talkmagic.co.uk

I have read many good things about this, but have never bought one yet.

I intend doing so soon, but have a couple of questions. Please note, I am not after actual routines, just on whether any of these ideas might be suitable, thanks.

Is it any good as an opening effect? Would it be good to get the children laughing/calling out at the magician having trouble, or is it best later in the show?

Can it be used as part of a breakaway/multiplying wand routine, or is it too different looking to make sense?

Can it be used while you have children on stage with you, as a "wand" routine by itself, or is it best not to have them too close? ( Not sure about angles etc)

How long do people usa it for a routine? Is it more of a couple of minute gag, or can you make a 5 minute routine from it? I know it varries, but just want to get a rough idea of how long before it becomes too much.

Is this used instead of sucker effects like the Die Box, or can it be used aswell as them?

Has anyone bought the Mr Trinx version, If so, have you owned another version before and is it worth the extra expense?

Thanks.

http://www.talkmagic.co.uk/ftopic8778.php&highlight=sceptre and a search reveals some answers to some of your questions.

Know where you're coming from, as many people don't use the search function.

Had done a search and found the review, but I had questions that weren't answered by it, so made a new post here.

It has helped me decide to get one, but wanted to know some specific questions.

PS, sorry, sounds blunt when it is written down, but isn't meant to sopund that way. Thanks for the link anyway.

The last bit is down to the " submit button " thread. It can be hard to write things the same way as saying them.

maybey a pm to zack for his comments would help I'm interested in this too when the cash is avalable so i wait with baited breath for answers.

Have also asked on another forum, so will try to get a general consensus from both. Will let you know any results I might find out.

Yes, will try to PM Zack. It was on another forum I read about the Trinx version being better but more expensive. Hope to find out if it is worth the extra.

Magic Bunny is another UK magic forum and that is where I first heard about the Silver Sceptre. There are reviews, suggested routines and all sorts with regards to this brilliant bit of business. Take a look at their 'Children's Magic' section.

It looks like no other wand, as it is about 2 foot long, extremely narrow and made of shiny chromed metal, so it isn't interchangeable with other wands. I wouldn't recommend giving it to your spectators under any circumstances, but a close inspection is not a problem; there are no angles to consider unless you are actually making it move.

The best silver scepter routine I've seen was by Terry Herbert - in fact I think his routine is probably one of the best. I used to do something like it in my kid's show and it really got them laughing. The way he does it isn't to use it as a demonstration of magic - but rather a gag.
You're showing off your wand to the kids and the thing has a life of it's own - rises out your hand while you're not looking, pokes you in the ear, rises and almost goes up your nose, until eventually it jumps out your hand. Most of the time you don't see it move - the kids do.

This doesn't have to be done with the silver sceptre, but any rising wand will do, although the silver sceptre usually comes with a puch/bag/cover (not sure what to call it) which makes for a nice ending. You put it in the bag and it jumps out again.

Come to think of it - most animation effects when performed like this for kids generally work well. Where the prop gets a life of it's own and you struggle to control it..

Thanks for the help all.

Zack, have posted same question on MB. Seems like the Trinx vwersion is the one to go for. I understand it is a bit bigger and the bag is stronger. Hope this also helps you magicdiscoman.

Got to move first, then looking forward to getting one.