Fave magic book

The Magician: What is your favourite book on magic and why. Thanksv

Paul Daniels: Martin Gardner's Encyclopedia on Impromptu Magic because IF you were a 'magician' you could do magic with anything anytime. Thanks to this book, you can!

Anything written by Ken Brooke, who seemed to be able to write out routines that really worked for audiences.

Small vs. Big Stages/Venues

BrucUK: Paul, I managed to see you last night at Sonning, (..the question about the cave...) - a great show. You seemed to revel in the freedom to wander about, and engage the audience at "close quarters". Do you have a preference between this type of performance, or larger stages/venues?

PS - is there an effective way to stop my wife saying "little baby in the poon, fat baby in the poon....".

Paul Daniels: I'm glad you enjoyed the show and I am having another ego experience as the emails come in from members of the audience. Early on I noticed that there were different 'rules' for different venues and I play rooms according to the rules for that kind of venue.

Some people never change the body language or the rhythm of speech, but it is essential to do so if you want to succeed. I know the rules so I have no preferences.

Debbie is still amazed at how I can switch from venue to venue and especially when I get a late night drunken corporate audience and shut them up within a minute... THAT she really does not understand.v

As for the last question about your wife! That won't mean a thing to those who were not there...it's not my gag. I saw it when I was a boy from a long gone comic.

Andy C.: I'm guessing and interpreting your answer to mean that you learned by experience in your earlier club and theatre work. With the clubland scene virtually gone now, where can someone wanting to get better at stage work learn his craft. Also are there any absolute basics you would be able to share with us here. I tend to work "Bigger and Slower" in larger venues, but don't really know if this is right.

Once again, thank you for sharing your valuable time with us here.

Paul Daniels: I'm guessing and interpreting your answer to mean that you learned by experience in your earlier club and theatre work. With the clubland scene virtually gone now, where can someone wanting to get better at stage work learn his craft. Also are there any absolute basics you would be able to share with us here. I tend to work "Bigger and Slower" in larger venues, but don't really know if this is right.v

I really learned by observation and yes, experience. Working men's clubs wanted to see you 'sweat' was the phrase - they worked hard so you should work hard. I worked out that if I did something they could SEE was skilful early on, they would stay with me. Nightclubs were either much bigger or very intimate with hostesses. I made friends with the hostesses first 'cos if I didn't they would distract the travelling business men who frequented such places.

Big working men's clubs, big nightclubs, big theatres all had to be worked in the same way, with enlarged mouth movements so they could SEE it was me talking. Gestures and general body language were enlarged. (Speed, which you mention, is up to you but has nothing to do with visibility in general, unless you are going TOO fast.. which is a waste of time).v

The big problem for the artist going this route is the big gap in theatres between the artist and the audience. I observed, whilst sitting in the audience watching Cliff Richards, that I was unaware of the 'pit'. From then on I ignored the pit because 'it wasn't there' and I still imagine soaring out over the audience.

Dirty Tricks

Nezza: Dirty Tricks, 10:30 on Channel 4 Friday Nights bills itself as the 'the first TV studio magic show in 10 years'.

Obviously, it's not aired yet but I wondered if you'd seen it and what your opinion was?

Paul Daniels: I haven't seen it but it will be good to see something not out in the street!

Hey, what goes round comes round.

Coleman: Hi Paul, it has been great to read what you've had to say this week - thanks for all of your interesting posts so far. According to this [a website that I saw], Debbie is due to feature in dirty tricks. I'd be interested to hear what her involvement is (if you're allowed to tell us), and more to the point, would you personally ever consider performing in/being a guest on a studio magic programme again in the future?

Paul Daniels: Debbie only saw her 'bit' being recorded so until she sees it she won't be able to pass an opinion. Of course all offers are considered but remember that I am from Yorkshire where the first question is 'HOW MUCH??????????'

Keeping the momentum...

Russwilliams_uk: Hi Paul, thanks again for taking the time to answer our questions.

A question about momentum - as magicians, we all know that the process of practicing, practicing and more practicing can be somewhat frustrating and not a little down-heartening from time to time - how do you keep your enthusiasm and interest up?

Paul Daniels: By not just practising but by SEEING the staging of the trick in my mind; by FEELING the real performance; by PLAYING with the props in my hands whilst watching TV; by writing it all out by hand on paper; by trying to CHANGE the effect and thinking about making it bigger/smaller or a different colour or whatever.

In other words, whilst rehearsing (not practising) I am not only relieving the boredom but also truly learning ALL about the trick.