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Bill Abbott Performs Stand-Up Magic for Kids
DVD


The Effects
There are three stand-up routines detailed in this DVD, that Bill Abbott has ‘entertained audiences across North America and Western Europe… for over 19 years.’ Wow. This has got to be some pretty good stuff, then. Here’s a brief overview of the three routines, in my own words:

The Sponge Snack
Actually, I don’t want to tell you this one – if I typed out a description here, then you could perform it yourself. Needless to say, it’s an amazingly funny, sleight-light sponge ball routine, with a beginning, middle, and end. It has no patter – just facial expressions and sponge balls!

The Thing
Tom Lauten’s done a review of ’The Thing by Bill Abbott’ already, so I won’t go into too much detail here. Basically, he brings out an empty, transparent case, undoes it, lifts the lid and places his cloth over it. Something under the cloth that is unmistakeably in the box, floats up, underneath the cloth. The thing under the cloth floats around, not really doing as it’s told, and, with some gentle persuasion from Bill, eventually returns to it’s box.

Chico The Mind Reader
This can also be purchased separately, for the princely sum of $650. Yes, that does say $650 – I did not accidentally put on an extra ‘0’ (It’s an exclusive at http://www.hocus-pocus.com). Basically, a chimp hand puppet reads a spectator’s mind by telling her the card that she picked. There’s a twist to the ending, and plenty of laughs throughout Bill’s routine with Chico. I believe there’s a demo video of Chico on Hocus-Pocus for your perusal.


Cost
£23.49 (+£1.50 p&p) from kidshowmagic.co.uk


Difficulty
(1=easy to do, 2=No sleights, but not so easy, 3=Some sleights used,
4=Advanced sleights used, 5=Suitable for experienced magicians only)
3, however the routines require prop-gathering, if you get my drift. I have no doubt this is the reason why Bill Abbott sells ‘The Thing’ and ‘Chico the Mind Reader’ separately, as it saves the magician buying/constructing/gathering props himself.


Review
This DVD is amazing. I know, there are only three routines included, and for the same money, many DVDs contain a lot more effects, but these are astounding. I can’t see any major difficulty in making/getting hold of the items required for any of the routines on the DVD – in fact, Chico the Chimp is one of the puppets sold at kidshowmagic.co.uk. A trip to a craft shop, toy store, and your own garage/shed, and I’m sure you’ll find what it takes to perform all three routines.

The performances shown on the DVD are in front of a group of children. I’m not sure how many, as you don’t actually see them… but you sure has hell hear them laugh!

The explanations are clear, with all necessary close-ups and angles shown, along with a helpful ‘Final Thoughts’ section at the end of each routine, and at the end of the DVD too.

Bill is a brilliant, tailor-suited performer. He has a calm, but huge stage presence, and you honestly do wonder what he’s going to do next. Bill explains tips for your sponge balls – he explains about giving your puppet a character and explains about how to develop a relationship with your puppet and coming up with your own ideas, rather than copying others. He talks about sponge ball maintenance and preparation. This man has so much knowledge of performing magic it is unreal.


Overall
This DVD is very entertaining. I received it this morning, and have watched the performances a number of times already, and still sit in awe at ‘The Thing’ and laugh my pants off at Chico – even though I know what he’s about to do! Granted, there are no props here, but that is clear when you buy it. The DVD contains three routines – and when you’re presented with a routine, it’s creator and told how the routine was created and the ideas behind it, then you have something truly special.

I’m glad I haven’t shelled out £75 for ‘The Thing’ – even though I know that the plastic box will be of better quality than whatever I use – but the point is that whatever I use, will be MINE.

I’m not knocking ‘The Thing’ that’s available separately, by any means – but even at the most basic level, I don’t necessarily want a blue cloth, or a transparent case. There’s two variables to play around with for starters.

I don’t want to buy the full Chico kit (stand, box, cards etc) when I know that whetever puppet I buy, whatever receptacle it lives in, and whatever mischief it gets up to will be my made up of my choices. My version of events.

I think of this DVD as a demonstration of Bill’s routines, to be taken, digested and used to bring forth your own.

For that, I give this DVD 10 out of 10. I have been inspired. Thank you Bill, and thank you kidshowmagic.co.uk - excellent service provided all round.

Nice review. I agree - I'll give it a 10 as well. You not only get the routines - but it's an excellent course in performing for kids, routining and a number of other things. Out of all of the stuff I have on children's entertainment - this is my favourite.