"If you don't know Etienne or his work then take it for me when I say he's one of the most talented magicians I know. Aside from being technically superb I've seen him work for real people in the real world (as well as for the King of England) and he is always engaging. His magic is so strong. I can't wait to learn his new material. Bonnet de douche Etienne. Bonnet de douche!"
- Nicholas Einhorn
"I very much look forward to the translation of this book by Etienne, as he has a very rare combination of art and commerce. He's not just charming, skillful and original, but his work schedule is also regularly booked!"
- Gregory Wilson
"Never Mind The Bollocks contains material that won't just make your audience's jaws drop in amazement-it might blow their minds completely. The value of this work of magical literature, I believe, can only be surpassed by Bitcoin... though I'm not entirely sure. What I am sure of is that Napoleon would be very proud of Étienne Pradier."
- Fenik
If you've ever stood in front of an audience and thought, "Well, that was technically fine but where's the pizzazz?"— you're not alone.
Most magicians hit a wall where their methods are rock-solid, their moves as smooth as a buttered eel, yet the audience's reaction is more of a polite nod than a standing ovation. They react, sure, but it doesn’t quite linger.
Etienne Pradier knows that feeling all too well.
Before dazzling the British Royal Family or making a name for himself in the corporate gig scene, he spent years mulling over one burning question: Why do some performances stick while others fade away like a bad memory?
His answer? It’s not about throwing in more tricks; it’s about what truly matters—delivering with clarity, rhythm, and a hefty dose of personality.
This book? It’s the culmination of that quest.
The Content
Never Mind The Bollocks is predominantly a card magic tome—Pradier's forte—packed with routines meticulously crafted for real-world performances. Forget about theoretical brain teasers or clever party tricks; these are structured pieces built to shine with clarity, rhythm, and maximum audience impact.
Inside, you’ll discover an impromptu CAAN with a borrowed deck (because who doesn’t love a good surprise?), impossible transpositions, and multi-phase routines that will leave even the most seasoned magicians scratching their heads.
But wait, there’s more! There’s a fresh take on the classic coin matrix that wraps up with a bang, plus Pradier’s personal favourite rope routine—visual, snappy, and ready for the spotlight.
Beyond just the tricks, Pradier shares invaluable insights on structure, pacing, audience management, and performance mindset. The influence of the Sex Pistols isn’t just window dressing; it’s a philosophy—keep what works, ditch the fluff, and perform with your unique flair.
Why This Book Matters
Never Mind The Bollocks isn’t merely a recipe book for tricks; it’s a manifesto for attitude.
If you’ve ever felt your magic was "okay" but not quite unforgettable, this book is your new best mate. Etienne Pradier lays bare the lessons learned from the high-pressure world of real performances, guiding you to strip away the unnecessary, hit harder, and own the stage. This isn’t just a collection of tricks; it’s a working repertoire and a fresh mindset.
Once you dive into this book, you won’t just be another magician in the crowd—you’ll be the one audiences can’t help but remember.
