Maureen Potter was a very funny and accomplished comedian, singer, actress and writer from Dublin. My granny took us to see her many times at Christmas to the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin. She had an amazing mind and remembered every child’s birthday, calling on them during a pantomime.
She brought so much joy and laugher to so many people at a time of much darkness and depression.
Maureen Potter was born 1925 and performed for many years at the Gaiety Theatre, she became the first performer to have a a bronze cast of her handprints outside the theatre. Maureen Potter was a formidable lady and toured abroad before World War II as a singer and dancer with Jack Hylton and his orchestra. she once performed in front of Adolf Hitler and other Nazis. Maureen Potter was given the Freedom of the City of Dublin in 1984, and was awarded an honorary degree from Trinity College, Dublin. Maureen Potter died peacefully in her sleep on the 7th April 2004, at the age of 79 at her home in Clontarf She is survived by her husband Jack O’Leary, and her two sons.
It’s not where you start it’s where you finish.”
Her pantomimes always included a rendition of the west end song, ‘It’s not where you start it’s where you finish.” As a child living in N. Ireland during the troubles, this song was both uplifting and a huge inspiration to me. Today Maureen represents wonderful memories of a time when although life was hard, laughter, singing, music and poetry could uplift us through dark days. Below is a very funny poem recited by Maureen Potter and used for Party pieces entertainment in Ireland.
Apollo
Of all the places I have cleaned me favourite is the State Museum
Amid the gods of Greece and Rome
I scrubbed the tiles and polished the chrome
I love them all Zeus,Eros,Cupid
But the one that really knocked me stupid
Was that seven foot tall bronze brute
Apollo in his birthday suit.
And although the sign says do not touch
I want to touch so very much.
He has a layer of dust and grime
Me duster aches to make him shine.
Last Valentine’s Day I could no longer cope
So I eased meself behind the rope
I dipped me cloth into the brasso
Then on me little two foot ladder
I gave his noble crown a lather
He stared ahead with distant smile
Stoic men – they drive me wild
I worked my way down his figure
My hands were busy, my fingers eager
Til I hesitated with a qualm
Just below his diaphragm
(Even the hottest cleaners know there’s such a thing as holy ground)
So I diverted to his toes and from the dust a glow arose.
I polished up his noble knees, working my way up by degrees
His thighs were muscular and hard
No flabby cellulite – no lard
But dear Lord I must divulge
I lovingly polished Apollo’s bulge
You wouldn’t believe the dust suspended
Beneath and behind his bronze appendage
I think he never before had been rubbed that way
But I gave it to him for Valentine’s
Here is a link of Maureen at her best; (84) Maureen Potter & Patricia Cahill (Moonlight and Roses) – YouTube
I thank her for wit, fun and inspirational life, she certainly had a huge impact on me and my love for the Arts.