AMAZING things will happen at the Youth Arts Centre in Kensington Road, Douglas, on Sunday 25th March, when the Young Magicians of Mann entertain with their annual magic show.

‘It’s Magic!’ is being staged in conjunction with the Youth Events Committee, part of the Department of Education and Children’s Youth Service.

Those who were lucky enough to get tickets in previous years will know that the audience can expect a professional, fun-filled afternoon of magic, laughter and illusions suitable for all the family.

Organisers of the show, which starts at 2pm, are Paul Martin, Mike Clague and Lexi Watterson, the only Island-based members of the Magic Circle.

Paul said: ‘Magic has become very much in vogue recently, partly due the impact of great magic stars such as Derren Brown and Dynamo and TV programmes such as ‘Penn & Teller – Fool Us!’ and ‘The Magicians’.

‘The current CBBC series ‘Help – My Supply Teacher Is Magic!’, on which three of the Young Magicians of Mann feature, is one of the most viewed CBBC programmes at the moment.’

Lexi, who was third in the Magic Circle’s Young Magician of the Year contest in 2007, added: ‘The TV programmes are great, but seeing illusions being performed under your nose is so much better.’

Such is the popularity of conjuring at the moment, the Young Magicians of Mann have had to start a new junior section and the club has more members than at any time during its 25-year existence.

They benefit from lectures by overseas professional magicians arranged the Magicians of Mann, a separate club for adults, which have been supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council. In 2012, lectures are scheduled by Raphael Benatar from Spain and Diamond Jim Tyler from Kansas in the USA.

Taking part in the Young Magicians’ show will be Philip Morrison, Andrew Martin and Sarina Dove, from Douglas, Daniel Quayle, from Onchan, Chris Corlett, who lives in St John’s, and Thomas Clague, from Glen Vine, along with Juan Moore and Nathan Hill, from Castletown.

Philip will break the magician’s code and teach everyone how to perform a miracle of their own – but those trying to emulate his magic can still expect to be amazed.

A slightly shorter version of ‘It’s Magic!’ will tour the Island in the summer term, visiting Peel, Cronk-y-Berry, Rushen, Ree Gorree and Michael schools and Laxey Institute. The club will also be busy running a ‘Transfiguration Class’ at the Harry Potter Event at King William’s College, arranged by Junior Achievement, on 31st March and 1st April.

On Friday 14th September the Young Magicians of Mann will celebrate their silver anniversary with a special show, ‘Magic!’, at the Gaiety Theatre, in conjunction with the Youth Events Committee. Potential sponsors of this, the first magic variety show at the Gaiety Theatre for many years, can contact Lexi Watterson on 825253 or email ymom@mac.com

Tickets

for ‘It’s Magic!’ cost ?5 and are available from the Youth Office on 686057 during office hours or 878328 between 6pm and 9pm (leave a message). Early booking is recommended, as the annual show usually sells out.

-ENDS-