Safe by Chris Congreve

Created by: Chris Congreve

Safe is a close-up magic trick that puts a modern twist on classic plots like 'Just Chance' or 'Bank Night'. The magician presents a wallet containing a locked £50 note secured with a padlock and four colored keys (red, yellow, green, white). Only one key can open the lock, and a spectator is given three chances to pick the correct one, building suspense as they try to win the money. The magician's prediction always determines the outcome, ensuring the spectator never actually wins, which can be framed as comedy, chance, or a prediction effect. High-quality props include leather key fobs, a sturdy padlock, replica banknotes, and a wallet, making it visually appealing and realistic. The trick is self-working with no sleight of hand required, features an instant reset, and is hands-off for the performer, making it practical for strolling, table-hopping, or stand-up performances. Buyers should note that it relies heavily on audience interaction and may not suit all performance styles.

Key features

  • Self-working with no sleight of hand needed

  • Instant reset for quick repetition

  • High-quality props including leather key fobs and a padlock

  • Versatile for comedy, prediction, or chance routines

  • 100% foolproof method ensuring the spectator never wins

  • Suitable for close-up and stand-up magic

Pros

  • Engaging and suspenseful for audiences

  • Easy to perform with minimal setup

  • Premium props enhance the visual appeal

  • Adaptable to different performance styles

  • Strong audience reactions reported by working magicians

Cons

  • Heavy reliance on audience interaction may not suit all performers

  • Outcome can feel predictable if the spectator guesses correctly early

  • Not impromptu due to reliance on specific props

Effect

The audience sees a wallet containing a locked padlock securing a banknote. The magician presents four keys on colored key rings. A spectator chooses one key to try and unlock the padlock. They have three attempts to pick the correct key and win the money. Despite the suspense and multiple chances, the spectator never successfully opens the lock. The magician then reveals their prediction was correct all along, creating a surprising and humorous conclusion.

Full details

Safe is a lock and key routine created by Chris Congreve. It uses a wallet, a padlock, replica banknotes, and four keys on custom leather key fobs. The routine is a modern version of classic plots like Just Chance and Bank Night. Only one key can open the lock. The method is unique and allows for a hands-off performance. The trick includes an instant reset. The props are high quality, featuring a sturdy padlock and genuine leather key rings. The routine is designed to be self working.

Who should consider the trick

This trick suits magicians who perform close up or stand up magic. It is good for performers who enjoy audience interaction. It works for comedy, prediction, or chance based performances. Magicians looking for a routine with no sleight of hand will find it suitable. It is also a strong option for those wanting a visual and engaging effect with professional props.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

Safe is easy to perform. The method is self working and requires no sleight of hand. The instant reset makes it practical for repeated performances. Craig Petty states the routine is easy to perform. The trick relies on presentation and audience management rather than difficult moves. Magic Orthodoxy notes the methodology is clever and well constructed, implying it is not technically demanding.

What magicians say

Craig Petty says Safe is a fresh take on classic plots and that the method is unique and easy to perform. He notes the trick relies on audience interaction, which may not suit all performers. Magic Orthodoxy loved the clever thinking behind the method and found the effect to be powerful and engaging. He calls it a compelling option for magicians. AlakazamMagicUK hosts share that working magicians like Jamie Dawes have praised its simplicity and strong audience reactions. They highlight that the trick is versatile for different performance styles and that the props are high quality.

What people are saying about Safe

AlakazamMagicUK says...

Safe is considered as an alternative closer, favored for its humorous element and potential to involve the audience in a playful competition.

Craig Petty says...

The trick is a fresh take on classic plots like 'Just Chance' and 'Bank Night' [...] The method is unique and easy to perform, making it great for close-up magic.

Magic Orthodoxy says...

Safe is a practical and clever magic effect that creates a strong experience for both the magician and spectator. The methodology is highlighted as clever and well-constructed.

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