High eveveryone,

I like the topsy turvey bottle routine but never liked the non ending that you usually end up with. I currently use Sammy Smiths one bottle version and think it to be a pretty good middle of the show trick. Does anyone know anything about the Ketchup Side Down (Ketchupsidedown) version of this? It sounds/looks like it has promise. Thanks for any insight.

Derrick

Have one...the premise is the same, magicians seem to like it because it's a COMPLETELY different principle from what you're used to. No shell tube. If handled correctly, you can switch bottles/tubes at any time the spectator wants. You get the extra gag at the beginning of the squirting string from the bottles, too. Ending is about the same as the regular version, though. I prefer the jumbo crayons version...there, you have a couple different kicker endings you can use, the color change and the giant/mini finish.

Steve

Still has a rather "Blah" ending. I love the trick but really hate the ending. Was hoping that might have been solved with the ketchup/mustard routine.

YOu don't think the tiny crayon held against the helpers BIG crayon is a good ending?

Steve

I guess I should read the description better about the Crayons. I'm used to my old Grant's Black Cherry Soda version. The ketchup and mustard just seemed more like real objects to me. I'm not a purist in that props have to look like every day objects. For goodness sake, I'm a huge fan of bigger wands. It is just that for year I have had fun with fake mustard and ketchup bottles and thought how wonderful to be made into a fun trick.

It's a good effect (KetchupSIDEdown, that is) but lacks any punch finish. The crayon version has 2 endings, one where your crayon has shrunk to half the size of the spectator's and the other where it changes color completely. Also, with the crayon version, you can switch crayons with the spectator anytime.

Steve

You should check out the Rootin Tootin' Root Beer on Hocus - Pocus. It has a unique ending and is a lot of fun.

-stephen

Ok, I'm not familiar with the workings of Ketchupsidedown if its different than the regular cherry soda bottle method, or if this is even possible. But where you talk of having the kicker finish of the smaller crayon, could you possible end with the ketchup bottle changing to a ketchup sachet?

Just a shot in the dark...

Mark

Thanks everybody. I've been busy with Valentines parties. I'm done with red and pink for a while. I didn't perform topsy turvey anything. I'm hate there wasn't better reviews of Ketchupsidedown but I guess that's the nature of the trick. Guess I'll stick with my old Sammy Smith one bottle routine.

Derrick

The modus operandi of the KetchupSIDEdown is completely different from the crayon or the tried and true soda bottles. No shell used. You could probably complicate the routine with the ketchup sachet (in the U.S., it's a ketchup packet..as in what you'd get at a fast-food restaurant)....but that would be hard for the audience to see and instantly recognize from any distance.

Steve

I think all you need to have is some creativity for your Crayon Routine to make it a nice ending. I actually use mine in many of my shows and get good responses from it.
Its all on your style and the imagination you put into it.

I did see the Ketchup trick that Steve had and it has great possibilities.
I'm always willing to try something new, may get one of those as well.

Brad

Awful. Very poorly made.

I reviewed it a while back. Not sure if they made any changes since then.
I actually never was able to put this trick to use but going to try to modify for this summer.
http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......orum=109

Is the idea any good? Maybe if it is you could get one well made...well I might if it has an interesting method.

I've seen the prop. It didn't seem poorly made to me. Expand on your remarks for us.
Awful??? If you're going to use such strong criticism, a brief explanation would be very helpful.

KetchupSIDEdown is a major part of my summer show. I've incorporated into a segment focused around picnics (hotdogs, BBQ grill dove pan, etc) and it works GREAT. The effect is similar to turvey bottles and crayons, but the gimmick is totally unique. At the end of the effect, the bottles & the tubes can be displayed & handled freely. I have a blow-off comedy ending for my routine that leads directly into the next bit.

With the occasional mindless exception, every effect or gimmick is only as good as the individual presenting it. It's sad how many people try or watch an effect then pronounce it "Awful" because they don't have the creative skill to make it work for them.

This one rocks for me and is one that the kids talk about long after the show ends.

Can't agree more with Skip. Not poorly made. I think the creator did have a problem with some of the original ones..there was a m____t that would come loose. Mine did, but I repaired it very easily and at no cost. Worked find since then.

Steve

I have and use KetchupSIDEdown. The trick comes with a DVD (or possibly a CD ROM from memory). It shows the routine being done at a show and then explains the routine and also an ending where the magician's bottle vanishes altogether. That's the ending I use. The kids get a real laugh out of this.

I don't have any show footage, but I did video myself when first rehearsing it. It was a few years ago now, but if I can find that clip I'll send it to you.

Cheers
Billy

I had a problem with the original set and Tim Sonnefelt sent me a replacement with no problem. I was never really comfortable with the prop. I suspect that had more to do with ME than the prop itself. I know Tim and David and they are both great guys and fine entertainers. I would not say it is poorly made... but not for everyone, as I found out.

-stephen