LOCAL NEWS
DAVID HARTNELL: ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW WITH GUY CATER Guy Cater has been a hypnotist and magician for decades, both here and internationally. What are your childhood memories of Ponsonby? Going as a kid to the Cameo Picture theatre in Grey Lynn. I was born at a very early age at the St Clare Maternity Home which was until 1957 at 26 Williamson Avenue, Grey Lynn. I spent my early years above my Great Aunt Dora’s sewing shop in Great North Road. Have you ever performed in the Ponsonby area? Many times at the great late lamented Gluepot Hotel. Such a wonderful venue and sadly missed by many. What was your childhood like? Really great. My folks said there was not a lot of money but I don’t remember ever going without. The best thing about my childhood is that it hasn’t finished yet. I believe the Sir Peter Leitch had an input into your early career. We became friends before he became ‘Mad’. I did a show for the Mangere Hawks and then Peter had me perform at his butcher’s shop in Mangere. When my first wife died, Peter was more than kind and helped me through a really rough time. When did you get your interest in magic? My parents gave me a magic set when I was 10. I never lost the thrill of fooling people. I’m a long time member of the Brotherhood of Auckland Magicians, who meet every month at The Surrey Hotel in Grey Lynn. Favorite TV series? ‘800 Words’. So much of that show I can identify with a widower bringing up two children. Your dream holiday? Las Vegas... Disneyland for grownups. I have performed in three casinos in Vegas and just love the lights and excitement. It isn’t a real world, but the best escapism ever with magnificent shows.
Comedy Store on Sunset. I met some great people, and one couple offered to let us buy the Australasian rights to a new toy. We didn’t; after all, who was going to want something as silly as a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle? Favorite movie? ‘Being There’ with Peter Sellers. A great story of an autistic man who has lived the life inside. When he finally is put out on the street, all he knows is what he has seen on television. Peter Sellers was superb and there was a great display of honesty and innocence as a gardener who ends up advising the President. Tell us about your dream home. I’m living in it because my wife is here, and my kids and friends visit. It’s all you need. Tell us something very few people know about you. I was production manager in a pickled onion factory a lifetime ago.
Your bucket list? I’ve done most things I’ve wanted to and been to most places I’ve wanted to visit so perhaps there is only a trip into space left.
Favourite hero of fiction? Jack Reacher because he is everything I am not.
Most treasured possession? My photo album of my kids growing up.
What cliché do you most hate? Time heals... because it doesn’t.
Most kiwi thing about you? Bare feet all summer except when I’m working.
Your greatest weakness/indulgence? My weakness would be being unable to pass an animal that looks like it needs attention. And my indulgence would be hokey pokey ice cream.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? If I’m not dead then semi retired. It would be impossible for me to fully retire... I NEED to be performing.
What is your comfort food? Hokey pokey ice cream.
What do you dislike about your appearance? My teeth do not show when I smile.
Your dream guest list for a dinner party? Emma Thompson... ‘cos she is hilariously rude and has an amazing sense of humour.
Do you read movie or TV reviews? No; reviews are just one person’s opinion. I prefer to make my own mind up.
John Lennon for the same reasons.
Like to be remembered how? As someone who created laughter and made people happy.
Robin Williams - obviously. John Wayne, so I can find out if he really did walk like that.
What do you love about your age? Not a lot. My mind thinks I’m 32 but my body proves I’m 72.
Cher - such an interesting lady with a voice I love.
Biggest disappointments? In 1989, my late wife and I were in the States and I did some shows at the
If you could change one law or policy in New Zealand, what would it be? Harder sentences for domestic violence. (DAVID HARTNELL MNZM) PN
10 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2020
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
