The cast of "Lord Edward or '98" - 27th and 28th January 1926 - St. Columb's Hall, Derry
Benny, my father, is standing second from the right in the middle row.
His sister, Maisie, is sitting on the ground in front of him.

 

From the Derry Weekly News and Herald - Saturday 30 January 1926

ST. COLUMB'S GUILDS DRAMATIC SOCIETY, DERRY
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Splendid Presentation of “Lord Edward Fitzgerald”
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In recent years we have many times had performances by the Dramatic Society connected with St Columb's Guilds, but it was generally conceded that this year's effort on Wednesday and Thursday evenings far eclipsed all previous performances despite the fact that there were new members in the caste (sic). I do not intend to give fulsome praise which I consider valueless to the Guilds and unfair to myself. On other occasions I hesitated to give a severe critique as the boys were all young and inexperienced, but as the principals have now been before the footlights for three or four years, I think they have earned a title to be treated as responsible members of the Society, and not as children.

Perhaps I should give pride of place in this notice to the ladies but I will not. As the dominating figure in the play is the scoundrel Magan, the false friend of the too trusting and loyal Lord Edward, I place him first. Mr Ben Palmer we have seen in many roles and in all he has shone, but for downright cunning and duplicity he would have few rivals in the part. He not only acted the part, he felt it, and looked it, than which I have no higher praise. Here was no ranting, raving melodramatic villain, but an artistic performance hard to surpass. He has a few little mannerisms which he must correct such as clutching his breast, and certain poses which are rather stereotyped, but then were not the great Sir Henry Irving's mannerisms part of his personality and as such helped him to fame?

Lord Edward Fitzgerald, the patriot whose romantic life story has fired the imaginations of countless thousands, whose courage and daring no less than his tender love for the beautiful Pamela found a very able exponent in Mr M'Monagle. He is no novice in the dramatic art, but a finished actor. He had in “Lord Edward” a part after his own heart and one which gave ample scope for his undoubted ability and dramatic sense. He is an earnest actor and the only fault I find is a certain monotony of tone, he needs more colour and warmth especially in the scenes with his wife and child. There is a natural hardness in the Derry voice difficult to eradicate, he can do it if he will, and I know he will.

Mr Tom Curran as “Fras Higgins” seems fated to play unpleasant roles as I've never seen him [in] any other. That they suit him is the reason, I suppose, but I suggest next time he be tries in a different sort of character. I am sure he would be quite as successful as he is in this. He is one of the most conscientious actors the Guilds have and his portrayal of the second villain left absolutely nothing to be desired. He was cringing, cunning and cruel in turns as required and earned the “hisses” of the audience which spells success in a role of this nature. Again I must say I thought his tone rather monotonous and he should have tried to make it deeper. It was too reminiscent of his “Feeny”. All the same I heartily congratulate him.

Lord Edward's servant “Tony” was a new recruit I think and a very fine one too. His name in private life is
Mr J McGarrigle and I can prophecy he will be heard of in more pretentious parts later on. He was really excellent.

One of the finest characters in this drama as “Thady McGrath” one of Lord Edward's staunchest supporters, and in
Mr Frank Deeny we have an exponent in every way worthy, and one whom, with a little experience – this is his first appearance as a ”principal” - will be a very fine character actor. His acting was restrained and refined and his singing enjoyable.

As his sweetheart “Katie Moriarty” Miss Nora McGeady added fresh laurels to those she won in former years. Her acting was most natural and simple and her diction clear. She and Thady supplied the comedy relief to this very tragic story.

Miss Lizzie Doherty is a new actress who will prove a great acquisition to the Guild's Society. She “doubled” the parts of “Madame de Sillery” and “Miss Moore” and proved her versatility by her success in each. As “Madame” in the first act she gave us a typical interpretation of the gay French character, and the tender solicitude and care for the unfortunate patriot in the succeeding acts was equally typical of the Irish character. It was a very creditable debut indeed, and I heartily congratulate her.

Miss Maisie Palmer has “starred” locally in many roles, but I think in “Pamela” she had a part which she really enjoyed herself, and consequently was very nearly the realisation of the original. Beautiful and calm she moved in graceful loveliness through each trying incident, devoted and loving, loyal tender and true until in the final scene with the traitor “Magan” she fiercely attacks him. There was never the slightest suspicion of insincerity in word or act and in this part I think Miss Palmer has reached the high water mark of her amateur career.

“Little Lord Edward” was very cleverly played by a tiny girl – Miss Julia Tegen. She spoke her lines with great self-possession and was not in the least disturbed by the crowded hall. She will probably be heard of later, and as a daughter of Mr Joe Tegen, we expect she will have a successful amateur career.

Mr D Devlin, as “Major Swan”, was sufficiently vigorous and Mr Harry M'Court as “Major Sirr” gave a creditable performance in a difficult role. Mr J M'Laughlin was a very fine “Neilson” and Mr M M'Laughlin must certainly be congratulated on his spirited interpretation in the role of “General Hoche”. Mr P Cunningham as “Mr Moore” fulfilled all duties conscientiously and Mr J Looney was quite good as “Napper Tandy”.

The minor roles were all capably filled as follows “Sergeant” Mr W M'Cay, “Lord Henry Fitzgerald” Mr G M'Gowan. The soldiers and peasants deserve a special word of praise, and as for the stage manager Mr J J Murray and his assistants, I think they should have medals presented to them for the excellent staging and scenery which was one of the most notable features of the show. Mr B Palmer did all the secretarial spadework and must have been pleased with the result. The costumes of the period were splendid and the Guilds are indebted to Mr Whittle Derry Opera House for the scenery.

The orchestral selection enhanced the enjoyment of the huge audience between the acts. As for the coach and producer, Mr Joe Tegen, who puts his whole heart into the work, he must have had his reward at this, the most successful show he has yet staged, and in the appreciation of his and the Guild's work as shown by the support accorded on Wednesday night, and which was the measure of the public's faith in Mr Tegen and his splendid company. The performance was repeated with equal success on Thursday evening, and at the close the spiritual director of the Guilds Rev P Devine CC thanked all who had given their assistance to make the production a success.

Mairin.

 

Another review in an unknown newspaper stated:

".... Equally good was Mr B. Palmer in the role of Francis Magan. His acting throughout, particularly in situations of high dramatic intensity, was really a treat and evoked the heartiest approbation of the audience. Miss M. Palmer's portrayal of the winsome Pamela was accomplished with exceptional delicacy and charm .... "

 

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