THE PITCH - Edinburgh Fringe 2026

Aim

Following a sold-out run at the Lyric Theatre Belfast, THE PITCH is heading to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival!

From a 10-minute short piece at Theatre503's Rapid Write Response, THE PITCH by Philip Catherwood, an exciting new play about Gaelic football in Ireland, has developed into a full-length production, completing a sold-out run at the Lyric Theatre Belfast, Naughton Studio in October 2025. It has since been selected for the Edinburgh National Partnership with the Lyric Theatre Belfast and the Pleasance to complete a full month run at the Pleasance Courtyard this summer!

We are overjoyed about being selected for this incredible opportunity, but we need YOUR HELP to make it possible!

About The Show

★★★★★ "Uplifting, funny, touching; a must-see" Everything Theatre

★★★★★ "A highly captivating insight into modern Belfast" London Pub Theatres

★★★★ "A rare statement of hope" The Peg Review

THE PITCH is set in East Belfast, following sports mad, local boy Robbie. When his favourite pitch is refurbished into a Gaelic Football ground, he sees it as an invasion of his culture. But for GAA player Deren, it’s a chance to play the sport he loves, in the home which never accepted it. As Robbie’s sister, Melissa, starts playing Gaelic Football in school, and a United Ireland Referendum looms on the horizon, the show explores whether these three teens can find common ground.

This is such an integral piece of theatre as not only does it explore the political impact of a post-troubles Belfast on the youth of today, questioning what the future may hold, but it also spotlights an incredible sport that is still vastly unknown to the masses. All of this is materialised through a beautiful story that is funny, poignant and nuanced, brought to you by a wonderful, dedicated and talented team of creatives.

Why This Play? Why Now?

This is a story about Belfast, but also Ireland as a whole. 

It’s inspired by true events currently happening to GAA clubs in East Belfast who are finding it difficult securing permanent pitches in the area, and have even faced vandalism and bomb threats from local residents. 

The Pitch also comes at a time when the conversation around a United Ireland has never been stronger. As Belfast changes for the young characters in the play, so could the future of the country they live in - asking the question, could Ireland one day be re-unified, or forever separated?

Moya Jane Productions

Moya Jane Productions was founded in 2019 by Moya Matthews as a theatre company supporting new work. From curating multiple new writing nights, running a studio to offer affordable rehearsal space, hosting workshops and play reading groups in collaboration with various emerging artists, we are delighted to be producing The Pitch as our first show at Edinburgh Fringe!

Why We Need Your Help

It is no surprise that taking a show to Edinburgh is a costly endeavour. As a new company, with no previous financial backing, Moya Jane Productions are very proud of what we've accomplished so far, but need your help for this next chapter in our journey. What your support will cover:

• Accommodation
• Travel
• Props and set
• Insurance
• Marketing
• Paying our artists

Any donation large or small, will be immensely appreciated and all adds up to make this journey possible! Thank you so much for your support!

Rewards

• £50 A Digital Thank-You 

Your name on our website’s supporters wall! This will also be included in our Digital Programme.

• £100 A Signed Show Poster 

An original show poster signed by the entire cast and crew.

• £250 A Signed Gaelic Football

A Gaelic Football signed by the entire cast and crew.

• £500 2 x Tickets To The Show + ALL THE ABOVE

2 x Complimentary Tickets to the show either at our previews at Lyric Belfast in July or in Edinburgh in August.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 29th June 2026 at 9:06am