Kitty McShane

Kathleen "Kitty" McShane (19 May 1897 – 24 March 1964) was an Irish actress, best known as the wife and acting partner of Arthur Lucan, with whom she appeared in a series of Old Mother Riley stage shows and films from the 1930s to the 1950s.

McShane and Lucan became a popular music hall and film double act during their nearly forty years together.

[2] Following Lucan's death in 1954, McShane continued the act with impersonator Roy Rolland playing the 'Mother Riley' role, but the venture was not successful.

The death of her partner, Billy Bleach, from cancer of the bladder in December 1963 led to McShane having serious problems with alcohol.

In 1982 Alan Plater wrote a play about Arthur Lucan's life with Kitty McShane, On Your Way, Riley, with songs by Alex Glasgow.