Paul Daniels: Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow: Assembly @ George Square, Edinburgh, 2011
Few people have achieved as much success as Paul Daniels in the world of magic on television. The master magician’s shows have had audiences entranced and captivated over the years and I was intrigued to see his act when he performed at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2011.
With his wife and trusted glamorous assistant, Debbie McGee, his tricks were as astute as ever and included everything from close up slight-of-hand card tricks to more elaborate staged prop magic. His easy-going conversation with the audience is as smooth as ever; coaxing them to take part and making them feel comfortable – including an unfortunate victim whose head ended up in a guillotine. It may be old school entertainment and some of the tricks may have been seen before, but rarely are they performed with such panache and good humour.
I was saddened to hear that Daniels passed away in 2016 and glad to have had the chance to see his magic act live on stage.