The Nightmare Page by David Anik

Created by: David Anik

The Nightmare Page is a mentalism trick that allows the performer to read the minds of up to four spectators simultaneously. Using a torn page gimmick, the magician can not only reveal the exact word a spectator is thinking of but also the word they almost chose. This trick is perfect for close-up or parlour settings, engaging multiple participants at once with a simple yet powerful piece of paper that contains no repeated words except for common ones like 'the'. It's a direct and solid performance piece that adds a quick, effective mind reading routine to any act.

Where to buy

Alakazam Magic

Nightmare Page by David Alnwick and the 1914

£34.86

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Key features

Allows for mind reading of up to four spectators at the same time
Can reveal both the chosen and almost chosen words
Uses a simple piece of paper with no repeated words (except for common ones)
Great for close-up or parlour settings
Engages multiple participants simultaneously

Pros

Straightforward and easy to perform
Highly effective and engaging for audiences
No need for complex setups or props

Cons

Relies on the gimmick's design, which might limit improvisation
Requires a specific piece of paper, which could be a limitation if lost or damaged

Effect

The Nightmare Page is a mentalism trick that lets a magician read the minds of up to four spectators at once. The performer uses a torn piece of paper to reveal words chosen by the audience, including words they almost picked but didn’t say out loud. The effect is direct and baffling, making it seem like the magician has real mind-reading abilities.

Full details

The trick uses a specially designed gimmick—a single sheet of paper with unique words printed on it. The performer can accurately guess words selected by multiple spectators in quick succession. The method ensures no repeated words (except common ones like "the"), making the trick appear clean and impossible to reverse-engineer. The magician guides the audience through a series of questions and subtle cues to narrow down their choices before revealing the correct word.

Who should consider the trick

The Nightmare Page is ideal for mentalists and magicians who want a quick, repeatable mind-reading effect that works with multiple participants. It suits performers who enjoy interactive routines and need a reliable method for word-based predictions. Since it relies on a gimmick, it may not be the best choice for those who prefer completely improvised performances.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The trick is straightforward to execute, requiring minimal sleight of hand. The main challenge lies in presentation—keeping the audience engaged while subtly guiding their choices. The performer must be comfortable with cold reading and maintaining a natural flow of conversation. No advanced technical skill is needed, making it accessible to beginners, but strong performance skills will enhance the effect.

What magicians say

David Anik demonstrates the trick in his video, successfully guessing words like "suffocated," "manufacturing," and "football" from spectators. He describes it as "simple to do, solidly direct," emphasizing that the gimmick ensures no repeated words, which keeps the method hidden. The trick allows for quick, engaging mind-reading with multiple participants, though it does rely on the gimmick's design rather than pure improvisation. Overall, it’s a powerful tool for performers who want a fast, effective mentalism routine.

What people are saying about The Nightmare Page

The1914 says...

This torn page gimmick will allow you to read the minds of up to four spectators at the same time [...] it's simple to do, solidly direct, and there are no words repeated anywhere on the page.