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Many Happy Returns by Simon Lipkin

Created by: Simon Lipkin

Many Happy Returns is a captivating mentalism trick that allows the performer to seemingly recall and reveal the birthdays of every person they have ever met, culminating in the revelation of the spectator's own birthday. This trick uses nothing more than a stack of billets, making it accessible yet profoundly impactful. It falls under the category of close-up or parlour mentalism, perfect for creating a personal and unforgettable moment between the magician and the spectator. Buyers should note that while the trick is easy to perform, it requires specific props like billets to achieve the desired effect.

Key features

  • Uses a stack of billets for the performance

  • No sleight of hand required, making it accessible to performers of all skill levels

  • Creates a deeply personal connection with the spectator

  • Perfect for close-up or parlour mentalism performances

Pros

  • Easy to perform with no complex moves

  • Highly impactful and personal effect

  • Audience-friendly and leaves a lasting impression

Cons

  • Requires specific props (billets) to perform

  • May need preparation before performing

Effect

The trick "Many Happy Returns" creates the illusion that the magician can recall the birthdays of every person they have ever met. The performance ends with a dramatic reveal of the spectator's own birthday, making it feel deeply personal and impossible to explain.

Full Details

"Many Happy Returns" is a mentalism routine that uses a stack of billets (small slips of paper) to secretly gather information. The magician appears to remember multiple birthdays before finally revealing the spectator's exact birth date. The method requires no sleight of hand, making it accessible to performers of all skill levels. The trick relies on clever psychological principles rather than difficult moves.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for mentalists and magicians who want a strong, personal effect that connects emotionally with the audience. It works well in close-up performances, parlour shows, or even virtual settings. Since it does not require advanced techniques, beginners can perform it confidently, while experienced performers can use it as a powerful addition to their routines.

Difficulty

"Many Happy Returns" is easy to perform. It does not require sleight of hand, memorization, or complex setups. The method is straightforward, allowing the performer to focus on presentation and audience interaction.

What Magicians Say

Simon Lipkin, in his "Trifecta" download, describes "Many Happy Returns" as one of his favorite routines. He highlights how the trick uses billets to secretly learn and reveal a spectator's birthday in an impossible way. The summary notes that this routine is "perfect for magicians who want powerful, audience-friendly effects without complicated moves." The only requirement is having the right props, but the impact makes it worthwhile.

The trick leaves a strong impression, as Lipkin demonstrates in his performance, where a spectator reacts with amazement, saying, "I don't know how you've done that." This reaction underscores the trick's effectiveness in creating a memorable moment.

What people are saying about Many Happy Returns

The1914 says...

'Many Happy Returns' uses billets to secretly learn and then reveal a spectator's birthday, leaving them amazed. These routines are perfect for magicians who want powerful, audience-friendly effects without complicated moves.

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