A scan of an old photograph of the church building. Date unknown. (Thanks for Sam Flanagan for image)
The artistic talents of our church were on full display 60 years ago with a well-received theatrical production which left the audience demanding more.
Here follows excerpts from a report which featured in The Leader on March 16, 1956.
The Rampart Street Schoolroom, Dromore, was filled to capacity on three evenings last week when the local N.S. Presbyterian Church Amateur Dramatic Society presented “Bed of Rose’s” (a broad comedy in three acts by Falkland L Cary). So much was the comedy enjoyed that there have been requests for a repeat performance. This has been arranged for Wednesday evening next at 8 o’clock.
It’s no exaggeration to say that the Players were at their best, and the performances reflect the very highest credit on them and their producer, Miss Margaret Whitehead. It was very evident that much time and thought had been given to the production. The cast were all well suited to their parts, and all, including three newcomers to the stage (Joan Russell, Audrey Agnew and her brother Sam), played with confidence.
Of the more seasoned players there were Anna Ferguson and Jim Flanagan, who, in their own inimitable way, brought an ever-popular touch of romance into the picture; Violet Scott, very much at home in a serious role; Edith Boal, playing with apparent ease in a part which called for actions as well as words; the one and only Sam Agnew (senior), always equal to any emergency; and last but not least William Wilkinson, whose versatility enabled him to “care for the body” with the same ability with which he “looked after the soul” in last season’s production.
The full cast in order of appearance was as follows: Jenny Pickersgill, Anna Ferguson; Pam Pickersgill, Audrey L Agnew; Mrs Blisden, Violet Scott; Bob Huggins, Samuel Kane Agnew; Rose Pickersgill, Edith Boal; Matt Pickersgill, Samuel Agnew; Basil Graves, James Flanagan; Doctor Raheney, William Wilkinson; May Rossiter, Joan Russell.
Here follows excerpts from a report which featured in The Leader on March 16, 1956.
The Rampart Street Schoolroom, Dromore, was filled to capacity on three evenings last week when the local N.S. Presbyterian Church Amateur Dramatic Society presented “Bed of Rose’s” (a broad comedy in three acts by Falkland L Cary). So much was the comedy enjoyed that there have been requests for a repeat performance. This has been arranged for Wednesday evening next at 8 o’clock.
It’s no exaggeration to say that the Players were at their best, and the performances reflect the very highest credit on them and their producer, Miss Margaret Whitehead. It was very evident that much time and thought had been given to the production. The cast were all well suited to their parts, and all, including three newcomers to the stage (Joan Russell, Audrey Agnew and her brother Sam), played with confidence.
Of the more seasoned players there were Anna Ferguson and Jim Flanagan, who, in their own inimitable way, brought an ever-popular touch of romance into the picture; Violet Scott, very much at home in a serious role; Edith Boal, playing with apparent ease in a part which called for actions as well as words; the one and only Sam Agnew (senior), always equal to any emergency; and last but not least William Wilkinson, whose versatility enabled him to “care for the body” with the same ability with which he “looked after the soul” in last season’s production.
The full cast in order of appearance was as follows: Jenny Pickersgill, Anna Ferguson; Pam Pickersgill, Audrey L Agnew; Mrs Blisden, Violet Scott; Bob Huggins, Samuel Kane Agnew; Rose Pickersgill, Edith Boal; Matt Pickersgill, Samuel Agnew; Basil Graves, James Flanagan; Doctor Raheney, William Wilkinson; May Rossiter, Joan Russell.
Dromore Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church in years bygone. Date approx 1962. (Thanks for Sam Flanagan for image)
Highlights in the performance were a scene which developed when Jenny Pickersgill invited the debonair Basil Graves to tea; and later, a round of fisticuffs between Basil and Bob Huggins.
Rev A E Peaston, who presided each evening, complimented and thanked the Players and Producer. He also expressed indebtedness to many who had helped in various ways, mentioning the names of Messrs Bob Crookshanks and others (stage improvements), William J Scott (decorations), Samuel Mann (lighting), Thompson Bros (stage furnishings), F Russell (transport), P E Neeson & Co (furniture), James Russell (curtains), Samuel Flanagan (door steward), William J Scott and Robert McIlrath (stewards), Wm McMillan (sexton), the programme sellers, and the Clarke family for all their help.
Here, Mr Peaston made special mention of the serious illness of Mr John Clarke, expressing the hope that he would have a speedy recovery. John, he said, is a great Dromore character and a great lover of this Church. Mr Peaston added that before John was taken so ill he was busy making the artificial roses which they saw on the stage.
Rev A E Peaston, who presided each evening, complimented and thanked the Players and Producer. He also expressed indebtedness to many who had helped in various ways, mentioning the names of Messrs Bob Crookshanks and others (stage improvements), William J Scott (decorations), Samuel Mann (lighting), Thompson Bros (stage furnishings), F Russell (transport), P E Neeson & Co (furniture), James Russell (curtains), Samuel Flanagan (door steward), William J Scott and Robert McIlrath (stewards), Wm McMillan (sexton), the programme sellers, and the Clarke family for all their help.
Here, Mr Peaston made special mention of the serious illness of Mr John Clarke, expressing the hope that he would have a speedy recovery. John, he said, is a great Dromore character and a great lover of this Church. Mr Peaston added that before John was taken so ill he was busy making the artificial roses which they saw on the stage.
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