Interview: Paul Daniels, magician

First professional job: In life - local government. Performing magic for money - on an American aircraft carrier in Hong Kong harbour.

Career highlight: Too many, perhaps my first Royal Variety Show

Career lowlight: A few years ago when I realised the company setting up my show only dealt with disco stuff. The audience couldn't see me or hear me... not good for a visual magic act at all. I gave the booker the money back... and as a Yorkshireman that REALLY hurt.

Awards won: My first was the Cock of the North Trophy (don't ask), since then both American Magic Castle, the UK Magic Circle, and many other magical societies have been kind enough to give me just about all their top awards. The latest is the Lafayette Award from the Edinburgh magicians.

No of tricks performed: You've got to be kidding. 16 years of prime time TV meant a completely new different show every week.

Favourite trick: To watch: any levitation. To perform: a really old coin vanish from over 100 years ago.

Hardest trick: An escape whilst tied to two power boats on Lake Windermere with me on a raft. Hard? Well... I can't swim!

Simplest trick: Most tricks are simple. It's making them entertaining is the hard bit of magical theatre.

Sell your show in ten words: Funnier than most comedy shows. More baffling than magic shows.

Paul Daniels: Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow, Assembly, George Square, until 28 August, 5pm, 14-15, 0131-226 0000