Pom Pom Stick by Ali Bongo

Effect

The Pom Pom Stick is a visually striking piece of magic that captivates audiences with its impossible mechanics. A stick has four colorful pom-poms (yellow, black, red, and green) attached in an inexplicable way—when one pom-pom is pulled, another moves in response, defying logic. The magician then unscrews the stick to reveal it’s completely empty, making the movement of the pom-poms even more baffling. The routine builds in speed and intensity, often set to dramatic music, ending with a strong applause cue.

Full Details

The Pom Pom Stick is a classic magic prop with roots in theatrical performances, famously associated with Ali Bongo. The trick relies on a clever mechanical principle that allows the pom-poms to move in an impossible manner. The magician can show the stick empty, reinforcing the impossibility of the effect.

Chris Frost, a family entertainer, uses the Pom Pom Stick as an opener in his shows, emphasizing its theatrical potential. He performs it to music, gradually increasing the speed for a dynamic finish. The trick doesn’t require extensive verbal explanation—its visual nature makes it universally entertaining.

Who Should Consider the Trick

• Family and children’s entertainers – The bright colors and playful nature make it ideal for young audiences.
• Stage performers – Its visual appeal works well in larger settings.
• Magicians who enjoy prop-based magic – If you like tricks with strong audience reactions and minimal patter, this is a great fit.

Difficulty

The Pom Pom Stick is moderate in difficulty. While the mechanics are straightforward, performing it smoothly requires practice, especially when handling potential tangles mid-routine. Chris Frost mentions that making his own versions helped him understand the mechanics better, but even then, minor adjustments may be needed during performance.

What Magicians Say

Chris Frost praises the Pom Pom Stick as a "fabulous piece of theater" and highlights its fooling nature, even among magicians. He notes that some performers dismiss it as "not real-world," but its bizarre impossibility is precisely what makes it so engaging. Frost’s routine, inspired by Ali Bongo and the energy of "Last Night of the Proms," turns the trick into a fast-paced, musical spectacle.

The Pom Pom Stick is a unique and visually stunning trick that works well in family shows, stage performances, and even close-up settings with the right presentation. Its combination of simplicity and strong audience impact makes it a valuable addition to any magician’s repertoire.