A north Pembrokeshire magician has become the first in the county to become a full member of the prestigious Magic Circle.

Solva based Tom Luddington, who performs under the stage name Tom Thumb Magic, has been performing magic professionally for more than ten years.

As well as performing at weddings and parties, Tom is the resident magician at the award-winning Grub Kitchen restaurant in St Davids and also runs workshops and private lessons in London and Pembrokeshire.

His style of magic is known as “close up magic” where the magic happens right in front of you and often in the hands of the audience.

Tom says entering the Magic Circle has given him the confidence to work full-time as a professional magician.

“I was delighted to pass the exam,” he said. “I have met some wonderful magicians at the Magic Circle over the past few years, and I’m proud to now be part of the same club as the biggest names in magic.”

To become a member of the most secretive club in the world, magicians have to be put forward by two existing members who have known them for at least a year. After an initial interview and period of apprenticeship, candidates then have to pass an exam which involves performing magic to around 50 members at the Magic Circle. Three judges then meet at council to decide if the magic and presentation were good enough to award full membership.

“It’s not easy to get in, but once you are in you have access to a huge library of magic books and resources - and of course other members are happy to share many of their secrets and to work together to take the art of magic to the next level at club meetings and events. Being a member has already taken my magic to the next level again.

“I believe magic done well can be something really special as well as being great fun. It's a great feeling to be able to share magic with people. A dream job for me.”

To find out more contact Tom Thumb Magic: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tomthumbmagic/ Website: www.tomthumbmagic.com