Theatrical Pickpocketing

Theatrical Pickpocketing

Like magic, pickpocketing requires certain skills but there are also secrets that make seemingly impossible steals well within the grasp of a competent magician. As a longtime confidant of Jim Ravel's and former artist for Genii magazine, Paul Butler was the perfect choice to write and illustrate this lifetime of secrets that kept Jimmy Ravel (Mr. Pickpocket) in constant demand as a top variety performer. With decades of professional experience as both a professional magician and pickpocket under his belt, Jimmy was the ideal person to bring the art of theatrical pickpocketing to the world of magic. He will teach you the applied psychology and step-by-step moves required to steal watches, wallets, belts, suspenders, cuff-links, neckties and even the shirt right off a spectator's back. So whether you are looking for an entirely new career or simply want to add some screamingly funny moments to your present act, Theatrical Pickpocketing is MUST reading for every working magician, or anyone who would like to be. Includes a glossary of pickpocketing terms and a valuable list of additional books on or about pickpocketing. Over 80 photos and illustrations complement this handsomely bound book.

A PEEK INSIDE THEATRICAL PICKPOCKETING

[I can remember going with Jimmy Ravel to see him work a banquet show and being dumbfounded at how fast he lifted a spectator's wallet. When I mentioned it later, Jimmy just smiled. Years later, when I was able to read this manuscript, it dawned on me that he had fooled me with his Million Dollar Wallet Steal. This is something that could go into any magician's act right now.]

THE MILLION DOLLAR WALLET STEAL

Lifting a man's wallet is one of the most difficult steals you will be faced with. The reason for this is that a billfold is one of the most valuable pieces of property a person carries, and therefore he carefully protects it. Because the Million Dollar Wallet Steal convinces the spectator that his wallet is safely in his back pocket, his attention can be easily diverted. The clever secret behind this steal then allows you to quickly and easily remove the wallet without detection.

It is best to utilize this steal while performing a trick that requires you to borrow a dollar bill from the subject. (Or you can simply offer to show him how to carry his wallet so that a pickpocket can't get to it.) When he has removed his wallet, take it from him, remove the dollar and put it back into his pocket yourself. Replace the wallet in the spectator's hip pocket closest to you. What actually happens is that half of the wallet is placed into the pocket, leaving the other half hanging out as in Figure 1.  The subject's coat has been removed in this illustration but in actual performance, the subject must be wearing a coat.

 After replacing the wallet, show your hands empty (via a logical gesture) and guide the spectator's hand to the rear of his coat. Keeping his hand on the OUTSIDE of the coat, tell him to feel the wallet in his pocket. The subject will pat the wallet, and through the material of the coat, it will feel as though the wallet is secure in his pocket. (If you don't believe this... try it yourself.) Now, as you move the subject forward or to either side, you simply reach under his coat for a brief moment, place your forefinger under the fold of the wallet and lift straight up. The wallet will easily slide out into your hand.

This is, without a doubt, the easiest and fastest wallet steal that you can learn. The move is so simple and fast that you will honestly fool the subject. They cannot understand how you could possibly perform the "lift" so quickly and imperceptibly.