LOCAL PROFILE: JOHN O’MAY
Entertainer Extraordinaire By Liz Clark
A wall covered with framed drawings of costumes he has worn during various theatre shows is a dramatic reminder to John O’May of a life in theatre that has been rich and rewarding. In his seaside cottage at Point Roadknight, there is little else obvious around him that reflects the lights and excitement of the stage, or an eventful life in music and drama, though John’s personality and zest for life give a small insight into his love for theatre, for entertaining, for the audience. He has worked in all areas of the entertainment industry, as an actor and singer, dramatic artist, in cabaret, musical theatre and opera, radio, film, concert performances, writing and directing plays. Born at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, USA, into a family of four children, John grew up with a love of reading and literature.
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He says his childhood was just normal, just like everyone else.
diplomatic corps here, and to see the world. Somehow, he just stayed here.
At university he dabbled a little in theatre work, involved in the basics, from building and painting sets, taking on acting roles, and learning a certain amount of stagecraft.
In 1972, he auditioned for the role of Ashley Wilkes in Gone with the W ind, taking his first steps to a new career. He took some singing lessons, found himself an agent and stepped out into a new but uncertain world.
He taught English literature locally for two and a half years, and then decided to purchase a round-the-world ticket, planning to visit his sister in Australia whose husband was a member of the
Theatre work is very much about opportunity. In 1973, John was offered an audition and role in Godspell, replacing John Waters as Judas. This show led to work at the Children’s Arena Theatre, to writing with John Diedrich for Gershwin, to The 20s and all that Jazz, both here and in Hong
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