This year Storyland – devised to develop and showcase great local drama – comes to RTÉ television for the first time, with three new single dramas airing on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player at 9.30pm on 20th October, 27th October and 3rd November - watch now, via RTÉ Player.
The first drama to air will be Mustard by Eva O'Connor on 20th October. Adapted from Eva’s award-winning stage play, this is a hugely imaginative story about substance abuse and self-harm, driven by a fearless performance from O'Connor.
On 27th October is contemporary whodunnit Balor Hall by Rioghnach Ní Ghrioghair. The Devereaux dynasty gather to celebrate patriarch John's 60th birthday. But old grudges are triggered, and murder is on the menu…
The final drama, airing on 3rd November, is Every Five Miles by Sinéad Collopy, a powerful story about people trafficking in Ireland.
David Crean, Acting Head of Drama, RTÉ, said: "For the first time on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, we are delighted to be able to launch three new single Storyland dramas for our audiences. All projects were developed in partnership with Screen Ireland as part of our ongoing commitment to deliver opportunities for new writers, producers, and directors in the Irish TV drama sector."
The final drama, airing on 3rd November, is Every Five Miles by Sinéad Collopy, a powerful story about people trafficking in Ireland.
There was an unprecedented number of Storyland applications this year, with RTÉ working in partnership with Screen Ireland to create the trio of new films, each showcasing a new wave of emerging creative talent.
Andrew Byrne, Head of Television at Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, said: "We are delighted to continue working with RTÉ on the Storyland initiative, part of Screen Ireland’s continued commitment to supporting and developing opportunities for creative talent in TV drama. The three projects receiving their broadcast premiere this month represent great storytelling and the diverse and original voices emerging from our sector at the moment."
