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Desert Island Tricks

Alakazam Magic
Desert Island Tricks
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  • Mark Bennett
    Step behind the curtain with Mark Bennett, the brilliantly funny owner of Smoke and Mirrors Comedy and Magic Theatre Pub in Bristol, as he reveals the eight magic effects that would accompany him to a desert island.Mark's journey through magic is fascinating, from nightclub performer to magic bar pioneer to successful creator of commercial effects used by magicians worldwide. With his signature wit and decades of performing experience, he shares why the humble double-backer has "bought him three pubs," and how his wildly popular "Get Smarty" evolved from noticing Smarties packages had changed shape.What makes this episode particularly special is Mark's candid discussion about comedy in magic. His "Leave it to Beaver” demonstrates his masterful approach to adult humour, balancing cheeky innuendo with genuine magical moments in a way that has audiences laughing before they realise they perhaps shouldn't have. Similarly, his stories about his mind-reading goose named Dave showcase how character work can elevate a standard routine into something uniquely memorable.Throughout our conversation, Mark reveals the psychological principles that make his magic so effective. Whether explaining why his three-ball sponge routine still gets reactions from people who've seen sponge ball tricks before, or sharing his philosophy on making spectators the stars of his shows, his insights offer valuable lessons for performers of all types.Perhaps most refreshing is Mark's commitment to practical, workable magic. Every effect in his list has been battle-tested through thousands of performances at his venue. From his controversial decision to banish four-card routines to his gleeful description of "exposing" how sponge ball magic works (while actually misdirecting his audiences), Mark demonstrates why he's not just a venue owner but a respected creator and performer in his own right.Discover why Mark's approach to magic has made Smoke and Mirrors a must-visit destination for magic fans and performers alike. Whether you're a magician seeking practical performance advice or simply curious about the mind behind some of magic's most commercial routines, this episode delivers entertainment and insights in equal measure.Mark’s Desert Island Tricks: Double Backer Get Smarty Que the Magic Peek - Blindz / Tele-thoughtSponge BallsLeave it to Beaver The Queens Nose Mind Reading GooseBanishment. Four Card Routines Book. Aspen Bar Magic by Michael AmmarItem. SmartiesFind out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk
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  • Stranded with a Stranger: William Poliet
    William Poliet takes us on a magical journey spanning two decades of professional performance across France and the UK. As President of the Coventry Magic Circle and Warwickshire’s regional representative for The Magic Circle, William's carefully curated repertoire reflects both technical excellence and genuine audience connection.His magical origin story begins with a profound childhood moment at his 11th birthday party, William's uncle performed a card effect that left him utterly spellbound. So captivated was young William that his only wish for his 12th birthday was to witness this miracle again. Years later, his uncle gifted him The Royal Road to Card Magic, revealing the method behind what William now affectionately calls "My Uncle's Trick" in his professional shows.The eight effects William would take to a desert island showcase his performing philosophy. From Nick Einhorn's Signature Triumph to Michael Hout's "Priceless," William selects routines that establish rapport, generate laughter, and create memorable moments. His thoughtful commentary on sponge balls reminds us of magic's primal appeal: "When the audience member opens their hand and finds two or three sponge balls when they were convinced they only had one, the reaction is priceless."Perhaps most insightful is William's perspective on his bent coin routine: "For us it's a bent coin, but for them it's a strange experience they'll remember forever." This profound understanding of how laypeople experience magic elevates William's selections beyond mere tricks to meaningful theatrical experiences.Want to share your own desert island list? Send your eight tricks, one banishment, one book, and one non-magical item to [email protected] with "my desert island list" in the subject line, and you might be featured in an upcoming episode!Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk
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  • Dave Loosley
    Dave Loosely, fresh from his victory as the Magic Circle Close-Up Magician of the Year 2025, reveals his definitive list in this captivating conversation about the effects that truly matter.Dave begins by taking us behind the scenes of his competition-winning act, sharing how he meticulously crafted each moment to appeal to both lay judges and magicians alike. "Everything was in there to try and win the competition," he explains, describing the intense six-month preparation process that consumed him in pursuit of perfection.His desert island selections paint a fascinating portrait of a magician who finds extraordinary magic in ordinary objects. From his signature routine “Squash”, where a bottle cap impossibly penetrates a deck of cards and emerges flattened, to his theatrical adaptation of the Needle Through Balloon that serves as both comedy ‘bit’ and spectacular finale, each choice reflects Dave's philosophy that the most powerful magic happens when spectators connect with recognisable items.Particularly revealing is Dave's discussion of performance structure and creating multiple moments of wonder within a single routine. Whether it's his adaptation of Paper Balls Over Head that fools both volunteer and audience with different restorations, or his coin transposition "Envision" that delivers three magical moments in quick succession, Dave demonstrates why being a great magician requires being a thoughtful theatrical artist first.Beyond the tricks themselves, this episode offers valuable insights into professional magic, how to create "kickback" moments where reality shifts unexpectedly, why certain effects withstand the test of time, and the importance of finding your own handling for commercial tricks. Dave's thoughtful reflections on how each effect shaped his journey make this essential listening for anyone passionate about the art of magic.Dave's Desert Island Tricks: Squash The Magicians Matchbox Harmonica Chop CupEnvision No Tear Paper Balls Needle Through Balloon Bill in Egg / Wallnut / Lemon Four Nightmare Banishment. Magic Ego’s and Cliques Book. Rune’s World Item. Drum Set Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk
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  • Alan Rorrison
    Meet one of Scotland's most creative magical minds as Alan Rorrison takes us through the eight effects he couldn't live without. Known for his prolific creativity and innovative approach to magic, Alan reveals how his performance style has evolved toward more organic props and scripted presentations that put participants at the centre of the experience.The conversation delivers powerful insights about performing philosophy, with Alan explaining why he now approaches tables empty-handed rather than with cards visibly ready. "They were making a presupposition on what I was going to do before I'd done it, and I didn't like it," he shares, describing how this simple change transformed audience engagement.What makes this episode particularly fascinating is Alan's commitment to using everyday objects rather than obviously magical props. From his three-coin routine "Trivium" to his custom-built magic watch, each selection reveals a thoughtful approach that emphasises strong magic over flashy presentations. Even when discussing playing cards, Alan rejects the notion that expensive designer decks are necessary: "For a spectator, a playing card is a piece of paper with a drawing on it."Perhaps most revealing is Alan's decision to banish smoke effects, despite having created a successful product in that category earlier in his career. His willingness to acknowledge when cultural shifts have diminished an effect's impact demonstrates the self-awareness that has kept his magic relevant for decades.Don't miss the touching story of how his signed copy of Card Warp mysteriously found its way back to him years after being lost, a moment of "real magic" that perfectly captures why we fall in love with this art form in the first place.Alan's Desert Island Tricks: Triivium CoinsThe KeyCerberus Wallet Okito Box Deck of Cards Watch Rubiks CubePK Ring Banishment. Smoke DevicesBook. Complete Walton Vol 1Item. PhoneFind out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk
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  • Harri Harrington (Lord Harri)
    Lord Harri's journey through magic is as colourful and unpredictable as his Desert Island Tricks selections. After a technical mishap with his original recording, Harri returns with a refreshed perspective that perfectly captures his playful, versatile approach to magical entertainment.What makes Harri's list truly remarkable is its stunning diversity. From the visual elegance of Tobias Dostal's "Repo" to Adam Dadswell's "Lexicon Plus" that Harri has inventively adapted with rubber ducks, each selection reveals a performer who refuses to be confined to a single magical genre. His approach to choosing effects isn't about adhering to a particular style but rather embracing what brings genuine joy and wonder, both to himself and his audiences.The depth of Harri's magical connections shines through in his stories. Whether describing his love of Urbain’s "Ignite," his evolution through mentor Kieran Johnson's ice production effect "Element," or his friendship with James Keatley who created the  “Spitfire" coin set, Harri demonstrates how the magic community has shaped his development. His inclusion of his own creation, "Harri-O," shows the culmination of these influences into his signature ring-to-Haribo routine that has earned recognition from multiple previous guests.Perhaps most telling is Harri's banishment choice, rather than a specific trick, he banishes egotistical performers and jealousy from the industry. "Surely we should all help each other and share stuff with each other, because only the best is going to come from it," he explains, revealing the collaborative spirit that underpins his approach to magic. And his selection of a finger Unicorn as his non-magic item perfectly encapsulates the whimsical charm that has made him such a distinctive voice in modern magic.Harri’s Desert Island Tricks: Repo Lexicon Plus Ignite Spitfire Rings Bank Fright To the MaxHarri-OBanishment. Jealous PerformersBook. Simply HarkeyItem. Finger Unicorn Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk
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About Desert Island Tricks

Each week we invite one of the biggest guests in the world of magic to maroon themselves on a desert island. They are allowed to take with them 8 tricks, 1 book, 1 banishment and 1 non magic item that they use for magic! We discuss their 'can't live without' lists and why those items were chosen. Episodes are uploaded every Friday and are available via all Podcast service providers! To find out more about the team behind Desert Island Tricks, please visit: www.alakazam.co.uk 
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