Jonathan Neale's Multiplying Bottles
The original "Multiplying Bottles" was created in Chicago by Arthur P. Felsman in the 1920's.

Since Ken Brooke's routine in the 1950's, there haven't been much evolution happening. Not until 2009, when I published my manuscript "Moonshine Monologues", where I described several of my innovations with the plot. For years, I was pretty cocky and self-assured that I represented the cutting edge of the plot...

... Then I saw Jonathan Neale's work...

Jonathan's work on the plot blew everything I had done right out of the water. Chock-full of innovations, clever gambits and bold deceptions. Just breathtaking. Original on a level that made me think "He'll never share that! That is work he'll take to the grave."

Well, turns out that I was wrong. Jonathan have decided to share his work on the plot.
It should be required reading for anyone interested in the Bottles, or in parlor magic in general.

More info

And as a preview, this is an older version of his routine, from 2008 - 14 years ago - but it gives a hint of the amount of cleverness involved.


The manuscript is 40 pages long, and with 66 photos and illustrations... plus an addendum!
The format is soft covers: 8.5' x 7"
If you want to buy the manuscript, Jonathan sell it for $30.00 ( +postage $5.00 via USPS in the USA).

If you are interested, send a PM to Jonathan.

Click here to view attached image.

Tom, I couldn’t agree more. There is SO much insanely clever work in this it still amazes me o watch after all of these years. The set up, the loads, the count, the expanding box at the end with the “15 Bottles” reminder for the audience... it’s a winner on every level. I likewise never thought he would release this as it is a master class in deception AND showmanship from a true legend.

Thankyou both for the kind words and unequalled support!

I love when 2 brilliant magicians not only freely and publicly compliment one another’s work, but share where one can find the other’s work. Tom and Jonathan are each phenomenal stage performers and I’m grateful anytime they share what they have learned and perfected.

Thank you both!

Lou

I jumped on this release! The manuscript is well produced (as one would expect from Jonathan), clearly written, and profusely illustrated (plenty of photos). Now to get busy, study it, learn it, and adapt it to me.

Thanks Harry!

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to let me know!

Yes, it is a great routine. I have always liked it.
I have not done the bottles for years. Just a little more than I want to haul sometimes. But it is still a solid piece of entertainment. I guess I should dig them out again. I think I have two or maybe three sets.
As good as the Ken Brooke routine is, I get tired of seeing people doing the same exact routine over and over. Jonathan's is a stop above. And yes, I also have Tom's routine which is also pretty good.
As I said, I guess I am a little lazy besides feathers are lighter.

Thanks Richard for the kind words!
While the Brooke routine is a good starting place, I realized more could be done.
then I looked at John Moehring's ideas in his thin but valuable book: A texan Trixter'.
He had a couple of notions that I adopted and adapted.

Fro there, it was 'off to the races'!

I recieved the manuscript the other day. Great read with lots of information - even How to build the table!
Only problem for me.: I have two sets of five (Tora?). Now I have to get three sets of three

Mikael Johansson
Sweden

Leo! glad you like it. My routine though.. requires 4 stacks of three bottles!

Yes, indeed. You need four stacks of three to produce 15 bottles. That is magic math!

If you haven't got this manuscript, get it! It really is a terrific routine! But even more so, the thinking on use of table, subtleties, prop setup, etc. can enhance any multiplying bottle act. I've been wanting to do a transformation at the end of my routine inspired by Carisa Hendrix's "ice cream sundae" ending (though not with a Sundae). But I wasn't in love with the common methods employed for various practical concerns. But JNeal's table approach #1 (yes, he details prop management for TWO different styles of tables) looks to be a perfect solution for me. When I first saw his routine I thought to myself, that is some serious devilish [or maybe Duval-ish ] thinking...so clever!

Thanks Frank! When I developed that table and it's secrets... I hadn't read Duval's Silk manuscript... but he is one of my favorite underrated performers.

the Mignon principle is one of those concepts that is not explored or exploited nearly enough... Again... my thanks for the endorsement!

I have to admit, that routine is the best multiplying
bottles trick I ever saw. Quick, entertaining, and puzzling as heck. Great job.

Thank you too, Jeff! I am so pleased when my fellow magicians enjoy my magic... but I conceived it to work mostly for laymen! It has a great build: starting simple and building in energy and humor until the finish.

Jonathan, Any chance you will be performing your multiplying bottles during your run at Marvyn's Magic Theater on December 1-3?

Mark

Most definitely! I'd like to phase it out of my show, but the reality is that it is too strong to not include!

Jonathan, Excellent! I look forward to seeing it then (Dec 1). Drinks on me!

Out of curiosity, which manufacturer made your bottles? Also, very clever to use the collapsible cardboard "box" to keep the bottles safe as you move the table.

Mark

My bottles are the now discontinued: Herb Morrissey of Canada. I bought those bottles because they were available and later learned that they are generic in shape enough to represent spirits, wine or even a coke bottle!

I always thought that Denny Haney had THE BEST multiplying bottles routine I had ever seen until I saw yours, JNeal. With Paul Daniels' routine coming in at a VERY close second.

That is, until now!

Your routine is, in my opinion, A THING OF BEAUTY, utilizing your mastery of "THE BUILD", "TIMING", "ENERGY" and "BODY LANGUAGE" all so skillfully blended into a totally satisfying and entertaining routine.

BRAVO!

Thanks so much for that kind endorsement. It was a lot of work and a lot of fun creating the routine... but putting it into print was a labor of love.... so much detail !

I'm glad yo enjoyed it. Several people have bought the manuscript and are planning on putting it in their shows... I can hardly wait to see the result!