Baboo by Grum

Effect

Baboo by Grum is a nest of wallets routine where a borrowed ring vanishes and reappears inside a wallet, which is itself nested inside another wallet. The effect is visually striking and builds suspense as each wallet is opened to reveal the next, culminating in the final reveal of the ring. The routine includes a high-quality silk vanish for the ring, adding an extra layer of mystery.

Full Details

Baboo is a modern take on the classic nest of wallets effect. The set includes three wallets—each nested inside the other—and a specially designed silk for vanishing the ring. The wallets feature pre-pressed flaps, allowing for smoother handling during performance. The silk is noted for its exceptional quality, with reviewers praising its effectiveness for vanishes.

Unlike some traditional nest of wallets, Baboo’s wallets are not fully examinable by spectators. This means performers must manage audience interaction carefully to avoid exposing the method. The routine requires a pocket for loading, and the reset is relatively quick, especially if the silk vanish is omitted.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Baboo is ideal for magicians who:

• Perform close-up or parlor magic with borrowed objects.
• Appreciate high-quality props and smooth handling.
• Want a visually engaging routine with a strong climax.
• Are comfortable managing audience interaction to prevent examination of the wallets.

It may not be the best choice for those who frequently perform for highly skeptical audiences who demand to inspect props.

Difficulty

The trick is moderately easy to perform, with no advanced sleight of hand required. The main challenges are:

• Managing the silk vanish smoothly.
• Ensuring clean handling of the nested wallets to maintain the illusion.
• Controlling audience interaction to prevent unwanted examination.

The included instructions cover the handling and performance tips, making it accessible for intermediate magicians.

What Magicians Say

Nick Locapo from Penguin Magic praised Baboo, calling it a "great trick with a great method and incredible props." He highlighted the silk as "one of the best I’ve ever seen," noting it could almost be sold separately due to its quality.

Mark Travison from Saturn Magic acknowledged the high-quality construction but pointed out that the wallets are not fully examinable, which could be a drawback for some performers. He compared it to other nest of wallets routines, noting that while Baboo offers improvements in handling, it may not replace all existing versions for performers who prioritize examinability.

Overall, Baboo is well-regarded for its prop quality and deceptive method, making it a strong addition to a magician’s repertoire.