A PERFORMANCE remembering the life of Edgar Allan Poe was held in Irvine last week - marking the 200th anniversary of the author’s time in the town.

The one man play, Poe’s Last Night, saw Poe played by American actor David Crawford and focused on the last few hours of his life.

The Pittsburgh actor, who also wrote the play, performed it at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival before coming to Irvine as part of the Marymass celebrations.

Crawford has appeared in Hollywood films over the years, with his most recognised role playing Dr. Foster in the cult horror classic, ‘Dawn of the Dead’.

Over 90 people attended the two showings last week in the ABUV lounge of the Porthead Tavern with Irvine Times columnist and history enthusiast Billy Kerr also providing a walking tour around Irvine showing locations where a young Poe frequented and the grave of his aunt.

Poe came to Irvine as a child to stay with family member John Allan, attending the local school before moving to England, then back to America.

Bill Nolan, of the Irvine Burns Club, helped to put the whole event together and was delighted with the outcome.

He said: “The whole thing went very well and ended up being very popular with people, who thoroughly enjoyed it.

“Myself, Ian Dickson and Billy Kerr helped to organise the two night event and with the weather being fantastic on the first night, we had a great turnout.

“The weather for the second night was completely different though and even though the attendance wasn’t as high, it was still a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

“It was David Crawford’s first visit to Irvine and he said how lovely he found it.

“Overall it was a great success and we are looking to the future for hosting similar types of events.”