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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to not like magicians?

60 replies

TiggyD · 13/01/2016 07:55

It's not like magic is real. It's just a trick. They know how to do something that you don't and because of that they get all showy off about it and call it magic. They smugly taunt us by demonstrating that it's impossible, but it is possible because they cheat and they lie. Bastards.
I can do stuff that some people cant. I can change the batteries in a thing at work and other people don't know how, but I don't jump into evening dress and get all mystic about it.
They should tell us how their tricks work or fuck off.

OP posts:
Scarletforya · 13/01/2016 09:22

'Magic' is beyond boring!

merrymouse · 13/01/2016 09:40

the magic is doing something that you have no idea how they could have done it.

But to me that is boring - it would only be interesting if you knew how they did it. Without the explanation it's like reading a detective novel and never finding out who did it.

I can see it's a matter of personal taste though.

Costacoffeeplease · 13/01/2016 10:08

I can't bear magicians, illusionists, in fact most variety acts like ventriloquists - I just can't bear to watch them - I've never watched an episode of britains got talent (also because I can't bear to watch anything with Amanda Holden in it!)

wanderings · 13/01/2016 10:28

Of course "magic" is about deception. Just like the "magic" of Santa. (Sorry, I couldn't resist it - coal for me at the end of next year.).

Now where's my wand? (Turns round to look for it: kids see it and shout "behind you"!)

I remember being a bit scared of magicians as a kid, but I enjoyed some of their acts. For good magicians, it's not just about the deception - it's also about the perfornance.

Tangofandango · 13/01/2016 10:47

I saw David Copperfield in Vegas last year. It was the most boring show I've ever seen. At the end the lights went down and he 'transported' himself from the stage to a small platform which was in the audience just in front of our seats.

Trouble was, it didn't go dark enough to stop us seeing him jump down from the stage, run along the side aisle, and jump on to the platform just as the lights came up again. Kind of spoiled the illusion somewhat.

Lweji · 13/01/2016 15:12

in fact most variety acts like ventriloquists

Sure, but then there's Achmed, with the phlegm.

wowis · 13/01/2016 15:49

I find it all really cringe-tastic unless any of these acts are absolutely at the top of their game I feel under pressure to enjoy it or anxiety they'll fuck it up... ventriloquists leave me cold...

and as for below par stand up comedians sweet jesus let me hide far far away....

Playthegameout · 13/01/2016 15:57

I dated a magician, he was a lovely chap but quite boring. He used to practice lots of his close up tricks on me, and seeing the techniques was interesting, but then he would take cards etc out to the pub and spend the evening "impressing" people. I think he hoped people would see him and book him for weddings and parties etc.

You definitely have to have skill and dedication to be really good. He used to buy lots of books, tricks and magazines, so it's quite an expensive hobby. I seem to recall a very basic human size vanishing cabinet was around £3000.

Outfoxed · 13/01/2016 15:59

I'm with you. Fucking hate magic.

LorelaiVictoriaGilmore · 13/01/2016 17:17

YANBU. Anyone who spends that long learning how to trick people... who gets satisfaction out of tricking people... Hmm

lovefairylights · 13/01/2016 17:49

so agree with you - especially the local/party entertainer type of ones or if they are all glitz and showy with a leggy dollybird.
However I love Dynamo - is it because he's young, doesn't wear silly costumes and seems to use current everyday objects like your phone rather than a silly rabbit in a top hat...

seafoodeatit · 13/01/2016 18:28

This reminds me of an episode of IT crowd for those that watch it!

I can't say I'm a big fan of them, I find it all a bit boring.

Lweji · 13/01/2016 19:17

Anyone who spends that long learning how to trick people... who gets satisfaction out of tricking people...

Like actors? And special effects people? Grin

We know it's not magic. So, we suspend disbelief as we do for films, really.

jay55 · 13/01/2016 21:00

I went to see Penn and Teller and they were awesome, far happier to be distracted by jokes than glamorous assistants plus there was a spectacular goldfish trick. I've seen others and they were awful and cheesy and boring.

Stepawayfromthezebras · 13/01/2016 21:15

Magicians are one of my biggest bugbears - so boring, and they're just lying. There was that bloke who levitated through London attached to a bus but in reality he was just strapped onto a prosthetic arm that was attached to the bus. Why on earth would I want to watch that?!

rosewithoutthorns · 13/01/2016 21:19

I also find them boring.

Would go to a hypnotists show though, find that funny when they make people do bizarre things.

HappyGirlNow · 13/01/2016 21:35

I hate magicians. With a passion.

Boring, so so boring, and a big fat lie. If it was REAL magic I might be half interested.

My heart sinks when I see them.

MadeMan · 14/01/2016 03:11

I only like magic when does it.

whoreandpeace · 14/01/2016 09:17

DS (15) is actually quite good at magic and has some awesome tricks up his sleeve (literally). He's a bit of a geek, but has found it a wonderful way of getting to talk to girls who all squeal with delight when he does something amazing with a pack of cards Wink

TheGreenNinja · 14/01/2016 09:26

Penn and Teller are great, specifically because they show you how tricks are done. That bit is fascinating.

DoJo · 14/01/2016 09:39

In some ways I think it's more impressive the lengths magicians will go to to perform what might appear to be a relatively simple trick than the trick itself. But that relies on them sharing the convoluted behind-the-scenes action which is why I have always liked Penn and Teller over any of the melodramatic take-themselves-seriously ones like the Davids Blaine and Copperfield. For some reason the quick-change-artists that were everywhere a couple of years ago really impressed me, possibly because I am always the last to come out of the cubicle after swimming so I am easily swayed by anyone who can put their clothes on at speed...!

BrianButterfield · 14/01/2016 09:47

I agree with Penn and Teller - I saw them in Vegas and it was really entertaining. Plus they come out afterwards and let everyone have their photo taken with them, which they must find super boring but is really cool of them to do.

DramaQueenofHighCs · 14/01/2016 16:23

DoJo Do I dare tell you that I know how to do the 'quick change' trick? (Though haven't quite perfected it yet...not too bad though...) plus can escape from a straight jacket

Katedotness1963 · 14/01/2016 17:21

I find them boring. It's not a show I would go and see. When I as a kid there was a teenage girl in our street who did magic and actually went round Scotland performing. Even as a child I was amazed people would pay to see it. I wish I could remember her name...

DoJo · 14/01/2016 22:19

DramaQueenofHighCs Yes, a thousand times yes! I started off assuming that they wear everything in layers, but then abandoned that theory for reasons I can't entirely remember now. Please share...!