A new exhibition celebrating the Isle of Man as one of the hottest spots for entertainment tourism has opened at the Manx Museum.

‘That’s Entertainment’ charts the growth of the entertainment industry from the 18th century through to the boom years of tourism in the late 19th and early 20th century. 

Nicola Tooms is the curator of the exhibition – she says:

“Over a hundred years ago thousands of visitors arrived on the island seeking new and exciting leisure activities to enjoy during their holiday.

“From fire eaters to Music Hall legends, circus acts to famous singers, the biggest stars of the day all performed on the Isle of Man in front of huge crowds at the range of opulent venues on offer.”

The exhibition includes an eclectic mixture of objects, photographs, archives and film footage, providing a sense of nostalgia from the holiday heydays.

There is a magic trick area for visitors to learn some sleight of hand, a dressing room so you can have fun preparing for your own moment in the limelight and thanks to the generous loan from a local collector, visitors will also be able to enjoy playing in our own mini penny arcade.

Nicola continued: “Putting the exhibition together has been so much fun and has brought back many of my own personal memories including visiting White City as a young child.

“The objects in the exhibition have already been a great talking point from the Penny slot machines to the jolly policeman from the White City Go Carts.

“Colleagues and visitors have already been swapping fond memories of concerts at the Palace, the choice of cinemas and performers such as Karma, Ronricco and Salamander.”

‘That’s Entertainment’ is on display at the Manx Museum until Sunday, April 28th.

Admission is free.