The 100th Monkey by Chris Philpot

Effect

The 100th Monkey is a psychological illusion where a magician shows a word or phrase to a group of people, and everyone can read it clearly—except for one selected spectator. To the audience, the word appears normal, but the chosen participant struggles to pronounce it correctly, often seeing something entirely different. The effect creates a baffling moment where the spectator seems unable to perform a simple task while everyone else perceives it as straightforward.

Full Details

The 100th Monkey, now in its 10th-anniversary edition, is a refined version of the original trick. It relies on a clever psychological principle rather than complex sleight of hand. The magician presents a word or phrase, and through subtle misdirection, the selected spectator perceives it differently from the rest of the group. The method is simple yet deceptive, making it easy to perform while maintaining a strong impact.

The updated edition includes new routines, additional thoughts on presentation, and improved handling tips. Magicians who previously owned the original version can access the new material through a provided Dropbox link.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for:

• Mentalists looking for a clean, psychological effect.
• Close-up and stage performers who want a versatile routine that plays well in various settings.
• Magicians who enjoy audience interaction—the trick thrives on spectator reactions.
• Beginners and experienced performers—the method is straightforward, but the presentation can be tailored to different skill levels.

Difficulty

The 100th Monkey is easy to perform from a technical standpoint. The method requires no sleight of hand, making it accessible even to beginners. The real challenge lies in the presentation—selling the effect convincingly and engaging the audience. As reviewer Luke Dcy notes, "The actual method and how to do it is very, very easy to do... pretty much works for you."

What Magicians Say

• Luke Dcy (itsallthingsmagic) praises the trick’s simplicity and impact: "It's a simple concept to understand what the effect is, but the way it works is very clever." He also highlights its use by performers like Derren Brown, who enhanced the effect with camera angles.
• Mr. Crem, an experienced magician, found it enjoyable, reinforcing that even seasoned performers appreciate its deceptive nature.
• Fre Coleman confirms its ease of performance, stating, "It sure is [easy to perform]."

The 100th Monkey remains a standout trick due to its strong audience reaction and minimal setup. Whether used as a standalone piece or integrated into a larger routine, it consistently delivers a memorable experience.