FAQ

TIMELINE

THE FILMS

George E. Beck was Arthur Lucan's stand-in in the 1940s and 1950s.

Memories of Russell Beck, son of the late George E Beck who was Arthur Lucan's understudy.

"I thought you might be interested to know that my father George E Beck (1903- 1971) was in fact Arthur Lucan's original understudy. I have many bill posters and photographs and other memorobilia from this time. My father was himself a principal comedian before he joined Arthur Lucan and Kitty McShane and after their split my father toured the country with Kitty in the role of Old Mother Riley.

My father was only eight when he first set foot on stage as a boy soprano. In 1918 (at fourteen) he sang before royalty at London's Queen's Hall. Slogging in Music Hall followed and Dad appeared on stage with Old time stars Ada Reeve, Neil Kenyon and Dave Willis. He was principal comedian in shows up and down the country for years and played Dame in many pantomimes. In 1936 he went on a Music hall tour of Australia with Mam.

Then the fabulous years with Arthur Lucan and Kitty McShane started in the 1940's, and became understudy in 1947. Arthur became ill in 1948 and for 12 months with no breaks my father played OMR and was a great success. One Glasgow critic couldn't tell the difference. Arthur died in 1954 and dad continued with Kitty for another 5 years and did pantos as well. In 1960 as I have already said he gave up the business and cancelled panto at Hereford and gave up the Theatre.

Since my mother died we have in our possession Arthur Lucan's boots, as well as the wig and cape worn by Father as OMR. I also have autograph books full of the stars of the time. We have obviously inherited lots of photos of the period taken on and off stage.

My father ended hs stage career in the 1960's so as not to be away from my mother who lived in Crewe and was not well at the time.. I had travelled around with them as a baby and a young child going to different schools virtually every week. However when I began my secondary education at Crewe Grammar school my mother gave up showbusiness to give me a chance of settled schooling".

[Many thanks to Russell Beck for sharing his memories]

Kitty McShane

TOP

HOME