Night of magic will pay tribute to Paul

Following the legend’s death earlier this month, event organisers at The Rose Club, in Hindley, have been working to plan a tribute evening - You’ll Like This - on May 21, from 7pm.

Paul was to appear there on that date with his wife, Debbie McGee, as part of their Intimate Magic Tour, and so planners felt it was the perfect send-off for the pair who have Wigan connections.

The show will feature his son, magician Martin Daniels, with support from Solitaire - a tribute to Karen Carpenter, Wigan band Silverstone, and local singer Jason Butler. The night will be compered by Steve Haze.

Organiser Gaz Ronan said: “It was a great shock hearing the news. I contacted Martin Daniels, who is a great magician like his father, and he was more than happy to take the headline spot.

“As Paul was due to play there we only thought it would be great to still go ahead with the show. I put a search out hoping to get local up-and-coming magicians involved but had no luck with it.

“I felt a bit uncomfortable asking Martin, as I didn’t think he would be in a good place but he was happy to do the show and we couldn’t ask for a better person to top the bill.

“It’s going to be a great night. Variety is not shown enough in theatres and TV. Something like this show is what Paul did on his TV series in the 80s. He had lots of guest acts and there was something for everyone.”

Martin’s brother, Paul Daniels Jnr, who runs Paul Daniels Magic Party Shop, in Wigan’s Mesnes Street said; “I think it is a lovely idea as dad was supposed to be doing a show there, so it makes sense to have a tribute night when he should have been there.

“Dad’s death has been really hard - we are all getting ready for his funeral in Wargrave on Friday.

“He was always there for me when I needed him and I am sad he has gone.

“His death was such a shock - we didn’t know anything was wrong until doctors said he had a tumour. At least it was quick and he didn’t suffer too much.

“The support we have had is tremendous.

“We have had lots of people coming into our shop with cards, which is really heartwarming,”

Tickets are £10 on the door, with all proceeds going to Brain Tumour Research and Wigan and Leigh Hospice.