Back when Eisenhower had the power, like most red-blooded, all-American
boys, I learned some of the basics of magic, but I haven't really done
anything with it in the better part of 50 years, apart from occasionally
using elementary palming and misdirection to solve technical problems as
an actor (e.g., "picking up" a small object from the "ground").

But now I've been cast as Merlin in our local Renaissance Faire. I won't
be expected to do magic shows, as such -- my main responsibility will be
straight acting with the rest of Arthur's court -- but I'll be expected
to spend some time schmoozing with the patrons, in character, and I may
be doing storytime for the kiddy-winks. Given that, I suspect that
having a little close-up, "impromptu" magic at my command would be a
good idea, from the old coin-in-the-ear bit on up.

Parameters: 360-degree closeup audience, of all ages. No setup --
everything must be on my person. Probably some repeat audience from day
to day. And somehow I don't feel that Merlin would work with cards --
too strolling-player-ish for a royal councilor.

I have Mulholland's 1963 book. Anything recommended?

One other question: how well does flash paper work in daylight? My wife
used tubes to shoot fire some Halloweens ago, but that was a night show.

Well, don't give up entirely on Card Warp. It is angle proof, very close
up, and powerful. A friend of mine has an audience member fold one card in
half while he folds the other card.

Another great idea is what I learned as Australian Belt Swindle, or chain
trick. I assume you know the one--a chain (light pull chain) is thrown into
a figure 8. One side catches on a finger; the other pulls free. I like to
use it as a gambling presentation.

You might also get some fun little items like the ring on a spring (you can
put it on and take it off--they can't), ring and rope, stuff like that.

Good Luck!

"John W. Kennedy" attglobal.net> wrote in message
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