Bank Fright by Miles Thornton

Created by: Miles Thornton

Bank Fright is a bold and dangerous close-up magic trick that uses two envelopes, one of which secretly contains a razor blade. The magician hands one envelope to a spectator and keeps the other. The spectator is told they can win money by choosing an envelope, but whichever one they choose, they must scrunch it up and throw it away. The magician then dramatically reveals the razor blade in their own envelope, leaving the audience in shock and wondering what would have happened if they had chosen the other envelope. This trick is perfect for creating a memorable and intense moment, especially as an opener for corporate or event performances.

Key features

Uses two envelopes and a razor blade for a high-impact reveal
Perfect for close-up or parlour magic
Creates a strong, lasting impression on the audience
Great for performers who enjoy bold, risky effects
Included in Miles Thornton's 'Gnome Volume Two' collection

Pros

Highly visual and shocking effect
Simple to perform with minimal setup
Leaves a lasting impression on spectators
Versatile for different performance settings
Great for creating a sense of danger and intrigue

Cons

May not be suitable for all audiences due to the use of a razor blade
Requires careful handling to ensure safety
Limited to specific performance contexts where the danger element is appropriate

Effect

Bank Fright by Miles Thornton is a bold and direct magic trick that leaves audiences in stunned silence. The magician presents two envelopes to a spectator, one of which contains a hidden razor blade. The spectator is asked to choose an envelope, scrunch it up, and throw it away. The magician then reveals that the discarded envelope contained the razor blade, cutting through the remaining envelope to prove it. The effect is shocking and leaves spectators wondering what would have happened if they had chosen the other envelope.

Full details

Bank Fright is a straightforward yet powerful trick that uses two envelopes and a razor blade. The magician hands one envelope to the spectator and keeps the other. The spectator is instructed to scrunch up and discard their chosen envelope. The magician then dramatically reveals the razor blade hidden in the discarded envelope by cutting through the remaining envelope. The trick is designed to be quick, impactful, and memorable, making it an excellent opener or closer for a performance.

Who should consider the trick

Bank Fright is ideal for magicians who enjoy performing bold, direct, and slightly edgy effects. It’s particularly well-suited for corporate events, receptions, or any situation where you need to make a strong first impression. If you’re a playful and confident performer who likes to leave a lasting impact, this trick is a great addition to your repertoire.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

Bank Fright is relatively easy to perform, making it accessible to magicians of all skill levels. The method is straightforward, and the trick relies more on presentation and timing than complex sleight of hand. However, the boldness of the effect requires confidence and a strong sense of showmanship to pull off effectively.

What magicians say

Harri Harrington, a magician who frequently performs Bank Fright, describes it as "so direct and people just look at you in shock." He notes that the reactions are consistently strong, with spectators often left in stunned silence. Harri also highlights its effectiveness as an opener, saying, "If you are a fun playful person and then you smash something like this out, you’re giving somebody a bit like, 'Oh that magician, wow that was a bit odd.'" He adds that the trick is a "missing piece" in his performances, making it a go-to effect for creating memorable moments.

What people are saying about Bank Fright

AlakazamMagicUK says...

I actually think for do you know when you're doing the receptions for like a corporate where you've only got about an hour and a half before you go and do table sets this is such a cool thing to just we talk about openers and I think as an openness is quite bold but if you are a fun playful person and then you smash something like this out you you're giving somebody a bit like oh that magician wow that was a bit odd and then you come and do something really fun afterwards they're not going to forget that opener you started with that really dangerous thing and then all of a sudden yeah it's great I love it.