"Never Bet the Devil Your Head is a very clever and compelling bizarre mental act to suit the more intimate occasion. Francis has taken some already incredible influences and masked them with a diabolical method that the spectator will never see coming as the storyline performance has been honed to mask it so well. Highly recommended!" - Steve Drury (committee member of PSYCRETS, British Society of Mystery Entertainers) Most magicians know the power of a great giveaway at the end of a routine.
As a mentalist, what if you could leave your spectators with something other than a bent coin or a drawing on the back of a business card?
What if you had the opportunity to create an interactive theatrical experience wrapped neatly in storytelling and ending with a powerful souvenir for your volunteer?
Never Bet the Devil Your Head is my own humble attempt at finding a solution to those very questions.
Influenced by two effects by Docc Hilford and Paul Brook, it is a complete mentalism routine that flirts with the realm of Bizarre Magick.
In a nutshell, your audience is invited to embark on an imaginary Faustian journey that culminates with a rather eerie revelation of a special coin. It is immediately offered to an audience member as a memento that will forever be reminiscent of a rather puzzling moment they have just experienced.
In that regard, this is
NOT the type of effect that you will do in a table-hopping situation. Method-wise, it is extremely easy! However, its true power relies on the presentation.
Thus, although the effect is quite versatile and caters to a wide range of performers (magicians and mentalists), it is better suited for quiet or intimate environments where you can easily set the scene for an immersive, dramatic experience.
- Suitable for close-up and parlor
- No sleight of hand
- No special gimmicks
- Very little preparation
- Almost impromptu -- keep a small coin in your pocket and you're ready to perform the routine!
- Works in any language
Never Bet the Devil Your Head comes with the complete and detailed script of my presentation.
