Into the Looking Glass by Craig Petty

Effect

The audience sees a magician perform with a small mirror and coins. The coins appear to multiply and vanish using the mirror. The mirror is examinable, and the magician's hands are shown empty at key moments. The routine includes multiple phases where coins duplicate, vanish, and reappear in impossible ways.

Full Details

Into the Looking Glass is a walkaround-friendly adaptation of Paul Harris’s mirror-based coin routine. The magician uses a small pocket mirror and a few coins to create a series of visual transformations. The coins duplicate, vanish, and reappear in the mirror, with no table or lapping required. The mirror can be handed to a spectator for examination, and the routine resets instantly.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This routine is ideal for magicians who perform walkaround or close-up magic. It works well in environments where spectators can see the mirror clearly. The trick is practical for performers who want a multi-phase routine with strong visual impact.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The routine is not technically difficult, but it requires smooth handling and clear presentation. The method is straightforward, but the structure and timing are key to making the magic convincing. Craig Petty describes it as one of his top three walkaround routines due to its practicality and strong reactions.

What Magicians Say

Craig Petty calls Into the Looking Glass "one of the most magical walkaround routines" he has created. He highlights its practicality, visual impact, and multi-phase structure. The routine solves issues with the original Paul Harris version by eliminating the need for a table or restrictive angles. Petty states, "This is probably in the top three of my favorite walkaround close-up routines of all time." The mirror’s involvement adds an extra layer of impossibility, making it a strong choice for real-world performances.