Britain's brightest independent magic magazine

Issue 28 - Sept. 09

Review

Kid-ability DVD  

Jimbo (Jimmy Carlo)
Available from: www.jimbosmagic.co.uk

Price: £20.00  

Jimmy Carlo (aka Jimbo) is an experienced and highly successful children's entertainer and this 2 hour long DVD gives you the chance to watch his show and to hear Jimmy talk about it. The setting for the show is a Primary School and the ages of the children in the audience range from 5-7. The material that Jimmy uses reflects this and we therefore see some classic standard effects suitable for young children such as Silver Sceptre, The Magic Colouring Book, The Book Of Spells, Dove Pan sweet production and a silk blendo amongst others.  

As with most DVDs on children's magic, there is little you can use unless you either already have or can purchase the necessary props. One or two items (such as the Magic Colouring Book) Jimmy can sell you direct, but other than that you will have to go to a magic dealer to source the various props required. The explanations on this DVD show Jimmy's variations or handlings for the props, but to be honest there's little which you won't know once you've purchased the props themselves. Items such a change bag or a Magic Colouring Book really don't need much explaining, to be honest!  

So given that the props are standard and the methods don't need much explanation, what's the point of the DVD ? Well, the answer lies not in the props or the methods, but in the lines that Jimmy uses, the way that he deals with the children and the personality which he brings to his show. Jimmy has a lovely way with the kids, always keeping a sensible balance between being 'silly', having fun, but never making the children feel stupid or overdoing the bits of business. His professionalism and experience really shine through, and his relaxed performance style makes for an entertaining watch.  

My problem with reviewing all these types of DVD (and we've done several in magicseen) is in trying to identify who the DVD is intended for. Experienced children's entertainers will find very little that is new or of special interest in the contents. There's not really any original magic offered, which is a pity as that would have made the DVD more attractive as a marketed product. A total beginner should find much to inspire and, if they care to notice, lots of tips on how to deal with young children which are evident from the show footage although not actually pointed out a great deal in the explanation footage. A beginner would also have to get hold of the necessary props. But a total beginner perhaps needs more instruction on how you put together a children's show, more specific advice on humour for youngsters, on bits of business, on how to pace a show and keep the interest of the audience etc, all of which is there if you know what to look for in Jimmy's excellent performance, but which is not pointed up in any way.  

So, to sum up, this DVD proves that Jimmy is a good children's entertainer and is fun to watch, but I'm still a little unsure as to its value as a teaching tool. I do feel it needs to offer much more originality and advice for it to be of real benefit to most of its target audience. The DVD itself is nicely produced and professionally packaged. ML  

What's Hot: watching a great pro children's entertainer work
What's Not: DVD is a bit lightweight as a teaching tool
Star Rating: **  

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