Almost 100 pages on Andrew’s Double Lift. One technique, 100+ photos, foreword by Derren Brown and Poem by Hector Chadwick.
Initially released at Blackpool magic convention, we designed, produced and published this seminal work from Andrew Frost. When invited to comment, Derren Brown had this to say: "Andrew Frost has the best Double Lift I have ever seen."
From the foreword by Derren Brown:
"Andrew Frost has the best Double Lift I’ve ever seen.
And I’ve seen a few Double Lifts in my time. I’ve waited awkwardly while a pushy neophyte fumbles with a resolute index finger to get purchase; equally I’ve admired the smooth nonchalance with which an experienced card-botherer sets up for the ruse. But no matter how neatly achieved, I don’t think one has ever passed me by. There’s always a whiff, an aura which causes some internal radar needle to flutter and bounce as the sleight refuses to pass by entirely undetected.
Now, you’ll say, because it’s the kind of nasty thing you tend to say: what about the times when you were fooled? Surely on those occasions a Double deceived you, the point is that you wouldn’t have registered it, and therefore you won’t know to count such instances in your arrogant register of other people’s failings. Perhaps. In which case, it may be more accurate to say that Andrew’s is the only one I know has fooled me, but I’m sticking with my story. When he showed me the move, I could not process that I was watching a Double. It’s perfect.
Now, Andy is a brilliant magician. When I first asked him to join our team, I was taken aback by how loved he is by his peers. Everyone that knew him enthused wildly. And then once I spent a little time with him, I quickly understood their devotion. Furthermore, he manages to remain just as likeable when he performs. It’s very easy to become the worst version of ourselves the moment we step before an audience. Perhaps it’s his background in stand-up, or even teaching, but when he performs, he’s very present, completely natural and engaged even with a perfectly thought-through script, and very funny when he wants to be. I have cried with laughter at his tricks backstage when we toured together for Showman.
Moreover, he only has good things to say about other people. Listening in on the trio of Andy, Alexander Hansford and Bradley Hodgins, who graced the show’s backstage, I was struck by how kind they were towards each other, how supportive and encouraging they were in their late night card sessions. Furthermore, this sentiment extended out towards the fraternity generally: they never had a bad word to say about anyone. When does that ever happen? Perhaps it’s the quiet security and generosity of spirit that comes with proper talent.
I don’t know how these qualities might come to inform a magic utility sleight like a Double Lift. But he is kind and wise and loved, and we should look closely at what such a person has to offer us. Pay attention to the details described here, because if you nail this, it’s a treasure. And then, if you get to spend more time with Andy, I hope that, like me, you try to keep learning.
DERREN BROWN
Somewhere Indeed,
24th of January 2022
Details
- 01 Foreword by Derren brown
- 02 Introduction
- 03 What are you aiming for?
- 04 The Grip
- 05 The Pushing Point
- 06 Troubleshooting
- 07 Drills
- 08 Standard Turnover
- 09 Pinched Turnover
- 10 Alternative Stuart Gordon
- 11 Dropped Tamariz / Bruce
- 12 D'Amico Change
- 13 Natural Doubles
- 14 Subtle Pushover
- 15 Spectator Double
- 16 Second Deal
- 17 Serious Second Deal
- 18 Face Up Colour Change
- 19 Double Deal
- 20 Hideout Subtlety
- 21 Hideout Switch
- 22 A poem by Hector Chadwick
It may not seem much but it’s how I have fun
I flip ‘em both over and keep ‘em both square
It looks like a single — but no! It’s a pair!
A joy and a treat! A dextrous delight!
There’s two but who knew? A remarkable sight!
It may not sound fancy, enthralling, or grand
But if it seems dull then you don’t understand
continued...
Andrew Frost
Andrew Frost has spent two decades studying, practising, performing and creating his own original card magic, designed specifically for close-up environments. Andrew is renowned as one of the best card magicians in the world, celebrated for his seamless sleight of hand and sharp sense of humour. His contemporary approach to card magic captivates audiences worldwide. He has performed his card magic stage show “Cards on the Table” globally from cosy New York venues to grand London theatres. Andrew's book DOUBLE LIFT was an immediate success and he has contributed immeasurably to many of the publications available through THE NEAT REVIEW. He is formidable.
Derren Brown
Derren Brown is perhaps the best mind reader in the history of mentalism. He calls himself a 'psychological illusionist,' gaining international acclaim through a 20-year television career in the UK, 11 sell-out theatre shows, garnering two Olivier awards and a broadway run in New York City. He has gained a reputation as a performer consistently prepared to break down boundaries. Amid a varied and notorious TV career, Brown has played Russian Roulette live, convinced middle managers to commit armed robbery, led the nation in a séance, stuck viewers at home to their sofas, motivated a shy man to land a packed passenger plane at 30,000 feet, hypnotized another to assassinate Stephen Fry, persuaded a racist to change his ways and lay down his life for an illegal immigrant, and created a zombie apocalypse for an unwitting participant after dramatically ending the world.
Alexander Hansford
Alexander Hansford founded THE NEAT REVIEW in 2019, after printing a string of limited-run artist books to accompany talks he was giving to magicians worldwide. Across a 14-country lecture tour, from Vienna & Sydney to Beirut & Los Angeles, his books were met with a unique reverence by the magic community. Alexander's long-running collaboration with Derren Brown spans Derren's live theatre shows, including Olivier Award-winning “Underground,” “Secret” and “Showman,” to consulting on the card magic pieces for Derren's “Only Human,” which comes to London’s West-End in late-2026.
Stephen Long
Stephen Long is a narrative designer and video game writer, who happens also to be a co-writer of the Derren Brown shows: Apocalypse, The Great Art Robbery, Svengali, The Push, Sacrifice. He describes himself as the Long half of the 'Longshark' writing duo, with Iain Sharkey. Olivier award-winning writer, puzzle box-lover, all round good chap.