Michael Irving

Co-founder
1972 - 1974

Michael Irving
Co-founder, Actor, Director, 1972 – 1974

Michael co-founded Half Moon Theatre in 1972 with Maurice Colbourne and Guy Sprung. He performed in many productions, including In the Jungle of the Cities, Will Wat, If Not, What Will?, Sawdust Caesar, Silver Tassie, Alkestis, The Mother and Female Transport. He directed and performed in Heroes of the Iceberg Hotel and Dan Dare (which he also wrote). He returned in 1977 to play the Dame in Dick Whittington, or the City of Fear.

Michael’s stage credits include leading roles at The Royal Court, Kings Head Theatre, Theatre Royal York , Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith , Northcott Theatre, Exeter , Derby Playhouse, Queens Theatre Hornchurch and Sheffield Crucible Theatre . His film work includes Ridley Scott’s first film The DuellistsPersonal Services and Apart From George. His television credits include Coronation Street, EastEnders, The Bell Run, The Mouse In The Corner, The Bill and Bulman.

Michael became a patron of Half Moon Theatre in autumn 2016.

“I am flattered and honoured to be asked to be a patron of the Half Moon Theatre. The connection, through time, with the original venue in Alie Street is rather poetic. The work that the company does today is amazing and admirable, rooted in the same ethos of community engagement and nurturing local early career artists when we founded the company. I am happy to offer my support and to champion the excellent professional theatre and participatory work Half Moon does on a daily basis today.”

Productions and Participation

Interview with Michael Irving

Full interview. Michael Irving talks about Half Moon Theatre from its inception in 1972. Interviewed by Beccy Allen.

Interview snippets

Transcript