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Roslyn Inner circle UK 3405 Posts |
Good morning, afternoon, evening, other...
It’s not often I’ll post on The Café these days. It’s even more rare that I’ll be excited by a new release. But it’s Christmas and miracles are known to happen at this time of year; so here I am posting on The Magic Café about a new release that I’m dead excited about. What is this miracle? The Magpie by Jack Rhodes & Joel Dickinson. Ok, so before I talk about the trick I should tell you what I look for in material. First off, I’m a professional performer and as such fooling magicians is very low on my list of things a trick must do. Also, despite loving new toys, gaffs and gizmos when I’m looking for tricks to add to my show these also have a very low priority. What I need is easy to understand, fun, hard hitting magic that leaves spectators both baffled and entertained. The Magpie is just such a trick. Here’s the basic effect as the audience remembers it... Or at least, this is what I wrote down after I saw the performance for the first time. From empty hands a number of coins are magically produced. Pulled right out of the air. The coins then magically transform in to a solid finger ring. The ring is placed in the pocket only to reappear in the hand. This is repeated a second time. Showing the ring it is then magically pulled out of shape until it has completely transformed into a tablespoon. The spoon, just like all the objects, is solid. What I love about this trick is it has all the thrill of a Misers Dream without any of the bulky props. Each time a coin is produced you simply pop it in your hand. Simple. Unlike most Miser’s Dreams the routine doesn’t stop with the production of coins. You plow on with not 1 but 2 extremely magical transformations. I’d say most could learn this in a few days if they were willing to put in a little practice, and if you are already comfortable with basic coin sleights then you’ll pick this up in no time. This isn’t unattainable finger busting, Ponta the Smith level stuff. This is solid, real world worker material that us regular mortals could and should be doing. Primarily this will appeal to you close-up guys. But I can see uses for this elsewhere too. Personally I’m going to add this to my kid show as my “skills to pay the bills” routine that I like to slip in to the show for the adults in the audience (check out Chris Capehart’s DVD for more on the idea of doing something highly skilled to impress the parents). Anyway, if you like easy to carry, strong magic that spectators love watching I’d definitely recommend checking out The Magpie, I’m not sure when this trick will be out on general release, but I’m sure it won’t be long. If Joel or Jack see this maybe they could let us know? In summery, I can’t praise this trick enough and urge you to get it as soon as it comes out. You won’t be disappointed. All the best, Russ
The Magic Cafe account of The Conwy Jester, Erwyd le Fol formerly known as Roslyn Walker.
My home online Join me on Facebook Follow me on twitter |
JoelDickinson Inner circle UK 1578 Posts |
Hey Russ thanks so much for your review of The Magpie. It’s a routine which sits in both mine and Jacks sets.
A lot of work has gone into the Magpie. Good news is that it is already released and available from http://www.tadaa.co.uk/ourshop/prod_6265......son.html Check out the video. It should be available from our friends at Penguinmagic at some point soon too. If anybody has any questions etc I’d love to help. Two review copies are up for grabs, please pm me. Thank you. Joel.
Online Magic Store :
themiraclestudio.co.uk |
TRI6KED Elite user UK 421 Posts |
This is a no-brainer for £5-50 - Great work guys.
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puggo Inner circle 2022 Posts |
I saw this and thought about sending a PM for a review copy as per Joel's offer. But then I took a quick look at the demo and the price and realised it is a no-brainer so hit the 'buy' button.
I like this and will be working on it. You will need some reasonable (but not advanced) sleight of hand skills, but if offers many possibilities for personalisation or modification according to your tastes. It would be easy to mix in elements of Flip, Klan, Merrill, Sankey (stirring silver?) etc., although I quite like the pace of the routine as it is, being quite un-rushed. The only thing I would change is that the (pretty good) video instructions do not appear to be downloadable - perhaps I'm missing something? Charlie |
MagicBrent Inner circle 2574 Posts |
Will this be carried by Penguin?
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pegasus Eternal Order United Kingdom 10537 Posts |
Quote:
On Dec 16, 2017, MagicBrent wrote: It’s a download so you don’t have to worry about Penguin, or any other magic store stocking this. |
ash2arani Special user 923 Posts |
Disclaimer: I received this as a review copy.
It is not often that a tried and tested routine that is visual, packs a punch, and a true worker is released and almost never at this price point. Jack explains the full routine in a 30-min video and what a routine this is! From laymen's perspective, it starts with a surprise and then it moves to a flashy display that ends with a shock. You can actually see the reaction in the demo video and it is a true moment of astonishment. Another nice sequence follows before blowing minds with a finale. Many routines that are similar have an issue with clarity. What Magpie has is clarity and transition. Every phase stands on its own and is clear what is happening in it. It ends with a smooth transition to the next phase (thanks to some clever patter). Of course, the modularity makes this routine adaptable to whatever style or even inserted into one's own routine. I love the whole construction. As for the video, it includes a full studio performance, a rundown of the routine, and then dissection of the sleights required. I love that the video shows different angles which makes learning subtleties a lot easier (and I suffered with other releases when there is only one camera angle). Now make no mistake, this is not a self-working routine. This will require practice and proper studying of the angles, timing, blocking, and overall syncing with patter. I know I will be practicing this. I want to comment on the 3 phases taught briefly: Phase 1: very magical and has a nice beat to it. Ends magically and opens up many roads one can go from there. Phase 2: I will not be using this as-is because I have another phase I plan to substitute here. However, the phase Jack teaches is nice. It was not the best. It is still magical but I am not fond of a particular display. This is just me and I already have something else that fits nicely. Phase 3: It actually fooled me when I first saw it. The display is visual and it is unexpected. Again, with the clever patter, it makes sense. For 5.5 GBP, you cannot go wrong with a routine that is different and magical. Highly recommended if you are comfortable or at least willing to put the practice (especially with coin sleights). |
JoelDickinson Inner circle UK 1578 Posts |
Thanks very much all for the reviews. Cheers Ash, we told you it was modular which is the amazing thing about The Magpie. Really glad it’s working for you.
Jack did such a good job teaching The Magpie and we had a blast putting our heads together. Jack is a natural performer and a very good creator. We have lots more practical magic coming up so keep your eyes peeled. To answer the question, The Magpie should be available on Penguin Magic. I’ll keep you posted with that.
Online Magic Store :
themiraclestudio.co.uk |
JoelDickinson Inner circle UK 1578 Posts |
The Magpie is now available on Penguin Magic.
Head over to http://www.penguinmagic.com/p/9332 Best wishes, Joel.
Online Magic Store :
themiraclestudio.co.uk |
Colin (C.J.) Special user 564 Posts |
I love the music on the trailer. In fact I love the trailer full stop. Great job!
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JoelDickinson Inner circle UK 1578 Posts |
Thanks a lot Colin
Online Magic Store :
themiraclestudio.co.uk |
mike donoghue Inner circle 1295 Posts |
Joel is getting to be a pain in the backside because he is TOO BLOODY GOOD ha
Everything he releases is tested, entertaining, amazing and SO BLOODY GOOD. Joel, you got my interest with your early creations & you are now making me sit up and take notice of Jack Rhodes as well. The two of you have came up with something really practical & visual. Real reactions in the trailer as well. I have watched the performance several times but have not worked on the effect yet, BUT I will work on it & most importantly , I WILL DO IT AT MY EVENTS. Thank's lads . You are now officially the Dynamic Duo. Respect from Mike Donoghue |
MaxfieldsMagic Inner circle Instead of practicing, I made 3009 Posts |
Well, this is already one of my favorite visual sleight of hand routines. I requested and received a free review copy, but was already pretty certain from the demo that this would be a winner. Not going to describe the effect here - it's best to watch it for yourself - but here are my thoughts on the routining, teaching, and practicality of it:
Routining: IMO, this is a mini masterclass on how to routine a quick, visual sleight of hand effect. The magician is always ahead, the misdirection is built in, and there are plenty of genuinely astonishing moments. From the time the routine begins, the magician sets and then confounds expectations with magical twists of eye candy. It's a routine that can be equally effective done silently or with scripting, IMO. Teaching: You should have no question how to practice and perform this after viewing the 29 minute video. Following the live performance on the trailer, Jack Rhodes walks through a studio demo of the routine, followed by a silent version on the street. He then provides a succinct overview of key methods and moments, including every sleight he uses in the routine. This is the shorthand version of the explanation, which will be sufficient on its own for guys who are experienced or have already watched the entire video. Following that section is an in-depth look at every sleight, usually shown from more than one angle. The explanation strikes the right balance between clarity and efficiency - you will be neither confused nor bored by it. Practicality: All you need to perform this is a coin, a ring and a spoon. If you only have one or two of those, you can eliminate the sections that require the other props, and still have a killer, shorter routine. There are the usual angle issues - ie, if there's someone peering over your shoulder, you'll need to either kick them in the shin or keep your arms closer to your body during certain portions of the routine. Actually, for the third phase there is also one wardrobe accessory used, but it can be swapped out with other items of zero to nominal cost that accomplish the same thing. Results when performing: I've performed this three times now, just to give it a quick spin before reviewing it, and got positive reactions on all three occasions. One was the wife test, and the other two were for strangers. Best part was the genuine "WTF?" reactions from all three when the coins change into a ring, and again when the ring changes into a spoon. The routine is not difficult to perform, but it requires practice and talent to make it look as good as Mr. Jack Rhodes does. I'm not there yet, but fortunately you don't have to be. This is one of those routines that will reward perfection without requiring it.
Now appearing nightly in my basement.
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JoelDickinson Inner circle UK 1578 Posts |
Thanks Max. It’s an astounding routine.
Online Magic Store :
themiraclestudio.co.uk |
JoelDickinson Inner circle UK 1578 Posts |
Really happy to see The Magpie is the third top seller under $10 on Penguin. It’s an awesome routine and Magic which shouldn’t be missed.
Online Magic Store :
themiraclestudio.co.uk |
JoelDickinson Inner circle UK 1578 Posts |
Several magicians reviews have dropped in at Penguin. Well worth checking out.
Joel.
Online Magic Store :
themiraclestudio.co.uk |
John C Eternal Order I THINK therefore I wrote 12945 Posts |
I have to practice. but, it's worth it.
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