The Three Little Pigs by Peter Nardi

Created by: Peter Nardi

The Three Little Pigs is a charming and interactive close-up card routine designed for family shows, kids' performances, or restaurant magic. The magician tells the classic story of The Three Little Pigs using a custom-designed deck of cards. As the story unfolds, the pigs' houses—made of straw, wood, and bricks—transform visually, with the big bad wolf attempting to blow them down. The routine is filled with magical moments, including a clever turnover move where a glass of straw transforms into a straw house. The cards are designed to work seamlessly, even without advanced sleight of hand, making it accessible for magicians of all skill levels. Perfect for engaging children and creating memorable magical experiences.

Key features

Custom-designed cards with a path-themed back design for added storytelling immersion
Multiple methods taught, including simple techniques for beginners and advanced sleight of hand for experienced performers
Interactive and engaging, ideal for family shows, kids' parties, or restaurant performances
Quick and easy reset—just turn over any face-down cards to prepare for the next performance
Versatile routine that can be performed in any environment, as demonstrated in a live performance with a loud background

Pros

Highly engaging and interactive, perfect for children and family audiences
Custom artwork by Sam Shaw adds a unique and timeless visual appeal
Accessible to magicians of all skill levels, with no advanced sleight of hand required
Quick reset allows for multiple performances in a short time
Versatile and adaptable to various performance settings

Cons

May require practice to master the storytelling and timing for maximum impact
Primarily suited for family or children's shows, limiting its use in more formal settings

Effect

The Three Little Pigs is a charming and interactive card routine that brings the classic fairy tale to life through magic. The magician tells the story of the three pigs building their houses out of straw, wood, and bricks, while the cards visually transform to match the narrative. The big bad wolf appears, and the audience helps "blow down" the houses, leading to a fun and magical conclusion. The routine is designed to captivate children and families, making it a perfect addition to family shows or performances with young audiences.

Full details

The Three Little Pigs is a custom-designed card routine that combines storytelling with visual magic. The deck features unique artwork, including a path on the back of the cards that ties into the story. The routine includes multiple phases where the cards change to represent the different materials used to build the houses. The magician interacts with the audience, encouraging them to participate by "blowing down" the houses. The trick is designed to be versatile, working in various performance settings, from restaurants to stage shows. The reset is simple, allowing for quick repetition if needed.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who perform for children or family audiences. It’s also a great choice for those who enjoy storytelling magic and want a routine that combines humor, interaction, and visual impact. If you perform at events like birthday parties, school shows, or family gatherings, The Three Little Pigs will be a standout addition to your repertoire.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Three Little Pigs is designed to be accessible to magicians of all skill levels. The routine includes multiple methods for handling the cards, ranging from simple techniques like turning over cards to more advanced sleight-of-hand moves. The instructions provide clear guidance, making it easy for beginners to learn, while experienced magicians can add their own flair with more complex moves. The trick’s structure ensures that even those with minimal card handling experience can perform it effectively.

What magicians say

Peter, the creator of The Three Little Pigs, describes it as a routine he’s been performing for over 20 years, with consistent success in family and children’s shows. He emphasizes the interactive nature of the trick, noting how it engages young audiences and creates memorable magical moments. The custom artwork and clever card transformations add to the routine’s appeal, making it both visually stunning and easy to follow. Peter also highlights the simplicity of the reset, allowing magicians to perform the trick multiple times without hassle. Overall, The Three Little Pigs is praised for its versatility, charm, and ability to captivate audiences of all ages.

What people are saying about The Three Little Pigs

Peter Nardi says...

The Three Little Pigs is a beautiful routine that I've been performing for over 20 years. It's designed so that even if you don't know any false shuffles or sleight of hand, the story will still work perfectly.

Wayne Goodman says...

The Three Little Pigs is a great effect for family shows or kids' performances. It's fun, interactive, and filled with magical moments that captivate the audience.