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Sponge Hot Dog by Alexander May

Created by: Alexander May

The Sponge Hot Dog is a whimsical and visually engaging close-up magic prop that mimics the appearance of a real hot dog. Made from high-quality sponge material, it can be compressed and expanded, making it perfect for vanishes, productions, and transformations. This trick falls under the category of sponge magic and is ideal for performers looking to add a playful, food-themed element to their routines. Buyers should note that while the sponge hot dog looks realistic from a distance, it may not fool spectators in extreme close-up conditions. The prop requires some creativity to develop routines, as it doesn't come with pre-packaged instructions.

Key features

  • High-quality sponge material that compresses and expands well

  • Realistic appearance from a distance, suitable for stage or parlour magic

  • No instructions included—requires creative routine development

  • Durable and long-lasting

  • Part of a broader range of lifelike sponge props

Pros

  • Affordable compared to similar high-detail sponge props

  • Versatile for various magic routines

  • Durable and long-lasting

  • Realistic enough for stage performances

Cons

  • Less convincing in extreme close-up conditions

  • Larger sponges (like the hot dog) don't expand as quickly after compression

  • No instructions or routine ideas provided

Effect

The Sponge Hot Dog trick uses a realistic-looking sponge hot dog to create visual magic. The magician can make the hot dog appear, disappear, or transform in unexpected ways. The sponge material allows for compression and expansion, making it possible to hide the prop in the hand and then reveal it suddenly. The lifelike appearance adds humor and surprise to performances.

Full details

The Sponge Hot Dog is part of Alexander May's range of sponge magic products. It is made from high-quality sponge material designed to resemble a real hot dog. The compression is good, allowing it to fit in the hand when squeezed. It does not expand instantly after compression, so magicians need to plan their reveals carefully. The product does not come with instructions, leaving performers to develop their own routines.

Who should consider the trick

This trick suits magicians who want to add visual comedy to their acts. It works well for performers who enjoy creating their own routines rather than following set instructions. The Sponge Hot Dog is ideal for family shows, comedy acts, or performances where a lighthearted prop would fit. It may not be the best choice for close-up magic where absolute realism is required.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Sponge Hot Dog requires basic sleight of hand skills to conceal and reveal the prop. The main challenge is timing the reveal to allow the sponge to fully expand after compression. As Scott Perry noted, "The bigger sponges do have that problem so you'd want to probably produce them from a bag or produce them slowly." The trick is not overly difficult but does require practice to master the handling.

What magicians say

Scott Perry reviewed the Sponge Hot Dog along with other Alexander May sponge products. He said, "The quality of these products is also quite good. I didn't expect them to be this good from seeing them online." He compared them to more expensive options, noting "Alexander may range is a brilliant range of sponges that are made pretty good quality they're going to last you probably forever." Perry also mentioned the need for creativity, stating "the imagination and the routines and the way to use these as magic tricks is down to yourself."

What people are saying about Sponge Hot Dog

Scott Perry (EverythingMagicPro99) says...

The quality of these sponge products is quite good—I didn't expect them to be this good from seeing them online. [...] The imagination and the routines to use these as magic tricks is down to yourself—they don't come with instructions, but they're versatile and fun.

Review videos