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A real Newry legend, Charlie Smyth has passed away at the age of 92.
Responsible for over 40 pantomimes in Newry there is scarcely a child alive in the city that wouldn't have known him.
Calling someone a legend can sometimes feel like it's overdone and insincere but to call Charlie Smyth anything else would be an extreme disservice. Born in Ballybot he was a Newry man through and through, even though he lived in Glenn since 1958.
Pauline McCartan, Patricia Smyth and Deirdre Smyth.
Charlie was involved in many local drama and musical groups including Newry Panto Players, Newry Musical Society, Newpoint Players, Newry Drama Festival, Bosco Drama Group and sure his career started with Newry Feis.
He was the current President of Newry Musical Society and attended their 80th anniversary celebrations back in February this year. Thanks to his father who was chairman of the society he was involved with the group from an early age. Drama, comedy, operettas and of course pantomimes were all relished and Newpoint was close to his heart. He was also President of Newry Drama Festival and Newry Panto Players Director.
A fundraiser extraordinaire his annual pantomime raised many thousands for local charities. He was also a Councillor in Newry for around 12 years from 1989 commenting to Newry.ie in 2023 that "It's a Pantomime on it's own"
Charlie's loss to his family is immeasurable and the same can be said of the loss to the entire Newry theatrical family.
Newry Musical Society said "Charlie, a legend, gave of himself wholeheartedly to everything he became involved in, he guided, inspired, encouraged, supported & advised.
"A man OF the people and FOR the people, he led with integrity, insight, wisdom, and was of his word. A born entertainer, raconteur, and keeper of all good tales, he held audiences in the palm of his hand even when not treading the boards.
Everyone who stood with, or witnessed Charlie on stage, experienced impeccable comedic timing and saw a master at work. His script now closed, a light has surely dimmed in our theatre world."
Newry Panto on their Facebook page added "Charlie was more than a friend - he was a guiding light, a source of strength, and a true inspiration to the many friends that performed alongside him as well as the youth of the Newry area. His unwavering dedication, compassion, and leadership has left an indelible mark on all of us, and his absence will be profoundly felt."
Sean Treanor from Newpoint Players said "A particular light and extraordinary influence has gone out in my life. RIP Maestro! “Why do we do it Seán?” he would say almost every time we met. “ Because we are mad Charlie, and because in your case you know you can do it, and better than anyone else.” I wasn’t exaggerating as anyone who ever had the good fortune to share a stage with Charlie will know that what he had in terms of stage, and onstage self awareness, no one could ever teach. He was so clever."
He added "Charlie’s passing represents a huge loss for the citizens of our area and beyond. Happily his enormous legacy will remain in the experience of thousands of actors, technicians and directors whom he encouraged. I feel privileged to be able to say that I am one of them. Curtain down Charlie. The rounds of applause you deserve are ringing out as the stage lights dim and the theatre audience are left wondering how you transported them so easily and so effortlessly to another world, There will be craic in the heavenly Green Room tonight. We will continue’ to do it’ Charlie! We won’t be as gifted as you, but in your name we will try."
Newry.ie express sincere condolences to his entire family and many friends.
