20 Questions for...Paul Daniels
Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee
MAGIC man Paul Daniels’ forthcoming show at Kettering Lighthouse Theatre looks set to be a real family affair.
In the tour of Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow, Paul will not only be accompanied by his wife “the lovely” Debbie McGee, but also his son Martin.
The show will reach Kettering on March 2, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £18.50 or £16.50 for concessions. For more information log onto www.lighthouse theatre.co.uk
1) Can you tell me a bit about what audiences can expect from your forthcoming show at the Kettering Lighthouse Theatre?
Of course the show has magic in it, performed by me, Martin and Debbie McGee, but added to that comes a whole load of laughter. According to the reviews by audience members on Twitter and Facebook, they have gone away having had a really good, and different, night out.
2) What is it like to work alongside your son Martin?
Great. It is years since he was in the show because he went away to become the number one comedy entertainer on cruise ships. His children were growing up and he wanted to work back on land so it was a golden opportunity for us to all get back together again.
3) Did you encourage Martin’s interest in magic from an early age?
Not really. I told all three of my sons that they must do what they truly wanted to do, otherwise they might spend a lifetime wondering what would have happened. Martin chose to be an entertainer and studied comedy as well as magic.
4) How did your own interest in magic come about?
I read a book while on a wet holiday in a village called Old Byland. It was very old and had chapters on many different types of Victorian parlour entertainments. Magic was one of them and I loved it.
5) Do you think the audience’s expectations of magic have changed as science has progressed?
Not one whit. No matter what science proves or disproves, the performance of magic is apparently the defiance of all those rules and laws. When you watch a magician you are really watching an actor who, in his ‘play’, is not bound by the laws of physics that bind us all on this planet.
6) What would your advice be to youngsters hoping to become magicians today?
Have fun. Enjoy what you are doing so it isn’t a ‘job’. Above all do not copy any other magician, just be the best one of you that there is.
7) Have any of your tricks ever gone badly wrong on stage?
Not so you’d notice. When planning routines I always work out where things can go wrong and plan what I would do if that was to happen.
8) Not many couples could successfully work closely with their spouses, how do you and Debbie manage to balance your working and personal life?
Let’s face it, most couples that split up have different occupations. We work in the entertainment business and so at home we can talk about, and understand, each other’s problems or joys. It’s the best way.
9) What makes you laugh?
Anything funny.
10) What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
From my Father who said: “This will apply to your life as much as it does to woodwork. Always measure it twice, then you will only have to cut it once.”
11) What meal do you most like to cook at home?
I never cook.
12) What is your proudest achievement?
Tough question for me ’cos my life has had so many highs. Awards and great events are enjoyable, but just being happy is far more important.
13) What is your worst habit?
I am untidy.
14) What are your pet hates?
Hate is such a bad word. I don’t like the way religions brainwash people and play upon their emotional needs.
15) What is your most treasured possession?
My home.
16) What has been your best moment?
Tomorrow.
17) What has been your worst moment?
Unexpected worst moment? Food poisoning in America. Awful hospital service.
18) How do you like to spend your time when not working?
That’s rare. We love going to the theatre if we have a night off.
19) Who has most inspired you in your life?
My mother and father.
20) What ambition would you most like to fulfil?
My father had a cinema and my whole life I have wanted to be in a movie.
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