Confessions of a Needle Swallower Reviewed by David Regal

[Richard Kaufman]

Reviewed by David Regal.

Confessions of a Needle Swallower
Steve Spill $50

I like Steve Spill a lot, and his $30 DVD Ten Years of Steve Spill is one I recommend to those unfamiliar with his routines and persona. This DVD sent for review deals with his needle-swallowing routine, and includes recordings of Steve performing the routine over a span of twenty years. During the years Steve has changed his physical appearance, but the routine has stayed the same, and it has become a workhorse for Mr. Spill. His script for the trick is filled with comedy, and he encourages the purchaser to glom the jokes hes used with great success over the years, which is generous of him, but know that the method tipped on the DVD does not necessitate a comedic approach to the classic, if seldom performed, effect. For the uninitiated: The performer swallows a number of needles, followed by a length of thread. After a bit of implied regurgitation, he withdraws the thread with the needles now evenly spaced upon it. In Tellers hands, this effect is an eerie yet elegant miracle. As for the method used here, it is good (the DVD comes with a gimmick that is used with the routine) and although it may not fall into the magician-fooler category it will certainly baffle an audience that has no idea of the effect to come. The main advantage of this method over some others is the doing away of a need to load ones mouth with threaded needles before the show begins. As with many effects of this type, at the conclusion of the routine one is not completely clean, but it is easy to perform the rest of ones act and deal with the final clean-up after the conclusion of the performance. In addition to the supplied gimmick, one needs to purchase needles, thread, and small white beads. The manufacturer might consider including a small bag of beads along with the DVD in the future, as they are not as easily obtained as the needle and thread, and would probably require a trip to a second shop. When all is said and done, however, if you are a performer who is considering adding this effect to your act this is absolutely a method you should consider, and quite possibly the method you will choose to employ.

Considerations: A practical routine, but know that you are not receiving magic needles. Not for a young performer.

Confessions of a Needle Swallower * Steve Spill/Bob Kohler Magic * $50 * Your Favorite Dealer * Dealers contact Murphys Magic Supplies