From the archives: Anto excelled as ‘Buttons’ in Mayo production of Cinderella

By Tom Gillespie

CASTLEBAR, through the years, has enjoyed an enviable reputation for the high standard it has always set in stage productions, and while there have been many outstanding presentations of musical and dramatic productions, in the past, it was pleasing to note that this year’s pantomime very definitely upheld the town’s proud stage tradition.

So read the introduction to a review of the 1960 panto Cinderella, which was staged in the town hall in January of that year.

The production, the article said, was an ‘exceptionally high measure of success’.

That this is not an exaggeration can be gathered from the fact that the hall was booked out every night and on two nights it showed the largest box office returns ever recorded, for single nights, at any such show held in the hall.

This is the finest tribute that can be paid to the producer, Mr. Joe Twiggs, M.P.S.I., who was making his debut in that important category, as well as to every member of the cast, and was positive proof of the measure of success of the show.

Cinderella, with the cast of over 60 members, was produced with skill and imagination by the young producer, Mr. Twiggs, a member of a well-known and very popular local family, who had the courage to step forward and undertake the onerous task of stepping into the boots of former producers, Mr. Stephen Garvey, the late Mr. Jimmy Garvey and well-known stage personality Mr. Andy McTigue.

These three producers were renowned throughout the county for the high quality of their productions and in the light of the high reputation that they built up, very special compliments and congratulations are due to Mr. Twiggs for maintain the high standard of the past in this, his first essay.

The review said 'the show ran smoothly from beginning to end. The artists gave unstintingly of their best at all times and, while it may be considered invidious to single out any member for special praise, we feel that in passing, tributes are deservingly due to those who played leading roles for really outstanding performances'.

The review continued: To glance at the principles it can first of all be said that Miss Anne Nevin, who was making her first appearance in a Castlebar stage production, played the part of ‘Cinderella’ in a most impressive manner and her portrayal through was sincere and convincing.

In most pantomime productions it has generally been found that ladies play the leading male roles best and this can, without doubt, be said of Miss Joan Hanley’s performance in the role of ‘Prince’.

It was outstanding. She acquitted herself in a manner that would be hard to equal. Her singing was one of highlights of the show and left a very pleasing impression on the patrons while her acting showed that she has mastered all that is desired of stage technique.

Roles that could hardly be surpassed by professionals were those played by Mr. James (Bunny) Glynn (Prunella) and Mr. Billy Bastow (Chlorinda), ‘The Ugly Sisters’, and they deserve to be highly commended for their excellent performances. They were highly entertaining and their wit and humorous remarks and paradies received well-deserved round after round of applause.

Mr. Anto Condon, who is remarkable for his performance in last year’s pantomime, was equally brilliant this year.

He was really first class in the role of ‘Buttons’ and the great reception he received every time he appeared on the stage was most deserving.

He is to be congratulated for a part well played as is also Mr. Joe Keane who played the part of ‘Baron’ in a manner that was most pleasing. His singing of the popular song ‘Jogging Along the Highway’ and other numbers was well received and thoroughly enjoyed.

Miss Maura Gilligan (Fairy Godmother) played her part to perfection as did Miss Bernie Collins (Daisy Bell), Miss Pauline Johnston (Dandini) and Miss T. Stewart (Alino), while Miss Mary Walsh (Queen) was all that could be desired.

Mr. Joe Twiggs played the role of ‘King’ as well as he did that of producer.

The opening scene, with the chorus singing ‘The Riff Song’, followed by Miss Pauline Johnston and Miss Bernie Collins singing ‘By the Light of the Silvery Moon’, put the show off to a good start.

Billy Moran’s parody on Gerry Colona’s popular numbers was well received and enjoyed.

A delightful diversion during the changing of the scenes was the performance by the Skiffle Group which included Messers. Joe Gibbons, Michael Guthrie, J. McDonnell and Anto Condon.

This was an outstanding item which was exceptionally well received and the fans of the famous Elvis Presley say that he was nothing on Joe Gibbons.

The ballet scene from the Sleeping Beauty by Regina Langan and Gene Egan was excellent while the performance of the tiny varies was exquisite and thoroughly appreciated by all.

They included P. Dunne, Mavourneen Redmond, F. Ward, E. Bresnihan, F. McEllin, M. Dever. Patricia Redmond, M. Staunton, M. Kilroy and E. Golden.

The Court Dance - Minute was graceful and won the admiration of everyone. Those taking part were D. Barrett, J. Madden, N. McGreal and F. McTigue.

Ladies of the chorus: Misses Angela Denning, Jean Madden, Angela Gavin, Finola McTigue, Moira Rosengrave, Jean McGreal, Maureen Joyce, Maura Jennings, Paulina Martin, Deirdre Barrett, Barbara McGreal, Ita Murphy, Teresa Daly and Mary Pluck.

Gentlemen of the chorus: Messers. J. McHugh, Wm. Moran, J. Jordan, M. Guthrie, Joe Pluck, Seamus Chambers, Joe Gibbons, Jimmy McDonnell, Bunny Martin, and Ray Clarke.

Choreography: Mrs. Langan.

Orchestra: conductor - Rev. Fr. Tom Shannon, C.C.; piano - Mrs. T. Hunt; violina - Mrs. F.J. O’Brien, Mr. W. Gaynor, Mrs. J. Daly, Miss B. Johnston, Miss M. Smith, Miss F. Moran; ‘cellos - Miss R. Carney, Mrs. P. Carney.

Stage management and settings: Messers. P. Gavin, J. Brett, Jack Heverin and John McEvilly.

Lighting and effects: Mr. P. Coyle.

Make-up: Mr. R. Kilkelly and Mrs. P. Mahoney.