Memories of Fiddler

On this day 46 years ago (January 14th), we were performing the musical “Fiddler on the Roof” in the Town Hall. The production ran for 11 nights in 1979, beginning on Sunday January 14th at 8pm in the Town Hall. The Booking Office was in the Yeats Memorial Building and tickets cost £1.30 for adults and 80p for children under 12. It was directed by Liam Mc Kinney and Choreography was by Pat O’ Connor.

With a cast of over 60, it featured a host of well-known actors from the time including Kieran Hickey, Joan Fitzpatrick, Tony Mc Niffe, Paddy Dooney, Rita Barr, Sheila Horan, Liz Mc Elhone, Mick Kilcoyne, Damien Brennan, Kieran Kelly, Martin Mc Dermottroe, Lionel Gallagher, Kathleen Lindy and Martina Cullen. There was also a full male and female chorus as well as a group of child urchins. A full orchestra provided the musical accompaniment.

Writing for the Western Journal at the time, Tommie Gorman remarked that “to call it a ‘professional production’ would not do it justice”. He said that “from once the show began it never sagged”. Tommie went on to say:

“The whole night smacked of excellence, from make-up and lighting, to choreography by Pat Verdon, stage management and house management right through to the acting, the orchestra with Sheila Crowley as conductor, the music which was the responsibility of Kathleen O’ Hara, and what his lordship Bishop Conway described as the masterful production of Liam Mc Kinney, it was marvellous to see so many people involved ……. and if one can learn any lesson from The Fiddler, it is the wealth of talent that exists within this community, all of which can be properly harnessed and used to create many happy memories. Congratulations and genuine thanks are extended to all those involved”.

Great memories.