Mary ann,
The forgotten sister

Written By: Clare McMahon
Directed By: Paula McFetridge
Production Premiere: April 2024

A theatrical walking tour

MARY ANN MCCRACKEN

Dílis go héag.

Faithful til Death.

Wept by her brother’s scaffold 17th July 1798

Died 26th July 1866.

Revolutionary, educationalist, businesswoman, feminist, social reformer and abolitionist, Mary Ann McCracken was one of the people that shaped the rapidly growing city of Belfast but was largely written out of history because she was a woman.

This powerful theatrical walking tour charts the life and times of this remarkable woman and her effect on Belfast during her 96 years.

……a fascinating way to gain knowledge of our past……

More than a beloved sister to Henry Joy but a sister to Belfast. Beloved of Belfast.

Hopefully, by knowing her story you’ll know her. And by knowing her, you’ll better know Belfast.

Carol Moore played Mary Ann as a feisty, forthright and no-nonsense woman of foresight.

Alan In Belfast
Kabosh Theatre, playwright Clare McMahon and director Paula McFetridge succeed in connecting the places with the people and creating an emotionally charged 80 minutes of historical theatre.

Alan In Belfast

CREATIVE TEAM

Cast:

Maria Connolly (2024 Run)

Louise Mathews (2026 Run)

Calla Hughes

Carol Moore

Stage Manager - Sarah Reid

Costume Design - Úna Hickey

Musical Direction - Jane Cassidy

Linocut on Linen - Gail Kelly

Typography - Imogen Donegan

BSL Interpreter - Kristina Laverty

Mary Ann’s Dressmaker - Gillian Lennox

Movement Advisor - Paula O’Reilly

Wig Dresser - Caroline Reynolds

Producer - Andrew Hume (2024), Ronan McManus (2026)

Assistant Producer - Lizzie Howard (2024), Rhiann Jeffrey (2026)

Public Relations - Gary Kelly

Production Photography - Johnny Frazer

PAST PERFORMANCES

13th - 28th April (weekends) Beginning at Clifton Cemetery (Henry Place) and concluding at Clifton House
2nd - 17th May (weekends) Beginning at Clifton Cemetery (Henry Place) and concluding at Clifton House - Part of CQAF 2026