Drew: Hey,

I've seen you perform, and I have to saay that youare one of the very few magicians that can pull off the Magic and Comedy combination. I think the reason you manage it is because you don't draw attention to the joke, but to the magic. Personally, I've done a couple of stand-up comedy acts which have gone moderatly well. I perform magic with light touchings of comedy, the occasional one liner etc.. However I'm thinking that this middle ground is just a safe place for me to hide. So I'm going to take it one way or the other, either serious magic, or comedy/magic.

So, rather than rambling, I'll get to my question (although I prefer to see it as a discussion).

Do you have any tips or advice (or just a relavent annecdote) for someone, like me, whi is thinking about combining more comedy into their magic?

Peter: Drew,

Thank you for the kind comments and I'm glad you laughed and were amazed! My personal approach to comedy is that like you say, it should be a very natural part of what you are doing rather than forced. That doesn't mean I haven't laughed at my own fair share of red noses and one liner gags, just that it doesn't suit my style.

I always remember hearing someone describing how not to use patter if you were a younger magician. He decribed a young teenage magician telling a story about how 'he' learnt the following trick "whilst travelling in the ancient far off east!" The point was that it sounded ludicrous coming from someone who had obviously never been further than Calais. The way I relate that to comedy and magic is simple, be yourself, use comedy that relates to you.

Funnily enough I now use that same line in my act as a gag. So corny is the line that folk recognise the set up of "The ancient far off east..." and assume they know what you are talkng about. I then leave a slight beat and add "... of London". Not hilarious written down but it always gets a big laugh because it's a classic 'pulling the rug' gag.

That if anything is 'my style' to 'pull the rug' out from under folks expectations. To not be what they assume I will be. Every escape artist I knew was muscled and super fit so I decided to be the only big escape artist. Folk expect religous people to be boring or staid, so I wear loud shirts and do great magic! It's all about expectation and surprise.

The key to good comedy is to do what fits you, don't try to be someone else or use other peoples routines. You don't have to have the audience screaming with laughter all the time, give them a chance to breathe.

If you feel that combining comedy and magic is too hard then it's probably best to concentrate on performing straight magic, as comedy on it's own is really tough!

I hope some of tht helps

Peter Mc

Michael Jay: Do you have anyone in your history, on your way to becoming the magician that you are today, who you'd consider to be the strongest influence in your life?

Presently, are there any magicians out there who you feel influence your work?

Mike.

Peter: Michael,

I guess there are all sorts of folk who influenced me along the way, some more obvious than others. I have always been a huge fan of comedy so I would count Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, Robin Williams and Eddie Izzard amongst my top heroes of comedy. Their presentation styles have had a major impact on me.

As far as magician go I was influenced by lots of folk including Steve Baker, Kerry Ross, Fielding West, Amazing Jonathan and of course Penn & Teller.

Amongst my friends there are too many to mention all the bits and pieces I have gleaned over the years, but I have to pay special mention to John Archer, Richard Pinner and Marc Paul. Each in their own way has inspired and helped me along the road.

Now just to make the 'serious' magi feel better I'll mention Vernon. No real influence I'm aware of but it's a great name

Peter Mc

MichaelSaintLouis: Wow, thanks for spending a little time with us! As another American, I have heard of you but never had the chance to see any of your work. I poked around the Monkey Magic site (as well as yours) hoping to find if your work would be broadcast in the States. IS there anything in the works?

Michael Saint Louis

Peter: I'm afraid not at the moment, however I can but dream

I did look into trying to perform at some of the American conventions but as yet not connected with the right folk. Not to mention the fact that It's a long way for a ten minute slot!

Perhaps we could organise a Blaine / Monkey Magic combination special? He sits in a box and we turn him into a white siberian tiger (LOL)

All the best

Peter Mc

JonathanHarvey: Hi Pete,

I was wondering how you get on with the other Monkey Magic Boys, and if Tufty is as annoying as he comes across on TV? I loved your hosepipe trick on Sunday night; did it take long to shoot? Is it true that your famous "falling asleep" effect is achievable anytime anywhere and with no preparation?

J x

Peter: LOL

I suspect that this 'new member' might be a little more than a casual observer! Sounds a lot like one of the other Monkey lads to me

As for the hose pipe trick it was of course completed first time in one shot (ROFL) and didn't actually reduce me to screaming hysteria. Tufty is a remarkably likeable guy in his own simple and uncomplicated way. We find that as long as we use short words and give him a quick slap he is quite manageable.

'Falling Asleep' on location is a much maligned illusion requiring a lot more preparation and practice than you might imagine. I havre managed to perfect it over many long hours waiting for the Colonel to finally get his bits right.

(GRIN)

Peter Mc