Events

30th September - Paul Daniels Show, Towngate Theatre, Basildon

Paul Daniels is touring the country with his ‘Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow’ comedy and magic show.

As he appeared at the Towngate Theatre in Basildon, a number of us went along to see the show - 24 to be precise, and we all took up residence in the 5th and 6th rows. Janice and James Gilroy had purchased their tickets earlier though, and ended up right in the middle of the front row - Janice came to regret that as she ended up being involved in the show!

After a short get together for a drink and a chat in the bar we all took our seats. The show opened with Paul coming on to welcome the audience and to perfrom his traditional opening effect, a six card repeat. Debbie then appreared with a cut and restored helium balloon string (a la Gypsy Thread). Paul also performed the Super-X levitation effect with a young member of the auidience. The most part of the first half was given over to Paul's son Martin who, with the assistance of his wife Andi Mac, presented his stand up comedy along with a couple of effects: the swinging of a glass of Coke over his head in a snooker triangle, and the milk jug/funnel routine with three volunteers.

The second half, beginning with a rabbit production and disappearance, was mostly for Paul to show us what he's best at, with Debbie popping on to deliver 'Multum in Parvo'. Paul is genuinely untouchable when it comes to his chop cup performance, it's always a joy to watch; and as usual his electric chair routine went down a storm with the audience. The show ended with a volunteer's £20 note finally being found in a lemony, eggy, nutty pudding.

So, in all, everyone had a great time and it was so good to see Paul do what he does best. He's always a consummate professional who engages brilliantly with his audience, and although it would have been nice to see some bolder illusions (such as the Asrah which he and Martin performed on the Penn and Teller TV Show recently), it was still a great night out.