Elizabeth Begley (1907 – 1993), initially billed as Lily Begley, was an Irish actress whose career encompassed theatre, television and film, perhaps best known for her breakthrough television performance as Mrs. Bratney in the 1959 Armchair Theatre episode, "Worm in the Bud", and—on that same ITV-hosted series—for two starring roles opposite British actor Donald Pleasence. For the two decades prior to that, Begley had been a prominently featured player—and one of the founding members—of the Ulster Group Theatre of Belfast.
Early life and career Born in 1907,Coffey, Fiona Coleman (2016). Political Acts: Women in Northern Irish Theatre, 1921–2012. Syracuse: Syracuse University Press. p. 51. . "The celebrated actress Elizabeth Begley (1907–1993) appeared in ninety-two productions for UGT between 1940 and 1960, having one of the longest relationships with the company.² She was considered the leading lady of Northern Irish Theatre and commanded central billing in all the productions in which she appeared. Significantly, Begley also directed and starred in In Donegall Square for the UGT in 1953. The play (adapted from Nine till Six by Aimee and Philip Stewart, 1930) consisted of an all-female cast and took place in a Belfast gown shop. It explored the world of women's working class lives, class dynamics between employers and the employed, and the social positioning of working women." in County Carlow, Ireland, Begley was the daughter of respective Magilligan and County Down natives, Mr. and Mrs. William Begley."Miss Begley and the wee folk; Chichester hears from an actress of the man who plays to the fairies". Belfast Telegraph. 16 December 1960. p. 3. "Miss Begley, who has given some wonderful TV performances, none more memorable than that in her first UTV play, 'A Shilling for the Evil Day,' just over a year ago, was born in Co. Carlow in the heart of Eire. Her father came from Magilligan, Co. Derry, and her mother from Co. Down. [...] She was brought up in the South and traces her interest and belief in the fairies from childhood. 'My father, William Begley, saw them, and so did my uncle.'" During this period her father served with the Royal Irish Constabulary and, thus, it was not until after "The Troubles"—meaning, presumably, not until the early to mid 1920s–that the Begleys finally made their way north to Belfast.Wallace, Martin (17 February 1961). "Profile: Elizabeth Begley, Character Actress". Belfast Telegraph. "Her first professional appearance was in Dublin, where Richard Hayward presented the plays of Thomas Carnduff. She help to found the Group Theatre at the beginning of the war. For the next two decades, the Group was her life. One part followed another, and most of them–the daughter in 'Right Again Barnum,' the mother in 'All Souls' Night,' almost every woman's part in 'Boyd's Shop.' [...] She has since acted at Empire, but is not hopeful about the future of local drama. 'We fed the people on comedy,' she reflects. 'Maybe we made a mistake.' There is still radio work locally, but her thoughts now turn London, because they must. She has had some film parts, a and several television successes the most notable with Donald in 'The Cupboard.'"
Theatre Although Begley would later describe her professional debut as having taken place in Dublin, performing the works of Thomas Carnduff with Richard Hayward's company (something that did in fact occur in 1937"Lynn Doyle Play at the Gaiety". Irish Independent. 7 December 1937. p. 12. "As a curtain raiser, Richard Hayward's company produced a new Ulster play, Collecting the Rent," a rather slight one-acter by Hugh Quinn. [...] This little play was especially significant for three excellent performances: Thomas Gibson, as the problem-solving Jew; Nancy Cullen, as the and personality of the piece, Mrs. O'Toole; and the finely conceived performance of Lily Begley as Shiels."), the fact remains that Begley"s membership in Hayward's company—complete with glowing reviews for her part therein—dates back to at least 1933, in Belfast."Humour and Pathos: New Play of Belfast Life; Fine Reception at Empire". Belfast Telegraph. 10 October 1933. p. 2. "In the crowded house in the Empire Theatre on Monday evening there was not a soul in the audience who did not enjoy every moment of the play, 'Mrs. M'Conaghy's Money,' by the Belfast Repertory Company, presented by Mr. Richard Hayward. The book is by Mr. Hugh Quinn, local playwright, and provides an admirable portrayal of Belfast working-class life. [...] Richard Hayward is an actor of outstanding ability, and the role of Mickey could not have been placed in better hands. Lily Begley is a fine actress, and she deservedly merited the plaudits which time and again greeted her efforts in playing the part of Aggie." In fact, comparable press mentions of Begley's pre-Hayward work—all of which took place in Belfast—extend at least back to the previous decade, beginning in January 1929 with her appearance in Lynn C. Doyle's Love and Land, with St. Lawrence's Dramatic Society,"Love and Land: A Lynn Doyle Comedy in Belfast". Belfast Telegraph. 21 January 1929. p. 8. "One of Lynn Doyle's sparkling Irish sketches, 'Love and Land,' was successfully presented to a large appreciative audience by St. Paul's Dramatic Society, in their Parochial Hall, Hawthorn Street, in Belfast. [...] The staging of the play was perfect, and the characters were carefully chosen, the principals being particularly good. Among those taking part were Misses Birdie MacMorrow, Rosy Carabine, Lily Begley, and Messrs. Dan M'Gouran, John Smith, Felix Blayney, Patrick Cunning, and Wm. Gillespie." and including her work in the impromptu company of Cathal O'Byrne in 1931."AT THE BELFAST EMPIRE. CATHAL O'BYRNE AND COMPANY". Belfast Telegraph. 27 January 1931. p. 2. "Two bright and amusing Ulster rural comedies by Mr. O were presented, 'The Dream In of Breedyeen Dara' and 'The Burthen.' In the first, the part of Pat Dara, and in the second, the role of Jamesy M'Clurg, were taken by that clever Carrickfergus comedy and dramatic actor, R. H. M'Candless, and in characterisation, naturalness and restrained humour, he scored decisively. The excellent cast included Anne McDermott, Edith M'Candless, Lily Begley, Eileen Thompson, Mona Convery, Monica Convery, Etta Tierly, Frank M'Peake, Shaun O'Neill and Sorley Boy O'Neill. "