Martin Breese Audio in Audio

This is the story of Edwin, told in his own words and recorded by Martin Breese at the Supreme Magic Headquarters in Devon in the late 1970s.

Ian Adair, who provides a 10 min introduction before the interview with Edwin starts, wrote:

Ken Brooke was known throughout the world of magic. He was a magic dealer who achieved such a reputation for reliability and quality that there are thousands of magicians throughout the world, amateur, and professional who bought almost every trick he produced. Visitors from every country in the world made a beeline for his studio within minutes of arriving in London because just to visit Ken Brooke was an experience not to be missed. In partnership with Frank Farrow, he built the Ken Brooke Magic Place into a magical institution second to none. Considered by many to be the greatest magical...

Martin Breese recorded this interview on September 16th 1977, but never released it. He passed on the reels to me with the instruction to release them whenever I wish. Topper Martyn was an extraordinary showman, magician, juggler and musician. Learn about his life and the lessons he learned.

This is the final part of Martin Breese interviewing Topper Martyn. There are lots of wonderful stories and lessons from his life. Listen, enjoy, and learn.

Rehearsing versus practicing, Tambo & Tambo, final advice to jugglers, final word to magicians.

[Note: This is an unedited version of the recording to preserve the little exchanges of Martin Breese with Topper Martyn. Consequently there is some duplication.]

The interview was conducted on September 16th 1977. First released 2019. Length 12 minutes.

Martin Breese interviews Topper Martyn about his life as variety performer doing magic, juggling, and playing the banjo. There are lots of wonderful stories and lessons from his life. Listen and enjoy.

Topper Martyn is doing and explaining a card trick, what is most difficult to do on a stage, about changing names, Milton Woodward, Think A Drink Hoffman, how to learn to juggle, Stetson, juggling on radio, circus, collecting, Frank Wondrous, Windmill theatre, lighting and music, serious advice, rehearsing versus practicing, etc.

[Note: This is an unedited version of the recording to preserve the little exchanges of Martin Breese with Topper Martyn. Consequently there is some duplication.]

The interview was conducted on September 16th 1977. First...

Martin Breese interviews Topper Martyn about his life as variety performer doing magic, juggling, and playing the banjo. There are lots of wonderful stories and lessons from his life. Listen and enjoy.

Topper Martyn continues talking about finding out how you are yourself, Charlie Kunz, sincerity, teaching juggling and magic, Metropolitan Music Hall, his wife, secret of a great juggling act, street performing, marketplaces, Harrogate convention, what is the hardest thing to do on the stage, Dante, George Blake, Benson Dulay, etc. Also includes a few street performances of various unidentified tricks...

Martin Breese interviews Topper Martyn about his life as variety performer doing magic, juggling, and playing the banjo. There are lots of wonderful stories and lessons from his life. Listen, enjoy and learn.

Topper Martyn was born into a performing family. In this part he touches on the Windmill theatre, flops, ENSA (Entertainments National Service Association), learning and making errors in front of an audience, his family, his first stage performance, illusionists, Horace Goldin, comedy magic, Sid Field, antique shop in Stockholm, an expensive laugh, being on ice skates, Eddie Morrell, Fred Culpit,...

"I have seen Paul performing many times now and I am amazed how he can captivate an audience with just one pack of ungimmicked playing cards. His act is full of comedy yet he cracks few jokes and above all he is a master of misdirection. I know no one else who sets off for top venues with his act in his pockets. As he says, "I wear my act". He takes a back up pack of cards and sometimes a couple of close up items and he is set for complete show." - Martin Breese

These are all seven volumes in the series.

This seven-volume series is probably the longest and most detailed audio-testimonial of a famous magician. Each of the recordings can be heard individually; if purchased and listened to in sequence they quite clearly form a complete course of magic for anyone with or without experience. Billy has worked everywhere and with most kinds of magic. What he relates on these tapes is the result of a lifetime of experience in magic. Invaluable lessons are taught. Each volume lasts around 90 minutes each (more than 10 hours in total) describing not only the...

This is volume 7 of a seven-volume series. The full routine for the Bill in Lemon effect.

• The Full Routine for the Bill In Lemon Effect
  • Side 1 [46:37 long]
    • Recording of Bill In Lemon Effect [0:00]
    • Discussion of the Bill In Lemon [5:18]
    • Preparing the lemon [13:09]
    • Identification of the bill [24:26]
    • Vanishing the bill [28:21]
    • Inserting the bill in the lemon [32:25]
      • Delaying the applause [33:59]
    • Cutting the lemon [35:59]
    • Getting the correct lemon selected [39:46]
  • Side 2 [31:16 long]
    • Getting the correct lemon selected continued [0:00]
    • Presentation...

This is volume 6 of a seven-volume series. The full routine for the Nap Hand effect.

• The Full Routine for the Nap Hand Effect
  • Side 1 [42:07 long]
    • History of the Nap Hand (Whist) effect [0:00]
      • What is Nap (and Whist)? [2:06]
    • Basis of the effect [2:46]
      • Do tricks the audience likes [6:24]
    • The blindfold [17:00]
    • The set-up [19:41]
    • The routine [20:23]
      • Getting volunteers on stage [21:13]
      • Following suit [35:51]
      • The run of the cards [39:19]
  • Side 2 [33:52 long]
    • The routine continued [0:00]
    • References...

This is volume 5 of a seven-volume series. The full Ring On Stick routine.

• The Full Ring on Stick Routine
  • Side 1 [44:01 long]
    • Himber Ring Routine [0:00]
    • Ring on Stick Routine [1:51]
      • About the recording [2:40]
      • Sound & lighting [6:38]
      • Practicing [9:25]
      • The stick [11:18]
    • Recording of performance – part 1 [13:10]
    • Ring on Stick Routine continued [14:48]
      • The jeweler’s loupe [14:48]
      • Rings & ring index [21:08]
    • Recording of performance – part 2 [27:06]
    • Ring on Stick Routine continued [28:08]
    • Recording of performance...

This is volume 4 of a seven-volume series. Close Up Magic.

• Close Up Magic & More
  • Side 1 [28:22 long]
    • Close Up Magic Conditions [0:00]
    • Cigarette Through Handkerchief [1:59]
    • Paper Napkin in Hand [7:53]
    • Silk Vanish in Hand [11:55]
    • Close Up Magic Conditions – again [15:57]
    • My Drink [17:25]
    • The Recurring Card [19:17]
    • Magic Auctions [20:41]
    • Punch & Judy Outfit [21:22]
    • Glove Monkey [22:27]
  • Side 2 [27:52 long]
    • Glove Monkey continued [0.00]
    • Selbit Sawing Through a Woman [1:21]
    • Crushing a Woman [5:48]
    • Compeering a show [7:23]
      • Thief Proof Case [9:32]
      • Flash...

This is volume 3 of a seven-volume series. The Himber Ring Routine and Night Club Magic.

• The Himber Ring Routine and Night Club Magic
  • Side 1 [36:53 long]
    • Night Club Magic – recording of a performance [0:00]
      • Half Dyed Silk [0:00]
      • Silk to Egg [4:09]
    • Cabaret Magic [8:46}
      • Heckler stoppers [11:46]
        • Coin in Bottle [18:32]
      • Gags and recording your act [23:02]
      • Opening Effects [24:18]
        • Six Card Repeat [25:06]
        • Golf Balls in the Handkerchief [27:37]
        • Torn and Restored Letter [27:47] ...

This is volume 2 of a seven-volume series. Introduction continued, together with a great deal of information on working cruise ships.

• Introduction Continued from tape 1
• Together With a Great Deal of Information on Working Cruise Ships
  • Side 1 [29:50 long]
    • Teaching magic continued from tape 1[0:00]
      • What to wear [0:00]
      • Established acts [10:33]
      • What stagecraft you need for an act [17:05]
      • The business end [17:47]
      • Effects that suit the performer [21:54]
        • Two Linking Rings [24:29]
      • Knowing what pleases an audience [25:36] ...

This is volume 1 of a seven-volume series. Get to know Billy. A general introduction to magic.

The Magic of Billy McComb Volume 1

• A General Introduction to Magic
  • Side 1 [29:38 long]
    • Introduction [0:00]
    • Adding a trick to the act [1:30]
    • Writing patter & structuring a routine [3:34]
    • Selling yourself vs selling the tricks [6:15]
    • Picking effects that have problems & overcoming them [7:36]
      • Rice Bowls [8:39]
    • Bad experience with a rocket trick [16:00]
    • Heckler stoppers [20:16]
    • Arriving at an engagement [23:37]
    • Taking an ordinary trick and dressing it up...

Many consider this the definitive version of this now classic effect. The recording includes not just the instructions but also the music for your actual performance. However keep in mind that this is not a royalty free music.

Additionally to the audio you will also download a PDF with many photographs taken to show a step by step method of constructing and performing this great effect. Photographs were taken by Martin Breese.

This is a licensed reproduction of the famous Magicassette and MagiCD series created by Martin Breese - now owned by Lybrary.com.

1st edition 1978

This is volume three of three on close up with the 'Kid from Brooklyn' Magicomedian, George Schindler.

Volume three is purely magic and explanations and absolutely no padding. You'll hear a detailed explanation of George's own chop cup routine, a superb ambitious card routine and several highly practical coin effects. Everything released in this recording is actually part of George's regular repertoire; everything has been used over and over again in front of paying audiences who demand and get the best.

This is a licensed reproduction of the famous Magicassette and MagiCD series created...

This is volume two of three on close up with the 'Kid from Brooklyn' Magicomedian, George Schindler. A highly recommended series of recordings packed with useful performing advice, the psychology of close up plus a great number of practical routines that are so clearly described that you will be able to learn them from the audio recording and include them in your own programme.

Volume two describes a number of effective coin and card routines as well as personal tidbits from Schindler's life as a magician.

This is a licensed reproduction of the famous Magicassette and MagiCD series created...

This is volume one of three on close up with the 'Kid from Brooklyn' Magicomedian, George Schindler. A highly recommended series of recordings packed with useful performing advice, the psychology of close up plus a great number of practical routines that are so clearly described that you will be able to learn them from the audio recording and include them in your own programme.

Volume one describes a number of effective coin and card routines as well as personal tidbits from Schindler's life as a magician.

This is a licensed reproduction of the famous Magicassette and MagiCD series created...

Listen to one of the old timers talking about his friendship with Dai Vernon, T. Nelson Downs and many other big names. If you haven't read the Magic Of Faucett Ross by Lewis Ganson, then this recording will send you to your nearest magical dealer to buy it. If you have the book, then you will see how Lewis Ganson used the material of this recording to create the classic book. One of the funniest recordings in our collection.

This is a licensed reproduction of the famous Magicassette and MagiCD series created by Martin Breese - now owned by Lybrary.com.

Dr. Cannon was probably magic's most unusual character. He lived for many years on the Isle of Man where he ran a healing sanctuary. He had his own fully equipped theatre - The Enchanted Hall. Goodliffe, who was afflicted by a crippling disease, was encouraged by Dr. Cannon to take a free course of treatment.

Goodliffe knew Cannon well as a result and provides an absorbing portrait of this man on the recording. Of course you hear Cannon speaking as well. Fraud, fake or genuine mystic? Decide for yourself after listening to yet another voice from the mysterious past.

Believe it or not,...

This 60 minute recording includes the very best of the great Sid Lorraine. This is a happy mix of talk about magicians, how he got started in magic, heavily interspersed with magic you can do. There is a substitute for the pass, a gold fish bowl production (without the bowl), a card trick that baffled Blackstone.

Craige Snader in Magic Sounds said: "...it is great value as you get a magic lecture by one of the greats that you can listen to over and over. A great tape for study or just pleasant listening."

This is a digitally re-mastered (MP3) version of the original MagiCassette™ released...

This is Val's own life story. Val is one of magic's most prolific writers and he draws from his vast magical experience as he recounts the story he knows best - his own. To people who know magic and the Show-Biz scene this is a marvelous recording to listen to.

This is a licensed reproduction of the famous Magicassette series created by Martin Breese - now owned by Lybrary.com.

runtime 1 hour

Tricks, memories, advice from this fast-talking genius of magic. The most perfect example of misdirection by John Ramsay is described in detail.

This was the very first Martin Breese Magicassette ever produced. It was among the best selling tapes Martin published over many years. And it is now available as immediate and convenient MP3 download.

Whether you are a relative beginner or consider yourself an experienced performer, Bobby Bernard's critical experience and teaching ability will offer you a great deal. For the absolute beginner in magic this is the perfect recording. It tells...

This recording contains excellent card effects with every detail carefully explained. The highlight is perhaps Walt's own Astrology/Mentalism routines actually used professionally by him for a number of years.

Originally released in the Martin Breese Magicassette series.

runtime 1 hour 20 minutes

In complete contrast to Wilfred Tyler's style of old time children's entertainment, Trevor is completely up to date with modern children and knows how to keep them entertained right through his act. He tells all, tricks to use, business with odds and ends that keep children amused and includes dozens of ideas and routines that you'll be able to use to earn big money yourself.

Sid Lorraine summed up: "This tape provides professional advice and information that is the result of a lot of experience. You get it all on one recording from Martin Breese."

Trevor Lewis has won the London Magic Circle Award,...

Two hours of practical professional advice from the man who has entertained the Royal Family on several occasions and who for many years was the choice of the world's richest man, Paul Getty, as entertainer. In each volume there is a classic feature trick explained in the fullest detail move by move. Years of performing experience have enabled Harold to perfect each effect to gain maximum effect. Packed with professional advice and including several live show extracts.

Volume 2 opens smartly with the Harold Taylor presentation of the marvelous Stodare Egg effect. Use this and you will be...

Jack Kodell flew into London late in 1977 and David Berglas interviewed him for this very special recording. Jack Kodell was one of the first to use small trained birds in his act. Jack talks about the creation of his act and gives useful hints and tips on the use and care of small birds and doves.

This is a great self-working effect that can even be done over the phone or over the radio.

A dollar note, a five dollar note, a ten dollar note and a 25 cent piece are lined up on the table. A spectator is allowed to mix and rearrange the setup without the performer knowing how the bills are arranged. Then without seeing the table the performer gives directions to exchange some notes and in the end the performer knows where the 25 cents are.

Then in a second phase of the effect the spectator clips the 25 cents on to any of the other three bills. Again there is a sequence of shuffling...

When George Schindler wrote his book Amedeo's Continental Magic he used his tape recorder frequently to capture some of the remarkable Amedeo stories. On this recording George introduces Amedeo and we then hear Amedeo himself talking about his life and times in working for over 65 years in more than 23 countries. In 1972 the New York Society of Magicians named Amedeo as "Magician of the Year." Here is your opportunity to hear him talking about some of his experiences.

Recorded October 20th, 1973. Length 52 min.

This is volume 2 of The Ganson Story, recorded by Martin Breese to capture some of the essence that made Lewis Ganson the great writer of magic literature that he was.

(Here you will find Volume 1.)

runtime: 1 hour

"In all the world of magic, I don't think you could find a fairer, squarer person than Lewis" - Dai Vernon, Genii December 1974.

"As I look at the literary scene of magic today, the name of one man stands out above all the rest and the owner of that name is my old friend Lew Ganson." - Peter Warlock, Genii, December 1974.

Martin Breese writes in the original description of these tapes:

This is volume 2 of the fascinating memoir of Goodliffe, a unique character with wisdom you can learn a great deal from.

[This is a licensed reproduction of the famous Magicassette series created by Martin Breese - now owned by Lybrary.com.]

runtime: 45 minutes

This is Goodliffe's own story. The facts and stories about Abracadabra from the man behind it all. Goodliffe has seen more magicians at work than anyone else and he has very clear views about what makes magic tick. Now that Goodliffe is no longer with us this is your only chance to hear Goodliffe speaking. Absolutely fascinating material.

[This is a licensed reproduction of the famous Magicassette series created by Martin Breese - now owned by Lybrary.com.]

runtime: 45 minutes

Two volumes and amongst the most valuable to the young performer who wants really practical professional advice right from the start. Alan Alan is one of the world's most highly paid escapologists and without revealing his very closest secrets he explains how the simplest stunt or effect can be built up into a great money-making act.

An extract from Alan Alan's death defying escape from a burning rope hanging over a cage of fierce lions is also included and completely analysed detail by detail by Alan Alan. Slightly muffled sound quality but the content is worth its weight in gold for anyone...

Bob is well-known around the world for his original effects marketed by Ken Brooke and for his clever writings in his book Fingertip Fantasies.

Bob gives a number of effects ranging from close-up to cabaret and a number of children's effects. Here's what Goodliffe had to say: "His book which I published enjoyed an excellent sale, though, so he must have more admirers than I realise. They will love this really exciting tape. He deals with club and cabaret, close-up magic and children'smagic. There must be a dozen tricks plus advice, ideas and useful tips, making this one of the most informative,...

Once again Goodliffe provides a stimulating introduction to another archive series recording. This time the subject is Kalanag - Master Illusionist.

The live recordings from Sim Sala Bim have been drawn from various sources. Without the marvelous introduction by Goodliffe this recording would simply be a record of the past but now, Kalanag lives again. Goodliffe was the first British magician who was allowed to see Kalanag's show from backstage.

Goodliffe starts with a short introduction on Helmut Schreiber, aka Kalanag, including some of his Nazi background, accusations, and counterpoints....