Thistle And Rose Arts have today announced the first show in their Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2023 programme. The Half Moon is written by Alice Malseed (Sticky City, Jade City, Anthem, Haven) directed by Emily Foran (New Speak: Reimagined, Legs Wide Shut, Pup, Quicksand) and performed by Ruby Campbell (Rough Girls, Translation, Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland, Lovers: Winners and Losers).

This captivating and endearing one woman play tells the story of four generations of women from one family, living in the narrow streets of Tiger’s Bay, a loyalist area of North Belfast. Throughout the 20th century and into the 21st, Ethel, Jeanette, Sarah and Pam wrestle with the love they share for their home and the dreams they each have of running away. The youngest, Pam, finally seizes her chance to break free, but is it all she hoped it would be? And will she find the courage to confront the passions and questions of her family’s past?

The Half Moon will run from the 2nd to the 28th of August at the Jackdome, Pleasance Dome and forms part of the Pleasance National Partnership programme with support from the Lyric Belfast. Previews will take place at the Naughton Studio, Lyric Belfast from the 26th to 29th of July.

This production was created in part from interviews with real residents of the Tiger’s Bay Area of all ages. Watch footage from their time spent with The Half Moon team below:

Other valued members of the creative & production teams include:

Jude Barriscale - Stage Manager

Alan Mooney - Lighting Designer

Stuart Robinson - Sound Designer

Pai Rathaya - Set & Costume Director

Paula O’Reilly - Movement Director

Tickets are available to purchase now and a 20% discount applies to bookings made before the 31st May.