drama on near

All The Way to Mars and Back by Eddie Naughton Directed by Anna Nugent ALL THE WAY TO MARS AND BACK is about day in the life of a community where the endemic drug problem has become a way of life. It begins with the funeral of a drug addict and ends with yet more deaths. In between, the play points up the sinister elements that has the community in a vice like grip; the unscrupulous drug baron, the uncaring, aspiring dealers, and the dangerous, pathetic addicts who do what they must to outlive each day. Then there are the broken parents in the community whose way of life has been altered utterly by the fact that their drug dependent sons and daughters now look on them merely as a resource to get what they want to maintain their habit. The play offers no answers but does ask questions. CAST: Amy Herbert as Laura Stephen Kelly as Franner and Tommy Laurence Lowry as Liam and Voice Michael Mullen as Peter and Henchman Paul Nugent as Bobo, Priest, Newscaster, Server and Det. Treahy Fiana Toibin as Bernie, Marion and Teasie This series was made with the support of the Coimisiún na Meán’s Sound and Vision scheme through the Television License Fee.

Still We Sing by Martina Collender Directed by Anna Nugent Ghent, 1956, autumn. The play opens to find a small group of actors in rehearsals for Romeo and Juliet. We discover these play-actors are being led Nickolas Locke and they are rehearsing the play in brutal conditions, against all odds. We discover this group of people have been torn from their homes, their lives, the livelihood, the identity, there dignity has been torn from them. Everything they have ever known has been ripped from them. The reason for this is the colour of the skin, there accents, where they come from, who they are, crimes they are accused of committing, none of the reasons make sense. None of these reasons are good enough. They are deeply distressed and confused by the way they are treated by the soldiers, who have come and are forcing them to live in a segregated area. The area they are living is very small, there is three building with no toilet facilities and is expected to be the home for over 1,000 people. If they were to leave they would shot. If they were to escape there is nowhere to go. There is limited food and is rationed out. Every morning they must attend a meeting led by the Commander, a man who has been chosen by the soldiers to deliver news, at these meetings they are told of news about rations, of new people arriving, of certain people expected to leave. This a source of constant worry as they never know what they will be told or not. The soldiers who man the area, carry guns, and have fists as strong as steel, they aren’t afraid to use. They characters in the play range from a few weeks old to 50 years old, each passing moment is ticking clock on their lives, each breath they take is bated with fear, each day is a new treat and still, they insist on rehearsing the play, still, the battle on against all odds. CAST: Paul Nugent as NICKOLAS LOCKE Fiana Toibin as KATHERINE LOCKE and NEWSREADER Iva Kevra as GRACE LOCK and NEWSREADER Mark Anthony O’Rielly as SAMUEL LOCKE Tim Casey as JONATHAN ILIC and GENERAL JODI Ryan Roy as STEPHEN PETROVIC and TOMMY LOCKE Emmanuel Okoye as ANDREW PETROVIC John J. O’Hagan as JACK VENEZIA Made with the support of the Coimisiún na Meán’s Sound and Vision scheme through the Television License Fee.

To The Bone by David Donavan Directed by Anna Nugent To The Bone is a rural drama exploring the relationship between generations and changing attitudes. Jack is helping his father Bob on the family farm but longs for something more. He faces a crossroad as decisions need to be made and friendships are tested in his journey of self-discovery. Laurence Lowry as Bob Paul Nugent as Jack Aoife Commons as Jess Patrick de Monfort as Tom Fiana Toibin as Mary Made with the support of the Coimisiún na Meán’s Sound and Vision scheme through the Television License Fee.

Class of 2025 by Diandra Xavier Directed by Anna Nugent Anisa Kapoor is on the brink of adulthood, juggling school pressure, family expectations, and the endless chatter of her virtual assistant. When she’s asked to give a graduation speech, she must choose between perfection and honesty. Vivian Birungi as Anisa Brigid Leahy as Alexa Brian Robinson as Barista Rebecca Rose Flynn as Eimear Shruti Shandilya as Mum Fiana Toibin as Redwood Principal Made with the support of the Coimisiún na Meán’s Sound and Vision scheme through the Television License Fee.

Tenterhooks by John Morton Directed by Sarah Baxter Tenterhooks is a darkly comic drama about two strangers, adrift in their lives who keep meeting in various suicide black spots over the course of a summer. Brid is a self-styled damsel in distress looking for a knight in shining armour to rescue her. She lives alone in a big house in the country and is searching for someone to take an interest in her life and connect with. Jimmy is a recently unemployed taxi driver who stakes out suicide spots looking for souls to rescue. He lives at home with his uncaring mother and abusive stepfather and is struggling to get a foothold on his life. Both consistently bump into each other by chance but due to miscommunication, they struggle to create a bond. Eventually both of their lives take drastic turns for the worse as they both court death and their plights become more dire. With no help in sight, they are forced to cling to each other. But how long can either of them hang on for? Pattie Maguire as Brid Darragh Feehely as Jimmy Made with the support of the Coimisiún na Meán’s Sound and Vision scheme through the Television License Fee.

Home by Carol RooneyDirected by Anna Nugent ‘Home’ is a monologue play following three generations of a Dublin family during the first half of 2020. Eileen a Clontarf native is enjoying every moment of retirement and all the social activity she can, her niece Niamh is heading into her 50’s and feels overwhelmed with her familial and work commitments and is concerned with her son Adam’s disinterest in the impending leaving certificate. Eileen falls and is admitted to hospital, due to her injuries she is sent to convalesce in a nursing home and lockdown then ensues, her positive outlook dwindles over the months as she unable to leave. Niamhis still mourning the loss of her own parents from recent years and is unable to realise the reality of the struggles facing her aunt and son. Adam has recovered from childhood cancer and the loss of freedom and opportunity through lockdown impact heavily on his mental health. Adam and Eileen share a bond not defined by age and in a time of intolerable anguish he assists her to make her own decision about her care. Cast Eileen - Helen Roache Niamh - Fiona Browne Adam - Adam Gallagher Made with the support of the Coimisiún na Meán’s Sound and Vision scheme through the Television License Fee.

Young men, think twice before whipping out your spray paints after dark, hoping to have some fun at the expense of the defenseless dead in that old local cemetery near you. Dead Platoon a new radio drama, written and produced by Berni Dwan, directed by Bairbre Ní Chaoimh, with sound tech by Declan McGlade, will convince you that this anti-social behaviour is not a good idea, so go kick a football instead. Let’s just say that nobody is ever as dead as they seem, and you don’t want to be disturbing their beauty sleep, do you? Dead Platoon cast and crew – Front Row Left to Right: Ashleigh Dorrell (Becky), Hannah Brady (Felicity), Julie Crowe (Queenie). Middle Row Left to Right: Noni Stapleton (Norah), Bairbre Ní Chaoimh (Director). Back Row Left to Right: Declan McGlade (Sound Management), Hilda Fay (Tracey), Ben Waddell (Adam), Mark O’Regan (Angel Gabriel), Daniel Monaghan (Eamon, Michael James Ford (Major Rightpain) Made with the support of Coimisiún na Meán’s Sound and Vision scheme through the Television License Fee, Dead Platoon can be heard on Friday, July 18th at 7pm.

Written and produced by Berni Dwan and directed by Cian O’Náraigh, The Moth Hour is a dramatic case of female personality, resilience, strength of character and adaptability kicking in when the safety of daylight is replaced by something darker than dark. All told by one character at three key stages of her life – before, during and after the horror, The Moth Hour will make you think twice about visiting your local park at that half dark, half-light, time of evening. Recording and sound design by Declan McGlade. Made with the support of Coimisiún na Meán’s Sound and Vision scheme through the Television License Fee, The Moth Hour first TX was on Friday, May 9th at 7pm.

Growing Up in the Big Smoke, Unrhymed and Acapella is a memoir of growing up in Dublin as a child of the nineteen-sixties, a teenager of the nineteen-seventies, and a young woman of the nineteen-eighties, a memoir that captures the prevailing social and cultural norms of those decades. You remember – First Confession, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, National School, scary nuns, discos, the Leaving Certificate, careers for girls, blah, blah, blah. Big Smoke was written by Berni Dwan and directed by new young talent, Carmen Ortiz Victorino. Dramatic narration was performed by Adrianne Murphy and Tara Power.  Big Smoke reflects youth rather than perfection, and hence, is all about fun participation and not about flawless performances, because, as poet John Keats concluded in his great poem, Ode to a Grecian Urn, “Beauty is truth, truth beauty, – that is all / Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.” Lots of wonderful young people were involved in this production. You will hear boy soprano, Conor Byrne and button accordion player, Alannah Clarke-White. Transition Year students from Marino College took part in poetry and singing workshops with Abimbola Olorire and UCD student, Faith Olasogba. They are Zarah-Liya Furjun Doollee, Simina Cicea, Julia Golebieska, Simona Kozireva, and Mariam Kheladze, and you will hear their voices throughout, as well as those of Sophie Walsh and Alannah Clarke-White from Edmund Rice College. Audio production was managed by Declan McGlade, who was assisted with special sound effects by Oisín Clarke-White from Edmund Rice College. Marino College Transition Year teacher Sarah-Jane O’Connor, as always, is an enthusiastic supporter. Big Smoke was made with the support of Coimisiún na Meán’s Sound and Vision scheme through the Television License Fee First broadcast on Friday afternoon, January 10th at 3.30pm.

Jammie Dodgers by Ciara Gillan is a workplace comedy set in Berlin about a group of office temps from various countries (Ireland, France, Germany, Australia, the U.S.) who are determined to do as little work as possible, outsmart their manipulative boss, delay adult responsibility and not sleep with each other. They fail on all counts. Jammie Dodgers is a show that explores that time in your early twenties when, despite your best efforts, you start becoming an adult and making the choices that will determine your future. Directed by Anna Nugent Made with the support of the Coimisiún na Meán’s Sound and Vision scheme through the Television License Fee.

Jammie Dodgers by Ciara Gillan is a workplace comedy set in Berlin about a group of office temps from various countries (Ireland, France, Germany, Australia, the U.S.) who are determined to do as little work as possible, outsmart their manipulative boss, delay adult responsibility and not sleep with each other. They fail on all counts. Jammie Dodgers is a show that explores that time in your early twenties when, despite your best efforts, you start becoming an adult and making the choices that will determine your future. Directed by Anna Nugent Made with the support of the Coimisiún na Meán’s Sound and Vision scheme through the Television License Fee.

Don’t B 2 Keen Mr. Matchmaker by Conrad JB Ethan, a young Dublin gay man, disillusioned with his prospects of ever owning a house in the capital, sets off to deep rural Ireland in search of a Sugar Daddy. Written as a reaction to John B Keane’s ‘The Matchmaker’, Don’t B 2 Keen Mister Matchmaker explores the transactional feeling of modern day Grindr culture and how that can interact with rural isolation. Queer men’s hook-up apps can show you every man in Dublin who is willing to sleep with you, but if each of those men is still living in their parent’s gaff, what is one to do? Rural isolation is a real problem for countryside communities and LGBTQ+ people suffer heightened levels of loneliness when they feel unable to come out. Can we meet in the middle? Can we be our own Matchmakers? The play was directed by Anna Nugent Ethan was played by Robert Downes Sean, Casper, Daniel, Padraig was played by Emmanuel Okoye Sharon, Bride to Be, Sive was Maureen O’Connell Caoimhe, Jackie was played by Biaina Ryan Made with the support of the Coimisiún na Meán’s Sound and Vision scheme through the Television License Fee.

Konstantin by Ultan Pringle [powerpress] Konstantin follows the entwined lives of lifelong partners Nina and Allie. Beginning when they’re 18 and setting out to explore the world and finishing when they’re in their late 80s and preparing to leave it, Konstantin is a story of two lives lived and loved side by side. The play jumps through the span of 60 years to explore the relationship and romantic partnership between Allie and Nina. We meet them at 18, arguing in an old decrepit lighthouse about what the future holds. We see them in their early thirties, realising that they’d like to make their lives together and they buy that old lighthouse. We see them at forty, deciding to adopt. Fifty raising two children who turn out to be handfuls. We see them at 60 when they experience a loss which shakes them to their core. We see them at 70, navigating a grief that has to come define them and then finally we see them at 80, failing to make sense of it all but accepting that their lives were worth it and their love was valid. And finally we see them at the very end of their lives, together, waiting for the old lighthouse light to shine. Konstantin is an unashamedly queer story which sets out to tell a story radical in its simplicity: the love between two women told delicately over the course of their lives and how their simple act of loving one another is made radical because of its queerness. Written and directed by Ultan Pringle Derbhle Crotty as Allie Marion O’Dwyer as Nina Made with the support of the Coimisiún na Meán’s Sound and Vision scheme through the Television License Fee.

A new audio drama by Colette Cullen. Two very different couples meet in the waiting room of a fertility clinic – Adam and Sera for their fifth IVF cycle, Jess and Jessica for their first. As they pass the time chit chatting there are some surprising revelations. Cast: Emma Dargan-Reid as Jessica Siobhan Callaghan as Jess Lesley Conroy as Sera Jed Murray as Adam Directed by Colette Cullen Made with the support of the Coimisiún na Meán’s Sound and Vision scheme through the Television License Fee.

‘Togetherness’ tells the story of the narcissistic Dervla who on her agony aunt style podcast ‘Wagon Wheel’ with her long suffering co-host Fidelma recounts the onesided story of a recent breakup with girlfriend Megan while a confused call in listener tries to make sense of the meandering tale. Written and Directed by Jonathan Hughes Dervla – Sorcha Curley Fidelma – Andrea Kelly Megan – Juliette Crosby Keven/Deco/Server – Finbarr Doyle Jonathan Hughes is an award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker based in Limerick City. His scripts have received backing from Screen Ireland, RTE, Galway Film Centre, Clones Film Festival and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council among others. He holds an MA in Script Writing from Goldsmiths University of London where he received a scholarship to study. In 2019, he was nominated for the prestigious Discovery Award at the Virgin Media Dublin Film Festival. In 2022, he was offered a place on the Channel 4 Screenwriting mentorship scheme when his script finished in the top 1% of applications. Made with the support of the Coimisiún na Meán’s Sound and Vision scheme through the Television License Fee.

Awakenings is a five-act play about tolerance, making the effort to understand other points of views when recognised in context, and strengthening rather than weakening ties when differences have been acknowledged. In Awakenings, the conflicting views around religion, popular culture, and traditional culture are played out in a care home between three generations. While there are obvious tensions, the characters do listen to each other, and this is what propels the narrative. Awakenings demonstrates the value of openness and inclusiveness, and of appreciating that everyone you meet has a back story that has shaped their personality and beliefs. Bringing together a team of highly regarded and established actors with national and international reputations, and widely experienced and award-winning director, Bairbre Ní Chaoimh, Awakenings is a play that promotes emotional intelligence, encourages stepping outside your comfort zone, and demonstrates the benefits of people advocating for each other. Audio production and Special Sound Effects by Declan McGlade. Special Sound Effects Assistant, Oisín Clarke White. Pictured above – Cast and crew. Left to right: Bairbre Ní Chaoimh (Director), Ruairí Heading (Ethan), Shauna Higgins (Sharon), Domhnall O’Donoghue (Wayne), Deirdre Monaghan (Eileen), Helen Roche (Mary), Noni Stapleton (Brigid) Made with the support of the Coimisiún na Meán’s Sound and Vision scheme through the Television License Fee.

Mairead (50s) is thinking of applying for promotion whenever her manager Helen retires. She asks for Helen’s opinion on the matter, confiding in her boss that she’s autistic. Mairead is taken aback when Helen calls her ‘brave’ and ponders why disclosing her neurology should be seen that way. Through Mairead’s story, our author Maura Campbell explores “why it might be seen as ‘brave’ to apply a word that’s generally represented as something very different in popular culture – usually a young, white guy with savant skills. Autism often looks very different in women and girls, which is why historically we’ve flown under the radar. A lost generation of autistic women are only now discovering their true selves, either because they’ve reached a crisis point in their lives or, like me, their kids have been through the assessment process. Autism tends to be viewed solely as a list of deficits to be ‘treated’, or even as an ‘illness’ to be ‘cured’. Ableist attitudes and the stigmatisation of disability cause people to think it odd that you wouldn’t just want to keep your head down and continue trying to blend in (no matter the cost to your mental health). The story also highlights how there could be real-life consequences as a result of being openly autistic. People do see you differently. It could affect your career progression or mean your opinions are taken less seriously when you speak up at that important meeting. Many autistics choose not to disclose, or in some cases decide not to seek professional identification at all, for this reason. Although the story seeks to make a serious point, it does so with splashes of comedy since the autism myth I most want to smash is the one about us being humourless automatons! We also get a flavour of the little routines and rituals that get Mairead through the day. And there’s a cat.’ Written by Maura Campbell Mairead played by Mary McNamara Directed by Declan Cahill Sound recording and design by Neil Farrelly Script consultancy by Clare Monnelly Made with the support of the Coimisiún na Meán’s Sound and Vision scheme through the Television License Fee. The author wishes to thank Hot Coals Productions for their development support.

Near FM presents new audio drama ‘Heartburn’, written by Caitlin Magnall-Kearns; directed by Anna Nugent. Heartburn is a modern take on the rom-com that looks at fatness and friendship. Set over one night in Belfast it follows Chris, a writer, and Lou, a “dinner-lady man” by day and pint puller at night. The two met at university and quickly became friends with benefits. Chris moved back to Belfast, and now, two years later, Lou turns up on her doorstep on New Years Eve with a bottle of prosecco and some questions that need to be answered. Over the night the two reminisce, drink, laugh, eat and try to reckon with their relationship. Can they be mates, should they get together, or should they just call it a day? Blathnaid McCahilly as Chris Colm McCready as Lou Please be advised that the programme contains strong language and sexual content.  

Want your Shakespeare battered or filleted? Listen to A Fishy Tail of Sound and Fury, a new radio drama written and produced by Berni Dwan, and directed by Brendan Laird. What’s on the menu? Food snobbery and copy culture served up with lashings of lovely Shakespeare, infused with socialist ideology, and a palette cleanser, no less, of poetic justice. A Fishy Tail of Sound and Fury Written & produced by: Berni Dwan Directed by: Brendan Laird Cast: Alan O’Brien: Tom / Fishmonger Tara Power: Customer / Ursula Jimmy O’Connell: Roving Reporter Niamh Large: Mrs. Boylan / Matt Damon / Damo Chirpy Chipper / Ray / John Dory / Audio Assistant Special Sound effects: Declan McGlade. Assisted by Oisín White Singers: Alannah White / Ysobel Castanada

New audio drama High Spirits by Méabh de Brún – 6pm June 8th 2023 Three siblings and one in-law gather after a patriarch’s burial to honour a very unusual letter of wishes. Their late father wants to be contacted in the afterlife, and so begins a dark comedy full of suspect séances, family secrets and the undeniable bond of siblinghood. Directed by Anna Nugent Caoimhe Mulcahy as Rachael Méabh de Brún as Mags Patrick de Monfort as Mike Paul Nugent as Richard Creative Consultancy by Clare Monnelly Made with the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television License Fee.

New audio drama broadcasting at 6pm on Thursday the 1st June 2023. The Whale and the Swan by Fiona Browne Marie is pregnant at a young age and finds herself in the care of the nuns. Her daily reality is stark and brutal. In order to survive she creates her own world among the hanging sheets of the laundry, and regularly escapes into ‘Suchatime’ Directed by Anna Nugent Cast: Noreen – Fiona Browne Sister Augusta/Mother Superior/ Aunt Joan – Noni Stapleton Made with the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television License Fee.

A young woman decides to end her life on high point by jumping off a building before her happiness can turn sour. However just as she is about to jump, she is stopped by a man calling himself the Angel of Death, and it seems he rather she stay alive. Directed by Anna Nugent Eva – Rachel Walshe Jamie – Paul Nugent Joy – Jessie Doyle Mona – Jade Jordan Made with the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television License Fee.

Sophie and Karl are persuaded to go on a blind date by mutual friends. What have they to lose? A compelling and intense audio drama about looking for love. Content Warning: Sexually explicit material and references to sexual violence. Sophie and Karl are persuaded to go on a blind date by mutual friends and long-term couple Helen and Dave. Sophie, a pretty, sexually confident thirty-year-old, is looking for something more permanent than her usual transient relationships. Karl, a good-looking thirtysomething, agrees because he thinks Helen secretly fancies him and this is her way of checking him out. The minute they clap eyes on each other they like what they see. The date goes really well with Sophie agreeing to go back to Karl’s for a coffee and chat. Each recount a radically different version of what happens next. Written and Directed by Colette Cullen Charlene Gleeson as Sophie Michael O’Kelly as Karl Made with the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television License Fee.

Jammie Dodgers by Ciara Gillan is a workplace comedy set in Berlin about a group of office temps from various countries (Ireland, France, Germany, Australia, the U.S.) who are determined to do as little work as possible, outsmart their manipulative boss, delay adult responsibility and not sleep with each other. They fail on all counts. Jammie Dodgers is a show that explores that time in your early twenties when, despite your best efforts, you start becoming an adult and making the choices that will determine your future. Directed by Anna Nugent Cast Hannah O’Brien as Zoe Jessica Okakpu as Yasmine Mike Walsh as Luke Paul Nugent as Mike Gbolahan ‘Salamay’ Salami as Ned Seán Mc Manus as Peter and George Tim Casey as Ivor Made with the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television License Fee.

Breathing Space, a comedy drama about an accidental astronaut being ghosted by a space agency on her journey to Mars. Bridget Jones meets Gravity while Waiting For Godot. It is the year 2032 and civilian guinea pig Ciara Fitzpatrick is aboard the first solo flight to Mars. When Mission Control fails to make contact and the daily audio diary entries she sends out are ignored, she quickly realises how far she is out of her depth. As the days and weeks go by with no word back, the isolation and frustration close in and Ciara’s mood swings intensify. Careening between playful, paranoid and philosophical, she desperately attempts to stay optimistic and sane with no end in sight. When she finally receives instructions from Mission Control and has the choice to either self-destruct or save herself, Ciara is confronted with an uncomfortable truth. Time is running out but the decision isn’t as clear-cut as one would expect. Cast Ciara Fitzpatrick – Eileen Walsh Mission Control – John McGuire Directed by Anna Nugent Script by Dorothy Cotter Made with the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television License Fee.

Rounding off our second series of new audio drama from women writers is 'Angry Bird' by Tamsin Larby.Eileen Nolan is a 75-year old ‘force of nature’ who has had enough and because she has nothing to lose, that makes her ferocious!  She sees the populist Far Right as not only dangerous, but comes with discriminatory attitudes towards women, and being a survivor of domestic violence, she won’t tolerate this either.   She eggs the leader of the anti-immigrant “Irish Citizen’s Party” in a very public display to make her point, and starts to really enjoy her new rebellious ‘celebrity’ status.  However, her motives are more complicated than just politics. Her solicitor, Lisa Cleary, discovers Eileen has an estranged daughter, Chloe, who desperately wants to reconnect with Eileen as she escapes from her violent husband, but now can’t with all the publicity surrounding her mum.  In trying to bring Chloe back into her life, Eileen has pushed her even further away.  How will she resolve needing to make her political point and get to see her daughter again? Cast: Eileen - Mary McNamara Radio presenter - Maura Walsh Alex - Peter Prior Usher - Declan Cahill Niall McNally - Noel Kavanagh Roisin Hayes - Rebecca Blomfield Garda Larkin - Tommy Campbell Lisa Cleary - Melissa Nolan Chris - Ian Shipley Geraldine - Cleary  Mary Neylon Chloe Dillon - Frances Keogh RTE presenter - Tommy Campbell Judge Kennedy - Peter Prior Prison guard - Carol Dempsey Directed by Declan Cahill Music Marty Gots A Plan by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4992-marty-gots-a-plan License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Alarm Bells is a radio play written and produced by the Green Ember Arts collective. It portrays the escalating housing crisis through an anthology of short scenes in which a small fraction of those most affected by homelessness are represented. Alarm Bells examines the reality of the housing crisis and the contrast of a dominant media narrative of economic recovery. Ireland now has over 100,000 people on public housing lists and over 10,000 homeless. Cast Eva Blackwell, Adam Redmond, Kyle Gardiner, Gareth White, Tara Power, Alan O’Brien, Des Egan, Melissa Nolan, Cassie Ivers, Chloe Rooney, Shauna Kindillon, Geraldine McCallahan, Frank Allen, Brendan Laird, Margaret O’Brien, Dainora Vilkonciute, Chael Vilkonciute, Camillus John, Jorja Siwale, Taryn Siwale and Nathan McKenzie. Writers Dave Blackwell, Alan O’Brien, Patrick Ferris, Berni Dwan. Crew Producers: Dave Blackwell, Berni Dwan. Director: Patrick Ferris. Editors: David Blackwell, Neil Farrelly. Sound: David Blackwell, Neil Farrelly, Paul Loughran. Music: Thomas McCarthy Made with the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, with the television licence fee.

Black Cherry is written by Krystal Sweedman and directed by Anna Nugent. The play is the latest in Near FM’s New Drama Hour series of plays by women playwrights. In Black Cherry a catalytic event ripples through the generations. There’s Paul, who was accused of a raping a young woman, when he was a teenager, and is still dealing with the consequences. Leonie, who married him, knowing this. A sex coach who has everything she believes challenged when something happens to her daughter. April, their daughter, who is navigating her sexuality despite her mum’s interference, and Jade, April’s best friend, who is dealing with the consequences of being told nothing about sex but who’s longing for connection. Black Cherry contains themes of sexual politics, consent, sex education, violence and autonomy. Cast – Abdul Alshareef, Gina Costigan, Jessie Doyle, Mo O’Connell, Eoin O’Sullivan, Paul Nugent and Fiana Toibin. Made with the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television license Fee.

Black Cherry is written by Krystal Sweedman and directed by Anna Nugent. The play is the latest in Near FM’s New Drama Hour series of plays by women playwrights. In Black Cherry a catalytic event ripples through the generations. There’s Paul, who was accused of a raping a young woman, when he was a teenager, and is still dealing with the consequences. Leonie, who married him, knowing this. A sex coach who has everything she believes challenged when something happens to her daughter. April, their daughter, who is navigating her sexuality despite her mum’s interference, and Jade, April’s best friend, who is dealing with the consequences of being told nothing about sex but who’s longing for connection. Black Cherry contains themes of sexual politics, consent, sex education, violence and autonomy. Cast – Abdul Alshareef, Gina Costigan, Jessie Doyle, Mo O’Connell, Eoin O’Sullivan, Paul Nugent and Fiana Toibin. Made with the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television license Fee.

Paddy Goes to Petra is written by Aine Ryan and directed by Anna Nugent. The play is the latest in Near FM’s New Drama Hour series of plays by women playwrights. The play follows the story of middle aged farmer Paddy who, dealing with profound grief following the unexpected loss of a loved one, decides to travel to the ancient city of Petra hoping to escape the heartache which consumes his life. Directed by Anna Nugent Cast – Abdul Alshareef as Farajh, Imad, Morris, Farmer; Tim Casey as Paddy; Gina Costigan as Air Hostess, Attendant 2; Jessie Doyle as Ryanair Hostess, Attendant 4, Bereavement Counselor; Mo O’Connell as Joanna, Attendant 1; Eoin O’Sullivan as John Beag, Tom Murray, Dermot; Paul Nugent as Jack, Cillian, Radu, Captain and Fiana Toibin as Eilis. Made with the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television licence Fee. Featured Music: “Dhaka” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ “Mystery Bazaar” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Paddy Goes to Petra is written by Aine Ryan and directed by Anna Nugent. The play is the latest in Near FM’s New Drama Hour series of plays by women playwrights. The play follows the story of middle aged farmer Paddy who, dealing with profound grief following the unexpected loss of a loved one, decides to travel to the ancient city of Petra hoping to escape the heartache which consumes his life. Directed by Anna Nugent Cast – Abdul Alshareef as Farajh, Imad, Morris, Farmer; Tim Casey as Paddy; Gina Costigan as Air Hostess, Attendant 2; Jessie Doyle as Ryanair Hostess, Attendant 4, Bereavement Counselor; Mo O’Connell as Joanna, Attendant 1; Eoin O’Sullivan as John Beag, Tom Murray, Dermot; Paul Nugent as Jack, Cillian, Radu, Captain and Fiana Toibin as Eilis. Made with the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television licence Fee. Featured Music: "Dhaka" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Mystery Bazaar" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Near FM presents another in our New Drama Hour series, audio dramas exclusively by women writers. “Allie Down the Boghole” by Megan McDonnell. The story follows Allie, a young girl in rural Ireland who is something of a latch-key child. She is, more often than not, left alone by her noticeably absent Mam and joined by her one friend, Jo, who keeps her company and tries to get Allie out of her comfort zone. Through Allie and Jo we meet the sometimes strange characters of the village and we discover the darker undertones of this isolated life. Mam’s presence is always looming in the background and there is a growing sense of unease which turns quite sinister as Allie grows closer to finding out certain truths about her life. NOTE: Contains scenes some listeners may find distressing. Written by Megan McDonnell, Directed by Jeda de Brí Script Advisor is Clare Monnelly Cast: Megan McDonnell & Bláithín Mac Gabhann Made with the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the television licence fee.

Near FM presents Kipper by Gemma Doorly. Kipper – Tormented by an unjust past and reeling from past experiences Kerry seduces drunken Sam at a wedding. It seems like an innocent one night stand but Kerry has other ideas which will implicate Sam in a serious allegation. Will the police believe her story? Written by Gemma Doorly, Directed by Nicola Murphy, Sound design by Gavin Byrne, Script Advisor is Clare Monnelly, Series producer is Paul Loughran. Cast – Ciara O’Callaghan, Fiana Toibin, Mike Sheehan, Kwaku Fortune Made with the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the television licence fee.

All Honey by Ciara Elizabeth Smyth *Listener advisory – this audio drama contains strong language All honey is a dark, modern day farce about a group of friends forced to face each other’s deadly sins. The play takes place in the apartment of Ru and Luke, a couple in their early 30’s, who are throwing a housewarming party. However, their guests seem more interested in whispering in the box room than joining the festivities.  Infidelities, secrets and an uninvited guest mean that Ru & Luke will have to clean up more than red wine stains and glitter. This piece is strongly concerned with people indulging in their sexual desires and letting their egos take over. All honey is about seeing your closest friends for the depraved individuals they really are. Starring Finbarr Doyle, Clodagh Mooney Duggan, Maeve O Mahoney, Keith Jordan and Ashleigh Dorrel Directed by Jeda de Brí Script advisor is Clare Monnelly Written by Ciara Elizabeth Smyth Cast & crew of All Honey Made with the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the television licence fee.

Near FM launch a new season of the New Drama Hour. A series of darkly funny, challenging and innovative audio dramas from up and coming women writers.Becn Following on from season 1, this new collection will bring some of the best new writing to the airwaves brought to life by a cast and crew of seasoned Irish actors and directors. New Drama Hour gets underway on International Women’s Day (Sunday March 8th at 5pm), with Benched by Siobhan Callaghan: “Karen, a young homeless woman down and out on her luck meets Isabelle, a student from Oxford on a park bench in Dublin. When two women from polar opposite worlds collide in search of the same thing they find they have more in common than they think.” [powerpress] Director: Olivia Songer Isabelle: Niamh Mcallister Karen: Siobhan Callaghan New Drama Hour is made with the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the television licence fee.

Concluding Near FM’s series of new audio drama written exclusively by women, we present ‘We Can’t Have Monkeys in the House’ by Ciara Elizabeth Smyth. We Can’t Have Monkeys in the House is a dark, absurd comedy about a family divided by lethal maternal misogyny. Four sisters are reunited shortly after their mother has had a near fatal heart attack. Mammy is on life support and her daughters have to decide her fate. Estranged daughter John returns to her Dublin home, following a 15-year absence working in Belfast. Her three sisters are all still living at home. The family now faces the dilemma of whether or not to turn off the machines that are keeping their elderly, dementia-suffering mother alive. Eldest sister Leslie has taken over the position of matriarch and is uncomfortably displaced by John’s return. Twins Cinnamon and Neil are in equal parts excited by John’s presence. An argument ensues over the merits of keeping their mother alive and answers are revealed to questions long forgotten. The play is presented as an absurdist dark comedy told over 60 minutes. This is a comedy about family, featuring outlandish conflicts and bitter sibling rivalries, but it has a dark heart that beats insistently behind the laughs. The comedy is sharp and plentiful allowing the play to deal with heavy issues such as betrayal, injustice and inbred misogyny. Cast: LESLIE – Camille Lucy Ross JOHN – Ash O’Mara NEIL – Meg Healy CINNAMON – Dani Galligan Directed by Olivia Songer Music from https://filmmusic.io “Space 1990” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) FIRST BROADCAST – 1st November 2019 Made with the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the television licence fee.

Continuing Near FM’s series of audio drama written exclusively by women, we present ‘The Tea Lady’ by Tara Maria Lovett. The Tea Lady is a black comedy and tells the Story of Minnie, an ordinary woman with an extraordinary secret. Minnie and her daughter Amber have been kidnapped by a man called Dermot. Why have they been kidnapped? What secrets lie in Minnie’s past? Featuring: Mary McNamara as Minnie Niamh Murphy as Amber Peter Prior as Dermot Written by Tara Maria Lovett Directed by Declan Cahill Script advice by Lisa Tierney Keogh Made with the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the television licence fee. (Originally broadcast 27/9/19)

Continuing Near FM’s season of audio drama written exclusively by women, we present Double Dealing by Rose Byrne. Arthur Muldoon is an Irish hypnotist and con-artist, who use his powers to con people. He has a very professional approach to his work. After working in England for a number of years conning rich women, he returns to Dublin because the police are on his trail. His English apprentice, Jamie Watson, joins him from England. Jamie is still learning the ropes but thinks he has it all sussed. Arthur devises a plan to con the local Bingo hall so he can win the jackpot. But, at Friday’s bingo night all does not go according to plan. It seems Arthur is not the only one playing a double role. Cast & Crew Arthur Muldoon & Archibald Mulhern played by Michael Sharp Olivia Cromwell, Bernie and the senior undercover Garda performed by Mary McNamara Taxi driver by Tom Blake Nellie (receptionist) played by Niamh Murphy John by Joe Murphy Ellen by Carol Dempsey Louise by Niamh Murphy Voices in bingo hall played by Rebecca Blomfield and Tom Blake Garda by Declan Cahill Written by Rose Byrne Directed by Declan Cahill Script advice by Lisa Tierney Keogh Made with the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the television licence fee.

New audio drama from Dorothy Cotter. It’s a Saturday night in Soho and Siobhán and Danny are on a doomed first date. Tinder virgin Danny has a serious case of foot in mouth while Siobhán, weary of the London dating scene, already has one foot out the door. Awkward turns to tense, tense becomes outrage and common decency makes a run for the exit. With their mischievous, mouthy Inner Voices constantly berating them, it’s hard for the pair to think straight. It’s only when they decide to give up that there is a glimmer of hope. Plain Speak is a short romcom about modern dating and miscommunication – First Dates meets Peep Show with a nod to Brian Friel. Cast: Siobhán – Emma Moohan Siobhán’s Inner Voice – Dorothy Cotter Danny – Stephen Bradley Danny’s Inner Voice– Cillian O’Donnchadha Production: Director: Nicola Murphy Series and script adviser : Lisa Tierney-Keogh Originally Broadcast 26/7/2019 Made with the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the television licence fee.

An audio drama set in an apartment of the near future, owned by Sive Chand, a futurist working in Galway. Sive is in a relationship with Jahzara Dunne, who is a chocolatier in the city.  Sive’s home AI (Artificial Intelligence), Tara, offers organisation support for Sive, and monitors all the devices attached to her network, including Mary, the opinionated fridge and Ita the slow-witted vacuum cleaner. When Tara, Mary, and Ita discover that Sive is considering a job offer in London, the three end up involving themselves in the relationship between the two women (and even Jahzara’s fridge), in order to keep the couple together, and ensure that they don’t end up on the scrap heap. Cast Siobhan Callaghan: TARA Ashleigh Dorrell: MARY Julie Maguire: ITA Donna Nikolaisen: JAHZARA Suzie Seweify: SIVE Production Director – Nicola Murphy Series and script advisor – Lisa Tierney-Keogh Made with the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the television licence fee. [First broadcast 28 June 2019]

Presented as part of our season of new audio drama from women writers, Buckle by Christine Madden. Lily Albright’s teenage son is dead. The man who pleaded guilty to his murder is in prison. What compels Lily to visit her son’s killer in prison? Yet she does, repeatedly, searching for answers to questions she can’t articulate, questions she dreads. Shane, who is responsible for Billy’s death, does not welcome Lily’s visits, nor does he oblige her with any information. What he withholds, though, is more than the specifics of a kill: it’s a life laced with fear and anger, pain and guilt.  Bit by bit, Lily draws him out, and they form an unlikely bond over a tragic death that devastated them both. Written and Directed by Christine Madden Featuring Ali White, Lloyd Cooney, Darragh Kelly and Sarah O’Rourke Script Consultant Lisa Tierney-Keogh First broadcast: 31st May 2019 Buckle is supported by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland Sound and Vision scheme with the television licence fee.

Winner of Best Radio Drama at the Celtic Media Awards 2020. Petals is the story of one girl and her journey towards the night of a lifetime along with the trail of lust, longing and loss she finds on the way. Written entirely in verse, Petals takes a vibrant look at what it means to be sexually awakened in a city where school nuns shame, school boys leer; where less is more, no means yes and the beer-soaked nightclub is sanctuary. Broadcasting at 6pm on Friday the 26th of April Written by Gillian Greer Directed by Jeda de Brí Featuring Kate Gilmore Script Consultant Lisa Tierney-Keogh Music: Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Please be advised that the this audio drama contains strong language and scenes of sexual assault.  Petals is supported by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland Sound and Vision scheme with the television licence fee.

The first in a monthly anthology of new radio drama, is These Lights, written and performed by Jessie Doyle. Broadcasting on International Women’s Day, March 8th at 1pm on Near FM 90.3 Set in the not so far future and taking place in a very different but at the same time very familiar Dublin where the entire population are implanted with computer chips that control our information, control our emotions, regulate how we behave and control how we feel. The Government takes responsibility for our security. They isolate threats to keep us safe. The important decisions are made by people who know better than us. The story follows two sisters. One who rejects the controls put in place and craves freedom, the other finds comfort and security within these systems that she feels she can trust and depend on. But Strange Lights are appearing over Dublin and these two sisters are about to experience the end of the world through an explosion of spoken word, sci-fi drama featuring futuristic music and audioscapes. Featuring Clodagh Mooney Duggan and Jessie Doyle Directed by Davey Kelleher Music by Fionn Foley These Lights was broadcast on International Women’s Day, March 8th at 1pm These Lights is supported by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland Sound and Vision scheme with the television licence fee.