The Young Magicians of Mann were amazed this week when two surprise visitors came to their weekly meeting at the Youth Arts Centre in Douglas.

Professional magicians Zenneth Kok and Liu Bei, from Hong Kong, were visiting the island after attending the F.I.S.M. world magic championships in Blackpool. Zenneth had lectured to the Magicians of Mann two years ago, and enjoyed his stay so much that he decided to visit again with his girlfriend. Whilst here, they asked to meet up with the young magicians. Liu Bei competed in the competition at Blackpool with her fantastic manipulation act, one of the very best in the world. She previously won the gold medal of the stage class at the 2009 Asian Magic Competition held in China when she was only 21.

Lexi Watterson, one of the organizers of the magic club, explained “It was a fantastic evening – we expected that they would just talk to us about magic in Hong Kong, but Zenneth demonstrated some of the brilliant tricks that he uses in his work with corporate clients and gave us some really useful insights and advice. Liu Bei then offered to show us some of her wonderful card manipulations and we were blown away by her skill and grace. It all appeared effortless, but she told us that it took years of practice to develop her amazing act.”

Youth Events, part of the Youth Service, are staging a show at the Gaiety Theatre  on 14th September in association with the Young Magicians of Mann, to celebrate the magic club’s 25th anniversary. Lexi added “The inspirational advice we received will certainly help us to put on a thoroughly entertaining family show for all the family. The show is sponsored by Blackford Insurance Co. and SMP Partners, and we really appreciate their support.”  Tickets for ‘Magic!’ are available from the Welcome Centre, tel. 600555 and villagaiety.com.