Big Headline by Dave Kaplan
Created by: Dave Kaplan
Where to buy
![]() | Monster Magic | Big Headline by Dave Kaplan | £299.00 | 🇬🇧 Shop |
Key features
Starts as a torn and restored newspaper effect and escalates into a person production, vanish, or change
Unfolds to over 6 feet tall for a dramatic visual impact
Compact and portable, fitting into a briefcase for easy transport
Made from durable Tyvek material, requiring no refills
Simple to learn with a reset time of about 30 seconds with practice
Includes a 27-minute tutorial with performance tips and multiple applications
Best suited for stage, parlor, or kid's shows with frontal audience angles
Pros
Huge visual impact with minimal setup
Durable construction for repeated use
Highly portable compared to traditional stage illusions
Versatile for solo or duo performances
Strong audience reactions and comedic potential
Cons
High price point at $350
Vinyl holder may degrade with heavy use
Not examinable due to its size and gimmick nature
Requires hidden areas for person-switch variations
Effect
Big Headline presents a torn and restored newspaper routine on a massive scale. The magician begins with torn pieces of paper. These pieces magically restore into a full sized newspaper. The newspaper then unfolds into a giant sheet over six feet tall. The routine can end with the newspaper itself, or escalate into a person production, vanish, or transformation. The unfolding creates a dramatic and impossible visual moment for the audience.
Full details
Big Headline is a stage and parlor illusion created by Dave Kaplan. The prop is constructed from Tyvek, a durable and paper like material designed for repeated performances. The trick comes with a pre folded Tyvek newspaper gimmick that includes a locking mechanism. The package includes a vinyl holder for storage, all necessary torn pieces, and additional materials for setup. A 27 minute instructional video features Dave Kaplan and Lucy Darling. The video covers performance tips, multiple applications, and the reset process. The entire prop packs small, fitting into a briefcase, which has earned it the nickname carry on illusion.
Who should consider the trick
This trick is best for working professional magicians. Performers who need a high impact illusion for stage, parlor, or cruise ship acts will find it most suitable. It is ideal for those specializing in family entertainment or comedy shows due to its visual nature and presentation potential. The trick is likely too expensive for casual hobbyists unless it fills a specific need in their act. BAM magic states it is a worthwhile investment for professionals but may be prohibitive for hobbyists. Magic Orthodoxy recommends it for working professionals due to its durability.
Information on how difficult it is to perform
The routine is simple to learn. The 27 minute tutorial provides clear instructions. The initial setup may take two to three minutes. With practice, the reset time drops to about thirty seconds. The trick requires minimal technical skill to perform. The main consideration is performance space. For routines involving a person switch, the trick requires a hidden area or curtains. Angles are forgiving for a frontal audience. The prop itself is not examinable due to its size and method.
What magicians say
Reviewers consistently praise the trick for its strong visual impact. BAM magic calls it a powerful, portable, and visually stunning illusion. They award it a 90 percent rating for its versatility and comedic potential. Magic Orthodoxy's David says the trick is praised for its ease of use and visual impact, coming ready to perform out of the box. penguinmagictricks5930 notes that performers like Chris Kart recommend using it as an opener for maximum surprise, creating a home run moment. World Magic Shop hosts David Penn and Wayne Fox were clearly impressed, describing the climax as an impossible transformation of a person. Erik Tait from penguinmagicshop highlighted Big Headline for its potential in stage appearances and quick changes, including it in his top tricks of 2024. A common point is its blend of practicality and theatricality, making it a favorite for performers seeking a high impact, low hassle routine.
What people are saying about Big Headline
BAM_magic says...
What starts as a newspaper restoration quickly escalates into a full-blown person vanish, change, or production, making it a versatile and attention-grabbing piece. [...] Simple to learn with a reset time of 30 seconds with practice.
David from Magic Orthodoxy says...
It starts with torn pieces of paper that magically restore into a full-sized newspaper, which can then unfold into an impossibly large sheet. [...] The trick is praised for its ease of use, coming ready to perform out of the box.
David Penn and Wayne Fox says...
The routine begins with a torn and restored newspaper effect that then escalates dramatically, transforming into a giant-sized version. The climax involves an impossible transformation of a person, making it a powerful piece that can visually fill a large stage despite its deceptively small carrying size.
Erik Tait says...
Big Headline is a newspaper-expanding illusion, Tait highlights its potential for stage appearances and quick changes.
penguinmagicshop says...
Big Headline by Dave Kaplan: A newspaper prediction with a bold, impossible reveal.
penguinmagictricks5930 says...
Big Headline is a large-scale newspaper restoration that unfolds to over 6 feet tall, creating a dramatic reveal. [...] Compact and portable, fitting into a briefcase, earning it the nickname 'carry-on illusion.'
Performance videos
This is HUGE! Big Headline by Dave Kaplan performed by Jason Fun #magic
penguinmagicshop mentioned this magic trick in this video.
Review videos
The Wizard Magic Review 1/10/25 | Spirit Bell, Echo Bell, Big Headline, IARVEL PAD PRO, HACKER APP
worldmagicshop mentioned this magic trick in this video.
Big Headline by Dave Kaplan - Magic Review (FOR PROS)
BAM_magic mentioned this magic trick in this video.
Magic Review - Big Headline by Dave Kaplan
magicorthodoxy mentioned this magic trick in this video.
Top 10 Magic Tricks of 2024 according to Erik Tait at Penguin Magic
penguinmagicshop mentioned this magic trick in this video.
Promotional videos
Big Headline by David Kaplan is the biggest magic trick we sell at Penguin Magic #magic
penguinmagicshop mentioned this magic trick in this video.
10 BEST Stage Magic Tricks at Penguin Magic
penguinmagicshop mentioned this magic trick in this video.
Erik Tait Talks Penguin At Blackpool | Talk Magic Dealer Special #4
magic-tv mentioned this magic trick in this video.
Tutorial videos
Big Headline by Dave Kaplan
penguinmagictricks5930 mentioned this magic trick in this video.
Other videos
Announcing the Nominees for the Penguin Magic Awards!
penguinmagicshop mentioned this magic trick in this video.