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Jar and Ring Trick by John Morton and Michael Wilson

Created by: John Morton, Michael Wilson

The Jar and Ring Trick is a classic close-up magic effect where a ring mysteriously links and unlinks from a jar or similar container, often performed with audience participation. This trick is co-created by John Morton and Michael Wilson, showcasing a blend of visual magic and audience engagement. It's suitable for close-up performances, particularly in social gatherings or paid gigs, and is designed to be accessible to magicians of various skill levels.

Key features

  • Co-created by John Morton and Michael Wilson

  • Suitable for close-up performances

  • Engages audience participation

  • Accessible to magicians of various skill levels

  • Visual and interactive magic effect

Pros

  • Highly visual and engaging for audiences

  • Suitable for a wide range of performers

  • Includes audience participation, enhancing the performance experience

  • Co-created by experienced magicians, ensuring quality and reliability

Cons

  • May require practice to perfect the handling and timing

  • Specific props needed, which may not be readily available to all performers

Effect

The Jar and Ring Trick is a visually engaging magic effect where a solid metal ring appears to magically link and unlink from a glass jar. The performer demonstrates the impossibility by showing the ring and jar separately, then suddenly the ring is inside the jar—or vice versa—without any visible opening or tampering. The effect is clean, direct, and leaves the audience baffled.

Full Details

This trick is a variation co-created by John Morton and Michael Wilson, designed for close-up or parlor settings. It involves a standard glass jar and a metal ring, making it highly accessible and easy to reset. The method is clever yet practical, allowing for smooth repetition if needed. The routine can be adapted for different performance styles, from comedic to mysterious, depending on the magician’s preference.

Who Should Consider the Trick

The Jar and Ring Trick is ideal for:

  • Close-up magicians looking for a visual, self-contained routine.
  • Performers who need a quick, reset-friendly trick for walk-around gigs.
  • Those who enjoy simple yet strong effects that don’t rely on complex sleights.
  • Magicians who perform for mixed audiences, including children, as the props are familiar and engaging.

Difficulty

The trick is moderate in difficulty, requiring some practice to ensure smooth handling and timing. However, it does not demand advanced sleight-of-hand skills, making it accessible to intermediate performers. The method relies more on misdirection and natural movements than technical finger work.

What Magicians Say

John Morton describes it as part of his broader lecture material, emphasizing its practicality for working professionals. He highlights its versatility, noting that it can be adapted for different performance contexts, from casual close-up to structured stage routines. The collaboration with Michael Wilson suggests a refined method that balances simplicity with strong audience impact.

The trick is praised for being easy to reset and visually clear, making it a reliable choice for repeat performances. Its use of everyday objects (a jar and ring) enhances the impossibility factor, as spectators can inspect the props before and after the effect.

For magicians seeking a straightforward yet powerful routine, the Jar and Ring Trick offers a compelling option.

What people are saying about Jar and Ring Trick

AlakazamMagicUK says...

John Morton’s Alakazam Academy promises a practical and engaging evening for magicians of all levels. The focus on accessible routines, combined with insights into his creative process and performance strategies, makes this a valuable opportunity for anyone looking to expand their repertoire and refine their craft.

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