Vanishing Inc.
Step right up and dive into the world of Wayne Dobson, one of the UK’s finest magicians and a true legend in the realm of magic! This stunning three-book set captures the life, legacy, and most treasured secrets of a performer whose name rings out alongside the greats—think Chan Canasta, Al Koran, and Paul Daniels, just to name a few. He's graced stages from the most prestigious UK venues to the glitzy Las Vegas Strip. But let’s not beat around the bush; Wayne is best known for his wildly popular TV shows, especially *Wayne Dobson - A Kind Of Magic*, which drew in a jaw-dropping 11 million viewers back in the 90s.
"Wayne is a master, both of magic and of being loved by those who watch him."
- Derren Brown
Even while wrestling with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Wayne's passion for magic remains unshaken. Teaming up with his trusty co-author Bob Gill, who dedicated five years to interviewing Wayne and developing the material, they've crafted a magnificent three-book collection. Produced with flair by Vanishing Inc., these hardcover beauties sit snugly in a custom slipcase.
What started as a simple memoir turned into a treasure trove of over 150+ routines and ideas—lost gems originally meant for a fourth TV show that got shelved when Wayne faced his MS diagnosis. But hey, finding this stash rekindled Wayne's creative spirit, leading to not one, but two additional complete books filled with practical material for close-up, stage, and even TV. Wayne had a clear rule: if he wouldn’t use it on screen today, it didn’t make the cut.
Wayne Dobson's Legacy brilliantly encapsulates both the essence of the magic and the man behind it. This epic collection spans over 1,000 pages across three eye-catching volumes, all neatly housed in a phenomenal slipcase.
Volume I - Memoirs
Before you jump into Wayne's best tricks, get to know the man himself. This isn’t your standard dry biography; it’s an engaging narrative filled with valuable insights for any performer. Wayne’s journey is one of resilience, showcasing how he used magic and humour as his ultimate weapons against life’s curveballs.
Volume II - A Kind of Magic
With a foreword from David Williamson, this volume reveals the inner workings of Wayne’s most beloved routines—the very effects that catapulted him into international fame. Discover his close-up showstoppers from TV specials like "Coins to Glass" and the unforgettable "Homing Death Card" routine. Get ready to delve into his unique twists on classic stage illusions, like the "Million Dollar Mystery" and the crowd-pleasing "Tossed Deck Pro." Wayne doesn’t hold back, sharing the nuances and subtleties that make these effects shine, including his go-to opening routine. Plus, for the first time ever, check out the script for his iconic "Voices" routines from the Royal Variety Command Performance—still hailed as one of the greatest magic acts ever broadcasted. And yes, he’s even adapted material to suit his limited mobility later in life.
Volume III - Dobson's Choice
This third gem is packed with practical material—think professional-quality routines fine-tuned in front of real audiences, ready to slot into your act. Expect commercial effects like "3Sixty" and "Lucky Dip," the latter of which had Derren Brown scratching his head and remains a staple in his repertoire. If you’re a stand-up or stage worker, Wayne’s quirky take on the Magic Square, dubbed "Total Recall," is bound to impress. And don’t miss his hilarious 10-minute prediction routine "Shopping List," which culminates in a surprising wine bottle production.
And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, Wayne has included detailed instructions on crafting props that have been hard to come by for years.
"Wayne has the ability to dissect the essence of a gag, premise, trick, or joke and get right to the heart of it, quickly, for maximum effect with minimal means; no artful pretensions, or long-winded preambles. It's as if he has decoded human perception and has found the shortest route to funny and fooling."
- David Williamson
Key details at a glance
- 3 Beautiful hardcover books
- 6 in x 9 in
- Volume 1 (377 Pages)
- Volume 2 (328 Pages)
- Volume 3 (314 Pages)
Snag your copy of Wayne Dobson's Legacy by Wayne Dobson and Bob Gill to uncover the secrets and techniques that define one of magic’s all-time greats. From reputation-building close-up magic to laugh-out-loud stage routines, there’s a little something for everyone in this extraordinary three-book collection from Vanishing Inc.
