Tommy Wonders Nest of Boxes by Tommy Wonder

Created by: Tommy Wonder

Tommy Wonder's Nest of Boxes is a whimsical and ingenious close-up magic trick where a borrowed watch vanishes and reappears inside a series of nested boxes and an alarm clock. The trick combines elements of surprise, impossibility, and humor, making it a standout piece for performers who enjoy interactive and visually stunning magic. It's perfect for magicians looking to add a unique and memorable routine to their repertoire.

Key features

Borrowed watch vanishes and reappears in an impossible location
Uses nested boxes and an alarm clock for a visually stunning effect
Combines elements of surprise, impossibility, and humor
Ideal for close-up performances
Requires some setup and practice to master the routine

Pros

Highly visual and surprising effect
Engages the audience with interactive elements
Unique and memorable routine
Can be adapted to different performance styles

Cons

Requires specific props (nested boxes, alarm clock)
May need practice to perfect the timing and presentation
Not entirely impromptu; some setup is needed

Effect

The audience sees a borrowed watch vanish and reappear inside a series of nested boxes, culminating in an alarm clock. The magician presents the watch as part of a playful "auction" scenario, where the watch is seemingly destroyed before being impossibly restored inside the alarm clock. The effect combines visual magic with storytelling, creating a whimsical and surprising moment.

Full Details

Tommy Wonder's Nest of Boxes is a classic routine where a borrowed watch vanishes and reappears inside a set of nested boxes and an alarm clock. The magician begins by borrowing a watch, wrapping it in a handkerchief, and pretending to auction it off. The watch appears to be destroyed during the auction, but the magician then produces a small box tied with a ribbon. The spectator opens the box to find an alarm clock inside. When the back of the alarm clock is unscrewed, the borrowed watch is revealed inside.

The routine relies on clever construction and misdirection, making the restoration of the watch seem impossible. The nested boxes and alarm clock create a layered reveal, enhancing the surprise.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for performers who enjoy storytelling and visual magic. It suits close-up or parlor settings and works well for magicians who appreciate classic plots with a whimsical twist. Those who enjoy Tommy Wonder's style—clever, methodical, and engaging—will find this routine particularly rewarding.

Difficulty

The trick requires some mechanical handling, particularly with the nested boxes and alarm clock. While the method is not overly complex, smooth performance relies on timing and presentation. Magicians comfortable with prop-based magic will find it manageable, but practice is needed to ensure the routine flows naturally.

What Magicians Say

Roddy McGhie describes the trick as "ingenious and whimsical," calling it a "plaything" he’d tinker with endlessly. He admires its construction and the impossibility of the final restoration. The routine’s blend of humor and magic makes it a standout piece for performers who enjoy engaging their audience with a mix of surprise and storytelling.

Tommy Wonder’s Nest of Boxes remains a favorite among magicians who appreciate well-crafted, visually deceptive magic with a touch of theatricality.

What people are saying about Tommy Wonders Nest of Boxes

Roddy McGhie says...

Roddy admires its ingenuity and whimsy, calling it a 'plaything' he’d tinker with endlessly.