I have a Vogue notebook, unlined of course, that I think was intended for notes from fashion shows, but it’s where I write my magic show notes, with my magic Blackwing 602 pencil (not that I’m precious about it).
I keep a record of every gig, across a double paged spread, with a set list, date and time and venue, attendance, and fee. I have goals for number of gigs, number of people attending, cold hard cash, so this keeps me up to speed with how I’m doing. These goals are important, the magic show ends with a seven minute showpiece about motivation, and fire, as a simple matchbook is set aflame by nothing more than a spectator’s thoughts, and that end piece is what this is all about.
I write a script for any new routine, and links to weave it in to the act, and a list of everything I need to pack for the gig, because otherwise I would forget something. (even with the list, this remains somewhere between possible and probable).
Before every gig, I look at my pre-show briefing, some of which is about setting up and a sound check and the like, but mostly it’s a reminder about the real preparation, from an imaginary super-coach, and it currently goes like this:
‘So, Lone Wolf, how lucky are you, you’re doing it, the very thing you wanted to do, a magic show, with extraordinary magic, built into a compelling story, earning the chance to talk to more people about motivation in a new way, and continue on your path.’
'So, now go and be a magician, make your gig, turn up, give everything, this is 100% time. Remember, heightened awareness is your superpower!’
‘You are a magician who believes in magic, that everyone is a magician, you’ve done the work, you’ve got this, you can trust yourself.’
‘This is the best audience, because they are here now. Get to know them, see only the good, look only at them, listen to them, notice everything, care about them, lighten their load. They are better than they know. Beam love at them.’
‘Do all this, and with them you will create something special, magical, memorable.’
‘Mostly though, Little One, remember how lucky you are, be happy.’
After the gig, usually the same night but always within 24 hours, I make notes about what went well, what didn’t, what I learned, what I need to do, getting a testimonial and a rebooking, any ideas that have come to me, and thank my lucky stars.
I also write up every trick and routine, in detail, with diagrams, it’s really my way of getting it clear in my head, hard wiring it to my memory.
Six months into the year, and my notebook is nearly full, but there is something missing from its pages, and it’s something I’m hoping you can help me with, please, Dear Reader.
The show is based around a magician (me!) who believes in magic, narrating a show about his life in magic, with the best of close-up, street and stage magic, with an almost unbelievable ending. There are stories throughout about everyday magic, the kind of magic people do in their everyday lives, often unknowingly.
But here’s the thing, I still don’t have a name for the show. It started as Secret Magician (not sure why, really), then Magic Alex’s Magic Show (!), then The Magic Show You’ll Never Forget (!!), then Everyone is a Magician (!!!).
So, Dear Reader, I need help, any ideas for a title for the show? All will be gratefully received.
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