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...
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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John Archer
In this weeks episode, comedy magic legend John Archer takes us on an unexpected journey through his magical influences and philosophy. Rather than showcasing his signature repertoire, John reveals the eight effects he'd take to a desert island, most of which he's never performed professionally. What makes this episode particularly fascinating is John's vulnerable admission about why he doesn't perform certain tricks: "If I see a trick done so well that I think I couldn't do it better, then I don't want to do it." This refreshing honesty leads to wonderful stories about watching Andy Nyman's "Sophie" trick, being mesmerised by Harry Blackstone Jr.'s Floating Light Bulb, and appreciating the masterful comedy of Bob Reed's Knife Through Coat routine.The episode delivers a masterclass in performance philosophy when John introduces his "FIRE" principle, ensuring every moment of a routine is either Funny, Interesting, Relevant, or Entertaining. This approach transforms even the procedural aspects of magic into engaging moments. "A lot of the time the process is relevant," John explains, "but just relevant on its own isn't often enough."Between colourful anecdotes about his early days at Alan Alan's Magic Spot and a mysterious American magician who bought him his first Rainbow Cascade, John offers invaluable insights for performers of all experience levels. His passionate banishment of what he call’s "karaoke magic" and in particular the Vanishing Bandana, it provokes thought about originality versus imitation in performance.Whether you're a seasoned magician or simply curious about the psychology behind great entertainment, John's practical wisdom, delivered with his signature humour and sincerity, will transform how you think about creating meaningful moments for audiences.John’s Desert Island Tricks: Crazy Mans HandcuffsRainbow CascadeTossed Out DeckInvisible Deck Sophie Trick Floating Light bulb Knife Through CoatAerial Fishing Banishment. The Vanishing BandanaBook. The Amateur Magicians HandbookItem. UkuleleFind out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk
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1:29:17
Stranded with a Stranger: Steven Mills
Steven Mills brings sixty years of magical wisdom to "Stranded with a Stranger," offering a masterclass in practical performance choices that stand the test of time. His philosophy cuts through modern magic's endless novelty: "You are fooling people way less often than you think. Don't confuse polite silence with thinking they were fooled." From pocket-sized miracles like "Jumping Arrow" to classic coin effects like "Hopping Halves," Steven's selections reveal a performer who values ending clean, working without tables, and delivering maximum impact with minimal props. His inclusion of Dan Harlan's "The Awakening" (which he considers possibly the best rope routine ever created) and Michael Close's "Pothole Trick" demonstrates his commitment to effects refined through decades of performance rather than untested novelties. Perhaps most refreshing is Steven's appreciation for overlooked gems like "Starcle," a simple paper tear that transforms a circular piece of napkin into a star, a perfect addition to any magician's mental toolbox of impromptu miracles. His choice of Harry Lorayne's "Close-Up Card Magic" as his desert island book further emphasises his respect for material with lasting value over fleeting trends. Steven's carefully curated list offers a blueprint for building a repertoire that prioritises practicality without sacrificing wonder. His selections remind us that sometimes the greatest magic comes not from having the latest release, but from perfecting timeless principles that continue to astonish audiences decade after decade.Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk
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17:10
Daniel Chard
Welcome to this weeks Desert Island Tricks with the phenomenal card ninja, Daniel Chard. Discover a blend of sharp magic insights, hilarious anecdotes, and the stories behind his favourite tricks. From memorable performances to essential tricks that define a magician's journey, Daniel shares his experiences navigating the fine line between skill and storytelling.What happens when you mix a passion for sleight of hand with the desire to entertain? You get a captivating discussion that reveals the secrets behind some of magic's most timeless effects. Listen in as Daniel emphasises the significance of creating memorable moments and the perils of underselling your best work; magic is indeed a dance between the performer and the audience.Daniel's wit and charm guide you through a selection of tricks that are staples in the magic world, including some fascinating insights into memorable performances he has witnessed over the years. You’ll learn why certain magic routines, like the “Lottery Prediction” and “Q&A,” stand out in performances and how they connect with audiences on a deeper level.Whether you’re a budding magician looking for inspiration or simply a fan of the art, this episode promises delightful revelations and laughter. Don't forget to join the discussion and let us know your thoughts on the tricks and insights shared. Tune in, and discover the magic waiting for you!Daniel’s Desert Island Tricks: Q&AGraham Jolly’s Balls Chard Under Box Lottery Prediction Ambidextrous interchange Multiple Selection Suit Apparition BANE Banishment. Underselling Magic MomentsBook. By Forces Unseen Item. DogsFind out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk
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1:07:17
Stranded with a Stranger: Ken Hallgring
In this episode, we sit down with Ken Hallgring, a magician with over fifty years of experience, who shares the ultimate list of tricks he would bring along to his magical island if given the choice. From personal favourites to iconic classics, Ken dives into a selection of eight top tricks that resonate deeply with his magical journey, showcasing each trick's unique story and presentation style. Ken reflects on his early years in magic, the pivotal moments that shaped his identity, and the other renowned magicians he had the fortune of meeting. He skillfully explains the power of each selected trick, navigating through card magic, mentalism, and stunning visual effects. Listeners will be captivated as Ken discusses the necessity for narrative in magic, particularly through his choice of Dean Deal's Blizzard and the emotional resonance of Gene Anderson's Newspaper Tear. In addition to the tricks, Ken reveals his selected book, Greater Magic, a timeless tome he wishes to invest time studying. He also discusses the importance of technology in sustaining his magic passion with an iPhone and AirPods, tying the episode together with a personal appeal to fellow magic enthusiasts. This delightful exploration into the mind of a seasoned magician invites you to reflect on your own magic journey. Join us, and maybe you'll find a few tricks you want to take with you, too! Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave us a review!Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk
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
Ireland