The ultimate guide to pickpocketing as a spectacular performing art!

Imagine this: a spectator is standing next to you on stage. He laughs, enjoys the performance, and has no idea that his watch, glasses, or other personal belongings have become part of your act.

Only when he takes out the objects one by one does he realize what has happened.

The audience bursts out laughing!

Welcome to the fascinating world of professional stage pickpocketing.

With Peter in Your Pocket, Peter Heylands reveals the secrets of this special form of magic.

An impressive book in which technique, psychology, humor, and showmanship come together.

More than 30 years of professional experience

Peter Heylands has over thirty years of experience as a professional artist.

He performed all over the world, on large stages, at exclusive events, and on board cruise ships.

In Peter in Your Pocket, he shares the knowledge, techniques, and insights he has developed over all those years.

And that goes much further than just taking a watch unnoticed.

Peter shows how to turn pickpocketing into an elegant, surprising, and above all entertaining stage act.

An act where the volunteer feels comfortable, the audience thoroughly enjoys themselves, and every magical moment is carefully built up.

The psychology behind pickpocketing

Why doesn't someone notice that their watch is being taken?

How can you direct a spectator's attention at exactly the right moment?

And why are timing, expectations, and body language at least as important as the technique itself?

In this book, you will discover how attention, distraction, human expectations, and psychological principles play an important role in pickpocketing.

Peter explains how to use this knowledge to make your actions natural and unobtrusive.

In doing so, he pays close attention to misdirection, presentation, and building trust.

Professional techniques explained in detail

An important part of Peter in Your Pocket consists of the techniques used by professional stage pickpockets.

Peter not only discusses well-known methods but also reveals his own techniques, which he has developed and refined over decades.

You will discover techniques for, among other things:

• The unnoticed removal of watches with leather straps
• Watches with metal clasps and link bracelets
• Smartwatches, including the Apple Watch
• Inside pockets of jackets and blazers
• Outer and chest pockets
• Front and back pockets of trousers
• Removing ties
• The unnoticed removal of glasses
• Suspenders and belts
• Various professional distraction and presentation techniques

The explanation is based on real stage experience and includes practical points to consider that are important during a performance.

Choosing the right volunteer

A good pickpocket act doesn't start with the technique, but with the person you invite onto the stage.

Peter therefore devotes extensive attention to selecting and supervising volunteers.

How do you recognize a suitable participant?

How do you make someone feel at ease?

What do you do when a spectator notices that something is happening?

And how do you react when a volunteer acts unexpectedly differently than you had expected?

These are important topics that make the difference between a single trick and a professional performance.

Peter shows how to create a pleasant experience for both the volunteer and the audience with respect, humor, and the right attitude.

Complete professional routines

Peter in Your Pocket contains not only theory and techniques.

You also receive an extensive repertoire of professional routines that Peter has tested and refined during thousands of performances.

The Lucky Chip

An interactive and humorous routine centered around a signed casino chip.

With unexpected choices, a ball of wool, and multiple watch-disappearing tricks, the act builds to a surprising theatrical climax.

Ring in Yarn of Wool

Peter discusses the classic routine and shows how you can improve it with psychology, an adjusted structure, and unexpected moments.

His personal version uses a signed token and creates new possibilities for misdirection.

Illegal Business

An original interpretation of Easy Money.

This routine combines humor about 'dirty money' with a story reminiscent of Robin Hood.

The conclusion features a strong transformation that fits perfectly within the presentation.

The Robbery Trick

A completely new version of a classic magic trick.

Peter shows how to create an impressive routine with a modern presentation, logical structure, and strong theatrical moments.

Miser's Dream

A special version of the famous Miser's Dream.

Peter presents a method entirely his own and shows how you can use this classic to introduce the theme of pickpocketing early in your performance.

The Egg Bag

A surprising take on the classic Egg Bag.

In this version, the egg suddenly appears in the spectator's pocket.

The routine ends with multiple eggs emerging from the volunteer's pockets.

A particularly funny and unexpected finale!

The Underwear Gag

The classic prank where a piece of clothing appears between two knotted cloths is getting a completely new approach.

Peter explains how to elicit a natural and spontaneous reaction from the volunteer.

This makes the comedic effect much stronger.

Building your complete stage act

A good performance consists of much more than a collection of techniques.

That is why Peter also covers the complete structure of a professional act.

You learn how to create a strong opening, build tension, and work towards a convincing finale.

In addition, he discusses topics such as:

• Writing a good script
• Developing a recognizable stage character
• The use of humor
• The influence of clothing and appearance
• The use of music and sound
• Lighting and microphone technique
• Performing for different types of audiences
• Adjustments for close-up, stage, and television
• Working at events and on cruise ships
• Dealing with different cultures and languages

This makes Peter in Your Pocket interesting not only for pickpocketing acts, but also for magicians who want to improve their general presentation and showmanship.

Peter Heylands' complete act revealed

One of the most special parts of the book is the extensive explanation of Peter's own professional pickpocket act.

For the first time, he describes his complete performance in detail.

You will discover which techniques he uses, how he prepares his act, and how the different parts come together.

His script, actions, and full preparation were also discussed.

A unique opportunity to learn from an artist who has developed his act over more than thirty years.

History and tribute

In addition to practical explanations, Peter in Your Pocket also contains extensive background information on the history of pickpocketing as entertainment.

You will read about historical figures, the development of this unique performing art, and the reasons why the effects are still so strong.

In addition, the book contains an extensive tribute to Dominique, with stories, memories, and insights from his remarkable career.

Who is this book suitable for?

Peter in Your Pocket is a valuable publication for magicians and artists who want to take their performances to the next level.

The book is particularly interesting for:

• Magicians who want to add pickpocketing to their repertoire
• Performing artists looking for original interaction with volunteers
• Comedy magicians who want to combine humor and surprises
• Close-up magicians who want to learn more about psychology and misdirection
• Professional entertainers who want to improve their showmanship
• Enthusiasts of the history of magic and unique magical disciplines

Both ambitious beginners and experienced professionals will find valuable information and inspiration in this book.

The main features:

• Peter in Your Pocket by Peter Heylands
• Comprehensive book on professional stage sack rolling
• Based on more than 30 years of international stage experience
• In-depth explanation of techniques and psychology
• Attention to misdirection, timing, and showmanship
• Techniques for watches, bags, glasses, ties, and other accessories
• Practical tips for selecting and supervising volunteers
• Detailed explanation of various professional routines
• Includes updated versions of famous magic classics
• Attention to humor, music, lighting, and presentation
• Peter's complete professional pickpocket act explained step by step
• Extensive historical background information
• With attention to ethics and respectful audience interaction
• More than 400 pages of knowledge, techniques, and inspiration

A special reference work for the serious magician

Peter in Your Pocket is much more than a collection of tricks.

It is an extensive study of a rare and spectacular form of performing art.

Peter Heylands shows that successful stage pickpocketing is not just about technique, but above all about psychology, timing, personality, and the way you tell a story.

With his years of experience, professional routines, and detailed explanations, he offers a unique glimpse behind the scenes of this fascinating discipline.

An impressive book for every magician who wants to surprise their audience in an elegant, humorous, and unforgettable way!