The Approach

Sam C: Hi Geoff.

I have just been attending a convention purely about close up commercial magic and one area that was touched on was magic in restaurants. One of the hardest aspects of that style of work, at least personally, is the approach of a table.

It is much easier at a corporate event where people expect to be entertained to actually approach but in the restaurant environment where you are not always known about until you arrive at the table, thus going in cold, it is much harder.

How do you personally go about this?

Geoff Williams: First of all, it's none of your freakin' business so LEAVE ME ALONE!

Wait...

Okay, I'm better now. My medication just kicked in. Sorry about that, Sam.

Regarding the approach, I want to make sure that the table occupants know

1) who I am,

2) what I'm there for and

3) that it's free (an extension of the hospitality of the management). BTW I NEVER solicit tips but graciously accept them if offered.

My stock line (an amalgamation of lines from David Williamson and Albert Goshman) is, "Hello there. My name is Geoff and I'm a wandering magician. I was...wandering...if I could magish for you..." I immediately turn to someone at the table and continue, "...and it's FREE, so you can put your check book away." This last line is very funny if delivered to a young child.

Notice I do NOT just launch into a trick. They should accept or decline before I actually begin.

Also notice, my approach is not in the form of a question. They have the option of either accepting my invitation or, if they're engaged in something more important, such as premarital sex or having a root canal, they can decline.

IT IS CRITICALLY IMPORTANT THAT YOU DO NOT TAKE A DECLINED INVITATION PERSONALLY! (Sorry about shouting just then but the volume went up on my iTunes suddenly and I was afraid you wouldn't be able to hear me)

Comedy

Craig P: Hey Geoff.

You are a naturally funny performer.

If a performer wanted to develop more comedy in their act, what would you advise?

Also what is your attitude to using comedy in mentalism routines? I know you have some killer mentalism (Omega Bet for example). Do you have any problem presenting these in your same comedic way and if so why?

Thanks again

Craig P

Geoff Williams: Comedy has to stem from what's inside. For example, I take very few things seriously. I tend to see the funny side in every situation.

My performance character is rather offbeat, wild and wacky, and my routines are scripted to reflect that.

For those who aren't "naturally funny," I would recommend reading some books dealing with comedy development.

Take a comedy-writing course if you can find one.

Mentalism is VERY difficult to do well. A stage character shouldn't float in and out between comic and serious (the audience might not know how to react if they don't understand what the character is about). Some can pull it off with charisma and movie star good looks (I.e., Copperfield), but even some of his serious stuff comes off as a little too schmaltzy (watch the opening portion of his "Grandfather's Card Trick" - a.k.a. MacDonald's Aces - and try not to snicker when he looks heavenward, dedicating the trick to his grandpa).

So, my only alternatives are to

1) not do mentalism (and some mentalism doesn't fit me) or

2) make it humorous enough to suit my character.

Dai Vernon would have hated that last sentence.

Last Call

Michael Jay: This is just to remind you that Mr. Williams' time will be coming to an end very soon. If you have any burning questions, please get them posted by Saturday evening (GMT) so that Mr. Williams may have an opportunity to respond before the end of the week.

This has been a thoroughly interesting week and I have certainly enjoyed reading the questions and replies of all the posts in this forum - I hope that you have too.

A very warm thanks you to Mr. Williams for his input so far, which has proved to be some entertaining reading, as well as educational.

Mike.

Rich: A huge thank you to Mr Williams. For me this has certainly been one of the most interesting and humorous (I hope you take that the right way) sessions recently - it's great to have a guest with knowledge but also a great sense of entertaining, both on and off the stage.

And, you're the first person to put a question on us, the members.

Again, thank you Geoff.

Sam C: One of the best special guests we have had on the boards. Thank you very much Geoff.

Jason Waskett: Yes, thank you very much. You've brought a lot of humour to a lot of people.

Geoff Williams: I have had an absolutely wonderful time meeting so many interesting people here on Magic Bunny.

Your questions were insightful and made me do a fair amount of introspection, which I found to be enlightening. I discovered some beliefs I didn't know I had until I had to type them out.

Everyone has treated me with more respect and honor than do ANY of my friends here in the States (with the possible exception of those who owe me money) and so...I have officially divested myself from all of them here and YOU are all my friends now.

I look forward to popping my head in from time to time to make sure everybody's okay. If ever I get the chance to leap over to your side of the pond, I will take it. I can't wait to session with many of you.

By the way, I'm headed to the fridge right now...Can I get anybody anything?

:)

Tubz: If you pass that signed picture of Houdini on the way to the fridge, you could get me that

Thanks for your time! Very interesting and amusing responses all round.

Jordanogrady: Thanks for spending your time to answer the questions we've all asked you. Hope you've found it as interesting and rewarding as we have!

Jordan

Aommaster: Thanks for spending your time here Mr. Williams.

Although I did not post any question's I found your advice and opinions very interesting.

Thanks a lot for being here.

Magicman007: I would also like to say thank you to you Geoff, your posts have been some of the most entertaining I've read, and thank you for asking us questions too!

Dunkoid: Thanks for lending us your time, ears (!) and patience Mr Williams!