Would you mind giving us an insight into what your show/event/performance is?
The Pitch is an Irish coming of age story set in Belfast, about Gaelic Football and the possibility of a United Ireland. It follows 3 sports mad teenagers as they come to terms with growing up in post-troubles Northern Ireland, their conflicting national identities and which Mr. Tayto they prefer.
Tell us about the creative team and the process involved?
Written by Philip Catherwood (that’s me) Produced by Moya Jane Productions. Directed by Thea Mayeux. Starring an all-star Northern Irish cast – James Grimm (The Vanishing Elephant), Dion Di Maio (NewsRevue) and Jake Douglas (World on Fire) This show has played at The Space, and Theatre 503 in London, plus The Lyric Theatre Belfast and now The Pleasance Courtyard.
How does it feel coming to (back to) the Fringe?
Very, very exciting! It’s our first time coming to the festival, so not quite sure what to expect! Only what I’ve been told, so I’m preparing for a frenetic energy and the chance to meet so many artists and spectators from around the world! Just being part of the Fringe has got us so much attention, and recognition, already so we’re excited to take advantage of that and connect with as many industry guests as possible, and make sure to have fun while we’re at it!
With shows from all over the world at the Fringe, what sets yours apart?
Gaelic football is such a unique, Irish sport! As mentioned in the play it’s almost like ‘a mix of basketball, rugby and soccer” so there’s something there for every sporting fan alike. We’re also a show set in modern day Belfast – not during The Troubles, not during the Peace Process, this is what’s happening NOW, and what people living there are talking about today! We’re a play that asks the question about Irish Unity. Could it happen in the future? How would it affect the people currently living in Northern Ireland? And what would really happen to Tesco!?
On that, is there anything in the production or production team’s backgrounds which influences the way the show is performed or told?
All the cast are from back home and they’re pretty amazing Gaelic Footballers! If you come see the show, they’ll be seamlessly passing the ball around on stage, shooting at goal and maybe even a few skills to show off! All whilst telling a story that feels really authentic to Belfast and the people who live there. This is a show for anyone from the Irish diaspora but also anyone who loves the Irish culture in general! How could you not!?
Is there anything specific you’re hoping the audience will take away?
I hope that people realise that although The Troubles effectively ended in Northern Ireland nearly 30 years ago, much of its effects are still felt for a younger generation. Teenagers, now more than ever, are wrestling with their national identity and with the conversation of a United Ireland gaining momentum year by year, the fate of Ireland’s future has never been more prevalent.
I also hope people get to know a sport that doesn’t get the love it deserves on stage! Or is outshone by the likes of cricket, F1, golf etc. Gaelic Football is massively popular in Ireland but we’d like to be a part of raising its visibility around the world!
Your Ideal audience is in attendance, who’s watching? Or more importantly – who isn’t…?
GAA fans – come and watch! This show is for you! Anyone from Ireland want to see an authentic story that’s about your experience back home, come and see the show! Anyone from the Irish diaspora, or just interested in Irish culture, this is also for you! Not a sports fan at all? That’s okay! This play is ultimately about its characters – their relationships, their struggles growing up, their families and their dreams. There’s something from everyone in this timely show!
It’s an intense month, so where you’re able, how do you plan to relax, and are there any other shows you intend to see or want to recommend?
Any shows from back home! We’re part of the Theatre and Dance Northern Ireland Spotlight scheme so ‘Good with Faces’ by Oisín Kearny and ‘Aliens’ by Alessandra Celesia. We’re also part of the Edinburgh National Partnerships with The Pleasance so planning to see all the plays from around the UK including Wales, Leicester and Plymouth, among others! So many talented artists from NI coming over, Kat Woods, Gina Donnelly, Vittorio Angelone…. so many more, I’m still going through my Fringe Programme! Oh, and Showstoppers! BECAUSE ITS AMAZING!!!!!
The Pitch will run at Venue 33, Baby Grand at Pleasance Courtyard
Runs: August 5th – August 31st at 14:00pm
Interested in being featured on our Have a Gander page? With many previews and Q&As lined up, we’re always happy to chat about including your show in future articles. Please do get in touch through the contact page to feature in an upcoming ‘Have A Gander’