Inside Magic

Bunny’s Waiting for Dinner – Is That Wrong Too?

The Daily Mirror of London reported the odd story of animal-rights activists “liberating” a magician’s bunny during his show.

Lynn Thomas, known professionally as The Great Velcro, described it this way:

“I was in the middle of my act when I saw this shadow out the corner of my eye fumbling with my top hat. Then someone from the audience came up to me and said ‘Was that man supposed to run off with your rabbit?’”

The answer was obvious. Mr. Thomas was very distraught and considers his rabbit Georgina an integral part of all shows, not just the special Easter presentation.

Some of the audience of 150 at Komedia, a club in Brighton, chased the dreadlocked thief but could not catch him and rescue Georgina, a key part of Lynn’s act and only his fourth rabbit in 20 years as a magician. According to the club manager, “The audience chased the thief but he still got away.”

Mr. Lynn is of good repute in magic and not known for acts endangering animals in any manner. Paul Daniels had him as a guest on the famous magician’s television show, and even performed for the Queen Mum’s 80th birthday party.

Mr. Lynn said, “Everyone I’ve told this story laughs first but is then very sad. I imagine the thief thinks he knows what’s best about animal welfare. But he’ll probably end up helping her die young. If she’s put out in the wild she won’t last more than a couple of days.”

Police are looking for the rabbit and the thief. It was only one of four rabbits Mr. Lynn has had in 20 years.

Let’s hope they find Georgina before it is too late.
Continue reading Magician Loses Rabbit Mid-Trick

Lloydini – Lloyd Mobley Performs

Lloyd Mobley a/k/a Lloydini is featured in the Greeley (CO) Tribune with a great story about his great leap of faith and confidence.

Mr. Mobley is 60 years-old and is working to turn his avocation of 35 years into his new vocation. He moved to Berthoud, Colorado about seven years ago and has been working with his wife, Linda, perfecting his craft and getting paid for it.

Friday nights find Mr. Mobley at Bubba’s Bar-B-Que in Greeley where he has been entertaining patrons for the last year. Said Bubba’s owner, “He’s been here for about a year. I asked (his predecessor) to recommend somebody, because all those guys know each other. Lloydini came in for an audition and we’ve had him ever since. He’s just perfect for us.”

On Monday nights, Mr. Mobley takes his act to Texas Roadhouse for Kid’s Night. “We started the kids’ night about four months ago where we try to make the environment more kid friendly,” the restaurant manager told the paper. “The evening includes such things as a mashed potato eating contest for the kids, with winners getting their photographs posted on a wall in the lobby of the restaurant, and other fun entertainment.

Mr. Mobley loves this stuff.

The magicians told the reporter he began dabbling in magic in his younger years, and as he became more involved, he attended the Magic Castle.

“Anyone can become a magician,” Mr. Mobley said. “It takes a lot of practice, and the older you get, the better you get. But very few people can make a living at it.” Before jumping into magic full-time, he worked in sales and marketing for most his adult life. In fact, he works as a regional sales manager for a home and business security company in Loveland, Colorado. His sales skills can only help his new career.

At Bubba’s, Mr. Mobley performs card and coin tricks among his repertoire, but in other stage settings he works with doves and performs illusions among his many acts.

“I think he’s good enough to do a Vegas stage act,” the restaurant manager observed.

Congratulations Mr. Mobley. We’re behind you!

Continue reading Lloydini Takes a Swing