The BBC has acquired a new factual drama, The Murder of Mr Moonlight, with the five-part drama set to depict one of the “most compelling and talked-about stories in modern Irish history”.
The series dramatises the investigation surrounding the murder of Bobby Ryan, who disappeared in 2011. His body was found nearly two years later, with Patrick Quirke being convicted for the crime and sentenced to life imprisonment in 2019.
Ryan, a local DJ entertainer who went by the stage name of Mr Moonlight, will be played by Downton Abbey star Brendan Coyle, while Owen McDonnell will portray Quirke.
Peter Marley
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The supporting cast includes Sinéad Keenan, Hazel Doupe and Carolyn Bracken, as well as Ian Lloyd Anderson, Danny Power, Helena Browne, Muiris Crowley, Aidan O’Hare, Emmet Byrne and Pom Boyd.
“Set within a close-knit rural community, The Murder of Mr Moonlight explores the relationships, secrets and tensions that lay behind a case which captivated Ireland for more than a decade,” reads the logline.
“Through the perspectives of those closest to the events, the series examines the devastating impact of loss, the search for justice and the far-reaching consequences of a tragedy that changed lives forever.”
The drama is based on Catherine Fegan’s 2019 book of the same name, with Malcolm Campbell penning the teleplays. Daithaí Keane and Rachel Carey are sharing directing duties, while Conker Pictures and Samson Films are producing.
“I was drawn to this story because of the people caught up in it, the human factor, the cost of it all. At its heart are real people whose lives were profoundly affected by these events,” said Campbell.
“Our responsibility has been to approach the process with care, sensitivity and rigorous research, while exploring the relationships and circumstances that made this case so compelling,” he added.
Sue Deeks, Head of BBC Scripted Pre-Buy Acquisitions, said: “This case has gripped Ireland for many years, but remains relatively unknown in the UK. I cannot think of a better team to bring this extraordinary and heartbreaking story to a wider audience.”
Peter Marley
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Kate McColgan, Head of Television for Screen Ireland, called the story “compelling and powerful”, adding: “The Murder of Mr Moonlight approaches deeply complex real-life events with huge care and sensitivity.”
Meanwhile, executive producer David Collins said that the five-part drama would “prioritise a respectful tone that, above all, seeks to honour Bobby and all who were affected by these extraordinary events”.
The Murder of Mr Moonlight has no release date.
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Reporter, Digital Spy George is a freelance writer who specialises in Movies and TV. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies and Journalism from De Montfort University, in which he analysed the early works of Richard Linklater for his dissertation, he wrote for several websites for GRV Media. His film tastes vary from blockbusters like Mission: Impossible and John Wick to international directors such as Paolo Sorrentino and Hirokazu Kore-eda, and has attended both the London and Berlin film festivals.