Professional Magician Michael Gee was so shocked when his magicians pants exploded in the middle of a trick..
Michael Gee writes:
Ok, nobody laugh! So I’m at my afternoon’s event today. I lean over whilst offering a card... “pick a card, any card”. I then hear the loudest noise coming from my back region. Not realising what what it was, I put my hand around only to find this huge tear in the material from top to bottom! Nightmare!!
Nobody knew what had happened apart from me. I immediately sat down on the nearest chair and said “I need to sit down to finish the trick from here, it’s part of the trick!”. I then had to somehow tell my client what had happened so that I could fix the problem.
Luckily my client found this hilarious and said “of course you can sort it out”. I always carry an emergency sewing kit with me at all times but have never had to use it. Certainly came in good use today. I stitched up the trousers and continued with the show after all, the show must go on!!! Has this happened to anybody else or just me?!!
It's not the first time, and it's not going to be the last.. It's another warning for magicians to expect the unexpected at every gig! How would you have handled this situation?
Michael is a professional magician, and a member of the Magic Circle with a lot of experience, so he had the good sense to have a sewing kit in his close up magic bag, but imagine if he didn't... What would he do... His trousers (or his 'magicians pants' if you're across the pond) couldn't take it any more...
You can pick up a basic sewing kit for pennies at most thrift stores or simply remember to throw one in your wash bag the next time you are in a hotel room that has free grooming packs in the bathroom. I know a few magicians that simply keep a roll of duct tape in their magic bag for the same reason ( as well as a hundred other uses).
This brings us nicely onto the topic of the best things that professional magicians keep in their close up magic bag.
Here's a post we made all about:
Your Close Up Magic Case – 8 Essential Items all Magicians Need to Carry
You may also find this post useful. Magician Paul Knight goes through his personal magic case and tips you in on the most useful items he takes to every magic gig:
What You Really Need In Your Close Up Magic Case
Have you ever had a disaster happen when you were performing? Have your magicians pants exploded too? How did you get through it? Let us know in the comments section at the bottom of this page.
What next?
You might be interested in our suggestions for creating a plan to move your magic from being a hobby to providing an income: The Plan - First Steps To Becoming a Professional Magician