TV Magicians

[Ken Shabby]

Another 'nostalgic' thread from me I'm afraid, but does anyone else remember the magicians of the 70's and 80's?

I was never a fan of Paul Daniels, but I think his TV show served as a showcase for international acts that most people would otherwise not get see. Remember, this was years before the internet, and the only way you could see these kind of acts was live, or failing that on TV. I remember that Bob Monkhouse did a sort of 'showcase' programme around the same time, but that was about comedians. I remember seeing the likes of Emo Phillips and Steven Wright for the first time on his show, but I digress....

Getting back to magicians and speciality acts for a moment, this was a time before the TV bosses figured out that it was cheaper to put just anybody who thinks they can sing on, than to actually book performers who have professional, well honed acts! There were less channels back then (just 3 or 4) but the quality of the entertainment was (in my humble opinion) higher. Anyone else remember Hans Maretti (correct spelling?) aiming crossbows and various kinds of firearms at himself during his escape routines? Or that hippy bloke who could blow smoke into bubbles? Or what about The Pendragons?

[Essex Lad]

It was Hans Moretti. I suppose the biggest name from the 50s, 60s and 70s was David Nixon.

[steve56]

Daniels once got a member of the audience not sure if it was worked though to give him a five pound note which he tore to bits this was on Wheeltappers Show eventually he gave him back the fiver en tact!

[Ken Shabby]

I've heard people mention David Nixon, but I honestly can't remember him.

Steve, that sounds a little like the 'wristwatch/bag/hammer trick', I remember seeing that one once. Also, those blokes who'd get an audience member up on stage, stand there talking to them for a minute and before they went back off stage, they'd hand them back their wallet, or braces, etc. Amazing! I used to love shows like this. The 'circus' element is missing from TV these days.

[steve56]

David Nixon yes he had Anita Harris on his shows think there were carrying on too lol.

[Ken Shabby]

Really?

I think I'll go over to Youtube and see if I can find any clips of his act.