Issue 23 - November 08
The Plot Thickens
Oliver Meech
Available from: www.olivermeech.com
Price: £12.49
At a British Ring Convention in the 1980s I was
particularly struck by the material in a lecture by close upper Bob Ostin. His
plots were simple, his methods equally so, and all of his magic used everyday
objects or things that you could easily make yourself. For me, at the time, it
was the perfect lecture as it provided all manner of great magic that I could
immediately make up and do. As I read this first of two projected books by
Oliver Meech, I was reminded of those Bob Ostin creations.
Oliver has deliberately concentrated on coming up with
fresh plots (hence the title of the book) and the 22 that he provides between
the covers of this A4 size 80 odd page book are at times quirky, but on all
occasions fresh and interesting. His methods are incredibly practical. Just
about the most difficult thing you will comes across is a double lift or a
flustration count, and I have to say that this is a welcome change from the
current trend for over-blown, sleight ridden close up magic which seems to be
prevalent with many of the younger generation today.
It's almost impossible not to like this book and its
contents. As a first shot at releasing a body of work it is hugely impressive,
and if this is the standard of what we can expect from Oliver in his second book
(and any subsequent books), then it won't be long before his reputation is made.
He provides you with plots that almost defy description - making a spectator
invisible, using a tatoo to reveal a playing card, predicting a Beatles song
title written on a plectrum, revealing a spectator's name written on your teeth
- plus so many more, and like a breath of untainted fresh air, there's not a
matrix, coins across or Triumph variation to be seen. Hoorah!!
Simple to collect or make props, unusual plots, simple
methods, great ideas - why aren't you ordering this book right now? ML
What's Hot
: the novelty of plot and simplicity of method
What's Not: not a book for those who want finger breaking sleights
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