Arthur Lucan was born Arthur Towle, third of seven children, on 16th September 1885 in Sibsey in a cottage in the old Sibsey workhouse yard, son to Tom Towle a local groom and Lucy Ann Mawer
Photograph by GE Hackford This building was 'restored' in 1874 and became Shodfriars Hall, Boston.
Shodfriars Hall housed the towns theatre. Arthur moved to Boston with his family in 1890 to a cottage close to Shodfriars.
Shodfriars Hall housed the towns theatre. Arthur moved to Boston with his family in 1890 to a cottage close to Shodfriars.
 Shodfriars Hall |  Shodfriars auditorium |
He used to sweep the floors and sell programmes and it was here that young Arthur first trod the boards. A serious measles epidemic gave Arthur the opportunity to play a minor role and in 1899 he secured an onstage role role at the nearby Corn Exchange Music Hall.
He became restless after seeing a Pierrot show in Skegness and in the early 1900's he joined a travelling troupe called the 'The Musical Cliftons'. With them he learned his craft. They travelled all over Britain and Ireland an in 1910 he secured a role as the old grandmother in a pantomime in Dublin. The part of Little Red Riding Hood went to a young 13 year old called Catherine 'Kitty' McShane. The young couple fell in love and against her parents wishes they married in 1913.
He became restless after seeing a Pierrot show in Skegness and in the early 1900's he joined a travelling troupe called the 'The Musical Cliftons'. With them he learned his craft. They travelled all over Britain and Ireland an in 1910 he secured a role as the old grandmother in a pantomime in Dublin. The part of Little Red Riding Hood went to a young 13 year old called Catherine 'Kitty' McShane. The young couple fell in love and against her parents wishes they married in 1913.
He changed his name to Arthur Lucan (after spotting on the side of a horse-drawn milk float).
Arthur and Kitty went on to develop one of Britains most popular double acts - 'Old Mother Riley and her daughter Kitty'. A career that spanned over 40 years.
Arthur and Kitty went on to develop one of Britains most popular double acts - 'Old Mother Riley and her daughter Kitty'. A career that spanned over 40 years.
 Arthur |  Kitty |
