People who work behind the scenes are rarely honoured during their lifetime. The public knows nothing of their immense contribution to the work in hand. In the world of entertainment, this is doubly true. One section of the workforce is constantly in the public eye, while the back up team supports and encourages each creative achievement in comparative anonymity.
It is only fitting that tribute standing stage directors of our generation. In 1964 while searching for a stage director for Gemini Productions, I was introduced to Mai McFall. That was the beginning of a long and happy association in theatre, and a life time friendship. Mai had been trained in the Brendan Smith Academy of Theatre, and graduated from there with the highest credentials.
Mai married George McFall, who recently retired from the Gaiety Theatre as stage manager after 48 years of dedicated service. Mai took the more precarious route into freelance productions, eventually becoming stage director for Gemini. For many years she proved her worth in all seasons. Her talents ranged from the ability to take over productions (in the absence of directors) to coaxing free furniture and properties from every store and shop in the country and performing miracles on non existent budgets. Mai also organised tours to the UK and the US, as well as to every county in Ireland.
But her greatest assets were loyalty to any company fortunate enough to have her services, and a generous and compassionate nature. Mai was equally at home masterminding pantomime, revue, and in recent years television, when she joined the stage management staff in RTE. I have heard it said that a performance on the moon wouldn't be out of the question, providing that Mai McFall was sent ahead to prepare the surface.
Many actors have benefited from the extra care and encouragement bestowed on them by this unique lady. The world of entertainment is greatly impoverished by her passing. She was simply the best, an impossible act to follow. Her extraordinary courage during her long illness was an inspiration to all. May she rest in joy and peace.