BARRY MEEHAN FOR ST CLEMENTS

 

(Right: Barry Meehan. Pic supplied)

The Mondays at 6 at St Clements programme will host something special on November 6, 2023, with a presentation by Barry Meehan.

Pieter Scholtz and friends invite audiences to an astonishing “reading” by writer, director, voice-over artist, actor and former Springbok Radio “household name” Brian Squires, which back in those Springbok Radio days was Barry Meehan’s nom de plume.

Barry will share excerpts from his dad Tom Meehan's memoirs, some of which have made their way into Theatre of War, his recent film script. If you look at the poster, bottom picture, it is from a show Tom Meehan put on while he was a prisoner of war in Germany. Astonishing, no?!

“The life and times of Springbok Radio legend, Tom Meehan.”

One man’s story.

 The King of Springbok Radio comedy, Tom Meehan, completed his memoirs shortly before his passing in 2003. He tells an incredible story of a life well lived — his early childhood, his schooldays, job hunting, military service during the Second World War, including his evacuation from Dunkirk and capture in North Africa, emigration to South Africa and the path that led him to becoming one of our best-remembered radio voices. Men from the Ministry, Father, Dear Father, The Navy Lark, Two’s Company, Friends and Neighbours … and there were more.

Barry Meehan is the second of Tom Meehan’s sons (Michael being the first). He spent 18 years in business with his dad (1968-1986) creating programming for Springbok Radio as a writer, producer, director and actor. Prior to this, he spent seven months with Standard Bank, then became a computer programmer in the days when there were three computers in South Africa and all programming was done in machine code!

Barry used the name Brian Squires on radio as the powers-that-were in the SABC in those far-off verkrampte days thought that Tom Meehan was supplying more than enough programmes for one man. They wouldn’t have accepted anything from anyone with the same surname. Squires is actually Tom and Barry’s middle name, and can be traced back over a few generations.

Since the untimely demise of Springbok Radio, Barry has stayed in the entertainment scene as a writer, director, voice-over artist and actor. His latest film script offering, entitled Theatre of War, is based on the entertainment side of his father’s POW experience. He also got involved in the events industry, and was responsible for many conference opening ceremonies and events, the flagship among these being the Durban Boat Show.

When the donation box is passed around, patrons are encouraged to be generous. A minimum of R50 per person.

The evening is planned to be outdoors. If it’s chilly, remember to dress warm. If it rains, they will need to set up indoors.

Bookings limited to diners in support of St Clements restaurant and staff. They stay open specially for these events.

Be there in time to order before the performance, scheduled to start at 18h00. Table bookings essential: RSVP ST Clements 031 202 2511

St Clements is situated at 191 Musgrave Road. Mondays @ Six run between 18h00 and 19h00. There is no cover charge but there is a donations box to support presenters.

If you wish to dine after the presentation, place your order before 18h00.

(Please cancel if you book then can’t make it, as they often close booking due to space constraints.)

St Clements is situated at 191 Musgrave Road. Mondays @ Six run between 18h00 and 19h00.