Ebook - Jolt - Comedy Electric Chair Routine by Val Andrews
Description & Effect
Unleash Hysterical Laughter with Val Andrews' 'Jolt' Routine
Step into the legacy of magical comedy with 'Jolt,' Val Andrews' definitive guide to the famous electric chair routine. This isn't just another trick; it's a legendary piece of entertainment that has captivated audiences for nearly a century. Master illusionists like Chefalo, Maurice Fogel, David Devant, and even modern greats like Paul Daniels and Marvyn Roy, recognized its unparalleled ability to generate uproarious laughter and lasting memories. Imagine an effect so powerful it overshadowed grand illusions like floating ladies and elaborate livestock productions – that's the impact of 'Jolt.' Now, you can learn the secrets to performing this classic, ensuring your audience talks about your show long after the final curtain.
The Shockingly Simple Yet Powerful Effect
The premise is disarmingly simple, leading to unbelievably hilarious results. Two unsuspecting audience volunteers are invited to join you on stage, seating themselves on ordinary folding chairs. As you begin your presentation, one spectator suddenly 'jumps' as if struck by an electric current. Despite examinations and even swapping chairs with the other volunteer, the 'shocks' persist, eventually affecting both participants and culminating in a grand, shared 'shock' finale. The routine escalates perfectly, incorporating a seemingly 'red hot' steel rod and even your own brief, comical participation. The performance concludes with the return of their 'zapped' personal items, leaving everyone in stitches. This routine thrives on genuine audience reaction, making every show unique and unforgettable.
Why 'Jolt' is an Essential Addition to Your Repertoire
Val Andrews' 'Jolt' stands out for its incredible practicality and profound entertainment value. Forget complex setups or expensive props; this routine requires little more than a couple of standard, ungimmicked folding chairs and two genuine volunteers from your audience – no plants or confederates needed. Furthermore, a critical advantage is that absolutely no electricity is involved, making it entirely safe to perform under virtually any conditions, whether indoors or outdoors, and even when completely surrounded by your audience. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of venues, from intimate club settings to large theatrical stages, promising universal appeal and guaranteed laughter.
Master the Routine with This Comprehensive Ebook
This meticulously re-typeset, 8-page manuscript by Val Andrews provides a complete, step-by-step masterclass on performing 'Jolt.' From understanding the core methodology and minimal requirements to setting up your stage and perfecting the presentation, every detail is covered. You'll gain access to expert guidance on crafting the comedic patter, mastering the timing of every 'shock,' and incorporating all the essential bits of business that make this routine a phenomenal crowd-pleaser. Whether you're a seasoned performer looking to add a proven classic or a magician aiming to elevate your audience interaction, 'Jolt' offers an invaluable resource to infuse your show with unparalleled humor and lasting impact.
Original Specs
Without doubt one of the funniest and most entertaining routines you can put into any magic program. The famous Italian illusionist, Chefalo, used it in his full evening show for nearly half a century and it was the item his audiences talked about long after they had forgotten about the floating lady or the immense livestock productions they had seen. Maurice Fogel and David Devant also capitalized on its incredible entertainment value, as did Paul Daniels and Marvyn Roy in later years.
Here's the effect: Two spectators are invited onto the stage or night club floor to assist. They are seated on metal folding chairs, one on each side of the performer. While the performer is talking about the effect that he is going to present, one spectator jumps up from his chair as if it were electrified! He sits down again, only to jump up again after a few seconds have elapsed. The fact that there is nothing wrong with his chair is pointed out and demonstrated, and the man is given the chance to change places with the other spectator. They do so, yet again within a few seconds, the man leaps from his chair! Seemingly tiring of all this, the performer again examines the chair, and even sits on it himself. The jumpy spectator gingerly sits down again and for the moment all seems well. Then, the other spectator suddenly leaps up! A steel rod is now introduced and one spectator is invited to hold it. He drops it as if it were red hot. It is handed to the other with similar result. The final “shock” occurs when the magician touches a metal plate (on the floor) with the rod and BOTH spectators leap into the air! Before returning to their places in the audience, they are “handed back” their wallets, comb, pen, etc.!
- Work it under ANY performance conditions, indoors or outdoors, even surrounded.
- Requires little more than a couple of ordinary, UNGIMMICKED FOLDING CHAIRS and TWO VOLUNTEERS from the audience (NOT PLANTS or confederates).
- NO ELECTRICITY IS INVOLVED!
In this manuscript, Val Andrews takes you step-by-step through the entire routine - from the basic methodology, requirements, and set-up through to the presentation, complete with comedy patter and every bit of business. 8 pages, re-typeset.
