I’m of an age that grew up watching Debbie McGee on The Paul Daniels Magic Show on the BBC, famed for being his stage assistant and “box jumper.”
I love magic, so when I found out about this book, I had to buy it. I downloaded it on Kindle, but I plan to pick up the hardback if a signed copy becomes available. Strangely enough, I hadn’t seen this book promoted in the usual magic circles I follow, though Debbie is perhaps better known nowadays as a radio presenter.
I’ve met most UK magic royalty, but Debbie remains the exception. An opportunity to meet her at a convention a couple of years ago fell through because it coincided with the day I was returning from a cruise. Hopefully I’ll get another chance eventually, though I do own a couple of signed items (by Debbie and Paul) sourced through a reputable magic dealer.
This memoir opens by detailing Debbie’s early passion for ballet and the support she received from her family. It covers her training as a ballerina, her training, and even her time dancing in Iran during the late 1970s. Once she begins working with Paul Daniels, the book delves into their shared life, covering the ups and downs of both her marriage and career, including Paul’s passing and her life in the years since. It was a very truthful account.
Given my interest in magic, it was a fast, captivating read packed with interesting anecdotes about the people she has known and worked with. It’s an honest reflection on her life, featuring eye-opening moments like the tense period fleeing Iran, as well as insights into Wayne Dobson’s early career and material that closely mirrored Paul’s cabaret act. The section on her famous appearance on The Mrs. Merton Show was particularly entertaining and highlighted how pivotal that moment was for her career. The book also covers her work after The Paul Daniels Magic Show ended, including her appearances on various reality TV programs.
The chapters detailing Paul’s illness and death were particularly poignant and emotional. Even knowing it was coming, reading her perspective on a truly remarkable and loving relationship was deeply moving.
At just under 300 pages, the book is published by Mirror Books. It’s a warm, highly recommended read for anyone wanting a deeper look into her fascinating career. (An audiobook version narrated by Debbie herself is also coming soon.)
Leave a Reply