ONE of the true entertainers lived up to his billing at Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre last night as Paul Daniels brought mirth and magic in equal measure to a delighted audience.

Although best remembered for his TV magic and more recently allowing Louis Theroux to follow him around for a documentary, Daniels is clearly at his happiest on stage.

The first half of this Audience With... involved him answering questions from the audience which covered topics ranging from his thoughts on modern illusionists through to Saddam Hussein with the odd card trick thrown in.

The second half was more traditional magic show with two volunteers from the audience being the butt of the jokes.

With a simple stage set and props no more elaborate than a large envelope and a box of tissues, Daniels proved that when it comes to performing tricks the magic's still there.

But this was much more than a magic show -- it was a thoroughly entertaining night out in the company of a very likeable man

Paul Daniels, Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre