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Big Revelation by Wayne Dobson and Jeff Stone

Created by: Wayne Dobson, Jeff Stone

Big Revelation is a versatile magic trick that can be adapted for close-up, walkaround, or parlor settings, primarily involving card magic with elements of mentalism. In the effect, a magician engages with one or two spectators in a routine that builds to a humorous and surprising climax. It often starts with a large, printed card sheet (the 'big revelation' card) that displays multiple cards, used for an initial comedic reveal. This is followed by a seemingly impossible moment where a spectator's chosen card—previously memorized or selected from a standard deck—appears reversed or isolated in a deck that otherwise shows all cards face up, creating a strong visual and emotional payoff. The trick leverages classic principles like card reversals and the '52 on one' concept, emphasizing presentation and audience interaction to contrast card technique with mind reading. Buyers should note that purchasing the trick typically involves acquiring a PDF guide (e.g., Jeff Stone's 'Third Eye' adaptation) for around $25, which includes instructions and a video for constructing the large revelation card, but does not include physical props like the trick deck or pre-printed cards; these must be sourced separately. It's ideal for performers seeking a quick, engaging routine that generates laughs and fills performance time effectively.

Key features

  • Adaptable for various performance settings including close-up, walkaround, and parlor

  • Involves a two-spectator routine for enhanced engagement and narrative depth

  • Relies on a trick deck for card reversals and a large printed revelation card for visual impact

  • Combines elements of card magic and mentalism for a surprising climax

  • Requires self-assembly of props from a PDF guide, with no physical items included in purchase

Pros

  • Compact and powerful revelation ideal for strong visual climaxes

  • Fun and easy to incorporate into a set, generating audience laughs

  • Well-suited for studying presentation, pacing, and audience management

  • Created by respected magicians, ensuring commercial and clever design

Cons

  • PDF download does not include physical props, requiring additional sourcing and assembly

  • May involve extra costs for printing and obtaining a trick deck

  • Limited to specific routines, potentially less flexible for customization

Effect

Big Revelation creates a surprising and humorous moment for the audience. A magician involves two spectators in a card routine. The performance builds to a large, printed card that reveals a chosen card in a funny way. This is followed by an impossible finish where the spectator's card appears reversed in a standard deck.

Full details

Big Revelation is a trick created by Wayne Dobson. Jeff Stone later released an adaptation called "Third Eye." The routine uses a special trick deck that allows cards to reverse. It also requires a large, custom-printed revelation card that the magician must assemble. The effect is structured for two spectators, creating a narrative that can contrast card technique with mind reading. The final phase is a classic "52 on one" style reveal, where all cards in the deck are face up except for the spectator's selection.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is suitable for magicians who perform in parlor or close-up settings. It is ideal for walkaround performances. Magicians looking for a routine that involves two spectators will find it useful. Those who enjoy effects with a strong visual and humorous payoff should consider Big Revelation. It is a good choice for performers seeking a commercial and practical effect from a respected creator.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The method behind Big Revelation is not technically difficult. The challenge lies in the presentation and pacing. The magician must manage two spectators and build the routine to a climax. Careful printing and assembly of the large revelation card are important for a polished look. The performance relies more on audience management than complex sleight of hand. David from Magic Orthodoxy describes it as a "fun and easy parlor routine."

What magicians say

Magicians highlight the effect's practicality and impact. David notes that "Third Eye" is "well-suited for a parlor setting and can be a fun, easy routine." He believes the routine's simplicity and potential for audience engagement make it worthwhile. Alakazam Magic promotes Big Revelation as a "compact and powerful revelation trick," ideal for close-up work. They emphasize that it fits Wayne Dobson's reputation for "clever, commercial magic." Performance videos are valued for studying presentation and building to a surprising payoff.

What people are saying about Big Revelation

AlakazamMagicUK says...

Big Revelation is a compact and powerful revelation trick ideal for close-up or walkaround performances. [...] The routine is noted for its practicality and impact, fitting well within Dobson's reputation for clever, commercial magic.

magicorthodoxy says...

David considers 'Third Eye' a fun and easy parlor routine that can generate laughs and fill time in a performance. [...] He emphasizes that this is not a product with physical props; instead, it's a downloadable PDF with access to a video demonstrating how to construct the 'big revelation' card.

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