Site Editor, Stephen McKenna writes:
There are actors who retain every script and press cutting and whose study walls are lined with posters and memoirs of past productions and former triumphs, TP McKenna, however, was never such a creature.
He enjoyed every moment of his long career but, as a pragmatist, he always lived life for the moment, and for the next part .
Thank goodness then for his sister, Imelda, who had the application to keep track of her brother’s illustrious career.
Across five meticulously compiled volumes, the cuttings she assembled tell the story of an actor’s life and a career the like of which scarcely exists today. The trajectory from repertory theatre to television to films and the interweaving of these mediums that continued across fifty years.
It is that archive which has now made this website possible and the intention is to put a substantial amount of that material online along with an occasional commentary that tells the story of a most diverse and fortunate career.
Indeed, TP was doubly fortunate in that he was sustained throughout his career by the love and support of his wife, May, and his five children, and it has been a privilege also to provide an intimate glimpse into our life as a family.
We thank you sincerely for your interest and we thank all those whose additional support has made this site possible.
Stephen McKenna
Site Editor