Magic Tricks

I’ve been following the work of Bill Abbot for many years. When I used to do kids shows the centre piece of the show was Bill’s “Chico the mind reader” (if you do kids shows and don’t have it, check it out.) Every thing I have ever purchased from him has been well thought out, audience tested and contained something I have used. He’s a true entertainer and a real worker and that’s why his offerings can always be trusted.

This Lecture not only maintains the integrity of Bill’s work it speaks to the kind of material that I consider the best material for consistent real world, reputation making performances. Every single piece in this lecture could be sold individually for the price of the lecture.

Purchasing this was a no brainer, but also I was excited to see that he was giving his mental work as that is my wheel house and brand material. The mental pieces he provides are top knotch. It’s not only great work that can go into a Mentalism program but also pieces that can easily fit into any magic show. Each one can be adapted to be presented as hard hitting Mentalism or mental magic to fit any style. Most of this work can adapt to close up and stage formats. You really can’t go wrong here.

A few thoughts on each piece:

Bar Shot- For any magician this is an easy staple piece. All great notes on producing a full shot glass. Also, the glass he uses and which you can purchase from him solves one of the biggest challenges to this.
Ashes Feng Shui- ashes on the palm is a thing I’ve been performing since I was a bartender in 2002, when I actually used the ashes from ashtrays. Everything he shows here will teach the best ways to do this and elevate it if you’re already familiar. I agree fully with Bill that this presentation is stronger and more adaptable than the popular double cross. You will use this!
Ultra-Mental Mingling/Princess & The Pea- Fantastic notes on the ultra mental deck (ID). He even shows you how to make a better version than what is available from shops. It’s the best prepared deck made better. Then he gives many totally new and fantastic routine ideas using this amazing tool.
The Name/First Crush- As Mentalism goes you can’t go wrong with a great CT. The type taught here is the type Max Maven concluded was the best way to do it. You can tell that Bill has honed this down from thousands of performances. He’s really giving gold here.
Dicey- you’re probably going to assume this uses a device that it doesn’t. (I did at first) This achieves what others do with expensive tech without the tech or even needing a peek.
Weird Ass Psychic Power- I laughed at the conceit and was completely fooled by the method. I’m going to use this somehow. It’s so good!

Bill is a terrific guy and big supporter of other performer’s work. I was truly surprised once, years ago, when I put on a kind of last minute show in my home town in Florida while travelling and he made the hour plus trek from Orlando (he was working a gig there) to Tampa Bay to check it out. He’s a great guy I’m honoured to have met. As Penguin lectures go, this is a must have.