News

Passing of a good friend and great performer

I received news while at an airport in Hong Kong that magician and friend Tony Blanco passed away last week from Cancer. I knew Tony was very ill but still the news of his passing came as a shock. Tony and I have been corresponding for many years, then we finally got a chance to meet when I lectured in Fresno California. 

Tony did an incredible act as Professor Blanco, complete with the most amazing bicycle with canopy I have ever seen! He really loved all aspects of our craft, including magic, juggling, and puppetry. I know we had our love for silent movie stars and vaudeville in common, and he loved reading books. I spoke to Paul Gross who said Tony had over 1000 books on magic. Tony will be missed by everybody who knew him and he will be remembered with much fondness for those you had the wonderful opportunity to see him perform.

 BACK FROM CHINA

This past week I was hired to perform for the new opening of MontBlanc in Bejiing China. It was one of most incredible gigs of my life - they spent over 5 million dollars on this event. The company just launched it's new line of Princess Grace jewellery. It was a star studded event with the Royal Family of Monaco in attendance as well as many A-list celebrities such as Nicholas Cage, Jessica Alba and others. As Chaplin, I represented old Hollywood and walked the red carpet with the papparazzi going nuts, yelling "Charlie over here, over here."

One of the most incredible experiences of my life and certainly the ultimate gig. After I walked the red carpet I performed a small part of my act to the crowd, then went on to join in the VIP lounge and mingle with the guests. What a buzz. I did get some downtime to visit The Forbidden City. 

Photos include: On the red carpet as Chaplin, Nicholas Cage and other celebrities on the red carpet, TV documentary in China, The Forbidden City, my 'hand shadows', and filming the TV documentary while in China.

As you can see it was an amazing job, and the event organizers were really pleased with my work. We are looking at doing other work for them in the very near future.

HOT PICKS FROM HOCUS-POCUS.COM

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE PRIVATE ESTATE SALE

I have been talking to Paul Gross at Hocus-Pocus and he shared with me the incredible amount of stock that has come in this week from a private estate. He has some really amazing items, from illusions to close-up, over 1000 books and everything else you dare to imagine. There was SO much come in that they had to open up the warehouse next door!! I suggest you check twice a day at the moment because their is so much going to go up - and all of it GOLD!

Below are just a few items that I think are real gems.

Through a One-Inch Hole Illusion with ATA Case - Private Estate 

From a private collector and used as part of the Stan Kramien tour.

An assistant is magically pulled through a one-inch hole in the side of a plywood trunk.

From Jim Steinmeyer's book "Device and Illusion" comes this illusion in excellent condition and will fit into your existing show right away! It packs flat and assembles in about 5 minutes! Supplied complete with locks, keys, curtain, collapsible curtain frame and custom ATA transport case which is worth at least $500.00 alone!

NOTE: Due to the size of this apparatus, special packaging, crating and shipping arrangements and charges will apply.

Remember; there's only one, and when it's gone, it's gone for good, so act quickly before it's too late.

Boretti's Knife Thru Coat - Private Estate EB

A man's jacket is borrowed by the magician and put aside for a moment.

He tells the audience that besides magic there is another way he earns money. This profession is knife-throwing.

The magician then displays a common throwing knife and asks the spectator not to move becuase he is trying to throw the knife along his left ear!!

At that moment, an "ear" drops out of the magicians pocket. The magician then says, "I missed last night. I immediately apologized but I think he couldn't hear it anymore."

Condition: Mint.

Complete with instructions.

National Magic Prediction Chest - Private Estate BB

Just acquired from a private collector this classic National Magic Prediction Chest is still one of the best.

A week before the show, a small, old looking chest in finest hardwood is deposited to The Mayor, The Notaries Public's, or the president of the company where you are going to perform. You never touch the chest again until the show is over and your prediction has turned out to be correct! When opening the chest for the first, the Mayor or the CEO takes out a piece of paper and reads the prediction out loud and clear from it! It is 100% correct!

Works perfectly. Just a turn of the key makes the "magic" happen.

A fine representation of this now classic effect. If you are a collector of Prediction Chests you'll want to add this one for sure!

Condition: Excellent.

Remember, there's only one and when it's gone, it's gone forever!

Cellini Gibecière - Private Estate

WOW - this is an incredible find for street performers. I recently attended a lecture by one of Cellini's students and the lecture was on the use of this pouch. Let me just say it changed the way I look at these. Anybody working street or close-up should seriously look at this - and also at Cellini's book that is now available.

Just acquired from a private collector this original Cellini Gibecière is the find of the century! It will hold tons of props as well as those large loads for the cups & balls or chop cup, all without looking bulked-out.

Hand made by the late Jim Cellini, this ultimate street performer's pouch is divided into two sections and will hold six oranges, a melon, Cups, balls, magic wand, cards, coins, balloons, and more! It is made of heavy, high-quality black leather with hand braided trim. The detail is amazing!

There is no doubt that Cellini was the king of street magic. This Gibecière was manufactured to his exacting specifications to last a lifetime and is an absolute essential for doing the cups and balls on the street with large-load cups. It is the best all around pouch for street.

Condition: near MINT, like new

Remember, there's only one and when it's gone, it's gone forever!

 VANISH INTERNATIONAL MAGIC MAGAZINE NUMBER TWO June/July 2012 - 

By Paul Romhany - Editor

FREE Download magazine from www.vanishmagazine.com

OVER ONE HUNDRED PAGES - and it's ALL FREE!

The magic magazine everybody is talking about.  This is truly an international magic magazine with writers from Asia, Europe, South Pacific and North America. The articles range from Marketing, Essays on performing, as well as close-up and stage routines.


Contents
This issue our feature artist is magician, movie and television star Steve Valentine. In this interview by Chipper Lowell, you will find out how Steve went from one of the busiest magicians to one of the top working actors in television and movies in Hollywood. He also has some great tips for close-up workers.

JC SUM - Six Thinking Hats for The Magician

TELLER SPEAKS - an insight in to the recent Shadows lawsuit

MAGIC BABE NING - Working with female/male partners and assistants

DIAMOND JIM TYLER - Bamboozlers - learn a cool effect with a bottle and ketchup packet

LUCA VOLPE - Impossible Prediction - Italy's top mentalist shares an amazing lottery prediction effect

MARK PARKER - Logic and Reason - essay on performing illusions by Illusion Designer Mark Parker

BRIAN WATSON - Housekeeping? An essay on Cups and Balls which can relate to other forms of our craft

PAUL ROMHANY - Magic Reviews - a look at the latest effects and Applications

NICK LEWIN - The Magic of Cruising - a look at the inside story of getting on cruise ships

WAYNE ROGERS - 364 on 1 - a stand-up routine by Wayne Rogers

CRIS JOHNSON - The Success Series continues

PETER LOUGHRAN - Marketing Tips for Bizzarre Magic

RANDY CHARACH - Income Marketing System for Magicians Part 2

KIETH FIELDS - That should be ME up there!

KEN DYNE - The Revelation

LEE ALEX - Hermione - a costume change illusion

RICHARD WEBSTER  - a great card reading routine called, "Cards Of Fate"

KYLE RAVIN - The Transformation

BIZZARO - The Secret to Happiness

ANDREW GERARD - A Penny for Your Thought - a close-up coin/card routine  

TC TAHOE - A Very Good Year - card reading routine by TC Tahoe

BEN ROBINSON - Magic 24-7

NICK KOLENDA - Top 3 Rehearsal Tips

DANNY ARCHER - Routine called Barrel Of Fun - close-up coin routine

KEN RING - Glorius Stack - a memorized stack that is easy and great for ACAAN

KYLE PERON - A Magician's Constitution

ADRIAN SAW - Review of Lu Chen show in Hong Kong

DANNY WEISER - The Healthy Performer

The last issue was ready by at LEAST 30,000 magicians from around the globe, that we could track. We estimate our readership is probably well over 40,000 readers. With the amount of downloads we are still receiving from issue one, we believe that we will eventually end up with a target audience of 100,000 readers. Please share this magazine with your friends, colleagues and members of your local magic clubs. The aim is to promote magic in a positive light, and encourage us all to give better performances.

BE SURE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR COPY TODAY FROM http://www.vanishmagazine.com

From the Editor - Paul Romhany

 Last night I went to see a great lecture by Hoebi Kull from Switzerland. Hoebi was a student of the great Cellini. For those who are aware of Cellini's work he was the God Father of street magic, and busking. I did not know that he was also a singer, and so would perform in bars singing and doing magic in his early days.  I'm not a street performer but found this a great lecture, and Hoebi was very entertaining and such a joy to watch. One of my pet peeves with street performers is that they are often agressive, and rely on putting their audience down. It's very old school humor that seems to turn people off today rather than keep them. Hoebi was certainly a lesson in that you should treat your audience with respect, and they will in turn respect you as a performer. Today if I see a street performer abusing their audience I will just walk away. I understand that on the street you need to get a crowd, but the idea of having to resort to a deogratory style of humor is very old school. 

Hoebi was charming, and his magic was very strong. Time went by very quickly. His use of the pouch was fantastic, and proved his point that the buskers pouch goes unnoticed by the audience. While he shared tricks with us all, I think the main point of the lecture was making your magic make sense. All of the moves to 'do the dirty' work went unnoticed by the audience simply because every action made sense. There was nothing out of place if he would reach in to the pouch to put something away, then he could come back out ready for the next trick. His lecture finished off with a fantastic cups and balls routine that floored everybody. He acknowledged the impact Cellini had on him and his magic. A real joy to see such a charming performer.

The Real Deal - Survival Guide For Magicians

What started off as a small 80 page booklet has grown in to a whopping 450 pages!! It's got a huge range of contributors, from close-up magicians to stage show to kids performers. There are hints and tips, stories and advice from seasoned pros. I would say this is easily the best book I have put together. It is jam packed with golden nuggets of information that can help save a lot of time and money for every type of performer. The book is still a work in progress, but I can tell you is ALMOST finished. Just waiting on some cartoons I've had done for the book, plus a few essays and hints and tips from others.

Ventriloquism

Some of you may be aware that I started my career off as a ventriloquist. It's something I really enjoy doing and getting back in to again. Here is a photo of my puppets.

ROMHANY'S PICKS OF THE WEEK

Flash by Chad Long

This is one of my favorite color changing knife routines out there. What makes it so great is that it doesn't use a knife, but rather a small flash drive. It's one of those things you thinkg, "Why didn't I think of this?". Chad has done an amazing job producing such a professional prop. This really makes sense to me, more so than a color changing knife for today's audiences. 

 A classic trick, brought up-to-date with modern technology! Two USB flash drives, one red and one black are freely shown. They switch places several times, each more visual than the last, and then the black drive stretches to three times it's normal size!

EASY TO DO!
FUN TO PERFORM!
EYE-POPPING MAGIC!
GREAT CLIMAX!
PERFECT FOR STROLLING!

Includes: 2 small flash drives, 1 long flash drive and full-color instructions with photographs.

* These custom-designed flash drives do not contain memory.

Jumping Bow Tie by Guan Da Wu
 It is very rare to get such a visual effect, that can play well for many different performing situations. This would be perfect for close-up, parlor or stage. This reminds me of Daryl's Jumping Knot of Pakistan - but with a tie. There is ALOT of magic that happens in this routine you should check out the video.

his is a STRONG, MULTI-PHASE, HIGHLY VISIBLE routine. We strongly urge you to watch the video as the description cannot do justice to this effect.

The performer is wearing a black necktie which is removed from his collar and then wrapped around his neck; then the necktie VISIBLY PENETRATES THE NECK.

Next, he ties a bow on one end of the necktie, then introduces a white necktie, the two neckties are then intertwined and when separated the black bow is now seen tied to the white necktie.

When the black bow is untied, that segment of the white necktie is now shown to be BLACK. This can be tugged on to show it is still one necktie.

The performer stands on one end of the white necktie (displaying the black segment) and stretches it out; he then runs his hand up the black segment and it INSTANTLY & VISIBLY JUMPS OFF THE TIE and TURNS INTO A BLACK SILK.

The white tie can now be shown to be completely white again.

The Black silk is then transformed into a black bowtie which the performer can attach to his collar if he wishes.

This bow tie easily matches any of your favorite shirts and achieves a simple perfect design effect. There is no set-up required before performing. Create an amazing and fantastic show for stage, private and corporate venues!

Comes complete with black tie, white tie, bow tie, scarf and instrutional DVD.

To view a Windows Media clip of Jumping Bow Tie, click HERE!

This week I had a question come in from a reader in Puerto Rico, I'll do my best to answer it. If any readers would like to ask questions please email me at info@paulromhany.com

"My name is Hansel, I'm a magician from Puerto Rico. Big fan of your books ! I read your blog weekly, but I would like to read a little bit more about your  recommendations for Show Finales, And Closings.

Actually I Close my Stage show with the "No Tear Restored Newspaper" . Its getting nice reactions from the audience, BUT I need something MORE strong I believe. Can you please touch this theme on the blog about good stage closers ?

Thanks, Hansel - Puerto Rico"

A closing effect is very important because you leave the audience with a lasting impression. The newspaper tear is a strong effect, but you say you would like a stronger reaction to close your show. Personally I feel it CAN be a strong enough closer, it's just how you theme it. I like to leave the audience with an effect that really connects with them on different emotional levels. The magic for torn and restored paper is strong enough, but you may need to change the presentation. If perhaps you treat it as an encore piece. One of the strongest closers I've seen was a friend who did an illusion show, he finished with a torn and restored newspaper. At the end he told the audience he would like to leave them with one more effect - something from his past he remembered as a kid, etc. The lights went off and then a single spot light of him center stage dressed in a Humphry Bogart jacket and hat. He then performed this amazing routine with voice over to an old movie detective style theme. It was incredibly strong and the perfect closer. So there is just one example of using a newspaper tear as a closer, but having a really different presentation. It tugged on various emotional levels, had elements of humor, and a strong magic finish. 

Try and think outside the box. If you perform a comedy style act why not close on something that isn't comedy but comes from the heart, perhaps something your audience can relate to. With a little imagination you'll think of something. Try to think outside the box - something your audience perhaps wouldn't expect.

One of the reasons many magicians close with Kevin James Snowstorm is because of how it tugs at people's emotions. There is a great story line followed by a visually strong piece of theater. I also saw a friend finish with Multiplying Bottles, this was also a great closer because it built to a strong climax with surprises a long the way - in other words the routine had kept building with comedy and great magic.

Banachek finishes his full evening show with his Knife Stab routine - something that keeps the audience, and himself, on the edge of their seats. Because of the elements of danger, and his presentation you want to give him a standing ovation when he's finished!! After all he just saved his own life!

I finish my own show with my floating broom routine. I tell a story with the routine, and it plays on the audience's emotions, leaving them with a lasting impression. I then finish the show off by walking in to a movie screen - so the show starts as me walking out of a screen and finally finishes with me walking in to it. The entire show tells somewhat of a story. 

In my mentalism show I finish with my Dream Prediction - however I've added extras to the routine because at the very end I predict everything that occurred during the show. People's names, events that took place during the show, predictions, etc. In other words at the end everything makes sense and the effect ties it all together.

One of my favorite movies was Unusual Suspects - one of the best endings of any movie - if you haven't seen it check it out. It stars Kevin Spacy. The ending really makes you go, "WOW - now THAT'S AN ENDING. I did NOT see that coming at ALL." You go away feeling really good about what you've just seen, and that the ending was worth watching the entire movie for. Imagine if you knew the ending to the movie prior to seeing it - you may not even stay. Your impression is certainly different than had you not known the ending. The same could be said for magic and for a show. If you can do something that is out of left field for the audience, you will get a stronger reaction.

I do feel you can achieve this with the newspaper tear. Recently a friend saw a show where the magician produced a helicopter, then came back and performed a small cups and balls type routine. The Cups and Balls got a stonger reaction. Something to ponder about. 

I hope I have answered your question - you raised a great point.
If you'd like me to answer YOUR questions please do drop me a line.

ROMHANY'S PICKS OF THE WEEK FROM www.HOCUS-POCUS.com

Thumb Tip Flash

This is close to perfection as you'll get with any type of FLASH at the fingertips. With about 50 uses before you need to recharge this is a great item for the close-up or walk about magician. What I like about this is that there is no danger involved, and it's very practical. If you have ever wanted to add a touch of 'flash' to an effect this could be the final answer. One of the best selling items this week at Hocus-Pocus.

Flash is perfect for dramatizing the magic moment when an object vanishes or appears. Use it for balls in the cups and balls routine. Flash when coins are vanished. Use it to reveal a final load in a cups and balls or chop cup routine. If you do routines involving the appearance of a silk, Flash beautifully lights up the colors of the silks. Hold it beneath a glass and it makes the glass sparkle with light.

We are sure that after you experiment with the Flash device you will come up with hundreds of appropriate applications of Flash for yourself.

Electronic
Rechargeable
More than 50 flashes before recharging
Very easy to use
"We love your invention. It is great!"
-Jeff McBride

The Thumbtip Flash is a unique gimmick I love!"
-Juan Mayoral

"This gimmick is very simple and it has a very stunning effect."
-Kim Hyunjoon

Roadrunner Cull Vol.2 by Kostya Kimlat

When it comes to a deck of cards you can't go past Kostya as far as skill and entertainment value is concerned. He is one of the best in the business, and this DVD and book contain the final work when it comes to the Cull. I had performed a cull for years, but when I saw Kostya's work on it, I realised there was so much more to it, and everybody should know how to do this. As far as I'm concerned there are two things (OK three) every card magician should know how to do, and do well.
One is a double lift, the second a force and the third is the Cull. With these three items mastered you can perform some of the most amazing magic ever!!

In this volume, Kostya goes beyond the "cull" of duty to provide an in-depth look at the technique, handling, and attitude that will make your card technique look flawless.

This is the ultimate compendium DVD for all lovers and performers of card magic. Over 90 minutes of new magic, techniques, and a complete live-workshop session with commentary from Kostya. In this volume, Kostya goes beyond the "cull" of duty to provide an in-depth look at the technique, handling, and attitude that will make your card technique look flawless. Once you've devoured the contents of Volume 1, you're going to love how the learning experience continues on this second volume.

BonusInsert this DVD-ROM into your computer and you will see complete interviews with Michael Ammar, Vito Lupo and Adam Rubin. You'll also find the complete Roadrunner Cull 20-page manuscript in English, Spanish and French, along with other bonus tricks and videos that have been unavailable since the initial release of Volume One.

Sixth Sense 2.0 by Hugo Shelley

I LOVE this type of effect. This is by far one of the best on the market. What makes it so great? First of all, you don't have to be right over top of the spectator's hand to do this. The range is quite amazing, which makes the effect that much more powerful. The gimmick is small and is made to last hours and hours of performances before you need to recharge. 

Small. Light. Easy to use. Incredibly powerful.

With an extended range, 360 degree sensing pattern and self-calibrating digital circuitry, Sixth Sense 2 allows you to perform a variety of beautiful and stunning mind-reading effects including the classic 'which hand'. Place the tiny sensor under your watch strap and a silent vibration will let you know in which hand your volunteer has hidden a magnetic coin.

Sixth Sense will allow you to perform this effect in short sleeves.

The basic effect

The performer chooses a spectator and asks her to hide a coin in one hand behind her back. If he guesses incorrectly, she wins the game. The effect is repeated as the stakes are raised ...

This plays just as well in close-up as it does to an audience of 2000. If you are currently performing any kind of mentalism routine, this device is invaluable.

Limitless variations

Although Sixth Sense was originally designed for 'which hand' effects there are an endless variety of different effects that can be performed using magnetic coins or other objects.

Kurotsuke, Find the Lady, and Smash and Stab effects are all possible. You are limited only by your imagination.

Extended range

We have seen many other devices that try to create a similar effect. But where a weaker sensor will leave you 'scanning' your volunteer's hands in an unnatural way, or failing to detect the coin entirely, the range of Sixth Sense 2 allows a variety of coins to be used with complete confidence.

Advanced miniaturisation

Not only is Sixth Sense 2 the most powerful detection device in the world, it is also one of the smallest. 12 months of prototyping have enabled us to create a device small enough to fit under a watch strap, allowing the 'which hand' effect to be performed in short sleeves and at a moment's notice.

Instant on

No calibration routines, no wires, settings, or complicated hookups. Just turn the unit on via the switch at the base and Sixth Sense 2 automatically configures itself in a fraction of a second. Keep it in a pocket and perform your favourite effects wherever and whenever you want.

Long battery life & enhanced durability

Using the very latest in low-power digital circuitry and power saving techniques, Sixth Sense 2 will function for over 50 hours of continuous use (18,000 detections) on a single set of readily available button cells. The rubber coating and inset switch ensure that Sixth Sense 2 is robust enough to withstand years of constant use.

Specifications

Dimensions:
33 x 20mm x 8mm (approximately 1.3 x .8 x .3 inches) Battery life: 50hrs
User-replaceable CR1632 batteries
Includes sensor, demo DVD, velcro wrist strap and written instructions

Range
Range (to Magnetic US Half Dollar - Kreis Magic) ~ 4.5 inches

Range (to Wizard PK ring)~ 5 inches

Range to PK Ring (Wizard FX): 5in

Range to larger magnetic objects (Scorpion, Spike): 12in+

Please note - magnetic coins must be purchased separately and are not included with the Sixth Sense 2. We recommend these magnetic coins to use with Sixth Sense 2:

Magnetic US Half Dollar, Super Strong Version, you can get it HERE!.

Magnetic US Half Dollar, Normal Version, you can get it HERE!.

Magnetic US Half Dollar, Economy Version, you can get it HERE!.

Magnetic Coin One Euro by Tango, you can get it HERE!.

Magnetic Coin English Penny by Tango, you can get it HERE!.

 Hi all

A very good week this week. Just confirmed a wonderful job in China where I will be performing for the Royal Family of Monaco for a special event. Very excited about that. On Friday night I did a great corporate job. Actually I was called in at the last minute as the original act cancelled on them. He had confirmed the gig, then decided a better one had come along and cancelled, without even finding them a replacement. A really bad business move on his part, because this job has lead to quite a bit more work for me. It turned out the owner of the venue, an event center, watched my show, and afterwards wanted my years schedule. Good for me, not so good for the guy who cancelled the gig at the last minute.

I'm finishing up in a week or so my new book "The Real Deal"- Survival Guide For Magicians. What started as a little booklet has now turned in to a huge 350 page book! The stories have been coming flooding in - I have put the deadline down for one more week, so if you wish to have a story published, a tip or hint then please email me now at info@paulromhany.com OR paul@chaplinmagic.com

CHRIS COX REVIEW

Chris Cox - Fatal Distraction


On Monday night, a group of friends and I went to see a brand new show at the Auckland Comedy Festival, by UK Mentalist Chris Cox. We had all seen Chris two years ago when he was a headline act, and so were extremely excited to see his new show. I'm pleased to say he did not disappoint. What sets Chris apart from most other acts at these comedy festivals is that he doesn't have to rely on swearing to get embarrassed laughter. His show is incredibly smart, very well thought out, and one of the best productions of a mentalism show I have seen. He comes across as a charming, quirky guy, and has no problem getting people on stage to help him out.

He has no hecklers because you don't feel like you want to heckle him. I found this interesting because having watched a few other comedy shows, I now realized that many of them invite people to heckle them due of the abuse they give the audience. I can see why his show was voted the best Comedy Show in the UK by Venue Magazine! It's a show everybody will enjoy, and not offend
anybody. That will be one of the many reasons he travels the world with his show.


Aside from the original effects in the show, Chris's skill is in weaving a story throughout the fifty minute performance. He
comes up with unique themes that are intertwined, and at the end all come together. It contains everything that makes a great
play; an opening, middle and strong closing.

To list each routine would take too much time, and I could not do it justice, suffice to say everything he did had an original
twist. There were no store bought mentalism tricks here!

A few personal highlights included:-
His Drawing Duplication with three people from the audience which built to a very strong climax, and came as quite a surprise. His
energy keeps the show moving along at a very fast pace, and each routine flows in to the other. During the fifty minute show,
Chris took us all on an emotional roller coaster ride. It reminded me of watching a Chaplin movie, where one minute you are
laughing and the next you have a tear in your eye. While it is a comedy festival, and the majority of comedy acts are out to make
us laugh, Chris takes us on a journey with his mentalism. A lesson for every performer in how to structure a very strong
one-person show. He brought 'theatre' in to mentalism, and at the end you wanted more.

One of the strongest moments in the show involved an older couple holding a newspaper. Without giving the effect away, because it's something that you need to see, he was able to create a very special moment, and something everybody was talking about after the show. Perhaps what made it so unique was his use of the stage, lighting, and silence to create a wonderful theatrical
moment. You could hear gasps from the crowd the moment the 'effect' happened.

His Q&A was very different, and unlike any other Q&A I had seen. It was so strong that for a minute there I believed he was really
reading minds! His energy is very high, and he is constantly building each 'piece' to a frenzy where the outcome is mind-blowing mentalism at its best. The Q&A got the entire audience involved and kept them all on the edge of their seats.

The finale of the show reminded me of the ending of movie, The Usual Suspects, where right at the end everything that happened
during the movie, or in this case the show comes together, and you get that 'Damn I didn't see that coming' moment. It was
certainly an incredibly well scripted, well produced show, and highly entertaining and mystifying show.

While Chris tells the audience he 'is a mentalist who can't read minds,' I am sure that there were audience members that night who left that theatre believing he could. Having seen several other comedy acts at this festival, the new Chris Cox Show - Fatal
Distraction was by far the highlight for us all.

Chris takes his show to the Wellington Comedy Festival then prepares for his upcoming US TV series. 

At the show L-R - Richard Webster, Paul, Chris Cox, Alan Watson

 ROMHANY'S TOP PICKS FROM www.Hocus-Pocus.com

The Berglas Effect (books and DVD) by Richard Kaufman and David Berglas

One of the most respected people in our business, David Berglas started a craze after he first performed his ACAAN routine years ago. Since then many have tried to find what card magicians think is the Holly Grail of card tricks. Well, in this book Berglas has over 60 pages on it!!

This book is a treasure trove of card material from one of the greatest minds of our time. If you love card magic then this is a MUST HAVE for you!!

The big hardcover book that reveals the innermost secrets of the card miracles performed by the legendary David Berglas for 60 years, written by magic's most experienced author, Richard Kaufman.

Almost 400 pages
Oversized, Hardcover
Dustjacket, Inserts, and 3D Glasses
Includes 3 DVDs
Over 60 Pages Devoted to "The Berglas Effect" and "Any Card at Any Number".

 This is definitely a book every single card magician should own, read and put what David says in to practice. A book that I feel is worth more than the asking price!