Drama on Newstalk presents “The Man Who Talks To Statues”. An original radio drama that tells the story of Darryl, a thirty-year-old Corkonian.Darryl crashes his father’s car, following which he goes on a magic realist road trip to Limerick and Dublin, encountering characters ranging from suspicious locals to deceased celebrities and historical figures. Darryl has a unique capacity for speaking to statues and during the story he interacts with characters such as Richard Harris, Phil Lynott and Molly Malone.Darryl’s road trip includes acts of hedonism, aggression, denial and punch-drunk self-reflection. He is more than a little bit lost and we’re never quite sure what’s real or what’s imagined or, indeed, if it’s salvation or an escape route he’s looking for.Written and performed by Shane Casey (The Young Offenders) and produced by Ruth Hayes (Whispers) The Man Who Talks To Statues is a contemporary story of a young man lost.Reflecting a sense of disconnect and disenfranchisement which is so often present in young men in today’s Irish culture. According to the report by the Men’s Health forum published in 2020 by Dr Paula Devine and Dr Erin Early under the title Men’s Health in Numbers (MHFI pg 16.) ‘The mental health of males in the Republic of Ireland and NI is of increasing concern.’ Though mental health is one of the underlying themes, The Man Who talks to Statues aims to bring us on an entertaining and energetic journey with the main character DARRYL.‘The Man Who Talks To Statues’ was written and performed by Shane Casey. Produced by Ruth Hayes. Directed by Brian Desmond. Sound Design and Sound Engineer Cormac O Connor. Additional Cast Michael Sands and Ruth HayesThe programme was produced with funding from the Coimisiún na Meán Sound and Vision scheme.

‘Murdered while ploughing a field in Meath, belonging to his uncle, Mark Clinton was the victim of a widespread campaign by ex-British soldiers to grab land and re-divide it before the dawn of the Irish Free State. A group of local volunteers spent the next three months (and beyond) avenging his death.’  Synopsis:  This is based on a true story from May 1920 (ending in 1923) that shows the chaotic social landscape in Ireland at the time. This is a commemorative piece to remember some of the atrocities that happened in the lead up to the inception of the Irish Free State. It’s a glimpse into a country caught in a ‘leadership vacuum’, where law and order were a lot different than today. The story starts in 1920, but ends on the 6th of January, 1923, when the volunteers who avenged Mark’s death, finally got a land governed by their ‘own’. 'The Murder Of Mark Clinton’ was Produced by Jonathan Farrelly and was funded by Coimisiún Na Meán with the Television Licence Fee.  Acting Credits: Stephen Gillick, John Grant, Dara Swaine, Mark Smyth, Seamus Waters, Mark Coffee, Gary Kenna, Amrit Sandhu and Michael Ryan.

Playwright Colin Murphy brings an ancient classic right up the present day in Antigone, the story of a plague, a refugee crisis, a coup, and a body too dangerous to be buried. A plague. A refugee crisis. A coup. This is #ANTIGONE - a dystopian alternative Ireland in which the worst fears of the pandemic have been realised, social order has collapsed, and a military government is attempting to restore order by setting a brutal example.Antigone is the classic account of the conflict between the individual and the State. It is the story of a body too toxic to be buried, a State afraid of a funeral, a people under siege, a city under curfew, a collapse in political authority, and a conflict between loyalty to family and duty to state.In this new version, General Críon, the first female head of the armed forces, has seized power in a coup, in a bid to defend the State both from the plague that is ravaging Europe and from the influx of refugees that are desperately trying to escape the plague. Críon has given her troops licence to turn back refugee boats at sea and shoot new migrants arriving on our shores, under the pretext that they may be carrying contagion, and ordered that the dead bodies not be touched, for fear of infection.Meanwhile, her son, Éamonn, an aid worker in the refugee camp, has fallen in love with a refugee, Antigone. When Antigone’s brother's body washes up on the beach, Antigone flouts Críon's edict against burial, risking both infection and punishment.Críon fears not merely the spread of the literal contagion, but a moral contagion arising from Antigone’s disobedience, and sentences Antigone, her would-be daughter-in-law, to death.Funded by Coimisiún na Meán, #ANTIGONE is a new version of the 2,500-year-old Sophocles play by Colin Murphy, written in response to the pandemic. It draws out these contemporary resonances, provoking insight into the socio-political fault lines of recent history: the trauma of not being able to properly mourn our dead; the extreme restriction of individual rights in the name of the greater good; the heightened fear of the other (both in the pandemic and in successive migration "crises"); the potential abuse of an emergency to consolidate state power.Colin Murphy is one of the country’s leading political dramatists. He has written numerous plays on Irish political history, most recently The Treaty for Fishamble: the New Play Company; his screenplays include The Guarantee and The Bailout. His new play, The United States Versus Ulysses, will premiere at the Pavilion Dun Laoghaire this November.Credits:Antigone was written and produced by Colin Murphy and directed by Aoife Spillane-Hinks. Incidental music, sound design, post-production and editing was by Simon Kenny.It was funded by Coimisiún na Meán with the Television Licence Fee, and with additional support from the Arts Council.Antigone was played by Leah MintoCríon was played by Derbhle CrottyÉamonn was played by Rowan FinkenIsmene was played by Shauna HarrisTraolach was played by Arthur RiordanSophie Messenger was played by Karen ArdiffTheo Elder was played by Morgan JonesProfessor Choragos was played by Jonathan WhiteThe Guard was played by Killian Scott

Set in an Irish coastal town threatened by sea level rise, the story follows two researchers tasked with interviewing the remaining residents about the area's past, present and uncertain future. The researchers hold opposing views about the importance of their work and, as they learn more about the people they meet, their differences of opinion reach breaking point. It is a story set in the near future but very much drawing on the concerns of today, delving into contemporary debates around our relationship with nature, activism, migration and the challenges facing rural communities. Changing Coasts was performed by Kwaku Fortune (Normal People, Hidden Assets), Geraldine McAlinden (The Last Rifleman, Bad Sisters), Maria McDermottroe (The Dead, Glenroe), Paul Murphy (Aisha), Brian Mulvey (Foundation) and Aleesha Joe (Bad Sisters). Sound recording was by Stephen McHale, music by Emer Landers and editing by Rob Flynn. Changing Coasts is a Bear Print Media production funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the television license fee.

Newstalk presents a new radio drama, ‘How I Murdered Lucrezia’ adapted from a short story by Órfhlaith Foyle. Set in an Irish secondary school, outside Galway city, it is a meditation on lust, violence and obsession. A High School shooting has taken place with recently arrived student Lucrezia the victim. Her killer is a boy named Jones Maddox, who commits the act under coercion from Caitlin Purcell. Caitlin is a former friend of Lucrezia, who continues to harbour an infatuation with her. The story follows Caitlin and Jones’ descent into fury and the ultimate act of killing. This contemporary radio drama deals with pertinent themes of violence and racism in the school system. It skewers teen culture, bullying and social media throughout. Caitlin is a sociopath and Jones is under her spell. Her actions are prefaced by a disturbed home life and rejection by her friend Lucrezia. The tension builds as the play reaches its horrible denouement. The audience is asked to question its loyalties as the main characters go a step too far and commit the heinous crime in a thought provoking and entertaining drama. ‘How I Murdered Lucrezia’ was written and directed by Órfhlaith Foyle. Produced, recorded and edited by Alan Meaney. Script Editing by Gabrielle Fullam. Music composed and performed by Eamonn Bailey. The cast are Anais Rizzo, Shannon Martin, Shane McDonagh, Joan Gildea, Eimir Creedon, Austin Prior, Aoibhé Hopkins and Jimi McDonnell. The programme was funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, with the Televison Licence Fee. ‘How I Murdered Lucrezia' is adapted from Órfhlaith Foyle’s short story of same title and was first published in The Wales Arts Review then later published in her second short story collection 'Clemency Browne Dreams of Gin' (Arlen House) in 2015. She has adapted it for radio for this project.

Drama on Newstalk presents the premiere of “HIGH DENSITY”, in which IMRO-nominated producer Brian Gallagher explores the tensions that arise in a community when one resident in a small cul-de-sac refuses to sell her home to a developer who wants to build apartments on the site. Starring Marion O’Dwyer, Claudia Carroll, and Mark O’Regan, “HIGH DENSITY” was written and produced by Brian Gallagher. The programme was funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television License Fee.

What happens when the stupidest man in Irish history is charged with expelling the British Empire from Ireland? Sniper Joe & Sister Jim answers this question and more in a new radio comedy drama for Newstalk. As Ireland enters the final year of centenaries commemorating its ‘decade of change’, Sniper Joe & Sister Jim proposes an alternative account of the happenings a century ago, which changed Ireland forever. It reimagines some of the creation myths surrounding the foundation of the Irish state shining a light on the opportunism and misogyny that sneaked in after all the visionaries died fighting for Irish freedom. Set against a cartooned backdrop of the Irish War of Independence, the play follows sniper gunner Joe Mahon on a heroic quest for the Irish Republican Motherhood, as he avenges the death of his ‘most probable’ father and protects the honour of his unfussy mother. Guided by ‘a foul-mouthed spiritual advisor named ‘Sister Jim’ and a beginner’s guide to sniper gunning (presented by John McCormack himself), Joe becomes entangled in a web of paranoid British army officers along with Irish rebels who hate each other more than they hate the British. Worst of all, a pair of civil servants on overtime are overseeing the whole charade with forms to be filled before the British can be booted out of Ireland. Sniper Joe’s arch-enemy is General Sir John Poulet, commander-in-chief of the British Army in Ireland. Poulet’s task of subduing the Irish is interrupted by a series of prank telephone calls from ‘Ramon Validera’ and ‘Colin Michaels’, both set on driving the occupier out of Ireland by driving them out of their minds. Worse for Poulet is the unimaginable hardship of redecorating his office in a time of war, and the incompetence he faces from his own ranks, most notably the thorn in his side, Lt. Redmond Herring, an insufferable whining conscientious objector looking to somehow reconcile the differences between Britain and Ireland. Sniper Joe & Sister Jim is a Maccana Teoranta radio production for Newstalk funded by the BAI Sound and Vision scheme. This full-length radio play is performed by Tina Kellegher (Ballykissangel, Fair City), Mikel Murfi (Jimmy’s Hall, Barabas), Geri Maye (The Den, Winning Streak), Pat Deery (Exiled in Ireland) and Séamus McRory. The play was penned by Seamus McRory who previously co-wrote and co-produced the Gumgoogly series for RTE as well as The Maroon Bros. Good Time Radio Show for Newstalk. This is the third time he has worked with Kevin McCann. McCann directed and produced Sniper Joe & Sister Jim, and previously wrote/ directed the award-winning radio series ‘Coma’ for Newstalk. Music is by Sophína NíCana.

Set in Waterford city, ‘An End of Term’ charts the decline of a marriage. Following a series of frustrating Counselling sessions and a series of uncomfortable telephone conversations, Michael , a school teacher and his wife Maura, a Hairdresser, attempt to reconnect their increasingly diverging lives. However, in doing so, all they reveal are milestones on the path of their declining relationship. When an ongoing illness adds further to their problems, attempts at a ‘last chance’ reconciliation may prove to be a final solution or a final straw… ‘An End of Term’ is one of a Trilogy of plays. IMRO Bronze Award winning ‘Terms and Conditions’(2017) and ‘Mid Term Break’(2021) were previously produced for Radio. Executive Producer, Michael Grant brings together a talented and widely experienced cast for the final play. Andrew Holden and Emma Walsh are two of Waterford’s finest actors. Michael is played by Andrew Holden. Maura is played by Emma Walsh. Sound by Heather Troy-Whelan. Executive Producer Michael Grant. Recorded at Garter Lane Arts Centre, Waterford. AN END OF TERM was written and produced by Noel Kelly and was supported by a grant from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, as part of the Sound and Vision scheme.

A modern reimagining of Samuel Beckett’s classic play, Waiting for Godot - as an unrelenting satire on the worldwide budget airline industry. Waiting for Faro was written by Eoin Byrne, directed by Jennifer Griffin and produced by Sarah Eva Manson, with location sound recording and foley by Roger Gregg. Edited by Sound Entertaining and produced by Purple.ie and was supported by a grant from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, as part of the Sound And Vision Scheme.

“The Piana Man” is a one episode drama/musical/comedy about a tourist town entertainer, Danny Boylan - referred to by the venue's owner, Nancy Crowley, as "Danny Boy - to appeal to the Irish Americans". To his face she calls him her "people magnet" and that he certainly is. All goes sweetly through the first season. They plan to do even better the following year but there is an unexplained breakdown in communication. “The Piana Man” is written by Dezy Walls, directed by Ann Shanahan and features, Dezy Walls, Lisa Marie Murphy, Andrew "Skatz" Scattergood, Susan Hennessy, Michael Ryan, Sean Kelleher and Terry Gordon. It was produced at Creation Studios, County Kerry. “The Piana Man”, by Dezy Walls, was funded by the BAI under the sound and vision scheme.

The latest radio drama to be broadcast by Newstalk 106 – 108fm as part of its weekly Documentary & Drama On Newstalk series is ‘Belong’. ‘Belong’ is an original radio drama by Fred O’Connor & Daithí McMahon about one man’s experience of homelessness in modern Dublin The radio premiere of ‘Belong’ airs on Newstalk 106-108fm on Sunday 26th July at 7am, with a repeat broadcast on Saturday 1st August at 9pm. Podcast goes live after first broadcast.    'Belong’ is a contemporary radio drama set in Dublin, told from the perspective of Christy - a single homeless man in his late fifties. Following the breakup of a long-term relationship he loses his job due to his mental health issues and is evicted from his bedsit when the property owner decides to convert the building into luxury apartments. Unable to find affordable accommodation, Christy is forced to take refuge in emergency hostels but eventually ends up sleeping rough on the streets. Christy's depression makes him extremely anxious, withdrawn, and afraid of connecting with new people or reaching out for help. Despite this, Christy befriends Kevin, a young man who spent much of his youth being abused while in foster care and now living on the streets. A rehabilitation opportunity emerges which can save Christy - but can he help Kevin avoid a life on the streets? In the radio drama, ‘Belong’ the authors aim to raise awareness for the homeless crisis in Ireland, and give those struggling on the streets a national voice. In highlighting the plethora of challenges facing those struggling to maintain a roof over their head, the issue of spiralling property crisis which is impacting generations of vulnerable people across the country is laid bare. Another key focus of the drama is the cultural stigma around mental health issues, the lack of key support services for those with limited means, and the resulting struggle for those affected to reach out and access help. The drama is also in recognition of the many staff and volunteers who are helping those on the streets of Ireland every day of the year through organisations such as the Simon Community, Focus Ireland and many more. This project was funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television Licence Fee. ‘Belong’ is brought to you by the multi-award winning team at Henchman Productions that brought the previous audio dramas Home Again, Matches and Yummy Mummy to Newstalk. The team has won six New York Festivals International Radio Awards, competed at the Prix Europa in 2015 and 2016 and won Best Drama at the PPI Radio Awards 2015. CREDITS: ‘Belong’ is a Henchman production written and directed by Fred O’Connor and Daithí McMahon. The drama was produced by Daithí McMahon and Aisling O’Connor and recorded at Tinpot Productions with sound by Sean Byrne. The role of Christy was played Morgan C. Jones with performances by Karen Scully, Ken Fletcher, Aoibheann McCann, Laura Kelly, Caroline Power and Fiach Kunz. Selected musical pieces by Kevin MacLeod. Funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television Licence Fee. Sound And Vision Funding Scheme: Sound and Vision is a funding scheme for television and radio that provides funding in support of high quality programmes on Irish culture, heritage and experience, and programmes to improve adult literacy. The scheme is managed by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. BROADCAST: The radio premiere of ‘Belong’ airs on Newstalk 106-108fm on Sunday 26th July at 7am, with a repeat broadcast on Saturday 1st August at 9pm. Podcast goes live after first broadcast.    LISTEN LIVE ONLINE: ‘Belong’ can also be listened to online at: www.newstalk.com PODCAST: ‘Belong’ is broadcast as part of the Documentary and Drama On Newstalk Series, which showcases the best of original, homegrown and groundbreaking Irish Radio features. Podcast full series here:  https://www.newstalk.com/podcasts/page/1/filter?filter_selected=show-filter&show=documentary-drama-newstalk&series=all Listen and subscribe to Drama on Newstalk on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.    Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App.    You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

Premiere of new Irish radio drama on gangland feuds The latest radio drama to be broadcast by Newstalk 106 – 108fm as part of its weekly Documentary & Drama On Newstalk series is Idlewild. In Idlewild, producer Brian Gallagher brings us his radio adaptation of Jimmy Murphy’s stage-play, a drama in which the leaders of two feuding crime groups meet to explore the possibility of a radical sacrifice to end their bloody feud… The radio premiere of ‘Idlewild’ airs on Newstalk 106-108fm on Sunday 12th July at 7am, with a repeat broadcast on Saturday 18th July at 9pm. Podcast goes live after first broadcast.     IMRO-nominated producer Brian Gallagher’s latest work is an adaptation of renowned playwright Jimmy Murphy's powerful and topical drama, Idlewild, which deals with a murderous gangland feud... The Rev and The Bunny are the leaders of two feuding crime groups who meet, under truce, at a Dublin graveyard.  Former boyhood friends, they have both ordered the killing of members each other’s families, but have agreed to meet in person to try to stop the escalating death toll. Their complicated back story emerges as they dig a grave – for whom it’s not clear.  We learn of their shared experiences and strong bonds – but bonds that have been sundered by violence and betrayal. The scale of the cost of their crimes to society and their respective families becomes clear, and we learn that they have agreed that a radical sacrifice is the only way to end their bloody feud... Based on a successful stage play that toured Ireland, Idlewild translates well to the medium of radio, with the shifting dynamic between the two gang leaders evocatively created with dialogue, music, and sound effects. Featuring Rex Ryan and Ruairi Heading, Idlewild was written by Jimmy Murphy and adapted for radio and produced and directed by Brian Gallagher.   The programme was funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television License Fee. BROADCAST: The radio premiere of ‘Idlewild’ airs on Newstalk 106-108fm on Sunday 12th July at 7am, with a repeat broadcast on Saturday 18th July at 9pm. Podcast goes live after first broadcast.    PODCAST: Idlewild is broadcast as part of the Documentary and Drama On Newstalk Series, which showcases the best of original, homegrown and groundbreaking Irish Radio features. Podcast full series here:  https://www.newstalk.com/podcasts/page/1/filter?filter_selected=show-filter&show=documentary-drama-newstalk&series=all Sound And Vision Funding Scheme: Sound and Vision is a funding scheme for television and radio that provides funding in support of high quality programmes on Irish culture, heritage and experience, and programmes to improve adult literacy. The scheme is managed by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. Listen and subscribe to Documentary on Newstalk on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.    Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App.    You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

New Spy Thriller airs on Newstalk The latest homegrown radio drama to be broadcast as part of the Drama On Newstalk series is The Dead Key, a contemporary spy thriller by Alan Meaney and Jason Gill.  This weekend, Drama on Newstalk are proud to broadcast the premiere of a new original Irish radio drama, The Dead Key. In The Dead Key, Producer Alan Meaney and director Jason Gill fashion a contemporary spy thriller and tale of family loyalty... Brendan Grattan was a young writer with the world at his feet, until a sex scandal caused him to spend the rest of his life in disgrace and silence. Back in Ireland for Brendan’s memorial, his niece Stephanie begins to doubt the official explanation of his disgrace. Was Brendan innocent after all? And if so, did his dishonour hide another, infinitely more terrible secret? Her probing introduces her to different associates from Brendan’s life; Marina, his mysterious former Russian lover and British spy David Prentice who demands to know if her uncle has passed on any ‘secrets’ after his death. The Dead Key unfolds over two episodes through Brendan’s posthumous narrative, spoken into a recording left for his niece, and Stephanie’s efforts to explore the mystery. BROADCAST TIMES:  ‘The Dead Key’ (Episode 1) will be broadcast on Newstalk 106-108fm on Sunday June 7th 2020 at 7am, with repeat broadcast on Saturday June 13th at 9pm. Podcast goes live after first broadcast. 'The Dead Key' Episode 2 premieres on Newstalk 106-108fm on Sunday June 14th 2020 at 7am, with repeat broadcast on Saturday June 20th at 9pm. Podcast goes live after first broadcast.  PODCAST SERIES: The Dead Key is broadcast as part of the Documentary and Drama On Newstalk Series, which showcases the best of original, homegrown and groundbreaking Irish Radio features. Podcast full Drama On Newstalk series here:  https://www.newstalk.com/podcasts/page/1/filter?filter_selected=show-filter&show=documentary-drama-newstalk&series=all Documentary on Newstalk Listen and subscribe to Documentary on Newstalk on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.    Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App.    You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'. CREDITS: ‘The Dead Key’ was written and directed by Jason Gill.  It was produced, recorded and edited by Alan Meaney. The cast are Martin Kelleher, Sarah Gordon, Anne Hoey, Pawel Starkowski, Irena Cvetkovic, Ollie Hegarty and Harry Smith. The programme was funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television License Fee ABOUT THE PRODUCERS: Alan Meaney is an independent radio producer, based in Galway, specialising in dramas, documentaries and short features.  His work has been aired on RTE, Newstalk, Resonance FM and on various community and regional stations. His radio dramas have been nominated for 7 European Radio Drama Awards. Heads Up - a series on positive mental health was the winner of a CRAOL Award in 2016. A Pilot’s Honour, won bronze at the IMRO Radio Awards 2018 in the drama category. You can listen to his work at www.alanmeaney.ie Jason Gill has been involved in community theatre since the early 1990’s, and has acted in almost 30 plays. He has written and directed his own full length plays, ‘The House of Peter’ performed to much acclaim in 1994 and ‘The Brothers Malone’, which was performed by Athlone Little Theatre group at festivals throughout Ireland during 2006 and 2007. He has also directed Billy Roche’s ‘Poor Beast in the Rain’ and Willy Russell’s comedy ‘One For The Road’. He worked as a journalist and columnist for twenty years, and has written a number of novels and short stories. He currently hosts ‘For Art’s Sake’, the weekly arts review programme and ‘Athlone Today’ a current affairs programme on Athlone Community Radio. He wrote and directed the Sound and Vision funded eight part radio detective series, The Killing of Sheila Price and the Sound & Vision funded radio dramas Love Was, When Harry Met Satan The Prime of Johnny Broody and Fairies Only Wear Wings.  A Pilot’s Honour, written and directed by Jason, won bronze at the IMRO Radio Awards 2018 in the drama category. Sound And Vision Funding Scheme: Sound and Vision is a funding scheme for television and radio that provides funding in support of high quality programmes on Irish culture, heritage and experience, and programmes to improve adult literacy. The scheme is managed by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.

New Spy Thriller airs on Newstalk The latest homegrown radio drama to be broadcast as part of the Drama On Newstalk series is The Dead Key, a contemporary spy thriller by Alan Meaney and Jason Gill.  This weekend, Drama on Newstalk are proud to broadcast the premiere of a new original Irish radio drama, The Dead Key. In The Dead Key, Producer Alan Meaney and director Jason Gill fashion a contemporary spy thriller and tale of family loyalty... Brendan Grattan was a young writer with the world at his feet, until a sex scandal caused him to spend the rest of his life in disgrace and silence. Back in Ireland for Brendan’s memorial, his niece Stephanie begins to doubt the official explanation of his disgrace. Was Brendan innocent after all? And if so, did his dishonour hide another, infinitely more terrible secret? Her probing introduces her to different associates from Brendan’s life; Marina, his mysterious former Russian lover and British spy David Prentice who demands to know if her uncle has passed on any ‘secrets’ after his death. The Dead Key unfolds over two episodes through Brendan’s posthumous narrative, spoken into a recording left for his niece, and Stephanie’s efforts to explore the mystery. BROADCAST TIMES:  ‘The Dead Key’ (Episode 1) will be broadcast on Newstalk 106-108fm on Sunday June 7th 2020 at 7am, with repeat broadcast on Saturday June 13th at 9pm. Podcast goes live after first broadcast. 'The Dead Key' Episode 2 premieres on Newstalk 106-108fm on Sunday June 14th 2020 at 7am, with repeat broadcast on Saturday June 20th at 9pm. Podcast goes live after first broadcast.  PODCAST SERIES: The Dead Key is broadcast as part of the Documentary and Drama On Newstalk Series, which showcases the best of original, homegrown and groundbreaking Irish Radio features. Podcast full Drama On Newstalk series here:  https://www.newstalk.com/podcasts/page/1/filter?filter_selected=show-filter&show=documentary-drama-newstalk&series=all CREDITS: ‘The Dead Key’ was written and directed by Jason Gill.  It was produced, recorded and edited by Alan Meaney. The cast are Martin Kelleher, Sarah Gordon, Anne Hoey, Pawel Starkowski, Irena Cvetkovic, Ollie Hegarty and Harry Smith. The programme was funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television License Fee ABOUT THE PRODUCERS: Alan Meaney is an independent radio producer, based in Galway, specialising in dramas, documentaries and short features.  His work has been aired on RTE, Newstalk, Resonance FM and on various community and regional stations. His radio dramas have been nominated for 7 European Radio Drama Awards. Heads Up - a series on positive mental health was the winner of a CRAOL Award in 2016. A Pilot’s Honour, won bronze at the IMRO Radio Awards 2018 in the drama category. You can listen to his work at www.alanmeaney.ie Jason Gill has been involved in community theatre since the early 1990’s, and has acted in almost 30 plays. He has written and directed his own full length plays, ‘The House of Peter’ performed to much acclaim in 1994 and ‘The Brothers Malone’, which was performed by Athlone Little Theatre group at festivals throughout Ireland during 2006 and 2007. He has also directed Billy Roche’s ‘Poor Beast in the Rain’ and Willy Russell’s comedy ‘One For The Road’. He worked as a journalist and columnist for twenty years, and has written a number of novels and short stories. He currently hosts ‘For Art’s Sake’, the weekly arts review programme and ‘Athlone Today’ a current affairs programme on Athlone Community Radio. He wrote and directed the Sound and Vision funded eight part radio detective series, The Killing of Sheila Price and the Sound & Vision funded radio dramas Love Was, When Harry Met Satan The Prime of Johnny Broody and Fairies Only Wear Wings.  A Pilot’s Honour, written and directed by Jason, won bronze at the IMRO Radio Awards 2018 in the drama category. Sound And Vision Funding Scheme: Sound and Vision is a funding scheme for television and radio that provides funding in support of high quality programmes on Irish culture, heritage and experience, and programmes to improve adult literacy. The scheme is managed by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.

Yummy Mummy: Radio Drama Premieres on Newstalk this weekend ‘Yummy Mummy’ is an original radio drama by Aisling O’Connor and Siobhan Clarke about a woman’s struggle to find her place in a modern materialistic Ireland Lydia Cummings is a 40-year-old mother of two young teens, recently returned to live in Ireland from Australia. Her husband’s sales director's role in Ireland’s booming IT sector offers the family a dream home in Kildare, and Lydia, a new-found wealth and freedom. She is befriended by a well-heeled neighbour, Anna, who introduces her to a tight circle of 'ladies who latte' - Anna, Sophie and alpha female, Natasha. Losing a grip of her formerly down-to-earth home life, Lydia immerses herself in a Paltrow-esque existence where food is designer, fashion is a religion, and showcasing a ‘curated’ lifestyle is paramount... LIVE BROADCAST: ‘Yummy Mummy’ broadcasts on Newstalk 106-108fm on Sunday 29th March at 7am, and repeated at 9pm on Saturday 4th April 2020. Podcast goes live directly after first broadcast. PODCAST HERE:      [audio mp3="https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2020/03/27142215/Yummy_Mummy_Full-PODCAST.mp3"][/audio] PODCAST: Yummy Mummy is broadcast as part of the Drama On Newstalk Series, which showcases the best of original, homegrown and groundbreaking Irish Radio Drama. Podcast full series here: https://www.newstalk.com/podcasts/drama-on-newstalk In the new Irish Radio Drama, 'Yummy Mummy', writers Aisling O’Connor & Siobhan Clarke, set out to create a story that spoke to modern Irish women who yearn for value and acceptance beyond the realm of the family home. This drama, set during the latter stages of the recession, exposes the underbelly of the lifestyle phenomenon which gripped Irish culture during this time. The sub-theme looks at how non-career women can feel displaced by society once their children are reared, leading them to seek value in the veneer of looks and lifestyle. The drama looks at Irish culture’s obsession with a visibly curated lifestyle through a group of middle class women who rely on it in order to be valued via feelings of superiority and desirability. In this context the production is timely for Irish audiences as it offers an inside view of our society’s insecurity-driven pursuit of perfection. Yummy Mummy is brought to you by the multi-award winning and critically acclaimed team at Henchman Productions. Yummy Mummy features the same writer/director team that won the Best Drama Award at the PPI Radio Awards 2015. Henchman Productions have also won a number of New York Festivals International Radio Awards and competed at the Prix Europa in 2015 and 2016. CREDITS: ‘Yummy Mummy’ is a Henchman Production written by Aisling O’Connor and Siobhan Clarke. The drama was directed by Siobhan Clarke and produced by Aisling O’Connor and Daithí McMahon. The sound engineers were Sean Byrne and Daithí McMahon. Featuring Caroline Power, Karen Scully, Aoibheann McCann, Laura Kelly, Eva-Jane Gaffney, Fiach Kuns and Morgan C. Jones. Recorded at Tinpot Productions, Dublin. Funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television Licence Fee.  ‘Yummy Mummy’ broadcasts on Newstalk 106-108fm www.newstalk.com on Sunday 29th March at 7am, and repeated at 9pm on Saturday 4th April 2020.

This weekend, Drama on Newstalk will broadcast the premiere of new radio drama “Secrets” in which IMRO-nominated producer Brian Gallagher travels back in time to a seaside holiday in Sixties Ireland, during which two women face an intriguing moral dilemma. “Secrets” tells the story of the extended Lawlor family who take a seaside holiday in Bray, County Wicklow, in 1964.  Unaware that such holidays will be soon made redundant by package holidays to sun destinations, they go about their usual two-week break. Despite the surface good humour, tensions are evident in the family dynamic, and when the Lawlors cross paths with a holidaying Scottish family the seeds are sown for a dramatic outcome. The 1964 scenes are viewed through the eyes of twelve-year-old Damian Lawlor, while simultaneously the now-adult Damian looks back on the action.  Reappraising the moral choices of that summer, over fifty years later, giving Damian another dilemma now as he has to decide whether or not to leave the past undisturbed. Starring Aonghus Og McAnally, Mark O’Regan, Mary Murray, Marion O’Dwyer, and Claudia Carroll, “Secrets” was written and produced by Brian Gallagher.   The programme was funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television License Fee. BROADCAST TIMES: “Secrets” will be broadcast on Newstalk 106-108fm on Sunday 26th January at 7am with repeat broadcast on Saturday 1st February at 9pm LISTEN LIVE ONLINE: “Secrets” can also be listened to online at: www.newstalk.ie PODCAST: Podcast available at: www.newstalk.ie/documentaryonnewstalk after the broadcast.

A brand-new home-grown radio whodunnit This weekend, Drama on Newstalk airs the premiere of “PAID IN FULL”, in which IMRO-nominated writer/producer Brian Gallagher looks at the murder-mystery genre in an Irish setting, with twists, turns, and nothing being quite what it seems. Written in the style of “DEATHTRAP” and “SLEUTH”, “PAID IN FULL” goes beneath the surface in a small Irish village that seems peaceful and law-abiding.  But appearances can be deceptive, and dangerous game-paying is taking place behind closed doors.  Who is telling the truth, and who is lying?  And more importantly, who is likely to live and who is going to die? With greed, adultery and murder on the menu, a lethal cocktail is served up to the listener. Can anyone guess what’s going to happen next as the twisting plot leads this way and that?  Tune in, to hear a top-rate cast immerse themselves in a deadly game of cat and mouse. CREDITS: Starring Aonghus Og McAnally, Sharon Hogan, Mark O’Regan, Mary Murray and Marion O’Dwyer, PAID IN FULL was written and produced by Brian Gallagher.   The programme was funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television License Fee. BROADCAST TIMES: PAID IN FULL was broadcast on Newstalk 106-108fm on Bank Holiday Monday 5th August at 11am with repeat broadcast on Saturday 10th August at 9pm LISTEN LIVE: PAID IN FULL can also be listened to online at: www.newstalk.ie

Desmond P Walls was on the passenger list of Aer Lingus flight 712 which went down at Tuskar Rock in 1968. There were no survivors. His son Dezy was 19 at the time. The solo play, Searching for DADDLY DEE is Dezy’s true story. “At nineteen life was life. I mean every person who counted was alive, mother, father, all four grandparents, uncles, aunts. Daddy was larger than life. We had our differences, he and I, but he was still the biggest thing in my life. I was trying to discover who I was but I knew who he was. He was “the man” before that phrase was invented. He was wisdom. He was goodness. He was fun and even when he was harsh it was clearly because he loved me. I slammed the door of his car in fury one evening and he was gone.  “I searched for him in London and in my dreams and nightmares. If it were to take a lifetime, I was determined I would find him." - Dezy walls

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