talkmagic.co.uk

Evening all!
Hope this message finds you all well!

I'm starting to get into table hopping and walkabout magic for the first time.

I have a good few tricks in my arsenal, though I would like some ideas from those experienced ones of you out there:

Firstly, how many tricks would you normally take with you?
secondly, Which would you start and close with?
and thirdly any extra special tips for a big wow an repeat booking?

Many thanks
Adam

That all depends really on what effects you've got at the moment. I usually aim for a 10 minute routine which can be anything from 1 to 4 effects depending on what I'm doing.

Question about the obvious... have you made sure that you only consider using effects that aren't exposed when the spectators are seated and you are standing?
Good luck.

I look forwards to reading the "my first table hopping gig" thread soon.

adsheppy wrote:1- Firstly, how many tricks would you normally take with you?
2 - secondly, Which would you start and close with?
3 - thirdly any extra special tips for a big wow an repeat booking?

1 - I have about 10 routines that I do. Three for pre-drinks, three for table set one, the for table set two, and one routine which I do at a wedding for the couple. All the effects I do are completely different so no two routines are similar.

2 - It Depends on the situation, For a pre-drinks I tend only to do card effects. But for my set list one for tables, I always open with sponge balls. I will never change that, and I dont think its right to open at a table with a card effect. I end my table set with a card effect, and the second effect of the set is also complately different and non-cards

3 -Experience. Don't expect to get big wows and repeat bookings until you have built up your experience. It takes years to get the screams and cheers just right, and when you get that, the repeat bookings soon follow



Thanks

Mark

Useful tips, thanks Mark.

Yes, very good advice!
Thank you.

i always wonder if it's a great idea to start with a card trick, but a good sponge ball routine is great!!

Great advice from Mark.

I either begin with a rope routine or a chop cup and like Mark I never start eith a card trick.

I agree with lady of mystery, you should try to have a set that runs for about ten minutes, that's a good amount of time that can fit in a decent few effects but will let you get around the entire room. I also agree with Mark, about having a few different routines, that way, if friends are sitting in different tables, or people just move to talk, there isn't as bigger chance that they might have seen the same effect.

As for the effects you do, I really don't bring things like ropes, or balls out. I just don't think it fits the way I perform, I would normally introduce myself, and in those first few moments, bring the conversation around to if they've ever seen a magician before, then start off with something with slight of hand, normally cards. I always love card under a box for something like this as it always gets good reactions, especially at a round table where usually there is someone right by the ard box, they just can't believe it's getting by them. For a final effect though, I usually perform something that's a little bit more in the mentalism side of things, although I use that term loosly for lack of a better option (I know that people will think that mentalism is a little too long winded for table hopping). It's normally something like, think of ...... but with some lovely presentation to go with it. I feel it's a nice thing to go from slights to just mind. I can't remember where I heard or read it but, you can go from obvious slight of hand work to purly mental work in the same sitting, just as long as you an change the mood, tone it down a little and make it a little more serious.

That's just my opinion anyway, I hope it came across ok, I feel I may have gone on a little bit there. The other advice on here is great too. I guess that you'll just have to go at it and have fun, and you really will have fun.

All fantastic advice from my friends there! One of the biggest mistakes new performers make is to carry way too much material. When i was performing regular magic i would have 12 effects that would last me for both pre-dinner drinks and the dinner itself. I have seen performers that have pockets stuffed with things and that looks really bad! Good luck with your shows.