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The thought of performing Tervil anywhere has terrified me for some unknown reason. However, I had a presentational idea that I thought might be fun but wanted your thoughts on whether it's a good idea, or a reckless piece of theatrical insantity destined to end in tears????

ROUTINE: Tervil - helicopter holdout (you'll see why in a minute!!!!)

Performer writes a prediction on a piece of paper. This is attached to a paper clip on a bit of string which hangs from a toy helicopter. (Hamleys do one for £10.00 which even an ignaramus like me can fly) Perf or another spec (can't decide which) then flies the helicopter up in the air where the prediction stays for all to see. Another spectator is given a slip of paper numbered 1, 2, 3. They're asked to imagine that they've won the lottery and can have any car they want. Performer states that obviously he won the lottery and bought a helicopter (this is the point of the theme). They are asked to write the name of a car, it's colour and the price they want to pay. Performer takes slip (something happens which is named after Annemann!!!!!!) Performer passes slip to another spectator to sign and hold aloft. The performer/spec then lowers the helicopter which is caught by the performer. The slip is removed from it's paper clip (something Annemannesque happens here too) and the performer opens the slip, reads it to himself and says (I hope this is right??) and passes it to a spectator on the other side of the room. He then retrieves the signed slip, opens it and reads it aloud. The spectator is asked to read the prediction, which matches. Rapturous applause follow.

I personally think this routine is a bit of fun and lots of milleage could be had out of flying the helicopter etc, plus it'd be great for misdirection, not that you need much. It also provides a huge logical disconnect around what's happening. The toy helicopers are as light as a feather and couldn't do any real damage even if you flew them flat out into someones face (not recommended).

Any thoughts welcome. Is this worth developing or is it a risk ridden routine destined to end up in court?

Feel free to criticise my musings, or flatter me by stealing them. If I see Derren Brown flying a helicopter, I will know why!!

Sounds very good indeed! Personally I'd suggest you get the spec to fly the helicopter, assuming you can find and trust someone to do that but they are easy enough to fly. Kids are probaby more likely to be adept at such things so it could be quite family friendly. Plenty of comedy mileage as they do a test flight initially. 'scuse the pun but I hope this takes off OK....

Mandrake wrote:Sounds very good indeed! Personally I'd suggest you get the spec to fly the helicopter, assuming you can find and trust someone to do that but they are easy enough to fly. Kids are probaby more likely to be adept at such things so it could be quite family friendly. Plenty of comedy mileage as they do a test flight initially. 'scuse the pun but I hope this takes off OK....

Haha, thanks for that! I just know throughout any performance I'd still be thinking, "this is Tervil, no-one will believe it." I guess I just need to change my mindset!

You might wish to look up Mentalist Jan Bardi, he's done an amazing amount of research on Tervil that may help you better refine things.

Craig Browning wrote:You might wish to look up Mentalist Jan Bardi, he's done an amazing amount of research on Tervil that may help you better refine things.

Thanks for that!! Even the thought of doing Tervil makes my hands shake - don't know why???? It's not that complicated to do, but I think it's hard to perform convincingly?? I'll definitely look up Jan Bardi as all help is welcome!

The specs won't know, or care, if you're using Tervil or a Gerbil - just enjoy!

Mandrake wrote:The specs won't know, or care, if you're using Tervil or a Gerbil - just enjoy!

Hahaha! Sound advice!