Sir, - I am working with Carolyn Swift on a television documentary for RTE about the Pike Theatre in Herbert Lane, which was a vital part of the Dublin theatrical scene in the 1950s. Highlights of its work included the first performance of Behan's first play, The Quare Fellow, the second English-language production of Beckett's Waiting for Godot, and the latenight Follies cabaret shows, featuring actors such as Milo O'Shea, T.P. McKenna, Anna Manahan, Donal Donnelly, Deirdre McSharry, all then at the beginning of their glittering careers. Direction was by the theatre's joint founder Alan Simpson, and the musical arrangements usually featured the inimitable "Hoddy" (George Hodnett) on piano. For a few years the world was at their feet, but it all came crashing down after a prosecution for obscenity when they staged Tennessee Williams's Rose Tattoo for the Dublin International Theatre Festival in 1957.
All that is almost 50 years ago, but there must be people who remember those productions and their impact at the time. I am anxious to contact anyone who has clear memories of the Pike and its work, and is willing to share those memories with me; also anyone who may have programmes, posters or other memorabilia. And I wonder if there are any home movies, photos or recordings anywhere - particularly of "Hoddy" and the Follies. Anything made available to me will be guarded with my life.
I may be contacted at the address below, or by telephone at (01) 2082944. Please contact me in advance before sending any material. Thank you for your assistance. - Yours, etc.,
Cian O hEigeartaigh, Features Dept (TV), RTE, Donnybrook, Dublin 4.