The Magician's Assistant by Lance Burton and Edward Hilsum

Created by: Lance Burton, Edward Hilsum

The Magician's Assistant is a stage magic trick where a child from the audience is brought on stage. The magician places a jacket over the child, but the jacket is cleverly designed so that the magician's arms go through the sleeves, making it appear as if the child is performing the magic. The magician, hidden behind the child, performs a series of magical effects, including producing a dove, making objects appear and disappear, and other visual illusions. The trick ends with a dramatic dove production, leaving the audience in awe. This is a perfect trick for stage magicians looking to create a memorable and emotional moment with a child participant.

Key features

Engages a child participant, creating a heartwarming and memorable moment
Combines multiple magical effects into one seamless routine
Highly visual and deceptive, with a strong emotional payoff
Can be adapted to fit different performance styles and venues
Requires practice to ensure smooth execution and audience interaction

Pros

Creates a strong emotional connection with the audience
Highly visual and deceptive, leaving a lasting impression
Versatile and can be adapted for different performance settings
Engages a child participant, making it a family-friendly trick
Combines multiple magical effects into one cohesive routine

Cons

Requires careful handling of the child participant to ensure they feel comfortable
May require additional props and setup compared to simpler tricks
Not suitable for close-up or impromptu performances
Requires practice to master the choreography and timing

Effect

The Magician's Assistant is a captivating stage routine where a child from the audience becomes the star of the show. The magician places a jacket over the child, creating the illusion that the child is performing the magic. In reality, the magician’s hands are hidden within the jacket, allowing them to execute the tricks while the audience believes the child is the one doing the magic. The routine culminates in a stunning dove production, leaving the audience in awe.

Full details

The Magician's Assistant is a versatile routine that can be adapted to various performance settings, from intimate parlor shows to large stage productions. The magician selects a child from the audience, often based on their reactions during the show, and guides them through a series of magical moments. The routine includes classic effects like the stiff rope, flower production, and a dove appearance, all performed "by the child." The magician’s skill lies in making the child feel comfortable and confident, ensuring the audience experiences the magic through the child’s eyes. The finale, where a dove appears from a handkerchief, is a highlight that leaves a lasting impression.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who enjoy audience interaction and have a knack for working with children. It’s particularly well-suited for family shows, stage performances, and events where creating a memorable, emotional connection with the audience is key. Magicians who appreciate storytelling and want to add a heartwarming, interactive element to their act will find The Magician's Assistant a valuable addition to their repertoire.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Magician's Assistant requires a combination of technical skill, audience management, and performance finesse. While the methods behind the tricks are straightforward, the real challenge lies in making the child feel at ease and ensuring the audience believes the child is performing the magic. The routine demands precise timing, smooth transitions, and the ability to adapt to the child’s reactions. Magicians with experience in stage performance and audience interaction will find it easier to master, but it’s accessible to those willing to put in the practice.

What magicians say

Edward Hilsum, a renowned magician, describes The Magician's Assistant as a "very special routine" that closes his shows with a powerful emotional impact. He emphasizes the importance of selecting the right child and making them feel comfortable, as their reactions are key to the routine’s success. Hilsum also highlights the influence of Lance Burton, who perfected this type of interaction, making it a memorable moment in his shows. The routine’s ability to create a magical experience for both the child and the audience makes it a standout piece in any magician’s act.

What people are saying about The Magician's Assistant

AlakazamMagicUK says...

The Magician's Assistant is a routine that ends with a dove production, and it’s a very special routine to me. It closed my first theater show, and the magic gets better as it goes, culminating in a dove appearing from a hanky.