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Lollipop Bank Night by Dan Harlan

Created by: Dan Harlan

Lollipop Bank Night is a clever twist on the classic bank night plot, designed for stage or parlor settings. The magician presents a bowl of lollipops to the audience, allowing them to take some and keep others. At the routine's climax, it's revealed that the lollipop given to the magician isn't a candy at all but a $100 bill cleverly concealed under the wrapper. This trick combines elements of surprise, audience interaction, and a tangible reward, making it a memorable piece of magic that plays big with crowds.

Key features

  • Adaptable to both stage and close-up performances

  • Uses practical and easily sourced props (lollipops and a $100 bill)

  • Fully examinable by the audience

  • Incorporates the classic bank night plot with a unique twist

  • Teaches the underlying principles of equivocation for broader application

Pros

  • High impact with a clear, surprising climax

  • Engages the audience directly, making them part of the magic

  • Versatile for various performance settings

  • Props are simple and the method is straightforward

  • Adds a tangible element (money) that enhances the trick's appeal

Cons

  • Requires preparation of specific props (lollipops and a $100 bill)

  • May not be suitable for all performance environments due to the use of money

Effect

The Lollipop Bank Night trick creates a surprising and engaging moment for the audience. A performer presents a bowl of lollipops to spectators, who freely choose and take some while leaving others behind. At the end of the routine, the performer reveals that one of the lollipops—specifically the one given back to them—is not a lollipop at all. Instead, it conceals a folded $100 bill, creating an unexpected and memorable payoff.

Full Details

Lollipop Bank Night is part of Dan Harlan’s Equivocation Masterclass, which teaches magicians how to guide spectator choices while maintaining the illusion of free will. The trick uses a clever adaptation of the classic Bank Night plot, where money is hidden in an unexpected place. In this case, the money is concealed inside a lollipop wrapper, making the reveal both surprising and deceptive.

The routine is fully examinable, meaning spectators can inspect the lollipops before and after the trick without discovering the method. The props are simple—just a bowl of lollipops and a hidden bill—making it practical for various performance settings, from stage to close-up.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for performers who want a fresh take on the Bank Night plot or enjoy routines that involve audience participation. It works well for both magicians and mentalists, as it blends deception with a strong psychological premise. Since it requires minimal sleight of hand, it is accessible to beginners but also offers enough depth to interest experienced performers looking for a new presentation.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The difficulty level of Lollipop Bank Night is relatively low. The trick relies more on presentation and the principles of equivocation (subtly guiding choices) than on complex moves. As reviewer Sebastian notes, "None of these involve sleight of hand or switches or insanely difficult moves." The key challenge is delivering clear instructions to spectators while maintaining the illusion of free choice.

What Magicians Say

Sebastian, who reviewed Dan Harlan’s Equivocation Masterclass, praises Lollipop Bank Night as "an amazing plot for a Bank Night." He highlights its clever twist: "Instead of having envelopes and always talking about money, here you never actually mention the money until you unveil the wrapper." He also emphasizes that the routine is practical, examinable, and adaptable to different performance environments.

Overall, the trick is well-regarded for its creativity and strong audience impact, making it a valuable addition to a performer’s repertoire.

What people are saying about Lollipop Bank Night

sebastiantoca9208 says...

The lollipop Bank Night is an amazing plot for a bank night... instead of having envelopes and always talking about money here you never actually mention the money until you actually unveil the wrapper, which is fantastic.

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