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Spirit by Jamie Daws

Created by: Jamie Daws

Spirit is a hauntingly elegant magic trick that plays on the theme of the supernatural and the afterlife. The performer presents a set of 18 laminated Polaroid photos, each depicting a person with their name. The spectator freely sorts these photos into 'living' and 'spirit' piles, with one photo set aside in 'limbo.' The reveal is chilling: the 'living' pile spells out 'L-I-V-I-N-G,' the 'spirit' pile spells 'S-P-I-R-I-T,' and the discarded cards reveal the name of the person initially set aside. This is a close-up or parlor trick that blends mentalism with a dark, theatrical presentation, perfect for Halloween or spooky-themed shows. The trick is practically self-working, with no gimmicks or switches, and all props are examinable.

Where to buy

SPIRIT by Jamie Daws from Alakazam Magic
Alakazam MagicSPIRIT by Jamie DawsÂŁ24.99
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Key features

  • 18 double-laminated Polaroid photos included

  • No gimmicks or switches—everything is examinable

  • Practically self-working with minimal sleight of hand

  • Versatile for close-up, parlor, or stage performances

  • Includes a 29-minute tutorial with live performances

Pros

  • High-quality, convincing props

  • Unique and engaging premise

  • Strong, unexpected kicker

  • Suitable for theatrical or intimate settings

  • Easy to reset and perform repeatedly

Cons

  • Requires a strong narrative presentation to maximize impact

  • Angle-sensitive due to hidden information on the backs of photos

  • One-trick item with limited versatility outside its theme

Effect

Spirit is a spooky, theatrical magic trick that plays on the idea of contacting the spirit world. The performer presents a set of Polaroid-style photos, each showing a person's face with their name below. The spectator freely sorts these photos into piles representing the "living" and the "dead." At the end, the discarded photos reveal the name of the person the spectator initially chose—a chilling and unexpected conclusion.

Full Details

Spirit includes 18 double-laminated Polaroid photos, designed to look and handle like real instant pictures. The trick is structured so that the spectator makes all the decisions, creating a sense of free choice. The method is self-working, requiring no gimmicks or extra photos, and all props can be examined after the performance.

The routine is highly adaptable, working well in close-up, parlor, or stage settings. The instructional video (29 minutes long) includes live performances, setup instructions, and multiple presentation ideas.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Spirit is ideal for magicians who enjoy storytelling and theatrical presentations, especially those who perform around Halloween or in spooky-themed shows. It suits mentalists, bizarre magicians, and performers who like interactive, audience-driven effects.

Because the trick relies on presentation rather than complex sleight of hand, it’s accessible to beginners but also offers depth for experienced performers looking for a strong, scripted routine.

Difficulty

Spirit is easy to perform. The method is self-working, with no difficult sleights. The main challenge is in the presentation—keeping the audience engaged and selling the eerie atmosphere. The setup is minimal and can be reset quickly between performances.

What Magicians Say

  • Magic Orthodoxy calls it "a wonderfully dark and elegant routine" with a strong kicker, praising the high-quality props and straightforward method.
  • Magic TV describes it as "Jamie Daws' best variation of this plot," highlighting the unexpected twist at the end.
  • Alakazam Magic UK emphasizes its theatrical potential, calling it "practically self-working" and perfect for seance-style performances.

Spirit is a well-crafted, engaging trick that blends storytelling with a clever method, making it a standout choice for performers who want a unique, audience-driven effect.

What people are saying about Spirit

AlakazamMagicUK says...

Spirit is practically self-working with no gimmicks or extra photos. The participant's choices feel entirely free, making the reveal even more shocking.

magicorthodoxy says...

Spirit is everything I like in a trick: unique premise, distinct aesthetic, and no plastic magic-shop look. The kicker reveal is incredibly strong.

magic-tv says...

Spirit is the best variation of this plot I've seen from Jamie Daws. The photos create intrigue, and the finale is unexpected—100% recommended.

MagicWorldUK says...

Spirit is a wonderful unit that allows you to vanish both the silk but also things like sponge balls and other items. It's been custom made from the offset and it's well worth checking out.

Review videos