Pearse Elliot, author of The Holy Holy Bus and Man in the Moon, returns to the Lyric Theatre this month with a darkly comic thriller about truth and buried lives.
Marty Maguire and Billy Clarke play Fuzzy and Shasu – two middle-aged, alcoholic down and outs who live in Shasu’s desolate council house in Belfast. One evening they are joined by a stranger from the local area for some “smokes and gargle”, but as the night passes and stories of lives, loves, regrets and dark deeds are told, the real reason for the stranger’s visit become clear.
As the Tide Ebbs is a joint production by Rawlife Theatre Company and the Lyric Theatre Belfast and is directed by Martin McSharry with set design by Niall Rea.
“I am delighted to be directing the world premiere of such a fantastic play,” Martin said. “I think Pearse is one of the best playwrights in Ireland, and it’s a pleasure to see a premiere of his work being staged at the Lyric. Most of all it’s a joy for me and the cast to be the first to tell this extremely funny but dark story to our audiences.
Jimmy Fay, Executive Producer at the Lyric added, “As The Tide Ebbs is a bold piece of theatre which tackles some controversial issues like the Disappeared and the idea of a truth commission in Northern Ireland after the Troubles. In its barest form, Pearse’s play is a human story – no sides are taken and it’s up to the audience to figure out who’s side to take at the end of the play. Although As The Tide Ebbs exposes the dark days of the Troubles and some of the terrible acts that occurred during it, Pearse’s skill with dialogue and characters manages to make us laugh even at the darkest moments.”
Gilly Campbell, Arts Development Officer for Drama and Dance, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, commented; “The Arts Council is pleased to support this new production from local, award-winning playwright Pearse Elliott. The arts have an intrinsic value in allowing us to safely explore very serious, sometimes very dark issues. The themes and issues highlighted in this play will challenge, resonate and leave a lasting impact on audiences and I wish Rawlife and the Lyric Theatre every success.”
Cast includes Michael Liebman, Billy Clarke and Marty Maguire.
As the Tide Ebbs runs in the Naughton Studio from 17 May to 05 June.
Tickets from £10 – £17. To book contact the Lyric box office on 028 9038 1081 or online at www.lyrictheatre.co.uk
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