Our first suggestions are in honour of the recently deceased legend that is Paul Daniels. With his passing, the UK has lost one of its all time great magicians and entertainers.  I’ve written in the past about some of my own experiences of the great man. But of the many routines he made his own, the Chop Cup is surely one of the finest.  This wide mouthed Ickle Pickle chop cup is quite close in style to the Ken Brooke style cup which Paul used. £36.99

Chop Cups come in many sizes and styles – if you want to see some alternatives, have a look at the spooky Sea of Skulls cup, the streamlined modern Leather Chop Cup, or the unique space-saving design of the Harmonica Chop Cup.

And if you want to learn from the master, then you can’t go wrong with his wonderful Bravura DVD set in which he teaches some of his trademark routines (including the chop cup routine).  £119.99.

Although the Scotts don’t always like being associated with the UK, our next suggestion is by that talented Scottish magician, Dave Forrest.  He’s has put out numerous brilliant releases over the years, and one such very recent example is REM. This is very powerful close up mentalism where you are able to show the spectator has correctly imagined every part of your dream. Wonderful. £28.50 (you can read our full review here)

Next up is one of the greatest hits of the recent Blackpool Magicians Conference, at least – in the eyes of Jeff McBride – and he knows a thing or two about magic!  Dave Loosley’s Inflexion is a super-visual two card transposition which is easy to do.  Conceived and manufactured in the UK! £28.50

And last, but not least, Nick Einhorn is one of the nicest pros working in the UK at the moment – and anything with his name on it is guaranteed to be a worker.  I love the thinking behind his Bill to Marker – a totally ‘organic’ approach to the ‘bill to impossible location’ plot. Think ‘bill tube’ but in a logical form which fits the routine perfectly.  This is a real winner and would also work really nicely with any bill change routine you do.  £65.99

There it is – a variety of effects with a UK link – to help me think of home in the coming weeks.  I’m looking forward to doing some work on my Cups and Balls routine while away – watch this space for some interesting reflections on that classic of magic.  And let us know what you’ve seen that’s new and interesting in the world of close up magic.

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Here are some of the latest and greatest new magic items in June…

I’ve long had a fondness for the myriad variations on the plot of Phil Goldstein’s B’wave – and have owned and used many. B’voque – the latest version from the prolific Mark Elsdon ends clean and examinable – relying on clever subtlety rather than gaffs. Worth a look at only £15.99 [UPDATE – full review now available here]

If you’re looking for a classy new deck, look no further than the Totem Deck. Inspired by Chinese mythology and in a super-colletable run of only 2,500 for each edition you’ll want to snap these up! Available in red and blue. £11.50

Our next suggestion requires a bit of an investment – but I am convinced it will be worth it as the author knows his stuff inside out. I am one of many who grew up to Paul Daniels as THE TV magician – and on
Bravura he spills the beans on all you need to know about his act. The tips on here are bound to be gold-dust (we’ll try and do a review if time permits) – one for the magician who is serious about improving their act. £119.99

And a final tip – especially for anyone beginning to think about summer reading! This isn’t new, but I have been reading Darwin Ortiz’s wonderful Designing Miracles book recently – and it is full of really helpful ideas which will help you strengthen the impact of your magic. Well worth a read if you haven’t done so. £30.99

That’s all for now. Watch this space for loads more card and close up magic reviews and news…

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I’ve just got back from a masterclass in magical entertainment as I caught ‘Paul Daniels, The First Farewell Tour’ at Camberley Theatre.  I have been a fan of the great man (and the lovely Debbie McGee) for more years than look possible if you have met me, and I was in no way disappointed tonight.  In fact,  having had the privilege to see The Illusionists at the Hammersmith Apollo only last week, I can honestly say that with the exception of the company (just in case my wife reads this!) I enjoyed tonight’s show more.

Of course, this may just be a sign that I am hitting middle age – and all the loud music and flashing lights of the Illusionists was too much for me (I may be revealing too much if I let you know that the real low point of that evening was my inability to obtain a cup of tea in Hammersmith at 11pm – and a hotel room without the necessary facilities!).  The Camberley Theatre has been very nicely refurbished and was a pleasant venue with much to commend it – but the (I presume carefully planned and scripted) gags about music playing too long and the like would have been incongruous at the large scale London venue.

But I think there is more too it than just age and stage.  A couple of the routines in the Illusionists seemed genuinely under-rehearsed – or simply poor quality.  Everything tonight was polished.  Perhaps there is a cultural thing going on since the Illusionists had a distinctly American feel to it and I am a Brit through and through.  But like him or loathe him, Paul Daniels understands audiences – his timing and audience handling is superb – and, of course, he is (still) a fine magician.

There was a great variety in the show – everything from ‘grand illusion’ down.  There was mental magic, card magic, a cameo appearance of the Bunco Booth – and Debbie performed a few routines of her own too.  Perhaps this is all just the glowing nostalgia for a 70s/80s childhood.  But I had a superb time tonight (a view shared by my fellow audience members) – and would encourage you to catch this seemingly under-publicised show if you get the chance.

Oh, and ask first if you’re going to give him a hug…

Tour details here: www.ents24.com/uk/tour-dates/paul-daniels

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