Dearest sponge, are you good enough.

"IT'S BETTER TO GO OUT AND DO SOMETHING, THEN TO STAY HOME AND PLAN SOMETHING!

Above is something i read in a blog by US sideshow legend Jimmy Talksalot, I've been reading alot of his tales from the street lately. So I went out and tried something. Remember I'm still in the research phase, tying out effects that I've been performing for 15 years in doors on the street.

Last night December 10th I was out in Leicester Square, its was 8pm and the place was buzzing, i took out with me a deck and my trusty sponge balls. For years by sponge routine has been wonderful for my business, in fact, if pushed i would say it is the one trick that has bought me more replete bookings then any other trick. I thought it could be great to use to build a crowd, it never fails to get screams. I'm not going to go into my routine as I'm pretty protective about it, but what i will say is that it gets about four people involved and ends with 9 balls popping out of a females hand. Why a females hand well its simple they scream and screaming raises awareness and informs the other spectators that you are good.

OK so i based myself in the doorway of nightclub 'Sound' prior to their doors opening, i managed to lure 2 females into my performance area, told them who i was and immediately asked for both of them to extend their hands and handed them each a sponge ball. They were interested, they went with it. Now my sponge routine runs for about 3/4 minutes, after about 2 minutes i noticed that there was already a crowd of about 8-12, it was working all seemed interested, the finally went down as always and i moved towards the 'newcomers' i performed a couple of simple tricks for them and then thanked them and moved on. It was never about putting on a show it was research and I think Ive found my crowd build

Dearest Sponge, you were good enough, thank you kindly, TheTableTopTrixta

The Project

Character is who you are when no one is watching.

So this is it, just finished the contract at the restaurant where i have been performing for 2.5 years (Friday Night Magic is no longer RIP baby) Its time to move on to the next project for TheTableTopTrixta, a project which i will formally name 'Projectstreetshow' this is something I've wanted to do since my days at Drama School performing installation pieces in the centre of Melton (oh lord what a place)

So lets set some aims and objectives -
1 - To take my Magic out onto the streets, like my Grandfather did in the late 1800's
2 - Perform a great show
3 - Make the audience put their hard earned money in my hat.

Why do I want to do this, well to be honest I'm sick of performing  indoors I've done way to much, i want to take my show to those who don't get to go to posh ball's and events. The world is a stage and i want to damn well use it.

I fully understand that this is not going to be easy, but I've been performing for 16 years now I believe in myself and that is the main thing. Strength lies in belief, belief lies within *that is my quote*

I'm entering the research phase, I've been watching a great deal, Charlie Caper (amazing) Gazzo (brilliant) Peter Wardell (amazingly brilliant) to name but a few.

I have already created a few tricks to work with on the street, some taken from my stand up comedy set and some taken from my 'stupid, over thinking all the time, damn brain' but what i don't have right now is an ACT with a start middle and the all important end. I don't want to become a clone, I don't want to be a rude busker as that's not my style and to be honest i hate it. I once saw a old guy in San Fran doing a sidewalk show, he showed me some not very good tricks (i said nothing throughout) after he was very rude in extracting a dollar from me, i would have given him 5!

anyway I'm off 'prop hunting' Christmas is coming and for all you nine to fiver's, here is a nice excuse to use on your boss this festive season 'Sorry I'm late boss, i couldn't find number 7 on my advent calender

A little about my Grandfather, Joseph Turner.

Joseph Turner born 22nd February 1897 a man who was described by my grandmother as being 'always the perfect gentlemen'

The magic in this story is this, he survived the world war due to his conjuring skills, FACT.

He was pulled from his dirt ridden trench to entertain the officers, I'm only here today thanks to his Magical skills.

He joined a performing troupe in London circa 1919 as the Magician, he was also a member of the Magic Circle in London around this time, he spent a season with them performing in their show.

After the year with the troupe he moved to Cork, Ireland to perform his one man magic show. He travelled from town to town with his horse drawn carriage. He would stop at the local towns and firstly entertain the local priest and then cleverly ask that his show be advertised at Sunday Mass. I'm told his shows were sell outs, he lived in a wonderful time where people would rather see live magic then watch Simon Cowell on Xfactor. He eventually settled in Lucan, Ireland where he used the money that he made from performing to build a cinema. *TO BE CONTINUED*