Mayo memories: ‘Goody Two Shoes’ graced panto stage in 1958
By Tom Gillespie
CASTLEBAR has a proud tradition in pantomime and 67 years ago (1958) it was no exception when ‘Goody Two Shoes’ graced the stage of the town hall for seven nights.
A review of the production in The Connaught Telegraph went as follows:
The beautiful singing of the leading lady, Miss Joan Hanley, the dancing in ultra-violet by the Redmond School of Dancing, Castlebar, and the comic ballet by members of the cast were some of the outstanding features of Castlebar’s Christmas pantomime.
The annual feast of music and dance was presented by the well-known and very popular local stage personality, Mr. Andy McTigue, N.T., with Rev. Tom Shannon, C.C., as musical director.
While views were freely expressed that it did not surpass the brilliant successes of other years productions, the general consensus of opinion was that it was a three-hour show that provided light-class entertainment to the very large audiences in attendance each night.
Packed with humorous situations and funny dialogue with, of course, topical and local witticisms, it was enjoyable and amusing from start to finish.
This year a number of newcomers made their debut, and they especially deserve to be congratulated on their efforts, while the stalwarts of other years, who are always to the fore whether on the stage or behind the scenes, deserve the highest praise for their wonderful voluntary effort in assisting to present this show which brings enjoyment to thousands of people.
The scenery and colourful lighting effects added to the production, while the short delay between scenes had a very commendable feature. In fact it was practically non-stop from start to finish, which reflects on the production techniques, as it meant audiences were kept entertained without a dull moment.
Every member of the cast acquitted themselves well, while, of course, topping the bill was the producer, Mr. Andy McTigue, who played the part of ‘Dame Hubbard’. His ability on stage is well known and his efforts this year showed that his personality and ability, like wine, are improving with age. His talent for witty topical remarks and his acting as a comedian always makes him outstanding on stage.
Apart from Mr. McTigue, most of the other members of the cast playing principal roles were new to the stage. The outstanding new discovery was Miss Joan Hanley, domestic science teacher in the Convent of Mercy, and a member of a well-known local family.
Playing the part of ‘Goody’, she was quite at home on stage and her singing of popular songs of the day and operatic pieces were thoroughly enjoyable. This was her first appearance in such a local production and patrons, will undoubtedly, look forward to seeing her again on stage.
Her partner, Mr. Benny Martin (‘Prince Fearless’), was also making his first appearance in panto, though possessing a voice not strong enough to do real justice to the role he had to play, particularly when singing duets with Miss Hanley, he otherwise acquitted himself well.
During the week Herbie Glynn, playing the part of ‘Sammy’, carried one of the leading parts in a manner that won him the praise of the audience, while worthy of a very special mention for the excellent way he deputised for Mr. Glynn in the same part on Saturday night and preceding nights was Mr. Anton Condon. He is deserving of the highest praise for this his first effort in a leading role.
James Glynn (‘Sir Highlow Downed’, the squire) played his difficult role to perfection and added to the prestige he enjoys as a local stage personality.
Two who gave rollicking performances that would be hard to equal were Ollie Pluck and Eamonn Whelan. They certainly did justice to the parts they had to play and the ballet dance (‘Skit’) which they, along with Bunny and Herbie Glynn, took part in was an outstanding feature and caused much laughter.
Seamus Chambers played the part of ‘Damon Venomia’ to perfection, while Joe Twiggs (‘Lancelot’ and crier), Finola McTigue (‘Fairy Crystal’), Beatrice Conway (girl), and Andrea McTigue (‘Scran’ and dog) performed their tasks to the satisfaction of everyone. Songs rendered by Jimmy O’Reilly added to the enjoyment of all.
A really outstanding scene was that performed by the Redmond School of Dancing with ultra-violet lighting effects. This scene will be long remembered and those taking part well deserve the great reception accorded. They were Maura O’Flaherty, Aggie Conway, Andrea McTigue, Maura McDonagh and Ann Bresnihan.
The orchestra was well balanced and tuneful. Deserving a very special tribute is musical director, Fr. Shannon, for the admirable way her performed his task.
Fr. Shannon and Mr. McTigue were the guiding lights of the whole show and they deserve to be heartily congratulated for the high measure of success it attained.
On Sunday night, the closing night of the show, Mr. Michael J. Egan, Solicitor, president of the local conference of St. Vincent de Paul Society, said he would like to thank the large audiences who supported the pantomime. As in previous years the proceeds from the panto went to the society.
Mr. Egan said the society expended £1,000 annually and £600 of that was raised at the annual collection. That left £400 to be raised from other functions, the main source of revenue coming from the annual pantomime.
“The pantomime in Castlebar is a traditional function associated with Christmas,” Mr. Egan said.
“The tradition was started by the late Mr. Jimmy Garvey and following his untimely death, Mr. Andy McTigue assumed the mantle. Both Mr. McTigue and Fr. Shannon have done trojan work for the past few weeks to prepare for the pantomime.”
Continuing, he said that a pantomime could not be produced unless they had an orchestra to accompany it. Mr. Sean O’Connell and the other members of the orchestra worked very hard during rehearsals.