Hi guys,

I've had an enquiry to teach close up magic to a hen party for two hours. I have a few things that I know I can teach, but I'm struggling to come up two hours worth of material. Anybody have any recommendations? I've also got some vetches and stuff too!

Thanks in advance,

John

Egg bag? sorry couldn't resist.

Toilet Paper to Egg? Silk to Egg? Sorry, I could not resist either...

But I must ask, what exactly is a hen party?

It shouldn't take too much depending on what you want to teach and how many hens are in the house. Teaching magic is far different than giving a show. You will be surprised at how difficult it is for some people to get the moves right.

You could buy some cheap ball vases and give them out or teach several rope tricks. Imagine the look on their husband's faces when they bring out the rope to "show them something" they learned at the party. Maybe teach some rubberband magic. If the ladies are like most, you shouldn't need but 8 - 10 tricks for 2 hours but you might want to have a dozen ready just in case.

I'd have done an egg joke too, but the others beat me to it.

You are in my field, TEACHING! One precious advise I could give you (known from all good teachers) is: when you want to fill time and you don't have enough stuff, let them present what they just learn! I mean that once you have shown them the first lesson of the class, tell them that presentation is one of the most important aspect of magic. give them a few minutes alone to think of the presentation and then, select one or two candidates to present their effect in front of everybody. This is the best filling time technique you can find! This way everybody will find you sooooo good teacher! Believe me it's a win-win situation!

Great point, Taiga! Plus, it causes repetition, which is KEY in magic.

You're also going to be surprised at how long it takes to learn even the simplist of tricks...I'd recommend going to the library and checking out some "childrens" magic books and using them as your base.

2 hours? Depending on the trick 5 tricks max.

1) sponge balls - and show how it can be used for everyday objects. - retention vanish.

2) crazy man's handcuffs

3) Glass through table (they are going to be at a wedding reception at some point after all)

4) Knife swallowing - lapping again things they can show off with items to hand at the wedding.

5) A mentalism effect that requires little or no sleight of hand.

The key I think is things that they can perform without going "and here is a pack of cards".

If you do do a card trick (one where they get a kiss off someone as part of the effect might be a giggle....depends on the audience).