slid up extra R). It would have been nice if
and down the page. The spectator more vowel letter cards had been The whole effect is very simple
stops on any line they wish and supplied as this would have opened to perform, and the mechanics
remembers the word visibly through up lots more words that could won’t take long to get the hang
the slot in the card. The word is be forced. Several examples are of. The DVD is clear and precise
revealed in whatever manner you shown on the DVD so there’s plenty and credits are given throughout
wish and to prove you planted the to get you started with the effect. I were applicable. Various other
INFAMOUS word in their mind from the start, would imagine too that additional versions are discussed too on
Daniel Meadows & James when the cards with the colours on cards will be available if you feel the the DVD, including a version for
Anthony them are spread, the first letter of need for them. The cards are nicely stage so it could be performed
Available from your favourite each card spells out the exact word printed and should last if kept in the to a larger audience. If you
Murphy’s Magic supplier, dealers they chose from the book. The cardboard case supplied. are doing this in a close-up
contact www.murphysmagic.com climax to the trick is really nice and environment then you do really
Price: £19.99 (without book), something I haven’t seen before. The method itself for the effect need a table for the final reveal.
£49.99 (with custom made is not new, in fact the idea goes This would need to be taken
book) There are two packages available back a long way. It is similar to into consideration. You could, I
when you buy Infamous. The Steve Valentine’s ‘Booked’ and suppose, use a spectator’s hand
Infamous is a method of difference between the two, Nick Einhorn’s ‘Thought Xtractor’, but the reveal wouldn’t be as
seemingly planting a chosen word apart from the price, is that with although the construction of the clean and there’s a risk of the
in a spectator’s subconscious the deluxe version you receive a gimmick is unique to this effect (as cards being dropped.
mind, and then proving, in Derren custom made book to use with the far as I am aware).
Brown style, how you achieved it. effect. This pocket sized book, ideal I do like this effect and even if
for walk around, has Larry Becker’s A small bit of DIY is needed to you opt for the basic package
The basic effect is as follows. Flashback built into it. However if create your forcing gimmick I think it is certainly worth
You show a spectator a series of you already own a similar book test, depending on which word you checking out. PS
cards which have different colours or just want to use a regular book wish to use. But don’t be put off by
written on them, but printed in then the basic package is more this as the gimmick is very simple WHAT’S HOT: good solid
another colour (e.g. the word than adequate. to make. What’s nice is that once routine with strong climax.
Red is printed in blue ink, etc…). the gimmick has been made it will WHAT’S NOT: not enough
The spectator is asked to name Full DVD instructions are provided force two different words so can vowel letter cards supplied
the colour they see and not what along with a set of different be repeated should you feel the ★★★★
is written on each card shown coloured alphabet cards which are need to. You are supplied with two
(which is not as easy as you used at the end for the pseudo of these cards so 4 different words

character traits associated with poker chips, it would make it a lot few alternatives are also shown
each sign. After asking a spectator more visual. They almost look like too – one being a version without
for their star sign (this can be any they should magnetically fit inside the business card. For this version
of the twelve signs, no force), and a larger disc (similar to El Duco’s you are required to memorise the
a little banter about their particular Room Key effect). order of all twelve zodiac signs,
sign, a small metal disc is pulled but Sean does teach an easy way
from inside the velvet bag. This is You are also supplied with a to remember their order.
handed to the spectator. When they gimmick that is needed. This is
turn over the disc, printed on the handmade from cardboard and The main downside to the effect
STARSTRUCK other side is their star sign. staples and while it does the job I itself is that the spectator cannot
Sean Goodman can imagine it will get quite dog- empty the bag themselves. It has
Available from www.magicdirect. The effect itself is nice, and as eared with repeated use, and need to be you, the performer, who
com there is virtually no reset it’s ideal either fixing up or even remaking. I takes the disc from the bag. That
Price: £32.00 for tablehopping. Minimal skill is think it would also have been nice aside, this is still a good effect
needed to perform this and should if the card with the horoscopes that if performed correctly will
Starstruck by Sean Goodman be achievable by both beginners printed on it was made from plastic, astound your audience. PS
is a horoscope prediction effect and pros alike. or at least laminated, as only one
produced by Magic Direct. is supplied. This again could easily WHAT’S HOT: Nice routine with
While the effect is solid and it get damaged or start to look tatty an emotional hook.
The basic effect is as follows: A is obvious it has been refined quickly. WHAT’S NOT: Discs supplied
business sized card listing all twelve over many years I was a little are a little small and the bag
signs of the zodiac is introduced disappointed with the quality of the The DVD explaining everything cannot be emptied by a
and handed to a spectator. A small props supplied. The discs, which needed to know is relatively short spectator.
velvet drawstring bag is also placed are made from thin aluminium, are but more than adequate. Sean ★★★
onto the table at the start. Next to only about the size of a 10p (or US covers all that is needed to know
each of the zodiac signs are brief quarter) coin and feel quite light. I about the props and the few sleights
descriptions of the various different think if these were larger, the size of needed to accomplish the effect. A

54 MSM MAGAZINE
 JEZ ROSE

noitpecreP
Jez Rose

W
hen I was working as a full time
comedian and mind reader, one
of the sagest pieces of advice
given to me by a now hugely successful
comedian, was that it doesn’t matter what
you think of your act, or the routines you
perform: your opinion doesn’t count. At all.
It is for the audience to decide if they like
it or not. Your audience, in effect, is your
boss.

As a behaviourist I am most interested in,

perhaps unsurprisingly, behaviour: why we do
the things we do and how to change them,
for the better. For the last ten years I’ve been
working as a professional speaker and using my
knowledge and skills as a behaviourist to work
with organisations worldwide, helping them to
positively change behaviour in their workforce.
when you have a move to
I still offer that piece of advice to all of make; it can also feature
my clients, whether they be automotive when you are choosing
manufacturers, retailers of pharmaceutical material and even what
companies or any other type of business, to wear.
because we are all guilty as a species of
becoming consumed with our own opinions: we Some tricks you perform
are making conscious decisions and choices all will get great reactions
the time, all of which have consequences and and others just never
it’s this self-directed mentality which can lead to seem to be quite right,
change blindness. while a few will fall
completely flat. We have
I regularly work with clients who make decisions all experienced that. Is
with absolutely no regard to their customers; it just the audience that
others will think they know what the customer night? Is it that dreaded
wants and proceed with a choice or a change, dance floor void between
but very few indeed will ask the customer first the audience and the
what they want – and then deliver it. And so it is stage? Is it the poor
with us performers, whatever you do in front of lighting? The duff sound
an audience. system? While all of these
play their part in peeling
When I first began dabbling in magic I was away the quality, the first thing I believe you signed up to my newsletter, for example.
about ten years old. I remember practising in should consult is the audience itself. When I wanted to re-launch an after dinner
front of the mirror and whenever it was time cabaret act, I went straight to the people that
to do a sleight or particular move in order for The commercially savvy ones amongst you will mattered: my audience.
the trick to work, I would blink my eyes or look have a database of clients, audience members
away from my hands, so as not to see the and fans, but rather than sending out an I asked them - What do you want to
move. email newsletter or the occasional plug for a see? A traditional comedy magic blend
show, have you ever used that to tap into their performance? A resounding no. Derren
More than ten years of research and study into collective knowledge and asked what they Brown style mind reading? A majority no. Big
psychology and behaviour later and I not only want? I did and the results were enlightening. boxes and illusions? No again. The people
realise that this is possibly the funniest example I’ll share with you just some of what I found who were going to be hopefully clapping,
of cognitive dissonance or change blindness out. cheering – and most importantly – paying
in action, but it is also extremely common me to perform for them were telling me what
amongst magicians. However, this change My list has nearly 7,000 people in it; about 800 they wanted to see. Your list will most likely
blindness does not necessarily happen just are clients and the rest are people who have have a very different audience type and

ISSUE No. 57 55
 JEZ ROSE

It is of course important and encouraging to

“Darcy Oake’s have positive feedback, however, it doesn’t
help us to move forwards, nor does it give
appearance on us an insight into the perception of our

Britain’s Got audiences, unless of course your testimonials

are gushing and clear in their praise,
Talent may help explaining why they are positive.

to highlight my On the subject of leather trousers, why did

point. Before he you choose what to wear when you perform?

Did you have a performer who you looked up
had done any to and adopted some of their style? Perhaps

magic, he looked you are channeling your character through a

novelty tie or costume. Or maybe you work
great.” in prestigious venues and opted for a tailored
suit. Few people consider the audience
in their costume choice. However, as I
experienced first hand while sat at the back
of that conference room watching leather
man, he got it wrong. Yet his confidence on
demographic of prospective customer on it and back of the room and when he walked out on stage and the way he stood suggested he
therefore, the responses may well be different. stage, I watched a sea of heads turn to each was quite comfortable with what he wore.
other, smirking and whispering. His tight leather
However, performing tricks that you like or that trousers and bright red shirt slashed open to the I am not going to write about what I think you
you think are good is a futile exercise and I waist made him look like he was preparing for should or should not wear, however, in the
would argue, patronising to your audience. It’s open heart surgery. It was like watching a David same way that we must appreciate how what
the equivalent of blinking during the sleight. Copperfield 1992 special. And the audience we physically do alters the perception of our
knew it. He had not said a word, nor had he audiences, so too does what we wear.
Obviously we must be comfortable and enjoy performed a single effect and he was already
doing what we are doing but with the best part helping to form his audience’s perception of him. Darcy Oake’s appearance on Britain’s Got
of approximately 250 years worth of magic Talent may help to highlight my point. Before
literature accessible to most of us, there are Now, if you have a penchant for leather trousers he had done any magic, he looked great.
plenty of effects to choose from. Speak to any and slashed open shirts, it does not necessarily While the wolf whistles from the audience
of the working professionals and they’ll tell you mean that it doesn’t work for you. However, suggested that he may have had good looks
the same: they look at an effect that catches what you think, doesn’t matter. You aren’t on his side, his clothes did fit him well; he
their eye and they ask themselves if they your customer. You aren’t your audience. Only was clearly comfortable in them and perhaps
enjoyed it as a spectator or if it is of genuine what your paying, applauding (or sniggering) more to the point they were very carefully
interest to them as a performer. audience think is relevant. And if you haven’t engineered to create a certain perception: he
asked them, you are in serious danger of not wanted to exude something very modern,
If the latter they will study it and consider it to only making your commercial life much, much something different and young and fresh.
make sure it fits with their character and their harder but also your performing life, too.
style. If you aren’t comfortable performing the If Darcy had walked onto that stage wearing a
trick, your audience know because your posture We all thrive on the applause, the laughter and tie adorned with playing cards, the audience’s
changes, your pace changes and you become the standing ovations: often even from the perception would have been entirely different:
more tense during the performance. In turn subconscious expressions of pleasure from probably a magician, clearly obsessed with it
they physically see that this performance they our audiences. So engineer them for your given the not altogether tasteful public dress
are watching doesn’t fit into the psychological audiences. statement.
picture they’ve created in their mind of you as a
performer. The result is that the reaction is half You can start with a very simple feedback We must understand that everything we
hearted because they haven’t been drawn in to questionnaire for audiences and clients: “On a say and do is making an impact on our
a journey: they haven’t enjoyed it as much. scale of 1 – 10 where 1 is awful and the worst audiences. They are all watching you and
thing you have ever seen and 10 is fantastic and judging you from the second you walk into
So, finding effects with which you are absolutely one of the best things you have ever seen, how their vision.
comfortable, if not fantastically excited about, is would you rate this evening’s performance?”
essential. It does not, however, guarantee that When I worked for the Walt Disney Company
the audience will enjoy it. By choosing what However, here’s the critically important bit: I was taught a phrase that is now in the
you perform wisely, considering what it is that “If you did not respond with a 10, please tell very core of my being, both personally and
your audiences want to see, we can begin to us what we need to do for you to score the professionally: everything speaks. When you
manipulate the perception of our audiences – performance 10”. The second part of the walk into a conference room or hotel room
for the better. feedback is the most important because it or restaurant you don’t consciously notice
gives other people, your audience or the people and make a point of clocking the fact that
I once watched a magician performing at a writing your cheque, the opportunity to give you the carpet has been vacuumed, or that all of
function I was lecturing at. I was sat at the real-world, efficacious feedback. the light bulbs are working or that there isn’t
any dust on the curtains. Conversely you do

56 MSM MAGAZINE
 WELCOME...

notice if there is dust and dirt on the floor or

if there is paint peeling off the walls or the CELEBRITY BIT WITH...
DICK VAN DYKE
cutlery is dirty: we notice the negative things
and tend not to pick up on the things that are
right. It’s an interesting human trait.

It is extremely important that we understand

that everything we do helps to create From Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, to recent
perceptions in our audiences’ minds and that movies such as Night at the Museum, Dick Van Dyke is a
those perceptions are very difficult to change.
We’ve all met people who on first sight have
genuine star. The fellow is 88 years old, and on the TV in
created our perception of them – and not in the UK everyday at the moment with his series Diagnosis
a good way. Our perception of them is not Murder! Yes, that’s the one where he’s not even a detective,
positive because of a number of things that he’s a flipping doctor and ends up solving loads of murders.
we notice: the way they are dressed (is their
tie wonky or tied incorrectly?); specifically
It could happen, couldn’t it? What many people don’t know is
what they are wearing (are their trousers dirty that Dick is a magic fan, so we asked him a few questions.
or creased?); their personal hygiene (are their
hands clean or do they smell appalling?); the
way in which they move and walk (do they MS: So, you love a bit of magic? much nowadays. But I’ve seen some amazingly
look bored or arrogant?); the way that they skilful acts. Lance Burton is a particular
talk to us. DICK: Haha, yes, who doesn’t? favourite of mine.

It really doesn’t matter if you like the MS: Simon Cowell, for a start! MS: Last question. This is not about magic.
contrasting coloured tie with your bright shirt; You worked with a big favourite of ours – Peter
if you like performing long gambling routines DICK: Oh! Well, I do. I even practised some Falk, AKA Columbo! What was he like?
or you want to work with doves. Start with moves and we used them in Diagnosis Murder.
asking yourself: what is the perception I want I did the card vanish – and I seem to recall that DICK: (smiles and nods) One of the very best.
my audiences to have of me? You must start this is used in the opening credits of the show?
there. *Thanks to the Entertainment dept, New York
MS: Yes it is. And you do it very well! Times.
Write it down and now get creative: write
all of the phrases, words and ideas you can DICK: (laughs) Oh, thank you. I love to
think of that help develop that perception: do card tricks.
how are you going to create that perception?
Now get someone completely impartial (not MS: Who are your favourite magicians?
your Mum or your partner) to critique this
because your opinion doesn’t matter. DICK: Well I guess I am lucky that I live in
the US which has a thriving magic industry,
We all have the ability to alter the perceptions and there are lots of live shows to see,
of our audiences, and not just by the effects and lots on TV too. I love the golden age of
we perform or by what we wear, how we magic – which for me was the 1970’s and
speak, the way in which we stand and how 80’s. David Copperfield at
clean our props are. Everything speaks. We his peek – not that I’m
can engineer how our audiences respond suggesting he has
to the effects we perform and to our very declined – was
appearance on stage, if only we understand a truly miraculous.
little better why we do the things we do. A god of magic. I
don’t believe his
success will ever
Jez Rose is a leading be emulated.
behaviour change
consultant working with MS: And he reads
organisations worldwide. Magicseen!
He has won awards
for business growth DICK: Even better! I’ve always had a
and development and his marketing soft-spot for speciality acts. It’s a real
strategies and performs a one-man shame that the opportunities
comedy show about behaviour are not there so
exclusively for his corporate clients.
He is also the author of the best-selling
book Have A Crap Day. For more
information and free resources visit
www.thebehaviourexpert.com

ISSUE No. 57 57
 ?
REVIEWS
THE END

NEXT
LISTINGS
ALAKAZAM MAGIC UK.
www.alakazam.co.uk
ALBION MAGIC.
www.albionmagiccompany.co.uk

ISSUE!
BLACK HART.
Tel: 01862 850009.
www.blackhart.co.uk
CARL DE ROME.
www.cdrmagic.com
DISCOUNT MAGIC.
www.discountmagic.co.uk
EL DUCO’S MAGIC.
www.el-duco.se
FOX MAGIC.
www.foxmagicprojects.com

SO, THE BIG QUESTION IS: ILLUSIONS BAR.

Tel: 0117 909 3405
www.illusionsmagicbar.co.uk
What’s in the next issue KARDWELL INTERNATIONAL.
www.kardwell.com

of Magicseen? MAGIC BY POST.

www.magicbypost.co.uk
MARK LEVERIDGE MAGIC.
www.markleveridgemagic.co.uk

ANSWER: Well, to be totally MERLINS OF WAKEFIELD.

www.merlinswakefield.com
honest, we have no idea. NUMBER 23.
Tel: 07885 521486
www.numbertwentythree.co.uk
Oh, we do know that we have the Greek god of PLAYTIME BALLOONS.
magic Perseus Arkomanis, who can do things www.playtimeballoons.co.uk
with coins that us mortals can only dream PROPDOG.
www.propdog.co.uk
about. We also have the UK magician who has
RUPERT THE TAILOR.
now completed 11 Royal performances!! Yes, www.rupertthetailor.co.uk/magic
that’s 11! He’s Chris Dugdale, one of Europe’s THE CARD COLLECTION.
most successful performers. Tel: 01233 647878
www.cards4magic.co.uk
OK, that’s about as much as we know at the THE PEEK.
www.thepeek.co.uk
moment. We’ve emailed a few top guys
WIZARD CRAFT.
and gals, but you know what magicians are www.wizardcraft.com
like - they are a bit crap when it comes to WORLD OF MAGIC.
communication. They’re too busy at home www.world-of-magic.co.uk
practising their triple lifts or something. ZANE’S MAGIC SHOP.
www.zanesmagicshop.com

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