I want to write a new birthday party show to include my wife in the shows. I want to be an "inept magician" who can't make the tricks work, and my wife the "lowly assistant" (pardon the term) who is actually the only one of us who knows what's going on. She will be the one to make the magic happen.

Does anyone know where I can find a routine like this for sale, so I can get some ideas? I have a few, but I would like to have a good solid base for this, since I have never written a two person show before.

Has anyone ever seen an act like this? How was it? Did the kids like it?

Any other advice? I would LOVE to hear your comments on this.

Did I post this in the wrong place?

Matthew,

This can be the right place ... unfortunatly, unlike our counterparts the "Standup Comic" magicians don't write and sell acts like what you already have a great start on. Comics do this sort of thing a lot. My suggestion is, take what you've got and run with it. I noticed your up in Louisville, they are a lot of really good magicians in your area that I bet will be more than happy to help and guide you. Just remember that taking an assistant into a birthday market will be added expence to you and you to pass along to your customers. Pricing can be a ticky thing when it comes to this sort of thing. Good luck and follow your idea, it's a great one.

Robert Jones

Thanks, Robert. I appreciate the words of encouragement, and that is exactly what I will do, "take it and run with it". Since my wife is going to be my assistant, I wouldn't charge any extra so my prices won't go up. I appreciate you, thanks!

You don't have to change your entire show from the getgo. You can change just the beginning. You can come out and bungle a bit for some comedy byplay, and your wife/assistant can "fix" it so that you have your magic powers restored somehow with her input. Then you can perform the rest of the act as usual. This involves much less effort and expense than changing your entire act. Plus, it is more original than stealing someone else's material. See how this goes over with your audience. Do you get a better response? If so, keep it going. Perhaps later in the show you again lose your powers and need your assistant to restore them...this could ultimately be a running gag. But start slowly. If the thing bombs from the start, maybe it's not in your chemistry with your wife to put this scenario in your act.