Magic Times Jan 2023

MAGIC TIMES The magazine of the Manchester Circle of Magicians Volume 22 No 1 Jan/Feb 2023 In this issue: Read the Index! On the cover: Romany Romany

Manchester Circle of Magicians Headquarters: The Micker Brook Councillor Ln, Cheadle Hulme, Cheadle SK8 5NU COMMITTEE MEMBERS President: Bill Booth e: [email protected] Secretary: Bill Booth 16 Oak Avenue, Abram, Wigan, Lancashire WN2 5XH t: 01942 366215 [email protected] Treasurer and Events Officer: Andrew Dean e: [email protected] Librarian: Peter Jones e: [email protected] Website Organiser: Sam Fitton e: [email protected] Cameraman: Stephen Ablett Honorary Life President: Derek Lever Honorary Life Members: Anne Lever Phil Tilston Don George Mitch Law Judith Butterworth-Berry Geoffrey R Berry David Hutchinson Rodger Ball Martin Pearson Carole Roberts The Magic Times is published by the Manchester Circle of Magicians. Its contents must not be reproduced without the permission of the Author. The Committee accept no responsibility for the accuracy or for author’s opinions which are expressed within.

CONTENTS 4 Presidential 2148 IAaln’sABdoaxiring Night Club President Bill Booth with his AIt’lsexIaFni’shpeernduelsticmriabteesaarntioctlheearsohfe first presidential ojouurrnewystdyopwe nofscoluutbh evenings 5 Rod Hogg 260 SOinmTohneJCacoovbesr Bill Booth reports on a memorable CJoohnnfuGsinllgreCpoonrjtosuorninagvCeoryurstpieorosky night at the MCM wcliullblleeacvteuryeobuyr aMuadtiteenocBe ocorrninteint 6 Romany Romany 283 ACKPAfrhoinamdimoluudsthlsroeteTSunrriestfpaomEdssnancsnteieenirranitteaiVsinnegfeogriransstsihindeethreucplduabte 8 Peter Jones reviews a book about 295 DOonme iLniinceRrseyes the life of a female magician Memories of Entertaining TPohpilTTeinlstToinpscofonrtiannuyeosnheisstsaerrtiensg MCM member Brian Johnson oountoinec-lloinse-ruspwe all use recalls his magical journey 26 Ian Adair 10 AGM Our regular columnist continues Bill Booth reports on an important his story about 75 years in magic date in the MCM year 28 Ian Keable 142 hCPoAAilrsnunelerbeesiocngPiftudrePetlrehasvoriendiweuUtewpineKadtwla’SlstiettethoppAheelennxtAe(rbptlaiecitnttuewrresidth) Ian considers the label of 154 tAAhdWSeewNOevnaeeleLrolmwwoOopkMweAadeCtdlbcaMdyodimoWteiuveoeritclnoofeawLrbeniesiOSanafgOfmiackeFrliettyo,n “Comedy Magician” 165 JaYBpRbooioeucohvakroednpe)kodt,LhciotiRkeonsereneitfiivoannyfihgtoeehaurbwiv’sunvigemewapsgiciJckoaehldnhue(pproitcehse 196 FGacSSninrrseeeawdaaanheotenruaeeaxtmdTphraolooaJulywilrnoelosrGtleclwrrnoeaahymhsyataemygroi(cupainlceqreuidgeshttoti)ons 29 Michael Diamond 1107 IPTMfAMehatdvBeyeaormguFIJBaroaiEtnthMveleebescra‘iarunPCermgdpiascoawrrtnnrtddisiitcchoiTkt’n’shrsiitscNhetkOharnepenicunailc John Gill reports on our second 1118 FBinHRmiutleeealeramBredlrsboUtyteoihnrsteRhgwborthayebcoppk’oessrsootltsefoncorctylnuurtabionnetghevwieennMaiFnnCegdbMruary spooky lecture in 2022 1129 SSMAsBIEPeenhnaaveeogantdehutinnrcyaeil”sdbsrRTkoMidtssJauhioscagihoyunyhhroelnkotow,aiueaiBnrrnmshdreetanahsavnrleoeelyxyenip“nsglM?aoyiooondumsrtwerrniohctuykstoiyanfoteu 1230 Atnhdeyautecltlisonu?s aPbeoteurtJaonnoetshedridm!agic 30 Simon Jacobs 1241 MoPAbyjnaeocuMtthlfeerSormtmfoaoshnrciaeisnbeaxltietnegnMsiinavsgeidicecorlluepcdtiaotne Simon treats us to another of his amazing card tricks PfhriolmTiolsutronmcaonnitninVuegsahsis series on magic memorable to him 30 Paul Brook One of the top UK mentalists 1262 GMabPWaeCnohouotiMltttrhiThnkemiirligssenotmmognSnabetg-SeawliricerniMattechelirsjdscoeaohyutmaisrennelgetIyhliocuhgthetlslsouns shares a great effect with you 1273 hAMDDMelyabaaenvotMvhiHudiogadodchgr.otnIinlfeciosctairedhlhlelisCrssuocEsolflalflebeecoccttutivitooeanrnnsuosbject 32 Pro Tips Another short, sharp lesson from magician Bill Abbott 33 My Favourite Tenyo We look at Crystal Ball by one of Tenyo’s legendary inventors 343 TPheil STiplsotookny Pendulem BArnioanthJeorh“nMstuosninegw”ifthroamroPuhtilnwe ho ythoiunkms iagbhot ustavPealfmorinHgaWlloawlleetesn 354 JMoinhtnedCarey JMohatnt Lshaatcrehsfohrids foanvothueriptertirlisckof iwmitphroymouptu purchases 36 BeronaRdiscihdearGdsliomnpse ABeren ypooundloeorskianqguteostaidodn apegrltiimnepnste to tyhoeuhr oabrmbyoiusrtsy?inLtohoekclnuobfurther 37 Lighter Touch Enjoy jokes, Marco’s latest escapade and our regular puzzle!

PRESIDENTIAL Bill Booth Hi everyone, never thought I would We already have a great year planned be saying this but welcome to my first with more to come but first up is Presidential. a lecture by Dr. Matt Pritchard the I hope you all had a good Christmas, but Science Magician. Please note that now it’s time to look forward to a magical this takes place at The Cross Keys on new year at the MCM. It’s an honour to Adswood Road, just a few minutes from be your President in 2023 and we’ve got the Micker Brook. This change of venue some great lectures lined up. is necessary because the Micker Brook Last year was a tough one and many will be undergoing refurbishment. changes and much hard work took place Just prior to the Blackpool Convention behind the scenes but always with the in February we have a lecture by Harry good of the MCM in mind. Consequently Robson which I am really looking we have a few new members on the forward to. If you’ve seen Harry before Committee and I look forward to working you’ll know he is one of the best lecturers with them in the months ahead. in the UK demonstrating very do-able magic, if you’ve never seen him before you are in for a real treat. Definitely better than a night in front of the telly. As I said earlier, last year was particularly trying and I would like to thank everyone who helped out during this time. My thanks go to Stephen for all his work as President during 2022 and let’s hope 2023 will be just as magical. RENEW FOR ‘23 Where else could you have a magical evening out for about £3 and also get a full colour magazine chucked in for free? The MCM, that’s where! If you’ve not rejoined then this will be the last Magic Times you’ll receive, so please visit the club’s web site and renew your membership on-line. We will videoing each lecture in 2023 and make the recording available to members so if you can’t make a lecture, you can still see it in full. It’s dependent upon the lecturers’ agreement, but virtually all the 2022 lecturers agreed so we think that this will be a great addition to member benefits. Our web site: www.manchestercircleofmagicians.co.uk 4

ROD HOGG Bill Booth reports on a memorable night at the MCM About 30 members attended this lecture and after a few announcements by Stephen it was on with the show. Rod started with a few words of advice saying that the most important thing when pickpocketing is not technique, but mindset and character. He also said you have to relax and release the tension otherwise your victim will pick up on it. Misdirection is important with all forms of magic, but even more so to a pickpocket which he went on to demonstrate extremely well. He got Alex Fisher on stage and showed various ways of getting close to someone without making them feeling uncomfortable. Although Alex knew what to expect, Rod was still able to steal his watch, wallet and phone without him realising it. This was definitely misdirection at its best. Although he managed to steal three items from Alex, he said he would normally only take one or two items from one person. Rod finished the first half by getting Harry Robson involved and used him to demonstrate the back pocket steal. AcTahcnreobssees.csHounerpdtrhihseainnlfgdslyitdaertathesedyB.wNiditedhxleat hTdereicgmkooatnnusdptrsCahthioorwinseoadfnusdsteLaaisldianrgifnokfrrsoampRroitnadgbulcVetasion,niwsbhhyicashntdehaeCliansrgadiads drink off the table and then producing it from under a cloth. Rod finished by showing how pickpocket techniques could be used for peeking information. This lecture was all about combining magic and pickpocketing and it made for a very interesting and different night out. Rod told stories throughout but as usual saved the best ‘til last; at a recent event, he changed the direction a car was parked. The owner was completely baffled when he went back to his car. Rod has a very friendly approach which made the event very enjoyable. Not only did he perform well, he explained everything clearly and answered all our questions. This was one of those nights when you say to yourself “I’m glad I was there!” Most definitely better than a night in front of the telly. So it just leaves me to thank Alex for arranging such a fun night and for Rod demonstrating that pickpocketing doesn’t have to be boring. [Ed: Thanks Bill. For those not on Facebook, Kris Tig Naylor described how, after seeing Rod’s lecture, he performed a wallet steal, took three bank cards from three different people and put them in unique locations which “... got me two standing ovations”. Well done Kris.] 5

ON THE COVER SPUN INTO GOLD Peter Jones revues the secret life of a female magician by Romany Romany I saw Romany perform at the South It’s a great read. Her command of the Tyneside International Magic Festival English language and the terminology and really enjoyed her brief 15-minutes she uses throughout makes it a real on stage. I subsequently saw her lecture page-turner and the content is honest, at the festival and was intrigued by her interesting and at times emotional. ‘journey’ and the investment that she She has travelled extensively and had clearly made in honing her act. I experienced some real hand-to-mouth also met Romany in person and spent periods in her life. She has clearly had a short time talking to her so it seemed a number of obstacles to overcome and fitting to buy her book. has been guided by several unusual I never really appreciated how much sources and voices but it is (spoiler work, development and preparation goes alert) a happy ending. into perfecting a stage performance and There are no methods revealed nor is it whilst her lecture was a brief insight into a magic book ‘per se’. There are lots of that process, the book is much more short chapters so it can be ‘bite-sized’ comprehensive. reading if that’s your style. 6

If I were to have experienced the same choices as Romany, I would have ended up in a different place. She chose options that would never have entered my head. At times she has been frighteningly impulsive and equally fearless. By comparison I have a much more conservative nature and I admire her spirit, her decision making and bravery. Her honesty surrounding her bulimia and how it has plagued her throughout her life is admirable. I feel particularly guilty for offering her my biscuits in South Tyneside but, in my defence, she hides the difficulties she has had - and continues to have - very well. She is good company and clearly a very good author. I intend to donate this book to the club raffle after this review appears in the magazine and if you don’t win it, I would still recommend buying ‘Spun into Gold’ which is only £9.99. The book was published in 2018 and I am hoping for a sequel. MIRACLE POKER MACHINE Andy Martin shares another item from his collection The four phases associated with this excellent effect are too long to explain, but basically, freely chosen cards are revealed by the display under seemingly impossible conditions. The unit is self-contained, you can use a borrowed deck and you never touch the machine. I am not usually interested in electronic magic so when I first purchased this beauty, I did so with some reluctance. However, I am so glad that I did. Magic is great fun but my greatest passion in life is writing software and this clever little machine is a very fine piece of programming. Without the original routine by John Mendoza, and the even more simplified routine by Gaetan Bloom that appeared in later releases, it would be just a clever calculator. Each phase builds and ends with an incredible climax. This calculator is not difficult to use or learn, but it does take some practice to press the correct buttons or you could find yourself in quite a different place than you expected! However, for those magicians who want something a bit different, I could not recommend this more heartily. 7

MEMORIES OF ENTERTAINING Brian Johnson (aka Tony Quenten) recalls his magical journey After almost 50 years in magic, I thought Moving forward a year, I was invited to it would be interesting to write about my join a local magic society, where I was magical journey. voted ‘Best Newcomer’ and at the same time I was interviewed for an article in the My first performance before an audience national magazine ‘Woman’s Journal’. was back in the ‘70’s between bingo My style became more flamboyant and apCsaeneuCsdrtfsaoaRirorndmendssertodoRaureetCtisdnlataeoRtrtBee-ourdpatelBniRn,dososxptViHl-eal okaotlirnilid’csceoakomyIsnfedCtthdhiaaeyenmrebPpCei.ciusskItt. professional. I also started to become TShtaer Tpreariflo, rtmheanbcieggwesats an audition for more knowledgeable about stage the time. I got through. talent contest of lighting and backing music. I continued to develop my skills and That same week I was placed in one trained for the ‘British Stuntman of the heats and so my second ever Association’, gaining experience in performance was on one of the largest dance, the trampoline, stock cars, stages in the UK, to a capacity audience Formula Ford, abseiling, parachuting, of 2,500. Talk about being thrown in at horsemanship and even lion handling. the deep end! I had to learn quickly in I seemed to spend more time in A&E those early days. I won several more than in training. One doctor joked that I heats and made it through to the semi should be given a ‘loyalty card’. finals where I got knocked out by But my time spent training for the comedian Stan Boardman who went on ‘Association’ led me in another direction; to win the final which was held at the escapology. I began performing stunts London Palladium. using explosives at outdoor events as well as the iconic Straight Jacket Escape (I still have the jacket). I wanted to be different from the usual magician so I learned fire eating and hypnosis and introduced those elements into my soaotfnfadRgRueTusrspisgsriaegiansenerRnoRotfauoCtliueohltneatestnt.ecwIeiitu,nhsmtrianoygdreouvwcdoeenldtvoveaner.arfsTotoirhomrens doors now opened to perform at top variety venues. This was the age of the variety clubs and I appeared at venues such as Blighty’s, The Willows, The Floral Hall, Talk of the North and i also supported artists such as singer Frank Ifield, ventriloquist Neville King and pop groups such as Scarlet Jade. My father was an amateur magician, performing at church parties, etc. He loved to see me on stage and tried his best to get to every show. He kept 15 Java Doves so as a child I became used to handling them. It was therefore inevitable that my performances would include Dove Magic. 8

Time moves on and one by one, the before variety venues closed and I stepped ending back from performing. My father passed with an away a few years later and as a gesture actual to his memory I decided to make a seance. return to performing and sent letters to These a few restaurants asking if they would performances be interested. I received an invitation to opened audition at a prestigious restaurant in further doors. the North West. The owners gathered I was invited to all their offspring onto one big table and perform through stood back to watch as I entertained the entire 2018 them. I must have impressed them season of the because they offered me a trial and infamous ‘Fright that was the first of 167 consecutive Nights’ at Thorpe weekly performances, performing the Park Adventureland same routines for regular customers and ended up with such as the MP Cyril Smith and snooker a three season champion Alex ‘Hurricane’ Higgins. (He performance at the liked it when I wore my green waistcoat). world famous ‘Museum I had always had an interest in the of Witchcraft and Magic’ ‘Mystery Arts’, so to avoid repetition, where I developed I introduced Tarot Reading and Rune specific effects suitable Casting. It worked and customers would for that spooky venue. return for a meal just to get another In 2019 I found myself in a meeting reading. As for the kids, they were happy with producers at HM Royal Palace with balloon modelling and face painting. The Tower of London. They wanted After the ‘restaurant years’ I added a magician to perform to visitors but Palmistry and Graphology to the Tarot had no real idea of how to go about it. and Runes and found out that one or After our first meeting we agreed that I two of those skills would get me through would develop effects that would link in an entire event. I transformed from with the stories and the history of the magician to ‘mystery entertainer’ and the Tower. Given that 80% of their visitors Paranormal Evening was born. do not speak English, I spent six months I lectured on the supernatural and the researching and developing effects and occult, discussed the Knights Templar, in January 2020 started work in what the pentagram, the Burning Years, was to become my dream venue. Just ghosts & spirits and the Ouija Board three months later, Covid struck and the Tower closed as the country went into lockdown. Restrictions still remain in place due to the number of overseas visitors but I’m hopeful that one day I’ll be able to return to this great venue. Now? I’ve worked in healthcare all my working life and continue to do so. Work in the entertainment industry is slowly building up again and I’m also planning to write a book on Cold Reading. Well, that’s it! I hope you enjoyed my recollections from the past years and hopefully I’ll see you at a club meeting in the near future. 9

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING We report on this important event in the magic calendar The turnout for the AGM was just to the Cross Keys pub, a bit further 17 members, which is quite poor down the road from our usual venue. considering this is when decisions are After apologies from people who were made that shape the future of our club, unable to attend, Stephen went through David Hutchinson and Mitch Law joined the itinerary for the first six months. via video link. For those of you who The reasons why subs needed to be wanted to attend but couldn’t, it was not increased to £40 was explained and done over Zoom but by phone link. accepted by those present. Changing to Stephen hosted the evening, first a members only club was discussed but explaining that the Micker Brook would not accepted. Guests will be allowed by be getting refurbished soon and that is prior arrangement with the Secretary or why the next lecture was being moved the President. The officers then made their reports. The club’s proposed constitution was discussed including reiterating the reasons why the club needs one. Emails from Derek and Anne Lever were read out and this lead to further discussions on the constitution. A vote was then taken and the constitution was passed. The election of officers took place. Their names can be found on the inside cover of this magazine. At the end of the meeting, Stephen handed over the chain of office to our new President Bill Booth. Bill then took the opportunity to perform his first duty as President by naming Stephen, Magician of the Year and presenting him with his certificate (photo above). Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the AGM. 10

CASINO SCAMS A new series looking at some of the greatest casino scams I am sure that some of you have, at one for granted and are housed in a variety time or another, dreamt of using your of small objects were available. skills in a high stakes poker game or at The group posed as a wedding party and the Blackjack table. Well, some people bet in an apparently carefree manner. have done just that and some of them An accomplice, standing away from the have got away with it. In this new series, table, did the counting - which takes I’ll take a look at some of the scams a lot of concentration - and secretly enacted in casinos around the world. signalled the player to indicate when he should bet high or low. The group also The first one cIarlelemdeTmhbeeWr efedadtiunrgedPainrtya. did some secret filming which resulted documentary in some live, if somewhat dodgy footage Despite searching on the interweb, I of them winning and also showed pit cannot find any reference to it but I think bosses scrutinising their betting in an it was in the late 80’s. attempt to figure out why they were winning so much. They visited several A small bunch of friends used ‘card casinos and cleared up before beating counting’, a method which gave them a hasty retreat. an edge at the Blackjack table. They Card counting requires a lot of devised a secret signalling system using concentration and the method can no what we now call a thumper, which longer be used because the casinos now was attached to the thigh of one of the use multiple decks shuffled together. players. This was many years before the miniature electronics that we take Congratulations to out-going President Stephen Ablett who was presented with his “Magician of the Year award by Bill Booth. The award was in recognition of Stephen’s work over the past few years, particularly during lockdown when he ran Zoom events and post-lockdown, when he played a key part in getting the club up and running again. 11

ALEC POWELL Your editor interviews one of our most accomplished entertainers One of the best gags I’ve ever seen, was Aged 14, Alec joined the Wolverhampton performed by Alec Powell. He got an Circle of Magicians, even though they audience member on stage saying he didn’t have a Junior Section. wanted to take a photo as a memento “Some of the members were against me of the performance. He then produced joining, but I loved it there and I learned what looks like a Gatso speed camera a lot” says Alec. “The itinerary then was and asked the volunteer to run past it. a lot different to modern magic clubs Alec’s droll persona and the look of because most of the meetings were bewilderment as he performs gags like centred on club members performing that often draws comparisons to the late, for each other”. Tommy Cooper, though it should be said After leaving school Alec joined a legal that Alec doesn’t like the comparison. firm in Birmingham and worked in While no longer an MCM member, Alec that industry for 30 years. But he was played an active part in the club for many slowly drawn into working full time in the years, travelling up from the Midlands to entertainment industry, performing magic help with club auctions and lecturing at and touring with his own circus company. the club as recently as 2019. “It was a hectic time” said Alec, “and Like many magicians, Alec started with although working in the big top was a a David Nixon magic set, performing to great experience, the work behind the family and anyone else who showed scenes, such as erecting the big top the slightest bit of interest. Like many in the rain, was sometimes daunting, of us, he felt the need to entertain and to say the least. I eventually sold the in his teens he joined a small group of circus, including the big top, two lorries youngsters who went round performing and a whole lot of kit, to Gerry Cottle in places like old people’s homes and [one of the UK’s most prominent circus the local social services facilities. entertainers who passed away in 2021]”. Alec left the law to become a full-time entertainer using his skills on stage and for close up, and at events such as conventions & lectures. 12

“I’ve never been a fan of performing though some of the best acts we’ve had close-up”, said Alec, “I’d much prefer have been from the UK, including Pat to be in front of a thousand people who Page, Alan Shaxon and Ali Bongo.” have paid to see a show rather than Alec is also well known for his annual elbowing my way onto a table of half- Car Boot Sale which has been running drunk diners”. in the Midlands for 25 years. “The idea, besides turning a profit, was Alec started a successful magic to enable entertainers to raise some dealership, Albion Magic, specialising in cash before the Blackpool Convention” children’s magic. says Alec, “but it’s turned into a huge social event where entertainers, who “When I started Albion magic, I had never sometimes work in isolated conditions, done a kid’s show, so I had all these can get together and buy each other a tricks and but no idea how to perform cup of coffee and a bacon butty”. them. Taking them to conventions was a So what’s on the horizon for Alec? challenge in the early years but I winged “I’ve kind of drifted into most of the things it, relying on banter to make the sales!” I’ve done in life.” he answers, “I seem to Children’s entertaining got Alec into have blagged my way through life but Punch & Judy. now I’m getting a bit older, perhaps I “Like a lot of things, I had no real plan need to take a break and work on being but an opportunity came up to do a P&J a little less irritable!”. show so I built my own booth and, once again, winged it!” said Alec, “I must have been OK because I got paid!” Like his other skills, Alec learned from experts in the field and still performs P&J. “Yeah, I’ve been lucky, like that”, he adds “I’ve always found people in the magic industry are willing to help so long as you show the right attitude”. That statement belies Alec’s talent for succeeding at almost anything he tries including building his own props, marketing, & winning numerous awards. “I worked as a Father Christmas for 18 years” Alec tells us “being expected to conjure up the magic of Christmas while sitting in a garden shed plonked in the middle of a shopping centre”. Once again, he makes a joke about something that is now a slick magic show with him appearing as Father Christmas through a “magic portal” on a large cinema screen to the wonderment of his young audience. Alec conceived of Kidology, an annual convention for kid’s magic. “While Kidology is essentially a commercial enterprise, I take great pride in the quality lecturers we’ve attracted including top acts from across the world 13

SOLO We look at a device being developed by MCM member Sam Fitton that’s set to revolutionise one man shows Imagine picking up one of your magical planning to go into full production in the props and that action alone starts the very near future. appropriate music for the routine! Sam The system consists of two types of Fitton has concluded a successful hardware (transmitters and a black box Kickstarter campaign to finance the receiver) that are controlled by an app. production of a small “black box” that Sam said “I had been thinking about does exactly that! the problem for a long time and then Called SOLO, it’s a music cue system the answer came to me when using my that enables performers (not just phone to make a contactless payment.” magicians) to cue music and sound SOLO uses the same RFID technology effects by picking up a piece of which has a wide range of uses in apparatus (a playing card, a notepad … industry including contactless payments, in fact, almost anything). asset management and anti-theft. Sam started working on the project “The chips I use are very small” he says more than three years ago and is now “and can be hidden in almost anything, making it ideal for solo performers.” “The more I talk to different types of entertainers” Sam said, “the more ideas keep on occurring. The possibilities are simply endless!” It’s clear that Sam is in this for the long haul saying “I intend to keep on developing the product and on the horizon we’re looking to integrate other triggers to control other equipment such as lights and flash cannons, in fact any device that is capable of being turned on and off.” “The most exciting thing I’m looking forward to” Sam says “will be seeing other performers using SOLO live!” AMBITIOUS CARD We asked for any tips that you think will make an Ambitious Card routine better: Don’t forget the Marlo Tilt! The move is easy and is perfect for an ACR. But use it early on. You want to get each move successively more open and clean (at least apparently), so you don’t want to be putting cards into the back end of the deck late in the routine. But for the first or second phase it can’t be beaten. 14

BOOK REVIEW The Wonderous World of Pickpocketing This book, by FISM Grand Prix winner Hector Mancha, would be great for those of you who were enthused by the pickpocketing antics of Gregory Wilson and Rod Hogg who both lectured at the club in 2023. This comparativley slim volume does what it says on the cover; it’s a guide to pickpocketing on the stage. It is suitable for beginners and as well as chapters on stealing specific items, it also covers how to practice, choosing your participants, distraction techniques and scripting. Very important are the nine routines that are also included. One of the differences between pickpocketing and traditional magic effects is practicing. You can sit alone in front of the telly with a pack of cards but not so with pickpocketing. Of course, you can start on a dressed manikin but at some stage you are going to have to practice on live people. This book explains how you might make that important transition. One the things Hector makes clear – just as Rod Hogg did – is mindset. You have got to act in a confident manner otherwise your participant will pick up on it. Hector doesn’t really teach you in-depth stealing techniques. Instead, he focuses on the psychological skills that make the steals undetectable and suggests routines to practice the techniques you need to acquire. There’s a bibliography which suggests six books to read as your pickpocketing skills develop. Who better to make these suggestions than a master of the art? So if you want to steal wallets, phones, watches and sunglasses from people on stage, this 113 page nicely illustrated book, is a great start and in itself, is an entertaining read. And at about £40, I think it’s a steal! TWO TOP TIPS Chris Dugdale gives you two tips to improve your magic Keep polishing. Write notes about every show by hand if possible. Note down things that were great, things that were poor, staging issues, blocking issues, etc. If you are working in theatre learn theatrical language such as upstage, downstage, stage left, stage right, house lights, follow spots, music, cues, gobos, movers, barn doors etc. You need to be able to speak to tekkies in their language! Find about Chris’s book at www.xyabook.com 15

Sean Taylor The professional magician, mind reader, entertainer and author continues his series aiming to help you to become a better entertainer. In this edition Sean discusses the need to create a ‘Roller Coaster’. Why is it that YouTube magic clips slope and then the calm as the effect is seem to merge into one after a while? given time to sink in. There’s an established style and pace Whether you are doing a 10 min table that these guys have decided sells set, a 30 min cabaret show or an hour magic and they all copy it. kid’s show, you need structure; each The trouble is, so do magicians. Magic, piece should fit, but should not be the like any form of live entertainment, same. You need fast and slow, and you needs to be like a roller coaster ride. need light and shade. You need funnier It needs a slower pace in the introduction moments and steadier, reflective to effects, where the audience is moments. You need loud and quiet, you understanding the set-up or premise, need movement and stillness. You need just as the coaster creeps up the initial pieces with participation and pieces you high slope. It needs the moments of perform alone. Music, patter, movement stillness and almost silence whilst the and lighting can all help to control this. audience pieces together where the Does your set resemble a roller coaster effect will go, just as the coaster creeps or a flat, Formula One circuit? around the high curve. It needs the That’s all from Down Under ... look out crazy rush of the climax unfolding, just for another of my articles in the next like the coaster flying down the first edition of Magic Times. MEMBERS ONLY Have you joined out members-only Facebook group? It’s where you’ll find all the latest news, details of lectures, member requests, competitions, videos and much more. Take a look at www.facebook.com/groups/mcmmembers 16

MY FAVOURITE CARD TRICKS Three choices from magician/mentalist Adam Elbaum Ultimate Hold ‘Em The Queen Thing by Jack Carpenter by Scott Robinson I will put this trick up against any other I learned the original version many poker themed routine. The spectator years ago, before it was available as shuffles the cards, the spectator deals a download and I’ve always loved it. the cards, the spectator chooses which Since then, I have reworked the routine hand is yours, and chooses which hand building on the original handling. There is theirs. Not only do they deal you a are multiple colour changes, card to straight flush, but you also predict the pocket, a flashback/metamorphosis, exact outcome from the get go. Sound and a surprise (yet logical) ending, all too good to be true? I actually think it’s in one routine that’s virtually impromptu. better than described here. If a spectator It’s my go to opener that immediately plays poker, I don’t think there’s a better establishes me as skilled magician and trick you can perform for them. leaves the spectator with a huge feeling of wonder. My Favorite Gemini by Allan Ackerman This may be the most under appreciated card trick in all of card magic; it’s shocking how few magicians perform or even know about it. If I’m performing for a few spectators and have a table available, this is definitely a favourite. I can do the setup covertly and casually while removing the Kings from the deck. The spectators fairly deal cards and place the Kings face up throughout the deck. At the end, the cards are ribbon spread and the Kings are shown to have been been placed directly next to their appropriately suited Queen counterparts despite the magician having been hands off throughout the trick. It’s completly inexplicable and I have fooled many magicians unfamiliar with the brilliant method. LETTER TO ED tuhsitsdtoalak daebcokutswvaitrciohu! sNowtafyosr to shuffle your way to sOimOpTleW. every situation but so All J 17 . 17

HARRY ROBSON Your editor uncovers the amazing story behind MCM member Harry, the magician lecturing at the club next month The first “proper’ magic trick I ever “It was a scary time.” Harry explains, saw was performed by MCM member “Iranian soldiers marched in and Harry Robson during my first trip to trashed the casino. Two hours later I the Blackpool Magic Convention many was heading back to the UK on a plane”. years ago. I was blown away, but That’s when Harry decided to become a even though I now know how it was professional magician. done (using an ID), I came away from “I’d been friendly with a waiter in Iran that meeting thinking that I’d made a and he always had a few tricks up his new friend. And that’s the effect that sleeve. One of his tricks was making a Harry has on the people he meets and borrowed 500 rial note disappear. That performs for. His friendly personality was worth about £50 and I noticed that wins people over time and time again. no one ever asked him to return it. I It’s not an act. Harry became a member thought, ‘I could do that!’”. of the MCM and I met him many times So Harry borrowed a couple of books both at the club and at Blackpool - from his local library and practised magic where you could find him surrounded while running a fun-casino company he by a throng of smiling magicians as he had started in the UK. demonstrated the effects he had for sale “I tried out my tricks at the fun-casino – and he never failed to welcome me by and soon people were asking for me to name and make time for a quick chat. work as a magician. I must have been Harry used to run casinos, including doing something right because before one in Iran. His contract there came very long I was doing three or four gigs to a sudden halt when the Shah was a week”. deposed and the Ayatollah took charge. 18

By his own admission, Harry does not perform technically advanced tricks. “There’s no need”, Harry explains, “As magicians, our purpose is to entertain our audience and to do that, you need to use your personality and sense of humour to win them over”. Harry has since moved into developing and marketing his own effects and products but after 40 years in the magic business he is planning to retire. “I’ve had a fantastic career, made many friends and had loads of laughs but it’s time for me to wind down, enjoy some leisure time and try to get my golf handicap down”. No one will begrudge Harry his retirement (if he ever really does retire) but I can assure you that his lecture at the MCM will be one of the highlights of the year. Don’t miss it! Don’t miss Harry’s lecture at the MCM on Monday 13th February BEN RICHARDSON Why you should be thinking about grouping in threes Consider the classic joke; 1) the set up. 2) the reinforcement. 3) the punchline. Notice politicians who wish to make a strong point and prompt for applause, again, always in threes. Think about the classic phrase, “We came, we saw, we conquered”. You’ll notice that all those examples are grouped in threes and there’s loads more examples. People sub-consciously understand this pattern and any effects where you can incorporate it will be stronger and will set you up for a natural applause moment. AC is a good example. I see too many magicians employ countless reveals until the spectator is befuddled. Reveal their card once, surprise them with a more impossible reveal, then blow them away with your best finish. Sometimes less in more! 139

THE ROUGH AND THE SMOOTH Peter Jones tells us about a bargain he picked up at an MCM auction At the last MCM auction, I spent £63 on a 5/10 at that point. I then took it to the around twenty items and I’m still working pub in Simister where I present a quiz through them. Some are decidedly every Wednesday (‘Same Yet Inn’ £1 underwhelming but you take the rough entry per person, free food at the break, with the smooth (excuse the pun!). 9pm start) and showed it to a few groups am delighted with is Virus of people who were simply astounded COanreditbeymMthaartkI Leveridge. My delight is at the presentation. I didn’t appreciate based on the reaction it gets from the how turning a deck of cards into a full people I show it to. set of blank faces with an additional kicker would be received. It immediately It took a couple of weeks to learn the leapt to a solid 9/10 based on audience effect and I would probably have rated it reaction and the God-like status I now have in that pub. The lessons for me here are: 1. The auctions can be a real source of unexpected treasure and it’s worth taking a punt sometimes. 2. It’s not always the most technical or personally satisfying effects that have the greatest impact on audiences. 3. Audience reaction is everything. AN ONGOING DEBATE Matt Latchford says that Google is not a problem to him Earlier this year I saw a poll which being entertained by a bit of wizardry indicated that about half of magicians and have got other things on their make an effort to perform tricks which mind rather than worrying about how it would be difficult to find information was done. And me worrying about the on using tools such as Google. That ‘Googlability’ of a trick would severely means that about a half of us (and limit the range of tricks I perform, that includes me) don’t mind that particularly as I’m a hobbyist people could Google it afterwards. who performs different tricks to I brought Mthinistedsuwbjheiccth up in my the same people rather than a review of appeared professional whose approach is MinintMedagiics Times [July 2022]. exactly the opposite. a good example of So should you be worried about how a few keywords could easily people being able to Google reveal the secret. It’s whether your tricks? Apart from a few you’re bothered or not, after all, that were featured iCnaprdroTgoraomn)s, when I perform, it’s all about like BGT (such as being in the moment. I think it’s I don’t think so … I’d give more unlikely that anyone I perform thought to selecting tricks for would Google the effect, and that suit you personality and if they do, the moment has gone maximise the entertainment for … they’ve had their moment of your audience. 2200

LETTER FROM LAS VEGAS Paul Stone continues his column about magic Stateside Holidays here come thick and fast. of the entertainment capital of the world. First Halloween which is huge, then Criss Angel has a new TV Series on Thanksgiving, the time when American the CW Channel, the same channel families come together, followed closely that Gay Blackstone has produced her by Christmas, and before you know it ‘Masters of Illusion’ shows for the last another year has passed. few years. The show, titled ‘Magic with The New Year inevitably brings change the Stars’ is an interesting concept. and with it the sad news that Siegfried Every week, two different stars from & Roy’s “Secret Garden” at the Mirage the world of entertainment, comedians, Hotel & Casino has closed permanently. singers, learn to perform one close-up I understand that the remaining animals trick, one parlour trick and one illusion, are being relocated to zoos around the and go “head to head” against each country. For over twenty years it has other in front of a panel of three judges, been a hugely popular tourist attraction, comprised of Criss Angel, Master and Siegfried & Roy both used to visit Magician Lance Burton, and a well regularly, and held several memorable known comedienne. events there. It has a similar feel to shows like BGT, or It follows the closure of the iconic Dancing with the Stars, with the judges volcano outside the front of the Mirage awarding scores. The performers (pictured below) which has wowed are all competing to win the “Golden millions of visitors since the hotel Wand”. Whilst the format is simple, opened in November 1989. The Mirage it is surprisingly very watchable and has recently been bought by Hard entertaining! I hope you will be able to Rock International, and the volcano will watch it on a UK channel. soon be replaced by a giant guitar, yet That’s it from Vegas in 2022. I hope you another sign of the ever changing face have a great 2023. 2211

WORKING SECRETS Phil Tilston continues his series, exploring one-line sayings Don’t take on hecklers! You will rarely win the battle so don’t try! Look to other spectators for support or move on. Why do spectators heckle? It’s usually because they want to be the centre of attention and resent someone else (the performer) being that centre of attention. Unless you are a good stand up comedian, my advice is don’t try to shut up the heckler with put down lines. There is a danger that the heckler is quick-witted and comes back again and again after each put down line you have delivered. In fact, the more you respond, the more he (it’s always a he) enjoys being the centre of attention. If the other spectators in the group like you and your magic, they will often act to quieten down the heckler as they want to see the magic. Remember, in most situations (but not all) you have the option to stop performing and move to another group or table. My usual approach is to ignore the heckler and continue to perform to the other spectators and ignore him as much as possible. Sometimes I look at the other spectators and shrug my shoulders and say, “Is he always like this?” Often, they say “Yes”, and then you know that they are on your side and more likely to help quieten him. Sometimes the heckler is genuinely funny. In these cases, I give the heckler full credit for being funny, and then move on with the magic. At Houdini’s Magic Bar, where I work, I occasionally encounter drunks. I flatly refuse to perform for them and instead, find another group who’d like to be entertained. MY COLLECTION We asked what magic item have you bought and never used. this time it’s the turn of club secretary, Bill Booth. 4ADfeSwuyreparirsse.agCoreIastaewd an advert for a Tenyo trick called by Lubor Fiedler, you assemble a small screen and a semi-transparent box in front of your audience and from out of the box you produce a miniature version of The Statue of Liberty. I was so amazed I just had to have it and it’s now in my magic collection. I have amazed myself with it (I still don’t know how it works, it just does) but never got round to showing it to anyone else. Maybe one day! 22

EFFECT v METHOD MCM member Robert Ilich continues his magical journey In my last article I described how seeing a magician make a handkerchief disappear was a wonderous experience for me, but it was cards that got me into magic. In my mid-fourties, I started learning a few card tricks and realised that I could achieve miracles with routines that required very little sleight of hand. But as my knowledge and skills improved, I became consumed with mastering knuckle-breaking sleights. We all want to improve our magical skills, however, if we become obsessed with the technical aspects of card magic, as opposed to the entertainment value, we may gain some respect from the magic community but that brilliantly executed technique will always go totally unnoticed by the lay public. Having seen lots of incredible tricks over the years, l am now more drawn to the effect of the trick as opposed to the method. In recent times l have gone back to learning and performing self-working card magic and to my surprise Im’viendfso.uLnedarsnoimngehionwcretodidboleacdaerdceenftfeDcotsuboleutLtihftearnedcpaaplambilneg of blowing people’s are, of course, very important skills and should be practiced but in the end these sleights are a means to an end rather than the goal itself. The point l am making is tfhlaisw;lseeslsf-wColarsksinicg Ptraicskssepse. rformed with great presentation can be worth a hundred There are lots of videos in our Magic DVD library that contain self-working magic and l believe a wealth of astonishment lies there for us hobbyists to use. TInimthees, November 2022 issue of Magic we ran an excellent write-up of the South Tyneside Magic Festival but wrongly attributed it to Steve Jones. It should hPaevete, rof cJoounrsees, been MCM member who has written some great articles for the club magazine including a Sinpsuignhitnfutol wGroitled-, up of Romany’s book, twhhisicehdiitniosnpioref dMathgeic Tfaimbuelos.us cover of We look forward to more articles from you, Peter, and Presto says “Sorry!” 23

Ian Adair down to Devon. The first thing was to Flashbacks find someone who would take my doves and my live rabbit. One of the members Ian Adair celebrates 75 years in magic of the Kilmarnock Magic Circle jumped at the chance since he always wanted to feature livestock in his shows. And since I was simply giving them away, he was happy to take them off my hands. I also parted with some of the bulky pieces of magical apparatus, again, these went to members of the club. Saying goodbye to relatives and friend wasn’t easy. I announced my intention at the last club meeting, and the members were disappointed that I would no longer be attending meetings. However, they all decided to make me a full Honorary Life member of the KMC which was a pleasure to accept. At this time, I had two agents, both situated in Glasgow, responsible for plush hotel bookings, summer seasons and other events. Television personality and recording artiste Kathy Kay (pictured below) was one of my agents and I thanked her for past bookings she arranged for me but told her that I would no longer require her services. IHSnuomporpyeemlar seatsakMretaidcgleimc, IeeCxtoopmlajpoinainendyh.timhaBtaaEct kdTwhiinen the 1950’s there were no emails, no Facebook and no Internet. Contact was made through letters or telephone. Edwin’s letter was a friendly one, and I replied immediately saying that I would very much like to join him and become a full-time magic dealer. I had never heard of the little town of Bideford in Devon and had no idea of it’s size or the surroundings. Of course, My mum and dad knew that one day I’d leave home to find my own way in the world. But magic dealing? They’d never heard of it. My mother said, “And what sort of job would that be?” I replied “Manufacturing and selling tricks to magicians.” She looked puzzled and said “That’s not a proper job!” I had a lot to do before I made my way 24

I had been making regular television the quayside in the centre of this small appearances on STV (Scottish Devon town, I realised that my dream Ttyepleevpisrioognr)a, minmpearctiacluleladr,Hoenrea manadgaNzoinwe. of becoming a full-time dealer had My last appearance on that programme materialised and a new chapter in my was an interview about me travelling life had just begun. south and ‘turning professional.’ Of course, I performed a trick as well, as I I am going to worfapMaugpicthTisimseesrieass in did in all previous programmes. the next issue I Edwin Hooper wrote to me to tell me he summarise my 36 years – yes, 36 years had arranged for me to stay ‘in digs’ at - at the Supreme Magic Company. the home of one of his neighbours. Full board, meals, washing and laundry and a key to the door came to the princely sum of £3.10s (£3.50) a week! I packed as much as possible into a large trunk which the family owned. It was so heavy that it took two people to carry it. It was sent on ahead to my digs, but I wondered what I would do for clothes should the trunk not arrive? I was quite emotional as I said goodbye to my mother, father, two brothers, grandmother, plus a few members of KMC and left my home for Kilmarnock railway station. Strange to say that the train didn’t travel south straight away. Instead it carried on north to Glasgow before travelling south again - through Kilmarnock – stopping at numerous stations in England before arriving at its last stop, Barnstaple. Grabbing my two suitcases I then took a bus to Bideford. As I descended the steps of the bus at In every issue, Ian gives you a tip that you might find useful EThleectrSictruDnegckDiescak,gaalfsfeod known as the The card will stay there throughout. pack of cards Square up the deck and insert it into which are threaded together so the its case. THIS will be your prediction performer can aesxethceutWe actleervfaelrl Slohoukfifnleg, which should be on full view prior to the flourishes such commencement of the trick. cards along the arm, etc. I use it as a gag item in the form of a card revelation Needless ttohesSaytr,unthgeDcehcoksiesnrecmarodveids as well as a 52 on 1 gag. noted and from its case and is allowed to drop Using a standard deck, force a card onto down, the performer gripping it from at a spectator (let’s say the 6), a duplicate top. Deliver the gag “The six of Spades... of which you must wedge in between take your pick, it’s there somewhere!” two of the strung cards, back design The audience notice the only card outwards, three quarters of the way which is reversed, and when removed, down the strip when dropped down.) it matches the chosen card. 25

SIMON JACOBS CONFUSING CONJOURING COURTIERS Four Kings are shown. One has a red back and the rest are blue. One at a time, each King is shown to have a red back when the others are blue. Then they are shown, one at a time, to have a blue back when the rest are red. The magician counts them - there are eight - and then there are only four again. Finally, the back designs swap...in the spectator’s hand. © Simon Jacobs from his book Full Disclosure SET UP in the right hand and using it to tap the back of the packet. Buckle the bottom You will need four Kings, (shock!), the card and place the blue backed card into King of Hearts and Diamonds with red the break so it is third from the top. backs and the Spades and Clubs with Flip over the top card to show it is the blue backs. King of Hearts, flip it back face down, You can use whatever backs you like, buckle the bottom card and place the even use different brands of cards to King of Hearts into the break so it is now make the difference more obvious. third from the top. The cards need to be together arranged Perform the above sequence again to red, red, black, black. Keep them in a show the King of Diamonds is the only wallet or pocket until you are ready to card with a red back and replace it in the blow some minds. same fashion. To show the black Kings have red backs PERFORMANCE perform the same sequence however, when the blue back card is placed into Remove the cards and show you have the packet push down on it to get a four cards and ask the spectator which break under the top two cards. Flip the suit is their favourite. Arrange the cards double over to show a black King. Flip so they are in the order: selection, it face down and place the top card into mate, other two cards in any order. For the packet in the same fashion. the purpose of the explanation we will Repeat this again to show the second assume the spectator chose Hearts. black King but do not put the top card So the cards are arranged Hearts, into the packet. The current position is: Diamonds, black cards in any order then King of Diamonds, black King, black flipped face down. King, King of Hearts. In other words, at Elmsley Count to show one red backed card keeping the last blue backed card 26

the end of phase one, the top card will be and that was the card you chose, the the mate of the card that was selected. King of Hearts.” “Confusing isn’t it. I’ve shown you four Turn the double over, buckle the bottom cards. Three with blue backs and one card and place the top card into the with a red back and that red backed card break. To show the King of Diamonds has been the King of Hearts, Diamonds, use the same method from phase one Clubs and Spades. But what if you that showed the black Kings. Then show didn’t want a red backed card. What if the black Kings using the method from you wanted a blue backed one. That’s phase one that showed the red Kings. OK, I’d show you one,” start to Elmsley When you have shown the last black Count the cards. First pull across the King, move it to the bottom of the packet. top red backed card, then ,(as per the “I’ve now shown you the King of Hearts, count), block push the two blue backed Diamonds, Clubs and Spades all with cards as you steal the first card. As you red backs and all with blue backs. count “two” peel off the next red card, Mathematically that means I must have (King of Hearts), and leave it out-jogged one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, over the blue back cards side-jogged to eight cards.” Matching actions to words, the right. This leaves you holding the use the left thumb to pull over the first King of Diamonds that you spin on your two cardsinto the left hand. When the first finger as you say, “Three red backed left hand moves back to count the third cards”, (picture above). card, steal the first two cards back under Put the King of Diamonds under the King the packet. As you take the “fifth card” of Hearts so they are aligned but keeping steal the left hand’s two cards again the King of Hearts out-jogged. Pick them then count the cards legitimately on both up with the right hand thumb on counts six, seven and eight. This is all top and fingers below as you buckle the done using the same pinch grip as the bottom card of the blue backed cards. Elmsley Count. Place the red cards into the break at the “But I showed you at the start there was back so when you square up you can only four.” Flip the cards over and push push down on the King of Diamonds over the red Kings into the right hand and creating a break under the top two cards as you say, “Just one blue backed cards continued over... 27

CONJOURING COURTIERS CONTINUED ... from previous page spectator’s hand then reverse count the cards to bring the second blue back to clearly show four cards by diagonally out- the top which will switch the order of the jogging the top card in each hand. Put red Kings. Now when you turn over a the red Kings between the black Kings, double it will show the other red suit. (picture above), square the packet and Turn the double back over and deal the flip it face down. The cards should now top card onto the other blue backed run black King followed by the red Kings card. “That means the red backs have and then the other black King. the...” look at the spectator who will fill “People ask me how do I remember in the blank. When they say ‘black’ you which Kings have which colour back. say, “Exactly!” as you flip the red back It’s easy, hold out your hand. The blue cards over to show the red Kings. Allow backs,” turn over a triple to show a red the spectator to turn over the cards they King, “have the red suits.” Flip the triple hold and say, “Hmmm...that’s confusing!” over and deal the top card onto the KIDS TIPS As David Kaye - aka Silly Billy – says in one of his books: “It’s not the destination, but the ride.” You have to develop routines that include gags, props, fun and participation. The kids will remember all that but probably not the climax. Simply dropping a prop three times in a row in a funny way will probably be the most memorable thing for a child. 28

TOP TEN CLOSE-UP TIPS Dominic Reyes with some great advice for close-up beginners Choose just one trick at a time Most magic shops want you to buy new tricks. Choose just one trick, and work on nothing else until it’s totally mastered. Practice Practice everyday in short quick sessions. I recommend running through the moves 15 times in the morning and 15 times at night. Don’t practice in silence Talk out loud as you practice. Repeating the words provides cues for the moves and will help to stop you freezing. Rehearse Don’t just run through the moves quickly. Perform the whole magic trick from start to finish, imagining it’s a real performance. Slow it down Sudden quick moves raise suspicion. Chances are, the speed you feel naturally comfortable at is still too fast. Check it looks real Do the action for real, then adjust the sleight to match it. Avoid obscure moves that look pretty but nothing like real life actions. Check it looks effortless Work on looking relaxed and happy when you execute a move. Make sure you don’t hesitate, close your eyes or look guilty. Make sure it’s clear and visible Are you covering up the action with your fingers or the backs of your hands? Work on a light touch, showing as much as possible. Reduce any unneeded movements Cut out any innocent gestures or movements that may make the spectator think something suspicious has just happened. Perform it live Performing your magic to real people will develop your technique way beyond anything you can learn in private. 29

SELF-SERVICE We love this effect from the UK’s top mentalist, Paul Brook Effect Now you need them to come up with a seemingly random number… You ask a volunteer to calculate a “Please think of a number between ten random number which leads them to and ninety … don’t name it out loud … a food item listed on a supermarket till have you got a number? … would you receipt. You correctly divine the item of like to change it? … Please add the two food then reveal a prediction that also digits of your number together … have matches the food item. you done that? You should now have a single number, correct?… please take Preparation that number away from your original number … please remember that final Ready to do your weekly shop? Go to a number!” supermarket with a self-service till and Following these instructions will result in make sure every ninth item (those at a number that is a multiple of 9. positions 9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, 63, 72 “Now, find the item that corresponds and 81) you scan in is a tomato product. with your selected number.” To make the repetition less obvious, Hand the receipt to your volunteer and include different tomato products (such clarify where the counting should begin. as loose tomatoes, tin of chopped “If your number is one then your item tomatoes, tube tomato purée, vine would be Diet Cola. Two would be kidney Tomato, etc ) repeated as necessary. beans. Three would be sweetcorn, etc. You will also need a business card with Count down to the item at the random a blank face and a pen. number in your mind. When you get there fix that item into your memory.” Performance Give them the time to do that carefully. “I have to be careful here … are you Take the business card, write allergic to the item you have in mind?” ‘TOMATOES” on it (without your When he (or she) answers “No”, say, volunteer seeing) and place it face down “Wonderful! I want you to image eating on a table saying “That’s for later”. this item... don’t imagine that it is cooked Remove the till receipt from your wallet or prepared in any way… and if you and show it to your volunteer drawing choose something like an oat bar focus attention to the large number of items. on the main ingredient, such as the oats. Imagine how it feels in your mouth. Feel the texture. Taste the tastes. Smell the smells. STOP! I think I have it. Are you eating tomatoes?” After he agrees, “I’m sorry to say, but that last bit about imagining the food was all nonsense. You see, ever since I started talking to you I have been psychologically manoeuvring you towards choosing tomatoes. I realise that this seems like an outlandish claim, and it is. Do you remember me writing on that piece of card?” 30

Look at the card and wait until your numbers that end up on the same end volunteer picks it up, if necessary, number. It just chance. Don’t tell me nodding to prompt him. Allow him to what the number is, but keep the first read the card and be amazed then ask number and choose a different starting him to hold up the card and read it out. number for the other number.” It will probably never happen, but Notes memorise the phrase just in case. When creating your receipt at the When you are explaining how the supermarket make a section that has participant should mentally calculate the same product repeated, in our the number, be sure to look out for signs example, LONGLIFE MILK. This block of confusion. Use examples, making allows the spectator to realise that the sure there is no confusion whatsoever. list contains multiple items. If you see a person furrow her brow When buying the groceries to create or look puzzled, do not say, “Do you your till receipt, buy as many items understand?” This question is loaded as possible. The long thin nature of and will produce a “Yes” answer. Saying receipts provides the person with a “No” will make the person feel stupid. visually representation that a vast array Instead say, “So what I mean by that of items are up for selection. is...” then give an example. Do not fold the receipt through the force Sometimes, even when you have items. Over time the paper fibres will given clear examples and have been break down along the fold and the word as eloquent as possible, the person may become illegible. Make sure than will somehow mess up the calculation. any fold is at least three items away In these rare instances it is extremely from the force item. important that you do not blame the Buy your groceries in another major participant. Just take it as a hit. store and have two receipts for the If you are smart you will have the person spectator to choose from. Both receipts choose another number and perform can have the same force words on the effect again. but the added choice increases the You could consider allowing them to do apparent fairness. the calculation on a white board that is, of course, facing away from you, or on a We reviewed Paul’s book, It’s Your Choice, calculator. It’s all about your confidence in the July edition of Magic Times and spectator control. When I perform this effect, I always get the volunteer to calculate two numbers and then ask them to pick one. You may think that this is a step too far but arriving at two different numbers takes the heat off the formula and also makes their choice seemingly more random. Although it’s never happened to me, it is possible for the person to end up with the same number. The only way that it would happen is if the two starting numbers were close together. If that did happen, I have a contingency for you. As the goal is to create two numbers randomly the person will mention that the end numbers are the same. You reply with: “Obviously, there will be some starting 31

Bill Abbott PRO-TIPS sharp lessons continues his great series of short, to help you become a better magician The way you deliver and sell your magic to your audience is much more important than what you actually do. Research shows that most of what an audience remembers are things they have seen. The next important factor is the tone of voice used by the performer and the least influential factor is the actual content of the show, the ratios are as follows; visual impact 55%, tone of voice 38%, and script and content 7%. It’s not that content isn’t important, but if you fail to get the visual side of it (body language, use of props, blocking and volunteer management) right and then compound that failure by not sounding right, then the content won’t matter at all. Be assured that this subject is one of the most important if you aspiring to become a serious performer. BRAD LOMAX Brad asks you the questions you should be asking yourself How many magic effects have you seen? If you’ve been in magic any length of time, then probably, thousands. When you are considering whether to add a new effect to your repertoire, consider whether the intricacy of the plot is too complicated. If you lose an audience because of an intricate plot (or even if you fail to explain something about the plot or the conditions) then you are wasting your time. As Joshua Jay said “Paradoxically, mystery requires clarity, even a certainty as to the events surrounding the mystery. This is why it’s so important to try out your effects and get feedback from fellow magicians and early audiences. During practise and performance, do you explain clearly? 32

MY FAVOURITE TENYO We look at another favourite effect from the Japanese producer Invented by the legendary Hideo Kato, Crystal Box was first released by Tenyo in 1969, more than 50 years ago. It was, and still is, one of Tenyo’s most successful effects and difficult to find in its original packaging. Effect: A red metallic ball is placed in a clear crystal box. Sealed within the box, the ball is covered with a silk hank. Instantly, the ball vanishes at the fingertips, leaving the empty box. Everything may be examined. This version of the trick is no longer available, but a new effect using some of the same material was produced in 1994 under the reference “T-163 Burglar-Ball.” Unlike Crystal Box, this new trick is supplied without a handkerchief and the box cover does not show the Tenyo rabbit logo. INVISIBLE DECK Michael Lewis continues his series looking at the Invisible Deck Prepare an ordinary deck of cards so hiding” and ask him to make the scariest that a seven is reversed seven cards face possible. Obviously you can get from the bottom of the deck. some fun out of this, particularly with Start your performance by asking youngsters. someone to choose a card. Make sure Fan the deck until you come to the he (or she) memorises it and maybe reversed seven. Ask him if this is his show it to the person next to him. Now, card? When he says “No!” say “It seems using your right hand, take about half you have scared this card into giving us the deck from the bottom, and have him a clue!” put his card on the top of the left hand Count down seven cards and reveal his pile. Put the cards in your right hand freely chosen card. on top of the left hand pile. The chosen You can now perform the kicker and, card seems to be truly buried! with some appropriate scary language, Say “Let’s see if you can scare the card out of show that his card is the only reversed card in the deck.

MUSINGS by PHIL TILSTON Phil continues his series on... well, anything that occurs to him the envelope loading system. It’s another Ecwananvlleepltoeprffeoo.rrmI thgCeeanrejdaractklolyeWtparpelolfecetkroeirtt Cthaartdyotou to the JOL wallet because the envelope loading mechanism is much quicker and less fiddly which is better when working tables (in fact Harry sometimes performs an immediate repeat card in envelope to the same spectator – resetting the wallet while the spectator is opening the envelope for the first reveal). lWikeelctoomtaelkbaabcokuttoPMalumsiinnggsW. Tahlleiststime I’d Mullica Wallet JOL Wallet Another jacket wallet. This does When I started in magic, Prop Dog ( who not require palming and the card is hold the rights to the Jerry O’Connell produced from inside a wallet that is wcoaullledtsb)uwy.eTrehebyLafarrgethPelbuesswt awlalellte, twshyiocuh held inside another wallet (the card is fits in the inside jacket pocket or the back not produced from an envelope though). pocket of trousers, had a feature that let If you do purchase this then I would you palm into a wallet or into a sealed recommend the Bill Abbott Mullica envelope. It also has a no palm feature Wallet pack. It had some particularly where you can load the top card of the interesting ideas and handling tips from deck into the wallet without palming. someone that uses this wallet all the The wallets come in soft or hard leather time. It can be purchased from Prop and the latter will last you years. Dog. [Note: I would not recommend the Harry Robson Mark 3 pocket Mullica wallet – they have too I must admit to being biased on this one little room for error and it means that you because I had a small part in developing worry about the handling being precise enough as the wallet is much smaller than the jacket version]. Conclusion My favourite jacket wallet is the Harry Robson Mark 2 (though it’s been replaced by the Mark 3). Beginners might prefer the JOL because it doesn’t require you to palm a card. Look for more Musings in Magic Times. MINI REVIEW – 4K COLOR VISION There are many versions of this effect, where a spectator puts a die into a box and the magician is able to predict which face is uppermost. This one, by Brent Braun, is made in nicely coloured plastic about one inch square and has a half hour video that explains how to divine the colour without looking or touching the box. The method is deceptively simple and doesn’t employ any electronics. It’s a good trick and at about £20 won’t break the bank but you need a good presentation otherwise it’s just a trick without a motive. 34

MY FAVOURITE TRICK We asked people to name the best effect they’ve ever seen. Our next contributer is someone who lectured for us recently; John Carey: The best card effect I ever saw was when pmeyrfodremaerdfrDieani dV,etrhneonl’asteTriuKmevpihn Reay, for me as a young man. I hadn’t seen the effect before and I can still remember how astonished I was when all the deck faced the same way except for my selection IAN KEABLE Ian looks at the story behind a world record bid AOunto3m0athtiOc Fctloobweerr,inag Rmoasgeibcusphro-pow-neadn And now Randy appears to have moved by Harry Houdini sold for a record into the collecting $fi1e6ld0.,A00t 0thefoRr icNkeypJpayy, $270,000 (plus buyer’s premium). auction he paid Who on earth, you might ask, can afford Ricky Jay’s bespoke automaton, and it to spend that much money on a single is probable that he was the winner of this magic prop? One answer has always Houdini prop, outbidding Copperfield been David Copperfield, who is worth at (who was certainly interested in buying least a billion dollars. For a time it was it) in the process. thought that whatever he wanted to buy, he would get it. However, there is now a From Ian’s monthly newsletter new super-rich magic collector in town called Randy Pitchford. He is, by all accounts, a multi-billionaire through his ownership of a video game company. Randy is the great nephew of arguably the magician with the greatest act of all time; Cardini. He performed silently with cards, cigarettes and billiard balls, the way I think the best magic should be performed. Randy has inherited his great uncle’s love of magic. Earlier this year he bought The Magic Castle, the venue in Los Angeles dedicated to performing magic for the general public, thereby guaranteeing its long-term survival. It is not known how much he paid for it. 35

VIDEO REVIEW Jay Fortune takes a glimpse at Broadside Glimpse by Jack Tighe This three minute video teaches you a move to glimpse a freely chosen card. In performance, a deck is shuffled, the cards are face down on a table. The cards are dribbled for a participant to say stop. When they do, the card stopped at is taken and shown to the participant. In this simple process, the magician glimpses the card. The card is returned, the deck can be shuffled, etc, then revealed in your favourite way. Not much more to add really! I’ve never seen a glimpse done in this way before. After I watched the video, I grabbed a deck and tried it and was nicely surprised to find it was as simple as taught. The ‘move’ appears innocent and looks impossible for the magician to see the card. But it does require practice as the glimpse is super-fast, so being able to tell if the card is a 9, 8 or a 6 will require familiarising yourself with the principle. If you don’t use a glimpse, it’s worth a fiver of your hard-earned cash. This review appeared in MagicSeen Lite issue #19 NOT A LOT! Paul Daniels’ magic collection went under the hammer in November. More than 350 posters, tricks and ephemera were sold for £156,000. Among the items were a letter from Houdini and Paul’s toupee which sold for a hair raising £2,730. QUOTE UNQUOTE Remember, you only need a handful of magic tricks to tour the world. [Ed: I couldn’t find the source of this one] RUDE SPECTATORS Dominic Reyes asked fellow magicians how to handle rude spectators Dani Marko : You can’t make everyone happy all the time, you are not pizza! 36

The Lighter Side A magician walks into a magic shop “Can I have a book by Copperfield”. “Of course” said the dealer, “Which one”. “David” the man replies. Loving a magician is ... … him using a pink silk because it’s her favourite colour Magic Speak What a layman thinks when he hears two magicians talking: • Memorised Deck - after a week on a cruise ship • Half Pass - just looking at a girl and not saying anything A funny thing ... We continue our series about funny things that have happened while performing. I was doing a gig for a group of kids at my local library, and one of my routines is a salt pour. One of the kids - he couldn’t have been more than 8 years old - ran up, knelt down and licked the salt off the carpet! Not just a single lick mind you but several full on ones until it was pretty much all gone. The whole room went silent until his mum pulls him away explaining that he’s ADHD, then goes back to talking to her friend. I was stunned for a moment, but what do you do? Get on with the rest of the show and save the story for retelling, that’s what! Scottie Karuse 37

The Magic Triangle E Spell out a 15 letter magic related word or phrase VL by moving from chamber to chamber. Start anywhere, enter each chamber only once and only through the gaps in the walls. ONO Look out MfoargicthTeimseoslu. tion in the next TEAP edition of Last edition’s solution: S DR CE ROPE THROUGH NECK

WHAT’S ON! I axvzxc vzxcv Members Facebook Group Members of MCM Check out our members-only Facebook page which has news, links, resources, sales and much more! 9th January Dr MATT PRITCHARD Matt brings his unique mixture of science and magic to his very entertaining lecture to the Cross Keys pub on Adswood Lane, Cheadle. 13zxcvz th xcvz February HARRY ROBSON A chance to see one of the UK’s best magic entertainers who’ll share some of his secrets Don’t miss what will be a great evening. xcvz xcvill. 20th February MATTHEW WRIGHT This will be Matthew’s second visit to the club. The reason why? He’s simply fantastic! 2023 A Great Program of Events Big names lined up this year include Ali Cardabra, Steve Hewlett, Careena Fenton, David Penn, Mark Bennet & Etienne Pradier.

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