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Val Andrews

Val Andrews

(15th February 1926 - 12th December 2006)

Born in Hove, England and named Val due to prior Valentines day. Inspired at age 7 by watching both his amateur father and The Great Carmo. Learned at age 8. Debut at age 12 (1938). Admiration for Arthur Prince made him become a ventriloquist himself. Performed under several names: The Great Valentine, Bronco, Val Vox the Magical Raconteur 1938-48, The Mysterious Vanson 1948-51.

Pro performer since 1943. Prolific author since 1952 of over 200 booklets on various aspects of magic, six popularized magical biographies, and a number of Sherlock Holmes pastiches.

His life partner was Terri Rogers.

Coauthors: S. W. Reilly, Oscar Paulson, Richard Merry, Clifford Davis

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Val Andrews
Gags in Close-Up by Val Andrews

Gags, visual comedy, and funny routines for the close-up magician.

  • Breaking The Ice
  • Twist My Arm
  • Special Delivery
  • King Tut
  • Another Magic Mummy Stunt
  • Close Up Gags And Gadgets
  • Miniature Bottle And Rope
  • Diversions With Dice
  • Comedy For Card Men
  • Gags With Fags
  • King Size
  • Chancy - Just - Chance
  • The Magnet Repels
  • Never Be "Caught Short"
  • Cup And Ball Comedy
  • Look Younger ... Live Longer
  • Balls Of Fire
  • Great Snakes
  • No Cups ... No Balls
  • Visual Gag With Cups And Balls
  • Comedy Live Chick
  • Jumping Cup
  • The Warning Voice
  • Bottomless Cup
  • Capering Cups
  • Cups, Balls, Shells And Peas
  • Greek...
★★★★★ $15
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Val Andrews
The Coin and Card Magic of Bobby Bernard by Val Andrews

Excerpt from the Foreword:

This is a book about the close-up magic of Bobby Bernard ... There have not been too many books in the past on close-up as opposed to those devoted purely to sleights. Hugard brought out a great little book on the subject in the Thirties, and two decades later Bert Allerton's book was splendid. But now we have another book, which we feel sure will become a classic of its kind. The book which you hold contains a wealth of moves, tricks and routines, from which any discerning reader could select a repertoire likely to gain him a reputation.

Of particular interest is section 3 with several short essays and opinions on...

★★★★★ $10
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Val Andrews
Spook Show Stoppers by Val Andrews

A complete spook show, how to work it, how to make it, with full presentation and patter.

  • Introduction
  • A Complete "Ghost - Show"
  • Requirements
  • Details Of Construction And Operation
  • How It Is Done
  • General Observations
  • Presentation And Patter

1st edition 1984, 20 pages; PDF 17 pages.

$10
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Val Andrews
Club Comedy by Val Andrews

Clever material for the magician and comedy entertainer. An assortment of funny bits and comedic trick patter.

  • Introduction
  • 'The Telly' (Or 'Goggle-Box Gags' )
  • Club-Single For Comedian
  • 'So Tired'! Mono. For Languid Comedian
  • Those 'Headshrinkers'!
  • Patter For Cigarette-Routine
  • 'Grandson Of Davy Crockett'!
  • Patter For Flower Productions And 'Botania', Etc.
  • 'Odds And Boffs'
  • 'Zany-Bits'
  • Patter For 'Cut And Restored Rope'
  • 'The Invisible Cigarette', And Vanishing Cigarette
  • 'The Little Monsters'
  • Philosophy
  • Wives
  • Marriage
  • Did You Hear About The...
  • 'Courting Capers'
  • Patter For Vanishing...
$10
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Val Andrews
The Tumbling Tumblers by Val Andrews

From the introduction:

Like all really good tricks the "Tumbling Tumblers" secret was discovered by me when experimenting with another quite different effect. I was handling certain materials at the time, then suddenly everything fell into place, and I knew at once that I had hit on something good! A week later I performed at the I.B.M. Convention at Hastings. I stuck my neck out right at the start by telling them that I was about to present an entirely new trick of my own invention. When they saw me make the first moves, they thought that I was trying to "put one over" by presenting an...

$15
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Richard Merry & Val Andrews & Clifford Davis
Merry Bits and Patter Quips (used) by Richard Merry & Val Andrews & Clifford Davis

Softcover stapled in excellent condition. For details on the content see the digital edition.

$10
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Richard Merry & Val Andrews & Clifford Davis
Merry Bits and Patter Quips by Richard Merry & Val Andrews & Clifford Davis

A collection of gags, laugh lines, one-liners, and bits classified to cover all kinds of situations. Including a series of three articles on the task of the compere. An ebook for all who entertain with magic.

  • Publisher's Introduction
  • Part One: Notice To Quip
    • Cards
    • Ropes
    • Cigarettes Etc.
    • Money
    • Christmas
    • Multiplying Cigarette-Lighters
    • Burnt And Restored Note
    • Fire And Brimstone!
    • Silks, Hanks, Flags, Etc.
    • Mental
    • Wands
    • Paper, Watches And Miscellaneous
    • Eggs
    • Liquids
    • Impromptu
    • Levitations And Anti-Gravity
    • Openers
    • Village And Church-Hall Shows
    • Compere Gags Introductory And General ...
$8
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Val Andrews
The Great Carmo (used) by Val Andrews

Softcover stapled with dedication to Martin Breese by Val Andrews. For details about the content see the digital edition.

★★★★★ $8
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Val Andrews
The Great Carmo by Val Andrews

The Colossus of Mystery.

  • The Author's Acknowledgements
  • Finding A Gravestone
  • CHAPTER ONE: I Discover "The Great Carmo"
  • CHAPTER TWO: From Cameron To Carmo
  • CHAPTER THREE: Learning The Ropes, The Hard Way
  • CHAPTER FOUR: Servais Le Roy
  • CHAPTER FIVE: "Alma"
  • CHAPTER SIX: Rita
  • CHAPTER SEVEN: The Big Circus
  • CHAPTER EIGHT: The Canvas Inferno
  • CHAPTER NINE: The Last Ditch Fight
  • CHAPTER TEN: Every Night, Something Awesome
  • LA PETITE CARMO
  • ADDENDUM

1st edition 2001, 80 pages; 1st digital edition 2019, 53 pages.

$3
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Val Andrews
Magic of Christmas by Val Andrews

Val Andrews sent this booklet to his customers during the 1988 Christmas season. It features stories and recollections involving Christmas and magic.

  • It's the Thought that Counts!
  • The Christmas when 'Pimpo' came to Brighton
  • Christmas Day in the Workhouse
  • A Gathering of Greats
  • Abanazer

1st edition 1988, 12 pages; PDF 14 pages.

$7
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Val Andrews
Fred Culpitt: a brief biography by Val Andrews
  • A Typical Culpitt Performance
  • The Vanishing Stick (Or "Culpitt's Cork")
  • The Abanazer Fan Vanish
  • Torn And Restored Newspaper
  • The Bathing Costume Trick
  • A Rabbit From A Hat
  • Culpitt's Clock
  • Cards Ala Culpitt
  • Egg-Bag Ruses
  • Production Of Eggs From A Net-Fronted Bag
  • The Doll's House Illusion
  • Culpitt's Silk Loader
  • Culpitt Card Box
  • Reward Poster
  • "On Toast"
  • Rabbit To Silks
  • A Culpitt Card Sleight
  • Thumb-Nail Sketch

1st edition 2001; 1st digital edition 2016, 43 pages.

$5
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Val Andrews
Explosive Comedy by Val Andrews

Stunts, Tricks and Gags with Flashes, Bangs and Surprises

From the introduction:

Joke-shops, novelty-stores... are packed with "explosive" and surprise items which have far too long been regarded as "practical jokes", when, in actual fact, they can be used to good advantage by magi and other entertainers.

This book is divided into three main sections..."BANGS"..."FLASHES" and "SURPRISES"! Maybe I have cheated a little in the items I have included in the latter section...but they were all good, and had no other place to go! Now that you have this book, I'm going to watch you pretty...

★★★★★ $5
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Val Andrews
Close-Up Comedy by Val Andrews

As stated on the cover, this is a book of ideas, tricks, routines and gags for the close-up worker. Not only tricks but practical ideas and presentations that can make the difference between "just another trick" and a "great trick".

  • Close-Up-Magic: A Few Home Truths
  • Advance Publicity
  • Comedy In Close-Up
  • Second-Strings
  • Easier-Still
  • Petite-Mannikin: A Close-Up Impromptu-Diversion
  • "Cock-Eyed Cruet": A Lovely Table-Gag
  • With Miniature-Cards: Sugar-Tong-Card-Location
  • Presentation-Angles For "Close-Up Magic": "Magical-Menu"
  • New Patter & Presentations For Close-Up-Classics: Chinese-Compass ...
 

softcover

Amazing Unfaked Book Test (for resale)

Val Andrews
Amazing Unfaked Book Test (for resale) by Val Andrews

"A brilliant and versatile principle that has stood the test of time." Ian Rowland

This is an unbelievable book test. Just imagine taking a modern book; perhaps a best seller in the bookshops right now. The book is genuine and is completely unfaked in any way. You can even ask a member of the audience or perhaps someone on a radio show that you will be talking to, to bring along a copy of the Da Vinci Code or whatever you choose to use. Or you could do this impromptu with any book as long as you have a couple of minutes private time with the book.

You have the book examined and you...

$15
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softcover

Val Andrews
Amazing Unfaked Book Test by Val Andrews

"A brilliant and versatile principle that has stood the test of time." Ian Rowland

This is an unbelievable book test. Just imagine taking a modern book; perhaps a best seller in the bookshops right now. The book is genuine and is completely unfaked in any way. You can even ask a member of the audience or perhaps someone on a radio show that you will be talking to, to bring along a copy of the Da Vinci Code or whatever you choose to use. Or you could do this impromptu with any book as long as you have a couple of minutes private time with the book.

You have the book examined and you...

★★★★★ $5
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PDF

Val Andrews
Original Comedy Magic by Val Andrews

Reputation making humorous magical effects, which are clever as well as comical.

From the introduction:

The introduction was unnecessary, we've met before ... though I must confess that this book is quite different from anything I've written in the past. In these pages you will find original effects which lend themselves well to COMEDY presentation ... though the effects are not burlesque, and the mystery angle is definitely there! In addition to these effects, you will find routines, magical sketches, and complete acts. Not bad value for whatever the publisher decides to charge. How much?...

$5
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Val Andrews
Floor Show Fun and Fantasy by Val Andrews

Here is another comedy magic book by Val Andrews. In this one you can find all sort of magic and comedy material suited for cabaret of floor shows. Let's have a look at the introduction...

This is not my first book of cabaret and floor show material and will probably not be my last, because the demand for this type of magic and comedy far exceeds the supply - but don't worry - I'm still working on it night and day!

In this modest volume will be found bits, tricks, patter and routines for every type of cabaret performer, magician, compere, comedian, ventriloquist, comedienne or layabout!...

★★★★★ $4
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Val Andrews
Aqua-Whirl: spinning glass of liquid on a hoop or harness by Val Andrews

From the introduction:

A spot of "juggling" has always been a safe bet as an interesting "change-of-pace" for the magician, particularly where he is presenting a long programme. "The Eggs And Glasses" has proved this point with its recent popularity (or "revived popularity") with both magicians and their audiences. The feat was hardly seen for a decade or so, then came a wave of popularity for the feat when it was discovered that "no skill was required" ... just confidence and "knack".

In the same category is the feat of spinning a glass of liquid, either on a hoop or "harness". But this...

★★★★★ $10
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Val Andrews
Simplicity, Audacity and Bluff by Val Andrews

This could very well be Val Andrew's most important work. He describes with several great examples and historical effects, how one can entertain and amaze employing nothing but simple audacious ruses or outright bluffs. If there is a showman in you, you will love these effects and ideas. If you rather rely on your bottom deal and classic pass, then you will probably not be able to appreciate the value of this information.

  • Taking advantage of the situation
  • The uses of a "magician" as an assistant
  • On the use of "stooges"
  • Giving the cue...
  • A bluff-pass
  • Two bluff card rises
  • Bluff wand vanishes ...
★★★★★ $6.95
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S. W. Reilly & Val Andrews & Oscar Paulson
No Skill Comedy Mind Reading by S. W. Reilly & Val Andrews & Oscar Paulson

Here's something you will put to immediate use, and continue to use it for fun and/or money. Presented by any two people, without any special scenery, costumes, props or conditions. Read the ebook, and you are ready to start. Great for clubs, lodges, fun nights, schools, Scouts, Senior Citizens, P.T.A., you name it. Very funny act with lots of built in laughs. (You can show a friend how to do it in minutes, so you don't need a regular assistant. Great for married couples.)

This is a compilation of three sources

  • Abba Dabba, The Mystic by S. W. Reilly
  • Lines for Mentalists by Val Andrews ...
★★★★★ $10
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Val Andrews
The Idiot at the Card Table by Val Andrews

From Val Andrews' introduction:

Dear Idiots. . . .

Many years ago a man called S. W. Erdnase wrote a book called The Expert at the Card Table. Any similarity between his title and mine is purely intentional. . . . After all, Mister Erdnase re-arranged the letters of my surname to make his!

I am not a "card-man", even though I can watch and admire biddies, seconds, tops, bottoms, middles and injogs. I suppose the reason why I don't do these things myself is because I can't! However, I have on occasion got quite a bit of fun out of a pack of pasteboards, and I like to think that my audiences have too! So here are a few stunts,...

★★★★★ $12
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MP3

Val Andrews
You'll Always Have A Dollar by Val Andrews

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

★★★★★ $14
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MP3

Val Andrews
Tell Them You Saw Dante by Val Andrews

Val Andrews recreates the master in Tell Them You Saw Dante and takes you back to the days of Sim Sala Bim. Val Andrews impersonates Dante. A remarkable insight into Dante the man and the performer. Val takes us behind the scenes with this great performer and the whole recording is rather in the style of a radio broadcast featuring extracts from Dante.

This recording was originally created and released by Val Andrews. In 1977 it was purchased by Martin Breese and is now owned and copyrighted by Lybrary.com.

runtime 45min

★★★★★ $8
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MP3

Val Andrews
Sherlock Holmes and The Prince of Ventriloquists by Val Andrews

A new century has dawned and for Holmes it signifies that he is soon to retire to Sussex to keep bees. Inspector Lestrade is already retired but looking for work as a store detective when he is informed of events concerning Arthur Prince, The Prince of Ventriloquists, which are so singular that he calls upon Holmes who demonstrates that his deductive powers are still as sharp as ever. Arthur Prince’s stage puppet has been stolen from his locked dressing room only to reappear some hours later. This strange event has now occurred on three different occasions, but stranger still is the fact that...

Displaying 1 to 24 (of 24 products)