FOR 20 years Joel Howlett has performed magic tricks and entertained crowds, but the real magic came when he welcomed his baby daughter Mia into the world.
"Now I'm a proud dad, she's my best magic trick yet," the 34-year-old Charlestown dad said.
Mia who is now four, was born in the thick of the pandemic and when Mr Howlett couldn't perform his shows he became a stay-at-home dad for a few years.
"It was a very special time, it's a luxury that a lot of dad's don't get," he said.
When restrictions lifted, Mr Howlett started doing his JD's World of Magic shows again and Mia was sad she couldn't spend as much time with her dad, but that's when he came up with the perfect idea.
"She became quite clingy when I had to go back to the shows and I said how about you join me as my roadie?" he said.
Mia now holds the responsibility for looking after the rabbits and doves that feature in her dad's shows, a job he says she takes "very seriously".
"She also helps me behind the scenes, carries in my suit bags, asks where I want things and assists in helping set up and pack up shows," he said.
Just recently Mia helped her dad perform a bunch of Book Week shows and she's also had the privilege of having him perform at her preschool.
"It's always 'dad what can I do next'? and it takes me twice as long to do everything when I've got my helper with me, but it's more fun."
Mia said she loves working with her dad and being his assistant.
"I love magic and I love my dad so much," she said.
Mr Howlett said his daughter reminded him to see magic through the eyes of a child.
"What's really nice is when you're four, it really is magic. When you get to big school you work it all out, but at this age she wants to play pretend with me and get lost in it," he said.
"And I understand that one day that'll disappear and she'll say 'dad, you're not magic, you're embarrassing'. So, this is the magic right now."
He said being a dad was "the best thing ever" and he was looking forward to celebrating Father's Day on Sunday, September 1, with Mia and her mum Renee.
"We'll most likely do a breakfast with the family and my dad Steve. I will give him a shout out too because for years before I had my license he was the roadie. He'd drive me around to all the shows and help me set and pack up. He's a proud dad," he said.
"Dad's are truly magical."
