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Paul Stockman – Connected

What They Say
For over a decade, Paul Stockman has been extremely busy performing his unique and fascinating style of psychological entertainment all around the world. Appearing at almost two hundred events every year Paul is in constant demand and is a consummate and professional entertainer in every sense of the word. From intimate, high-end celebrity gatherings to full evening theatre shows for two and a half thousand people, Paul has performed in virtually all situations possible.

“Connected” is Paul Stockman’s DVD debut and showcases some of the finest modern mentalism in the world today, seamlessly blending deviously clever methods and engagingly entertaining plots this double DVD set is certain to become a must-see for all stand-up performers.
Shot in front of a live audience, the DVD opens with a full fifty-minute stand-up show that features some of Paul’s favourite routine and ends with a revelation that is destined to go straight into the act of so many performers immediately!

“Connected” is a clear example of how Paul Stockman has become one of the UK’s leading psychological entertainers and on this DVD, Paul shares with you his wealth of experience and knowledge that can only be gained over hundreds of performances as each section of the show is broken down and explained with the assistance of Peter Nardi.

“Connected” is not just a collection of effects, it is a professionally structured show that is taught in full detail from beginning to end and includes tips and advice on scripting a show, structuring routines and keeping it entertaining as well as captivating.

Difficulty Level (1-Easy, 5-Advanced)
1-2 – Most of the methods used here will be familiar to mentalist performers!
Price - £29.99 from Alakazam.co.uk

Review

Firstly, I must confess to not being overly familiar with Paul Stockman’s work. He has clearly done a lot of TV – just none that I have watched! However, having seen his debut DVD , I shall certainly be looking out for him from now on!

The DVD is produced by Alakazam and, as such, is very professional and comes in a nice slip case. My only slight gripe is that fact that, being spread over two discs, you only get half of the explanations on Disc 1 and need to swap discs to get to the rest of the explanations. I understand that this is in order to allow you to watch the full 50-minute show uninterrupted and not in the usual ‘trick-explanation’ format but, personally speaking, I didn’t like it. Mainly because once you’ve sat through an explanation in Disc 2, you have to reload Disc 1 to refer back to the effect in question!

However, this is really just a trivial gripe as it certainly does pay dividends to see Paul’s full show without any interruptions. Clearly the result of years of practiced performance, all the subtleties and convincers are a joy to behold. To be fair, there are certainly no new ground-breaking methods on display here but there is truly wonderful thinking that has been applied to some classic mentalism routines.

My particular favourite is the ‘Hands Off Bank Night’ routine. Now, I love the Bank Night effect and I also love the P***o force but seeing this presented in a totally hands-off way completely fooled me. When Paul revealed his method of gaining the information, I am not ashamed to say that I was grinning like a fool whilst watching! I am seriously considering trying to shoe-horn this into my set for my gig this coming weekend!!

Elsewhere we get some nice twists on Chair Predictions, Becker’s ‘Casino Royale' and a really nice closing effect based around Confabulation (again – this completely flew right by me… and the explanation brought another bout of inane grinning!).

There is also a really nice routine based around getting the spectators to guess the number of sweets in a jar. This particular routine hangs on a beautifully told story that highlights the time and effort that Paul spends on his scripting and performance.

This attention to detail is also covered in the nice interview that Peter Nardi conducts with Paul as an extra on the DVD. There’s lots of good stuff to be found in here – spectator management, scripting and storytelling are all covered and I think this is one area of the DVD that I shall be returning to (certainly a lot more often than some of the ‘extra interviews’ that I’ve seen on some DVDs in the past!).

All in all, a really nice debut DVD-set from a really fresh thinker. I look forward to applying some of Paul’s methods into my own act – and look forward to seeing more releases in the near future!

Sean

I watched the DVD a couple of times last night.

I always like to watch performance as a spectator first, then try to figure things out the second time through.

Ok, it is not a polished performance, but he does explain later that it is a series of routines rather than a fully scripted show - so fair enough.

As said above, the routines are re-workings of old favourites but the little extra twists made me smile - some very good thinking went into it.

By far my favourite effect was the Sweet Jar, but his twist on Confabulation was lovely, and the hands of bank night was very sly.

I thoroughly recommend the DVD - there will be something on it for everyone.

he came to the very first tabula mentis if memory serves...very nice guy....

Fantastic !!

I really like this DVD set, and although I have only had it a few days I have watched it 3 times.

The methods are not all new, but then how many new methods are included in any new magic or mentalism these days. I have a big library of DVD's and books on mentalism and few include brand new methods.

If you are a stage, parlour or stand up worker then you will find lots of material here to work with.
Paul's performance is what stands out here. Its well scripted and professional and obviously has been formulated from years of performing.
I have not had the pleasure of seeing Paul perform before, so this DVD set was a real treat.

Magicians and close up guys may not like this but for anyone who is more interested in entertaining than doing a bunch of tricks then get this set.

There are allot of top pros already performing Pauls material, so dont miss out and get this set.

MM

My copy is slooowly making its way across the pond... hopefully I'll be able to sit down with it by next weekend.

Craig,

There is some wonderful thinking on this DVD set.

Look out for My Luckiest Day Tray routine. O Yes ! I am sure you will love it.
MM

I really don't want to get the word out on this but as it has I tell you its good!

I performed The luckiest day, Sweet Jar and Back to Becker twice this weekend as the mentalism parts of my show and the reactions were brilliant.

I have casino royal so I did the casino rather than the dice bit.

This set is well worth getting and the presentation and stories fit my style which was a real bonus.

It was a gamble putting these all in the show as they are so new to me but I really wanted to try them out and I was not disappointed.

The dvd is full of simpleish and strong mentalism for stage or parlour work.

I wish the explanations were all on the one disc as its a pain having to switch if you can't recall whats on what disc, or a simple index on the cover would help.

Not a major gripe but its all I can knock it for!

PRODUCT: “CONNECTED” by Paul Stockman

PRODUCED BY: Peter Nardi/Alakazam Magic

CONTENT: Six complete routines original to Paul Stockman which make up a proven 70-minute act of mentalism. The complete program is well explained on a 2 DVD set along side an informative interview by Peter Nardi of the featured talent.

Pick a Chair
Hands Off Bank-Night
The Pendant Curse
Back to Becker
The Sweet Jar
My Luckiest Day

GENERAL OVERVIEW & OPINIONS
For starters I must tip my hat to Pete Nardi & his team at Alakazam Magic for creating a dynamite looking product; the packaging for this two DVD set is AWESOME, I wish more companies in our world would take as much pride in what they offer.

If I were to sum up the full package I would have to say that this is a most excellent resource for those involved with Mentalism and looking for that fun twist to some of the more popular classics. Paul’s offering is clean, simple, economical and most importantly PRACTICAL! The Psychology he applies along side bold misdirection, will prove an inspiration for many, especially when it comes to his finale routine “My Luckiest Day”, it is the most impossible variant to Confabulation I’ve seen in years.

I’d be amiss to not point out that there is sound material in this collection that any creative Bizarrist would find exciting and potentially chilling. If you prefer working in this arena you will be doing yourself a big favor, spending some time with this video set. If you’re the least bit creative you’ll see the possibilities.

Pick a Chair Is of course, a Chair Prediction routine. In this case a quite simple, non-confusing and clean bit of business that’s actually suited as a show opener, which is not normal for such demonstrations.

Hans off Bank Night Is a very clever spin to a yesteryear classic that allows the participant to be the winner, not the performer… at least, not in the traditional manner one considers “success”. Truth is, for those concerned with how the classic Bank Night routine paints the participant as being a “sucker”, this is the handling for you! On the other hand, I enjoy the bit because it is so clean, straight forward in how it operates, dummy proof, and impossible. I’ve no doubt that this will be the primary version to the routine I start featuring from here on out.

The Pendant Curse a fun bit of business surrounding Murder and of course one of four ladies found murdered – poisoned, if would seem, by way of a simple pendant necklace; the routine and method being quite clever, lending itself well to the bizarre market, though obvious Psi connections will remain. The real beauty about this bit centers on how well it lends itself to a far more bold, theatrical mode of presentation as well as flexibility when it comes to the method, including a subtle inference towards Koran’s famed Medallion.

Back to Becker is a brilliant spin on Larry Becker’s popular Casino Royale gambling routine. The real value in this bit however, won’t prove visible until later in the show, and for me that little “twist” makes the cost of this collection worth every penny, it’s so beautiful.

The Sweet Jaris a cute routine that is part Chair Prediction. I hate saying this but it’s the perfect style of Mentalism routine for a family show or even as a feature in a more traditional magic show in which older children are present… maybe it’s just me, but I simply see young teens working this routine over adults.

Though loads of potential exists in this bit, I personally felt it the weakest of the six routines offered and yet, it hosts a great deal of application when it comes to the corporate working pro; the candies readily being replaced by most any sort of small items be it nuts & bolts or golf balls.

My Luckiest Day on so many levels, is worth the price of the set and exactly where you will find the Back to Becker routine a thing of pure beauty because of how it supports this one outstanding bit of business.

Ignoring the effect delivered in this routine, the lesson you will learn by discovering its secret is one of the most valuable lessons ANY magic-based performer could hope to learn. Do yourself (and magic) a favor and go back over this section a few dozen times so you can ingrain the philosophy deep into your mind and then find ways by which to exploit it time and again within your live shows.

The Bottom Line I would recommend this set to any and all of my friends regardless of what their performance background is like, but more so, I’d recommend it to those that are at the intermediate stages of developing their Mentalism and creating their first full evening program in that the set demonstrates such. Too, it will help you understand that simple is always best; this entire show packing in a small brief case of large envelope for that matter.

Enjoy!

Just got it last week. Some good stuff in there. Things I already know and things that made me go OOOOooo.
I was a bit dissappointed when I sat all the way through the 2 discs and he failed to explain the clock. HHHmmmm.... although I already perform a method of it, it just looks like he forgot about it.

mindpaul wrote:Just got it last week. Some good stuff in there. Things I already know and things that made me go OOOOooo.
I was a bit dissappointed when I sat all the way through the 2 discs and he failed to explain the clock. HHHmmmm.... although I already perform a method of it, it just looks like he forgot about it.

I have been in contact with Alakazam about the Clock thing too.

Its called Psyclock and Peter Nardi tells me that he is hoping to release it in time for a debut at Blackpool this year.

I have to admit I did contact Paul about this too and have been given an insight into its method and working. O MY ! Its Brilliant. You will love it.

MM

I'm not as enthusiastic about this dvd as others appear to be.
I think it's mainly because I don't care for the style of performance. Some of the story telling made me cringe!
Most of the magic though was strong. Whilst not always original it was very commercial as Peter Nardi points out a few thousand times.
The sweet jar effect I felt was ruined by a weak chair routine and poor scriting for the dual reality element. This could have been the strongest effect on the DVD but was ruined for me because of these things.
The final confabulation routine was very nice and as others have stated, well worth the price of the DVD. I will almost certainly use this in some of my shows. It's a hell of a lot simpler than the method I use at present. So no matter what negative things I may have thought about the performance I suppose there is no higher praise than the fact I will be replacing one of my own effects with one of Pauls.
Anyone seen any metal trays for sale?

I agree the perfromance was not great but them I'm sure you would want to make it your own and the DVD gets you well on the way.

I looked for a couple of days for trays (could not find tea trays in any shop or supermarkets) and finally went to TK Max where they had a huge (compared to everywhere else) range of oven trays.

I had one at home already but you need one thats quite big to be safe and they are not easy to find.

I agree with the sweet jar I have done this 4 times now and you send back two people a bit too quick (so it seems?) so I'm not sure if this needs a bit of work, any ideas?

As you say you have taken something (as I have) you will work with from this which in my view makes it worth the price.

Hi Guys,

I don't get allot of time for Forums these days but thought I should make a quick post to thank you all for your kind words about my new double DVD set "Connected"

As many will know its my debut release and on the main I am very happy with the result.

I have had many glowing reviews from some of the worlds greatest and for that I am humbled.

However what you have is purely a representation of some of the routines I have been developing and performing over the last ten years.

This DVD was not intended to sell a performance. I guard my real work performance wise with my life as this is whats makes me original and different from the next guy.

What you have here is the basic script with little or no deviation as far as my artistic performance is concerned. Don't get me wrong what you have on the DVD is me but in basic form.

The two reasons for this.
a} I wouldn't want every other guy performing my lines and with my personality.{ You know may would but not you of course}

b} I believe this material is strong enough to stand on its own, giving the watcher the space to develop each routine in his own way.

I can guarantee that most of the work you have witnessed on my Debut DVD has given me a very successful stage career over the last 10 years.

In 2009 I performed more than 190 stage shows around the world.Using many of the routines you now have on this release.

I am sure you will have great success with them also and will take them further and with even more success than they have given me.

I would love to hear your ideas around them including the many variations I am sure you will develop.

I will be happy to share the real work I use with the chair section of The Sweet Jar routine to those I you I know will use it with the respect it deserves.

Finally I can confirm that I am now working with Christopher Tailor and Peter Nardi at Alakazam to release The Clock Routine "Psyclock" hopefully in time for Blackpool this year 2010.

So once again from the bottom of my heart thank you sooo much I am delighted you like my DVD and I will strive to make the follow up even better.

Happy new year to you all and I hope to see you and learn from you all real soon.

Regards

Paul Stockman

The clock routine is awesome! Looking forward to that

colster_ wrote:The clock routine is awesome! Looking forward to that

Thank you my friend. You will love it and because Christopher Tailor of Tailor Imagineering is building them I know it will be a very cool product.

However Chris has just informed me that although we will have one unit to demo in Blackpool it will be a few weeks after that before they will be ready for retail.

P