Creating Powerful Magic with Themes

Daily Show Provides a Winning Magic Routine

I feel that the best way to create involving and entertaining magic is to apply a theme or story. Admittedly, I don't always succeed at this myself, but I'm always trying.

Recently, "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" featured an excellent magic segment, "Playing the Race Card," by Larry Wilmore (the magic begins at the three minute mark). While it's notable that a magic routine has been featured on the show, what's impressive here is that the routine successfully mixes a political theme with a standard card trick.

I think that the routine provides a first rate example of what can be accomplished by applying a theme. Instead of simply showing off, as so many magicians do, the routine involves spectators and provides a reason for the various effects. Well done.

And while I'm talking about great routines, I think that the UK's Barry and Stuart are performing some of the most amazing, cutting edge magic that I have ever seen. I'm a fan of their YouTube videos and this "voices/alter ego" routine is among the best that I've seen (warning, it's PG-13). The routine creates a hilarious theme, provides a great setting for the tricks and effectively tells a warped story.

More Reading:
Seven Themes to Apply to Your Magic
Dealing with Nervousness
The Five Biggest Mistakes Made by Beginning Magicians