Next up for the Question Master- Master McEneaney

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Created: 14 May 2020

ARMAGH THEATRE GROUP 2020 QUESTIONNAIRE :  advice before you start reading Kevin's bio boil the kettle, get comfy and enjoy.

NAME: Kevin McEneaney

JOB/CARREER

Second Level Teacher. I taught in St. Macartan's College, Monaghan, my old Alma Mater for 39 years.  I taught English, sometimes Irish and manners!

ATG MEMBER SINCE;

c.1985

Why DID YOU JOIN?

I had moved from Monaghan in 1984 and after being deeply involved as Chairperson of Monaghan Dramatic Society, I was delighted if a little apprehensive, when Margery Quinn asked me to get involved. As it turned out ATG became a very important part of my life in Armagh. Thank you Margery. Imagine! It took me 35 years to say thanks.

1st PRODUCTION:

My first venture on stage, as an adult, was with Monaghan Dramatic Society and the play was "The Honey Spike" by Bryan McMahon. It was easy to get a part in that play as there seemed to be a cast of hundreds. I was a really "brilliant" B Special!! That play taught me the power of Drama. Some of the audience were inconsolable. We had to bring the expectant mother, who had "died" offstage in childbirth, into the auditorium before we could convince several of those weeping that she had not really died.

1st PRODUCER/DIRECTIOR:

As a teacher of English I had tremendous freedom to involve my students in Drama both in class and on stage. One play I really enjoyed directing was "Us and Them", a small one act by David Compton, where all thirty pupils in First or Second Year could get involved and did they not enjoy it! especially the knocking down of the dividing wall at the end. I'm still not convinced that "Good fences make good neighbours" or that "Good neighbours make good fences"!

I was committed to promoting drama in a footballing orientated College and with others collaborated in producing many plays like "Philadelphia here I come", O'Casey's Trilogy, "Macbeth" and many more. 

In Monaghan I directed "The Patrick Pearse Motel" by Hugh Leonard.

With ATG I have directed or produced "Two", "Slices of Life" and of course "Our Lady of Sligo" by Sebastian Barry . When I met Sebastian at the Dalkey Book Festival I told him I was contemplating directing this particular play. He asked me if I had a Mai. When I told him I had someone with an almost infinite capacity for and dedication to learn lines and someone who could cry on stage he wished me well. Stand up Bridie Heaney!

Kevin and Emily featuring in “Slices of Life”

FAVOURITE THEATRES:

I have been to plays in New York, London, Dublin. Belfast, Cork etc., but none of them with their revolving stages and state of the art lighting and sound systems could hold a candle to Abbey Lane Theatre. Location, location, location and atmosphere.

FAVOURITE PART :

I really enjoyed my part in "The White Headed Boy" directed by Malcolm Dawson even if I opened Act 2, walked on and forgot my words only to be rescued by Hilary Good.

"44 Sycamore" with the barking dogs and being shoved halfway out the window to be "bitten" by the canines will stay in my mind.

Filming "All's Well that Ends Well" (not the Shakespearean version) written and directed by Conor Toner and found on You Tube was a different dramatic experience which I enjoyed.

However playing the 17 year old boy when I was 34 in "Da" by Hugh Leonard in a little purpose-built theatre in The Hillgrove Hotel, Monaghan, gave me a real feel for drama and was probably my favourite part. Maybe it suited my mental age!

BIGGEST ACHIVEMENT ON STAGE:

In 1972 I played the young lover in Brian Friel's play "Lovers"  in Monaghan and in 2009 I played the elderly lover in the same play in Armagh. Brian Friel told me that he hadn't met anyone who had played both parts in his play. I loved that play.

MOST EMBARRASSING STAGE MOMENTSt:

That's easy to remember. May 2000 "The Risen People" directed by Margery. I felt good in the part of the Priest, counterpoint to Big Jim Larkin, socialist and Trade Union Leader. Thursday night went well, Friday night went well. Saturday morning I had no voice, I couldn't speak. This was communicated to Margery and Roisín White nursed me with various concoctions all day. Saturday night in a packed Market Place I joined the cast. Going well but then the counterpoint scene arrived; Larkin on one box, myself all dressed in collar and soutane surrounded by my followers on another -----------

 -  nothing, no voice, silence. I don't know why but I turned my back to the audience, muttered "London" "Liverpool" etc., and frantically gesticulated. Perspiring desperately I summoned up all the strength I could muster, turned back to the audience and somehow, somehow, the words came. Embarrassing or what?! As far as I know "The Risen People" was the first amateur production in the Market Place so I think I can safely claim the dubious distinction of being the first amateur to "dry" on that stage.

LIKES/DISLIKES:

SAVOURY or SWEET

As number nine in a family of eleven children there was very little scope for choice.  Eat what was on your plate or starve. I can eat almost anything. I profess to be a savoury person but please do not let me near an open box of chocolates because they will not last too long.

ENTERTAIN OR BE ENTERTAINED:

I seem to be a poor audience person. I find it difficult to sit for a long period. I much prefer to entertain and I have to admit audiences are very very tolerant at times.

FAVOURITE AUTHOR or PLAYWRIGHT;

My favourite playwright has to be Brian Friel. I really love his work but didn't like Meryl Streep as Kate Mundy in the film"Dancing at Lughnasa". I thought it was a bridge too far.

FAVOURITE MUSIC:

I love most music Folk, Traditional and Light classical in particular. Leonard Cohen, Roy Orbison and Fats Domino are my favourites. I really enjoy nearly all musicals from "Oklahoma", "Sound of Music", "My Fair Lady", "Les Miserables","The Student Prince" etc.  - am I a softie? I still can't fathom Rap. In particular I love to sing and join in with our own musicians like Peter Kelly, Eoin Ó Ceallaigh and John McDonald.

BEST HOLIDAY DESTINATION; (S)

Cruising down the Mekong Delta

No, not the United States, Mexico, Canada, Europe, Tanzania or Ethiopia, all of which were fantastic, but Vietnam. I have to admit that I have only a limited capacity for lying on a beach. I'm more into experiences and my trip from north to south of Vietnam with my daughter ticked all the boxes.

Practically a local in Hanoi

YOUR PARTY PIECE:

I practise the ukulele and the guitar at home and I sound amazing! Somehow when I perform in public it never seems up to scratch.

MANTRA- RULES OF LIFE:

Stop looking over your shoulder at what others have or what others are doing. Get on with living your life but not at the expense of others.

PLAY/ FILM RECOMMENDATION:

"Tarry Flynn" performed in the Gaiety in Dublin was spectacular as was "The White Headed Boy" starring Mikel Murfi who played about five different parts. We all enjoyed the same actor performing in The Market Place. Who could forget him in his own play "The Man in the Woman's Shoes"?

One of the best films I ever saw was the 1964 film "Becket" starring Richard Burton and Peter O'Toole. I also enjoyed "The King's Speech" and "Bohemian Rhapsody".

EXERCISE CHOICE:

I used to enjoy golf in good weather but alas no more. Now I content myself with gardening. I hate walking along the road because of the litter on the roads and in the hedges. I do enjoy walking the beach even in inclement weather.

A bit like Yeats who suggested that as we grow older we should exercise the mind and soul a bit more; We are

"A tattered coat upon a stick, unless

Soul clap its hands and sing"

In an attempt to exercise the mind I have taken up Bridge. I am still in the early stages, the very early stages of learning Bridge. I may be mathematically inept but I don't intend to let this challenge beat me.

FAVOUTITE FOOD:

All food. And, I can't stand Americans who spend their time talking about food.

HOPES FOR ATG by 2026:

God only knows what life will be like in six years. Will we still be socially isolating? That might mean we could have an audience of six to eight people. Perish the thought. I am much more optimistic than that. The ATG community is an extremely creative one and even when the likes of James Lamb, a bit like myself, moves stage left, someone always fills those shoes and I look forward to seeing new talent come centre stage with new ideas, new techniques and a renewed dedication. I hope that they continue and develop the tradition of song, dance, laughter and the spoken word. Step forward New Faces

ATG Jigsaw challenges

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Created: 13 May 2020

Over this past few weeks of lockdown we have been sending out to our supporters email list the link to Armagh Theatre Group's Jigsaw challenge via Planet Jigsaw. These all depict view/scenes related to productions from Abbey Lane over the recent years. Some are easy 50 piece, others not so easy.

To those supporters not on our email list but interested in ATG productions and Jigsaws see the link below to this week's puzzle.  Along with the image from our play last year 'IMPACT'. Send in your time by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  with a photoshot of finished puzzle time.

AND be in with a chance of Champion Puzzler for the week! 

Good luck and keep safe. https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=02528cddaceb

Our secretary Madeleine Kelly answers the questions

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Created: 07 May 2020

ARMAGH THEATRE GROUP QUESTIONNAIRE 2020

NAME; Madeleine Kelly

JOB/CARRER; Retired Civil Servant

ATG MEMBER SINCE; 1966

WHY DID YOU JOIN ;

After an unsuccessful course at University, I was living and working at home and most of my friends had moved on. Armagh Theatre Group had just had a very successful production of Our Town so I decided to join in order to meet new people (men) and have something different in my life.

1st PRODUCTION; The Crucible

1st PRODUCER/DIRECTOR; Larry Ryan

FAVOURITE THEATRE TO PERFORM IN:

Abbey Lane Theatre Armagh has great atmosphere and challenges. Plays are always great fun to participate in with the audience almost on the stage with the actors.

FAVOURITE PART IN A PLAY;

It is hard to decide this as every part presents its own challenge. As I have already said The Crucible was the first play in which I participated and I really thought it was wonderful. I still do, and I have seen several productions of it, the most recent being on Broadway New York. It still made the hairs stand on the back of my neck even after all these years.

BIGGEST STAGE ACHIVEMENT;

Performing in Adam’s Children, which was a dance drama, with two broken bones in my left foot. The plaster on my leg was removed in the dressing room, I was given a local anaesthetic and the foot was strapped up and away we went.

           LIKES/DISLIKES

CHOCOLATE or CAKES;  Yes please

MEAT OR VEG;  Yes please

FRUIT or FRY;  All the time

ENTERTAIN or be ENTERTAINED;  Enjoy both

MOST EMBARRISING STAGE MOMENT;

I forgot to put out a bottle of whiskey for Bridie when we were staging A Streetcar Named Desire. How she continued I will never know. Anyone else would have left the stage, but Bridie is such a trouper she managed. Once again many apologies Bridie.

FAVOURITE PLAYWRIGHT or AUTHOR;   Arthur Miller/ Sebastian Barry

BEDSIDE BOOK;   Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo

FAVOURITE MUSIC;   Abbey Road by the Beatles

BEST HOLIDAY DESTINATION;   I love Italy, but Donegal comes a very close second.

YOUR PARTY PIECE;  Still trying to find one

MANTRA- RULES of LIFE;      Still trying to find them as well.

Book/Play/Film RECOMMENDATION; 

Sebastian Barry’s Steward of Christendom was one of the best plays I have ever seen.

EXERCISE CHOICE; Walking doesn’t cost anything, can be as long or as short as you want, and can be done anywhere.

FAVOURITE FOOD;    Bread and Butter

HOPES FOR ATG by 2026: That it will still be here full of new and enthusiastic members, with some of us old fogies still around to enjoy it!!!    

Robinson Library, Armagh, Georgian Day 2016 Madeleine reading from the Bronte sisters

TOUCH OF WISDOM 6th May 2020

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Created: 06 May 2020

Thought for the day;

IF you think the art of conversation is dead... join a Drama group.

Wisdom to share today; May 4th be with you.

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Created: 04 May 2020

Though for today'; 

There are not many shortcuts to happiness but Amateur Dramatics is one of them.

Guess who is behind the silver mask?

Malcolm Dawson answers the questions

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Created: 30 April 2020

Our next interview in this popular series was graciously given by one of the cornerstones of the Armagh Theatre Group- Malcolm Dawson.

He reminisced with this interviewer in his Donegal hidout while the sun shone on the lapping waves of Sheephaven Bay. Pint of Guinness in one hand and a Doherty's sausage bap in the other, served by his adoring wife Sheila.

Here are the outworkings of that indepth conversation.

Name; Malcolm Dawson

Job/Career; .Retired (15 yrs ago!!) Was involved in Horticultural and renewable energy research for the Ministry of Agriculture – at least that was what it was called when I joined in 1968.

ATG Member since:.1970.- only realising as I write this that it has been 50 years and so many great memories - Claremorris Confined drama finals the hotel if it could be called that and a chef so drunk from the previous night with us that we had to cook breakfast. Jim O’Neill making an early entrance on stage complete with umbrella and fairy lights and retreating quietly. Father Joe insisting on complete accuracy with the script lines – not good for me - I could go on and on.

Why did you join; Liked the parties in the Loft in Jenny’s Row –still link Harry Mc Geough’s rendition of Leaving on a jet plane with some of the best nights there. No really I was involved at school in set design etc but not on stage and wondered what it would be like to be an ‘actor’- Never really found out!!!

1st production On stage: Seamus Mallon’s last production The Evangelist I was the street preacher who left the stage distributing tracts to the audience between acts I and II. Still remember the first lines (something I’m not necessarily noted for) “The wrath of God will be called down on the children of disobedience”.

First Production as producer: Silent Voices a one-act about the poet Francis Ledwidge and his final demise in the trenches in 1917 a challenge which I really enjoyed – thank you Margery Quinn David O’Toole Kevin McEaneny and Maryln White- it led on to many more each with their unforgettable memories.

1st producer/director;. .As above Seamus Mallon but was taken over by Patrick Shields (him of Tasmania) when Seamus became involved in politics.

Favourite theatre performed in;. Has to be the Patrician Hall in Carrickmore first for discomfort for both cast and public (don’t flush the toilet while actors are on stage) but also first for hospitality. Unfortunately but sensibly the free bar in the dressing room was discontinued. Possibly after my appearance as Willie in Home is the Hero with the Benburb Players where I appeared with Paddy Brolly an unforgettable experience. I left Carrickmore the following morning with a lift from the milkman. I also recall an Edwardian Restoration Comedy – The way to Keep Them- when after act one two members of the audience had this brief conversation overheard by one of the Group “ well Mary what do you think to which Mary replied I’ll not be back it is a load of shite!!!

Favourite play and part; The Shadow Box one of Father Joe’s productions for us. I played one of the three people who were patients in a hospice – waiting - and being visited by family. My son in the play was a twelve year old John Paul Connolly who gained theatrical fame before his real fame in London and Broadway by using the “F” word on stage.

Biggest achievement on stage: Remembering my words often not necessarily in the right order but I usually remembered the cue line.
Wine or beer; Yes please wine and beer to be precise Argentinian Malbec and any microbrewery craft beer currently Twisted Hop from the Hilden Brewery in Lisburn.

Drugs or therapy; Never did drugs- honestly and therapy never entered my conscious thinking till I did Shining City produced by Margaret Marjoram It was a real eye opener and whilst it scared the life out of me with the pages long monologues it had a real message.

Meat or Veg; Why do I have to choose? I like both definitely not vegan.

To entertain or be entertained;..There is a different excitement about both but if I have to choose I suppose provided things go well and there is a good feedback from the audience I would choose the entertain option.

Most embarrassing stage moment; there were many!! Two notable ones. Firstly in the Restoration Comedy The way to keep him where I had to read a long love letter which I hadn’t learned off as it was in a desk drawer on stage. However on one occasion it wasn’t there and I had to retrieve it from behind stage. A close second was in The shadow of a gunman when the bomb had gone off and Malachi and I had retreated under the blankets there was a long silence and I peered out to tell Malachi it was his line and he indicated ‘vigorously’ that it was mine As usual he was right!.

Favourite author/Playwright; Probably the one who was responsible for the play I was in or directing at the time. Again making a choice Arthur Millar All my Sons and Death of a Salesman both very strong plays and on the other end of the scale Bernard Farrell – who can forget the riotous comedy in Stella by Starlight, I do not like thee Dr Fell Happy birthday dear Alice and 44 Sycamore

Chocolate or Cakes;..Don’t have a sweet tooth but do like chocolate on occasions.

Fry or fruit;.Definitely fry but not too often.

Best Holiday destination;..Why do you ask? DONEGAL for the last 60 years.

Your party piece; .Used to have one but in sobriety when I discovered I couldn’t sing I gave it up.

Mantra-rules of life;. Live, love, laugh and be happy – don’t know who said it and I know it can’t be like that all the time but not a bad object to aim for.

Book/Play/Film recommendation; ..The book which made the most lasting impact on me was Long walk to freedom – Nelson Mandela’s biography.

Exercise choice;. Don’t do it – at my age really!! I get enough in the garden

Favourite Food;. .The one that cooked for me.

Hopes for ATG in 2026..To be still vertical and involved in the New revamped theatre in Abbey Lane with as Bridie said toilet facilities behind stage.

Malcolm, Pat and Madeleine in 'Someone to talk too' this wonderful one act by Michael Judge in Abbey Lane Theatre.

Today's nugget of wisdom April 27th 2020

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Created: 27 April 2020

Today's wise words; 

Charlie Chaplin once lost a contest for a Charlie Chaplin  look-a-like competition.

Some times people just don't believe what's in front of them.

Mary Lamb replies to ATG Questionnaire 2020

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Created: 24 April 2020

                                         ARMAGH THEATRE GROUP QUESTIONNAIRE 2020

NAME; Mary Lamb.

JOB. Secondary teacher of English.

HOW LONG ARE YOU A MEMBER.

I am a foundation member. When I went to a meeting in the City Hall the audience was divided by an aisle down the middle of the hall and by religion left and right. We formed a group that had no divisions and has worked through some divisive times. At festivals adjudicators often mentioned the exceptional standard of cooperation in our team. A proud tradition.

REASON FOR JOINING;

I always wanted to be an actor being fortunate enough to have had apart in “I Want to be an Actor” a radio programme run by Cicely Matthews from which I think Jimmy Ellis may have emerged to run Z Cars. In the sixties I was looking after 2 children and needed to do something .James encouraged me to investigate this new group. I had a really rich experience over the following 25 or so years, learning and making friends with other actors who are still friends..

We made our home in various pubs and moved like gipsies from camp to camp until we landed first in the Loft in Jenny’s Row and finally in Abbey Lane, our permanent home, loved by us and our audiences alike.

MY FIRST PLAY was:

“The Crucible” produced by Larry Ryan, then teaching at the Christian Brothers school. The process of production was a drama in itself, with a magnificent outcome. Mary Knipe cut Puritan collars as we stood in the wings and broken ankles were a publicity opportunity. Stanley, Seamus and Larry argued passionately.

FAVOURITE THEATRE;

Is of course Abbey Lane with its closeness to the audience, but The Grand Opera House in Belfast runs it a close second .We were able to experience its intimacy with Factory Girls.

PART MOST PROUD OF;

Was Theresa in “The Hostage”. Playing a young girl in middle age was not easy- And I was supposed to sing! Then there was the humiliation of being told not to sing. I learned a lot. That was one of several productions that had a political background, both in the writing and in the reality simmering around us. Tensions ran high and sometimes benefitted the performance.

GREATEST DISLIKE;

Is background music either unnecessary or played at a volume that obscures the words.

GREATEST LOVE; The family is my greatest love

Having grown up with rationing I have escaped a sweet tooth. What a benign diet Lord Wooten devised. We were really all in that together.

ENTERTAIN or be ENTERTAINED:

Entertain is best and if you can’t do it then to be entertained is next best.

WORST MOMENT ON STAGE;

Was in “The Actress and the Bishop” by Stuart Parker when Malachi’s line about putting on his cassock was marred by the fact that I as stage manager had forgotten to put it in position. Sorry again Malachi but your improvisation skills saved the day.

BOOK OF THE MOMENT;

As for the book on my kindle at the moment is “The Mirror and the Light”.

FAVOURITE ALBUM;

I think my favourite album might be a compilation of all the songs in the plays we have performed. Anyone take it on?

BEST HOLIDAY DESTINATION; . Italy is hard to beat, but Donegal comes close.

PARTY PIECE:  A poem of four lines.... or preferably three.

MANTRA FOR LIFE :  Hoping to find it!

MOST ENJOYABLE EXERCISE  : Yoga

FAVOURITE FOOD:  Good bread.

BEST BOOK :  Impossible but “Mothering Sunday” by Graham Swift is perfection.

HOPES FOR ATG by 2026.

Another influx of talented younger people to carry on the regenerative work of the current committee. Open mic (that spelling is my other hate)

Night has been so good for involving the wider community and has boosted numbers of people wanting to be part of our organisation. “ Our Town” so magnificently presented a couple of years ago was testimony of that.         All sorts of luxuries will be in place: a foyer ! Toilets backstage! Good disabled access and facilities! There’ll be no stopping us!

Shutdown will be past and we will be harnessing all sorts of technology in the cause of drama for all.

Best wishes, Mary.

(Top left, Mary and grandson Rory concentrate on rehearsals of 'Our Town' in St Catherines college 2016.)

Today's wisdom nugget Mon 20th April2020

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Created: 20 April 2020

Amature Dramatics can be hard work at times.

Stage construction on 'Gaslight' stalls as Malcolm, Hilary and Madeleine check their Lotto numbers.

Joe McCool shares a blog from darkest Tullysaran.

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Created: 19 April 2020

Our friend, supporter and Open Mic contributor Joe McCool responds to a call for stories to entertain our vast web audience.

This is not for the easily offended or for those with an underlaying problem, or flatulence.

The  onus for any offence taken lies solely with the author.

Click on the link below.   Good Luck!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eQFMYjm3gu4FNPOgiSxgEb9ii1MRMz8m/view?