MAY-
In the autumn Mary was asked to visit a school in St. Helen’s and perform plays with the theme of the sea. After visits to Liverpool’s maritime museum and conversations with local seafaring people, she wrote two new plays “The Overhead Railway” and “The Stowaway”, both set in the 1950’s.
“The Overhead Railway” written for the foundation stage children is about Liverpool’s famous overhead railway which was erected over the streets of Liverpool to carry passengers to the ports. In the play written by Mary, Uncle Bill is the driver but when the train breaks down and the passengers are unable to reach the Pier Head, it is Mrs. Edwards who comes to the rescue (see the characters in “The Railway series).
“The Stowaway” tells the story of a boy who is fascinated by the sea stories told by his Uncle Jack who is the skipper of one of the last sailing ships of the time. When it is time for Uncle Jack to set sail again the family go with him to see him off. After the order “Let go all lines” has been given the family start to return home only to find Billy is missing. He is later found on board Uncle Jack’s ship where he had hidden as a stowaway. He is more than happy to return home after discovering first hand that seasickness is an occupational hazard of a sailor!
Mary says “I should like to say how very grateful I am to Geoff and Susan Henley-
During these months Mary worked on a regular basis in schools, libraries and preschool centres giving performances and workshops. In addition to local venues Mary visited Hull, Lincoln, Sheffield, Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Tunbridge Wells, Derby, Leicester & Buxton. Travelling to these places on public transport, carrying all costumesand props in a suitcase and extra large bag is no mean feat!
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