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Wishbone by Paul Harris and Bro. Gilbert

Created by: Paul Harris, Bro. Gilbert

Wishbone is a captivating close-up magic trick created by Paul Harris and Bro. Gilbert, designed to leave a lasting impression on spectators. The effect involves two ordinary coffee stirrers, which the spectator initials—one with their own initial and another with the initial of someone they care about. The magician then breaks the stirrers, makes a heartfelt wish for their connection, and magically rejoins the broken ends into a single, unbroken piece. The result is a personalized, impossible souvenir that the spectator can keep forever. This trick is perfect for intimate settings, such as restaurants or social gatherings, where the emotional resonance and tangible keepsake add significant value.

Key features

  • Uses everyday objects (coffee stirrers) for an organic, relatable effect.

  • Creates a personalized, impossible souvenir for the spectator.

  • Emphasizes storytelling and emotional engagement.

  • Suitable for close-up magic in social or performance settings.

Pros

  • Highly visual and impossible to reverse-engineer in the moment.

  • Leaves a lasting, tangible memory for the spectator.

  • Easy to perform with minimal setup.

  • Versatile for various audiences, including couples, families, or friends.

Cons

  • Requires carrying coffee stirrers, which may not always be readily available.

  • The emotional impact relies heavily on presentation and audience connection.

Effect

Wishbone is a unique and engaging magic trick where two ordinary coffee stirrers transform into a personalized keepsake. The magician asks two spectators (often a couple) to write their initials on separate stirrers. The stirrers are then broken, placed in the spectators' hands, and—with a magical gesture—fuse back together into a single, solid piece of wood. The result is an impossible souvenir that the spectators can keep as a reminder of the experience.

Full Details

Created by Paul Harris and Bro. Gilbert, Wishbone is a souvenir effect, meaning it leaves the audience with a tangible, impossible object. The trick uses everyday coffee stirrers, making it organic and relatable. The method is simple and relies on a clever gimmick that allows the broken pieces to appear fused together seamlessly.

The presentation often includes lighthearted storytelling, such as referencing a shared memory or a wish for the couple’s future. This emotional connection enhances the impact of the trick, making it more than just a visual illusion—it becomes a meaningful moment.

Who Should Consider the Trick

  • Restaurant and close-up magicians – The trick works well in social settings where couples or pairs are present.
  • Performers who like giving away souvenirs – Unlike many magic tricks, Wishbone leaves the audience with a physical reminder.
  • Magicians who enjoy storytelling – The trick lends itself to personalization and emotional engagement.

Difficulty

Wishbone is easy to perform, making it accessible to magicians of all skill levels. The method requires no advanced sleight of hand, and the gimmick does most of the work. The real challenge lies in the presentation—crafting a compelling story and making the moment feel special for the spectators.

What Magicians Say

  • Steve Rowe (AlakazamMagicUK) calls it an "incredible" piece of magic, praising its organic nature and the impossibility of the final result. He notes that it’s perfect for couples and that the souvenir aspect makes it memorable.
  • SaturnMagicShop highlights the emotional impact, stating that the trick "combines a simple premise with a powerful emotional effect." They emphasize the importance of storytelling and humor in the performance.

Wishbone is a standout trick for magicians who want to create a lasting impression with a simple yet powerful effect. Its combination of visual impossibility and emotional resonance makes it a valuable addition to any performer’s repertoire.

What people are saying about Wishbone

AlakazamMagicUK says...

Wishbone is one of those impossible object effects which always really I think it's quite important to give things away at gigs personally whether it's a Bent Fork or an impossible object [...] it's one of those things that if we want people to take things away and keep them as a constant reminder of who we are and what we've done then those sorts of tangible things that they can explain and people can see straight like a bent coin is a wonderful thing to give away.

SaturnMagicShop says...

Wishbone appears to be a well-conceived effect that combines a simple premise with a powerful emotional impact. The video successfully conveys the charm and potential of the trick, highlighting its suitability for close-up magic and its ability to create a lasting memory for the spectator.

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