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Party Bag by Greg Wilson

Created by: Greg Wilson

Party Bag is a close-up magic trick where a magician presents an ordinary paper bag, showing it to be completely empty from all angles. With a magical gesture, a full bottle of beer (or any similar bottle) is instantly and visually produced from the seemingly empty bag. This effect is designed for walk-around or close-up performances, using common and inexpensive props, and relies on a clever preparation rather than complex sleight of hand. It is highly deceptive, angle-proof when performed correctly, and instantly resetable, making it ideal for social gatherings and commercial magic settings.

Key features

  • Uses standard paper bag and bottle as props, making it inexpensive and easy to source

  • No complex sleight of hand required, accessible for magicians of various skill levels

  • Designed for walk-around or close-up magic, perfect for social events

  • Angle-proof when performed correctly, ensuring a strong illusion from multiple viewpoints

  • Instantly resetable, allowing for quick repetitions or multiple performances

  • Emphasizes presentation and patter for effectiveness, enhancing the magical experience

Pros

  • Highly practical and visual routine that leaves a strong impression on audiences

  • Easy to learn and perform, with no need for advanced magical skills

  • Uses common props, reducing the cost and preparation time

  • Quick to reset, making it efficient for repeated use in performances

Cons

  • Requires a specific preparation that might need practice to conceal properly

  • Relies on angle management; if not performed correctly, it could be exposed from certain views

Effect

The Party Bag trick shows a magician holding a standard paper bag. The bag appears completely empty. The magician may comment on the bag being empty or not having anything to offer. Suddenly, the magician reaches into the bag and pulls out a full bottle of beer or another drink. The bottle production is instant and surprising.

Full details

Party Bag uses a common paper bag and a bottle as props. The method involves a clever preparation that is well hidden. This preparation allows the magician to show the bag as empty from all angles. No complex sleight of hand is needed. The routine is quick to reset after each performance. The trick is designed for close-up or walk-around magic settings. It works well at parties or social gatherings.

Who should consider the trick

Party Bag is suitable for magicians who perform in social situations. It is ideal for those who need a quick, visual effect that uses everyday objects. Magicians who prefer tricks with minimal sleight of hand will find this accessible. It is also good for performers who value angle-proof methods.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The trick is not difficult to perform. It requires no advanced sleight of hand. The method relies on proper handling and timing rather than technical skill. Magicians of various skill levels can learn it quickly. Practice is needed to make the presentation smooth and convincing.

What magicians say

Greg Wilson designed Party Bag to be practical and deceptive. He emphasized that the method is well hidden, making it look like real magic to an audience. The trick is angle-proof when performed correctly. MurphysMagicSupplies notes that the routine is instantly resetable and highly deceptive. They describe it as a classic Greg Wilson effect: direct, commercial, and powerful. The presentation and patter are important for the trick's success. Wilson suggested presenting the bag as a "party bag" that is empty, making the production a surprise solution.

What people are saying about Party Bag

MurphysMagicSupplies says...

This is a classic Greg Wilson effect: highly practical, instantly resetable, and incredibly deceptive. It’s the type of magic that looks like real magic to an audience because the method is so well hidden.

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