Percy’s Party with County Leitrim Percy French Society
May 1 @ 19:30 - 21:00
Wednesday 1st May 2024, 7.30 pm
Book Tickets here
Percy French – born 1st May 1854, Clooneyquinn, Co Roscommon.
170 years after his birth, barely a sing-song takes place in this country that doesn’t feature at least a couple of Percy French songs. Who doesn’t know the famous opening line ‘Oh Mary this London’s a wonderful sight’, the beautiful ballad of ‘Come Back Paddy Reilly’ or the rousing ‘Phil the Fluter’s Ball’. Perhaps not everyone can identify the composer of these famous Irish folk songs but most will recognise the lyrics and the melodies.
Tish Dunleavy and Frank Cadam founded the County Leitrim Percy French Society as they realised that, despite his extensive musical repertoire, French was under-appreciated and under-promoted.
The society has performed in theatres all across the country, including two sell-out shows in the National Concert Hall They also featured on the BBC’s Britain’s Great Railway Journeys, This charming show will now be performed in the Woodland Cafe at Strokestown Park House to celebrate the 170th Birthday of Percy French.
The show is performed by 9 members of the County Leitrim Percy French Society in period costume with Frank Cadam taking the role of the great man himself.
Songs are linked with stories from the life of Percy French explaining the background and inspiration behind the music, giving the show a warmth and authenticity.
The show is under the direction of Tish Dunleavy as musical director. The show is presented in a fun-loving and good-humored way with audience participation welcomed and encouraged along the way.
This event is funded by Roscommon County Council under the Creative Ireland Programme, in collaboration with the National Famine Museum, Strokestown Park.