PROFESSIONAL magician Diamond Jim Tyler from Dallas visited the Island on 2 May to meet the Young Magicians of Mann and teach them some astounding magic at the Youth Arts Centre in Douglas. Diamond Jim (“My grandfather told me I was a diamond when I did tricks as a kid, and I thought it was a good name to keep”) started to work as a professional magician when he was just 16, and has performed in 37 of the 50 American States and in 22 countries around the world. Mr Tyler told us “Apparently I started playing with a pack of cards when I was just five years old – so I wasted the first four years of my life!”

The Young Magicians of Mann are supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council, and on Friday 14th September will be celebrating the silver anniversary of the club with a special magic show at the Gaiety Theatre, sponsored by SMP Partners and in conjunction with the Youth Service.

Mike Clague, who started the club in 1987 after running two magic workshops as part of a Youth Service Festival, told us that he was delighted to have heard that Diamond Jim intended to visit the Island on his way from a Magic Convention in Cork to visit friends and family in England. Mike explained “Jim decided to visit the Island, and offered to deliver his lecture to club members whilst he was here. It was an offer too good to turn down, and the youngsters were treated to an amazing evening of fun and absolutely mind-blowing magic from a true gentleman and professional entertainer”.

The Young Magicians of Mann are currently touring their well-received It’s Magic! Show around the island. Performances take place at Cronk y Berry School on 18th May, Michael School on 25th May, the Institute in Laxey on 15th June and Scoill Ree Gorree the following Friday. Tickets cost £4 and the shows start at 7pm.