Lite

Issue No. 1

MORGAN
STREBLER
MAN OF STEEL
PLUS:
REVIEWS
MAGIC
FRANKENSTEIN
MAGIC
BURNOUT

Henry Harrius NEW KID ON THE BLOCK!

 THE OPENER

A WORD FROM THE

EDITOR
W
elcome to taster of what we included in the selection of some of the many opposed to the semi-skimmed,
Magicseen regular full version. product reviews from the May we are happy to invite you to
Lite! We’ll edition too. subscribe (details inside), as
admit that we So, inside you will find our feature then you will not only receive
are excited to article on cover star Henry Add to this interesting adverts every two months the full edition,
be able to offer Harrius, a whizz if ever there was from some of the more important but also get it a month before
you the chance to experience with Rubik’s Cube magic, and we magic suppliers from around the Lite version hits the streets.
some of what Magicseen is also get up close and personal the world, and we hope you’ll Subscribers also get 20% off
all about with this special with Morgan Strebler, who has agree with us when we contend every book order they make with
version of the May 2019 a very individual approach to his that this is an interesting mix. Magicseen too. But the choice
issue. magic life. Our intention is to provide a Lite is yours.
version a month after each future
Magicseen Lite is a digital only Dominic Reyes provides a issue is released, so if you like Either way, welcome to the
edition and can be downloaded thought provoking article on this one, look out for the next on Magicseen fold!
completely free! Inside you will how to prevent yourself suffering the 1st August.
find some of the contents from from magic burnout, we include Mark Leveridge
our latest issue (#86 May 2019), one of the routines from the Of course, if you want the full
providing you with a teaser and a Masterclass trick section and a fat version of Magicseen as

CONTENTS
A Word From The Editor ..................................5
Henry Harrius...................................................6
Masterclass....................................................16
Morgan Strebler.............................................22
Magic Frankenstein.......................................27
Putting Out The Fires.....................................30
Shawn Farquhar Live Review.........................31
Product Reviews............................................34

SUBSCRIBE AT: WWW.MAGICSEEN.COM 5

 HENRY HARRIUS

HENRY

HARRIUS

6 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE - LITE - ISSUE 1

 HENRY HARRIUS

FROM DREAMS
TO REALITY...
Trends come and go in magic. Very few endure. Not since the cardistry boom in the mid-2000s has the
magic world seen a trend as popular as Rubik’s cube magic. Magicians around the world have found
an affinity with the world’s bestselling puzzle toy. Amongst those magicians, there are a handful
who are leading the charge - developing new algorithms, creating ingenious gimmicks, and pushing the
boundaries of what we thought to be possible with the famous cube. Standing head and shoulders above
the rest is Henry Harrius. He has defined a genre of magic which shows no sign of slowing down.
Magicseen chats to HENry!

B
orn in New Zealand, his parents
moved back to their native Hong
Kong when he was two years old.
Henry grew up and still lives in the
bustling metropolis which rises
out of the South China Sea.

As we sit down to talk, Henry is relaxed,

bearing a warm smile.

“Henry Harrius is not actually my real name.

It’s my performance name. My surname is
actually ‘Chan’, so my birth name is ‘Chan
Henry Ling Yan’. I made up ‘Harrius’ years
ago because I wanted something that
was easy for others to remember. It’s very
common to do this in Asia.”

Before talking about magic, we are curious

to find out about Henry’s other interests, as
we’ve heard he’s a man of many talents! “I
love music. I sing and I play the guitar. I’ve
not had lessons - I’m self-taught - but I really
enjoy the process of learning and practising.

SUBSCRIBE AT: WWW.MAGICSEEN.COM 7

 HENRY HARRIUS

Magic is like my life.

Magic is me and I am
the magic. Some days,
I feel like if you took
magic away from
me, there would be
nothing left.

8 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE - LITE - ISSUE 1

 HENRY HARRIUS

My older brother (Levin Chan) is actually a

professional flautist in Hang Zhou, China. Magic became a vehicle for me. It helped me come
He’s absolutely fantastic and is well known
amongst his peers. I’m not as good as him, out of my shell. I became less nervous around
so perhaps that’s why I focused on magic”,
Henry laughs. other people. It gave me a reason to talk to
If you follow Henry on social media, it won’t
take you long to realise that he’s busy. Really
strangers, and to look at them in the eye.
busy. Quizzing him about his schedule, I
was hardly surprised to learn that the next
few weeks include trips to three continents, magic world. In this case, it was born out of a I would have turned out if it hadn’t been for
multiple private shows, a magic convention shy childhood. magic!”
and two TV appearances.
“I was an introverted child. I didn’t have Who was the first magician you saw live that
We ask how he is able to maintain such a much confidence and speaking to strangers really made an impact on you? Instantly,
gruelling schedule and remain so relaxed. made me really nervous.” Henry responds, “Tamariz. Seeing Juan
“Magic is like my life. Magic is me and I Tamariz’s performance at FISM 2009, in
am the magic. Some days, I feel like if you Then came along one TV special that would Beijing, was life changing for me. I was
took magic away from me, there would be change Henry’s life forever. young but I was completely attentive. In the
nothing left. That’s a good thing and a bad time I spent with him, I remember being in
thing and sometimes I just have to remind “David Copperfield’s TV specials in the a state of constant disbelief. Juan showed us
myself that it’s important to explore other 1990s changed everything for me. It was what magic is. It’s like he was whispering in
areas of life too. But I love what I do so it because of him that I discovered magic. My my ear: “Henry, do not forget this feeling: the
doesn’t feel like work.” Mum and Auntie bought me books and first time you witness real magic”. I’m forever
magic sets and like so many kids in that grateful for that experience and I have been
As we discuss some of his most recent trips, position, I became besotted by it all.” lucky enough to spend some time with him
to China and Russia, I am reminded of how since. For any magicians out there who
modest Henry is. He’s always the first to pay Henry continues, “Magic became a vehicle have not seen Tamariz live. I suggest you do
someone else a compliment and he effusively for me. It helped me come out of my shell. I everything within your reach to make sure
talks about the talents of his friends around became less nervous around other people. It that you do. It should be a pilgrimage for
the world. This combination of humility gave me a reason to talk to strangers, and to every magician on earth!”
and gentle confidence is seldom seen in the look at them in the eye. I often wonder how

SUBSCRIBE AT: WWW.MAGICSEEN.COM 9

 HENRY HARRIUS

...I spent 3 years,

pushing myself harder
than I ever had. Trying,
failing, and trying
again. You know what?
I still can’t believe I
actually did it
Fast forward fifteen years and the shy,
introverted young magician had become a
well-established performer in Hong Kong.
But Henry had his sights set higher. His
constant determination to better himself
was taking him all over Asia, performing
for a smorgasbord of prestigious clients. It
was not until 2013, though, that he began
to make waves in the magic world. In quick
succession, he won two large regional
competitions: The Hong Kong Close-up
Magic Open Contest and the Asian Close-up
Magic Association contest. Then came FISM.

10 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE - LITE - ISSUE 1

 HENRY HARRIUS
“Winning in FISM changed my life.” Henry
pauses. “It was a landmark achievement
in my life. I spent 3 years, pushing myself
harder than I ever had. Trying, failing, and
trying again. You know what? I still can’t
believe I actually did it. I stepped onto the
stage in Rimini in front of the best magicians
in the world, many of them my heroes. I got
to show the world my original creations and
my act. Even now, that whole experience
feels like a dream.”

However, the build up to FISM wasn’t as

glamorous as one may presume. Smiling, and
shaking his head, Henry sighs and explains,
“It certainly wasn’t all plain sailing! In the
days leading up to FISM there were three
huge challenges that I had to overcome.
Firstly, the week before I was due to fly to
Italy, there was a problem with my passport.
Suddenly, everything I had worked for felt
like it was crumbling around me. I almost
gave up. I thought I’d never make it to Italy
after all. But at the last minute, I got a call
to tell me that I would be able to fly! I was
elated. It was a huge relief… but there were
more problems to come.”
I’ve always felt that in Hong Kong, magic is
As Henry recounts the events, he reassures
me that it’s all true. “When I got to the not respected as an art. Culturally, I think
arrivals hall in Italy, I was informed that
my easel had been lost in transit. It was a people are more skeptical than they are in, say,
disaster. My entire act relied on this one prop
and now… I didn’t have it.” America. For that reason, quality counts.
(You can see Henry’s FISM act online) with anything. I have a real passion for so be brutal, but it has also created a thriving
many branches of magic: cards, coins, even community of highly skilled magicians.”
“I’d made it this far, so I was not going to mentalism.”
give up easily. So, the search began to find a Winter 2016 was a penny drop moment for
replacement easel. Trust me, it’s the sort of Riding the back of his success at FISM, me. We were aware of Henry, especially in
item that’s not easy to find in a foreign city! Henry was soon being offered scores of high- light of his FISM performance, but we had
But we hit lucky. We found a restaurant near end corporate events and TV appearances not met him. Out of the blue, we received
the convention centre with an easel that was across the eastern hemisphere. Before long, an email about a project he was working on:
perfect. The owner allowed me to test it out some of the world’s largest brands, including “Rubik’s Dream”.
but as I was doing so, he accidentally stepped Tiffany, Adidas and Ted Baker were all
on the Rubik’s mosaic. It was completely seeking out Henry’s unique skill sets. All In the Magicseen inbox was a YouTube link.
destroyed.” withstanding, being a profession magician in We clicked it, and we watched. Then we
Hong Kong was not easy. watched it again. And again. And again.
Laughing harder, Henry says. “Anyway, long
story short, in the nick of time, we managed “I’ve always felt that in Hong Kong, magic Henry had a created a gimmick that was
to fix it and my performance went better is not respected as an art. Culturally, I think so far ahead of anything that had preceded
than I could have hoped.” people are more skeptical than they are it that we were knocked for six. It took
in, say, America. For that reason, quality us back to opening a magic set as a child.
FISM 2015 was a year lauded for its counts.” Everything about it filled us with wonder
remarkable line up of talent. Henry finished and excitement. Rubik’s Dream was the
on the podium, taking third place in Henry is the most in-demand professional first in a line of products that had set a new
the Parlour category and receiving rave magician in Hong Kong, but he explains why precedent for Cube magic gimmicks. These
reviews from the thousands of magicians complacency mustn’t set in. “Hong Kong gaffs are hyper-realistic, expertly made and
in attendance. Overnight, his Rubik’s Cube is a large city with plenty of opportunities designed with professional magicians in
magic had become legendary. Little did he but amongst magicians there is a lot of mind- complete with full routines. In many
know the impact he would go on to have. competition. Of the 100 or so working ways, they are the ideal magic products.
magicians in Hong Kong, probably only
“You know, it’s funny looking back. I don’t 20 are able to make it their full-time living. Having never had the opportunity to ask, we
really see myself as a “cube magician”. I want Clients have such high standards that it really were intrigued to find out what had attracted
people to think I can do amazing things is a case of survival of the fittest. That can Henry to cube magic in the first place.

SUBSCRIBE AT: WWW.MAGICSEEN.COM 11

 HENRY HARRIUS
the inspiration for the routine came from.
“Many years ago, there was a Japanese master
(unknown) who invented an ungimmicked
cube toss solve. He taught it to Shoot
Ogawa. Shoot Ogawa then taught this to a
Singaporian magician, Jeremy Pei. Michael
Lam then learned it from Jeremy, and he
tried to create his own version. Later on,
Michael showed me his version. So, it was
Michael who introduced me to cube magic.”
Henry jokingly takes a deep breath…

“After seeing Michael’s solve, I was hooked. I

kept playing with variations to try and make
it better. Eventually, I developed my own
version, in which all sides are shown, yet
when you toss the cube into the air, it solves
itself. From there, it was my mentor, Alex
Ng, who pushed me to create a routine with
a cube.”

Knowing the controversy surrounding the

origins of the “Rubik’s Nightmare” routine, I
ask Henry for his point of view. In a dejected
tone, he responds, “It is a fairly upsetting
series of events. The abridged version is that
another magician decided to publish my
I think that cube magic appeals to magicians routine without my permission. This hurt
me, and I am told it even had repercussions
because it combines everything that we are at FISM Asia, where it was presumed that
my act was not original. Frankly, I don’t
already familiar with. A Rubik’s Cube is similar like to think about it anymore, but the story
does have a more positive ending I suppose.
to a pack of cards. I ended up using the circumstances as my
motivation to take my routine to FISM 2015.
Winning a prize there was a dream come
“There are many reasons. I had seen Usui true and validated the routine as mine. In

Quickfire
Takamiz, Garrett Thomas and Karl Hein. fact, that is why I decided to call my brand of
They laid the foundations for all of this, so I products “Rubik’s Dream”. If you work hard
owe an enormous debt to them.” for what you believe in, your dreams can

Questions
come true!”
Thinking for a few moments, he continues,
“I think that cube magic appeals to The Rubik’s Dream line of products are
magicians because it combines everything exquisite. Not only have Henry and his team
Favourite band? that we are already familiar with. A Rubik’s created a revolutionary set of cube gimmicks
Ummm…. there are too many! Cube is similar to a pack of cards. It’s that have redefined an entire genre of magic,
colourful. It has many possibilities. It can be but they have also manufactured some of the
Favourite food? shuffled. It can even be false shuffled! It also finest magic gimmicks ever produced. At the
Rice. has parallels with coin magic too. You can time of writing, Henry has just released the
put a shell onto it! For laymen, I think they Venom Cube which is the latest evolution
Last movie you watched? also enjoy the fact it’s a familiar object but of the matching cube plot. It is being hailed
Antman 2! also, it breaks the stereotype of a magician. by magicians across the world as the perfect
You don’t typically associate a magician with method for a routine that so many others
What three things do you a Rubik’s Cube.” have attempted. What is even more exciting
always carry with you? is that Henry is not slowing down. We ask
1. My wallet Henry pauses, chuckles, and quips, “well… what the future has in store, both for him,
2. My iPhone maybe you do nowadays. Cube magic seems and for the Rubik’s Dream brand.
3. My keys (a special version of the key to be more popular than card magic on
master) social media at the moment!”. “The most exciting things are still to come”,
he grins, and we laugh. And we believe
If you could have dinner Henry is most well-known for creating The him…
with any person from history, “Rubik’s Nightmare” plot. The premise is
who would it be? simple: you match the outcome of a freely *The full line of Rubik’s Dream products is
David Copperfield and Juan Tamariz. mixed up Rubik’s Cube before solving the available at Vanishing Inc.
cube as you toss it into the air. I ask where

12 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE - LITE - ISSUE 1

Nothing to learn or remember | Self contained | New and Exciting Visual Mentalism

DICEY BOOK TEST

A spectator has a free choice of one of three different
book titles. Two dice are used to arrive at a page
number in the selected book. The number arrived at is
written on a slate and then the numbers on the dice
are used to arrive at a line and word. The performer
then announces the meaning of the sentence and the
EXACT WORD arrived at by the numbers on the dice.

£135 Everything is supplied: Special Wipe Clean Slate and

+P&P Marker Pen, Special Books and Dice.

www.kovarimagic.com
1 Scotts Close, Stock Hammond, Bucks, MK17 9RQ England Tel: 01525 270536 Email: [email protected]
 THE TRICKS

MASTER CLASS
choose, which can generate some Remind the participant that they get

2 OUT OF 3 WILL interesting moments. You have a

great deal of space to have fun
a prize for winning, and offer them
the paper ball, stating, “This is for
Simon Caine during each round, covered as you you, and there is something on there
are by your outs. for you to say.” The participant will
(Extracted, with permission, from Abstractions, read the prediction as if it refers to
the lecture notes of Simon Caine.
See a review in issue 85, p.48)
5 At the conclusion there are only
four outcomes to the game:
You win all three games: in this
them, “I (the participant) will win two
games out of three.”

case, you have no need for either You lose all three games: Remind
prediction, the outcome speaks the participant that they get a prize,
The performer explains that he and the participant are for itself because you stated at the and suggest that they can have
about to play three rounds of Which Hand?, but that outset that you would influence them. whatever they want from inside your
he is confident that he will be able to influence the wallet. Gesture for them to open it,
outcome, even offering the participant a prize should You win two games: open up the and of course the only thing they will
they win. paper ball, and read what you have find is your prediction. The wording
written on it aloud yourself. “I (the on the prediction often gets a laugh,
A small ball of rolled up paper is hidden in either of performer) will win two games out since at this point the participant
the performer’s hands, and three times the participant of three.” feels like they got one over on you
tries to find the object. Regardless of the participant’s by resisting your influence, but you
choices, they are left with indisputable proof that the You win one game: in other words, now prove that you knew they would
performer knew what would happen all along. the participant wins two out of three. do that.

SET-UP and you get to guess where it is. If

You need to prepare two ‘outs’. you get it right, you win, if not, I win.
Take a business card and write We’ll play the best of three.”
on the blank back the following:
“Congratulations on winning all three
rounds. I KNEW you couldn’t be
influenced! ;)” Place this card into an
3 Take out the ball of paper, place
it behind your back, and play the
game. Whatever happens from here
otherwise empty wallet. onwards you are covered, so you
can really wring as much out of the
Now tear out a small sheet of game as possible with some fun
paper from a notebook, and write pseudo-influence statements:
(including the quotation marks): “Totally free choice, just choose
“I will win two games out of three!” whichever hand feels right to you”.
Screw this up into a small ball, and (If they won the previous round)
place this into a pocket. This is the “Don’t worry, I left you win that one.”
small object you will be playing the “Ok, just one game left.”Hopefully
games of Which Hand? with. you get the idea. Most of the
group should pick up on these very
WORKING obvious statements, and they get a

1 After you introduce yourself to the

group, place the not-quite-empty
wallet on the table and explain the
bit of a laugh seeing if the participant
‘falls’ for them or not.

game.
4 It’s worth mentioning at this point,
that although the participant can

2 “I’d like to play a little game with

one of you, but fair warning, I
will be trying to influence you. In
technically lose the game, it's very
important not to frame this as a
serious confrontational challenge,
fact, I think I know exactly what will especially if this effect is your first
happen, so if you win, you get a interaction with a group. It should
prize. Sound good? Excellent, so be kept light and fun. You can also
it’s very simple: I’m going to hide a involve the group by asking other
ball of paper in one of my hands, people which hand they would

16 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE - Lite - issue 1

www.DiscountMagic.co.uk Add a bit more

colour to your cards

ADVERT
Making magic affordable.

Decks from £2.00

each
Prices correct 24/3/2019. E&OE.
 Coming soon
Short Dark Tales for
Long Dark Nights
A very different new book from The Black Hart
Sign up for updates

blackhart.co.uk
“Beautiful to Watch.” - Doc Eason

A new
modern routine
by Danny Goldsmith

CopelandCoins.com
“THE BEST DECK VANISH THAT I’VE EVER SEEN.” “INCREDIBLY VISUAL AND CONVINCINGLY MAGICAL.”
DAVID BERGLAS CYRIL

VANISH A
BORROWED
DECK WITH
AVAILABLE NOW |
 MORGAN STREBLER

Morgan MAN
OF STEEL!

Strebler
For more than the last decade, Morgan Strebler has been touring the world with his
illusion show, and he has performed in Las Vegas for eight years. From largescale
illusion shows to mind-boggling PsychoKinetic close-up magic on TV shows around
the globe, he really is a one-man magic Tsunami! Graham Hey asks the questions

W
e meet for a coffee at the Shortly after seeing his show, I met my first absolutely invaluable in helping me hone my
Blackpool Convention, where magic mentor, Jeanie Williams. She had a craft. 
the instantly likeable fellow huge number of stage props and illusions, and
begins by telling me that he she let me use them all!  More importantly, “I was a ‘sponge’, and she filled me with all
grew up as an only child in she taught me how to present them on the finer points of magic and performance.
a small Midwest community stage with seamless choreography, classic She also taught me to think outside the box
of about 17,000 population. “My dad was techniques, and body language.  And, her and question the norm. In my early 20’s, my
an entrepreneur and my mother worked mantra stuck with me... ‘Always entertain second mentor, Franz Harary, came into my
in a state government position,” says your audience!’” life. As an international superstar, Franz used
Morgan. “I loved the outdoors, swimming, a ‘no holds barred’ approach to teach me
fishing, biking... the things that most But Morgan’s career has been much everything he knew about illusions, including
kids enjoy. But, I always was very creative more than skillful magic expertise – he is nuances and techniques very few ever see. To,
and absolutely fascinated by magic, acknowledged as a brilliant marketing man. I this day, I do Franz’s show when he can’t!”
entertaining, and performing!”   ask him if he always had a flair for marketing
and publicity? He laughs, “I learned early on, So, were you an illusionist from the start?
You started performing very young – what ‘Know what you know and know what you “Yes, during my early years as a professional
sort of stuff did you do at first? And who were don’t know... and don’t ever mix up the two!’  magician, I actually was a large-scale
the magicians that first inspired you? “In Keeping that truism in mind helped me avoid illusionist! To this day, I still perform them
the early stages of my career evolution, I many potholes in life - and motivated me to and have a custom, multi-million-dollar
utilised the simple props typically contained expand my knowledge in as many areas as show filling two tractor trailers. I got into
in a beginner’s magic kit.” He tells me that possible. I also soon realised great talent never mentalism and unusual, cutting-edge magic
seeing his first live magic performance left seen, enjoyed, and appreciated is wasted.  when the bottom fell out of illusion shows in
an indelible impression on his mind and So, I learned about publicity and marketing as Las Vegas. I will always love and be interested
sealed his decision to be a professional much as possible through several mentors on in all kinds of magic... and continue to push
magician. Says Morgan, “I was so fortunate the subjects.” the envelope by exclusively creating new and
to witness the artistry of the legendary Harry exciting areas of the art form.”
Blackstone, Jr.  His iconic floating light bulb So what were your strengths as a young
went right past my face. I was totally hooked... performer? And more importantly, what I hear you’ve also been doing acting, as well as
and mesmerised! made you different? “As a young performer, your magic? “Yes, in recent years, I have acted
I was very fortunate to possess supreme in several small movie roles and thoroughly
“Several years later, I witnessed confidence, a strong work ethic, and a enjoyed each gig. Honestly, I would like to do
David Cooperfield’s iconic artistry in Las boundless desire to learn and grow.  These are more acting going forward. It is a different
Vegas. His performance ensured big illusions rare traits to have at an early age. They were way for me to channel my pent-up creativity!”
would always be a key part of my repertoire. instilled in me by Jean Williams and were

22 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE - Lite - issue 1

 MORGAN STREBLER

I learned early on, ‘Know

what you know and know
what you don’t know... and
don’t ever mix up the two!’ 

SUBSCRIBE AT: WWW.MAGICSEEN.COM 23

 MORGAN STREBLER
When did you start performing in casinos the fact Criss was constantly using camera
and nightclubs in Las Vegas? “I started tricks and doing stuff no one could perform
performing there in 2003. Longer term live. I felt like it was deceptive to viewers
performance engagements included four and detrimental to the integrity of magic.
years at the Bellagio, two years at Caesar’s So, I challenged him. Our feud reached its
Palace, and another two in a variety show at peak when I got the cover of a magazine
the Hard Rock.” entitled, The Man Criss Angel Fears. It
went back and forth for a while. Finally, I
So where did bending steel come in to this apologised after realising it’s his career, and
– you created a big impact in this area… I was being petty.” You have to like Morgan,
Morgan continues once he gets a moment as as he says it how it is, even if it’s not in his
magic fans stop to say hello as we chat. “Years favour. It’s refreshing to interview someone
ago, I met an agent who gave me the following who ‘wears their heart on their sleeve’, and
advice, ‘If you want to work in Vegas, you Morgan reveals that he has bipolar disorder,
gotta have something different from every OCD, and generalised anxiety disorder. 
other magician!’ I went home, did some
serious soul-searching, and began bending Morgan is constantly travelling both
forks in a bunch of different and crazy ways. domestically and internationally and his
Gradually, one particular design/technique last two tours have taken him to London,
levitated above the others!” Thousands Amsterdam, Rome, Paris, Milan, Sydney

QUICKIES WITH
of hours of practice and refinement later, and New Zealand. “Being away from my
Morgan finally reaped the reward from the family is hard. I am always wishing they were
huge investment of his time, talent, and there to see and experience what I do. I’ve

MORGAN creativity. “The shock and awe of spectators

around the world validated I had truly earned
the title of the world’s greatest psycho-kinetic
been working globally for the past ten years.
And sometimes, I’m on the road up to eight
months a year.”
What are the key things (PK) metal bender!
you need to succeed in the What are you working on at the moment?
magic world? “However, my greatest personal satisfaction “I’m currently working on a new TV series
Never take “NO” for an answer!  And, don’t and pride came when Uri Geller, the scheduled to air next year.  I’ve got a new type
let anyone say you’re not good enough to celebrated illusionist, mentalist, and fabled of show percolating in my head and may seek
make it in this business!  As a kid from a metal bender, said, ‘Morgan Strebler is an out another permanent venue in the coming
small Midwest farm town, I’m living proof amazingly skilled performer, his acts look months... maybe back in Las Vegas.  That
an ordinary guy with a dream, willing to like they are straight out of The Matrix. would also allow me to spend more time with
work hard, and refusing to give up can Morgan is charismatic and uses his talents in my family. My sons won’t be young forever.”
make it.   a most convincing manner, he is a master in
combining his personality with his acts. If you You’ve had an amazing career, but are you
Off the top of your head, want to be astonished and entertained book happy with the way it’s worked out so far?
which performers have been him now! He will blow your minds! He bends He laughs, “I’m very happy with it!  Sure,
inspirational to you? cutlery better than I do!’” over the years I’ve made some mistakes. But,
Wow, there are so many!  But, to name a they’ve helped to shape me into the person
few... David Copperfield, Franz Harary, Have you always been a confident I am today. And, my career has given me
Peter Turner, and Michael Murray. person? “Yes, to a certain extent.  But, memories, professional relationships, and
obviously, my confidence has grown over the personal satisfaction beyond my wildest
Is there an area you’d like years with maturity, experience, and success. dreams as a kid!”
to move into which excites On stage, I’m in a zone.  It is a zone supported
you? by focus, passion for the art, and desire to So how has the magic and
This may be a shocker!  I would love to give entertain my audience.  In real life, I’m very entertainment industry changed over the
comedy magic a go!!!   goofy and play a lot of jokes on friends and years? “The amount of progress made in
family!” our industry is nothing short of mind-
Do you still have the booking boggling! The creativity and talent of this new
agency? You conceived a multi-million-dollar illusion generation of magicians is amazing. 
No, but I have a great manager, Dan show – was that for Vegas? Who were the
Hodgkinson! financial backers? “Yes, my large-scale, “Since the industry is constantly evolving,
custom-made illusion show was built in Las every magic professional must evolve and
Last great magic you saw Vegas for Vegas.  But, it was also designed adapt and grow... or one day be left behind. I
live? for both domestic and international tours in think all of these changes are driven by the
Peter Turner was phenomenal at Blackpool bigger venues and arenas. Always supportive entertainment appetites and preferences of a
in the Ruskin Hotel! in so many ways, my Dad funded the bigger and more sophisticated group of magic
construction of my illusion shows.” fans. And, per my personal experience, the
If you had a different next generation of young, technologically-
occupation, what would it be?  Many people remember all the publicity savvy magic fans will be the largest and most
I would want to be a veterinarian. I love regarding you and Criss Angel - and your demanding ever!”
and adore animals! challenge. How did that come about and
how was everything resolved? “I didn’t like

24 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE - LITE - ISSUE 1

 MEMBERSHIP HAS
ITS PRIVILEGES
WORLD-CLASS HEADQUARTERS, LIBRARY,
LECTURES AND LIVE STREAMED EVENTS.

ARE YOU READY TO JOIN US?

WWW.THEMAGICCIRCLE.CO.UK
 FRANKENSTEIN

WE ASKED WORLD MAGIC

CHAMP SHAWN FARQUHAR
TO PUT TOGETHER A MAGIC
FRANKENSTEIN USING THE BEST
BITS OF OTHER MAGICIANS….
THIS IS THE RESULT!

SHAWN'S
MAGIC FRANKENSTEIN

The brains of Jerry Andrus, the memory of John Gilliland, the humour and timing of Tony Eng, the mechanical
brilliance of Tommy Wonder, the story telling of Eugene Burger, the class of Channing Pollock, the
knowledge of Johnny Thompson, the hands of Cardini, the wonder of Doug Henning and the style of David
Copperfield… oh and my hair, since every great performer should have one obvious flaw!

Says Shawn, “I could have listed so many other great magicians and their
attributes but the list would never end. Some of the names may not be known to all Magicseen readers, but I had the
opportunity to meet all of them and they each gave me the same gift, their time.”

SUBSCRIBE AT: WWW.MAGICSEEN.COM 27

 Only once in YEARS do you witness a release to the
mentalism community that absolutely blows you away
and exceeds all expectations. Looch’s Article sets the bar
for the most fooling and practical system for predictions!
This utility device goes way beyond headline predictions
and also gives you the ability to devastate with a squeaky
clean Confab routine. Also, the ideas he presents and deep
thought involved in his teaching are top notch. I was
Innovative boutique mentalism for real-world performers, created beyond impressed by this product and give it my highest
by award winning UK Mindreader & Mentalist Looch. Each recommendation.
product is the result of years of professional development and Oz Pearlman - AGT Finalist : Praise for Article V.2
refinement, and is designed and manufactured to be used reliably
day in day out, creating powerful, exciting moments for YOUR
audiences. Visit the site today to receive Looch’s FREE
ebook ‘Negotiating Gigs’ and learn the secrets
Find out why workers trust Read My Mind. of negotiating with bookers to get the gigs you
REALLY want with the fee you deserve.

JOE MOGAR
Knives and Coins
www.joemogar.com

HAND CUT
STRIPPER DECKS
www.handcut-stripper
decks.co.uk
SUBSCRIBE AT: WWW.MAGICSEEN.CO.UK 28
 DO YOU LIKE
MAGICSEEN LITE?
Issue No. 79 Vol 14. No.1 March 2018 ESSENTIAL READING FOR ALL MAGICIANS Issue No. 80 Vol 14. No.2 May 2018 ESSENTIAL READING FOR ALL MAGICIANS Issue No. 81 Vol 14. No.3 July 2018 ESSENTIAL READING FOR ALL MAGICIANS

DOC EASON BRENDAN

CRIKEY, RODRIGUES
WE’VE GOT A
Still Propping Up
the Bar... Quick to MAGIC
NEW LOOK!!
Deceive SINGH
Our Man
In India
NERD ALERT!
It’s Fritz
Alkemade GEORGE
IGLESIAS
WHO’S
RIB
ALAKAZAM TICKLERS
THE KID? ACADEMY
COMEDY FREDDIE
CLASSICS DAVIES PUBLIC
THE
SPEAKING
SESSION

John Archer Morgan & West Luca Volpe

UP-CLOSE

BIG TALENT, BIG TOUR! YOUR FAVOURITE TIME TRAVELLERS! A LIFE OF LUXURY!

Issue No. 83 Vol 14. No.5 November 2018 ESSENTIAL READING FOR ALL MAGICIANS
Issue No. 82 Vol 14. No.4 September 2018 ESSENTIAL READING FOR ALL MAGICIANS Issue No. 84 Vol 14. No.6 January 2019 ESSENTIAL READING FOR ALL MAGICIANS

SHAWN
SHAHID FARQUHAR SHOW DON
JOHNSON'S
MALIK'S FOOLS US! A BIT OF
CHARACTER MAGIC
MAGIC BINGO VICE!

NOEL BRITTEN
IN THE BATH
ALYSON
HANNIGAN ARE MEL MELLERS
CAPTAIN KIRK
LOOKALIKES MAGIC BORIS WILD
NEIL ONE LINERS! CONVENTIONS MASTERCLASS
DOOMED?
KELSO POCKET THE GROUP
Mr Motivator! OF THREE
MANAGEMENT

Ryan Schlutz Mike McClean MENTALISM WITH BIG LAUGHS

Alan Hudson
COMEDY MAGIC AT HIS FINGER TIPS!
FIENDISH IN FLORIDA!
Photo: Sandra Vijandi

THEN WHY NOT SUBSCRIBE TO THE FULL VERSION OF MAGICSEEN

TODAY TO SEE WHAT ELSE YOU ARE MISSING OUT ON...

MAGICSEEN.COM
 MAGIC BURNOUT

Putting
Out The
Fires
How To
Prevent
Magic
Burnout
BY Dominic Reyes

70% of total beginners drift away from learning Some magicians are SO good at what they do
We’ve all seen it happen… magic within 6 months of ordering their first that it can be intimidating for new magicians;
You introduce a friend to the fascinating world of proper magic trick, book or DVD. The remaining they’re struggling to make ONE card vanish
magic tricks, and they get HOOKED. Suddenly, magicians tend to stay studying magic long term while other magicians are making TWENTY
they’re pulling out a deck of cards everywhere (5 years+). cards vanish.
you go. They’re practising their double lifts on
the bus, perfecting their coin vanishes at work, So the question becomes: how do we keep I know that this is something I personally found
and busting out their favourite tricks on everyone ourselves interested in magic for the first 6 difficult. I would look at all the complex sleights
they meet. months and beyond without getting ‘burnt out’? and moves and get frustrated that I was still
stuck on more basic ones. Your brain tempts
‘There’s no rush,’ you tell them. ‘You’ll burn out!’ Here are four of the most common mistakes you into thinking you’ll never be good enough—
But they don’t seem to notice. They carry on that lead to this problem, and the steps you can so you should just give up.
practising magic fanatically… until a few months take to prevent them from happening to you (or
down the line, they quit. someone you know). The key to avoiding this magic burnout is taking
it one step at a time.
This is a common—and worrying—occurrence
that happens ALL the time. Mistake No.1 If you want to be able to vanish ten cards at
Getting too caught up in the big once, don’t make that your initial goal. Make
People are introduced to the hobby and fall picture your initial goal vanishing ONE card—something
in love at first sight. They stock up on all the Something that can be overwhelming for much more achievable. Once you’ve got one
equipment they need, and get going. But it all new magicians (and cause them to quit) card down, bump your goal up to TWO cards.
becomes too much for them, and life gets in is becoming too obsessed with perfecting Then, make your next goal THREE cards, and
the way. their sleight of hand. They might watch a so on until you hit your goal of ten.
performance by a great card mechanic like
In fact, statistics from our research at the Richard Turner, and allow themselves to think Breaking your goals down into manageable
Merchant of Magic have shown that almost ‘I’ll never be that good’. steps is a great practice for not only magic, but

30 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE - Lite - issue 1

 LIVE REVIEW

There’s no quicker way to get bored with doing magic

than performing to the same crowd EVERY time. It’s
going to take the excitement out of magic for both
you and the audience.
life as a whole. It will help you avoid becoming they need to master it straight away. So they
overwhelmed by the ‘bigger picture’ and focus might spend a few hours at a time JUST
on making incremental progress. practising one single sleight.

SHAWN
This is basically asking for magic burnout to
Mistake No.2 hit you!
Learning too many magic tricks
without perfecting the ones you If you practise in ‘binges’ you’ll eventually get
know
This is another HUGE mistake, and the solution
will not only prevent you getting burnt out, but
tired of doing so, and you’ll gradually drift away
from magic as a result.
FARQUHAR
LECTURE
save you a whole bunch of money on magic too. The simple solution is to break your practice
You see, when somebody first gets into magic, sessions up into ‘little and often’ — maybe 30
they might learn a simple card trick. Once minutes a day as a starting point.
they’ve finished learning it, they try another one.
And another one. Before you know it, they start Bradford Magic Circle
buying tricks. They see something that looks Mistake No.4
cool, so they buy it. Before it’s even arrived in Performing to the same We know how brilliant Shawn Farquhar is
the mail, they buy another one. audience… day in, day out at performing, but how is he at lecturing?
There’s no quicker way to get bored with doing Well, there was a decent turn-out in Bradford
They learn tricks after trick, but they don’t ever magic than performing to the same crowd for a Friday night lecture where Shawn
stop to PERFECT them. So eventually they end EVERY time. It’s going to take the excitement demonstrated and revealed some brilliant
up with a whole pile of magic tricks they don’t out of magic for both you and the audience. effects for people of differing skill levels.
really know how to do. They have so much
magic that they forget how each trick works. This is unavoidable when you start out learning He performed his sensational ACAAN from a
magic when you only have close friends and shuffled deck – a truly brilliant effect and was
Guess how this makes them feel? family to try your material out on, but as you honest in his opinion of how long it would
progress—you really need to start mixing up take members to master. It was an amazingly
Overwhelmed. your audiences. devious method. Another effect which had
maximum impact was his DVD revelation. He
Yep, that key word again. It leads to magic Performing for new audiences is going to help showed a ‘blank’ DVD disc and placed it into
burnout every time.. keep you feeling excited and motivated about a DVD box. He then showed a selection of
your magic as you never know what’s in store Movie cards and a spectator was asked to call
It can be really tempting to buy trick after trick, or the reactions you might get. Each night is a stop wherever they wished. A genuinely free
but the best thing to do would be to focus on new night to impress and amaze—you get to choice. The spectator stopped on the movie
ONE trick at a time and master each one. experience that ‘WOW’ moment a spectator has Star Wars – he opened the DVD box – and
Once (and only once) you’ve truly mastered when they see great magic for the first time. And now the DVD disc was printed with the Star
each trick can you move onto the next. This will that’s a great feeling. Wars label! This devilishly clever, but simple
stop you getting swamped with tricks you don’t method would be a great marketed item – but
actually need. guess what – Shawn just gave the idea away.
So, in conclusion: This perhaps summed up the evening.
Another way to combat this mistake is make – Don’t stress about perfecting your magic
sure that you incorporate these tricks into right away. Break your goals down into A great selection of fabulous effects where
routines that you perform consistently. The more manageable steps and tackle them one by selling them was not the priority – in fact
you perform a group of tricks, the more natural one. Shawn hardly brought any items with him, yet
they will feel, and you’ll master them much – Focus on choosing ONE trick and mastering it he quite happily shared his ideas and thoughts
faster. Plus, you’ll be WAY less likely to forget before you move onto the next one. with the appreciative members. He has such
them. – Practise ‘little and often’ rather than in huge an enthusiastic demeanor and his explanations
chunks. and tips were fabulous - from easy, cool forces
– Vary your audiences to keep things exciting. to sleights and quirky production effects
Mistake No.3 all contributed to make a genuine five-star
Practice ‘binges’ To read further blogs such as this one on a wide experience!
Here’s another common mistake we see variety of topics from Merchant Of Magic, go to
beginner magicians make a lot. When they http://blog.magicshop.co.uk A fabulous evening was had by all!
discover a new technique or trick, they think Graham Hey

SUBSCRIBE AT: WWW.MAGICSEEN.COM 31

GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION NETWORK!

Get your product sold

throughout the world.

DEDICATED TEAM TO SERVE YOU!

Our friendly and knowledgeable
team is here to personally handle
our dealer and vendors’ needs.
OVER 12,000 PRODUCTS!
With 16 years of buying experience,
we find the best products available.

WWW.MURPHYSMAGIC.COM
1.800.853.7403
 THE REVIEWS

WHAT’S HOT
WE TAKE A LOOK AT

h a t ' s n o t !
an d w
The second plus point is that the the lid is placed on, more than Kennedy original, this will serve the
box is constructed in front of the makes up for it. At the end of the purpose very well. ML
spectators as the four pre-created trick you can break the box down
sides are openly clipped into the into its six pieces again which is
base and the lid is then placed on. not only disarming, but which also WHAT’S HOT: innocent
When a folded playing card then makes it practical to drop into looking, novel prop that works
appears inside moments later, it a pocket. For this reason , the well and is extremely practical
seems all the more impossible routine will work in walkabout or at for working performers
because of the fact that the box tables as there is no reset and it is WHAT’S NOT: if you can’t or
was constructed in full view. easy to carry around. don’t want to risk a Mercury
Fold you will need to routine
The 30 minute online instructional A lot of thought has gone into the the effect so that you can fold
video shows Dave Bonsall from design and manufacture of The the card more easily, such as
PropDog demonstrating the effect Mystery Blox and I think that if you behind your back
THE MYSTERY BLOX and then carefully going through are looking for a highly portable RATING: 80%
Steven Macrow and Nicholas everything you need to do to and novel version of the John
Dakin construct your box from the loose
Available from: pieces that he supplies. One of the
www.propdog.co.uk box sides, where the gimmick is PK touch, PK Whisper and PIN
Price: £49.99 sited, is already made for you, as is revelation to name just a few.
the special lid. So your first one-off
task is to make up the other three QR codes are printed at the start
Many years ago I bought a John sides of the box. Once these are of each effect should you wish to
Kennedy Mystery Box, the original put together you will only have to watch Jamie perform.
wooden box inside which a folded clip them into the base each time
signed card appeared to magically you perform. The book is nicely designed
arrive. The box was cleverly although I did find it a little hard to
gimmicked and examinable at the You are also supplied with extra CONNECT read at times as most of the text
end of the trick and I used it in my raw materials to make additional THE DOTS is written in capital letters. Hidden
close up work for a few years. gimmicks. On the video Dave Jamie Daws clues within the book allow you
explains how this is done in great Available from: access to two extra routines if
Since that time there have been detail and although you may not www.jamiedaws.co.uk you 'Connect The Dots' should
several attempts to improve and/ need this straight away, in the Price: £40 you be clever enough to figure
or change the original concept, fullness of time it may be necessary them out.
including a number of clever to construct a new gimmick if the
transparent box versions. But now, original gets damaged or dirty. Connect the Dots is a collection This may not be the largest of
PropDog are offering yet another of 10 brilliant routines from the books but it's definitely full of
variant, this time featuring a box Dave also goes through a standard mind of Jamie Daws. gold and worth every penny of
made from Lego bricks! routine to use the box with - the its cover price. You won't be
ability to do a Mercury Fold of the I love Jamie's thinking. There really disappointed! PS
The advantage of constructing signed card would be necessary if are some great routines in this 100
the box from Lego is twofold. you want to do the cleanest effect. page soft-backed book. I'm not
Firstly, Lego bricks are universally sure I would perform every effect WHAT’S HOT: Collection of
recognised, as anyone who Although the entire box is not but I'm going to give the majority brilliant effects to get stuck into.
has children will at some stage examinable, the fact that it is put of them my full attention. WHAT’S NOT: A little hard to
no doubt have boxes full of the together very openly in front of read due to being typeset in
bricks at home. So the bricks are the spectators and can be clearly The effects range from a Sharpie capital letters
automatically above suspicion. shown to be empty right up until suspension, DIY peek envelope, RATING: 85%

34 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE - Lite - issue 1

0-20% = VERY POOR | 21-40% = A BIT WEAK | 41-60% = REASONABLE | 61-80% = GOOD | 81-100% = EXCELLENT THE REVIEWS
the effect followed by a long
amount of substance that can be and ever widening tail of vivid
produced from them is too little memory carried afterwards – a
to be visible, or to look in any way phenomenon he calls “The Comet
impressive from a distance. Effect”. The book sets out how
that memory can be enhanced,
When I first looked at and handled describing how the recording and
the cups I thought perhaps this transfer of experiences into long
was a trick designed for child term memory can be influenced,
magicians just starting out. The including erasure and creation of
AMAZECUPS plastic cups themselves remind THE MAGIC false memories.
Danny Orleans one of the sort of cups supplied RAINBOW
Available from any Murphy’s retailer for the cups and balls in mass Juan Tamariz The “curve of interest” is a
or dealers contact marketed magic sets. But as I Hard back with dustjacket, 594 diagram plotting the level
www.murphysmagic.com mentioned above, you need an pages of audience interest as time
Price: £18.00 adult sized hand in order to work Available from YFD unfolds, the aim being to build
the effect, and a child’s hand would Price £125 interest steadily to the magical
be too small, so unfortunately I climax followed by an enjoyable
AmazeCups comprises of three don’t think the trick is even suitable resolution. All aspects are
gold coloured plastic cups for this purpose. Juan Tamariz is an extraordinary explored, from simple things
measuring 6cm high and 5cm artiste. If you have only seen short that interfere (unnecessary
in diameter. The stacked cups The instructions come in the form video clips of him being manic process, poor visibility), through
can be shown one at a time to of a 5 minute online video in which and playing his invisible violin you to presentational techniques that
be genuinely empty, and then Danny Orleans painstakingly may have classified him as “zany”. elevate the curve. It is typical of
moments later one of the cups goes through the very simple If you have experienced a live the thoroughness of the book
can be shown to contain coins, or handling. You may not think that performance it is likely that you that under the topic of “Pauses”,
confetti, or rice, or salt, or...well, a 5 minute video is that much, were transported to that elevated their length, nature and impact
basically anything that will fit inside. but actually it’s really way more state that he terms “The Magic are discussed in detail at each
The method is simple in concept than is needed. Half a page of A4 Rainbow”. stage of a trick’s presentation –
and the gimmick supplied is totally written instructions with a single including before, during and after
invisible at the conclusion of the line drawing would have given as He is a national star in Spain and the climax.
trick, even though nothing needs much as Danny’s slightly laboured highly regarded in the magic world
to be stolen away. However, you explanation, to be honest. but only parts of his thinking on The dangers and opportunities
do have to create some cover with presentation and plot construction of comedy in magic are explored
your hand at the outset of the trick, So, to sum up, there’s nothing has been available in English in detail, in particular the impact
and so if you have small hands, wrong with this in that the method (notably The Five Points In Magic on the curve of interest. Similar
you may find you have some is practical, the gimmick is well and The Magic Way). We have had consideration is given to the
difficulty using this prop. made, and the instructions explain to wait a long time for his magnus role of drama and storytelling.
everything that you need to know. opus to be beautifully translated by The final substantial section
This effect is part of Vanishing Inc’s The trouble is, I feel that this is a Rafael Benatar. describes the thinking that goes
Amazekids range, which I assume principle looking for a better trick, into constructing a magic act
from the name contains effects as the one supplied is massively Juan’s language and imagery are of different lengths. Interwoven
suitable for children’s shows. The underwhelming, and it is hard to highly poetic and metaphorical and throughout the book are shorter
limited plot for this set of cups imagine anyone performing this this could be a barrier to Anglo essays and observations that are
(basically there is only one brief anywhere in earnest. I suspect that Saxon, no nonsense readers! Rest all intriguing and inspiring.
trick you can do with them - show if you buy this it will be one of those assured though that while some
the cups empty and produce the novelties that will find a place in the sections do fly and soar, giving This book will give you an insight
contents) means that it would be back of your magic cupboard next insight to the author’s visionary into the thinking of one of magic’s
hard to make any sort of routine to the pile of other purchases that inner world, the majority of the greatest living artistes, open
of interest to a kid show audience also seemed like a good idea at the book presents complex ideas whole new ways of seeing our
out of it. In which case, I’m not time. ML methodically and in a clear, well art and also give some very
altogether sure who this trick will structured manner. practical pointers to improving
appeal to and where it might be performance. CP
used. WHAT’S HOT: cups are well Starting with a detailed analysis
made and allow you to perform of the experience of magic he
On the packaging it states that the effect without sleight of moves on to explore the deep WHAT’S HOT: a clear and
AmazeCups is ‘great for close- hand appeal of classic plots, proposing thorough exposition of many
up, platform or stage’. Well, WHAT’S HOT: the plot is that they link to universal human aspects of the art of performing
it’s certainly not suitable for one dimensional and not that longings. This theme is explored magic from one of our greatest
commercial close up, although interesting, the video is total in an appendix with suggested living performers. Beautifully
you could present it in a close up overkill, and the price is quite symbolism for well known card translated. Many new and
show if you have somewhere to high for the use that it is likely magic. exciting ideas
store the stack of cups out of sight to be to you WHAT’S NOT: some soaring
before you begin. For platform and RATING: 38% At the heart of the book is the metaphorical passages may jar
especially stage I would think that spectator’s experience of magic, with less poetic readers
the cups are rather small and the the initial starbust impact of RATING: 95%

SUBSCRIBE AT: WWW.MAGICSEEN.COM 35

 THE REVIEWS
onto a handkerchief and then the main part of this routine,
picking it up, but you still have to because Javi’s thinking in terms of
get rid of the debris before you can the presentation and handling is
repeat it, which makes the routine excellent. Once you have watched
far less practical for a commercial Javi’s explanation, don’t feel
setting. disappointed that it is perhaps
not as radical a departure from
You are supplied with enough previous versions as you might
thread to perform the trick multiple have imagined, instead just go
times and the instructions are back and watch one of the dems
supplied via an online video which again and remind yourself of how
is broken down into sections strongly this plays. ML
showing three dems, the materials,
that the thread visibly disintegrates the set up, and the full handling. As
EL HILO completely into a white dusty far as I could see, there is no way WHAT’S HOT: the routining
Javi Benitez powder which pours over the table to download and keep the video and presentational emphasis
Available from: top. footage, so you are actually only is excellent, and the main
www.ellusionist.com buying access to the instructions, part of the trick is suitable for
Price: £40.00 So, plus point first. Javi has worked something which I always worry commercial work as long as
out the handling very carefully and is unfair to the customer as the there is a table the spectator
has created a presentation that supplier can ‘switch off’ the video can lay the pieces out on
The Gypsy Thread is a wonderful will convince the spectators that at any point they like in the future WHAT’S NOT: the extra
piece of close up magic ‘theatre’ the performer plays no substantial leaving the customer with no video ending is a fuss and I think
and in the right hands it can create part in making the trick work. The reference. clutters the purity and strength
both a strong magic effect and a audience will ‘remember’ that a of the first part of the trick.
memorable magic moment for the spectator broke the thread, rolled If you like the Gypsy Thread The video should either have
spectators. You only have to watch it up into a ball, and then pulled it as an effect, and you want to been downloadable or a DVD
the late Eugene Burger and his back open to reveal the restoration. perform a clean handling at tables supplied, especially at the price
masterful presentation to see how This is very good. If you watch (it won’t work for walkaround asked
this simple effect can be built up any of the video dems of Javi circumstances), I would certainly RATING: 65%
into a minor miracle. performing the trick, you will see consider learning and performing
how convincing this is.
Spanish magician Javi Benitez
has taken this classic of close The extra ending with the thread digit from the total is memorised.
up and by dint of some changes turning to dust I didn’t like at all. You instantly know the number they
in presentational emphasis and To me it felt like an unnecessary are thinking of.
a careful choreographing of the distraction from the audience being
moves, created a version in which allowed to enjoy the strength of Effect two: Four 7s are typed into
the impression is given that a the main part of the routine. It was the calculator. Using just your
spectator does everything! noticeable to me on the dem where fingers you are able to wipe off the
he is performing to lay people digits one by one. This is brilliant!!
A spectator rips the thread into outside a cafe or restaurant, that
lots of small pieces and lays them their applause was very strong and Effect three: Using the stopwatch
all out over the table. This enables enthusiastic after the restoration, EXPERT PHONE on a phone you find 3 chosen
everyone to see that the length but much less so when the thread TECHNIQUE cards. When the timer is stopped
of thread has been completely was crumbled - it looked like Robert Ramirez the cards match the exact time,
destroyed. The helper than collects they didn’t understand why this Available from even down to the milliseconds.
the pieces up and rolls them into afterthought was being done, and www.robrammagic.com
a ball which is placed in full view I agree with them. I think it dilutes Price: £30/$40 Effect four: A friend is called on
on the table. Showing his hands the impact of the first part of the the phone who is able to tell which
genuinely empty (and they really trick by creating a messy and Late on the Sunday night of this card has been selected 3 times
are), the performer picks up the unnecessary extra finish. year's Blackpool Magic Convention under impossible conditions.
ball and teases out one end of the I had the pleasure of seeing some
thread package. The spectator If you want to perform the second amazing iPhone magic performed I love this kind of magic. The
takes this and when he pulls, the phase of the routine, you will by Robert Ramirez in the Ruskin download is well explained and the
thread is seen to be completely need to prepare some ‘balls’ Hotel. I had no idea how he was effects are easy to do. If you like
restored. from the materials supplied. doing the things he was showing the look of the trailer then I would
There are enough to last for 24 us I just knew I wanted to learn recommend you click the buy
Performed exactly as Javi performances. However, the them. Now for the first time Robert button! PS
suggests, this is a very strong crumbling creates a mess on the is offering four of his routines to the
handling, but he then has added table and all over your fingers. masses on this download release. WHAT’S HOT: brilliant routines
a further embellishment, in which This is not good when you are using mobile phones
the magician balls up the thread supposed to be using this effect Effect one: A spectator types a WHAT’S NOT: Some of the
again and holding it between his when table hopping. Javi does number into a phone's calculator effects only work on an iPhone
finger and thumb, crushes it so suggest crumbling the powder and multiplies it several times. One RATING: 80%

36 MAGICSEEN MAGAZINE - Lite - issue 1

0-20% = VERY POOR | 21-40% = A BIT WEAK | 41-60% = REASONABLE | 61-80% = GOOD | 81-100% = EXCELLENT THE REVIEWS
all 20 minutes of the explanation. the self-working magic that is all the lot of handling going on, and the
This is primarily a small packet rage right now. envelope seemed not to integrate
trick, although it also uses a deck. into the action smoothly. Why a card
Now I bow to no one in my liking As with all the best packet tricks, in an envelope? It’s certainly not a
for packet tricks, I love playing with Andy Smith has managed to pack prediction. And why does it sport an
them and seeing what the originator a lot of effect into a small packet. odd coloured back?
has managed to pack into a four You show four Jokers pretty freely,
card packet. But it is increasingly and an envelope. Someone picks The whole things smacks to me
challenging for an originator to come a card, say a black ten, whereupon of another packet trick developed
up with a packet trick that is not the Jokers change to match that by a card enthusiast, who comes
derivative – usually highly so. As you card - four 10S. The four cards up with a variant of a variation
GUARANTEED WIN work through it the thought springs then become AS, KS, QS, 10S, of… something else. I wanted to
Andy Smith unbidden into your mind that and when the envelope is opened like it more than I ended up doing,
Available from any Murphy’s retailer something similar has been written it reveals an odd backed card that because that succession of changes
or dealers contact about or released before. completes the royal flush in Spades. is pleasing to the eye. I just think
www.murphysmagic.com So this is a cross between a Wild it’s a long and winding road to get
Price: £14.99 It is portrayed as easy to do, which Card and a Poker Deal. there. BG
implies a semi-automatic beginner’s
trick, but this is rather disingenuous. My DVD froze three times (in WHAT’S HOT: the succession
At that magic moment of You will find yourself including a different places) and don’t you think of changes is a crowd-pleaser.
anticipation when you eagerly open DL, Mirage Count, Flushtration these silver discs are starting to Introducing a gimmick card
the new product that’s dropped Count, force and half-pass or KM seem positively antediluvian? It’s helps remove what would
through your letterbox, there are Move (which amounts to the same very clearly explained, in a double- otherwise be a rather move-
three eventualities that make my thing). The originator seems very act between Andy Smith and Think heavy sequence. And it’s priced
heart sink. One is a card thing for comfortable with handling a deck Nguyen. It’s Alakazam, so the as a plaything.
which you get a length of elastic of cards, so I infer that he is a card production values are superb. And WHAT’S NOT: it’s nevertheless
thread or magnets; another is a enthusiast, but the designation of if you register your purchase on a little heavy-handed in the
card with sticky stuff on it; the third ‘easy to do’ is a relative term that the Alakazam site, as always you sequence of moves required.
is a DVD tutorial. exists in the eye of the beholder. gain access to any follow-ups or That half-pass grates. As
different handlings Andy Smith or his Andy Smith already gave into
So it was with a heavy heart that There’s a lot of handling going on purchasers come up with. the temptation to employ
I opened Guaranteed Win, Andy here, so this isn’t an effect where gimmicked cards to ease the
Smith’s (of Alakazam) first release, the gimmicked cards do the I had mixed feelings about this. action, perhaps another gimmick
to find two of these three awaiting work for you. It will be within the The successive changes certainly (or reworked handling) would
me. Sure enough the DVD was capability of anyone familiar with look magical, and I’m sure it will replace this, the weakest spot in
faulty and froze a couple of times, card work, but I wouldn’t give this to have a spectator taken aback. But the entire handling?
but eventually I managed to watch a beginner, or a punter who favours that comes at a cost. There is a RATING: 66%

pass that is invisible from an angle The printed DVD cover wisely
that is slightly above and just to describes the performance angle as WHAT’S HOT: soft, gentle
the right of the performer. This is 90 degrees. pass, beautifully executed,
achieved by a motion that keeps invisible from a specific
both packets parallel to each other The accompanying PDF, most viewpoint. Ideal for video
and is covered by a forward and practically downloaded via a QR performance
backward squaring motion. code, is written in a highly informal WHAT’S NOT: poor angles
blogging style and does not really RATING: 45%
The video starts with an overview add much to the video. CP
of the principles Zee followed in
developing the pass, in particular
the desire to avoid tension and
tell tale flashes. This resulted in a © Sergey Diomin
slower smoother execution. The
explanation is ultimately quite clear
and the camera work good.
CLASSIC PASS Z
Zee Any diligent student of the pass will
Available from any Murphy’s have encountered the problems
retailer or dealers contact with flashing that Zee outlines and
www.murphysmagic.com his approach to soften and slow
Price: £17.99 the action, rather than depending
on speed, is sound. This particular
solution, of keeping the packets
This 15 minute video parallel to each other solves some
demonstrates a soft, gentle classic angle problems but creates others.

SUBSCRIBE AT: WWW.MAGICSEEN.COM 37

 GREAT NEWS! Lite
Advertise in Magicseen
Lite from a little as £25

MAGICSEEN LITE is available to EVERYONE

4 weeks after the printed version of the
magazine is published and it is
When twenty-something James Valentine distributed extensively worldwide!
pays an unscheduled visit to a fortune teller
in Whitby, he is told that he’s going to meet Now is the time to let your advert reach
three women that will influence his life in
ways that he could never imagine! 50,000+ readers
ALL FOR THE PRICE OF A PACKET TRICK!!!
It’s the fabulously funny story of a struggling
magician trying to find true love somewhere ADVERTISING RATES
amongst the gay bars, working men’s clubs and
cake shops of a West Yorkshire town. Half Quarter
Full Page Page
A fruit cake, an International drugs dealer and
Page
the Heimlich Manouevre play pivotal roles in
this tale of romantic failure set in the £75 £45 £25
un-glamourous locale of Huddersfield.

AVAILABLE FROM AMAZON UNBELIEVABLE VALUE

AND ALL GOOD BOOK SHOPS! For more information or to book your advert space contact:
[email protected]
Telephone 01392 490565
www.magicseen.com
 Murphy’s Magic is proud to announce

• Ultimate Ambition Improved

• The Amazing Acrobatic Knot
• The Enchanted Cube
More Coming Soon!

Discover the Magic of a True Master Magician…

• FISM World Champion, Gold • 6 Academy Awards from the Magic Castle
• Performed at the inauguration of President George Bush
• Voted one of the 100 most influential magicians of the 20th century
• Plus numerous other awards

Each of package includes:

• Incredible effects with high quality gimmicks
• Original detailed instruction by Daryl
• Additional handlings by Greg Wilson

AVAILABLE AT:
Hocus Pocus
RP Magic WWW.HOCUS-POCUS.COM Pegani
WWW.RPMAGICSHOP.COM WWW.PEGANI.COM

Piper Magic
WWW.PIPERMAGIC.COM.AU
Magic
MJM Magic Warehouse
WWW.MJMMAGIC.COM WWW.THEMAGICWAREHOUSE.COM

MURPHY’S MAGIC
EST 1998