Hippity-Hop Rabbits

Abbott's catalog graphic for
"Hippity-Hop Rabbits"

"Hippity-Hop Rabbits" is a classic comedy, sucker effect that uses two cut-out wooden figures of rabbits, on solid bases so they stand up-right, normally one white and one black. Each rabbit has a rectangular wooden cover, decorated with a black top hat and cane design on both sides of one, and with white top hats and canes on the other.

In its presentation, the two rabbits keep changing places, upon the performer's command, while under their respective covers. At its finale, the effect culminates with a surprise, sucker-effect finish.

The effect is commonly used in shows for kids, and has become something of a children's magic classic. Just as with the adult audiences, the kids begin to think they know the secret to how the magician is doing it, which sets up the surprise sucker finish.

Differing Versions and Variations

Petri & Lewis produced a line of attractive wooden, stage-sized sets of the Hippity-Hop Rabbits apparatus; U.F. Grant has a set called "Streamlined Hippity-Hop Rabbits"; and Aldini provided variations on the routine and patter.

Some modern sets for Hippity-Hop Rabbits may use less expensive plastic, or other non-wooden rabbits and covers, in place of the older wooden apparatus of the much nicer, and often hand-crafted, vintage versions. They come in a variety of large to very small sizes (including a "mini" size), and some employ various different cut-out figures (such as one with a monkey and a donkey for the finish, and one called "Fraidy Cat Rabbits") instead of just using the two traditional black and white rabbit figures.

Also, some sets employ the use of different gimmicks (such as magnets, for example) in performing the effect, and at least one performer uses a pair of socks for covering the rabbits.