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Improved Flying Carpet

Lever, Derek

(Based on 1 review)
Probably every magician during his lifetime, dreams of performing a truly baffling LEVITATION. It has always intrigued the public and fascinated magicians. The problem has always been that modern performing conditions just do not allow for secret equipment to be hidden behind backdrops etc. and it was with this in mind that Derek worked on improving the basic “Flying Carpet” which was devised by that clever inventor U.F. Grant.
This is one of the few levitations which can be performed completely surrounded with spectators less than 6 feet away in other words you can actually perform it in your own lounge. You can use a SPECTATOR to sit on the Carpet or your own assistant whichever you wish. There are no harnesses to worry about, no set ups, no complicated winches etc. In fact the whole unit is self - contained just wheel it on and work it ... ANYWHERE. You can even use the apparatus as a TABLE to hold all your props right through the act.
This is the unbelievable effect:- A small platform is wheeled completely around showing the back and front, on it is a screen and four chrome legs, which support a prop carpet. A MEMBER OF THE AUDIENCE is invited to sit on the carpet. The screen is now pulled off the platform and completely from underneath the carpet, which is now being held up purely by the four chrome legs. One by one the chrome legs are removed until finally the carpet, with the girl sitting on it, is left FLOATING IN SPACE. A hoop may be passed along it to prove there are no wires etc. Now comes an amazing moment ..... the performer steps onto the platform and pushes the girl and the carpet COMPLETELY TO ONE SIDE, so that they are no longer floating over the base, but to one side of it. That may sound incredible enough .... but this will slay you .... the magician now REVOLVES the girl and the carpet slowly round and round whilst floating in mid - air. Yes .... whilst the carpet is floating to one side of the base, the carpet and the girl are revolved by the magician whilst the base stays stationar. The carpet is now moved back over the top of it’s base, the screen is replaced underneath it, the girl steps off the carpet and the whole unit can be wheeled completely around showing it to be unfeked. The audience can be completely SURROUNDING YOU ALL THE TIME.
The photograph shows our friend Geraldini performing the illusion, however the screen is not shown, but this would normally be positioned on the floor at the back of the base.
The illusion is self - contained and packs flat to fit into the boot of a car (size 24 inches by 28 inches by 9 inches).
The illusions is also suitable for CHILDREN'S ENTERTAINERS as it can a performed at house parties and kids just love it.

Reviews

Paul White

Nov 04, 2008

When I have the opportunity to present magic for kids on a stage, I almost always use the flying carpet as the one illusion that I perform.

I like it because it is light, portable (fits easily in the backseat of my car), colorful and mysterious in appearance, lends itself to a good story, and best of all, uses a child from the audience (as long as you find one who will not squirm, peek, etc.).

It can be performed in a living room as well, and is almost angle proof. The improved version hides the gimmick better than the earlier version but the "rear" view is a bit revealing so I would not perform it surrounded.

While the carpet can be spun around while the child is on it, I prefer not to do that as I am always afraid that the child will move and fall off, or get dizzy from the slight movement. So, I tend not to use that aspect of the illusion although I must admit, when it is done well it looks fantastic.

I occasionally use it with my wife as the genie on the magic carpet. She is around 100 pounds which makes her an ideal size. With her, I have no qualms about spinning the carpet because I know that she can handle the movement.

This is a beautiful illusion - and for the cost - might be the only stage illusion that many can afford. If you can, it is well worth the investment.

Paul White
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