Danny Buckler began his career in the mid-Nineties as a magician - working the shop floor of Harrods.

From there, he was soon invited to perform at private functions for the likes of Liam Gallagher, Bruce Willis and the Sultan of Brunei, and began to perform on the stand-up circuit.

Initially conjuring remained the mainstay of his act - he performed an Edinburgh Fringe show in 2003 with fellow magician-comedian Mandy Muden - although he has more recently adopted a storytelling approach.

He has entertained the troops in Bosnia, Belfast, The Falkland Islands and Diego Garcia and supported Victoria Wood on her 2001 national tour.

On TV he has appeared in the BBC 1 primetime Saturday night specials Secrets of Magic, and has been a warm-up act for recordings of Dead Ringers and Dinnerladies, among others.

He also has a keen interest in horror films of the Thirties and kung-fu.

Danny Buckler: Fringe 2012
Live Review
Just The Tonic at The Caves

This is a witty, neatly constructed, feelgood story in which long-time comic, but first-time Fringer, Danny Buckler ponders the ups and downs of his love life, drawing comparisons with the bemasked antihero of Phantom Of The Opera.

Stated as baldly as that, it seems a blunt contrivance, but Buckler has a light touch and a disarming delivery which combine to weave the strands together naturally.

There is a touch – just a touch – of the Tony Hancock about his demeanour. He’s an artiste trapped in a world of oikish philistines, but in Woking rather than East Cheam, trying to be suave and gallant, if rarely successfully.

It almost goes without saying for a man who performs in velvet waistcoat and silk scarf – a very bold fashion statement in the sweaty confines of the Caves – that he’s a bit camp (though straight). The fact he tied his story to a piece of musical theatre which he adored as a child might be another giveaway.

Thus his stance is of the romantic artist, feeling no one could possibly understand his pure heart – just like the disfigured, disturbed but charismatic genius at the heart of Phantom.

Charismatic is the only one of those adjectives that rightly applies to Buckler. He’s actually a bit of an everyman for those who don’t buy into the laddish culture of drunkenly pulling in nightclubs.

Nor is he a genius, though he is more than solidly good here. The show might be nothing more ambitious than a cheerful run through his life and doomed loves, pulling in a bit of warm nostalgia for the Saturday-night telly of his youth, but it’s done with the craftsmanship of an old pro.

The quick pace never flags, and the story is always driving on towards the next pithy observation or confessional gag – so the time just zips by. Before you know it, he’s recounting his long-awaited visit to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical which turns,  like so many of his relationships, to disappointment.

No such fate will befall audience of this nicely-executed show, which might  not be groundbreaking, but is charming and sure to raise the spirits.

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Saw him at The Roxx Club in Southampton and he was incredible. Couldnt stop laughing, my mouth still hurts not!

Robyn Steel, April 2013

Saw Danny at Kettering Arts Centre tonight- absolutely brilliant - but far too little time for his set. He dealt superbly with the audience members who 'helped' during his act - including the woman who put his jacket on and searched the pockets ( was that weird or just plain rude ???? ) Look forward to seeing him again - very reminiscent of Tony Hancock at his most pompous in parts. Great fun.

M K, December 2012

Saw Danny at the Lowry in Manchester on Friday night with jon richardson. I thought he was fantastic! The only problem was that his set was too short. Hilarious and cute and I can't wait to see him again.

Samantha, October 2011

Saw Danny last night at the Electric Theatre in Guildford. I thought he was brilliant. My favourite act of the night.

Alex, February 2011

Just seen Danny at the Havana St Albans - absolutely top act - energy and originality in abundance - loved the phantom routine - thanks for brilliant entertainment just what's needed for perfect night out!

Jayne, April 2010

He's fit! And an absolute top class entertainer. Saw him as a compere but he was funnier than the acts! Defo wanna see him agen!

Tienne, February 2010

It's like he is doing an impression of what he thinks a comedian should look/sound and be like - thus it's quite funny but there is nothing new here.

charles crisp, November 2009

Danny was the headline act at The Cross Hands, Bristol. He was absolutely brilliant. I would have no hesitation to book him again!

Brad Dayment, March 2009

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