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Elliott Hodges Veteran user England 324 Posts |
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Hi Guys, I'd love to put this into a stand-up/stage performance and I keep making excuses for myself but I know it CAN work because Paul Daniels kills with it as we all know. I have a good cup and stuff but I'm wondering about the table. I think it can't be too big because then the audience will have to much too follow-one small cup in the centre of a large table. It can't be too big and it can't be too short. I suspect that PD had his surface custom made. That is surely going to cost me loads of money. any ideas about how to make it work on stage? cheers gang Elliott |
Dave V Inner circle Las Vegas, NV 4824 Posts |
The table shouldn't take much. Something as lightweight as a music stand style can work. If the stage has any kind of "prop" furniture, that can be used as well. I didn't use it for this, but for years I had a 12x12x38 or so gray formica rectangular "box" (formerly a plant stand) that would look good on stage. All I would need is to cut a pad to fit the top and it would work fine for this.
Watch Tommy Cooper's routine on Youtube. It isn't about the table or the cup, it's about him.
No trees were killed in the making of this message, but a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.
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SpellbinderEntertainment Inner circle West Coast 3519 Posts |
I agree that any small magic table can be converted to this use.
I personally like the classic Abbotts Magic wooden “Artistic Table” which is still only $85 US and which they will customize in any color combination for free. I’d suggest having the table-top every so slightly tilted forward towards your audience, and either using a “velcro’ style covering or pad, to prevent rolling and slipping or gluing ma***ic strips under the table top to do the same. You may also want to experiment with the size and color of the ball you’re using depending upon your hand and cup size. There’s no reason with a bit or work and ingenuity you can’t do a credible Chop Cup for a larger group. Magically, Walt |
Pete Biro 1933 - 2018 18558 Posts |
I have used a Harbin production table with a 12 x 12 top surface.
STAY TOONED... @ www.pete-biro.com
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Elliott Hodges Veteran user England 324 Posts |
I like the idea of using a music stand!
thanks for all the ideas. much appreciated. |
eshdath New user 61 Posts |
A big solid coloured table top with nothing on it but the chop and balls would draw more attention to the chop and balls.Also you could have a small pin spot light on the chop as well.
This may not be an issue,but sometimes the glare from a metal cup can distract from the action.
Zion speaks......are you listening?
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Pete Biro 1933 - 2018 18558 Posts |
A drum stand base is far sturdier than a music stand.
BTW the routine Paul does is the Ken Brooke Routine, and the new cups and routine are now available from http://www.stevensmagic.com
STAY TOONED... @ www.pete-biro.com
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Bill Palmer Eternal Order Only Jonathan Townsend has more than 24312 Posts |
I used a chop cup for 25 years at the Renaissance Festival. I performed for as many as 1200 people per show with it. I used a leather cup. The table top was whatever I happened to be working on.
"The Swatter"
Founder of CODBAMMC My Chickasaw name is "Throws Money at Cups." www.cupsandballsmuseum.com |
Alan Munro Inner circle Kentwood, Michigan, USA 5952 Posts |
I saw Paul Daniels perform the chop cup, many years ago, at an Abbott's Get-Together. There's a reason that his routine stands out, as a routine that works well on stage. There were probably over 2,000 people in the audience, yet the routine had nothing lacking! He wasn't using his usual style of table, judging from his videos, yet he slayed the audience! I still remembered the final load - a grapefruit. I didn't know that a grapefruit would fit in the cup.
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Curtis Kam V.I.P. same as you, plus 3 and enough to make 3498 Posts |
Elliot, how long a routine do you want to do? A short routine (leading up to two final loads) can be done on thepalmof your hand, no table. See the Cone & Ball thread at:
http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......um=115&9 For a longer routine, Danny Korem shares some solutions in 'Korem without Limits". He used a padded table top, then pushed tacks into the surface in a grid pattern. This kept the balls from rolling, and looked pretty normal. Of course, I'd suggest you use a table that does not look like it could contain the loads. I just saw a friend of mine do his street cups and balls routine on stage, using the setup he uses for street work, i.e. a table top on a Jack stand. I believe Frank Starsini can set you up with these at a reasonable price. Even that might be a bit much for a one cup routine.
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pepka Inner circle Uh, I'm the one on the right. 5041 Posts |
I've seen Kozak do it on a plain wooden bar stool.
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Bill Palmer Eternal Order Only Jonathan Townsend has more than 24312 Posts |
So have I. It's an excellent routine.
"The Swatter"
Founder of CODBAMMC My Chickasaw name is "Throws Money at Cups." www.cupsandballsmuseum.com |
Elliott Hodges Veteran user England 324 Posts |
Thanks guys!
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Tom Fenton Inner circle Leeds, UK (but I'm Scottish) 1477 Posts |
Elliott,
What about getting in touch with a high school woodshop and asking some of the students if they can build you a table as part of a project. Just a thought.
"But there isn't a door"
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marty.sasaki Inner circle 1117 Posts |
Yamaha used to make an excellant bow stand (for archery use) that was based on a drum stand. It was sturdy, good looking and folded really small. Another possibility is a cymbal stand. Using a folding table would be great as well.
I think you should just try something and see how it plays. You really won't know how it will work until you try it. Perhaps you can just set something up and have someone view it from a distance.
Marty Sasaki
Arlington, Massachusetts, USA Standard disclaimer: I'm just a hobbyist who enjoys occasionally mystifying friends and family, so my opinions should be viewed with this in mind. |
Joe Howard Loyal user The Peoples Republic of Massachusetts 204 Posts |
Try an instand (www.instand.com) It's small, packs small, incredibly light, but strong. Put a close-up pad on it and you're in business.
Joe H |
Elliott Hodges Veteran user England 324 Posts |
Thanks for all the help guys!
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