The Briefcase Illusion by Paul Romhany

The Briefcase Illusion has been a highlight of Paul Romhany’s World Class Act for over two decades! This illusion is designed to set up in under five minutes and pack flat in less than two. The creative possibilities are limitless! It can be used for appearances or vanishes, performed solo or with an assistant. No mirrors or black art are necessary. The innovative table design allows for seamless prop management throughout your performance, culminating in the stunning reveal of your assistant.

This illusion is compact yet impactful, and best of all, it’s easy to construct, requiring only seven pin hinges. Its versatile design means you can produce a CEO for a corporate event, unveil a product at a trade show, or even create a magical moment from an empty box, large hat, or modern suitcase. Paul has successfully utilized this illusion in various settings, from corporate events to theater performances and cabaret shows.

Build this illusion over a weekend and add a unique element to your act. Here’s a basic performance outline: The MC enters with a briefcase, placing it on a writing desk. As the lid opens, the magician makes a grand entrance from inside the briefcase. For a basic vanish, the magician places the case on the desk, pushes a girl inside, and then exits with the case.

Variations abound! In Romhany’s routine, the briefcase lid opens to reveal an eight-foot ladder, from which he makes his appearance as if climbing. At FISM, the illusion was used to vanish two people: one assistant was concealed inside the case, while the other was placed inside before the magician exited the stage.

Utilize the table as a clever concealment for your assistant, or even incorporate puppetry, as seen when a puppeteer operates a puppet from within the writing desk while interacting with the performer.

Included in the accompanying book are:

• Detailed 3D and 2D plans with all necessary dimensions for building the prop at home.
• Photographs of each component of the illusion.
• Step-by-step images illustrating the setup process.
• Variations on routines and alternative uses for the prop.
• BONUS: Video links showcasing live performances, along with setup and takedown instructions.