Murphy’s Town Hall Athenry 33 19th to 25th October 1942 – Bam-Boo-Zalem (Edgar Benyon, aka The Great Benyon, see picture opposite), Magic, Illusion and All Star Variety Show performed 7 consecutive nights in the Hall (source: Hall Journal). 62 NB: The Irish Independent 17th October 1942 carried the following notice in the listings on page 1, under the heading Stage: “THE Great Benyon, sole proprietor of the Original and only Bam Boo Zalem, the greatest of all the great touring companies in Eire, regrets that he is unable to accommodate all the cinemas and theatres wishing to book, this proven record breaking Show, as it is fully booked until September, 1943, without exception, at all Ireland's leading cinemas and theatres, including two weeks return at Opera House, Cork, and Xmas season at Olympia, Dublin, and four weeks Belfast season. A super Show presented by the outstanding Showman in Irish theatrical history and supported by a company of happy and contented artistes. The Xmas Show and the 1943 tour will include the famous Merlin Mysteries, the greatest and biggest Illusion Show ever presented in Ireland. Benyon and Bam Boo Zalem spells Big Business. Have vacancy for one or two smart girl singers, dancers, acro, with looks, figure and refinement...” 1st November 1942 – Connacht Tribune 31st October, page 4, carries an advert for a meeting of the Old Comrades IRA Association in the Town Hall on this date. The Hall Journal records that Stephen Jordan had the Hall booked to hold a Short Dance that night. 20th December 1942 – Prize Draw held in the Hall by Fr Concannon CC (source: Hall Journal). The Tuam Herald 25th December 1943 carried the following on page 2, under the heading ATHENRY CARD DRIVE WINNERS: “There was a big attendance in the Town Hall, Athenry, on Sunday night last for the finals of the twentyfive drive in aid of parochial funds. The prize money amounted to 30 guineas. The first prize of 15 guineas was divided between Patrick Kennedy, Caheroyan; T. Fleming, Tiaquin, and P. Burke, Moyvilla. The second prize of 9 guineas went to Christy McNamara, Athenry; John Coen do., and Jimmy Connor, Tiaquin. The third prize of 6 guineas was won by Miss Helen Lyons, Athenry; Tom Murphy, Tiaquin, and Tom Hardiman, do.” 27th December 1942 – A Short Dance was held in the Hall (source: Hall Journal). 31st January to 7th February 1943 – John McKelvey & Marcus Insley Play and Players Travelling Company were booked for 8 nights in the Hall (source: Hall Journal, also a letter from John McKelvey dated 22nd December 1942) performing plays including the following: Murder Without Crime Mrs Moonlight Wuthering Heights Gaslight Love On The Dole 11th February 1943 – Athenry Dramatic Club performed The Plough and the Stars, a 1926 Four Act play by Seán O’Casey (source: Hall Journal). 14th March 1943 – Athenry Dramatic Club again performed The Plough and the Stars, by Seán O’Casey (source: Hall Journal). 23rd to 28th March 1943 – Richard & Lillian Carrickford’s Repertory Players performed 6 different plays in the Hall on 6 nights (source the Hall Journal): The Bride of Carrickbawn Little Nellie Kelly Barren Soil, by Lillian Carrickford The Sea Gull Lane in Blitz The Ghost Wore Diamonds 62 Edgar Benyon a famous Magician, Illusionist, Juggler and Entertainer from New Zealand
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