An Audience with May McFettridge

Product Information

Linehan is also involved in charity work, appearing regularly in Northern Ireland's Children in Need broadcasts, and organising events such as golfing tournaments to help raise money for Children of the Crossfire. I play a wee woman who finds out she’s clairvoyant and all the spirits come through her… brandy, whiskey and vodka,” said John laughing. Not just me being out of work, but the people who'd booked for pantomime, the kids who'd been excited for it, even my own grandkids who love it every year - it was just a big let down for everybody. He is in his 30th year of entertaining children and adults in Belfast, by dressing up in ludicrous outfits to be the pantomime dame. the room was so atmospheric with double height ceilings gorgeous red velvet drapes just add to the cozy feelings.

We have been before for the usual panto outing to the GOH but I have to say that this year surpassed all previous performances. This year’s show will be spectacularly brought to life from page to stage by a talented cast and creative team and features the Grand Opera House pantomime hallmark of an abundance of comedy, sensational songs and dance numbers, fabulous costumes, stunning scenery, and special effects. And I actually still get nervous before every show, because it's always a unique audience - should it be a matinee in the middle of the week, or a Saturday night at Christmas Eve. He is married to Brenda (66) and they have two children, Donna (42) and Kerry (37), and three grandchildren, Johnny (21), Eve (3) and Paul (1). Appearing in his trademark outfit of cut-off evening trousers, dinner jacket, hat and Wellington boots marked ‘L’ and ‘R’ for left and right, but worn on the wrong feet, his routine was a fast-moving, gag-a-minute, focusing on his unique interpretation of Irish logic.

Since that time, Linehan has topped the bill as his character in the Christmas Pantomime in the Grand Opera House in Belfast for thirty consecutive years (2019/20 season). In her stunning crimson and black dress, Jolene, with her strong vocals, impressed as the evil witch. In the hands of her softly-spoken alter ego John Linehan, she has become something of a cultural icon - part of the Christmas furniture at the Opera House, where, in the 101 years of its life, she has given more performances than any other person, real or imagined, living or dead. When asked if A Happy Medium was a sign he may want to do more out of the world of panto, May answered the question for him. I meet up with my mates, I have a game of golf and if I can I get a couple of days away with my family.

And how does John feel knowing that the character has become so iconic that it'd be recognised throughout Northern Ireland.In the early 1980s, Linehan was diagnosed as having syringomyelia and he had neurosurgery in 1983 following which he had meningitis.