Picking Pockets is a Skill

 

The Encyclopaedia gives the definition of picking pockets as “the picking of pockets without a person’s knowledge or approval of you picking them is a crime, a form of larceny which involves the stealing of money or valuables from the person of a victim without their noticing the theft at the time. It requires considerable dexterity and a knack for misdirection.” In medieval times this was a crime punishable by death by public hanging.
 

The history of picking pockets as an entertainment form was started by Giovanni and Borra in the times of the music halls and Dominique and Ricki Dunn followed in their footsteps to delight patrons in night clubs with their slight of fingers act as they boldly stole items from the audience to the delight and laughter of all. 

Today picking pockets is a very popular item on the entertainment list at parties; corporate events, street shows, cabaret shows, private parties and children’s parties. Magicians also include the art of thievery in their acts on stage and at events.  

A highly skilled and professional pick pocket entertainer is an asset to any party and the performance is intriguing and full of surprises. The pick pocket is an all-rounder entertainer as he acts as comedian, jester and juggler during his performance. He uses humour to entice guests and to put them at ease while his nimble fingers make fools of them in a good-natured way as he is picking pockets to steal items from them.  The necktie disappears in a flash while he is talking to you and you do not even see your pants belt disappear or your glasses and wallet. Bewilderment follows the discovery of your mobile phone, wrist watch and house keys in the hands of the smiling master at picking pockets. 

Audiences love this type of entertainment and try their best to see how it is done. Shrieks of laughter follow when picking pockets reveals the multitude of items stolen and the ‘victim’ gasps in disbelief and starts feeling through his pockets as if his eyes are lying to him and it surely cannot be his wallet, belt or any other personal item held up in the hands of the pick pocket. 

The success of a picking pockets entertainment act at corporate events is heightened as it is an interactive show with full audience participation and any and all fall victim to his cheeky repartee. Not even the corporate director is safe and will end up without his cufflinks and more to the utter hilarity of his employees. This is of course the goal of such entertainment, the levelling of the playing grounds where everybody can relax and have fun and forget about the stresses of their daily work life. 

Yes, this street crime that was once a crime punishable by death and public hanging; the picking of pockets have developed to a fine form of entertainment that delights young and old and an act well worth including in any event to liven it up in a great way with much laughter and wonder.

  

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