STIFF AS A BOARD

Astound your friends and family with these magical marvels

This effect has been a sensational publicity-grabbing stunt since the 1930s. EFFECT: The magician is balanced between two chairs and announces that he is resistant to the force of gravity. This is demonstrated when a spectator steps up on a chair, and then on to the magician’s chest. REQUIRED: Three identical chairs and at least two spectators. PERFORMANCE: Place two chairs on the stage, seats facing each other, and at a distance approximately 45cm less than your height. Lie on the floor, and have your assisting spectators lift you and place you so your ankles are on one chair and your shoulders are on the other. Now explain – as best you can from your awkwardly comedic position – your intentions. “I offer a demonstration of impossible superhuman strength,” you will say. Invite a spectator to sit on your chest (using third chair as a step). You will find that, if she does not sit in the centre of your stomach, you can support her full weight without trouble. “Let’s take things one step further – literally,” you say. Invite the spectator to stand on your chest (again, off centre). She should stand with one foot on your chest and the other on your upper thigh. If she follows these instructions, you’ll have no trouble supporting her weight. Burlier performers should be able to support the weight of two people – one on the chest and the other on the thighs – if those spectators weigh 150 pounds or less.

Adapted from Mysterio’s Encyclopedia of Magic and Conjuring by Gabe Fajuri (Quirk Books). More entertaining and diverting titles can be found at quirkbooks.com