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I often collect vintage magic, anything from the 1920's to the 80's. I have had an idea in my head for a show of magic through the ages but is there a call for vintage magic anymore and how do you think it would go down with an audience. Your views are most welcome thanks everyone.

I think the idea is a good one.. Many magicians including myself are collectors of old/Vintage magic props.. If you decide to give it a go, let us know, or even send a link, etc.

With films like The Illusionist and The Prestige seemingly aired twice a year (or more often) vintage magic will always be of interest. If nothing else it's an age which none of us actually experienced but are somehow atracted to. Vintage rukes OK?!!

Thanks both, I will be doing it, think I just needed someone else's opinion to get me started. I'll send links and keep you up to date with my progress

It's a very good idea Steve and I'd be interested in learning how things develop.

As a fellow admirer of all things retro, during lockdown, I've also thought of putting together an act - based upon the 1930's/40's. I've even been enquiring about having a vintage double-breasted suit of that era made - there's an excellent company in Huddersfield. The content of the act would primarily be the works of one of my favourite authors - Edward Victor.

I'm still assessing the pros and cons in my mind. Being semi-retired, I only work close-up as and when I want - and the majority of my act still consists of Joe Riding material; that I know has worked successfully for me over the years. However, if I was working a cabaret act still, then I might be more inclined to pursue the idea; as I think the historical aspect of the performance would have a better impact; and more importantly, some raison d'être.

That said, I have performed additional older material in Close-up as well (the paddle trick - I'll Start Again, is pure gold dust). After all, the audience aren't aware of the age of a trick or when it was released. Nor for that matter are most rip-off 'creators' these days - but that's a different discussion.

Playing devils advocate, I just wonder if spectators would be that bothered/interested anyway - don't they just want to see good magic and be entertained?

Thinking as I am writing this, I have to admit that always using Half Crowns (rather than those awful shiny American things) has generated interest from the outset. I've also used an old £1 note (taken from an original 1940's wallet) for pencil thru note that drew interest - so who knows?

If you were using period props that told a progressive story, then I think the idea could definitely have some mileage. Even in Close-up, it would be something different - and you'd stand out from the usual raft of automatons, using a Ring-flight; Rubiks Cube; or a Sharpie to scrawl over everything.

Of course, if you really want to be transported back in time to the Magicians of yesteryear for reasearch purposes, then attending an IBM Convention in Eastbourne could be a good starting point. Just watch out for the damp seats.

Barry Allen wrote:I
Thinking as I am writing this, I have to admit that always using Half Crowns (rather than those awful shiny American things) has generated interest from the outset. I've also used an old £1 note (taken from an original 1940's wallet) for pencil thru note that drew interest - so who knows?

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I also use Half Crowns! And old English Pennies too! I can't use the tiny Canadian coins very well and even their largest coins are too thin and piddly. I get away with it because I tell them that "these coins are old and British. I am also old and British so that is why I use them!"