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I had a performance at the weekend, quite an odd getup it was too. It was a birthday party but instead of the usual mingling, I was given a table close to the bar and asked to perform there for anyone who wanted to watch.

Now as I had a table I thought this could be perfect for my little psuedo psychology routine. It's a demonstration of free will, or lack of it. I've only performed this once before but it got brilliant reactions when I did.

I went through the routine once and to be honest was very disapointed with the reactions I got. People wandered away, after 10 minutes or so another little group had gathered, only about 5 of them. Interest really didn't seem all that good in me. As these were all different people than last time I went through the routine again. Half way through and the reactions really weren't happening so I thought to myself 'this really isn't working' so I abandoned it and pulled out a couple of sponge bunnies. Straight away the atmosphere changed, people suddenly seemed interested. The routine got a brilliant clap from those watching it, which or course drew more people in. A few silk tricks, some rope and a ring on string and everyone was having a brilliant time.

So what did I learn, if the audience really aren't enjoying what you're doing, don't be afraid to ditch you current routine and try something different.

It's good that you had the courage to change, and you got your rewards!

I've seen so many magicians, and performers in general, not know when they're flogging a dead horse and just continue through a routine that blatantly isn't working! It can be painful to watch!

It's strange as well how reactions to routines can change so much from person to person, group to group and gig to gig

Yup. It's never the spectators who are wrong. That's not sarcasm (no rolling eyes icons here), it's an observation. Give 'em what they want and you're brilliant. Give 'em anything but and you're rubbish no matter what miracles you create!

It's odd. I do 20 minutes every year at the annual quiz team summer party. Though I've tried to interest them in other things, the best responses are always from card routines, so this year, they're getting nothing but. There may be a couple of sealed predictions in view the whole time, but they're just an extra kicker!

It's good that you had backup material, maybe the original routine required too much concentration for a relatively casual audience?

It is quite interesting how different audiences can react totally differently to a routine. I guess part of the performance is about figuring out what kind of audience you've got and what routines will work for them.

I've had several occasions where (and not in a paid gig), I have misread the spectators. Showing them a card effect and them not having any idea about cards limits some of my tricks immensly. Makes the ACR a lot more appealing to them I guess.

I find in the right situations, asking what they want can get you quite far: a simple "So what dya wanna see?" can yield some good points to bear in mind, many simply say cards, some point to everyday objects, money etc and so forth. Only in the right situations though, you sort of know when to ask...This probably makes more sense in performance than paper! Sorry!