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Close-Minded

My last few articles have looked at magic theory, but it struck me that although it is interesting to look at such theories, I could be of more help if I addressed a few tips and ideas that I have picked up over the past few years of performing in real world situations. Let's first start with the problems that restaurant workers (and in fact, magicians in general) may face, and how to find a remedy for such problems.

When my good buddy and partner in crime, Andy Leviss works the other side of the stage as a sound technician he religiously carries a kit which he refers to as his "Oh Sh*t!" Kit. I carry a similar kit in my work, which I keep in a small plastic box in the boot of my car. Due to the fact that I know many magicians who don't carry a similar kit, I thought it would be useful to list what I consider to be the 'must carry' items.

Throat Spray
We all get it - a sore throat and when you have to constantly talk at your best for two or three hours the pain starts to become existent. If I can once again refer to Andy's kit, he uses a brand called Entertainer's Secret, and although I am yet to try it, apparently this is the product to use! The reason he uses this is because it's it's not an anesthetic so it doesn't numb your throat; in fact, it soothes and lubricates your throat to help alleviate the problem. You may also consider carrying other medical items, but I always carry these as a separate medical box.

A Pen
I always work with a pen in my pocket, but what if it suddenly runs out or you accidentally loose it? Not a problem, run back to your box and grab another. It also comes in handy for making notes on directions, signing cheques and writing down someone's number if they request your business card so that you can call them later.

Gloves
What happens if you get a puncture of the way to a show? You get oil over your hands and arrive just in time so you have to rush to wash all that oil off, which doesn't fully come off anyway. However, if you carry some kind of gloves (maybe rubber or surgical gloves) you'll be oil free! You may feel like a fool wearing them whilst changing your tire, but what maters more, that or being there on time?

A Spare Deck
I carry two decks while performing, but there's always a small chance that something disastrous may happen to my cardboard friends. If something does happen, you guessed it, I'll run back and grab another deck!

A Balloon Pump
I do modelling balloons. I admit it. If I make balloons for children at the table at the end of my set, not only will the children love what I do but the adults will appreciate it as well. However, some days I don't feel I can blow up fifteen balloons in one night so I carry a balloon pump (which, by the way is extremely small) to save my lungs!

A Mobile Phone
I carry my phone everywhere I go, but I always make sure it's fully charged when I perform just in case I need to make a phone call if my car breaks down, if I get lost or find myself in another, similar situation. Of course, I always turn it off before I start performing.

These are just the tip of the iceberg, but the items that I feel are essential for any working magician. Other items I carry is a map, contact information for my car repair company, coins for car parks or phone booths if I have a problem with my mobile phone, spare business cards and other promotional information and normally duplicate props of everything I use. I also carry extra props, but we'll cover the reasons for that another time.

I hope that gives a few pointers in what may seem an extremely eccentric practice, but if you start carrying similar items, you'll thank me for it one day.

Finally, if you have any questions or ideas for articles that you would like me to share my thoughts on, please send them along (andi@andigladwin.co.uk) and I'd be more than happy to consider writing an article about it!

Andi Gladwin