Inside Out (with Toxic Ending) by John Morton

Created by: John Morton

Inside Out (with Toxic Ending) is a captivating close-up mentalism trick where a small, hollow cube is used to seemingly read a spectator's mind. The spectator selects a color or image on the cube, covers it, and the magician accurately reveals their choice. The cube is fully examinable, appearing completely hollow, adding to the mystery. The 'Toxic Ending' is a masterful prediction reveal, often involving a date or personal detail, making it a powerful opener or closer. This trick is versatile, engaging, and leaves a lasting impression.

Key features

Fully examinable hollow cube
Versatile for both openers and closers
No memory work or electronics required
Highly reliable and durable
Can be personalized for stronger impact

Pros

Engages the entire audience
Creates strong, personal reactions
Easy to perform with minimal setup
Works well in various performance settings

Cons

Requires occasional battery replacement
May need occasional maintenance to ensure reliability

Effect

The Inside Out (with Toxic Ending) is a visually striking mentalism effect that plays as both an opener and a closer. A small, hollow cube—often resembling a tiny Rubik's Cube—is handed to a spectator. They choose a color (or image) to place on top, cover it, and the magician correctly identifies their selection. The cube can be fully examined, appearing completely empty. The routine concludes with the Toxic Ending, where a prediction (often a date or specific detail) is revealed inside the cube, creating a powerful, layered effect.

Full Details

Props: A hollow plastic cube (customizable with colors or images) and a small prediction slip.
Performance: The cube is passed around, engaging the entire audience. The magician reads minds by identifying the chosen color, then reveals a prediction inside the cube.
Examination: The cube can be opened and shown empty, eliminating suspicion.
Versatility: Works as an opener to engage crowds or a closer with the prediction reveal.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Mentalists: Ideal for performers who want a quick, interactive mind-reading effect.
Close-up Magicians: Perfect for table-hopping or walkaround, as it instantly grabs attention.
Beginners to Pros: Simple handling with no complex sleight of hand, yet strong enough for professionals.

Difficulty

Low to Moderate: No advanced techniques required, but presentation sells the effect.
Reliability: John Morton notes it’s "100% reliable" in his 20 years of use, with easy troubleshooting (e.g., replacing batteries).

What Magicians Say

John Morton: Calls it his "go-to opener" for its versatility and audience engagement. He praises its examinability and the Toxic Ending as a "hell of a closer."
Performance Tip: Morton uses it to gauge audience dynamics (e.g., identifying skeptics or enthusiastic participants) during the initial pass-around.

The Inside Out (with Toxic Ending) is a proven, durable trick that combines simplicity with strong audience impact, making it a favorite among working performers.

What people are saying about Inside Out (with Toxic Ending)

AlakazamMagicUK says...

Inside Out is my go-to opener, praising its versatility and ability to engage the entire audience. It's reliable and elicits unique reactions.