I have been described as a legend

Harold 85, married. Retired magician from South London 

Before we start Harold, can I ask you how you’re coping in this strange time of Corona Virus?

Yes of course. It’s only affecting me from the point of isolation. My wife and I go out for a walk most days as we live right by a forest. It’s quite cut off anyway. My son brings us the supplies from the supermarket. That’s frustrating because I like to do my own shopping. My wife has dementia and I am her carer. Things feel worse when when you’re isolated. We are now into the third week and slowly getting used to it. 

I’m not a religious person or into the supernatural or anything but don’t you think it’s weird that we are having this virus now, while the world is in such turmoil? There’s so much unrest. Why should Corona happen now? It’s affecting everyone in the whole world. I was brought up in the second world war, you knew who your enemy was. Now we have an invisible enemy. 

How are you? 

I am diabetic. Hard of hearing. I have a prostate problem but it’s benign. Oh and I have a pacemaker. But apart from that I’m fine. 

How do you see yourself? 

My glass is half full. I’m positive. I like to see the funny side of things. I’m a nice guy.

I have been a magician since I was eleven and a professional one since 1976. You never really retire in our game. I am 85 now. My father gave me my first box of tricks 74 years ago, that’s what started me off. I built myself a magic act and by the time I was fourteen I had a proper act. I joined various concert parties. I worked every weekend. What were your first acts? Turning water into wine, turning cotton wool into a hot cup of tea and swallowing razor blades then pulling them back into my mouth via a piece of thread. 

I’m organised. I never stopped. I left school at 16 and got a job as an office boy. Then there was National Service but they found out I had TB, so instead of going into the military service I went into a sanitarium. I was a human guinea pig. It’s because of all the drugs they tried out on me that I am hard of hearing. 

How do you think other people see you? 

Most of my friends are in the magic scene. I have been described as a legend. Most people seem to like me.

What do you like about yourself?

I try and see the best in most people. I am affable. 

What do you think about marriage? 

We have been married 55 years. I got married when I was 30. We had our reception at Butlins. My father got me a job as a Red Coat at Butlins. That’s where I met my wife. She was a waitress there. I sowed my wild oats at Butlins - they’re all over the place. [laughing]

What do you think about children? 

I’ve entertained kids since I was 19. You gotta love kids if you do my job. I get on very well with kids but the trouble is in this day and age is you cant be too careful. I can be in the supermarket, there will be mums with the kids, you smile and show them a friendly face, it’s not acceptable these day, you can’t do that anymore. People think you’re a weirdo. It’s a shame. 

Where does all your energy go?

My wife has dementia so all my time is spent looking after her.

What makes you tick? 

I have a pacemaker! [laughing] Magic makes me tick. Magic is a vehicle to entertain.

What’s your most memorable experience to date? 

I have two memories that might amuse you. I met her Majesty the Queen. It was during the Kuwait war. I was doing a show for the officers wives. She and the Duke of Edinburgh turned up, she seemed nice. And the other memory; I used to do Punch and Judy shows in a nudist camp. In Orpington, Kent. It was for the Naturist foundation summer event. I didn’t feel uncomfortable, I had clothes on. However it’s tricky talking to someone who’s naked, it’s like a magnet, your eyes are drawn downwards. It’s not a turn on at all!

Who or what inspires you? 

Not a lot at my age. I just heard this morning about the passing of an old colleague, a magician. I had a cry. He was such a lovely man.

What do you think about death?

I don’t give it any thought to be honest. It’s a bit worrying at my age. With the greatest optimism in the world I haven't got that long. I worry more about my wife than me. If anything happened to me, what would happen to her? I am a bit of a fatalist. I think we are given a certain amount of time and then you’re gone.

What brings you down? 

I am a very emotional person. I am more emotional at this age than I when I was younger. It’s mainly because of my wife. She was diagnosed with dementia three and half years ago.  It’s a very frustrating situation. I have a terrible temper. I have to walk away sometimes.

What would you like to leave for the next generation? 

Peace - it’s a simple as that. We have fought two world wars, and now we’re all big mates, I don’t understand. That’s one of the reasons I’m not religious. 

How do you best express yourself? 

Through comedy and magic. I look at the fun side of life.  

What have you taken from today? 

I think it’s brilliant. I am very honoured to have been asked.