The Magic of David Copperfield 1978

 

Trigg Watson on Fool Us

 

2 Rope Trick by Oscar Munoz

 Now available at www.magiciansmagicshop.com 

This is a practical multi-phased rope routine based on the original "Sand-Sational" from George Sands. It begins with an amazing production of "ends" of the rope, and then transitions into a beautiful two-rope sequence. As ever, Oscar takes you through the routine step by step, giving all the nuances and touches on how to present this to a family audience.

Now You See Me Live Set for Major London Stage Debut

 

The world of cinematic magic is coming to life on stage this summer as Now You See Me Live prepares for its highly anticipated London debut.

Inspired by the hit film franchise Now You See Me, the live production will open at the London Coliseum on July 31 for a limited five-week run. Audiences can expect a high-energy spectacle packed with cutting-edge illusions, daring solo stunts, and large-scale magical moments.

From Screen to Stage

Following successful runs in Australia and Singapore, the show brings the story of The Horsemen—four rebellious magicians who use their skills to expose corruption and outsmart the powerful—to a live audience in one of London’s most iconic theaters.

This stage adaptation blends theatrical storytelling with modern illusion design, promising an immersive experience that mirrors the fast-paced, twist-filled style of the films.

A Cast of World-Class Magicians

The London production features an impressive lineup of international talent, including:

• Enzo Weyne – illusion designer and performer, also serving as the show’s illusion director
• Gabriella Lester – South African-born magician known for her dynamic performances
• Matthew Pomeroy – one of the UK’s leading illusionists
• Andrew Basso – internationally recognized for his escape artistry

Weyne, who gained widespread recognition on Britain's Got Talent, brings his signature style of modern, high-impact illusions to the production.

A Franchise That Redefined Magic on Screen

The original Now You See Me film debuted in 2013 and featured a star-studded cast including Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, and Woody Harrelson. The franchise quickly became known for blending magic, heist storytelling, and cinematic spectacle.

Now, that same energy is being reimagined for the stage.

Ticket Info

Tickets for Now You See Me Live go on general sale today at 12 PM, and with a limited five-week engagement, demand is expected to be high.

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Source: Adapted from reporting by Sam Riley (April 1, 2026)

Does Magician “Patter” Really Misdirect? New Study Says… Not So Fast

 Magicians have long relied on a powerful combination of sleight-of-hand and misdirection to create the impossible. One of the most common tools in that arsenal? Patter—the storytelling and chatter used to engage audiences and (supposedly) distract them.

But a new psychological study is challenging that long-held belief.

Researchers publishing in Scientific Reports recently examined whether patter actually helps misdirect spectators during one of magic’s oldest and most recognizable routines: the Three-Card Monte.

A Classic Trick Put to the Test

The Three-Card Monte has been performed—and used to hustle unsuspecting spectators—for centuries. The premise is simple: follow a specific card as it’s shuffled among decoys. Sounds easy… until it isn’t.

Traditionally, magicians and street performers alike combine fast hands with engaging conversation to throw viewers off track. But this new study suggests that the talking may not be doing as much heavy lifting as we thought.

The Experiment

Researchers at the New York Institute of Technology tested participants by having them track a target card through repeated shuffles. To make things even more interesting, the card included a visible marking, giving participants a potential advantage.

The trick was performed under three different conditions:

• A story related to the trick
• An unrelated story
• No patter at all

Using eye-tracking technology, researchers monitored exactly where participants were looking throughout the performance.

The Surprising Result

Despite expectations, the results showed no meaningful difference between the three groups.

In other words… the patter didn’t significantly impact where people were looking—or whether they successfully followed the card.

What This Means for Magicians

Before you toss out your script, there’s an important takeaway here.

The researchers were quick to point out that while patter may not directly control attention in this specific scenario, it still plays a crucial role in performance.

As neuroscientist Robert Alexander explained, patter may not influence where the audience looks—but it absolutely affects how they feel.

And that’s something every working magician understands.

The Real Secret?

Patter may not be the misdirection powerhouse we once believed—at least not in isolation. But it remains a vital tool for:

• Building rapport
• Creating emotional engagement
• Establishing rhythm and timing
• Enhancing the overall experience

At the end of the day, magic isn’t just about fooling the eye—it’s about captivating the mind.

And that’s where great patter still shines.

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Source: Adapted from reporting by Andrew Paul, Popular Science (April 1, 2026

Mark Clearview at The Chicago Magic Lounge

 

Greg Wilson on Fool Us