Magic Tricks

First, I applaud Chris Taylor for not turning his lecture into a product demo of his well known and outstanding electronic devices. Instead, he provided relatively simple low tech methods (along with downloads explaining how to construct some of them), which still are capable of providing a solid "WOW!" punch.

There is little doubt that Chris Taylor is highly accomplished man - black belt martial arts instructor, children classroom educator, author, inventor, businessman and magic/mentalist performer. He is also knowledgeable in theatrical arts. However, if he reads this review, I intend this critique as positive feedback. His performance (as I saw it at Penguin Live) lacks drama. It doesn't build to the point "OMG" or "No Way!". The effects come off as: "That was interesting, now show me something else." Also, Chis' voice is slightly high pitched, not deep and commanding. This makes it even more imperative for Chris to make the effects more dramatic. Start soft, build anticipation and end with a crescendo. In effect, manage the audience to the point they are in total awe of what they just saw, but still believe it may be possible. In my opinion, every effect in mentalism must be equally strong. There can be no "fill" or "throw aways." For example, picking which hand a ring is in is a child's game. I understand you did it to demo a device that viewers could make. However, suppose instead of a ring you removed a (theatrical) handgun from a case and then a (gimmick) bullet from the gun. Think of the image this evokes, if combined with an intriguing back story. People should leave thinking this is the most mystifying/edgy performance I've ever seen. They should have your name etched into their brain and want to tell others their experience. Magicians should be impressed not only with the creative methods, which you excel at, but with the theatrical performance.

On the highly plus side, there is much to learn from Chris and this lecture is well work your time and money. There are some practical mentalism effects that you may choose to add to your repertoire.