Actor John Hickey as Anthony Hewitson
By popular demand, a further showing of the acclaimed Derek Martin adaptation of the Hewitson Diaries monologue was performed on the evening of Friday 18th January at the UCLan Media Centre, Preston.
The debut performance was commemorated at the centenary of the death of Anthony Hewitson (1836-1912) on the 26th October 2012
The actor John Hickey, who played the part of the 19th century Preston Journalist Anthony Hewitson, was assisted by Cristina Neacsu as Hewitsonâs domestic servant and pianist Malcolm Sim who played the incidental music.
Cristina Neacsu as the Maid Servant
Malcolm Sim the Pianist
The audience were absolutely enthralled throughout the performance with a wonderful blend of humour and emotion of John Hickeyâs exquisitely vicarious delivery of Hewitsonâs diary excerpts.
The Hewitson diaries are the result of the work of journalistic history expert, Dr. Andrew Hobbs and Margaret B. Dickinson, the great, great niece of Anthony Hewitson and historical writer. Much time has been spent on transcribing and researching the diaries and, with the skillful collaboration of playwright Derek Martin, the Hewitson Diaries monologue was eventually conceived.
Following the performance there was a âquestion & answerâ session held by Dr. Andrew Hobbs, Margaret B. Dickinson and John Hickey to enable members of the audience to discover more about Hewitson and his life as a journalist.
In conversation with John Hickey after the performance, it was mentioned that due to the great success of the show it is possible that further performances and even new scripts may be a consideration for the future.
 …”We await the future with great expectations!”
Full Cast & Production Team
John Hickey – Anthony Hewitson
Malcolm Sim – On the pianoforte
Derek Martin – Adaptation of diaries
Andrew Hobbs – Historical adviser & projectionist
Cristina Neacsu – Consultant on 19th century domestic service
Margaret B. Dickenson – Hewitson family history expert
Leon Hardman – Stage manager & lighting designer
David Atkinson & Alex Clarke – Front of house team
Anne Markland – Costume provider
Performance reviewed by Paul D. Swarbrick & Gillian A. Lawson.