Out to make his Mark!

Mar 7 2008 by Andrew Baldwin, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

A POPULAR choice for organist at the next concert at the Rex cinema, Elland, is young Mark Thompson (pictured).

The 21-year-old, a university student who lives in Tyne and Wear, makes his appearance on Sunday, March 16 at 2.30pm.

He started playing the electronic organ when he was seven and now travels up and down the country playing the Yamaha EL90 organ.

Mark won the Young Theatre Organist of the Year competition in 2004 and plays each summer on the Howden-le-Wear Wurlitzer organ, which came from the New Victoria cinema in Bradford.

He also plays the church organ and recently released his first CD.

Rex proprietor Charles Morris says: “Mark first played for us two years ago, both on our Conn organ and his own Yamaha EL90.

“It was a very popular concert and I am sure it will be equally enjoyable this time. It is reassuring to know that there are young organists of his calibre who will be carrying on the tradition.”

Admission to the concert is £4 for everybody. It starts at 2.30pm and lasts until about 4.30pm. Refreshments will be served in the interval and a short film novelty will be included in the programme.