Desert Island Tricks

In this week’s episode, Nikola Arkane reveals the theatrical foundations that elevate her performances from mere tricks to captivating experiences. With a background in drama from Queen's University, Nikola brings a unique perspective to magical performance that transforms standard effects into memorable moments of wonder. At the heart of Nikola's magical journey is FizzWizzPop, her beloved children's character who discovers and solves magical problems alongside young audiences. "She was my first love in magic," Nikola explains, describing how this character became an "existential being" developed through her theatrical training. Through this creation, Nikola demonstrates how character development and storytelling create deeper connections with audiences, particularly children who relate to an adult experiencing the same challenges they face. The conversation explores Nikola's remarkable career trajectory, from winning the International Brotherhood of Magicians British Ring Close-Up Competition to appearing at the Magic Castle and competing on Penn & Teller: Fool Us. Throughout these achievements, Nikola maintains that theatrical thinking gives her performances dimension and emotional resonance. Whether transforming a 2D appearing cane effect into a spinning 3D spectacle or incorporating music as a universal language, her approach consistently elevates magical techniques through theatrical presentation. What truly distinguishes Nikola's philosophy is her profound respect for audience intelligence. "I don't just pick random stuff for kids," she explains. "I make sure it's really good, really good magic, because I want to respect my audience." This commitment to thoughtful, well-constructed magic applies equally to her adult performances, where she creates experiences that engage spectators both intellectually and emotionally. Discover how Nikola's theatrical lens has shaped her desert island magic selection, from classic effects like the cups and balls to innovative routines that transform traditional tricks through theatrical storytelling. Her insights offer valuable lessons for performers of all kinds about the power of character, problem-solving narratives, and intelligent presentation in creating truly magical moments. Nikola’s Desert Island Tricks:  1. Cups and Balls 2. Silver Scepter 3. Pointer  4. Appearing Cane 5. One More by Topaz  6. The Matrix Force  7. The Magic Button 8. Sponge Balls / The Whole Thing / Position Six by Mystique  Banishment. Poorly Taught Card Magic Instructions Book. Parlour Tricks  Item. Tom Stone  Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

Ever wondered who's behind the mind-blowing magic that captivates millions on Britain's Got Talent? Meet Russ Stevens, the unsung hero orchestrating magical moments for one of television's biggest shows. In this riveting conversation, Russ pulls back the curtain on his remarkable journey from reluctant collaborator to BGT's dedicated magic consultant, single-handedly revolutionising how magic is presented to mainstream audiences. With refreshing candour, Russ reveals how a show that once mocked magicians now dedicates unprecedented airtime to the art form. "We made a big mistake," the show's producers admitted after witnessing his work. "We didn't realise how brilliant magic can be." That pivotal moment in 2013 sparked a transformation that would eventually see Harry Moulding crowned champion with a jaw-dropping 14-minute performance, an eternity by television standards. The magic of Russ's approach doesn't lie in complicated methods but in his masterful understanding of what truly engages an audience: "My biggest secret weapons are staging and directing." Through compelling examples from his BGT portfolio, he demonstrates how proper timing, thoughtful music selection, and strategic presentation elevate even simple effects into unforgettable experiences. His philosophy challenges conventional magical thinking, emphasising that spectacular reactions come from performance quality rather than technical complexity. Beyond BGT, Russ shares fascinating stories from his colourful career, from producing magic instructional content with RSVP Magic to his current role as CEO of the world-famous Blackpool Magic Convention. His evolution mirrors the changing landscape of magic itself, moving from performing with live animals (a practice he now opposes) to creating cutting-edge illusions that connect emotionally with modern audiences. Whether you're a magic enthusiast or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes of television's most magical moments, this conversation offers rare insight into the artistry, psychology, and showmanship that transform a simple trick into an experience that leaves millions spellbound. Russ' Desert Island Tricks:  1. Card Manipulation  2. Lions Bride 3. Dekolta Chair illusion 4. Harry Moulding’s Semi Final Performance  5. Slicer Illusion  6. Upside Down Burning Rope Escape  7. Double Levitation Illusion  8. TOXIC+ Banishment. Animals in Magic Book. David Devant Our Magic Item. Spotify Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

This week we welcome Oliver Tabor, FISM European champion and creator of the acclaimed West End Magic show to the Alakazam Island. In this captivating conversation, Oliver reveals the eight magical effects that have defined his remarkable career – from the humble Svengali deck that first sparked his passion as a child to the massive Fabergé egg illusion that requires five flight cases to transport. Oliver's journey through magic is a masterclass in dedication and artistic integrity. Having performed with doves since age 15, he shares profound insights about the care and respect these animals deserve, emphasising, "The doves are my pets and colleagues, not my props." This ethical approach has led to extraordinary opportunities, including his doves performing for the Queen and appearing in major films. The discussion delves deep into what makes truly magical moments. Oliver believes in creating shared experiences, particularly through effects like the Continuous Do As I Do, where spectators become active participants rather than passive observers. He describes the indescribable joy of helping a child produce a dove in their own hands – a moment of pure wonder that transcends explanation. What sets Oliver apart is his commitment to visual magic that creates genuine astonishment. Whether transforming a bubble into a solid ball or presenting the classic floating table illusion, he strives for that ethereal quality where the impossible becomes reality. His insights on selecting the perfect music for performances reveal how every element contributes to creating a complete magical experience. Throughout the conversation, Oliver offers invaluable wisdom for performers: stay true to your authentic self rather than chasing trends. Having witnessed countless magicians dramatically shift styles with each new television sensation, he advocates for finding what resonates personally and perfecting it, regardless of what's fashionable. Discover why Oliver's West End Magic show has thrived for 13 years and why his performances continue to captivate audiences worldwide. From close-up mysteries to grand stage illusions, Oliver Tabor represents magic at its most diverse, dedicated, and delightful. Join us for this fascinating discussion that will inspire you to see magic with fresh eyes and perhaps rekindle your own sense of wonder. Whether you're a seasoned performer or simply enchanted by the impossible, Oliver's insights will transform how you experience the art of magic. Oliver Tabor's Desert Island Tricks:  1. Svengali Deck  2. Pena Coin 3. Doves  4. Continuous Do As I Do  5. Bubble to Ball 6. Floating Table  7. Giant Fabergé Egg 8. Floating Candle  Banishment. Don’t Follow the Crowd Book. Roy Benson by Starlight  Item. Music Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

What does it take to become a master mentalist? According to Looch, it's not about shortcuts, it’s about experience, dedication, and truly understanding your craft. On this episode of Desert Island Tricks, mentalism expert Looch unpacks the eight effects that have defined his remarkable career. From his ingenious use of marked cards that created magical wedding moments to his groundbreaking Frameworks Q&A system, Looch demonstrates why simplicity often trumps complexity when creating powerful mentalism. The conversation goes far beyond methods as Looch shares the philosophy that has guided his development as a performer. "Mentalism is not about what's in your pockets," he explains, "it's about what's inside your head." Through personal stories—like using Phill Smith's optical marking system to reveal a bride and groom had spontaneously selected the King and Queen of Hearts, Looch illustrates how the most meaningful moments in mentalism come from experience and understanding human psychology, not from the latest gadget. Most compelling is Looch's passionate plea against the obsession with shortcuts that plagues many aspiring mentalists. Drawing parallels to Malcolm Gladwell's concept of expert intuition from "Blink," he emphasises that true mastery comes through failures, reflections, and countless hours of practice, not from product descriptions on magic websites. Whether you're an established performer or just beginning your journey in mentalism, this episode offers invaluable insights into creating effects that resonate emotionally with audiences. Discover why some of mentalism's most powerful tools, like Bruce Bernstein's "The Ritual" and Barry Richardson's “Quartet”, remain underutilised despite their incredible impact, and how Looch has adapted these classics to create uniquely personal performances. Ready to elevate your mentalism beyond tricks to create genuine moments of astonishment? Give this episode a listen, and don't forget to subscribe for more insights from the world's greatest magicians and mentalists. Looch's Desert Island Tricks:  1. Marked Deck  2. Real Die  3. 4th Dimensional Telepathy (School Days) 4. The Ritual Bruce Bernstein 5. Quartet Barrie Richardson  6. The Line Up  7. PK Touches 8. Q&A Frameworks  Banishment. Obsession with Shortcuts Book. Professional Mentalists Series of Manuals Item. Case  Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

This week we welcome the incredible Phill Smith, one of magic's most prolific creative forces. His fingerprints are on countless books, decks, and products in the magic industry - and anyone who's seen his Penguin Lecture knows his creativity extends far beyond visual design. In this surprisingly eclectic episode, Phill reveals the eight effects he'd take to a desert island, beginning with the delightfully absurd "Tiny Hand" by Michael Ammar. This unexpected choice creates what Phill describes as a surreal moment where spectators briefly imagine an impossible scenario - a tiny person inside the performer's hand. Contrast this with his second selection: Fork Bending performed as a serious demonstration of seemingly genuine ability.  Phill shares how his journey through mentalism began with Bill Goldman's "Mental Yarn," the first real mentalism effect he ever witnessed. He explains why this procedural method of expanding minimal information into mind reading fascinated him and influenced his own creative approach to magical methods. The conversation reveals Phill's practical philosophy toward learning and performing. Rather than constantly seeking the "best" version of an effect, he advocates mastering one solid method thoroughly. "I will find a version of something that's good and then I'll polish that so that it becomes the best, rather than spending forever seeking perfection," he explains. Perhaps most fascinating is Phill's discussion of creating powerful moments through opportunistic performance. He describes how he and his colleagues secretly prepare name revelations at magic conventions by noting spectators' names on badges, then seamlessly integrating this information into performances that feel impossible and deeply personal. Whether you're familiar with Phill's work designing marked decks like the DMC Elites and Elysium Duets or completely new to his creative contributions, this episode offers valuable insights into creating magic that resonates on a personal level with audiences. His selections demonstrate that sometimes the simplest effects, presented thoughtfully, create the most powerful magical experiences. Phill’s Desert Island Tricks:  1. Tiny Hand  2. Fork Bending  3. Mental Yarn 4. Inexplicable Thrift Store Find  5. Key Master  6. Twisting the Aces  7. Hands Off / Alpha’s Deck 8. Thetalia Banishment. Magic Beef Book. Ahead of the Pack Item. Forks Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk