Ian's first lecture on Penguin had (and continues to have) a huge influence on my thinking. My hopes
were high for "the sequel" and I'm pleased, though not surprised, to say that I was NOT
disappointed!
Regardless of whether you're already working in the corporate market or if
you're beginning your journey towards that goal this lecture is filled with great routines/methods
and EVEN BETTER philosophies/theories.
Ian is a pro and his years of experience are evident
in the attention to detail he gives throughout each of the routines.
Mind Sniffing: The
core method is tried and true but I REALLY like how open and fair Ian has made it look. This is, to
describe it in magic vernacular, a very clean looking C.A.A.N. but I've had several thoughts on how
to apply this basic idea to non-card presentations.
A Lesson in Memory: What a LOVELY and
ELEGANT way to involve the entire audience! This isn't really a "trick" - it's more of a
demonstration that drives home the central message of Ian's "motivation mentalism" premise. I can
definitely see myself adapting this to my style and audiences.
The Psychic Crowd: This was
a highlight for me. I imagine this will receive quite polarizing reactions because the method is
BOLD but so devious. Upon learning the nuances during the explanation my mind immediately went to
work on different ways I could you use the framing Ian shared. Again, this won't be everyone's cup
of tea but properly presented (with the overall "deception through honesty" philosophy that
permeates Ian's act) this will receive great reactions.
Truth or Lies: A simple routine and
method but, as Ian calls it, it's a WORKHORSE that can play in every conceivable performing
environment.
Math Genius: This is another "real" demonstration that emphasizes the overall
message of Ian's show.
Pulp Prediction: Here's a prime example of Ian stretching loads of
mileage out of something quite small. The routining, along with the self-promotional potential built
into the revelation, make for a fantastic piece of corporate mentalism.
Twin Think: An
EXTREMELY simple (both in terms of presentation and method) card routine that can be done with any
full deck at a moments notice. This is all about "addition through subtraction" in that Ian has
eliminated all unnecessary finger flicking and presentation fluff to zero in on one specific moment
of synchronicity.
One in a Million: Presentationally you can't ask for a more impossible
looking book test. IT FEELS SO CLEAN! The method may disappoint some but please listen to Ian's
rationale and pay close attention to the PERFORMANCE ATTITUDE that Ian is trying to get across with
this piece. This routine gave me plenty of food for thought and I imagine it will do the same for
you.
The thoughts above may sound like "fan-boy ravings" (yes I'm a fan of Ian's work) but
I don't invest in these lectures to copy and paste parts of other performer's acts into my own. I
won't perform any of these routines exactly as Ian did but I took away MANY touches that will
enhance my existing routines (and inspire some new ones) so for me this was more than worth the
meager asking price.
Ian - the sequel (for me) was another hit! Thank you!
This Sequel Doesn't Disappoint!
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