talkmagic.co.uk

This got mentioned in another thread (about street magic actually) so I thought I'd review my one since I couldn't see another review of it anywhere

The Effect
A spectator selects a card from a deck and then returns it (could be signed). The cards are then placed in the feeding box of a wodden duck who pecks forward and retrieves the spectators card.


Cost
Mine cost £69 from Davenports, but prices vary depending on supplier/size of duck!


Difficulty
(1=easy to do, 2=No sleights, but not so easy, 3=Some sleights used,
4=Advanced sleights used, 5=Suitable for experienced magicians only)

1/3 - there is one sleight but it is just about the simplest thing to do! I think there might even be a handling with no sleight at all.

Review
I like this prop a lot. It has character but I think it needs to be part of a funny / lighthearted routine. Can't see Derren using it myself! It's bright colours and slightly comic appearance make it quite attractive to children, although obviously small children may not understand the suits etc of a normal deck. I get round this by using happy family cards. The child selects a card and the duck finds the three other family members. This increases the handling required but does mean the child does not have to remember anything.

Two minor issues; you must handle the prop in the right way otherwise the pecking action does not work correctly, and secondly the size of the cards needs to be checked. It can handle Poker size bikes but not much bigger.

As with many props (especially those aimed at childrens entertainers) the value in this is not the effect (you pick a card, you lose a card, I find your card) but in the opportunity for byplay and audience interaction. This duck gives ample scope for that.

Overall
A good prop, giving the "is this your card " type effect some welcome extra mileage.
8/10

(minor edits made for readablilty!)

I can remember seeing 'Uncle Percy' (the visiting magician) use a verison this prop at a school show when I was still in the Infants! A great review of a long standing 'classic' - many thanks!