Hi Docc.
I am a big fan of a lot of your mentalism stuff. But I recently heard that you released a balloon routine. I open my kids show with a ten minute balloon routine using two 260s. I am curious about your routine: do you do magic with the balloon, make shapes, do gags or what? Obviously I am not asking you to reveal the routine in all its glory; that is for the video. But can you give us an idea of what it involves, and what audiences it is suitable for?
All the best, Tony.

Back in the 1980s I toured the US booking and performing preschools. There were only 5 magi who worked that market, and I was one. I would book 40 in two days and spend the next two weeks performing. My act was 45 minutes long, used an opener that really got them going, a mouth coil used like a hat tear routine, and a ballon. The balloon comedy piece took about 20 of the 45 minutes.

At the time, the concept was new. About 1990 Flora & Co videoed my "20 Minutes with a Balloon" routine. It was a smash hit. I was equally happy with the warm ups n "Gentelmen Start Your Audiences". The production is typically Flors, not unlike Ed Wood, but the idea is this. My kid show was a comedy show for preschoolers. NOT comedy magic, but a comedy show. I never spoke down to them, but rather used Gene Wilder's Willy Wonka as a foundation of the magician who didn't really like kids all that much. They LOVED it!

I watched some of those kids grow up. Good times.

Thanks for that insight. I love the idea of doing a comedy show for kids. For the last few years I have opened my kids show with a routine involving two balloons and a mouthcoil. I would love to see all the twists you have put on the bare bones. My routine involves no volunteers, whereas from what I have read you use volunteers.
I understand from pervious posts here that there might be tension between yourself and Flora - or maybe I am picking that up wrong? Is the video still available?
All the best, Tony.

"Twenty Minutes With a Balloon"

http://store.fastcommerce.com/Floraco/pr......055.html

Did I ever actually look like that?

Thanks for that link. Tony.

I have always LOVED the balloon routine at the end of E'Voque, and 8 to 80, wicked, mild, or crazy, who doesn't want a balloon hat?

Best,

Dan-

Dan!

You are sooooo right!

Only a few family performers have had the insight to read a booklet on mentalism and discover an extremely strong routine. But there are more every day.

In fact, a couple of guys ordered E'voque this weekend just for the balloon hat and the cocktail routine.

Koodos to you.

Hai Docc,

In october you will be in Holland and I will be there at the lecture. I am really looking foreword to it!

Would you share in this lecture or perform the Balloon Routine? And will you have E'vogue (with the balloon routine) with you for selling?

Thankx for al your giving to the magic community! Looking foreword to hear from you.

My best,
Ronald

Oh yes! Ill be explaining E'voque and I'll have a complimentary copy of E'voque (the entire book, including the balloon and cocktail routine) for attendees who want to purchase the lecture notes.

The lecture notes for the Euro Tour will be available through DoccHilfordProducts.com when I return. For now, the only way to get them is by attending.

But drop by DoccHilfordProducts.com and get a free trick as my gift to all you care heads.