Azhillusion: Hi Peter!

Two questions which I would very much appreciate if you could answer.

Firstly, are there any limitations on the Monkey Magic team, i.e. are you told what magic to perform and how to perform it by the Objective team, or do you have a choice as to what you perfrom, and what effects you demonstrate to the nation.

Secondly, I was wondering what your feelings are towards the exposure programme "Psychic!" in which your fellow Monkey Magic member Ali Cook has starred in. Is it something you would consider if you were approached?

Thanks very much for you time and hope the second series of MM is even more successful.

Peter: In general we are given a very free hand by the team at Objective and channel five to develop our material, however there are always limitations and thats part of being in a team.

Often there are ideas which we come up with which duplicate effects created by other performers and we rely on the vast and slightly scary knowledge of folk like Anthony Owen to let us know and guide us in a new and fresh direction.

On top of that there are financial and practical implications that create problems. It might be a great idea but if one effect sucks up the whole budget for the show then obviously we can't do it. Often its the practical experience of the production team that alerts us to possible problems.

Finally there are a multitude of rules and regulations set down by the broadcasting authority which place the most bizarre limitations on effects depending on time, content etc.

As for 'Psychic' and the exposure question, without wishing to side step the question I think I have gone into that in some detail in answer to other questions so won't repeat that here. As far as whether I would have done the show it's impossible to say what I would do without being there, but I support Ali wholeheartedly.

All the best

Peter Mc

Captain Fantastic: Hello Pete,

I was just wondering, after the success of Monkey Magic on Channel 5 (which, by the way, we can't get over here cause I live in Tenerife) if you were thinking of taking yourself and the other guys on the road and performing in theatres around the UK. If so, I'd actually plan a visit back to Blighty to catch it.

Just a wondering thought!!

Marc (The Captain)

Peter: A roadshow version of Monkey Magic is certainly an idea we have thrown about but as yet pressures of creating "Greatest Magic Tricks in the Universe... ever" and preparing for the second series have kept it on the back burner. I guess when and if it happens news will be announced on this and other forums.

Peter Mc

Walshab1: We have booked "Tufty" for a birthday do next April. Can you give us any tips to wind him up!!?

Peter: Sorry, but I reserve that right for my own personal pleasure However I am sure you will have great time as Pete (Tufty) is a great guy.

All the best

Peter Mc

Orion: Hi Peter,

How did you come up with the nicknames you use on Monkey Magic and why did you decide to use them instead of your real names?

Thanks,

Peter: Ah yes the nicknames! Love em or hate them everone has an opinion! The truth is that the nicknames idea was one which was part of the original package sold to channel five and they really liked it. As a result they were keen to see it put into the final show.

Despite some initial misgivings I quite like the idea now and think it adds an element to the show which a lot of folk like. The actual names were chosen by us in consultation with Objective and five.

Peter Mc

Bananafish: Peter

Talking of Nicknames and "Monkey Magic", is it true that the name "Monkey Magic" was taken from a sketch in an Alan Partidge show?

as suggested by this link...

http://www.magicbunny.co.uk/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=8363&highlight=partridge

Thanks

Peter: There were a whole buch of elements tht went into choosing the name for the show. As you would expect there were lots of different opinions. In the end the final decision was made by channel five and yes I believe that the Alan Partridge sketch which mentioned 'monkey tennis' did indeed play a part in that choice!

Peter Mc

Dk_the_magician: Peter, we met some time ago (not sure if you recall) when I came to the MC as a guest of Clive’s to watch Michael Vincent and we all went for a meal afterwards, you said you liked my filofax.

The questions are simple

Do you feel your TV appearances has helped your private work or hindered it, do you get requests to repeat something you have done on TV? Do you get recognised by none magicians in the street?

Have you ever been victim of envy in the magic fraternity?

I love the latest series of the greatest, however I’m sure when producing any list your not going to please everyone, who was the list of magicians who decided?

Darren

Peter: Darren,

I'm sorry mate but I don't actually remember the meeting at The Magic Circle (I assume it must have been a while ago if we were looking at filofax's ) however I'm glad you had a good time and I'm sure Michael Vincent was his usual slick and impressive self.

I'm not sure that being on TV has made a huge difference to the jobs that I do, people tend to book me because of personal reccomendation from another client or someone who has attended my show. It's not often than I get a booking purely because I am the guy from 'Monkey Magic'. Having said that Monkey Magic reflects quite a lot of my character and my performing style anyway so my material is not a million miles off. Certainly no one has ever asked for a particular effect to be performed, although lots want to know about my back after the bed of nails stunt!

As far as envy from other magicians is concerned well yes I guess there is some but to be honest most won't tell you to your face so I'm not likely to be aware of it. My friends and those I trust are really thre ones I'm bothered about and they keep me grounded in reality!

Finally you asked "who makes the list?". The answer is a huge number of folk! Initially Objective gave the membership of The Magic Circle the chance to write in and express their opinion, then from there it became a process of whittling down what was entertaining, available and made good TV. As you say not everything is to everyones likes or dislikes, but it's a pretty comprehensive list I feel of some great magic (with the odd turkey thrown in for light relief!)

Peter Mc