I’M OFTEN MISTAKEN FOR A SINGER

CaTheRIne maRkS is in her mid-40s, married and lives in Burnham, Somerset. MY FAMILY always knew I’d go into showbusiness. I was that toddler who loved singing and performing.

I’ve been a magical entertainer and children’s magician since I was 16. I got into it while working at Thorpe Park. I was helping a magician and was mesmerised by what he did.

I used my first wage packet to buy some tricks. I’ll never forget my first visit to the magic shop. I left with two bags of magic paraphernalia.

I’ve worked in Lapland, entertaining children after they see Father Christmas. On cruises, I’m often mistaken for a singer. Only when the lights go up on stage do the audience realise I’m doing magic — that feels good.

It hasn’t been hard to secure work. When I started there were few female magic acts. I was a novelty and always booked up.

For my favourite trick, I ask a member of the audience to verify three uneven lengths of cord, then ‘magic’ them to the same length. I’ve even performed it at royal events — I was an official entertainer at The Queen’s Golden Jubilee. You have to be self-reliant. Lugging heavy trunks full of props and equipment around is an unglamorous yet necessary part of the job. The way I see it, we’ve fought for equality in this job, so of course I’ll carry my own bag.

I even met my husband on the job. After I’d performed, he helped me pack away my tricks. He was so careful, I knew he was a keeper! I consider myself lucky because there is no downside.

There aren’t many jobs where you watch people’s faces light up with wonder — but being a magician is one of them.