Heritage & Culture

Book Review: The Greyfriars Players 1937-1948

Subject: Manchester history; Manchester heritage; amateur dramatics.

By Father Agnellus Andrew; reviewed by Janet Wallwork, published 1948 (Historical Reprint Series).

The Greyfriars Players, 1937-1948, Father Agnellus Andrew, Monastery Publications (Historical Reprint Series), 54p, £2.99. First published in 1948. ISBN 978-0-9571484-3-7

This is a book about the Greyfriars Players, written by them, for them and their friends.

The Greyfriars played in many places and made many friends. Even today, people still ask for information about the company and for souvenirs of their work.

Wartime conditions meant their printed programmes were skimpy and austere. They created this book to remind themselves of their origins and ideals and to recall what they hoped were pleasant memories for their friends and audiences.

Monastery Publications reprinted this book so this remarkable story can continue to be enjoyed.

Father Agnellus Andrew was one of the best known and loved members of the Gorton community. He later found fame as a pioneer of religious broadcasting. In 1980, Father Agnellus was called to Rome where he was ordained a bishop and became the Vatican’s head of Press and Broadcasting Relations. He never forgot his days as President of The Greyfriars Players.

Editor’s note: This book is available to buy in our Monastery Shop.