talkmagic.co.uk

So far all of my magic gigs have been in relatively classy places where people want to be entertained and have a good attitude. However I've just been given a booking at a decidedly "chavy" pub that will be full of loud-mouth, drunken teenagers. I'm not looking forward to it, but the money's good and I'm sure it will be a useful "learning experience". Any tips from the old pros on this forum on how best to work this sort of crowd? Thanks!

HA HA,

You will love it, these can be the best gigs sometimes.

We touch on this sort of thing on the new DVD about dealing with these sorts people and what sort of effects to perform, you just have to adapt your personality to suite the people your perfoming for, and just keep it simple and visual and they and you will love it.

I agree with Lee. These gigs can be more fun than the classier ones! You have to pace the audience. Don't allow yourself to be intimidated by anyone and don't back down. You are THE MAGICIAN not just some guy doing tricks. If you can steal something do so!

James Brown

why not hypnotise them all to behave...

I'm not his biggest fan, his "signature" self-titled shuffle gets me down, but you might want to take a look at a young lad called Dynamo.
He honed his art in hiphop clubs around Bradford, there's always a chance you could get some ideas from him.

Lee Smith's comment about "simple and visual" sums up his style quite well actually.

When it comes to rough crowds like that - having performed/presented to them in a few situations (none of them magical - though I agree that they can be some of the best and most rewarding crowds) I can say the two most sure fire ways of getting a rough reception are acting in a way that can be perceived as being "above" them (whether you think it or not) and reacting badly to someone giving you a ribbing or a bit of banter.

Good humour and remembering that you're on their "turf" will take you a long way.

Anyway - see what you think of Dynamo, assuming you've not already seen him at work.

All the best.

I put a long post here http://www.talkmagic.co.uk/ftopic33657.php all about pub magic.

Good luck.

I'd guess a bit of audience participation will get them on your side. Choose the loudest and drunkest to be your beautiful assistant. And if the blokes aren't up to much, pick a laydee.

I'd be really careful when it comes to getting assistants.
In my bartending days I was in a competition of sorts and part of it involved some bar magic. This was held in a busy bar, on a busy night with most of the crowd knowing the event was approaching and coming along expecting a show. Unfortunately the girl who came onto the stage to "assist" was a complete *rse who was determined to screw up my act as much as possible.

In the end she did something really stupid (can't even remember what now) started getting abusive and a bouncer threw her and her mates out. Can't say I was sad to see them go but the damage was done.

Going for the loudest and drunkest may not be the best idea, if you can tell the difference, I'd suggest aiming more for someone who seems popular, but not the sort to try and make you look like an idiot.



EDIT
Dicombobulator - I just read your post about pub magic - seems like some very good advice to me.

I suppose one to add, particularly for someone who's been booked rather than picking a time, is it's probably worth having a mix of tricks that can be done standing and done at a table - if it's busy there's a good chance people stood in a group will want to see some too.

post above has got it, check out the tricks Dynamo buys, especially the Sport AM youtube clips. Perfect schizzle for the chav's and slipslop brigade.

I never had problems with this kind of group. My local used to get a bit noisy at times, but i was always asked to show things.
Usualy to the loud drunk lads, and lassies. Never got caught out, or heckled.
This could be down to the years i worked tables at the windsor, slough, and maidenhead chicago rock Cafe's.
You see it all there..

Just backing up what everyone else has said. Just be confident and friendly and you'll have a great time. 'Chavs' give some of the most open, heartfelt and enthusiastic responses to magic performed well.

Hope you have a good gig.

Gary Dickson wrote:Just backing up what everyone else has said. Just be confident and friendly and you'll have a great time. 'Chavs' give some of the most open, heartfelt and enthusiastic responses to magic performed well..

Though dont expect a round of applause, as their often unable to clap, because one hand is shoved into their track suit trousers.

The pub where I work evey Sunday is pleasnat, quiet and respectable....except when there is a football match on Sunday afternoon. Then it is a good stop off point on the way to the ground and you get all sorts.

I have found these audiences to be among the best I have worked for. They are generally not trying to deconstruct your tricks, they don't want sophisticated just good obvious magic and the only way I can see that they would be a problem would be if your approach became condescending.

I always try to avoid making anyone look silly with my tricks, but that is exactly what these lads want. They want to see an unexpected card turn up in their booziest mates hand just so they can laugh at him!

Good basic transitions, finding a spectators card, a bit of spongeball magic and the ID, used in its original format all go down well. The ID in particular gets the groups going when you get the spectator to shuffle and deal the invisible cards. Be prepared for it to take a while for someone to stop your volunteer dealing, seeing him do it just adds to the fun!

I undersatnd why this sort of gig might seem intimidating if you are used to a quieter, classier clientele but believe me, there is nothing to worry about.

Dale - that line about the trousers cracked me up. Nicely done!


Johnny - spot on about condescending. Not the way to go.

Of course if all this good advice fails and they start looking a bit restless, you could just say the magic phrase.

MY ROUND!