Hi to all, I know this is my first post on Talk Magic but I am an active member of the Magic Bunny, under the username Sybilmaigic. This is my review of Paul Gordons Card Capers in Manchester.
Opening
In three words Paul Gordon is slick, streamlined and entertaining. One man and a packet of cards, he really is a class act.
Holding a crowd and entertaining them for 7+ hours on a dull and cold January in a cold pub in Manchester is testament to Paul’s ability as an entertainer and a teacher. The lecture is informal, engaging and energetic.
There is plenty of variety to suit all tastes. Even for a flourisher that is trying to kick the habit! I am down to one a day now!
Trick Highlights:
Diminishing not likely
Twister
Hellman’s Aces
Easy Ace Estimation (now even easier)
Head To Head Poker
Shocked Aces
Lighter than a feather
It’s not just all card tricks. Paul gives excellent advice, tips, and nuisances. His stories about doing magic are funny and informative.
I would also urge fans of self working card tricks to check out his 16th card books and his cool card stuff book. Some of the principals are used to devious and devastating effect and really do fry.
To be honest I would be happy to listen to Paul’s thoughts and opinions for a day sans card tricks.
Classic PG
Easy Ace Estimation (now even easier) , Twister and Diminishing not likely is classic PG. It’s nice to see that Paul is always thinking and has made Easy Ace estimation even easier, his new thinking on the last 2 Aces is superb. Twister is (IMHO) one of the classics of card magic and is up there with the best. Diminishing not likely is another well structured routine and is an ideal opener, I would urge the budding magician to work this routine. Why? it’s solid.
Current PG
Current Paul Gordon material is as good if not better. How many times have we seen a ‘great magician’ become famous amongst magicians for one card move or trick?! Paul is getting better and better and his material is the same, his latest releases deserve every card man’s attention.
Hellman’s Aces is just pure magic. Each time you place the king’s face up onto a face down deck an ace immediately appears face down between them, it is pure magic and it plays as it reads, with no funny business. It is better than JB's club sandwich (which is a good trick in its own right) but is less movey and does not involve a gimmick!?
Head to head poker is another stand out trick. The thinking on this is magnificent. Ten cards are removed from the deck. Two or Three cards are put on the table at a time and the spectator gets the choice of either card(s). At the end the performer has a royal flush and the spectator has a duff hand, unless you accidently get a full house
. Excellent thinking and IMHO to easy to do considering the reactions you are going to get.
Shocked Aces is a great (Collins esq) spell to the aces trick
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkZUpqv-V8U
Check out the above if you do not believe me, the last three tricks are Shocked aces, Head to head poker and Hellman’s aces.
I did purchase BLOCKBUSTERS WITH CARDS 2-DVD set that contain new PG material and will review it as soon as I have watched it. I also purchased Cardistry, which I believe Paul only has 5 copies left of.
http://paulgordon.net/shopcontents.html for Blockbusters etc..
In closing
I learned a lot more about magic than just card tricks. I thought my shabby 2-3 hours a days of half practice in front of the TV was enough. After watching Paul’s slick effortless (seemingly) card handling I now have a level to aim for and will be putting in a lot more practice. It would be nice to see some of the younger crowd there aswell. You are selling yourself short if you do not make the effort to attend a Paul Gordon lecture and learn from a true master.
Score
The lecture was a cool 10/10.
