Online magic performance Description: David Devant, performing magic with trick photography, pulling bunnies out of a hat.Born David Wighton in Holloway, London. He was an English magician, shadowgraphist and film exhibitor.He was a member of the famous Maskelyne & Cook company and performed regularly at the Egyptian Hall in Piccadilly, London. In 1905 he became a partner with John Nevil Maskelyne.Devant introduced the theatrograph into the show, acquiring one of the first projectors ever made out of his own pocket.David Devant was the author of several manuals on conjuring, including Our Magic: The Art in Magic, the Theory of Magic, the Practice of Magic with John Nevil Maskelyne (1911).David Devant was an inventor and performer whose stature as a stage entertainer had himself billed three times for Royal Command Performances. The wit of his patter marked a departure from the pseudo scientific angle taken by many of his earlier predecssors. His humour can still delight by reading the stage lines he includes in the book he wrote with partner John Neville Maskelyne, Our Magic.The Magic Circle in London has used his name for their magic theater. Even though they kicked David out of Circle twice! Both times for articles from his books were published in magazines of the day which they considered exposure. The more controversial ousting was following publication of his book Secrets of Magic in 1936, when he was in the Putney Home for the Incurables. However he was let back again about a year later when the hierarchy agreed he should be readmitted.“David Devant, most British magicians agree, was the master performer of his time” according to Milbourne Christopher in his standard textbook on conjuring history, Panorama of Magic.Devant is remembered as the consummate exponent of entertaining magical theatre.He was the first President of both The British Magical Society and The Magic Circle. The Magic Circle celebrates Devant by using his name for their function room in the Headquarters in London.David lived 22 February 1868 – 13 October 1941.For more on his film connections.

Online magic performance Description: Frederik Eugene Powell on stage.This is a snippet of a 1926 / 27 performance of Frederik Eugene Powell.He performed with Imro Fox and Servais LeRoy as part of the billing called the “Triple Alliance”. He went on to create his own illusion show touring the United States, South America, and the West Indies. He performed for over 8 decades and was a major attraction in P.T. Barnum’s circus.Powell’s entire stage show was destroyed twice, once 1915 by a fire and again in 1921 by a flood in San Antonio. He survived fires, floods, earthquakes, and even the Mexican Revolution. Powell continued to perform. His last public performance was in November, 1934. Powell retired to New Haven, Connecticut.In 1922, Powell headed one of the four touring companies for “The Houdini Wonder Show of 1922”, which was presented in connection with Houdini’s film “The Man From Beyond”.In his later years, he was conferred with the conjuring profession’s highest honor Dean of American Magicians by both the National Conjurors’ Association and the esteemed Society of American Magicians.He was Dean of The Society of American Magicians from 1922 to 1938.Powell lived with the John Petrie during his last years who filmed some 16mm movies including studies Powell (a copy of the film is now part of the S.A.M. Film Library.)He led a fascinating life from his birth in 1856, to his death in 1938.

Online magic performance Description: Stage show by Heinz Saxberger. Very entertaining show. Look at the audiences’ faces, they are smiling and fascinated. The drinks ending is great. The rats part- well i have never seen someone using rats like this. Hope stage hands are well informed!

Online magic performance Description: A Milky Magician never Tells!Stephen Fry on a talk show, doing Milk Magic. 

Online magic performance Description: Robert Harbin performing his Zig Zag Lady. Really beautifully done. Great having the interaction, makes it an illusion of its own.

Online magic performance Description: Mr Electric and his wife performing their act on the Ed Sullivan Show

Online magic performance Description: This is John Cassidy’s promo. Notice how this is not set out as a promo all glitsy and shiny, but rather as a fun look at some interaction from his show. Zany and funny, will spark some ideas of your own no doubt.

Online magic performance Description: Mick Peck from AucklandWell i couldn’t help but smile when i saw this. Same sense of humour. It is a video by Mick Peck from Auckland, New Zealand. Well, it is a promotional video. Made me laugh- would look up more about him as a magician.