Compton Organ Concert - John Mann

Born in Brighton, John Mann began his musical career playing piano and church organ before, at just 17, being engaged to play for skaters at Brighton Ice Rink. He also performed with Bobby Howell’s Band at Brighton Sports Stadium.

John’s theatre organ career began following an introduction to renowned cinema organist Peter Kilby, who recommended him to Joseph Seal, Musical Director of the ABC Cinemas circuit. Impressed by Kilby’s recommendation, Mr Seal engaged John without an audition.

During 1959 John toured ABC Cinemas with live shows, based at the Plaza in Worthing, followed by summer seasons in Skegness and Ramsgate. He then spent ten years playing at Queens Ice Rink in London. A proficient ice skater himself, John brought a unique understanding to the art of accompanying skaters.

John later returned to the summer season circuit, performing in Worthing, Eastbourne and Bexhill-on-Sea, while spending the winter months demonstrating Eminent organs and appearing on the concert circuit. He also toured with his hugely entertaining one-man show, combining superb musicianship with his trademark cheeky humour.

Although John has reduced his touring in recent years, he continues to perform during the summer in Worthing and Eastbourne and remains a firm favourite with theatre organ audiences. He has made numerous recordings on both Eminent and theatre pipe organs, broadcast from the Granada Tooting and was a popular contributor to BBC Radio 2’s The Organist Entertains.

We are delighted to welcome this much-loved performer to Grantham for another entertaining and memorable Compton concert.