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mindacrossrhino New user 70 Posts |
Hi all
My daughter (10) and a friend are currently rehearsing for a talent show and we are intending that she performs 'The Escapist' from Andrew Mayne's Secret Illusion Show as a closer. I am currently planning out how we are going to build this and have mocked up a square curtain rail out of PVC pipe, although currently this is quite heavy. Does anyone have any experience building/performing this effect, and if so do you have any pointers that may help with either? Just looking to avoid any common pitfalls if at all possible. Many thanks Simon |
David_N New user Lancashire, England 93 Posts |
You could try making a frame out of aluminium flatbar, say 1.5 inches wide by 1/8th thick;bending it carefully into a square and riveting the ends together with a short overlapping piece. Form the corners around a small paint tin or the like to avoid stress fractures in the rail.
To aid with the exchange attach 2 sets of vertical handles to the rear rail. If you use the simple Chen Lee Laundry Bag Illusion from the inexpensive Abbott's booklet '15 Great Illusions', then the sack can be examined, extending the routine and deepening the mystery. The only other point I would touch on is that the Siberian Chain Escape suggested be replaced by Electronic Release Handcuffs, as these are far more suitable for an exchange theme illusion. Hope this helps. |
mindacrossrhino New user 70 Posts |
Many thanks David. I particularly like the idea of the vertical handles, might make lifting the frame and raising it up a lot easier. Will take a trip to the hardware store and see what aluminium bars I can find and how these compare for weight.
Not too worried re. inspection as if anything we need to shorten the set and as it is only a show for her peers I suspect we won't require too many convincers. I already own a set of shackles that we are intending to use, though not sure what exactly they are. Will look into the Electronic Release Cuffs though (new to me, not well versed in my escape paraphernalia). I have not come across Abbott's booklet previously, but it sounds like it may well be a good investment. My personal passion is for close-up material, however this will be my Daughter's second stage show and I need to get a bit more familiar with the world of illusions as I suspect it won't be her last. Thanks again, loads of great pointers - exactly what I was looking for. |
David_N New user Lancashire, England 93 Posts |
Glad to be of help.
For the record I have no problem with the Siberian Chain Escape; it's just that because of the principle it uses resetting it alone at speed in a sack is a task. It's appearance is a short length of chain with a larger key ring size loop attached. It is really just for escapes as once the tie is upset by the performer it is very difficult to reset single handed. The electronic release is a long loop of steel with four short chains, two of which go around each wrist at the end of the shackle and are fastened by padlocks. They have the virtue of being very fast to release and can be slipped in and out of with ease once trained in their use. Top tip: If you want to hand these cuffs out for inspection then clip the padlocks in position (through the chains) very close to the loop, this makes their principle impossible to discover accidently. The Abbott's booklet is a good buy for the budding young illusionist. No detailed plans, just simple line drawings, but most can be built by someone with basic workshop skills. Three of the illusions are escapes. 'Electric Light Bulbs Through Girl' can have the bulbs substituted with blunt wooden dowels for safety and economy as it is basically a Cane Cabinet. Given that your daughter is only 10 it might be an idea to give the 'Buzz Saw Illusion' a miss however! |
mindacrossrhino New user 70 Posts |
Thanks again.
The Electronic escape actually sounds exactly like the ones I already own (was confused by the lack of electricity). I like the tip re. handing out, not considered that before. Will definitely take a look at the Abbott booklet, and agree with you re. the buzzsaw! |
David_N New user Lancashire, England 93 Posts |
Just checked on line and found that the book is available as a PDF download from Abbott's website for $4. Good luck with the show.
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mindacrossrhino New user 70 Posts |
Much appreciated 😀
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Moxahalla Special user Los Angeles 751 Posts |
RE: "Electronic Release Handcuffs":
...I don't know what idiot or manufacturer starting calling the old "In-Again-Out-Again" Handcuffs (aka "Chain-Release Handcuffs") by that name....but its totally confusing - as it of course has NOTHING to do with "electronics". (Oblong metal loop with 4 short chains attached - for your wrists). |
mindacrossrhino New user 70 Posts |
Just to let you know, the trick worked a treat and my daughter won her talent contest today. Thanks for all the helpful advice - time to start planning next year's act!!
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Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7563 Posts |
Quote:
On Jul 17, 2017, Moxahalla wrote: Also known as "Wrist Shackles" in North America. - Donald
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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David_N New user Lancashire, England 93 Posts |
Congratulations on your good news, so happy for you and your daughter. I'm sure she will knock 'em dead again next year.
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Rook Special user I went to the Magic Cafe and all I got were these lousy 834 Posts |
Quote:
On Jul 20, 2017, mindacrossrhino wrote: Many congratulations to the both of you!
Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.
-Roald Dahl |
mindacrossrhino New user 70 Posts |
Thanks everyone for the kind words, she was very pleased!
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