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Wonders & The Conference Illusions by Mike Caveney

Created by: Mike Caveney

Wonders & The Conference Illusions is a comprehensive collection of magic tricks and illusions by Mike Caveney, spanning various types of magic including close-up, parlour, and stage performances. This book is a treasure trove for magicians looking to expand their repertoire with a mix of classic and innovative effects. It's particularly noted for its depth of content, offering detailed explanations and illustrations that cater to both novice and experienced magicians. The book includes a variety of effects from spoon productions to live chicken appearances, showcasing Caveney's creative genius and his ability to blend comedy, suspense, and spectacle into his performances.

Key features

  • Double book format with extensive content

  • Includes a mix of classic and innovative magic effects

  • Detailed explanations and illustrations for each trick

  • Suitable for magicians of all levels

  • Features a variety of magic types including close-up, parlour, and stage

Pros

  • Rich in content with a wide range of tricks

  • High-quality illustrations and explanations

  • Encourages creative thinking and presentation

  • Durable and well-produced physical format

Cons

  • May be overwhelming for absolute beginners

  • Some effects require specific props or setups

Effect

The audience sees a magician perform a series of highly engaging and diverse tricks, blending comedy, misdirection, and theatrical elements. Effects range from classic sleight-of-hand like the Chop Cup to modern, interactive routines involving borrowed phones and haunted decks. The performance is dynamic, with strong audience interaction and moments of surprise, suspense, and laughter.

Full Details

Tom Wright’s list includes a mix of close-up and stage magic, emphasizing versatility and audience engagement. Key tricks featured are:

  • Chop Cup: A comedy-driven routine with multiple phases, adaptable for both close-up and stage.
  • Bottle Through Table: A crowd-pleaser with strong comedic timing and interactive moments.
  • ITR (PK Touches): A clean, impactful psychic touch effect that leaves audiences stunned.
  • Phone Smash Routine: A theatrical, comedic routine involving a smashed phone and dramatic reveals.
  • Chill Haunted Deck: A slow-burn, suspenseful effect where cards move on their own in a spectator’s hands.
  • Comedy Smash and Stab: A darkly humorous routine with precise comedic timing.
  • Cell by David Stone: An impossible card location inside a borrowed phone.
  • Mind Reading Goose Routine: A unique, character-driven performance piece.

The book Wonders & The Conference Illusions by Mike Caveney is highlighted for its deep magical theory and inventive routines. The non-magic item is an acoustic guitar, used to enhance performance dynamics.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This collection is ideal for performers who:

  • Enjoy blending comedy and magic.
  • Want routines adaptable for close-up, stage, and corporate settings.
  • Appreciate strong audience interaction and theatrical presentation.
  • Seek a mix of classic and modern effects with high impact.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The difficulty varies by trick:

  • Chop Cup and Bottle Through Table: Intermediate, requiring practice in timing and misdirection.
  • ITR (PK Touches): Moderate, needing smooth handling and audience management.
  • Phone Smash and Comedy Smash and Stab: Advanced, demanding theatrical performance skills and comedic timing.
  • Chill Haunted Deck and Cell: Intermediate, relying on subtle mechanics and presentation.
  • Mind Reading Goose Routine: Advanced, involving character work and scripting.

What Magicians Say

Tom Wright emphasizes the importance of refining routines over time: "Many magicians overlook the value of revisiting and refining routines, often losing sight of what made them initially successful." He also highlights the power of music and comedic timing, stating, "Pausing music strategically enhances comedic timing and creates impactful moments."

The Chill Haunted Deck is praised for its originality and strong reactions: "People proper freak out... it sets you apart from everyone else." The Phone Smash Routine is noted for its theatricality: "It closes my show... it’s truly original and gets incredible reactions."

For performers looking to expand their repertoire with engaging, well-tested material, these tricks offer a blend of practicality and showmanship.

What people are saying about Wonders & The Conference Illusions

Tom Wright says...

Mike Caveney's wonders and conference Illusions is a huge double book and I'm still reading it... there's Amazing Ideas in this and it's really heavy in content that I can go back to again and again and again.

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