Birr Stage Guild Marks 50th
Anniversary With Exhibition And Commemorative Magazine
Birr Stage Guild marked the golden jubilee of its formation last weekend
and recalled successful shows, plays, pageants and musicals presented by
the Guild over the last 50 years in Birr town.
A commemorative magazine was launched and a show case of photographs was
put on display at Dooly's Hotel last Saturday afternoon to mark the
Guild's outstanding contribution over the last 50 years to the social
development and artistic contribution of its members and supporters
throughout the town and surrounding areas.
The guild was established in 1958 and one of its primary aims was the
encouragement of cultural activities in general and the theatre in
particular. As Chairperson of the Birr Stage Guild, Maureen De Forge
remarked from extracts of the guild's first programme, the pantomine
'Little Red Riding Hood, 'Its approach to the theatre is based on the
principal that the first duty of an amateur company is to serve its own
community.' An estimated 10,000 people attended the guild's first
pantomine which ran for two weeks.
The magazine, which was edited by Tony Hogan, outlines many poignant and
entertaining memories from the Guild's half century of community
entertainment. The display at Dooly's Hotel was also made possible
through the ardent work of Sean Hanniffy who spent many months putting
together over 50 years of memories for the public's perusal. A number of
the photographs and scenes from the past were also transcribed on to
Computer Discs.
The weekend marked the high point of the Guild's 50 year celebrations
and invited to speak to mark the occasion was one of the Guild's most
ardent and enthusiastic supporters founder member Frank McNamara, who
from the earliest years, both on stage and later as director of plays,
pantomines, musicals, helped to carry the legacy of the founding
aspirations and passion for theatre to the present generation.
Also speaking to mark the occasion was another founder member Gerry
Dolan whose superb contribution both in singing and performance down
through the years in many roles often became a highlight of many musical
productions.
Frank McNamara remarked that when Jimmy Fanning founded the Birr Little
Theatre back in 1934 it was unique in these islands, 'so much so that
the world renowned Time Magazine from America sent representatives to
Birr to review its plays. They were followed to Birr by many of the
national papers including the Manchester Guardian amongst others.' Frank
added that from the outset a number of professional actors took part in
the productions in what was a very high standard and professional
enterprise.
Tribute was also paid to Annie Noonan, the first Musical Director, whose
brilliance for many years helped devise, arrange, and direct the music
for pantomimes, pageants, Good Olde Days, reviews and musicals. Tribute
was also paid to the Guild's many contributors and supporters including
Per Johannson from Sweden who has been coming to Birr and supporting the
theatre for numerous years.
Speaking on the occasion Gerry Dolan gave some interesting anecdotal
insights into the Guild's history revealing to the audience the lines
from the opening number on the first pantomine ever performed by the
Guild, namely Little Red Riding Hood, 'Good evening friends. How about
some cheer before the evening ends. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow is
far away but lets have a real good evening friends.'
Gerry added, 'we cannot bring back those days at the Marian Hall or
performing in the Theatre but we can cherish the memories and today is
the day for sharing those memories. As I look around at this exhibit of
the 50th Anniversary of the Guild we have very beautiful memories and
many very happy days, evenings and great nights to recall.'
Gerry concluded on the thoughtful note, 'Today's our Golden Jubilee and
we want you all to know how we looked when we were young 50 years ago.'
Also as part of the weekend of celebration of the Guild's Golden Jubilee
Mass was celebrated in St. Brendan's Church on Sunday. Fr Tony Cahir PP
recalled the original meeting of the Guild which took place on the 26th
of October at the parochial House. 'Since that time,' Fr Cahir remarked,
'over a hundred productions have taken place affording a great
opportunity to artists, musicians and script writers helping to develop
the talent of the people in the area.'
Fr Cahir referred to the great Lourdes pageant/play put on in 1958 to
mark the centenary of the Our Lady's apparition at Lourdes. Fr Cahir
added that people travelled from the four corners of Ireland to see the
spectacular presentation of the appearance of Our Lady in a pageant at
the Marian Hall. Fr Cahir explained that the reactions from the crowd
drew gasps of wonder when they saw the transformation take place on the
stage set out as the rock of massabielle (massabielle is the rock onto
which is set the basilica at Lourdes). The pageant was entitled, 'Beyond
the Mill' and was written, produced, designed and Directed by J.I.
Fanning.
Fr Cahir also recalled a beautiful production of an AIMS Choral Festival
which was hosted by the Stage Guild and in particular the beautiful
rendering of the Hallelujah chorus at the end of the evening prayer, 'it
was so beautiful that it made goosepimples stand up on the back of your
neck.'
Fr Cahir added that a similar success was enjoyed last Sunday where
people remarked on the outstanding musical performances during the
Lourdes Mass. Outstanding musical performances were heard on Trumpet by
Paul Hensey, Organ (Enda O'Connor) and by the Choir which was directed
by Gerry Dolan.
Fr Cahir also complimented the dressing of the altar and the
presentation of gifts which was executed most dutifully by the Corcoran
Windsor School of Dancing with Michael Campbell leading the Choir in the
hymn, 'we come to your feet.'
Other choral contributors on the day included Deirdre Hanniffy, Gerry
Dolan, Tommy Lyndon and Ann Hogan. The lessons were read by Michael
Donegan and Ann O'Callaghan and prayers led by John Irwin, Dawn Legace
and Kathleen Garahy. The very creative sacred space was mounted by Agnes
O'Brien and Peggy Dolan of the Altar Society.
Midland Tribune 29th May 2008
