Walker House Heritage Dinner features the lost years of Paddy Walker

With four hit productions under his belt, Kincardine playwright Graham Mahood (in photo above, with Paddy Walker in the background) is going for number five, with this year's Walker House Heritage Dinner theatre feature, "Paddy Walker: The Lost Years or How Paddy Walker Saved Canada and Transformed the World (A True Story)."

Slated for Sunday, Oct. 4, at the Kincardine Legion, the play centres on the life of Paddy Walker prior to his arrival in Kincardine. Paddy was one of the mayor players in founding the Town of Kincardine (formerly Penetangore) on the shores of Lake Huron.

"We don't know anything about Paddy before 1850," says Mahood. "These are 'the lost years' but there's some significant Canadian history in them."

Paddy then went on to "transform" the Penetangore River to his liking in order to boost business at his establishment, the Walker House.

Mahood says there is more to that story than has been recited by the locals. In fact, he says, Paddy is a strong figure in the fight for democracy and does have a defining moment in the history of Canada. "Various scenes in the play will unveil his behind-the scenes efforts."

June Daniel is again taking on the job of producer, and the cast includes: Sid Duggan as Paddy Walker, and Jaki Mayer-Duggan as Jane Walker, along with Stacey and Slayde Miller, Ron Boucher, Steven Travale and Dylan Trahan. Patt Lowry is accompanist, with Brian Tovey playing a variety of instruments.

Mahood says there are some surprising comparisons between the 1840s and today, such as the Irish potato famine and the current Syrian refugee crisis; and the right of the government to run the country back then, compared to the push for responsible government and democracy today.

"People will learn as much about our political history as they will about Paddy Walker by watching this play," says Mahood. "There will also be a history quiz at the start."

The heritage dinner runs Sunday, Oct. 4, at the Legion Hall. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the show at 8 p.m. Tickets are $45 each (with tax receipt for $25); available at the Kincardine Legion, Jerome Flowers and Gifts, or by calling the Walker House at 519-396-1850.

Mahood's last four plays included one about cars, followed by the War of 1812, A His-story of Women, and last year's World War I: A Canadian Story.