The Paul Daniels Magic Show

Nadim Magic: Before I ask my questions, not that this counts for anything coming from me, I'd just like to say thank you for everything you've done for magic over the years.

Do you anticipate seeing the Paul Daniels' Magic Show back on TV soon? - Maybe a whole new series, or maybe a one-off Christmas Special - like the show you did at TMC Centinary, or maybe you could sell the rights of your old show to UK Gold or something, so reruns cold be shown on cable? - I'm sure a lot of people who were too young to appreciate them fully when they were first on would like this.

Also, I just thought I'd say I really enjoyed seeing you at the Centinary (thanks for your autograph too), but I was a bit disappointed that I never heard you say your catchphrase "you'll like it; not a lot but you'll like it!" - Do you find you use it less these days? Why or why not? Thanks

Jason Waskett: I have to tag in on this one as it's my question as well. I grew up with the show but did, as age dictates, move on to other interests.

Are they going to be made available to watch or buy? Some of the rubbish that's shown on TV is just appalling. I, and many others, a few here no doubt, would love to see them. I could really appreciate them with different eyes now.

Thank you for your time here, it is greatly appreciated.

Paul Daniels: Perhaps Magic Bunny members and others should start a drive towards re-runs.....

I am in negotiation with the BBC and a department there is researching the possibilities.

I don't think that I would like to do series again... I am having too much fun OFF TV, but a special could be fun to do. At the moment I don't own the rights.

Nadim Magic: Thank you for your reply. Please could you answer my second question too!

Paul Daniels: I hardly ever use it... it pops out from time to time...

Common Errors

Graham Nichols: Paul, what are the three most common errors made by other magicians that you see?

Paul Daniels: They have not learned stagecraft, which applies to close up as well as vast arenas. They have concentrated far more on the magic and far too little on themselves and their personality. They have ONLY looked at magic and magic acts and not at the rest of show business and where it is going.

Lee Alex: Great question and an outstanding answer!

If there were no other posts on these boards, this would still be the most valuable forum around due to the wisdom in this single reply.

Jimmy da Mook: could you define 'stagecraft', Mr. Daniels? I appreciate it's a broad topic, but just a few words on the subject might help us all...v

Paul Daniels: Actors learn where to stand on a stage to get the greatest, or least, effect on the 'viewers'. They learn how to move their all of their body parts in all kinds of ways. They learn how to project their voices. To that, for magicians, I would add how to use microphones properly and the best advice...v

Employ a professional director, who knows nothing about magic but does know about theatre, to look at your act and 'rebuild' it to maximise its entertainment value. Can't afford one? Then why are you buying magic tricks with money best spent on this. You HAVE tricks!

Jimmy da Mook: Aye thangew...

Paul Daniels: And that was Arthur Askey's catch phrase.

Jimmy da Mook: buzz buzz buzz…While I've got you -

I met you at a wrap party for one of the pdms at the beeb - years ago...My dad was producing (Jim Moir) and you did a few bits for me...I specifically remember you doing a steeplechase thing with a ten pence coin...Tried to do it since then, and still cant do it...

Paul Daniels: Hey... I really liked your Dad. Nice to 'meet' you again.

TamMcLaughlin: After seeing you perform the above routine in the Glasgow Pavillion a few years back, I have always been fascinated with this effect and managed to purchase the manuscript by Ricki Dunn. After spending some time analysing the manuscript and watching your performance on the recent Edinburgh DVD, I realised that a routine based on this effect is best left to the masters such as yourself.

Do you think that this effect should only be done by professionals with enough show business experience or do you think with enough work and understanding of the effect, then, a hobbyist such as myself should be able to perform a routine based on the effect?

Are there any other effects that should only be left to the experienced professional?

I realise that this may be a difficult question to answer fully without hinting at the method in the routine.

Paul Daniels: This is going to sound selfish, I know, but I think it is negative to perform ANY routine that is so closely associated with a 'fame game' magician. You are BOUND to suffer by comparison and you WILL get 'That's Paul Daniels' trick...' and so on. I know this because others have told me that's what has happened to them. Also, members of the public have told me that someone is doing it on the cruise ships where I frequently work, and they are 'offended' by that.

There are so many, many good tricks out there that you should try to find your own way to your own tricks.

I know that years ago, Terry Seabrooke, Alan Shaxon, John Wade and Billy McComb, who all worked the same circuit in London, split up the tricks between them so they wouldn't 'clash'.

That having been said, I saw a magician do the Electric Chairs so badly that I instantly knew what he was doing BUT also instantly saw a better way and a better ending. Nobody stuck people to the chairs at the end until I did it and that gave it a climax. Now, argue if you will, but I believe that should be my copyright! Now think, what else could YOU do, perhaps not even with chairs, but using the principle?

TamMcLaughlin: Sorry, I did not mean to imply that I or anyone should try and come up with a routine based upon your whole working routine. In fact I was not thinking about the sticking to the chairs climax when I posted the thread.

I had initially wanted to work on something based upon the "buzzed" principle and looked at your performance for inspiration. Although I still laugh everytime I see your routine, it has had a negative effect on me because I am so familiar with your routine, that it is harder for me to come up with my own ideas so that is one reason I put the routine aside.

Also, what I was really trying to get at is this:

In order to use the methodoloy in the basic effect, do you think that you need the experience of a working pro or do you think that it is not that difficult to do so long as you understand how and why it works?

AllThumbs: Tam, be the first(?) to do the 'Electric Pole Dancers'

Paul Daniels: You mean Debbie's act???? LOL