Yes, yes, I know. I haven’t blogged in ages. I was giving you all a break from me, you see, while you computed minor issues such as world peace, the future of democracy, and your health.
But that break is now OVER, because not only have a new radio play coming tomorrow, there’s news on the last one.
First things first. The latest radio drama, “Every Christmas Story Ever”, a short skit on all those Christmas movies – you know, ALL of them – will be broadcast tomorrow on Scariff Bay Radio at 12 noon (GMT) with the livestream available here:
That’s far too early I know for you westward types, but it’ll be repeated on Sunday 20th December at 7.30pm GMT which I think you agree is a far more civilised time for the other side of the pond.
I’m actually acting in this one, so you have been warned – playing the sceptical counterfoil to a perpetually cheerful lover of Christmas. As if you didn’t see that coming.
“Every Christmas Story Ever” is brought to you courtesy of the gorgeously talented production team behind Mr McGuffin: Director Ruth O’Hagan and Sound Designer & Editor Eoin O’Hagan. We had a lot of fun with this one too.
And now to Mr McGuffin. He’s had some adventures since I gave him his last shameless plug. For starters, he only went and won a prize:
So that was rather excellent, and the entire production team were all delighted with ourselves. Grinning a lot. Finding cause to mention it in every conversation, that kind of thing. I found it went down particularly well at Garda checkpoints.
And then today, we hit the headlines. This is a real newspaper, folks:
Tara’s play creates waves on air – The Clare Champion
Soo there we are in print! (Link to online article above for reasons of legibility and yet more shameless plugging).
And here, last but not least – in fact, it’s quite possibly the most pointly point of this blog post – here is the link to the podcast of Mr McGuffin, for anyone who missed it:
www.scariffbayradio.com/mcguffindrama.mp3
And there he is. I hope you enjoy the fruits of a pandemic-fuelled foray into radio drama. We certainly did, and I hope both plays give you something to laugh about this festive season.
I wish the happiest of happy holidays to all of you. I know most of us will be separated from at least one someone we love. But I hope you see out the end of the year safely, happily and healthily as we look forward to far, far funnier times ahead. And I definitely mean in the HAHA sense. Hohoho.
Tara Sparling writes 
Tara this is just fantastic. Congratulations missus. Thrilled for you x
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Thanks Mairead! There’ll be no talking to me now obviously. Plus I will refuse to do any more housework. Or work, for that matter. 😜
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Congrats, you clever woman! Reinvention in the age of… well, in ANY age, is brilliant. Best to you up ahead, my friend.
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Thanks Lorraine! Not sure if it’s reinvention or a reroute back to my roots, but let’s face it, who cares?? All good wishes back at you too.
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Major congrats, Tara! This is fantastic news!
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Thanks Anne. Hope you’re feeling better. I think you’ll find the Christmas sketch VERY familiar so hope to get that podcasted too soon!
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It was a great show. I liked Mr. McGuffin and his shop. The hand of God and Vincent were good. Congratulations on Gold from Community Radio Ireland Achievement Awards. How many talents do you have?
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3, Stanley, to be precise, but there’s not much call for cheese sculpting these days. So glad you enjoyed it, it was a long enough wait and I’m glad you kept interested!!
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I’m not sure my phone is wide enough for your aura to fit, Tara. I tried to catch some of the seepage but it wouldn’t keep still. Well done on your umpteenest awards for this piece of radiographical history making. If you’re ever in the market for hiring a temporary penumbra – i can do every third Tuesday after Michaelmas – my newly covid widened torso is available and it naturally reflects all glories, glows, ego boosts, prideful announcements and off the cuff speeches of thanks while absorbing unexpected moments of doubt and wind. Let me know. Terrific stuff oh wise and witty wonder.
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How could I refuse such splentacular offers to give me an appearance of humility Geoff? I’ll be pleased to accept, and once I find out what a penumbra is, temporary or otherwise, I’ll take two. Primarily because Michaelmas is one of my favourite ever words, but also because you flatter me shamelessly and I’m like totally into that. Much obliged.
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Bravo, it is good to see you posting again!
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That’s lovely to hear, thank you!!
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Am just happy to come across this blog. I am a big fan of radio dramas and have listened to tons from the BBC. I hope this form of entertainment will get more popular on this side of the world. Congrats!
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Thanks so much for your comment, njemarasi. I think radio drama has really come into its own in the past year and I hope it continues to get more popular. Maybe you should encourage it in your area by writing one yourself, who knows what might happen! The very best of luck!
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Thank you, Tara. I actually have something and I hope I can talk to you later about it.
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