Why is another ‘Bank Night’ type routine needed? That is a question John Archer poses in the instructions to this effect without providing an answer. But one thing is for sure, he has come up with an excellent addition to the range in this effect.
You may well have seen John perform Blank Night on Penn and Teller Fool Us (where he did!). I have also had the privilege of seeing him perform it live, more than once, and his routine still entertained me every time.
The effect is simple – four spectators take turns choosing envelopes from a set of five, but the performer is left with the cash prize at the end.
The method is simple – but I’m not going to tell you that here, am I?!
You’re provided with some envelopes, the special ‘something’ and a really nicely produced 16 page booklet. It is clearly laid out, well illustrated, and easy to follow. Oh, and did I mention, it is a booklet!
A small diversion on the joy of books
If you have read anything on my personal site you will realise that I have a great love for magic books, and I love it when we are provided with printed instructions rather than a DVD. DVDs have their place, and can be very helpful for watching complicated moves, but a well-illustrated book is always preferable from my point of view.
Rather than having to freeze-frame moves and the like you can see (if the book has been well-illustrated) all the elements of the move together, plus a written description. You can sling it in your bag and look at it anywhere, without having to wait for any kind of device to charge up. And perhaps most importantly, when you are left with a description and an image you are less-influenced by the style and performance of the demonstrator on a video (about which more later).
But you don’t have to agree with me. End of rant.
So the booklet takes you through the whole routine in detail. John is a funny guy, and the whole thing is written in a light-hearted way which is great fun. He attributes sources and inspirations well, and he quite specifically doesn’t give you his patter.
You can, of course, easily find a YouTube video of John’s performance – which is hilarious and brilliantly written. And no doubt many of us will simply borrow (steal?) his lines and try to use them as our own. But it won’t be the same. And John encourages you to come up with your own routine, theme and patter now he has given you the mechanics. And I would encourage you to do the same.
The bottom line
This is a brilliant effect – a real worker. It is straightforward but deceptive, and with a little work could become a feature in your stand-up routine. It takes no space in the bag and requires little in the way of moves. You will have to do some practise to get the handling completely natural – don’t rush out there and perform it straight away. But this is a great effect. And did I mention, it comes with an instructional booklet?
Purchase Blank Night here : http://magicdirect.com/blank-night-blue-by-john-archer-trick/