A decorative box-like prop labeled "Funhouse" is brought onstage, along with another balloon and a balloon pump. The balloon is inflated and placed inside the Funhouse - The balloon can clearly be seen to fill the interior of the box, with it's ends protruding on either side.
The magician then flips the switch at the top of the box, with the intention of something happening, but it does not. He tries it several more times, growing frustrated, until he remembers to remove a long, sharp metal pin attached to the side of the box. The magician then thrusts the pin into the balloon, causing a loud dramatic pop. At that same moment, the inside of the box can be seen filled with some objects.
The trunk is brought onstage again and the magician proceeds to remove from the box what are now seen to be small plush animals. He fills the trunk with them until they are practically overflowing, then takes his place in front of the ending tableau for the curtain.
I hope to have enough mini balloon and plush animals that I can give one of each away for every performance. What delightful keepsakes those would make!
The Funhouse is the second of three new routines that I'm excited to be developing (The first being the aforementioned Cups and Balls). Soon I will talk about the third routine - the much-awaited Walking Through a Brick Wall, in this diary.