Bronte's local links to be recalled at drama event
'Arthur & Charlotte: A Victorian Romance Remembered' is the title for a dramatic evening to be presented by Offaly History in Hugh Lynch’s Pub, Tullamore on Thursday, December 5 at 8pm.
A new production by recently formed Martello Players from Banagher, the event will chronicle the story of Arthur Bell Nicholls of Banagher and his romance with and marriage to the famous Victorian novelist, Charlotte Brontë of Haworth in Yorkshire. Using contemporary source material the presentation will narrate this intriguing love story in written word and song.
Readings will recall Arthur’s early years when he lived in Cuba House, Banagher with his uncle the Reverend Alan Bell, Master of the Royal School of Banagher, his subsequent ordination and appointment as curate to the Reverend Patrick Brontë in Haworth.
Extracts from Charlotte’s letters will describe her marriage to Arthur and her honeymoon in Ireland. The production will close with an account of Arthur’s life following Charlotte’s death in 1855 and his return from Haworth to Banagher in 1861, up to his death in 1906.
All proceeds from the evening will go towards the new Offaly Archive recently completed at a cost of €750,000. Tickets, which are selling fast, are €12 each and can be obtained from Offaly History Centre, telephone: 05793 21421 or email: info@offalyhistory.com
Also from James Scully, Banagher, telephone 085 710 7569 or email :jsmeelick@gmail.com