Issue 27 - July 09
The Portal
Steve Shufton & David Regal
Available from your local magic dealer
Price: Approx £45.00
The Portal, by Steve Shufton and David Regal, offers a close-up version of Jerry Andrus’ well known Zone Zero. Measuring 6”x4” and with a 2” hole in the middle, The Portal allows you to produce, vanish and change objects that will fit through its hole.
The kit includes five coloured crochéd balls, a card the same size as the portal that has a different coloured circle on each side and an instructional DVD hosted by David Regal.
When I first looked at The Portal I wasn’t sure what to make of it. But after playing around with it for a short while, I soon began to realise that, if given the practice it deserves, it is actually a really nice magic prop that really does have endless possibilities.
The Portal itself is made from, what looks like, a hardened foam centre with rigid cardboard on either side. I think, as it is, it is prone to damage if dropped onto a hard surface due to its structure, so I would have liked to have seen it made from rigid plastic, but I’m sure that would have come at much higher price tag.
The way it is gimmicked allows for productions, vanishes and color changes. David Regal teaches the moves as well as five excellent routines with coins and other small objects. The routines taught on the DVD feature multiple phases and a nice climax at the end.
When performing The Portal you'll really need your audience in front of you as you’ll need to watch your angles when perfoming in restaurants and strolling gigs. David flashes a couple of times on the DVD when performing to a spectator, which indicates how easy it would be to flash to people you are not performing for.
Personally I would find it hard to dedicate that much pocket space to a single routine. On the plus side, in execution, a Portal routine has the potential to rival a great chop cup routine. And it has the advantage that it doesn't require a table.
In conclusion, The Portal is an intriguing and new idea that has lots of potential. Check out the video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EI6Q49SL8s MD
What’s Hot: Original idea that has lots of potential.
What’s Not: Possible angle issues if surrounded. Prone to damage due to the
material it’s made from.
Star Rating: ****
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