Prepare to be inspired as we spend an hour with the master of illusion, Bill Abbott! Bill's approach to captivating an audience within the first 30 seconds sets the stage for a performance that blurs the line between reality and the impossible. From the mysterious vanishing of a champagne bottle to the beloved trick "Smart Ass," Bill shares the secrets and the psychology behind his iconic illusions. Imagine the perfect magical setting – even if it's as unconventional as a desert island with a tiki bar and an intimate stage, Bill knows how to create a world that leaves a lasting impression on his audience.

Throughout the episode, we explore the interplay between storytelling and magic, as Bill takes us down memory lane to his beginnings, sparked by a Christmas gift that would alter the course of his life. He reveals how he turns each performance into a theatrical experience, with his 'five-card box' trick and his 'Poker Face' routine merging his background in psychology with the thrill of a poker game. Bill's routines aren't just tricks; they're emotionally charged narratives that engage the audience, creating a communal and intimate experience that resonates long after the curtain falls.

The conversation peaks as we examine the strategic choreography behind different magical routines, balancing the spectrum from energetic to intimate, ensuring that each effect weaves into a narrative arc that leaves the audience spellbound. Bill's 'Voodoo Ceremony' act, the communal "$1 mystery," and the "Psychic Prediction" game are just a few examples of how he crafts a journey for his audience, one that challenges their rational mind with moments of awe. With a notepad and pen always at the ready, Bill Abbott reminds us that the essence of magic lies in creativity and the joy of crafting wonder, a lesson that's sure to inspire both fledgling magicians and seasoned enthusiasts alike.

Bill Abbotts list:

1. Champagne Opener by Bill Abbott
2. 5 Card Box by Bill Abbott 
3. Poker Face by Bill Abbott
4. Centre Tear Routine by Bill Abbott
5. Ashes on Palm 
6. Pegasus Page 
7. Bill in Lime 
8. Smart Ass

Book - Impromptu Magic by Martin Gardner

Object - Notepad and Pen

Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

The likelihood is, you've already had Jack appearing on any number of your social feeds! With millions of views across all platforms, his reach is substantial and his video's are always incredibly clever and fun to watch! 

This year, he appeared on Britains Got Talent with a quirky act based on his viral video's. 

Jack is now transitioning to more live events and stage performances which his list reflects! This is an excellent mix of stage effects and close up effects which make for a truly diverse selected of effects!

Jack's List: 

1) Revolution by Greg Wilson 
2) Card 2Phone by Jakob Halskov
3) Stand Up Monte by Garrett Thomas
4) Instant Access by Carl Royale 
5) OXF Coin Set by Roy Kueppers and Eric Jones
6) Venom Cube by Henry Harrius 
7) Cylinder and Coins by Joshua Jay
8) Chop Cup Mini 
Book) Piff the Magic Book by Vanishing Inc
Item) Camera

Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

James is a BAFTA Awarding winning performer, star is hit TV show 'Help! My Supply Teacher is Magic!' and consulting on shows on Netflix, the BBC, ITV and Discovery International as well as others! 

He is a huge reader of magic books but also indulges in commercially released items which makes his Desert Island List incredibly diverse! With a few hidden gems thrown in for good measure, this is an excellent episode you are not going to want to miss!  

James' Desert Island Tricks: 

1. Destination Box 
2. Paper Clipped 
3. Sewn On 
4. Timeless 
5. Nothing In Transit 
6. Play it Straight Triumph 
7. Signed Card 
8. Colour Sense 

Book. 52 Memories 

Item. Phone

Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

Chris Congreave is best known for his incredibly commercial magic. Effects like 'Roll', 'Omen', 'Safe' and 'Lie' amongst many others are used by hundreds of magicians daily! 

As you would imagine, Chris's list is full on incredibly commercial routines and since he create's for himself, many of his choices are his own. 

If you are a magician looking into crossing over to restaurants or weddings, this is the perfect list to get you on your way! 

Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

Jake Allen is one of the most talented young magicians in the UK and an absolute card ninja! A regular at The Magic Circle, Jake is someone people wan't to sit down with and watch the amazing magic he performs. 

In Jake's episode, he show's his passion for card magic with a mixture of classic effects and routines as well as some quirkier choices that you perhaps haven't come across before. Heavily influenced by books, Jake's Desert Island list really is a fantastic collection of tricks! 

His book choices were the most interesting and shows where Jake's mind is now leading him. No doubt, we will see big things from Jake in his magical career! 

Jake's Desert Island Tricks: 

1. Wrong Card, Right Card
2. Be Honest, What is it? 
3. Paper Switch
4. Primary Movement 
5. Ace Cutting 
6. Not so Straight Triumph 
7. Waving the Aces
8. Three Card Trick

Book. Totally Out of Control 

Item. Right Back Pocket

Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

Peter Nardi really shouldn't need an introduction! Founder of Alakazam Magic, creator of countless mentalism effects, producer of some of the biggest tricks in the world and a business innovator, Peter's wealth of knowledge is a deep well to pull from! 

In Peter's episode, he has a tremendous mix of older and newer effects ranging from specially produced decks, packet tricks, mentalism pieces and coin tricks. 

His diverse selection of tricks really reflects how he is around such a diverse selection of tricks and how much magic he consumes in his day to day life. 

This is a really special look into the repertoire of magic's grandfather of mentalism!

Peter's Desert Island Tricks: 

1. Stealth Assassin 
2. Mirage Coin Set
3. Imagine 
4. Horizontal Cara Rise
5. The Extractor (E2) 
6. Fourth Dimensional Telepathy 
7. Predator Wallet 
8. iChange 

Book. The Magic Menu 

Item. Music

Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

Dean Leavy is a good friend to the Alakazam Team and we're thrilled that he's letting us whisk him away to his desert island! 

Dean is a multi award winning, former Young Magician of the Year who performs at weddings, corporate events and other functions for some of the biggest brand's in the world. With guest appearances on Bluepeter, BBC and NBC. He is one of the busiest working magicians in the UK and his attention to detail is staggering. 

He is one of the nicest people you could ever wish to meet with a comprehensive understanding of our industry and the business side of our industry. 

If you are looking for a list of commercial, working effects, Dean's Desert Island Tricks list will not disappoint!

Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

Roman Armstrong has recently ended his run in Derren Browns West End magic show, ‘Unbelievable!’ He is an award winning magician and comedian who in 2022 took his hit show to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to rave reviews!

His style of magic is quirky and off beat and he even has magic products released to the community! You’re going to love his truly diverse list of effects and it might just introduce you to something you never knew you needed to perform! 

Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

Liam Montier is a highly respected magic creator with an eye for constructing routines with a multitude of clever methods to get maximum entertainment, for little work.

His knowledge of methods and tricks is unfathomable and his Desert Island List will have you reminiscing over some of the effect's you started with early in your career and perhaps forget just how good they are but will also have you discovering some killer routines that may have slipped under your raydar! 

Liam is a good freind to Alakazam and has not only released some killer tricks through us like 'The Sign' and 'What Happens In Vegas' but he's even provided some incredible content in several of his Academy Courses! 

He is also one of the creators on the Alakazam Unlimited Platform so go and find his Creator Page to find out even more! 

Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

Mark James is a full time working magician and has been for nearly 2 decades! Performing in over 40 countries and even worked as a warm up act on hit TV shows like The Xtra Factor, The Voice, A Question of Sport, Celebrity Tipping Point and lots more! 

He mixed commercial routines with his own vaudevillian flair to create diverse, unique pieces of magic that and fun to watch and even more fun to perform! 

Mark's list is the creme de la creme of commercial stage magic and his insight and knowledge is as evident as his enthusiasm for our art.

This is a slightly longer episode recorded over two sessions but we know you are going to love listening to Alakazam favourite, Mark James! 

Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk