Came across this performance: https://youtu.be/UtaalH-vE9U recently. Seems like this illustrates a number of points folks on here have been talking about: performance vs effects. Lots of stories here, some comedy and eccentricity while using some effects that even I recognize. I found this video while I searching for any reviews (found them) or performances (didn't) of Robert Neale. I'm definitely going to pick up a couple of his books and some by Terri Rogers. So glad I've joined the Café again, the advice on here is great.

Christian is a fantastic performerand a lovely chap too.

I really love his performance. Thanks for sharing.

How unusual to see a storytelling act enthrall adult audiences. Guess we're all kids at heart and love a good story. Thanks for sharing

Wonderful! Proves that presentation counts more than tricks. Even tricks we know become enchanting again.

Absolutely, I think story can elevate very many things and a lack of story can make them rather trite.

Christian is one of my favorite magicians, simply because the way he weaves stories in with his magic is incredibly appealing. I was with my spouse at the Magic Castle today, and afterward I asked her which magician she liked best. The best technical magician was actually her least favorite, and her favorite two were the ones whose charm came through the most. She didn't even recall the tricks so much as the person doing them.

(After lurking a while, this is my 2nd post on this forum, so if you have no idea who I am, there's a good reason for it. )

Dana, It's no matter to me whether I know you or not. Thanks for your comment and contribution! Also, Welcome to the Café! (as a poster vs a lurker, though I still lurk more than I post...there's so much to read!)

Thank you for the post , I never saw him before , such a great performer , it just show how much more powerful is the imagination in comparison to technical skills .... And when you have both together , it is just perfect

Well, it only took me 3 years to finally find this thread and watch the video. I love how well he communicates a character with the music box and the title cards. Although the bones of the tricks are all well known or classic tricks, his stories elevate the magic wonderfully.

A rather belated thanks to Ergerbor for sharing this.

-Patrick

Thanks for posting the video. Christian is a great performer. Enchanting storytelling magic!

Even his final flourish to give a wind to the music-box is so crisp and feels so practiced. Really great set.

This is an excellent share thank you very much!
I am currently working on a routine heavily based on story so I saw a lot I liked in this performance.
I love the ending in "a little game" his last two pieces were very profound in my opinion.
I dare say much of the audience may have missed some of the subtleties in the routines.
I heard a couple people get it like no one wins in war during "a little game".
That act had a lot to say I loved it.

Great storytelling. Thanks for sharing.

Well that was so *** good. I don't recall the last magician I enjoyed as much as this guy

A magical performance combined with storytelling. Very clever and inspiring! I would love to see more magic acts like this.