|
|
Penn & Teller: Fool Us (TV studio recording)
London
18th May 2011
Reported by Jack Stephens
The unique American magic act Penn and Teller are in the UK recording their
series Fool Us.
The idea behind the show is for a magician to perform in front of the duo, and
if they succeed in fooling them on how the trick was done, they win a free trip
to Las Vegas to appear in the Penn and Teller show. What a challenge.
In the slick Fountain Studios in Wembley, north London, five magic acts
attempted to fool Messrs Penn and Teller.
Michael Vincent was first on with a very slick card trick; three cards chosen
form a red deck, signed, lost, and found in a blue deck.
Marc Oberon performed his well known card at any number/location which was very
impressive. Along the way, an apple, a feather, a deck of cards and who knows
what else turned to gold. An award winning performance indeed.
Laura London
amused the audience with torn and
restored £20.00 note routine, which also involved lemons, eggs, walnuts and a
fair bit of comedy.
Alan Hudson was confident he would fool the hosts, with an off-beat CD music
prediction, which culminated in a very funny finish. Did he manage to win the
trip to Las Vegas he felt was in the bag?
Cubic Act were an illusion trio from
France whom I have not heard of. An illusion act - a box, low light - "oh please
no", I thought. It was superb. Truly fantastic.
Penn told them after their performance, that he had no idea how it was done. It
all now hinged on Teller who thought he may know the modus operandi. Of course
he does not talk and so had to sketch it out on a pad. He approached the group
and showed them how he thought the trick was done.
Was he right? A tense moment in the audience. Silence. And then....... Sorry, it
would not be right for me to reveal the results for Cubic Act or any of the
other performers now. That would be unethical to the production company and it
would spoil your enjoyment of the show when it airs. So you will have to wait
and see for yourself.
The show concluded with Penn and Teller taking to the stage themselves, and
performing a stunning Russian Roulette type effect.
Jonathan Ross hosted in his inimitable style and all in all it was a wonderful
day spent watching an amusing mixed variety magic show.
© Jack Stephens, May 2011