MAGICAL THINGS

Ricky Jay – One of today’s GREATEST magicians

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Ricky Jay is one of the greatest living magicians of today.  His supernatural sleight-of-hand places him light-years ahead of all but very few magicians alive, and when coupled with his vast knowledge and intellectual understanding of magic – makes him unique in any era.

The above video is Ricky’s one-man show from Broadway, ‘Ricky Jay and his 52 Assistants’, and is a masterclass in magic, theatre, sleight-of-hand, scripting, presentation, magical history, and much more.

See the trailer for Ricky’s forthcoming movie here, a wonderful demonstration of his skills here, and Ricky’s website here.

One man, one cup … real magic.

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In 2012 Yann Frisch took two of the most revered prizes available in the world of magic – “Champion du Monde” at the Beijing International Magic Convention, and Grand Prix in close-up magic at FISM 2012.  The above routine was viewed over 1.3 million times in a single week when first released on YouTube, and is a magical masterclass in sleight-of-hand and misdirection.

The world’s most INSANE coin magician

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Ponta the Smith is without question one of the world’s greatest coin magicians, and the videos below are all the more impressive when you know that every SINGLE video below uses real, normal coins. The coins he uses are not tricked or gimmicked in ANY way.

BEAUTIFUL COIN VANISH:

COINS ACROSS ROUTINE:

3-FLY ROUTINE:

ONE-COIN ROUTINE:

For those that wish to dedicate YEARS of practice to become anything close to the above level of skill, you can learn from Ponta himself on a DVD he released to the magical community in 2009.  See the trailer for Ponta’s DVD here, and buy the DVD here.

The World’s Greatest Pickpocket

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In the world of pickpocketing brilliance, the American Apollo Robbins stands alone.  Born in 1974 in Texas, Robbins now works as a professional magician, TV presenter and security-consultant.  He describes himself as “The Gentleman Thief”, and was made famous by once pickpocketing the secret service agents accompanying former US President, Jimmy Carter.

See more about Apollo’s work here, and a great interview here.

Incredible Card Magic Routine

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The above is French magician JP Vallarino’s handling of the classic “Wild Card” routine in magic.  Hands-down one of my favourite videos available online – his technique is impeccable.  No camera tricks are used in this video.

See more of JP’s genius here and here.

Incredible Ventriloquist Act

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Paul Zerdin is one of the UK’s foremost ventriloquists, period.  The above video is Zerdin’s appearance at the 2009 Royal Variety Performance in London.

Previously featured on this blog is the incomparable brilliance of Nina Conti, and also well worth exploring is the genius of American Jeff Dunham.  Collectively – three of the finest ventriloquists one is ever likely to witness.

- X.

JUSTIN WILLMAN – Ellen DeGeneres TV Appearance

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The wonderfully talented and hugely affable Justin Willman (previously “Justin Kredible”) on a recent TV appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres show in the US.  A most ingenious piece of magical thinking.

See Justin’s website here.

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David Copperfield – THE DEATH SAW

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David Copperfield is thought by many to be the greatest magician that has ever lived.  To date he has sold over 40 million tickets and grossed over $3 billion, which is more than any other solo entertainer in history – including both Elvis and Michael Jackson.  He holds 11 Guiness World Records, 21 Grammy awards, he has been knighted by the French Government, he holds a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and has been named a “Living Legend” by the US Library of Congress.

The above video is David’s own take on the “Sawing a Lady in halves” effect, with his typical brilliance and signature genius.

See David’s Wikipedia page here, and his official website here.

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Derren Brown – COMIC AID 2007

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Derren Brown, master of the mental faculties – here toying with an audience of 3500 people – before then attempting to correctly guess which hand a lady is holding a coin, FOUR CONSECUTIVE TIMES.  Rare footage of the masterful DB doing that which he does best – manipulating people to within an inch of their lives, alone on an empty stage.

A very naughty wizard.

- X.