How Magicians do it: Working around a room performing close-up magic.

By Dominic Reyes

Dale writes: 'Do you have any tips on how to go around a room when performing? Should I start at one end and work across the room, or is there a better approach?'

Every magician is different, so I can only tell you what works best for me. The approach I use depends on the performing situation. Here's a short video describing each approach:

During walk-around, your guests are changing groups and coming and going so it's hard to keep track of everyone you have visited. A systematic approach to moving through the room will give you the best coverage of guests in the time permitted. I work around the outside of the room clockwise, before moving in towards the centre.

When performing at tables it's much easier to remember where you have been, so it's practical to pick an choose the order of tables to visit. I tend to start from a position as far away from the bar or DJ's as possible as those tables have beter sound conditions. I'll work through the room, making sure I visit every table at least once.