Arthur Lucan - 'Old Mother Riley'

'Old Mother Riley'

Lucan was appearing in Dublin where he met and married the 16 year old Kitty McShane in 1913. The couple had one son, Donald Daniel Towle (b. 2 October 1915, Dublin –d. 1970), and became an incredibly successful double act. They achieved some success with a sketch called "Bridget's Night Out". For this he first wore drag, and began to develop the character of Old Mother Riley. Whilst in Dublin, he changed his name to Lucan, and they continued to perform as 'Lucan and McShane'. The act was so successful, they played it to the 1934 Royal Command Performance at the London Palladium, the most prestigious engagement of its time. However, their marriage proved to be a volatile union, and Lucan and McShane separated in 1951.

After the Royal Command Performance, there followed a successful and highly lucrative film career, a radio series and even a strip cartoon in the Radio Times. In all, Arthur Lucan made 17 films, 16 as Old Mother Riley.

Lucan, as 'Old Mother Riley' was last seen on stage at the Theatre Royal, Barnsley on 14 May 1954. The following Monday he was to appear in revue at the Tivoli, Hull. Ellis Aston was the first on stage to compere the forthcoming show. But Lucan had collapsed behind the scenes and died shortly after in his dressing room. He was 68 years old. The site now houses a bakery and cafe, where there is a memorial bust of Arthur Lucan, together with various memorabilia from his career. He is buried in Hull's Eastern Cemetery. Lucan was a member of the Savage Club. In recent years, the club has held Old Mother Riley evenings, as a tribute to Lucan's talent.

In 1982, Alan Plater wrote a play, On Your Way, Riley, about the life of Arthur Lucan, with songs by Alex Glasgow. This was also broadcast on ITV in 1985 with Brian Murphy and Maureen Lipman in the leading roles.

A Greater London Council blue plaque, unveiled in 1978, commemorates Lucan at his home, 11 Forty Lane in Wembley.