Receiver by Jimmy Strange

Created by: Jimmy Strange

The Receiver is a unique and interactive mentalism trick that uses two cups connected by a string to transmit secret messages. The magician whispers a message into one cup, and the spectator hears it clearly from the other cup, even though the cups appear empty. This trick is perfect for close-up or stage performances, as it combines nostalgia (reminiscent of childhood 'string telephone' games) with a modern magical twist. It’s highly visual, easy to set up, and plays big for audiences.

Key features

Uses two cups and a string for a simple yet powerful effect
Can be performed in close-up or on stage
Highly visual and interactive, engaging the audience
Easy to set up and reset, making it practical for repeated performances
Combines nostalgia with modern mentalism

Pros

Highly visual and engaging for audiences
Easy to perform with minimal setup
Versatile for both close-up and stage magic
Creates a strong emotional connection with spectators
Portable and practical for travel

Cons

Requires a bit of space for the string to work effectively
May not be suitable for very large audiences due to the intimate nature of the effect

Effect

The Receiver is a magic trick that uses two empty cups connected by a string to transmit messages. The magician whispers a secret message into one cup, and the spectator, holding the other cup, hears the message clearly. The effect is both visual and auditory, creating a sense of wonder as the message seemingly travels through the string. The trick can be used to reveal a chosen card, a thought-of word, or any other piece of information, making it versatile for various performances.

Full details

The Receiver consists of two cups connected by a string, which can be easily set up and performed in any setting. The trick is designed to be portable, allowing magicians to carry it in their pockets or bags. The cups can be ordinary coffee cups, adding to the everyday nature of the trick. The method is straightforward, requiring no complex sleight of hand or additional gimmicks. The trick can be performed close-up or on stage, making it adaptable to different performance environments.

Who should consider the trick

The Receiver is ideal for magicians who enjoy performing mentalism or mental magic. It is particularly suited for those who like to incorporate storytelling and audience interaction into their routines. The trick is also great for performers who want a visual and engaging effect that can be easily understood by audiences of all ages. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced magician, The Receiver offers a unique and memorable experience for your spectators.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Receiver is relatively easy to perform, making it accessible to magicians of all skill levels. The trick does not require advanced sleight of hand or complex setups. The method is simple to learn, and the performance can be adapted to suit your style. With a bit of practice, you can seamlessly integrate The Receiver into your existing routines or use it as a standalone effect.

What magicians say

Jimmy Strange, the creator of The Receiver, describes it as a "quirky and out-of-the-box" trick that plays big and packs down small. He emphasizes the use of childhood memories, such as the classic string telephone, to create a sense of nostalgia and wonder. AlakazamMagicUK highlights the trick's versatility, noting that it can be performed on stage or in close-up settings. They also mention the trick's visual appeal and the strong connection it creates with the audience. Overall, magicians appreciate The Receiver for its simplicity, portability, and ability to engage spectators in a unique and memorable way.

What people are saying about Receiver

AlakazamMagicUK says...

The Receiver is very out-of-the-box thinking. It’s something that plays very big and packs down because it’s just two cups and a string. You can even pick up the cups from a local coffee shop!