Taking to the road

The tradition of travelling theatrical troupes has been revived in Cork, writes Jo Kerrigan

THERE was a time when fit-ups were an integral part of the theatrical scene in Ireland and Britain. For over a century, travelling companies visited small towns, villages, rural communities that had no established theatres of their own, bringing Shakespeare, melodrama, pantomime and circus (as well as a touch of glamour, glitter and excitement) to people who would otherwise never have had the opportunity to enjoy live shows.

English companies came over to Ireland, but we had our own great names too, like Anew McMaster (the young Harold Pinter learned a lot of his craft in the McMaster company).