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The Line Up by Mental Voyage and Looch

Created by: Mental Voyage, Looch

The Line Up is a captivating mentalism trick that involves vintage police lineup cards and a narrative about a lucky coin. Spectators freely select a name, which magically appears on the back of a card, creating a moment of astonishment. This trick is designed for close-up or parlour settings, requiring minimal sleight of hand, making it accessible to performers of various skill levels. The trick comes with a 25-page PDF guide, though it lacks video tutorials. A notable feature is its reusability, allowing for multiple performances with a simple reset. However, the envelope used in the trick cannot be examined by spectators, which is a minor limitation.

Key features

  • Minimal sleight of hand required

  • Reusable and can be reset for multiple performances

  • Comes with a 25-page PDF guide

  • Suitable for various performance styles (humor, readings, etc.)

  • No technology required, making it reliable

  • Well-designed props included

Pros

  • Accessible to performers of all levels

  • Engaging story and presentation

  • Flexible for different performance styles

  • Self-working with minimal setup

  • Multiple reveals keep audiences hooked

Cons

  • Lacks video tutorials

  • Envelope cannot be examined by spectators

  • Requires an additional cleaning product for dry-erase boards

Effect

The Line Up is a mentalism trick that uses vintage police lineup cards and a narrative about a lucky coin. A spectator freely selects a name from the lineup, and it magically appears on the back of one of the cards. The trick creates a strong moment of surprise and engagement, with minimal sleight of hand required.

Full details

The trick includes aged envelope props and mug shot cards to enhance the vintage aesthetic. The method is straightforward, allowing performers to focus on presentation rather than complex moves. The routine is reusable and can be reset quickly for multiple performances. A 25-page PDF provides instructions, though video tutorials are not included. The envelope used in the trick cannot be examined by spectators.

Who should consider the trick

The Line Up is ideal for mentalists and magicians who want a strong, audience-participation routine with minimal technical difficulty. It suits performers who enjoy storytelling and psychological engagement. Those who prefer self-working or low-sleight tricks will find it accessible.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The trick requires minimal sleight of hand, making it suitable for beginners and experienced performers alike. The focus is on presentation and audience interaction rather than complex moves. The reset is quick, allowing for repeated performances.

What magicians say

MagicOrthodoxy highlights the engaging narrative and ease of performance, noting that the trick is "accessible to many performers." He mentions the lack of video tutorials and the non-examinable envelope as minor drawbacks.

RealMagicReview praises the trick's flexibility, calling it "fully customizable" and "self-working." He appreciates the well-designed props and multiple reveals, stating it has "crowd-pleasing potential."

Looch, in a broader discussion on mentalism, includes The Line Up among his foundational effects, emphasizing its strength as an audience participation piece. He values its simplicity and psychological impact, aligning with his philosophy that mentalism should prioritize human connection over technical complexity.

What people are saying about The Line Up

AlakazamMagicUK says...

Looch emphasizes that mentalism is not about shortcuts—it’s about experience, psychology, and deep understanding. [...] His approach favors emotional impact over technical complexity, making routines feel personal and organic.

magicorthodoxy says...

David dives into 'The Line Up' by Mental Voyage, a clever mentalism trick where a spectator's freely chosen name magically shows up on the back of a vintage police lineup card, all tied to a narrative about a lucky coin.

RealMagicReview says...

Steve Faulkner breaks down 'The Line Up' by Looch, a mentalism routine where four audience members pick colored pens, sketch drawings, and witness uncanny predictions about their choices.

Review videos

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