talkmagic.co.uk

I am looking for something big and visual that can be set up for a good crowd pulling carnival\fete
style event...a step right up step right up see the amazing man in box etc or something...this isn't my area at all so any help will be much appreciated...


Sorry for any typos my internet is down so am currently on a phone lol.

I'm trying to find the same thing... but for Mentalism... :s

doug higley's zbits...

go over to the cafe and look through the bizarre section...

doug higley's zbits...

not exactly what I meant but cheers...

Ive said it before, and Ill say it again...

you really need to read Fox.

He goes into all the possible side show atractions that are practical for product launches, and such.

You might find it worth investing in an axtell remote control parot, and set it up like a fortune telling bird or something.
the initial outlay will be a bit. But i suspect it will pay for it's self soon.

You might find it worth investing in an axtell remote control parot, and set it up like a fortune telling bird or something.
the initial outlay will be a bit. But i suspect it will pay for it's self soon.

lol great

Dale's right when it comes to Karrol Fox's material, you can't beat it too much when it comes to razzle & dazzle. Todd Robins is another person to look at who is still alive and kicking as well as tons of the material Harry Anderson gave us 20 some years ago. But what you must understand is that IT ISN'T THE STUNT/EFFECT THAT WILL DRAW THE CROWD but rather YOU and YOUR ABILITY to attract them.

Another thing that could help you as well is to understand the difference between a bloody illusion vs. a trick. Illusions tend to be very large, rather expensive devices that most discover early on that they don't want to lug around, deal with the hours of rehearsals every time they get a new box jumper let alone storage, maintenance, etc. So for we old farts that understand the difference in nomenclature you may want to keep this in mind.

I've watched two of the more legendary pitchmen of the U.S. Carnival & Circus world use the same ancient bit of slap-stick and draw in a tip of dozens if not hundreds of people; a simple pocket hank with a length of thread...every time you bend over to pick it up and jumps out of your way. I believe Chaplin as well as Laurel & Hardy pulled this gag in their films so it's damn old. BUT it still works for those that have the showmanship chops required for pulling it off... same reason we still have Mimes in the world -- IT WORKS! It is a simple effect that evokes "joy" and invokes the Imagination -- the childish side of us all.

If you want to build a tip for a busking bit learn how to pitch Svengali's or the Magic Mouse

ON THE OTHER HAND... if you are looking for an attraction I'd recommend any one of the classic side-show bits out there;

Blade Box
Headless Lady
Spidora
Zambora
The Living Head
Electric Chair

OR... get yourself a good escape like the Milk Can (something you can more or less present on your own with the aid of one or two people from the audience if possible... the Can wouldn't work but there are many simple bits that can, like a Straight Jacket or Rope Tie)

I've pointed this out a 1,000 times as have others here... it's not so much as "what" but "how" when it comes to this sort of thing. Most important to bear in mind is that what works for me or Dale or whomever, may not work for you due to personality differences and comfort zones. You have to find your own thing, so to speak. That's not saying you can't take advantage of any one of the stock pitch products, only that you will have to find what "fits" YOU and the image you are trying to be.