Living on the Moon – Gilded Balloon

“After experiencing her mother’s demise from Alzheimer’s, writer-performer Molly McFadden learns how to face the truth and let go in this poignant, yet humorous one-woman show told with music, puppetry and love” The promotional material captures the ambition of this project and I was keen to see how these ideas would translate to a show. I wasn’t disappointed.

Molly McFadden is an accomplished performer with a presence. As soon as she enters the room, she engages her audience, sharing a story of her early experiences in the cabaret circuit, complete with belting show tunes and toe tapping rhythm. As her tale continues, something appears to be troubling her when she struggles to remember the words to ‘Fly me to the Moon’.

From her first subtle introduction of the concept of memory to her final song, McFadden weaves music and words together, seamlessly, to create a vivid account of her relationship with her deceased mother. Introducing us to her mother who lives on as a puppet aptly named ‘Memory’, the pair recall Memory’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis and McFadden’s deep denial of her Mum’s failing mind.

It is a tribute to McFadden’s performance skills that she creates such a plausible double act without employing ventriloquism. Instead, she literally speaks for Memory, inhabiting her voice and mannerisms and capturing both her fear and despair as Alzheimer’s robs her of her independence. But Memory is a well-rounded puppet, capable of a range of emotions, her love for daughter evident, her sense of humour glorious.

There are many complex artistic works dealing with this subject, McFadden’s approach is more hands on and heartfelt. It explores the trauma of the diagnosis whilst still retaining some whimsy, which is no easy feat. She takes a similar approach to McFadden’s own health diagnosis.

At the core of ‘Living on the Moon’ is a love story between a mother and daughter and the heartache of losing a living connection so deep and so pure. I’ll admit, I cried, and I laughed, but mostly I watched, mesmerised at McFadden’s flawless delivery. If you’re looking for a show with both heart and humour that isn’t afraid to tackle life’s bigger questions, then this is the gig for you.

Living on the Moon, 14.45 daily, runs until 25th August at Dram at Gilded Balloon Patter House with tickets available at  https://gildedballoon.co.uk/

Reviewer: Triona Scully

Reviewed: 14th August 2025

North West End UK Rating: