Nique Tan Chats - What Happens In The Shadows by Benjamin Francis & Lewis Le Val

Nique Tan delivers a thoughtful review of *What Happens in the Shadows*, a 5-hour video download created by Benjamin Francis and Louis Le Val. This resource is aimed at mentalists and magicians looking to produce their own ticketed shows, moving beyond standard commercial events. Nique emphasizes the importance of a strong, unifying theme for a show, contrasting it with simply stringing together tricks. He highlights the practical approach of the video, using Louis Levall’s shows, *The Parlor Room Seance* and *The Witch of the Woods*, as case studies to illustrate key concepts. The video delves into crucial aspects of show creation, including theme development, visualization, scripting, prop selection, and the often-overlooked elements of lighting and sound. Nique shares personal reflections on his own experiences, acknowledging the greater artistic fulfillment of ticketed shows and encouraging magicians to prioritize theme and purpose when building their routines. He also touches on the business side of show production, covering venue selection, licensing, ticketing, and promotion. Ultimately, Nique enthusiastically recommends *What Happens in the Shadows* as a valuable resource for those seeking to elevate their performances and create more impactful, artistically driven experiences, and extends a birthday greeting to Louis Levall.