May McFatridge is one of those phenomena that is hard to explain to anyone outside Northern Ireland.
The role of Belfast man, John Linehan, is the kind, intelligent, and highly-accented McFatridge who has been mummering the city for over 30 years, so much so that he always gets top marks on the labels when the annual Mummering Christmas is announced.
The magic is clear: May McFatridge gladly brings the image of Northern Ireland into any magical story. Cinderella could search for her missing slippers, while May could rush to the stage and tell an audience member that they were kicking her in the back. . We touch.
Behind the makeup, John Linehan is also known as a friendly, cheerful and generous man. He has been known for his charitable work and his true and sincere love for the way audiences, especially children, interact with mummering. John feels very comfortable, especially with the furniture part of the Grand Opera House.
Now, after losing Panto Covid last year to restrictions, Johnny couldn’t be happier to return from “Dame McFetty” to Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
“It’s been very difficult for me last year,” Belfast Live admitted after Goldilocks’ performance at Matine’s at the Grand Opera. “Not only am I unemployed, but the people who booked into mummering, the kids who admired her, even my grandchildren who adored her every year — it was just a huge discontent for everyone.
“We were really hoping this year would go on and thank God it happened. You can see what that means for the kids on their faces. Today we had 700 kids and they screamed – it was amazing., almost deaf.
In the mummering style of a typical great opera house, John said this year’s Goldilocks are a fun and original twist on a fairy tale.
“It’s gold and three bears, but a little different. Basically, the circus comes into town and the owner is Countess von Renklebottom, and she’s cruel to animals. Wrinklebottom beats his animals – he’s bad – I keep them kind. Then since I have three bears in a circus, it’s He tries to steal it and we have to get it back.
“Every circus has different acts and it’s actually very full. So you get the pantomime, but you also see these amazing circus artists.”
To constantly excite the famous pantomime audience, those present at the Grand Opera should know that thanks to Mayu they can be in the spotlight if he catches your eye …
“McFateridge won’t let anyone in,” John laughed. “There is a liner for those who are into her eyebrow pencil. And you’re not safe even if you’re in the boxes.
“Essentially, if you’re the top half, you’re cannon fodder. If you’re advanced, make sure you comb your hair, or if you’re bald, make sure you have a wig, just say it. But all in a good mood.”
Having played this character for three decades, John said he still has great joy.
(Photo: Ulster Tatler)
“This is my 31st year, I took it out last year and bombed it. I’m still very happy. And in fact, I’m still nervous before every show because it’s always a unique audience, be it from the facts.” They’re still there. But I got up on stage and started. As soon as you see the front row laughing, you fly.”
How does Johnny feel when he learns that the character has become so cult that he is known throughout Northern Ireland.
“All I can say is you have to live here your whole life to be Mae McFateridge. He’s a unique character and that’s why he loves people. And people love to insult everyone. It works like this. If he insults someone, he has to insult everyone.” It’s my future waiting to light up. But it’s all humorous, everyone knows it.”
As unbelievable as it may sound, will Johnny take the trouble to someday say it’s not necessary for next year’s Bantu?
“There will be one of these days, will I stop the traffic jams, or they will tell me, ‘Won’t you keep going?’ But I say there would be a bit of a commotion if it happened.
“Look, if I could, I would. I would probably play a role until the traffic jams woke up. Health is permissible and under no circumstances would I do it. The opera house is where I have to be.”
Gold and the Three Bears went through the Grand Opera House until January 9.
Source: Belfastlive
Tim-32Brown is a distinguished writer for TodayTimesLive, known for his exceptional talent in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Tim crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for insightful journalism and a commitment to delivering high-quality articles.
