Spirit Cabinet by Davenport Brothers and Tony Anverdi

Effect

The Spirit Cabinet creates the appearance of supernatural activity. A performer places objects or themselves inside a cabinet. The doors close. Strange events then happen. Musical instruments play by themselves. Objects move. Bells ring without human touch. The cabinet doors open to show everything has changed. The effect suggests contact with spirits or unseen forces. It delivers a strong sense of the impossible.

Full details

The Spirit Cabinet is a performance prop with a long history. It often features a wooden box with doors. Some designs allow a performer to sit inside while tied up. Other versions hold objects like bells or slates. The classic method involves hidden technology. This technology operates quietly. It allows secret actions to happen inside the closed cabinet. The props used often show distressed textures. This makes them look old and authentic. Many modern versions are fully examinable. Spectators can sometimes assemble parts themselves without discovering the secret. The Spirit Bell Deluxe Set includes a swinging hammer that strikes a bell on its own. It also comes with a bespoke Spirit Cabinet for display and performance. The set includes marked card sets for ESP and storytelling to build narrative.

Who should consider the trick

Magicians who enjoy bizarre magic should consider the Spirit Cabinet. It suits performers who focus on storytelling. It is ideal for those who present theatrical shows. It works for magicians interested in historical séance effects. Dan Baines states that simple methods free the performer to focus on better storytelling. This trick benefits magicians who want to create a lasting, chilling impression. It is also good for collectors of finely crafted props.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Spirit Cabinet uses simple methods. Dan Baines highlights that simple methods are a gift. They allow the performer to concentrate on the story. The technical execution requires practice to make it smooth. The method is cleverly hidden. It does not need complex sleight of hand. The challenge lies in the presentation. The performer must build a compelling narrative. They must control the audience's focus. Timing and pacing are important. The prop itself is designed for reliability. Tony Anverdi's Spirit Bell Deluxe Set is noted for precision craftsmanship. This makes the method dependable during performance.

What magicians say

Dan Baines discusses the historical roots of the Spirit Cabinet. He loved techniques like spirit cabinets that "write" using sound and vibration. He emphasizes that the best switches often happen early. This lets spectators feel they have watched their choices the entire time. AlakazamMagicUK notes that Baines uses distressed textures and believable provenance to make effects feel real.

CavanBooth1 provides historical context on the Davenport Brothers. Their act involved the Spirit Cabinet and claims of supernatural contact. They faced exposures from other magicians. A riot in Liverpool happened when they could not escape a knot. This shows the strong reactions the Spirit Cabinet can provoke.

Itsallthingsmagic reviews the Spirit Bell Deluxe Set. They state it offers deeper mystery and greater theatrical impact. The prop is fully examinable and allows spectators to assemble it without discovering the secret. The set includes a bespoke Spirit Cabinet and curated gimmicks for a complete act. They emphasize the precision craftsmanship and reliability of the prop.