Nightmare Recharged by Jay Ferron

Created by: Jay Ferron

Nightmare Recharged is a modern twist on the classic Professor’s Nightmare rope trick, but instead of ropes, it uses functional phone charging cables. This close-up magic trick involves the cables visually changing lengths, merging, splitting, and even swapping ends in impossible ways, all while remaining fully functional. Designed for tech-savvy audiences, it blends classic rope magic principles with contemporary props, making it highly relatable and visually impactful. The trick comes with custom gimmicked cables designed for durability and includes full video instructions and bonus routines.

Where to buy

Alakazam Magic

Nightmare Recharged by Jay Ferron

£35.00

🇬🇧

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Key features

Uses functional phone charging cables for authenticity
Includes multiple routines like length-changing illusions and cable merging
Designed for close-up or casual settings
Comes with full video instructions and bonus routines
Blends classic rope magic with contemporary props

Pros

Highly relatable to modern audiences
Visual and impactful
Functional props add to the authenticity
Multiple routines included
Durable and well-designed gimmicks

Cons

May require practice to master the handling
Specific prop (phone cables) may not appeal to all magicians

Effect

Nightmare Recharged is a modern twist on the classic Professor’s Nightmare effect, but instead of ropes, it uses smartphone charging cables. The performer shows three cables of different lengths—short, medium, and long—which visually equalize in size, merge into one, split apart, and even swap ends while being held securely. The cables remain fully functional, allowing the magician to demonstrate their authenticity by charging a phone before or after the trick. The effect blends visual deception with relatable, everyday objects, making it engaging for contemporary audiences.

Full details

Nightmare Recharged was created by Jay Ferron and is taught by Craig Petty. The routine includes multiple phases:

Equalizing lengths: The three cables appear to adjust to the same size.
Fusion and splitting: Two cables merge into one long cable, then cleanly separate again.
Transposition: The ends of the cables swap places despite being held firmly.

The gimmicked cables are designed for durability, avoiding kinking or snapping while appearing completely ordinary. The trick comes with full video instructions and bonus routines, such as a ring-on-charger effect.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is ideal for:

Magicians who perform close-up or table magic in casual settings.
Performers looking for a modern, relatable update to classic rope magic.
Those who want a self-working yet visually deceptive routine.
Tech-savvy audiences who will appreciate the use of charging cables.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

Nightmare Recharged is designed to be easy to perform, with no advanced sleight of hand required. The method relies on optical illusions and clever handling rather than complex techniques. Craig Petty describes it as "bloody good" for its simplicity and impact, making it suitable for beginners and experienced magicians alike.

What magicians say

AlakazamMagicUK highlights the trick’s practicality, noting that the cables remain functional, adding authenticity. They call it a "modern, relatable twist on a classic plot."
Craig Petty endorses the effect, praising its seamless blend of classic rope magic with contemporary props.
Reviewers emphasize its visual clarity and clean handling, making the impossible moments convincing.

Nightmare Recharged is positioned as an affordable yet high-impact addition to a magician’s toolkit, especially for those who enjoy organic, impromptu-style magic.