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Skeleton in the Closet

Skeleton in the Closet is a hilarious and engaging children's magic trick that also captivates adults. The magician introduces a shy skeleton named Fred Bony, who is hiding in a cupboard. As the routine unfolds, Fred's head mysteriously falls off, and the magician attempts to put him back together, only for Fred to end up in increasingly comical positions—standing on his head, with his head in the middle of his body, and finally, after a playful trick, back to normal. The trick is a mix of comedy, surprise, and visual magic, making it perfect for children's shows, parties, and even family events. It’s a close-up or parlour trick that requires minimal setup and leaves audiences laughing and amazed.

Key features

  • Perfect for children's magic shows and family events

  • Combines comedy and visual magic for maximum impact

  • Minimal setup and easy to perform

  • Engages both children and adults

  • Creates a memorable and interactive experience

Pros

  • Highly entertaining and funny

  • Easy to reset and perform multiple times

  • Engages both children and adults

  • Minimal props required

  • Creates a strong visual impact

Cons

  • Primarily suited for children's audiences

  • May require some practice to perfect the comedic timing

Effect

"Skeleton in the Closet" is a visually engaging and humorous magic trick designed primarily for children's entertainment. The magician introduces a shy skeleton named Fred Bony, who is hiding in a small cupboard. Throughout the routine, Fred’s head keeps falling off or appearing in the wrong place, much to the delight of the audience. The trick culminates in a surprising and comical resolution where Fred’s head magically reappears in the correct position, leaving both children and adults amazed.

Full Details

The trick involves a small prop cupboard and a skeleton figure. The magician begins by teasing the audience with the idea of something scary inside the cupboard. As the routine progresses, Fred Bony’s head falls off, appears at the bottom of the cupboard, or even ends up in the middle of his body. The magician uses playful banter and audience interaction to build suspense and laughter. The final reveal, where Fred’s head is magically restored to its proper place, is both surprising and satisfying.

Who Should Consider the Trick

"Skeleton in the Closet" is ideal for magicians who perform for children or family audiences. It’s particularly well-suited for birthday parties, school shows, or any event where a light-hearted, interactive routine is needed. The trick’s universal appeal also makes it a hit with adults, as it combines humor with a clever magical effect.

Information on How Difficult it is to Perform

The trick is relatively easy to perform, making it accessible to magicians of all skill levels. The routine relies more on presentation and timing than on complex sleight of hand. However, the magician’s ability to engage the audience and deliver the comedic elements effectively is crucial to the trick’s success. With practice, even beginners can master this routine and make it a standout part of their act.

What Magicians Say

Martin Peirce, a seasoned magician, describes "Skeleton in the Closet" as one of his favorite tricks for children’s shows. He notes that the routine not only captivates the kids but also fools the adults watching. Peirce emphasizes the importance of creating excitement and using humor to keep the audience engaged. He also mentions that the trick’s simplicity and visual impact make it a reliable and entertaining addition to any magician’s repertoire.

What people are saying about Skeleton in the Closet

AlakazamMagicUK says...

The skeleton in the cupboard is quite a universal prop, but I’ve come up with a routine that even fooled the adults. It’s one of those effects where the adults always watch as well and come up at the end asking, 'How did you do that?'

Performance videos