talkmagic.co.uk

by **fiftytwo** » Dec 6th, '12, 17:43

Hi everybody.

I appear to have ended up as compere for the South London Magic Society's Xmas show next week. I initially intended to volunteer only for backstage stuff and let the longer-standing members fill up the performing bill, but it turns out no-one wanted the 13 or so 1-minute slots between the acts.

Some of them I'll just need to underline the applause and then move swiftly to the next performer's description but if they need a lot of stuff striking or setting up, or someone under-runs and the next act is in the loo or whatever I have to fill in.

I've already plundered the posts about magician jokes, but has anyone any suggestions for simple silly panto-esque bits of business I can use?

I'm already planning on doing David Ginn's "5 animals from one rubber glove".

Thank you!

by **daleshrimpton** » Dec 6th, '12, 19:08

Don't plan to do magic tricks, keep the thing flowing with visual gags.

If you plan to do stuff, you end up doing it, which can make a show drag, and can slightly upset the performers.

Remember, you are not there to do an act, you are merely there to fill the gaps between the acts.( whilst floors are swept, and props are set)

Make sure you are on the side of the stage at all times, in case something goes wrong.

by **Jing** » Dec 6th, '12, 20:19

I've done a few MC spots, so here's a few ideas.

Body tricks that you can demonstrate and everyone can do.
eg. Crossed Arms - I don't even know what it's called!?
There are some riddles and puzzles that can be done with the hands too.

For a longer fill get a kid up and do a hat tear or a mouth coil (or other simple trick like this).

A shorter fill, thank the sound and lighting crew, etc...

Ok here's an (as yet untested) idea. Ask them if they would like to see your favourite trick - then really build it up, be just about to perform it then stop and hype it a bit more, repeat until the audience just wants to see the trick, then do something really mundane like from a kids magic set, I don't even know. I would do this silly elastic band bit that doesn't even have a name. I would find that funny but not sure if it would work for everyone.

Hope that helps a little.

by **Jordan C** » Dec 6th, '12, 21:31

As a regular compere I can tell you people want you to be slightly humourous, maybe a touch offbeat, but they do not want you detracting from the acts. Find out what announcements as necessary throughout the night, think of 'quiffs' and comments you can make based on research of acts as well as observation and beyond that, just keep the audience engaged for those moments you are on stage.