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The Art of Ventriloquism, By Trevor Burch

I have always been critical at the lack of “tuition material” available to ventriloquists in the UK. I am pleased to report that this is no longer the case. “The Art of Ventriloquism, By Trevor Burch” now fills that void. His book covers everything you could want to know about trying to “make it” as a ventriloquist. It is beautifully written with easy to follow and carefully planned instruction on all the intricacies ranging from ventriloquial techniques, to life like figure manipulation, and to professional entertaining.

For someone new to ‘Ventriloquism’ this book is perfect, for it contains everything you need. For the more experienced ventriloquist, it has a wealth of knowledge and advice to help you progress and hone your skills even further. Unlike some so called “tuition” material, this book is filled with even the finest details that you may never have considered and even covers on how to cope with shows that don’t go well.

For those looking to turn full time professional and maybe even become a household name, then this book guides you through all the layers and concisely covers all the hidden extra’s you are likely to encounter on your way. The book has been written based on the authors years of experience from performing in front of friends, kiddies birthday parties and Theatres filled to the brim. Nothing has been left out making it a “must have” for any ventriloquist or anyone considering taking up the art.

It is the best and most extensive work on Ventriloquism I have ever read! Anyone into ventriloquism or wanting to get into it will not go wrong with this. It’s not often a review scores so highly, but it is truly worthy of its 10 out of 10 score.

Awesome value for money, available for less than £15


The book is available directly from:

Trevor Burch, Willow Cottage, 110 Davids Drive, Wingerworth, Chesterfield, S42 6TS

Or

Davenports, The Strand, London, WC2N 4HZ

Also available at Amazon for £9.95

Dear Puppet Man. I am glad you like Trevor Burch's book. It is indeed a good buy and a great intro to Ventriloquism. The definitive book on the Art however is, The ABC Of Ventriloquism by Douglas Craggs MIMC (brother of Paul Clive who owned 2 Magic Shops & a Stand on the Central Pier, in Blackpool.My first magic set came from his shop on Central Drive. Witchcraft Magic) You'll have to shop around for a copy. It was originally published by ARCO, of Croydon, around 1944. my dad bought mine (from Davenports) around 1945! It is printed on thin wartime paper. There was a 2nd edition, I think in the 50's, which I've tried hard to find but with no success. There are 7 lessons which cover everything: Technique, near & distant voices, Lip control, Vent for Children, Cabaret, Radio, Novelties, the Talking Hand & Glove, Choosing a figure, 9 large pages of gags & routines(still very useable) and the finest section on the labials(MBPVW etc., with great illustrations. It's a MUST have for any vent.
Here's to still lips.
Allen Tipton.
ps. If you ever hear of a copy of that 2nd edition eeeeeeeeemail me please.!

Meaning no disrespect and not knowing anything about ventriloquism, I would have thought that ventriloquism on the radio defeats the point a little?

dat8962 wrote:Meaning no disrespect and not knowing anything about ventriloquism, I would have thought that ventriloquism on the radio defeats the point a little?

I Think I could do that!! my lips are not moving honest!

Dear Kems and any others who think Radio Ventriloquism is Uh Uh.
The 2 most highly paid vent. the world has ever had, Edgar Bergan and Peter Brough ran shows for YEARS on the radio. Neither was particulary good with lip control (perhaps that's why they chose Radio) BUT their dolls voices were so distinct and loaded with character plus excellent scripts made them household names.
Have you ever come across Magic On The Radio? It has been done and successfully done. I have a couple of the old Sirdani (Don't Be Fright) wartime scripts in which he taught LISTENERS how to do the trick, over the air waves! Then there was the Piddingtons but perhaps for another forum.
Allen Tipton

Hi Allen,

Thanks for sharing the details on the book. I had never heard of it but will keep my eyes open. Wish I'd known about it when I first got into vent. There was nothing around when I started so I had to fumble around guessing what to do and eventually taught myself. It was only when I aquired a computer and accessed the internet that I found a wealth of Info available... More so overseas. It seems Vent is BIG out there espcially in the USA, but here in the UK it seems only a handful of peeps like you and I have a passion for the Art.

The reason I rated Trevor Burch's book so highly was because it covers EVERY aspect you could possibly think of all in one nice compact paperback. What i'd have given for THAT info when I first started.

Allow me to eleborate on the contents:

1 - introduction to Ventriloquism
2- Memory lane (some tear jerking moments in there too!)
3- Choice of figure
4- Vice training and preperation
5- Ventriloquial voice & lip control
6 - 2 way dialogue synchronisation
7- life like movements of the figure
8- positions for presentaion and performance
9- Showmanship, Poise and Theatrical sense
10-Stage fright
11- Creation of Dialogues
12- Special effects
13- Alternative Vent
14-Sound Systems
15-Audiences
16- Advertising and publicity
17-Business administration
18-Professional entertaining

Hoenstly, this book is filled with a lifetimes knowledge from the author. Each chapter is to the point and not padded out with useless guff. What I admire is that he put it all in one book and didn't try to make extra cash out of only putting half in one book and publishing a second with the rest called something like "Advanced Ventriloquism!".

Full credit to all who have managed to put into words intructions and advice to help those with an interest. I'll certainly keep my eyes open for the book you suggested then compare the two!

Here's to the puppet speak!

best Wishes
Puppet man