Intro: 'The Condemned' is not a trick, it is a full 20 minute mentalist routine created by our own Dr. Todd. However, it comes with an academic style book listing the women & men that were on trial for Witchcraft in Essex during the years 1645-1647. The book also has an extremley clever key to a map test built into it. The routine includes a mock interrogation, trial, and several tests to determine if you have indeed found a 'witch'. Included in the set are: a pendulum, cards, & several pebbles to select the 'witch' who shall be on trial. The climax is a sealed verdict that has been in full view of the audience the entire time that matches the audience's verdict. The instructions are clear, and full scripting suggestions with subtleties are included. ( This can also be presented as a stand alone book test.)
A short Review: 'The Condemned'
If you liked Cogito by Dr. Todd then I assure you that you will love 'The Condemned'. This routine has all of the qualifications that make it well worth your investment. Firstly, The topic of the Witch Trials is one that most people are familiar with on some level - this will grab their attention right off the bat.
Second - The audience is instantly involved in the routine as the demonstrations focus on them.
Third- You can customize this routine to fit your own unique style and abilities so that you are free to concentrate on the presentation and the participants rather than the methods. The multi- phases that are presented in this routine will engage and suprise the audience as well as the participants.
Honestly, Dr. Todd has outdone himself with this routine. I firmly believe that he has in fact, created what will be a 'classic'.
The book that comes with 'The Condemned' is a nice quality academic styled appearance with an ingenious method behind the compilation. ( The method for the revelation of the book test is fantastic. You will appreciate the time and work that Dr. Todd put into this.)
One of Chuck Hickock's criteria for the selection of a routine or demonstration is: Multiple moments of amazement. I can think of no better phrase to describe 'The Condemned'. Dr. Todd's presentational suggestions and methodology are superbly written in a clear and concise manner and will provide you with mutiple ideas for making this routine fit your own style.
In the interest of full disclosure -I have not performed this routine yet in front of a live, paying audience... the key word being 'yet'. It will be included in my upcoming shows and adapted to fit the storyline. I say this because that is one of the many things that routine has going for it that make it a worthwhile investment - adaptability.
Drawbacks? There is only one possible drawback that I can find with this routine - It may not suit everyone. ( But no routine does.)
That being said, there are only a handful of manuscripts that invoke visual imagry as you read them. That is, you can see the performance unfolding and the reactions of the audience & participants as they are amazed, delighted, suprised, and astonished as you read it & this is achieved in this routine. In the right hands, and with the right presentation - 'The Condemned' has as much potential as you are willing to invest in it. Dr. Todd's expertise and passion for the subject matter shine through in a way that only a labor of one's own personal insight and meticulous research can accomplish.
Difficulty: This depends on which parts of the routine you perform. There are no sleights required, but it is a Mentalist routine that is better suited for those with experience.
Overall: 10/10
Price: £30 international (includes postage), and £25 UK (includes postage).
Available from:
www.metaphysical-magician.com