Issue 30 - Jan. 10
Connected
Paul Stockman
Available from www.alakazam.co.uk
Price: £29.99
Packaged within a beautifully designed sleeve this two DVD set instantly feels like value for money.
The first thing to point out about Paul’s performance on the DVD is that it is shown in full completeness, from start to finish. Normally you will find that once an effect has been performed the explanation for that particular effect would follow straight after.
It is refreshing to see the full show with no interruptions, however this means that the explanations are split over two disks. I didn’t find this an issue but I would imagine some would find it frustrating to have to switch between disks to watch the performances again for explanations that are on disk two.
So on to the show itself.
Paul starts off by asking a spectator on the stage. He sets a clock to a set time, and secretly places it into an envelope which is left in full view. The spectator is given a whistle and asked to return to her seat. She is instructed to blow the whistle anytime she likes throughout the show.
Then it’s straight into Paul’s first effect - his ‘Pick a Chair’ routine. Seeming random choices made by four spectators, from chairs to numbers, turn out to be predicted in advance. The method for this is extremely simple but as it shows on the DVD it is a great opening effect and a good way to get your audience involved right from the start of your show.
Next up is Paul’s ‘Hands Off Bank Night’ routine. A classic mentalism effect with the Stockman spin. This was one of my favourites from the whole show. The method for this is extremely clever and I found myself smiling when I watched the explanantion. This routine could easily be used in a close-up environment too.
Part way through the show the spectator from the beginning of the show blows the whistle that has been given to her. The exact time is written on the outside of the envelope and is placed back in full view for the remainder of the show.
Another effect that Paul himself has shrunk down to be used in a close-up environment is ‘The Pendant Curse’. This is a strong piece of magic in a Cluedo type style with a great narrative.
‘Back to Becker’ is Paul’s take on Larry Becker’s modern classic ‘Casino Royale’. This is a three phase prediction routine which demonstrates many principles that Paul has perfected through his many performances.
The story telling in the next effect ‘The Sweet Jar’ is tremendous and a real crowd pleaser. The actual effect too is knockout. Three spectators are invited to guess how many sweets are contained within a jar. Two spectators are eliminated, and as in the story told the chosen spectator is out by just one!
The final routine ‘My Luckiest Day’ is one routine I’m sure Paul regrets putting out to the masses. Throughout the whole show Paul asks three audience members for a month, a date and a time. These are revealed to have been pre-written on the bottom of a tray that has been in view for the whole show. The method here is genius.
To finish the show the clock from the beginning is revealed to show the exact time the spectator blew the whistle. This is not explained in the DVD but Paul informs me that this is to be released as a separate effect hopefully in time for Blackpool in February.
This really is a great DVD set. There’s much to learn but it is also a joy just to watch the performance. PS
What’s Hot: six excellent routines that could be used togther or as stand
alone items
What’s Not: explanation split over two disks may annoy some?
Star Rating: *****
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