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 Duellists, Personal 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.”
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.”
Full interview. Michael Irving talks about Half Moon Theatre from its inception in 1972. Interviewed by Beccy Allen.
Michael Irving describes the importance of the production Female Transport.
Michael Irving talks about Dan Dare and the innovative use of technology at the time.
Michael Irving talks about the production of Dragon and how the dragon in the piece was created.
Michael Irving talks about the very early days of Half Moon Theatre on Alie Street and reflects upon the local environment.
Michael Irving talks about Heroes Of The Iceberg Hotel and the striking set design.
Michael Irving talks about Half Moon Theatre’s very first production, In The Jungle Of The Cities. It was fairly controversial as it was a German play in an old Synagogue, but was well-received locally and by critics.
Michael Irving talks about Punch Gorilla, the first outdoor production, which was a modern day take of Punch and Judy. He describes its mixed reception.
Michael Irving talks about Sawdust Caesar, a political re-work of Aladdin.
Michael Irving talks about Will Wat, If Not What Will?, which was initially devised by the company before writer Steve Gooch came on board. Interviewed by Beccy Allen.