"Changing Coasts" audio drama to premiere on Newstalk FM

“Changing Coasts” is a new audio drama written and directed by Rob Flynn and produced by Bjorn Mac Giolla for Bear Print Media, featuring original music written by Emer Landers and performed by violinist Nadine Galea. It airs on Newstalk FM on Sunday April 30th at 7am and will be repeated on Sat May 6th at 9pm. It will also be made available to listen to anytime on all major podcast platforms via the Drama on Newstalk podcast feed.

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.

The production was recorded on location in Wicklow and Dublin in late 2022. The creative team come from a background in film and television and one of their goals with the project was to bring a cinematic sensibility to the story. Through recording on location, they were able to capture naturalistic performances and authentic soundscapes, which were later augmented with original music, foley recordings and sound design.

“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 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.