Afterlife by Jamie Daws

Effect

Afterlife by Jamie Daws is a séance-style mentalism routine that creates a chilling, supernatural experience for the audience. A spectator secretly selects a Polaroid-style photo of a deceased person from a stack. The performer, seemingly unaware of the choice, channels details about the selected individual through a haunted doll’s photograph. The climax occurs when the doll’s image visually transforms into the chosen deceased person, creating a striking and eerie moment.

Full details

The routine includes 20 custom Polaroid-style photos, each featuring a name, age at death, and year of passing. A plain envelope and a crib envelope are provided to facilitate the method. The effect relies on psychological forces to make the spectator’s selection feel free while ensuring the performer can accurately reveal details. No heavy memory work is required, as the method cleverly encodes information within the names on the photos.

The performance is highly atmospheric, drawing inspiration from Victorian-era séances. It is scalable for both close-up and parlor settings, allowing flexibility in audience size. The routine emphasizes storytelling and mood to enhance the illusion of supernatural contact.

Who should consider the trick

Afterlife is ideal for magicians who enjoy theatrical, horror-themed performances with strong storytelling elements. It suits mentalists and close-up performers looking for a visually impactful routine that plays well in both intimate and larger settings. Those who appreciate audience interaction and eerie, immersive experiences will find this trick particularly engaging.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The trick is designed to be practical and performance-ready. While it requires attention to presentation and atmosphere, the method itself avoids complex sleight of hand or extensive memorization. The instructions provide clear guidance on handling the props and structuring the routine. Performers will need to focus on pacing and mood to maximize the effect’s impact.

What magicians say

Magic Orthodoxy notes that Afterlife is a polished, performance-ready trick with a supernatural theme. They highlight Jamie Daws’ reputation as a respected creator, suggesting the effect is well-crafted and reliable.

AlakazamMagicUK describes the routine as a chilling and theatrical experience, emphasizing its scalability and lack of heavy memory work. They praise the combination of storytelling and practical methodology, calling it "a séance in a stack of photos."

Reviewers agree that Afterlife excels in creating an eerie, immersive experience, making it a strong choice for performers who enjoy dark, audience-driven magic.