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"The Cups and balls are the groundwork

         of all legerdemain" 

 Professor Hoffman

  "I consider no man a magician until he is able to skillfully perform the Cups and Balls."

Houdini

In "Hocus Pocus Junior" (1635) The first true book on the art of magic,  some of the secrets to the Cup and Ball trick are revealled in print for the first time.

Up to this date the methods were only passed down from father to son and were a very closely guarded secret.

Zak has studied this classic of magic, for the last 12 years, and  is currently acknowledged as a "master of the cups" by his peers and fellow magicians.

Influenced with his own style and unique comedic delivery, to witness Zak performing flawless sleight of hand and historical antedotes with the Cups and Balls, is something that will never be forgotten........

The History

Our first written account is in the early first century by the author Seneca, who witnessed a performance in a market place in Rome.

The Romans called performers of  the Cups and Balls"Acetabularii" from the latin word"Aacetabulum" which means a cup.

In the middle ages the cup and Ball trick was exhibited by strolling jugglers and gypsies all over Europe and formed the "Piece de resistance of their repertoires of magic.

Conjurers in France at the time, were formerly known as"Escamoteurs"and  "Escamotage" their art. The word derives from "Escamot" meaning a cork ball.

Above picture entitled....  "I'm not a clown, but if the price is right... i'll have a go!" 

 "Holy ****, Where the **** did those come from!"

Stunned spectator - Torquay