Val Andrews is a bit of a legend in the magic world, with a staggering collection of over 1,000 books and booklets under his belt. You don’t get that kind of reputation without being good at what you do (or knowing a few secrets).
We thought all the copies of Spook-Show Stoppers had vanished into the ether, but surprise! We stumbled upon a hidden stash of these classic booklets lurking in our warehouse like a cheeky ghost waiting to be discovered.
Originally released in 1984, Spook-Show Stoppers is a cleverly crafted haunted show that’s perfect for giving your audience a good scare and a good laugh at the same time. And trust me, it works for all ages (even the ones who swear they don’t scare easily).
First up, you’ll meet Oscar, your invisible “pet ghost.” This cheeky little fella tugs on your handkerchief, sneaks a sip from a beer glass, and eventually makes an appearance for a quick jig before vanishing into thin air (talk about a dramatic exit).
Next on the spooky agenda is a poltergeist with a flair for mischief. Locked up in a clear crate, this spirit is a right nuisance. Every time you pop a tambourine inside, it gets flung back out like it’s got something against percussion. But eventually, the ghost learns to play nice, responding to your audience by thumping the tambourine from its not-so-comfy confines.
And for the grand finale, you’ll delve into Andrews’ full Spirit Cabinet routine. In a cabinet that looks as ordinary as your nan’s living room, a whole host of spirits are ready to make mischief. Objects float, fly, and rattle about, and audience members might just find their pockets a tad lighter. Then, for the pièce de résistance, the spirits manifest into a rather bizarre apparition that you can actually interact with (not your average ghost encounter).
Spook-Show Stoppers is a delightful slice of vintage stage magic that’s as charming as it is spooky. These newly discovered booklets are the last 40 copies you’ll ever see, so once they’re gone, they’re gone (like your hopes of finding that lost sock).
