The Strolling Magician – Practical Professional Advice & Commercial Close-Up Routines

The Strolling Magician is a detailed guide to the art of commercial close-up and strolling magic, written from more than 25 years of professional performing experience. Created for magicians who want to work confidently in real-world environments, this substantial hardback volume combines professional advice with a collection of practical, performance-tested routines.

Designed as both a training resource and repertoire builder, the book covers the realities of working professionally in restaurants, receptions, corporate events, private functions, and other walkaround environments. Rather than focusing purely on tricks, it explores the full skillset required to become an effective strolling magician—from approach and audience management to venue awareness, timing, professionalism, and performance structure.

This revised and expanded work supersedes the earlier Art Of Hopping Tables, with completely rewritten advice chapters and an updated selection of strong commercial routines.

What You’ll Learn

Across 8 highly detailed chapters, the book covers all major aspects of professional strolling magic:

• Is Strolling Magic Right For You?
• First Things First – The Approach
• Table Manners
• Nuts And Bolts
• Special Events / Venues
• The Tricks
• The Pro Magician
• The Final Word

Each chapter is built around practical experience, offering insight into how to handle the many situations modern close-up performers regularly encounter.

Included Performance Material

Interwoven throughout the book are 18 complete strolling routines, including:

• Spin Out
• A Bite To Eat
• Intuition
• The Hypnotised Coin
• My Card Sir
• Badgered
• Paper Money
• The Magic Ring
• Beer Money
• Aces Under Control
• Name Dropper
• Copy Ring
• The Caught Card
• The Acrobatic Coin
• Credit Scare
• Simplex Hopping Halves
• and more

Each routine is fully described and selected specifically for walkaround and commercial close-up performance.

Highlights

• Comprehensive guide to professional strolling magic
• Based on 25+ years of commercial experience
• 8 detailed chapters covering professional performance skills
• 18 complete strolling routines included
• Suitable for restaurants, receptions, weddings, and corporate events
• Covers audience approach, table etiquette, venue management, and professionalism
• 120 A4 pages in hardback format
• Laminated dust jacket
• 70 illustrations throughout
• Designed for practical, real-world application

Build stronger routines, sharpen your professional approach, and gain real-world insight—discover The Strolling Magician and elevate your commercial close-up magic.