Professional magician Tony Griffith visited the Magicians of Mann at the Columba Club in Douglas on Saturday, to host a day of magic. The day was part lecture and part workshop, allowing local magicians to learn new tricks of their trade along with the business side of the magic art. The day was supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council, and chairman Paul Martin told us “The Arts Council support lots of arts organizations and we really appreciate their encouragement and assistance in bringing experts in their field to the island.” He added “ Tony Griffith has been a professional magician for over 25 years and prior to that was a Headteacher. He’s an excellent lecturer, and was able to clearly teach a wide variety of magical effects, including mind reading, magic with playing cards and tricks suitable for children.”

Some of the Young Magicians of Mann, a separate club for young people aged 10 to 18 years were also at the lecture. Paul explained “When they join the club the youngsters can tend to think that magic is all about fooling their friends, but of course that’s not a good way to make yourself popular! The real secret in magic is to make what you do entertaining, and Tony Griffith does that in bucketfuls!” 

The Magicians of Mann meet monthly at the Columba Club on Thursday evenings. The Young Magicians of Mann have meetings on Wednesday evenings at the Youth Arts Centre in Kensington Road. New members are made very welcome by both clubs, and are asked to contact secretary Mike Clague on 878328 or ymom@mac.com for information.