Walker House Heritage Dinner features the true story of Confederation

If you want to know what Paddy Walker had to do with the story of Confederation, you'll have to get a ticket to the Walker House Heritage Dinner, slated for Sunday, April 23, at the Kincardine Legion.

Following on the heels of previous sensations,"Paddy Walker: The Lost Years or How Paddy Walker Saved Canada and Transformed the World (A True Story)," "Kincardine and the Automobile (A Love Story)," "A His-story of Women," and "The War of 1812 (The Canadian Edition)," Kincardine playwright Graham Mahood has penned another historical play, called "The True Story of Confederation or The Gospel According to Jane (Walker)."

"This one is the best yet," said Kate Kincaid, a member of the Paddy Walker Heritage Society board of directors. "It's hilarious and the music is fantastic."

Mahood modestly explains that the story tells how Paddy Walker (for whom the Walker House is named) was involved in Confederation and how his portrait became embedded in the picture with the other Founding Fathers of Canada in 1867.

"We wanted something to link to Canada's 150th birthday this year," said Mahood. "So, here we have our own Paddy Walker part of this great event. In our research, we apparently discover Jane Walker's diary, and the story unfolds. It's got money, sex and violence; it's quite a good story, a real good romp!"

Some of the characters include Canada's first prime minister, John A. Macdonald, the Fathers of Confederation, George Brown, and more.

"There's no Adam and Eve, and no horse," said Mahood. "Stacey Millar gets to be the narrator this time, alongside Barry Neilson."

Also joining the cast, are Dylan Trahan, Sid Duggan as Paddy Walker and Jaki Mayer-Duggan as Jane Walker, Patt Lowry as music director, and others to be announced later. Michael Yun is assisting with the power-point.

"The show is going to be educational, using a combination of music, acting and visual effects," said Mahood.

The action will begin in the current time, and then go back to 1857, then back to the present again, he said. "All the characters taking part in Confederation were men, and that's not fair. So, we go back and add a female character who did all the work!"

The dinner and show are a major fund-raiser in support of the Walker House. Tickets are $45 each (with a tax receipt for $20); available at Jerome Flowers and Gifts in downtown Kincardine, or by contacting a member of the Walker House board.

The event runs Sunday, April 23, at the Kincardine Legion. Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner begins at 6 p.m., and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.



Graham Mahood (left), playwright, and Kate Kincaid of the Paddy Walker Heritage Society board, promote the Walker House Heritage Dinner, featuring "The True Story of Confederation or The Gospel According to Jane (Walker)," slated for April 23 at the Kincardine Legion