talkmagic.co.uk

So we have a corporate event in a couple of weeks.
and i am hosting it along with 2 other people-
half way through I would like to perform some kind of magic act or illusion - the idea is for it to be silly ut very funny!
like sawing someone in half..
i need to know if its possible and where i can hire the magicians box etc.. please help – thanks

Scott Penrose supplies a lot of the big box effects seen on TV and in cabaret, Google for his site and have a word.

I will warn you however, presenting grand illusions ain't as simple as having the box. I've seen many fall flat on their face thinking this. Another thing to consider is the setting you will be working, big illusions require room and frequently require lighting control, special back drops and having an audience that's less than 2/3rds in the round.

You mention the Sawing in Half. . . few versions of it can be done in the round because of a certain move that must be done at two different points in the act. There are ways around this, but it seems you're fighting time and time is critical; it's going to take at least a week to learn how to properly work the bit you decide to do and that's if you're working with the simpler effects, something like Shadow Vision demands a good three + weeks to get down pat, as does Interlude and even the Sub Trunk if you want to get picky.

If you have the cash to rent a big piece (rent is usually 25-30% of current retail per day or week depending on what illusion is involved) I'd suggest you invest it into a simpler "Illusionette" such as the Jigg Saw version of the Sawing. . . I have a comedy act that uses this relatively cheap piece that plays big and could easily become a "signature" routine for you that people will pay to see. I'd be glad to share this with you, given your situation, but again time is working against you and to do this act right, you must hustle to get all the props together along with your own scripting.

The other direction you can go is to dust off your Mark Wilson Course and make one of the bigger illusions listed in the back of the book. With exception of the Tip-Over and the Levitation, all of them can be made of cardboard and then painted or covered to look really nice. A similar alternative would be the Darwin Book of Inexpensive Illusions . . . simple enough pieces you can make that give you that big illusion feel on a budget (many of these pieces have been used by Vegas headliners in their shows, so don't think it chincy stuff). Again, time is not on your side, but this is a way to look out for yourself on down the road.

ILLUSIONS TO LOOK FOR (given your time frame)
The Harbin/Spectator Sawing
Lake's Guillotine or Shredder
Assistant's Revenge
Broom or Sword Suspension or Super X styled levitation such as the Blaney, Gwynn, Shiva, etc.
Shooting a Ribbon Thru Lady (the reel version, not the dart)
Zig Zag or one of its spin off versions
MisMade Lady

A SUGGESTION: come up with a routine that plugs the client; their products or services. I've made more cars and motorcycles appear than I can count because of my ties to certain manufacturing groups. Presenting material that reflects the sponsoring client is always something to think about when you are trying to create a memorable feature spot and it doesn't always have to be a big effect so long as it's a piece that can play big and be memorable. . .

Feel free to PM me if you'd like to discuss things a bit more openly.

does anyone else get the feeling this request is coming from someone who is not actually a magician?

Not sure about the status of the OP but certainly two weeks isn't long enough to become confident and perform big box illusions. No doubt the hire fee will depend on how long the item is hired for but plenty of practice, and therefore big hire cost, is called for otherwise, apart from the risk of actually injuring someone, the illusion won't be very magical.

If we're allowed to mention the TV show featuring Justin Lee Collins learning to be a magician (yes, I know but this was before the recent events!) he spent some weeks rehearsing and performing the sub trunk illusion with an experienced magician's assistant before he came anywhere near to being merely competent.

Arkesus wrote:does anyone else get the feeling this request is coming from someone who is not actually a magician?

I didn't at the first reading, but now that you mention it, I think you might be right. "Some kind of magic act or illusion" is probably the most revealing phrase. Anyway, people have taught celebrities tricks for TV shows like QI and The Magicians, so it is possible, at least with help from someone knowledgeable. These tricks are often not very magical, though, because what people think makes the magic (the prop) actually just handles some of the mechanics. The presentation, fluidity, and overall showmanship are what makes a trick into magic.

But if the OP isn't a magician (and maybe if he is), he probably doesn't care about that.

We all moaned about the 'celebs' who were involved with the BBC programme 'The Magicians', some were OK, most were very much not OK as performers of magic. Proof positive that having the props is only a minute part of performing magic.....

i am really sorry I should I have said, I am an IT manager and NOT in anyway a magician (however love to watch magic)
we already have a massive function suit hired for our awards event, (we already have magic acts booked) but the theme is 'Amazing Acts' and being one of the senior managers i wanted half way through to attempt something grand with another manager.. it is more for the laugh than someone actually like me performing magic.. I would like to hire a magic box and try to saw one of my fellow managers in half, but more for the craig” than the magic. I hope this doesn’t offend anyone.

How about hiring a local magician who would be introduced as an IT consultant of some strange and very individual kind then let him launch into stage/cabaret act - equally amazing, less expensive and you don't stand the risk oi screwing anything up or severing anyone in half accidentally!

thanks to Mandrake - i spoke with Scott Penrose - he seems to have the perfeect trick that i could perform -
so it looks like we are sorted - but thank you all very much !

What's the name of the trick Paul Daniels used where he gets his spectators stuck to the chairs? That would pack a good laugh

knowles157 wrote:... spoke with Scott Penrose - he seems to have the perfeect trick ...

Glad we could help, however everything comes at a price and in this case we shall expect to see a link posted here to a Youtube vid of your act !

of course!