Documentaries
The magical story of Billy McComb, a boy from Belfast who became one of the world’s most influential performers and magicians.
Born into an upper-class family in Belfast in the 1920’s, Billy turned his back on a career in medicine to follow his dream of becoming a world-class magician. His path took him to Dublin (where he spent a night in prison) and on to The London Palladium where he married and performed with his new bride, a former Miss Ireland.
From there, Billy set his sights on global domination, traversing the globe performing on cruise ships. He eventually put down roots in Hollywood, setting the stage alight across Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
A charismatic, timeless and indeed iconic figure, Billy McComb’s story is narrated by magician Keith Barry (pictured).
A Musical History Of ...
A Musical History Of is a series of documentaries that delves into the melodic soul of each major city in Ireland.
Charting the musical background of five citites – Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Belfast – the programmes uncover the very essence of each cities musical heritage and how this influenced musical stars such as Duke Special, Brian Kennedy, The Saw Doctors and The Coronas.
Ireland’s music has enchanted international stages the world over and Irish musicians are some of the world’s greatest musical influences. This series of programmes captures the spirit of where it all originated!
The programme was produced by Orla Rapple at Digital Audio Productions and funded by the BCI Sound & Vision Scheme.
Few people know that a percentage of all tax in Ireland goes to help people in the developing world. My Tax Goes Where? is a documentary which examines the work of Irish Aid in Africa.
Alison O’Reilly travels to Ethiopia to explore how Irish tax payers are helping disadvantaged people build a better life.
This programme was produced by Alison O’Reilly and Digital Audio Productions, and was made under the Simon Cumbers Funding Project.
Click title to listen to a sample of the programme.
Donna & Daniel are Getting Married tells the story of a couple who are madly in love and getting married!
This documentary charts the build up to their wedding and the usual stresses and strains that a couple experience as they try to organise the biggest day of their lives. However, added to this strain is the fact that Donna and Daniel are members of an ethnic minority, travellers, who have experienced decades of prejudice from settled people.
Donna & Daniel are Getting Married tells the story of love in an indigenous minority and the problems that arise as they try to organise this event.
This documentary was produced by Orla Rapple and Digital Audio Productions.
Click title to listen to a sample of the programme.
Men in Tights is a documentary about the experiences of one man living an extraordinary life in contemporary Ireland.
The programme shows just how diverse life is today in our so-called modern Ireland and it records an aspect of Irish life that is very rarely heard.
This programme was produced by Orla Rapple and Digital Audio Productions.
Click title to listen to a sample of the programme.
Meet the Amish records two very different parts of Irish culture as our documentary maker from 21st Century technology and money driven Dublin integrates with the simple life of Irelands little known Amish community in Co.Waterford.
This documentary highlights a small and diverse side of Irish culture and the history behind it, and gives an insight into the day to day lives of the Amish communities.
The programme was produced by Orla Rapple at Digital Audio Productions and funded by the BCI Sound & Vision Scheme. It was broadcast on Newstalk 106 in February.
Click title to listen to a sample of the programme.
Lord of Rock ‘n Roll is a documentary which tells the story of one mans quest to bring together his two loves – rock and roll and his family home, Slane Castle!
It follows the exciting run up to the return of the Rolling Stones for their Bigger Band Tour 25 years after their first performance there. It looks at the history of Slane Castle and its estate, and its effects on the locality as it brings in some of the biggest bands in the world for one of the highlights of the summer in Ireland!
This programme was produced by Orla Rapple and Digital Audio Productions.
Click title to listen to a sample of the programme.