This ebook is a treasure trove for anyone serious about pursuing a career in magic or enhancing their performances. Packed with decades of insights, it’s both informative and enjoyable to read.

The ebook features an excellent introduction by Kirk Charles, graciously provided by the Linking Ring. Edited and illustrated by David Britland, with additional illustrations by JAT, it is published by Martin Breese, who also recorded Billy’s memories that form the backbone of this work.

Billy McComb, a renowned cabaret magician, shares his extensive experiences, thoughts, and routines in this ebook. He emphasizes the importance of a commercial mindset in professional magic, covering essential topics like misdirection, engaging patter, and effective opening effects. This wealth of knowledge comes from his years of entertaining audiences across various venues.

The ebook delves into a variety of captivating subjects related to show business, promising an engaging and educational read. Alongside numerous tricks and routines, Billy provides detailed descriptions of three cabaret performances he has used for years, explaining not just the mechanics but also the reasoning behind each element.

Studying these routines will undoubtedly enhance your own performances. Among the featured effects are The Nap Hand routine, the Ring on Stick, and Billy’s Bill in Lemon, showcasing professional magic at its finest.

1st edition 1987; revised in 2003; digital edition 2010; 100 pages.

Table of Contents

1. Contents
2. Foreword
3. Introduction
4. William’s Words of Wisdom
5. What Are You Going to Wear?
6. A Beginner’s Tricks
7. McComb on Patter
8. Where the Patter Comes From
9. Tape Recorders
10. Timing and Pointing
11. Keep It Clean
12. Learning Your Patter
13. Repetitive Gags
14. Pinching Patter
15. McComb on Misdirection
16. McComb and the Professional Touch
17. What Went Wrong?
18. Signs of the Amateur
19. Knowledge is the Key
20. Working Out a Presentation
21. The Rice Bowls
22. William’s Torn and Restored Newspaper
23. William’s Presentation Wand
24. William’s Fantastic Fez
25. William’s Hot Book
26. William’s Square Dancing
27. William’s Fizzling Firework
28. The Eggs and Glasses Inertia Trick
29. McComb on Close-Up
30. Introduction
31. Cigarette Through Handkerchief
32. The Shrinking Napkin
33. Challenge Silk Vanish
34. Oliver Mackenzie’s Drink Trick
35. George Blake’s Recurring Card
36. Thought on the Pea Can
37. The End
38. McComb on Cruising
39. McComb on Opening Effects
40. The Six Card Repeat
41. Golf Ball Through Handkerchief
42. The Torn and Restored Airmail Letter
43. Pat Page’s Easy Money
44. Leopard Silk
45. Just Chance
46. The Professor’s Nightmare
47. Invisible Card Trick
48. Red and White Ropes
49. McComb on Cabaret
50. Be Bookable
51. Dealing With Your Audience
52. Humour
53. Cleanliness
54. Your Trademark Trick
55. The Role of the Compère
56. Get Organised
57. Learn From Everyone
58. Be Bold
59. Cabaret Defined
60. Contracts
61. Travel Light
62. Nerves
63. Get Them to Relax
64. Be Sneaky
65. Salesmanship
66. Heckler-Stoppers
67. Please the Ladies
68. What Is Right?
69. Comments and Suggestions
70. The Professional Nap Hand
71. Requirements
72. Preparation
73. Presentation
74. Playing the Hands
75. Final Comments
76. References for Further Reading
77. The Professional Ring on Stick
78. The Effect
79. Introduction
80. What You Need
81. Preparation
82. Presentation
83. The Professional Bill in the Lemon
84. The Effect
85. Method
86. Requirements
87. Preparation
88. Forcing the Lemon
89. Switching the Bills
90. Vanishing the Bill
91. Cutting the Lemon
92. Revealing the Bill
93. Where Everything Is Placed
94. Presentation
95. Patter
96. Conclusion