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The centenary of the death of noted Preston journalist Anthony Hewitson (1836-1912) was commemorated on the night of 26th October 2012 in Preston at the UCLAN Media Factory by way of a monologue. This was an excellent production of an insight into the daily life of the Preston based journalist and historian from extracts of his diaries, which were adapted by Derek Martin, playwright and director. The production contained a fine balance of wit, humour and emotion expertly delivered by John Hickey, a well established actor who has toured all over Britain.
Margaret Dickinson, who is the great neice of Anthony Hewitson and discovered the diaries in 1975, collaborated with Dr. Andrew J. Hobbs, research associate in the School of Journalism & Digital Communication at UCLAN, to instigate the transcripts of the diaries and to produce the monologue with the aid of Derek Martin and John Hickey.
Following the performance Dr. Andrew J. Hobbs, Margaret Dickinson accompanied by the actor John Hickey were available to answer questions from the audience. Both Andrew and Margaret are well versed in the life of Hewitson as they have spent many years researching the life and works of the noted journalist and historian from Preston’s past.
The part of a serving maid was played by Cristina Neacsu, consultant on 19th century domestic service to the production and the delightful pre performance and incidental music was played on the piano by Malcolm Sim.
To the left is Professor Terry Mansfield and his wife Margaret who came to watch the performance. Terry Mansfield is a retired professor of science and engineering who has studied the life and work of Hewitson is the author of a book entitled ‘Visits to some Preston and District Churches and Chapels by Anthony Hewitson’.
Prior to the performance a collection of superbly composed images were projected onto a large background scene which were by courtesy of the Preston Digital Archive.
Review by Paul D. Swarbick and Gillian A. Lawson
A selection of images from the night courtesy of Gillian A. Lawson;