Magic Times - July 2023

MAGIC TIMES The magazine of the Manchester Circle of Magicians Volume 22 No 4 July/Aug 2023 In this issue: Look at the index! On the cover: The Sentimentalists

Manchester Circle of Magicians Headquarters: The Micker Brook Councillor Ln, Cheadle Hulme, Cheadle SK8 5NU OFFICERS 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 MCM or the Author. The Officers of the Society accept no responsibility for the accuracy or for author’s opinions which are expressed within.

CONTENTS 4 Presidential 2138 PAhl’sil BTiolsxtionng Night Club President Bill Booth with his APhleilxcFoinsthineruedseshcirsibsersieasnoWtohrekrionfg regular update Souecrrneetswwtyitphesofmcelusbageeveandivnigces 5 Kevin Quantum 240 DOanvTidhePeCnonver Have you ever wondered what it’s AJoghrneaGtiellvreenpionrgtsatonthae vMeCryMspwooitkhy like to get into the BGT finals? pcrluobfelsesciotunrael bmyaMgicaitatenoDBaovrirdinPienn 6 The Sentimentalists 253 iWCfPAnrtoaneemoturrcetehlsovhetSuir!ecrtwofomainsanacnmgeiniiamangtimiVncegiicagkinanstshiidnaettrhwueiplcldluatbe 7 We interview a couple whose 275 ROonbeeLrtinIleicrsh mentalist act is going down a storm David Copperfield RPhoibleTrtilqstuoenstcionstinwuheesthheisr bseoroieks David confesses to posting on social roenalolynea-rleintehres bweestallelaursneing tool media using false names 26 Ian Adair 8 Nick Einhorn (pic right) Our regular columnist continues Nick describes his three favourite his story about 75 years in magic card tricks 28 Ian Keable 49 hPCiTSilnrsuhtterbeeeesrvgPveisuedertenlieasntHrirngdieulteolpiwneqadctulatSeuitsetrtteetppahrteestnheAentMbslaeCtvtMewryith Ian considers the label of 150 tAAhaPPebwaNaounauuleerthlwmwuaOssMwAissneCodbglmcMdosopeimuWtapirreoreenatlnotcfeiatmLirceieasOlatoafOdfpivacrkiaeccrleetiys,e “Comedy Magician” 161 YaJeWAbooxounehtverdesnnee)ysd,liLeiovtMceonetrenacaioonarnlfothtlieethnharcivestniiroemtwnraiscgkiJcofahrlonhme(prAoicensdy’s 192 FGaMMtnihnrseaawdarmhreokkruaaeatgmdsLhikceoosJucwvarooenmGtlreelirmnetdaeymhurgnanaeamigtlyiq(cpuailecsqtruiiogenshttia)obnosut 29 Michael Diamond 1104 PITMDeCehvtaaBeeenrnrgeiMIJnBaoegtenhMnaeaedstrFo‘itrnPhweegepinscoaMtrrnneotdCspincoMoitr’n’tsstNhoenOaanpbniciuznaailcrre John Gill reports on our second 1116 iBFnaISiuntdleeldehrBaeilinssnoUgtgoinTorsthgeraairtgytyeislppnoeoearrlrioitetsfsy,octSlnoueabyaonneuevlrwoenoaaciknntsgdat spooky lecture in 2022 1127 MSSAmACDDeenaaoahogbandgmirimnciiyaccei”snaifiTkMadnigtscanouiasohylctyiorosslortoOaRwisiuyanrepslmhiiysoeaxanvetnnthehsyweeiiinrh“nrMgafytsaoomvtumhearaetntrrnyoitcusktoinfe 1138 Atnaldeyntedllsmuasgaicbioauntsanneovtehredr omagic 30 Simon Jacobs 1240 MoIDbsyjueitcMatpnfoeresomsmiLbolaherifastiobnexoletwennMstiaovoge imccoalnleyction Simon treats us to another of his amazing card tricks PmhialgTiiclasltoitnemcosn?tiFniunedsohuist hseriee!s on magic memorable to him 28 Closed Circle We table an interesting trick from 1261 aMGbBmBeCoeeeutMnntnttilahnomRlioigssekitmmcsSehabaftgfteaaeirtrccrhMdatteselsipjdcoorheunasreenlneItyalitciohnteolfls us Andy at The Jerx 1272 hAMWMtelhyabeeynoMJlHuoFagapooahakgrvtnniafeeoctostuaraeenlrhlploiisCrtstoehuocdesouTlrlalcelmebteinocciorutytnaiitocoolanliennneforbojmect 29 Nervous Breakdown If you like Twisted Sisters, you’ll want to read this trick review 30 Steve Gore Steve has another great trick to add to your repetoire 33 ByTmPPorhaaaiuuaegulnmicwlSJiaSgoiplthhhthotnoahssopniatspokveenreyneefgiPownurgeliatsHnhrSaduatlaplurotdoewlauesteitemdienenaebout 345 MiMDaDmbeaieponatrautnottLnemhHadapCtosctuhuaadfrpotinrnurediremcgohenainesdtehoseupserreillesvoaftion 36 tBBPTMoeieemtanhnnnepcHnoRhhoneo&igdsbcatebehnTrrysa’eriseasrltAvldsqeipuesirnoweosltsltnhoitoehTnechlpdueeaubrtotrienaet nt 37 LEeeELssniniccgjgjaoaohphpyyatatjdejdeooeerkrkaeaeTTnsnso,do,dMuMuoocuacuarrhrrhccrroeoe’g’gssuulllalaaatrterepspstutuzzzzllee!!

PRESIDENTIAL Bill Booth Hi Everyone. What a year we’ve had so one I’m really excited about is Walt Lees far and so much more to look forward to. on 14th August. In my opinion one of the The refurbished Micker Brook is working best card men in the UK. If you’ve never out a treat and judging by the number of seen him then you are in for a real treat. you enjoying a meal before the lectures, Also make sure you keep up to date by the food must be good too. checking out the website and following As I write this I am looking forward to us on Facebook. our next Social Night. The last one was Unfortunately quite a few lecturers have such a success we have decided to refused having their lectures videoed stick with the same format. We still have (which is understandable) so if you want so much more to look forward to but the to see future lectures you will have to come to our meetings, so I hope to see many more of you in future. And don’t forget watching magic live is definitely better than a night in front of the telly. BRITAIN’S GOT TALENT How did magicians get on in the 16th series of BGT Five magic acts made it through to the live semi-finals stage of BGT 2023, but only one - Cillian O’Connor – made it through to the Grand Final. The confident 14-year-old Cillian, who was placed a very credible third, performed an excellent Newspaper Tear and a multi-phased card revelation. You can watch all his performances on Youtube. MIND BLOWING MENTALISM Available from magicseen.com, this new book is Ian Adair’s 331st publication. Yes, that’s right… 331st. The 144 pages contains 40 new mental effects. 4

KEVIN QUANTUM Kevin tells us what it’s like to reach the final stages of BGT Ever wondered what it would be like to my home in Edinburgh to Manchester get into the latter stages of BGT? just before the COVID restrictions kicked in. We had a full house in the Imagine you’re stood in front of 2,000 wonderful Lowry Theatre in Salford and people, with one of the world’s most energised by the large audience, my successful media moguls looking at you effects went well. thinking, “Show me what you’ve got”. Nothing beats a standing ovation from fTinhaalts’sowf hBartitiat ifne’eslsGloikteTtaolebnet,inotnhee semi- a large audience and the incredible biggest TV shows in the world. of the comments from all four judges were just mind-blowing. It was probably one of I’m a huge fan now, but I haven’t always the best days of my career (even though been. I’d been approached to audition I was in agony with lower back pain!). several times but in the past the show With hindsight, I shouldn’t have been was seen as a rather cruel environment surprised not to make it through to the to perform in. But these days that image final of the 14th Series of BGT because has changed and after a near sell-out that year there were no less than seven run with MagicFest, rave reviews of my magic acts in the semi-finals. comedy magic show in Perth, Australia But I’m still very proud of my I felt that BGT might be my big break. accomplishments, particularly when you consider that more than 1,000 people When the audition day came, I had audition for BGT but only 40 make it to been back from Australia for just three the semi-finals. And that TV exposure days. I was pretty knackered and my gave me a platform to build the career back was hurting badly (don’t go to the that I’m still enjoying today! gym the morning after a 24 hour flight). But I packed my bags and drove from 5

THE SENTIMENTALISTS We look at a great act reminiscent of another age The style of The Sentimentalists hark that their primary weapon is code, but back to a bygone era of mind reading, tAamkeeriacal’osoGk oatt Ttahleeinrt performances on mpaerntitcaulilsatrlayctstosuchhuassbTahned Pidadnidngtownifse. and you will see Based in Toronto, Mysterion (real name that they disguise their methods very Chris Doyle) and Steffi’s act has taken well while still looking classy and being them round the world though a lot of very entertaining. their work is in the States including appearances at The Magic Castle, Immaculately presented with a streak Vegas, on America’s Got Talent where in his hair reminiscent of the late TV they reached the quarter finals, and on presenter Dickie Davies, Chris has Fool Us where they fooled P&T. spent many years in various parts of the Steffi points out that they do not use entertainment industry before hooking assistants or electronics. One presumes up with Steffi in 2015. He says “My role is to invisibly communicate with Steffi while also entertaining the audience. I 6

steer the direction of the loosely scripted I was interested to find out if anything show and no two shows are ever the ever goes wrong in “tThheiinr gsshwowill?alCwharyiss same.” was quick to answer; go wrong! On national TV I botched But it’s Steffi who really defines their the big one. So be it. You move on look on stage. She could have just and make the best of the journey. I try stepped out of a 1920’s musical hall. to always have an out but, when there She says, “We perform in the style of isn’t one, laugh and move on, it’s just a golden age of magic ... a two-person entertainment, not brain surgery.” mind reading act with a modern touch while still adding a pinch of vaudeville.” And there lies a big lesson ... if you’re One of their main aims is to make the afraid you’ll fail then you really shouldn’t process look natural. Steffi explains; be there. It’s a lesson that we all need to “We choose effects to make the show take on board. And in my experience an look as real and invisible as possible. If audience will always forgive you. a mentalist was truly reading a thought, they wouldn’t need props to do so.” Steffi adds, “When we have an issue of This is so true. I love a good book test uncertainty it’s pretty easy for us to just but my one problem with the trick has ask one another for clarity. That’s why always been – ironically – the inclusion it’s important for both partners to have of a book! A real mind minder simply the same skills and be able to do one wouldn’t need one! another’s job.” As Chris says “I prefer to work with what The Sentimentalists have no current a participant has on them. We have tools plans to perform in the UK, so if you to use during the show, but they need to wTthaaelneirtntt.oapTspheeeeadrtahynencmaem, Iic’odndsuuAogmgaeeresrticdgaeo’sfoingiGltienolgyt look natural and almost an afterthought. worth a few minutes of your time. That’s how these acts should be done.” You can read a longer interview with Chris and Steffi in Magicseen Lite, Issue 17 DAVID COPPERFIELD CONFESSES The magician says that he posts fake videos to confuse fans David Copperfield revealed that he uses aliases to post fake videos. It’s an attempt by the magician to muddy the waters caused by the plethora of postings purportedly explaining how his effects are achieved. Asked why he does it, David said “Because it’s fun!” The billionaire illusionist, aged 66, is still performing 15 shows a week and wants to maintain the magic and the secrecy. “There can be 20,000 in an arena” he says “ and I look for the one lady in the front row with her arms crossed, and that’s the one I want to make smile!” So next time you read an explantion about how an effect is done, maybe the author is not the person you think! 7

THREE FAVOURITE CARD TRICKS P&T fooler, Nick Einhorn shares his favourite card tricks Panic When I first watched Aaron Fisher do this it fried me! It’s just freaking awesome. It is now part of my most precious “A material”. I remove the four kings from the deck and place them in my jacket side-pocket. As display the rest of the deck it literally melts away and all that’s left are four cards; the four kings! The rest of the deck? It’s in your pocket where the kings were a few moments earlier! dNuorwingyouApkenxowAwcehsy! I use four kings It links rather smoothly to this routine very nicely. Fusilade You may realise that I am a fan of visual magic. Mentalism is great but I still think there is nothing as exciting as visual magic, however my final choice does often bridge that gap between mveernsitoanlisomf “Faunsdilavdies”uably magic. It is a Eric Mead. Apex Aces I had been doing something similar prior I use this for walk around close-up to reading Eric’s wonderful manuscript. gigs and start by classic forcing four It is a multiple selection and revelation Aces on four individuals which is a routine. Eric’s work on it was fascinating very strong opener. I then follow up and so well presented. My version uses by having three cAapredxs Apceeeskerdouatinnde a peek and side-steal control for as proceed with the many spectators as I want to use (10 is with a few handling changes to suit my enough for everyone’s sake) and then own abilities and preferred sleights. It each revelation is a collection of mental is a marvellously magical routine with revelations, moves and slights I favour some smart vanishes and the kicker and enjoy executing. If I have a dinner of the three peeked cards appearing table of 10 and want everyone to feel between the Aces for the finale. As far connected with the magic I perform this. aosf AI pkenxowA,cFersabnuktGI abrecliieavies the originator I have two endings, One is that the final Jay Ose took card appears in my wallet - not signed, advantage of the fact that each face up but amazing nonetheless. The other ace was hidden by a face down card to ending is something I am most proud create a Collectors routine rather than of. It’s one of my finest ideas and one a straight forward vanish of the aces which literally leads the spectator to (which leaves the deck in a bit of a mess stand up and shake my hand at the end for any follow up effects). whilst everyone else freaks out. I have never discussed it in front of magicians AOcnees of the changes I made to Apex except for a few close friends so I won’t is something I am really proud of... reveal it here. I use the four Kings. 8

STEVE HEWLETT Bill Booth reports on a very different evening at the MCM Steve has performed all around the funny routines. The best one for me was world. From birthday parties, to holiday with Arthur Lager. He tried to use the TV resorts, cruise ships to the Royal Albert in the room to show us photographs and Hall, from Bognor Regis to Branson videos but unfortunately it didn’t work Missouri, UBSritAa.inH’sisGboigt Tbarleeankt was as a very well. But Stephen Ablett (Pictured finalist on in 2013. with Steve) came to the rescue, setting up a projector and a screen. Only fifteen turned up to see Steve which I thought was very disappointing. Steve isVwenrittrinilogqauebsotokwohnicvhenhtreilohqoupisems The first half consisted of him telling us called how he got started in ventriloquism. He will be published later this year. Also for remembered seeing Lenny the Lion on any of you who cmaallyedbeEyinetseraensdteTde, ehthe TV. But he really got interested when he does a Podcast was about 12 years old when he met in which he chats to his comedy heroes. Jimmy Tamley. Jimmy agreed to give Steve lessons which resulted in him This was a very different evening to the winning a trophy when he was fourteen, usual magic lecture. No magic, just a which he still has. Steve then spoke man talking about ventriloquism but what about various ventriloquists who he had came across was how much he loves it seen over the years. and how much it means to him. I wasn’t sure about this evening but I’m glad I In the second half Steve carried on went because it was very interesting, talking about his life as a ventriloquist very funny and very entertaining. So and showed us some of his dummies. thanks to Steve and Arthur Lager and He also performed some very good and Stephen (for saving the day). 9

PAUL OSBOURNE Practising? You’ve got more time than you think! Regrets, I’ve got a few including five years of playing the drums and 20 wishing I’d used my spare time more years of hanging around. I know what productively to practising magic tricks. he means. Not the fame (obviously!) but As a teenager, I had no magician mentor, the hanging around. Why didn’t I put all no magic clubs nearby, no magic shop; that hanging around to good use and no internet and my local library had work on my sleight of hand? very few books on conjuring. When I eventually got hold of some decent During our eight-hour band rDeohuebalresaLlisf,t magic books – Dai Vernon, Lewis I could have worked on my Ganson, Ken Brooke, etc – I found between songs. After sound-checking the card routines too advanced. I also at a gig, when the band was sitting sometimes struggled with translating around for a couple of hours waiting to what was on the page. “Grip the upper go on stage, why didn’t CI lahsasviec Pa aclmoin? packet firmly by pressing down upon with me, to work on my it with the first phalanx of the left ring Aoqnuweamuyeyf?rDoOomrwRmnesutsPeincat,limownhinoyftwhVaeisssinou’ntpIvewarmnoiarskrhikneegst finger. Eh? What? when I sat in the passenger seat of a I was well into my 20s before I heard car on the way to visit relatives. All that a magician on TV recommend Royal spare time was wasted. Road to Card Magic and Bobo’s Modern Coin Magic as great starting books to But it’s really not healthy to dwell on learn sleight of hand. The Other Side the past, despite my spending the Of Jerry Sadowitz was a brilliant three- last few minutes dwelling on the past! part series that focused on Jerry’s It’s today that’s important. And today, close-up magic and contained lots of now that I’m back in love with magic, great advice. I use my precious spare time wisely. By that time, however, I’d joined a When watching a movie at home I’ve band and started to indulge in my got a pack of cards with me. When other passion: playing the drums. I still I’m waiting for a bus, I’ve got a coin enjoyed magic – keeping one eye on in my hand. While the kettle is boiling, Penn & Teller, David Blaine, et al. – but I’ll pick up a deck and practise a card it took a back seat. And this is where my spring or a dribble. regrets kick in. Drummer Charlie Watts famously said Yes, spare time is more precious as you that being in the Rolling Stones was age, but you have more of it than you think for practising magic tricks. 10

ANDY MARTIN We select another item from Andy’s extensive magic collection Around 1961, Persi Diaconis created a tfihnegeHr imrinbgerfoRrinRgi,chitarednaHbilmedbear. Called classic effect where three borrowed rings are linked in front of the audience. In 2012 David Regal made a “set,” comprised of a newly-designed ring, a matching ring with the standard click-lock mechanism, and a duplicate ungimmicked ring. Although his routine requires only one gimmick, he wanted to provide a set of gimmicks that would allow the purchaser to do any routine It is a really beautiful magical moment. out tKheorrea.nhCe laimlsaoxinicnluwdheidchgimtwmoiclkinskfeodr The resulting set is made in plated 18K the gold which not only look beautiful, but rings hang from a pencil, one drops into function 100% smoothly. the waiting hand, and both rings are I really think it’s one of the greatest plots immediately handed back to the owners. in magic. CHANCE POWERS A Magic Times contributer releases his debut novel I’m sure you MwaillgircemTiemmebserwraittesneribeys of articles in professional magician, Duan Lafin. Well, coDafullDaenedeaCthhh.aaTnshceewsrPittootewrynercsaonAcfniecdtrinoTsnhaeal Tnaobvelel team of professional performers who use their skills to take out fake psychics and mobsters. For more details, use the title to search in Amazon - oh, and if you buy a copy, please let us know what you think of it! TWO TOP TIPS Chris Dugdale gives you two tips to improve your magic Study the art of selling, advertising and closing the deal. They are so deeply integrated in the art of commercial magic. Decide if you want to be a magician’s magician or someone who thrills, entertains an earns a living performing for the lay public. The two skill sets are dramatically different. Find about Chris’s book at www.xyabook.com 11

MARK LEVERIDGE Mark ponders the eternal question faced by performers One of the most difficult jobs that we If someone is considering booking a face is how much to charge. There magician, the first question will be is are so many potential factors to take “How much?” This can be a bit annoying, into consideration when setting a because there is no simple answer to satisfactory fee that it’s unsurprising that this question due to the variables which people entering into it fresh will probably need to be factored in and until those have no idea where to start. details have been ascertained, it’s not The entertainer needs to cover travel, usually possible to quote a figure. general expenses and any other Although this makes complete sense costs - such as consumables - that to us, for the booker who has never are generated. The performer will also engaged an entertainer before, the want it to be an appropriate amount of question of cost is possibly an all money to reflect his (or her) expertise, consuming detail, because they may experience and perhaps professional literally have no idea what to expect. standing. Plus he may have a particular You can imagine a conversation going minimum amount that each show needs on in the booker’s head prior to making to generate for it to be a sensible pay/ the enquiry. “Well, it’s only a bit of magic time ratio, especially if magic is his main for 45 minutes for a few little kids, so it source of income. can’t be that much.” Or conversely, it But even if the performer is armed with could be along the lines of, “I’ll bet it’s all the relevant information and can as a going to be really expensive, because result come to some sort of figure, there this guy says he’s entertained royalty.” is one element of the whole process Based on this internal discussion, the which is largely unquantifiable and booker may well come up with a ballpark difficult to factor in. And that is knowing figure, and it is this unsubstantiated what the bookers are expecting. amount which your fee is probably going to be measured against. This could be good, or bad, depending on the total the booker imagined you might charge. You might seem ridiculously expensive (“£175 to keep a few kids quiet for three quarters of an hour? Takes me almost an entire day to earn that!”), or amazingly good value (“£275? Crikey I was expecting nearer £600”). It’s little wonder that it can be hard to hit it just right, and it’s the reason why you should never try. I have always felt that a show fee should be right for you and what you need first and foremost, and should not be adjusted to what you think the enquirer might be able to afford. You simply can’t second guess what the booker is anticipating, so provided you get some bookings at your preferred rate, that’s probably the best you can hope for. Only if you get none, should you have a re-think! 12

BRAD LOMAX yourself Asking the questions you should be asking There are some situations and audience reactions that you know are going to come up time and time again so why not be prepared. The most common is an audience member asking, “How did you do that?” I’m not going to suggest what I think you should say but you should never reply, “It’s magic!” Why? Because it feeds into the view of many people that magicians are primarily children’s entertainers. This state of affairs is mainly caused by magicians who treat people like children. So how would you answer it? And please don’t say “Very well”… unless, of course, you want to come across as a smart arse! AMBITIOUS CARD We asked you for any tips that will make an Ambitious Card routine better: Here’s my tip, based on a move in Royal Road. Have a card selected from a face-up deck. Let’s say it’s the four of diamonds. Ribbon spread the remainder face-up and look for the next highest card, in this case the five. Cut the cards as you reassemble them to bring the five second from the top. Now, as the card is being signed, turn the two top cards face up. (This is the same get-ready as the Ammar ETMCM version of ACR) Retrieve the selection and place it face up on the other two before turning all three face down in readiness for the first rise to the top. Do the first one fairly quickly. (Top card goes in middle, DL to show selection at the top.) Now you say “OK I’ll do it slowly.” Take the top card. It’ll be the five of diamonds. Push it almost all the way in, and - with your right forefinger covering the index - bend it back to show the two hearts that are visible: it’ll look like the four is going right in the middle. Tip for this tip: check the size of the signature! If it’s a huge signature going to the edges, abandon this extra “prover”. For a better description of this wrinkle, check out Royal Road. 13

CAREENA FENTON Dan Meadows reports on a bizarre evening at the MCM Careena is a full-time performer of stated that a disclaimer is not used. They bizarre & seance magic and treated the are booked as a ‘theatrical experience’ assembled club members to a lecture but after that it is played for real to blur that covered her theatrical approach to the lines for the audience. the darker side of magic. Careena talked through a variety Careena’s Phd studies at Birmingham of approaches that she uses in the University are on the intersection of corporate market. One such approach is spiritualism & witchcraft and their to target buildings and hotels with a rich impact on women in magic. So her history, and then to offer three packages natural interest in tarot reading & the for the venue to choose from. This might occult combined with her background involve the hotel being able to advertise in English, drama and theatre to form a seance. There was a clear decision her Victorian-era ‘Miss Sylvia Sceptre’ behind the pitch structure in terms of performance character who featured price and offer, in order to promote the in Careena’s 2018 ‘Phantasmagorical’ preferred option. In addition to a range of show at the Edinburgh Fringe. seances, some of Careena’s offer to the The lecture covered some of the corporate market includes workshops on business and marketing side of bizarre & pendulums, ouija boards and glasses. seance performance, along with some of Part of the marketing approach is to film the performance considerations, the rich a short social media clip to promote the history and some of her effects. event. This can be shared by the venue Mentalists often have a fierce debate to publicise and promote the event, but about the use of ‘disclaimers’ - whether to also acts as material to show the next claim to have powers for real, or whether potential venue as an example of what to remind the audience it’s a trick. In the you do. The media clip had a style context of Careena’s performances she similar to the historian Lucy Worsley of 14

bringing the building’s haunted era to life A routine with ‘Jeffrey the cat’ was also and teasing what might be to come at discussed. Jeffrey couldn’t be with the event. members on the night but was with us in Careena talked about the use of spirit... Jeffrey is an apparently taxidermy pendulums and language techniques to cat whose spirit still likes to play. This increase the chances of success with a allows for a custom presentation for a participant; or at least the removal of the ‘Which Hand’ routine based on the work chance of failure. Using a weighted key of Colin McLeod. as the pendulum was both in keeping with After the break Careena performed the overall bizarre theme and seemed to a piece with Lily the poltergeist. This work well for new participants. involved a story of her childhood spirit An important consideration was to friend Lily, bibliomancy, and proof of take an assistant in costume when Lily’s existence manifesting through performing. This allowed screening the appearance of a freely selected of the participants as they arrived with page disappearing from a book held by simple questions on whether they had one participant and then appearing in been to a seance before, and also to ask keepsake box held by another. what brought them here tonight. Careena The audience were introduced to the covered the ethical considerations of Victorian custom of ‘entombed toads’ in expectation management as she was the walls of buildings and the legend of not going to be contacting dead relatives the toads still being alive when a brick and did not wish to offer false hope. was removed many years later. Toad Setting the right seating pattern for a stones were introduced as a topic and a seance was stressed as being critical. toad stone was placed into a bag along Cabaret-style seating (participants on with some other small stones. A number circular tables) caused the audience of participants removed a stone and to remain in separate groups and to held it in their closed fist and Careena spectate on what is happening, rather correctly divined the person holding the than to engage. Instead, audience- ‘toad stone’. style (rows of seats) brought everyone As a finale, Careena performed and together as a cohesive unit. Equally, explained the spirit glass. This is a glass Careena explained how fear is hanging by thread from a wooden dowel contagious and anyone reacting well that can give a loud ring in answer to could cause a ripple through to others any question without any perceptible when sat in audience-style. motion from the performer holding the dowel. The spirit glass’ use in magic is a freely selected page mentioned by Henning Nelm and Sid disappeared from a book held Lorraine but was traced back to at least by one participant appeared in the Magic Wand as a dealer item in 1912. a keepsake box held by another In a magic commodity world of single effect tricks this could easily justify a Careena showed a piece to camera price tag of £100+ to the right performer entitled ‘Absinthe’. This involved drawing for being simple and very effective! the green beverage into a syringe and Almost without exception the members injecting it into her eye in order to ‘chase already know enough tricks. Careena the green fairy’. Even those familiar demonstrated how standard mentalism- with the special effects wizardry of fare including Pegasus Page, Which Jared Manley will have found it utterly Hand and Kurotsuke can be personalised convincing. and customised to fit a performance character that becomes unique and theatrical. Very different as a lecture and very enjoyable. 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 of Magic Times, Sean into performance pieces. What most talks about originality. magicians do is get hung up on the My friend Steve Walker had a joke about methods and that’s a trap to be avoided. a magician being good and original. There will always be a method and there “The bits that were original weren’t good are experts out there who can help with and the bits that were good weren’t that. Chris Kenner said he wrote five original.” So being original in itself is trick ideas a day for a year. Out of that not enough, your material still has to be came enough for a full stand-up show. clever, engaging and entertaining. Talking to people who write, act or direct I saw a performer do a trick with is a good way to move a plot forwards, sunglasses. His thought process went because they understand dramatic like this. Magicians borrow something structure. They aren’t bogged down by of value and destroy it. A bill, a ring, or a the methodology as they think anything watch, what else can I use? How about is possible. sunglasses? That’s good thinking but Pavel wrote a terrific little booklet what I saw was a confused mess where about how to develop original magic. I doubt anyone, the performer included, I treasure it and return to it often. One knew what was happening. suggestion he made was to look at So how do successful guys work up existing magic and make it bigger or original material? The answer often smaller or change the props or method. lies in the ability to collaborate. You If you aren’t having much luck at being need to seek out help from people original, this a good starting point. who think differently to yourself. It’s a That’s all from Down Under ... look out good idea to try and generate some feodritiaonnoothf eMr aogficmTyimaersti.cles in the next plots and premises yourself initially and then look outside to develop them 16

CHICAGO OPENER A quick tutorial of a strong but simple card trick Chicago Opener is often mentioned on her) to place his card on the deck. Place people’s list of favourite card tricks and the remaining stock (with the two KS) on with good reason. CO and its variations top of his card. go boyrigsienvael rnaal mnaem; ResedinHcloutdMinagmparo. bably it’s Spread the cards on the table and draw their attention to the card with the Effect different coloured back. Putting your fingers under the deck (as per Photo 1) The spectator chooses a card, gather the cards up to, and including, the remembers it then puts it back in the raedDLcatrod and square the deck. Perform deck. The magician spreads the cards show the spectator’s selection to reveal one card with a different (4H). Replace the two cards on top of coloured back. It is, of course, the the pack then place the red card (KS) spectator’s card. The magician places face down on the table. that card face-down onto the table and asks the spectator to select another Place the stock you are holding on top card. This second card is lost in the of the cards on atheHtinadbule Sanhdufsflqeu, aarsektinhge deck. The magician spreads the cards deck. Perform and is disappointed to see that no them to “stop anywhere you want”. colour change has occurred. The face Show them their “freely” selected KS down card on the table is revealed to be and ask them to remember it. the spectator’s second chosen card. Square the deck then spread the cards Set up on the table, feigning disappointment that there is no differently coloured The good news is that this strong effect backed card in the deck. acaDnLbeanadchaieHveinddwuitShhtwufofles.imTapkleemaocvaersd; – let’s say KS – from a red deck and Turn over the red backed card that has place it with its partner at the bottom of been sitting on the table since phase a blue deck. The face down order is the one and show them that it has magically blue deck with the blue KS second from turned into their second selected card, bottom and the red KS at the bottom. the KS. Take a bow! Performance Conclusion Fan the cards and invite the spectator to I have left the patter out of this very 4taHk.ePaecrfaorrdmaandHrinedmuemShbuefrfliet – let’s say gstoroondgDeLffeacntd. BauHt iinf dyuouShcuafnflepethrfeonrmI’ma and when confident that this trick will be a regular the spectator says stop, invite him (or part of your repertoire. 17

DOMINIC REYES Dominic lists six things that talented magicians never do Becoming a talented magician involves practice, determination, motivation and guts. However, it also involves letting go of some of your attitudes and habits. Here’s six things they never, ever do Talented magicians attitude that night? Were you the right don’t blame others magician for that booking? Sometimes things go wrong. Gigs that Instead of blaming when things go you thought were 100% in the bag, wrong, take responsibility for your don’t go through, magic tricks fail, jokes preparation and mistakes. or one liners fall flat, and sometimes sleight of hand gets noticed. It’s easy Talented magicians to blame everything and everyone else don’t try to impress when something goes wrong. But you’re It’s part of our job to impress spectators, often to blame yourself. but many magicians fall into the trap Did you rehearse enough? Have you of trying to impress other magicians been marketing for more work enough? instead of marketing to the people that Is it the right type of marketing? Did would actually book them. you check each prop before a show to It makes no sense - unless your fellow make sure it was working and ‘set’? Did magicians are your customers and you your timing fail because of your mood or want to selling them stuff - to waste 18

time showing off to other magicians. they can begin the next trick. Don’t! Why worry about what on social media. The whole point of the trick is to give Do you market yourself as a magician a spectator the feeling of magic. Their on Facebook? Maybe you post lots of reaction is the expression of that photos from gigs, and check in venues? happening. If you interrupt someone’s It’s good to look successful and busy. reaction, it’s like giving someone some Good marketing right? food to taste and then quickly making But who makes up 90% of your friends them take a mouthful of another dish and followers? I bet it’s not your target almost right away... just wait and watch market audience? It’s probably a them. load of other magicians. They are not your customers. Chances are, Let the full range of reaction play they’re doing the same and most of out. Once it stops, you can give them their friends are fellow magicians too. another dish to try. Let them savour the There’s nothing wrong with marketing flavour of your magic as if it were the yourself on Facebook, but the secret is courses of a good meal. to use Facebook’s powerful audience segmentation to reach out to new Talented magicians people that want your services. don’t whine Talented magicians Avoid all the politics in the magic don’t cling community as much as you can. It’s a sad fact of life that there will always more Performing magic can be scary. It’s frustrated magicians than there are a bit like public speaking, except your successful ones. Sadly, this causes a lot audience is often trying to catch you out. of sour grapes. Throw in a performer’s That can make many magicians feel ego, the need for attention, and some afraid or insecure, and as a result, they showmanship on top, and you have a tend to stick to their same old effects drama in every direction.. and routines, never trying new stuff or Don’t get wrapped up in negativity which taking risks, even when they know deep can make you feel like complaining down that they have to keep fresh and about what other magicians are doing. change with the times. Instead, focus on your own goals and Don’t cling to the same material and always be positive. Don’t talk about presentations you have been performing what’s wrong. Talk about how you’ll for years, even when they start to feel make things better. stale. Part of growing as a magician is letting go of old ways of thinking and Talented magicians presenting your magic, so that you can don’t let fear hold stay fresh and current. This also goes for your marketing too. Try new things them back and reach out in directions that you have not tried before. Even if it’s scary, It’s easy to be afraid of uncertainty, it’s good for you. failure, or how other people might see us. So many budding magicians want Talented magicians to perform more, but they freeze up. don’t interrupt Maybe putting off taking action whilst they ‘decide’ or ‘research’ or ‘practice’. Next time you perform an effect and the audience reacts, try this: Just wait and This goes on endlessly… weeks, say nothing for 30 seconds. It’s quite months, and years go by until the plans hard to do. But brings huge rewards to of performing just become distant your presentations. So many magicians unfulfilled dreams interrupt their spectators’ reactions, so You need to tmodoavye.toDwoardssomyoeuthr idnrge,amnos and goals matter how tiny, that will take you one step nearer. 19

MY FAVOURITE TENYO We continue our series looking at Tenyo releases Dating back to about 1986, Match-Sticks is a clever prediction routine Effect: The magician displays four white sticks and four blue sticks. each stick has a number from one to four printed on it. With the numbers hidden, the magician sets aside one of the white sticks as his prediction. The spectator selects any blue stick and amazingly, the sticks match! This can be repeated over and over. In fact, the spectator can select both sticks and still they match. It must be magic! Match-Sticks is simple, ingenious and very effective. And you even get a small storage pouch to carry your sticks in! INVISIBLE DECK Michael Lewis continues his series looking at the Invisible Deck Produce a calendar then ask someone will be crossed out except one. Have him to select any month and ask him (or her) circle this date making four dates in all. to draw a square on that page so that Ask him to add the value of the dates it includes 16 days. Glance at the page together and to read out the total in a and write down your prediction. nice clear voice. This will match your Ask him to circle any number in their prediction. square. Next, ask him to cross out You had calculated the total when you any numbers which run horizontally glanced at their original square and or vertically with their chosen number. added any two corner numbers which Ask him to circle one of the numbers are diagonally opposite each other then which haven’t already been crossed doubled that number. out and cross out any numbers which You can then perform the kicker by run horizontally or vertically with their getting your volunteer to add the second number. value of their digits until a single digit Ask him to repeat the process a third is arrived at. You can then reveal the time. At this point all the numbers in their only card reversed in the deck matches their single digit. 20 20

WORKING SECRETS Phil Tilston continues his excellent series exploring one-line sayings “ahitIlafswnoydioll,husolouldhocakhavnaemosotahareewpr aanonlambdtjueeorcdartlaoinifbpjeteyhnoca.tu”t, Finger palm or classic palm an object and see how your hand looks in a This is pretty self explanatory and mirror. then hold another object in that explains why, for hundreds of years, hand, such as a wand or a sharpie, and magicians have used magic wands. you’ll notice that the hand immediately looks more natural. A further point is that laymen automatically assume you’re not holding another object in your hand! CASINO SCAMS Mervin LeBasse continues his series about casino scams In 2002, a near foolproof scam involving card counting enabled a gang to net more than $7 million. Targeting at least 16 casinos, it was the biggest casino heist in US history. A former casino dealer called Pai Gow John recruited dealers from different casinos and taught them how to perform false shuffles at the Baccarat table enabling them to predict how the cards would be dealt. Then Gow John hit upon another, more lucrative scheme which involved moving to the Blackjack table. An accomplice would play and also whisper instructions into a hidden microphone. Outside the casino, another member of the gang would input the information into a specially designed computer and relay instructions back to an accomplice who, in turn, relayed instructions to the player via hand instructions. They used the system successfully in more than 20 casinos peaking in 2005 where they took $868,000 at the Resorts East Casino in Chicago. The method was only revealed when one of the gang started to short change his accomplices some of whom who ended up as FBI informants. Truong was arrested after he was recorded explaining his scheme to officers an undercover sting. Truong, along with 46 co-conspirators were arrested on multiple charges and Truong was sentenced to 70 months in prison. 21

DUANE LAFIN Stage magician, Duane Lafin poses the question; Can you own too much magic? When I was still in the mail order business have the right tool for the right job. I view and sending out magic tricks across my props and illusions in a similar way. the country, I had several customers Recently I was asked to do four different asked me not send items to their actual forty-minute programs for the same home addresses. Instead, they wanted audience over the course of two days. us to send items to the homes of their That is 160 minutes of magic with no neighbours. Why? Because they didn’t duplication of effects or routines. want to hear their wives say, “Another It was a blessing to be able to put magic trick! How many do you need?” together the programs without problem. So, is it possible for a magician to own Plenty of work was involved in designing too much magic? and writing out the shows, but it was not If we are just messing around with difficult to pick out the necessary tools. magic, if magic is nothing more than Because of the many magic effects we toys to be enjoyed by those who are have acquired over the years, the tools supposedly grown up, maybe we can we needed were on hand. have too much. On the other hand, if we Since we view magic props as tools, are serious about doing magic shows, we continually seek to add to the if we truly want to use magic to bring “tricks of our trade” to ensure we have smiles, cheer and maybe a positive the ability to do what clients and show message to the public, maybe we opportunities call for us to do. cannot have too much of it. I suppose a point could be reached Consider a parallel question: “Can where we do have too much equipment, a mechanic have too many tools?” but it has not yet arrived. At the moment Vehicle repair shops typically are filled I am able to say, “Over the years, I have with tools but although they do not use used almost every bit of magic I have all the tools they possess on every job, ever bought.” Much of it has been used when the occasion arises, they need to many times. 22

If you are acquiring magic paraphernalia It is wise to sensibly build a collection simply because it looks cool, or because of great tools and add to the collection it would be fun to play around with, then when you can. But it’s also wise to you probably spend too much money resist the urge to buy something simply on things you don’t need. because it is new, or I don’t know how On the other hand, if you are thinking. it is done. “How will I use it?” or “Does it give me Next time you check out a website that means of doing something magical sells magic, or ponder an ad, or walk that I may need to do?” then you are into a dealer room, think tools rather probably not wasting your resources. than toys! BEN RICHARDSON Ben thinks about the presentation of mentalism I am always interested in the different good way of building up the tension. ways performers substantiate their But how effective is it when performing abilities when performing mentalism. mentalism? At one end of the scale there’s the I believe a “slight’ miscall can be Derren Brown approach where he often effective – “Are you thinking of the word admits it’s a trick but then wraps many ‘massive’ … no, ‘missive’”. of his effects with pseudo-science, often But the use of a total miscall – OK claiming the ability to interpret body when using cards – is not a great tactic language of his volunteers. for mentalism; “Are you thinking about At the other end, there are the performers someone called ‘Joan’?” when the who press the ends of their fingers into answer is Albert! their forehand, frown and, pretending We all think carefully about presentation to concentrate, claiming they really are – some more than others - but the reading the minds of their volunteers. subject of how you perform mentalism I recall the logic of a lecturer – was it is an aspect of your magic you should Luke Jermay? – who said he uses both pay particular attention to. approaches depending on the country he is working on. He said that he uses the former for more sceptical UK audiences and the latter when he’s in the USA. It’s one of the reasons Derren is so successful in the UK. I wonder if he changes his style when working across the pond? The truth is that the latter method is great when you know the majority of your audience believe that thought transference and mind reading is possible. But that’s all about taioring your act to the demographics of your audience. But it leads onto an associated technique – the miscall. We’ve all used the miscall, particularly when performing card tricks. It’s a 23

DAVID PENN John Gill reports on a “treat” of an evening at the MCM David Penn is a well-known and well- explanation, but he also provided a link seasoned performer and creator of at the interval to a half-hour tutorial on magic, specialising nowadays mainly fork-bending. I’ve always fancied being in corporate events. At about 35 able to do a routine like this, and will attendees, our regular room at the certainly be having a go now - I even Micker Brook was pretty well packed, bought a set of the liquid metal forks, including quite a few visitors. which are purpose made to ease the David advised us how we should get process. into the mind-set of the spectators, and make them want to see us, rather than RLaetferar cintiotnhe- evening, he demonstrated trying to push our way into a group of how to bend the stem of strangers. His philosophy is that the a wine glass. He advised using one first 15 seconds are the most important of the wine glasses off the table, so of the whole encounter. David’s that it matched exactly the other wine opening line is to tell the group “It’ll glasses in the room. He explained how be good, I’ll be good, and it’ll be fun”. once bent, he would sign and date the Rather than standing outside the group glass and place inside the glass such sitting around a table, he asks a couple items as the bent fork, a business card of people to move to one side and give or signed card used in a routine, plus him room, in order to “ensure everyone any other props he may have used. around the table will be able to see as This can then be given out to the bride well as you”. and groom, or whoever, as a souvenir. His first routine was a fork-bending routine which I found really entertaining The bent glass even gave him a gig as well as astounding. Not only did in Buckingham Palace! Mike Batt (of David go out of his way to give a clear Wombles fame) was his manager at one stage, and had one of David’s bend wine glasses on display in his office. 24

CATCH! We review a gimmick to enable help you to perform coin magic If you want to show both your hands empty then disappear – or produce – a coin, then this gimmick is worth a look. It’s well made and I don’t see the mechanism breaking in normal use. The gimmick is held under your watch so you can perform this with sleeves rolled up. The fact that you conceal the gimmick under your watch strap means you will need a reasonably sized strap. It comes with a 35 minute download video that covers the handling and also a load of ideas. It works with a variety of coins but ideal coins are US quarters and 10p pieces, borrowed if you want. The ideas on the tutorial video vary and while some are easy, others will take a CggrooeoiandttoafomGrloaSusinsgtnbeoudft tphCreaokcinetiystetoo. IPt owckoeutldabned No less than Queen Elizabeth II came this gimmick to see Mike Batt about another matter is to integrate it into other routines. Bear and saw David’s bent wine glass on the in mind this gimmick will not work with shelf, and insisted on booking David for larger coins such as US Half Dollars. one of her private parties! David showed us a couple of effects Costing less than £20, this is definitely using a PK magnetic ring, such as a worth a look so check the demo at bottle top appearing inside a glass Vanishing Inc. - then maybe check out bottle, or a closed safety pin piercing other reviews! a playing card within inches of the spectator’s nose. Again, he put up a link in the interval to another 30-minute tutorial on many of the effects which can be created using PK rings. oDfavhidisexcprleaaintieodnsh,owsuhcehdeavsiseMd yssotemrey Solved (a clear plastic box which could conceal a folded card) and how such ideas evolved as he played around with his creations. This in itself was fascinating to hear. There were many other effects, far too numerous to list here, which made for me a fascinating evening’s entertainment. If you weren’t there, you missed a treat.

MUSINGS Phil Tilston concludes his series about all things magical I’m thinking about which tricks I could ‘bend’ to make them Christmasy! It’s a bit early in the season, but if you’re going to do something similar, then you need time to develop and hone the effects. Card Sandwich – two elves find the missing present Card Force – Write different presents on blank faced cards and force a mundane tobject hen give it to them for Xmas. Chocolate Coins – Santa’s magic coin (one coin routine or just a production/ vanish, or a change of a real coin to a chocolate coin) Card Switch/Double Lift – a naughty child asks for a good present but as they have been naughty they get a lump of coal (or the other way around). Can be done with a blank faced deck that you have written good and bad presents on. OOTW - sort good and bad presents into separate piles. Ninja Rings – construct a story about families coming together at Christmas using the power of family and love. Peek – Santa knows what presents every person in the world wants... even you (despite the fact you longer believe in Santa). Last Two Cards Match – write different gifts on the cards and change the wording to “LAST TWO GIFTS MATCH” That was my last “Musings” for now but iIndtohuebnt ewxhteetdhietirotnheosf eMwagillicbeTilmasetst.houghts on magic, so keep an eye out for more MY MAGIC COLLECTION This is your club, your magazine, your contributions We asked what item have you bought and never used ... something you bought just because you loved it or wanted to add to your collection. I received just six answers. Come on, people… you must have something in your magic collection you can tell club members about. No need for an essay, a couple of lines will do. 26

MAGIC MEDIA MCM member Robert Ilich with more magical thoughts It is commonly thought that serious shop or magic convention - often have magicians should regard magic books a treasure trove of magic tricks in them. as being the best approach to studying Don’t let the book title “Magic for the magic properly. And l must say, l believe family “ put you off reading it. I have this to be true also. The only problem found some incredible mathematical is the one magic book l actually ever tricks in them and these small, 50p attempted to read from cover to cover paperbacks have some extraordinary and almost succeeded in doing so ,was material in them accompanied by short, the Bible of all card magic manuals, clear explanations. The Royal Road to Card Magic. Mind Today there are endless Youtube you, it took me almost one year of hard forums and magic podcasts showing graft to get through it with any real the newest magic miracles on offer, tangible success. The problem was yet there are still “never seen before” if you misunderstood a word, term or magic miracles to be found in old phrase then it stopped you learning the magic books that you can make your sleight or trick properly. In fact, I almost own. stopped reading RRTCM when l came The point is, don’t confine yourself to across the chapter on The Classic one type of media because“ never seen Pass. I am sure we have all been there. before” videos, books, and indeed live l still can’t perform that sleight but I’ve tuition, all have their place in learning found easier ways to bring a card to more about our craft. the top of the deck without breaking my fingers The point is, sometimes the printed word is not adequate enough to cover all the nuisances of a move when doing a flowing coin routine or complex card moves. Years later l bought Michael Ammar’s Easy To Master Card Miracles Series Volumes 1-9 and all of a sudden everything became clear. The written word and the visual demonstration became as “one“ so to speak. I still buy magic books however now l tend to look at chapters and routines that are not too long in explanation yet have an impact as a magic trick. For longer more involved tricks, I think seeing it being performed and then taught is a better way of getting positive and satisfying results. I also found that there are “old” small paper back magic books – the type you usually find in a second hand book 27

CLOSED CIRCLE We look at a very interesting trick from The Jerx This is a nice trick for a parlour situation With one killer and three victims, there but it would also work for a larger are 24 possibilities to account for. audience. I have edited it to make As the characters are “killed” you keep it shorter, but you can see the full track of the order in which they die. That description, including all the suggested will give you a three-digit number such patter, on www.thejerx.com as 412. The patter suggests characters but you can come up with your own... I EFFECT think Cludo characters would work well. You play the part of a detective and four The three digit numbers cycle and when people play characters, one of whom the appropriate number comes up you also plays a “murderer”. You make a make an insignificant gesture and your prediction. The four people draw lots prediction freezes. With 24 possible to determine the murderer then, one by outcomes, even the “worst” outcome one, three of them “die” leaving just one won’t take that long to be displayed. person, the murderer. You invite the murderer to read your You hand the phone to someone and prediction. It predicts who the “murderer” have them read out your prediction. is and amazingly, the order in which the murderer “kills” his victims. THE GOOD Once the initial set up is completed, you METHOD can perform this effect impromptu using This is an interesting trick that has only your phone. plenty of possibilities to build up play All decisions are freely made with no acting, interest, humour and suspense. forces or stooges. The hands off method will leave your You can create the scenario to suit your audience puzzled. act so there are endless variations... it all depends on your act. You don’t write the prediction on a piece of paper (who carries pen and paper THE BAD rDoruanwd Cthyecslee days?). Instead, it uses the At £99, it’s expensive so you might want feature of The Jerk’s app to check out what else is on the app. which was developed by Marc Kerstein. It shouldn’t really be performed while The app is expensive at £90 but there’s there is pen and paper to hand. a lot more in there than just this effect. You need to be able to act out the The Draw Cycle feature of the app story and pad out the climax while the enables you to construct and manage prediction is cycling. an index of outs. 28

NERVOUS BREAKDOWN Like Twisted Sisters? then you’ll like this review Nervous Breakdown, by Dominique Depending upon their choice, you might TDwuivsitveiedr,Siisstesrsim. ilar to John Bannon’s have to manage outs but it’s all covered You show a small plastic card wallet in the instructions and doesn’t impact saying you have four kings on one side the effect. and a prediction on the other side. You In conclusion, if you like Twisted Sisters, ask a spectator to choose any king. then you’ll love this effect. The kings and the prediction card are removed from the wallet and placed on the table. You spread the kings and show that their chosen king is reversed. You then show that their king is the only one with a red back. You turn over the prediction card to reveal an ace of the same suit and colour. Furthermore, the other cards weren’t kings at all, but aces! Finally, you show that the card holder is empty. This is a really strong trick and it’s pretty much impossible for a spectator to back track to the solution. When it first came out, you would have got a DVD. Now of course, along with the ingeniously gimmicked wallet and the cards, you get a link to an on-line video. Lasting less than seven minutes, the instructions are not great but watch it a few times and you’ll get the idea. It resets easily, and is almost self- working but you do have to remember the pattern. ENTERTAINING CHILDREN The series that gives advice to Children’s Entertainers Don’t ever buy a trick or prop on impulse. Only but stuff when you’ve considered how they will fit in with your show and your character (you do have a character, don’t you?) The effects you perform for adults will not work for children. 29

STEVE GORE PERFECT PARTNERS Amaze your audiences with another great effect from Steve, where two randomly chosen cards match perfectly. EFFECT There’s no set up, no reset, no force, no gimmicks, the pack can be shuffled You ask the audience if they believe in and examined before and after. They true love? That there is a perfect partner, can pick any name. It’s easy to perform a Mr or Miss Right for everyone? They and you will be amazed how clean this will in a few moments! effect is! You display a regular pack of 52 cards, which has a person’s name written on Preparation the back of every card (there really is a different name on every card). You give Laser print or simply write the names the deck to a spectator to shuffle (the on the back of the cards as per the deck is examinable). You take the deck table opposite, There is a male and back and ask them to shout out any female name to represent each letter male or female name they have seen. of the alphabet, Adam & Alison, Brian They tell you a name and this card is & Bethany, etc. All the black cards have found and set to one side, face down. a male name on them and all the red You then ask them to check that all the cards have a female name on them. faces are different. They now tell you a I explain my method of remembering second name. This card is found and the links later but if you find it’s a bit too turned over, let’s say it’s the 5 Hearts. much, I’ve also added a simpler way. You tell them that the perfect partner Remembering which name is linked or perfect match would be the other to each card is easier than you think red 5, the 5 of Diamonds. Given that because the first letter of each name every name and every card is different, corresponds to it’s place in the alphabet. what would be the odds that the two For example, the “Emma” card will be random cards match? Of course they the 5 of Hearts. “E” is the fifth card and just happened to pick two cards which the first 13 cards are Hearts. turned out to be “Perfect Partners”. 30

Performance “It’s important that apart from the names written on the backs of the cards, you “Do you believe in true love and that verify that it is a regular deck of cards, there is a perfect partner, a Mr or Miss that every single card is different and Right for everyone? I do, and if you that no two cards are the same.” didn’t before, you will in a few moments (As you say that, look for the other red 5 from now. We are going to play a little and cut this card to the top of the pack.) dating game with these cards.” “Now, please give me a male name that (Ask the spectator to shuffle the cards). you have seen.” “Please shuffle the cards and you will see (Find the chosen card and and put it on that every card has a different name on top of the deck, let’s assume it’s Steve). it, a mixture of male and female names.” Perform a Double Lift but hinge the (Take back the deck, spread the cards) cards along the long edge (see pictures “I would like you to tell me any of the below) and place the 5 on the table names that you see.” while tabling the deck face up. You are (Take out the selection, let’s assume it’s now set for the big finish... ‘Emma’ which you know is the 5H and place it face down on the table). ...continued over 31

PERFECT PARTNERS (continued) “As you can see Steve is the 5 of The Easy Way Diamonds. The perfect match or perfect partner for Steve would be the other red When the first name is selected, find the five, the 5 of Hearts, because they are card as normal but instead of working the same value and the same colour. out the card, hold the card by the finger However, what would be the odds that and thumb towards the spectator and ceovnersyidcearirndg isevdeirffyenreanmt,ethisatdiEffemrmenat and glimpse the face value. I came up with found her Mr Right.” has this idea when my mind went blank while performing and it’s the way I always do it. (Turn the ‘Emma’ card over to reveal Alternatively print a crib sheet and paste that it is the 5 of Hearts.) it to the card box. “I said you’d believe in true love.” Optional Extras Remembering the Cards Find out the volunteer’s name. If their name is in the deck, spread through Think of links to help you remember. the deck to show that all the cards are The ones I use are: O is 2 (mobile different, find their card and cut it to the network), C and P are 3 (C3P0 from top. Force that card and show it is their Star Wars). L is a Queen (L for a lady). name. It makes the trick more personal. T is 7 (they look like each other). V is 9 If you are performing at a wedding, make (9 volt battery). X,Y,Z and K,L,M (Dutch two cards with the couple’s names on Airline) are the picture cards. You’ll find and use the above method to perform a your own memorable links. trick they will remember. MITCH LAW REACHES OUT You may know, that I host a show called The Seventies Soul Show, which features music from my formative years. I needed some audio clips in an American accent and reached out to the magic community. I received audio clips from both magicians I approached – Duane Lafin and Tobias Beckwith. It’s just nice to report that the magic community always seems to respond for requests to help. SBhyothweownaYy,RyLoSu craadniocautcshinTghMey7T0u’sneSroautl 5pm every Sunday evening. 32

LETTER FROM LAS VEGAS Paul Stone continues his column about magic Stateside Like many thousands of magicians Milt enjoyed an amazing life, and his across the world, I was extremely sorry incredible legacy will live on. Only a to learn the sad news of Milt Larsen’s AwcoratusspaleAt wtohfaerddAasny,snuwbaehlfeAorrceeadhheisempyraeoscfseiMnivgae,gdMicaialtl passing. standing ovation. In short, Milt was the Magic Castle. I I was delighted that my close, and am sure there will be countless tributes long time friend Gaetan Bloom, from people a great deal closer to Milt received the Masters Fellowship. It is than I was, but from a personal point so well deserved. Gaetan has been an of view, I vividly remember meeting Milt innovator and performer for so many for the first time at the Magic Castle years, and he is one of the nicest men back in 1981. you could ever hope to meet. I had brought Ken Brooke to Los I take great pride in the fact that I was Angeles to receive a Performing the one who introduced Gaetan to USA. Fellowship from the Academy of It was also in 1981 when I brought Ken Magical Arts at the Beverley Wiltshire Brooke to the Las Vegas Desert Magic Hotel, and all the award winners were Seminar. I was the European Advisor invited to the Magic Castle. for the convention, and I booked all the We were warmly greeted at the Magic European talent. Castle by Milt, his brother Bill and Gaetan was a huge fan of Ken Brooke, Princess Irene. Their hospitality was who in turn loved Gaetan’s creativity second to none. and talent, and after introducing Ken to Over the years I had the pleasure of the attendees, I then introduced Gaetan meeting Milt on several occasions, for his first American lecture. It was a both at the Magic Castle and here in great convention, and I spent time with Las Vegas at various events, and he Gaetan and another good friend from was always interesting to talk to, often France, the hugely successful Christian about the latest project or show he was Fechner, who became France’s premier working on. movie film director. Milt was a visionary, and every magician Christian also put together a ground who has ever worked or visited the breaking illusion act for FISM, and Magic Castle owe him a huge debt of worked closely with Siegfried & Roy on gratitude. The Magic Castle has always their spectacular show at the Mirage been, and remains to this day, a unique Hotel & Casino. venue, and that is due without doubt to Milt Larsen. 33

PRO-TIPS Bill Abbott continues his great series of short, sharp lessons to help you become a better magician The average magic act has lots of ‘expendables’ such as mouth coils, flash paper, rope, cards, confetti, paper pads, fruit, hat tears, newspaper, sharpies, pens, pencils, (bent) cutlery, milk, paper cones, wax, lunch bags and snowstorms. They are all expendable items that take their toll on the environment and our pocket books. In my attempt to ‘go green’ I have had to rethink some of the expendables in my act. The recession has also been another factor in reconsidering the investment in things that will be trashed after a single performance. Question your expendables: • Can this thing be reused? • Can this expendable be replaced with something reusable? • Do I need to continue to perform this effect/routine? Be honest and ask yourself if you want add anything to your act that has an expendable involved? Is it cost effective? Is it good to the world we share? Is it sending a good message to our audiences and clients? Consider the expendables. MY FAVOURITE TRICK We asked famous magicians to name the best effect they’d seen performed by someone else. This time it’s the turn of Chris Dugdale. The best effect that I have seen someone else perform was at the Magic Castle in Hollywood. Phil CJaayrd(ptoicStuhroeed right) did a double signed effect which was, to this day, one of the greatest pieces of close up magic I have ever seen. Two cards are signed and lost in the deck and within a matter of two or three seconds are found in the performer’s shoe. The audience were absolutely stunned and to me it combined impossibility with clarity of effect and speed. Phil Jay is one of the world’s very top close-up workers and I am proud of my friendship and business relationship I have with this guru! 34

DEAN CARNEGIE Dean reveals an intimate secret about Houdini My friend, Steve Baker, told me a secret method described by Hattie Mooser about Houdini but made me promise was new to me and struck me as being I wouldn’t tell a soul while he was still very possible because it frankly made alive. It is only now, years after Steve’s sense. She claimed he used clay and untimely death, that I can reveal all! embalmers putty. The key or tool rested It concerns two good friends of Houdini; against his skin, then the putty was Hattie and Minnie Mooser. According to applied over that. The area, well, let’s the sisters, they met Houdini through just say near a very private area, would their brother Leon who was a theatrical be hidden from view because of where it agent. They claimed that it was Leon was, but it would also be hidden during who ‘discovered’ Houdini. While that any sort of frisking. This, of couse, was wasn’t true, he may have helped get before metal detectors so I could see Houdini bookings in the early days. the potential for success. It’s doubtful Hattie claimed to have worked as an that he used this method all the time, assistant and filled in for Bess during but according to Hattie, it was used by the Metamorphosis. And Hattie was Houdini for sure. with Bess watching Houdini’s 1923 The other sister, Minnie, made a hanging straitjacket escape from the different claim regarding Houdini, which Tribune Tower building in Oakland. I thought was interesting. In her own This, according to the Oakland Tribune words, “Yes, Houdini gave his wife Bess Newspaper, was when Hardeen had a word to use to call back his spirit, but young boys run through the crowd he did it to prove it could not be done. of 20,000 spectators handing out The truth is that Houdini spent his life pamphlets advertising his (Hardeen’s) exposing spiritualism.” Hattie added, appearance at the Pantages Theatre, “The whole idea of spiritualism is false. while Houdini hung upside down. Houdini wanted to expose that fraud.” Steve Baker met the sisters in 1967 and So, I guess all of these Houdini seances listened to them share story after story can stop because he has no intention of about their show business friends. But coming back! they spoke most often of Houdini. And in the course of the conversation, Hattie revealed something to Steve about Houdini’s methods on jail escapes. Hattie Mooser described a method that Houdini used to hide a key or a tool for picking locks during Houdini’s jail escapes. I have read other books that had ‘ideas and theories’, which may or may not have been accurate on how Houdini escaped from jails. Things such as a capsule containing tools he swallowed and later regurgitated, or a small bag of tools that attached discretely to the bed or chair within a cell. I have no doubt that Houdini used multiple methods depending upon the cell and various other factors. But this 35

PENN AND TELLER Tim Hogan reviews the dynamic duo’s visit to Manchester I waited for more than two years to see eating soup. This routine was very Penn and Teller. First Covid put paid clever and funny and, for me, was the to their tour and then Teller had health best part of the show. problems. I finally got to see them at the Penn did his showing how the cutting Apollo Theatre in Manchester in June the rope in two trick was done, again and it was well worth the wait to enjoy making it enjoyable with his repartee. their mix of magic, audience participation They finished the first half with a stage and comedy. version of slamming a hand on bags They started the show by asking covering nails, but used five dummies members of the audience to guess the in a wooden contraption. As numbers number of jelly beans in a jar. They picked were randomly picked, the heads were three amounts at random, did some smashed with a mallet leaving just one arithmetic and ended up with an average which, of course, was Teller. which came to 3,250. At the same time The second half involved all the a member of the audience took a pile of audience… as we entered the theatre, coins out of a bowl and counted them we were all given four cards. Penn and yes, as you’ve already guessed, the gave instructions to rip up them up and, amount was £32.50. Teller then did a after many moves, we were left with set where he was going to speak but it two pieces which, when turned over, included a noisy shredder which meant matched. Teller did his famous needles we couldn’t hear him! They then performed on a thread trick which what they described still gets gasps from the as a new trick but the audience. They finished instructions were in the show with Penn’s fire Spanish which Penn eating act. tried to translate but It was a very enjoyable got it all wrong, finally night with two greats of the producing a Monkey magic world and if you get chance, go and see them. 36

The Lighter Side Did you hear about the magician who bought his psychic wife a crystal ball? I don’t know what she sees in it? Loving a magician is ... … not false dealing when you play cards with her Magic Speak What a layman thinks when he hears two magicians talking: • Knife thru Coat - you’re planning a murder • Twisted Sisters - contortionists nuns A Funny Thing ... I was working at a casino and performed Invisible Deck for a man. When I’d finished he reached in his pocket and pulled-out a wad of hundreds and said “Take one!” And I mean a wad … thousands of dollars. I said “No, I can’t do that, it was just a trick, pretty easy to do, but do you want to see something else?” He put the money back in his pocket and walked me over to his friends and said “This guy is terrific, do something for my friends”. I did a ten phase Ambitious Card that ended in my wallet, with his signed card. In front of his friends, he pulled that wad of money out again (fanning it out) and said (the phrasing is important here) He said “Go ahead”.... Ibutotothkisthwreaes, one hundred dollar bills and said “The last trick was a trick.... skill” 37

The Magic Triangle N Spell out a 15 letter magic related word or phrase by moving from chamber to chamber. Start C Ianywhere, enter each chamber only once and only through the gaps in the walls. DOH MfoargicthTeimseoslu. tion in the next Look out TE E Iedition of Last edition’s solution: HS NAV SI STEBBINS COUNT

WHAT’S ON! I axvzxc vzxcv On-going Members of MCM Check out our new members-only Facebook page that has all the latest news and more! 10th July MARK BENNETT Mark brings a wealth of experience to the MCM, including seven years of real-life performing at the Smoke & Mirrors. 24zxcvz th xcvz July STEVE FAULKNER Steve is a multi-award winning magician who will bring his world class tricks and vast experience to the club. xcvz xcvill. 14th August WALT LEES A professional magician since 1966, Walt brings a liftime’s magical experience to the MCM with tricks that are sure to please. 4th September WAYNE FOX Don’t miss what is sure to be a great evening’s entertainment from the creative mind of Wayne Fox.

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