What type of magic work do you now do?

Gary Edwards

I loved the programme and I am full of admiration for what you have done. I understand that you now earn a living solely from magic and was wondering whether you have adventured into the world of magic for children (children's parties etc). If so how have you found it?

Keep up the good work.

Kevin McMahon

I also tutor maths and physics to children studying for Highers (Scottish A-Level equivalent). I am skint at the moment. I am moving out of my city centre flat to somewhere a little less extravagant. These are the things I need to give up so I don't leave focus of my new goals.

I have my first kids’ party on Saturday. I have my guitar and a lot of balloon animals ready to go. Wish me luck!

Happy Toad

I do wish you luck Kevin. Kids parties can be great but they can also be the hardest of all audiences.

Kevin McMahon

Have you any advice for me?

stephenmagic

I find that a mixture of simple tricks and larger pieces help. For example I have used the magic colouring book (the animated one that has a deck of cards and a silk appear in it) that takes up about ten minutes to do.

Kevin McMahon

Cheers for that.

Nigel Shelton

You may find this Magic Bunny thread by Joe useful:

“Performing Magic Professionally for Young Children”

Happy Toad

What age are the children, Kevin?

It's hardest when there is a large age range. The link above should give you some good advice.

gary edwards

Good luck Kevin, I hope it goes well. Will you write a post after the weekend to let us know how it went?

Jumpers

Lady Laura II

I'm sorry; I have to ask a non-magical question about your jumpers.

I know it's a TV show, but do you really name all your jumpers?

If the answer is yes, can I ask why?

Kevin McMahon

Excellent question Laura!

I never started naming my jumpers. My friend done this for me starting when I was at high school:

I had...

Milk tray
Paisley Pattern
The Argyle
The Finch
Fire Red
Fire 2000
The Death of Fire Red

It continued as I got older and just became a recurring joke. I had very witty friends, much funnier than I. If they just had the guts to do it on stage they would bring the house down!

Lady Laura II

Ah, it all becomes clear now!

I have to say; I am relieved.

I must just excuse myself though. I watched the show, and I've been reading the threads on here about you and looking at this forum. I figured everyone else would ask the magic questions, but the whole jumper thing stuck in my mind! So pleased I got a chance to ask you, it was bugging me somewhat! LOL

daleshrimpton

Ah Kevin, I see you have met Our Laura: a bit of a drunk, but nice with it

Lady Laura II

Thanks for that Dale.

Kevin, I plead with you, you haven’t been in the business long but get out while you can or you will end up turning into Dale!

Well, that, or just make sure you don’t mix with magicians too much, they are an odd breed.

Things like Blackpool are great. Meeting up with magicians once a year is good. You can do the whole networking thing without turning strange.

Having said that, you were a scientist before you turned to magic (something I find quite amusing, although that was mentioned in the programme too) and judging by the scientists I know, and without bragging, I can say, I know quite a few, they are an odd bunch of people too!

Without wanting to sound too disparaging Kevin, I think you're sunk on the staying sane thing!

Might I add, on Dale's comment, he met me once and yes I happened to be drunk but, hey, the multiplying balls video was just as entertaining!

Oh, that’s a good bit of advice actually! Don’t ever try and perform when you are not 100% sober! I've done it and it wasn't pretty!

daleshrimpton

She wants me.

Lady Laura II

This is very true, but nonetheless!

And this is why many magicians are single!

Again, I urge you to read my earlier post carefully! Being a magician can make you socially stunted!

Andy C

Isn’t that a perceptive and insightful line!

Andy C

Having re-read my last post, one way of reading it could be as a criticism of Kevin. Nothing could be further from the truth. What I was referring to, is the hundreds of people who look at performers on stage and say, "I could do that." The sad truth is, many of them could but they don't have the guts to do it. It's far easier to criticise others than to put your head above the parapet and do it yourself.

Perfect example, Mark Knoffler wrote, "Money For Nothing" in an electrical store in America, listening to an employee slagging performers of on TV. Our younger readers should search out a copy of this and hear what real music sounded like before the computers sterilised everything. Terry Williams, What a Drummer!

(A wandering slightly off topic,)

rosie

I've got a jumper called “Aaron.”

boywonder

I have a jumper called “Poly.” Sorry, make that “Polyester.”

Favourite Effect?

Dan

What's your favourite trick or effect so far and why?

Kevin McMahon

I love the TT bill change thing. It's ingenious and so strong. I just hate the fact you have to change it back again. I need a way out here!

stephenmagic

When you get a bit more confident there is a great effect were you wrap a borrowed note around your thumb (to make a funnel) and take it off your thumb. You now pour some wine into the note and make the wine vanish. I can't say too much on an open forum but if you get time that effect is well worth learning.

Kevin

I change the spectators £10 to a fiver and then produce a £10 from pocket saying how did it get there and hand £10 back in exchange for the £5.

Another way is to find another fiver so they end up with two £5 notes.

daleshrimpton

The answer is you use your own bill, display it openly, ( rather than have it examined,) then change it and spend the resulting larger bill. This done on an offbeat moment (something I hope your teachers covered) will create quite a moment in the minds of your audience.
Or, change your bill into a flash bill then have it go in a ball of flame. Presto! Two effects for the price of one.

King of Bunnies

flashboy

Hello Kevin. I think that you should be crowned the “King of Magic Bunny” because of what you have done. You have become a professional magician. You are making money doing what you love. This is what all members of Magic Bunny strive to do and you have achieved it.

BaZ

I think Mike already has the title.

Damien

Congratulations again.