A DEDICATED show producer from Anglesey is celebrating her 30th anniversary in show business this year.
Mary Parry MBE from Holyhead has been taking part in stage plays for the last 72 years and has also been directing her own for the last three decades.
The 83-year-old has raised thousands of pounds for various charities and is well-known within the Town for her lively productions, putting on performances all across Britain over the years, from venues in London to the town hall in Amlwch.
Speaking on celebrating her special milestone, Mary said: “I first started taking part in shows when I was just ten years old.
“My mentor, Mrs Charles-Hughes, was an inspiration to me and really got me interested. That's why we decided to put on a show in memory of her last year."
Much like other shows, that one donated funds to a chosen charity - the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA).
The show, featured a range of classic hits from Mrs Charles-Hughes' era, while pictures of Holyhead buildings from the 1950s, including the Old Fort Cafe, were depicted on set.
Mary says her claim to fame was performing alongside one of Frank Sinatra’s former pianists during her 80th birthday party which was held at the Savoy Hotel in London.
She was awarded the MBE by the Princess Royal, Princess Anne in 2009 for her services to charity and entertainment in Holyhead.
Last November, her very own Town Council surprised her with an ‘outstanding achievement’ award for her contributions to fundraising through music and dance after one of her shows.
Commenting on Mary’s contribution to the Town, Holyhead Mayor Keith Thomas said: “Mary Parry’s shows are always played in front of packed out venues, including right here at the Town Hall and the Ucheldre Centre.
“She is the one who does everything for these shows, all the way from designing the costumes to producing and performing in them herself.
“In the past, she has played in front of Prime Ministers, Members of Parliament, Assembly Members and many more distinguished guests.
“Her love and support for Holyhead is conveyed to whoever her team perform to and she has raised thousands of pounds for charities and local good causes throughout her life, which still continues today, and long may it last.
“Mary has done so much for our Town, and I am proud to know her and to support her in any way I can. She is a truly inspirational person and I would like to say a big thank you for all she has done and continues to do on our behalf.”
Mary’s daughter, Trish Durkan Thomas, added that she was “extremely proud” of her mum for what she has achieved during her showbiz career.
Mary and her ‘Musical Players’ will be putting on shows throughout 2019, with dates and venues set to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Looking forward to another year on the stage, Mary said: "The people of this town absolutely love the shows we put on and we love seeing them enjoy it. It brings a smile to my face knowing I can bring pleasure to the people of Holyhead through my shows.”
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