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Nick Lane’s Beauty & The Beast Wins Best Play for Children & Families at the UK Theatre Awards

We are thrilled to announce that Nick Lane’s Beauty & The Beast production has been awarded Best Play for Children & Families at the prestigious UK Theatre Awards! This magical retelling of a beloved classic captivated audiences of all ages, showcasing Nick’s unparalleled talent for storytelling and bringing heartwarming tales to life on stage.

We couldn’t be prouder to represent such a brilliant writer and director.

A massive congratulations to Nick from everyone at MacFarlane Chard! We look forward to seeing even more of his incredible work in the future.

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Russell England

Russell England is a British filmmaker and writer based in London.

He has recently directed Islands of the Pacific Part Two (2024) with Martin Clunes, airing on ITV, and wrote episodes of The Colosseum (2022) for A&E Television. Russell is currently in production with Islands of the Atlantic (2025) for Buffalo Pictures, where he directs Martin Clunes in an exploration of the islands of the Atlantic.

With over two decades of experience, Russell’s work spans documentary, drama, and branded content, having worked on critically acclaimed series such as Six Wives with Lucy Worsley (BBC One), The Truth About Sleep (BBC One), and Egypt’s Great Mummies Unwrapped (Channel 5/National Geographic). He is a versatile storyteller who has delivered content across major networks including Netflix, BBC, ITV, Nat Geo, and SyFy.

Russell’s directorial style is distinguished by his ability to bring history and science to life, using creative and innovative techniques to engage wide audiences. He has received nominations for prestigious awards like the Grierson Awards and Broadcast Awards for his work.

He continues to be a sought-after collaborator, blending deep research and visual storytelling across various genres.

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Paul Kemp

Has opened to fantastic reviews in Alan Ayckbourn’s 90th play ‘Show and Tell’. ‘A standout performance by Paul Kemp’ – The Guardian. ‘Paul Kemp, in the linchpin role of Ben, is simply magnificent’ – The Observer.

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Roisin Agnew

We are thrilled to see Roisin Agnew featured in The Observer, where she discusses the 30-year anniversary of Ireland’s political voice ban. In this insightful piece, Roisin shares how this unusual chapter in history continues to shape public discourse and the media landscape today.

In addition, don’t miss her forthcoming film, The Ban, which delves deeper into this powerful story. Roisin was also recently interviewed in The Irish Times about the film, where she offers further insights into the impact of barring Sinn Féin voices from the airwaves and what it did to political culture. You can read the full interview here.

We’re excited to announce that The Ban will screen this Sunday as part of the IFI Documentary Festival. Make sure to check it out—it’s not to be missed! Find more information here.

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Laura Way

Dead & Buried directed by the wonderful Laura Way is airing on Virgin Media and BBC One Northern Ireland now!

Dead and Buried asks what you would do if you met the man who murdered your brother 20 years ago? He’s turned his life around, should we forgive?  

Catch up on BBC iPlayer!

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Ionica Adriana

Is about to film on new comedy ‘Smoggy Queens’ a new comedy for the BBC from Hatrick.

The series tells the story of volatile Dickie along with drag queen Mam, self-styled hun Lucinda, awkward Sal and newcomer Stewart as they navigate love, life and their pride for a town that feels neglected in its own little corner of the UK. Expect a few passionate scraps that may send your wig flying!

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Us!

30 years ago tomorrow – 13 July 1994 – MacFarlane Chard Associates opened the doors. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the fun, tears and laughter along the way!

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Kim Wall

Recently filmed a guest role on new UKTV drama ‘The Marlow Murder Club’ and is about to shoot on ‘Joan’ the new ITV drama telling the story of real life jewel thief Joan Hannington.

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Daniel Hill

Soon to be back on screens in his semi-reg role in BBC show ‘Doctors’. Daniel is about to film a guest role in ‘Mr Bates Vs The Post Office’ a major new ITV show. The drama tells the story of one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in British legal history.

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LAURA DODDINGTON

Delighted to say Laura has been nominated for an OFFIE for Lead Performance in ‘Yours Unfaithfully’ and has had glowing notices.

Laura Doddington, emotion skimming her face like clouds, is superb as the wife. The Observer ****

Laura Doddington is particularly impressive. The Times ****

Doddington gives a standout performance. The Guardian ***

Laura Doddington is immense. She offers oceans of feeling, welling deeps of hurt and betrayal, with insouciant charm and grace. It is a subtle but brilliant performance, and looks as effortless as a gliding swan, all unruffled beauty on the surface and churning like a paddle steamer underneath. The Reviews Hub ****

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Paul Walker

Paul is an award winning stage and screenwriter whose work includes the award-winning STARDUST, RED ROCK and CALL THE MIDWIFE along with writing for international series such as THE PROFESSIONALS with Brendan Fraser. He has worked in a variety of writers’ rooms, and was the showrunner on RED ROCK. He has worked as a consultant on a variety of series including the upcoming LIBERTIES and works regularly as a mentor for new writers. His recent podcast series for BBS – OBSCENE: A DUBLIN SCANDAL – won gold at the prestigious New York Festival awards.

In June 2024, Paul and Alan de Pellette won the International Pitching Forum development prize for docudrama FLOWER OF SCOTLAND that looks into the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of prominent lawyer, Scottish Nationalist and Anti-Nuclear Campaigner WIllie McRae 40 years after his passing.

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Stephen Jones

NORTHERN LIGHTS I & II (TV Adaptation of his stage play) –  6 Episodes for Deadpan Pictures/Lionsgate; ADAPTING (radio play) – RTE Drama on One; SUMMERHILL (play); THE COUPLE OF PEACE (play); THE BILLY GOATS OF GLENVIEW PARK (YA Novel). NORTHERN LIGHTS(play)– Theatre Upstairs, Dublin; NORTHERN LIGHTS (radio adaptation)– RTÉ Drama on One; FROM EDEN (play) – Theatre Upstairs, Dublin & National Tour, Ireland; FROM EDEN(radio adaptation) – RTÉ Drama on One. A CERTAIN ROMANCE (play)– Druid Theatre; THE GOO (5 part- web series) – Youtube.

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Marnie Baxter

Marnie Baxter is an actress and director with 25 years’ experience working in TV, Film and Theatre. Marnie’s latest short film, HELLO, MUSCLES, is currently on the festival circuit, so far winning BEST WOMEN’S SHORT and an HONORABLE MENTION for BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT (OSCAR QUALIFYING) at CLEVELAND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, BEST UK SHORT at MANCHESTER FILM FESTIVAL, JURY AWARD FOR BEST SHORT and the AUDIENCE AWARD at HEBDEN BRIDGE FILM FESTIVAL. It also won the SOCIAL IMPACT AWARD at SOHO LIFF, and BEST ACTRESS at ST ANDREW’S FILM FESTIVAL.

Marnie’s first short film as a director, BAD MOTHER, played in over thirty festivals worldwide, winning several awards, and was described by Mark Kermode as ‘an excellently unsettling directorial debut’. Following the success of the film, Marnie was offered to direct a second short for Mini Productions, DO THIS FOR ME, which premiered in 2022 at BFI Flare and is currently being developed into a TV series for eOne.

As an actress, Marnie’s television credits include Karen Pirie, Annika, Coronation Street, Shetland, Casualty, Doctors, Unpacking. Film credits include On Air, The Last Bus, Marionette, The Tormented.

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Mark O’Connor

Mark O’ Connor is an Irish writer/director. 2009/10: His debut feature film BETWEEN THE CANALS was released theatrically throughout Ireland and the UK. 2011/13: feature film KING OF THE TRAVELLERS was released in 150 territories worldwide on VOD. 2013: STALKER feature film featuring the first lead role of acclaimed actor Barry Keoghan; 2016: IFTA award-winning CARDBOARD GANGSTERS, which won 8 awards on the international festival circuit before worldwide rights to the film were sold to Netflix. 2023: Mark wrote and directed the six-part IFTA-nominated crime drama DARKLANDS for Virgin Media. 2020 to now: CELTS Creator/Writer/Director TV show currently in development with support from EU,  Creative Media and Screen Ireland and produced by Samson Films. 2022 to 2023: OUI CANNES Writer/Director – currently filming. 2023: THE DUBLINERS Creator/Writer/Director – Five-part television show in early-stage development.

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Éadaoin Fox

Eadaoin Fox is a female director from Cork who is interested in how theatre can present multiple perspectives of one historical event. She has been awarded the 2021 ALISON HODGE DIRECTING PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE IN THEATRE MAKINGas well as BEST DIRECTOR for DISCO PIGS (Granary Theatre) at the National Irish Student Drama Awards (ISDA’s) 2019 alongside several others. In 2022, she shadowed Margaret Perry’s PARADISE NOW at The Bush Theatre, London. FILM SHORTS: SMELL PVC (Writer & Director), produced by Mank Productions and selected for the Lift Off Global Film Festival 2022 & the Berlin Indie Film Festival 2022. ELECTRA Adaptation (Writer & Director) The Kinko Theatre. Commissioned, produced & funded by The Half Moon Festival, Cork Opera House. PIT (Director) produced & funded by Mank Productions selected for the 21 Islands International Film Festival. STRAIN (Director) produced by Loom Theatre Company and funded by the Cork County Council and The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gealteacht, Sport and Media. A GIRL IS A HALF FORMED THING by Eimear McBride, Adaptation (Writer & Director) The Caryl Churchill Theatre. EARWIG (Director) The Roundy, Mank Productions. THE CHILDREN’S HOUR (Director) Granary Theatre, Mank Productions.

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LAURA DODDINGTON

Delighted to say Laura will be playing the starring role of Anthea in ‘They Don’t Pay, We Don’t Pay’ at the Mercury Theatre Colchester this March in a rip roaring comedy about women who take things into their own hands!

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Drew Taylor-Wilson

Drew Taylor-Wilson [they/them] is a neurodivergent, queer creative working in TV, Film and Theatre. They are an award-winning theatre director, playwright, facilitator and theatre artist development specialist, trained at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. They have recently completed a Masters in TV Fiction Writing from Glasgow Caledonian University – after receiving the David McLellan full scholarship for the programme. 

“A glittering colossus” [Metro] Drew writes to advocate for seldom heard voices, creating bold contemporary queer stories that de-stigmatise mental health difficulties. Their plays have been seen across the UK, they are a former performance poet and frequently bend genre and form in both screen and stage writing. Drew makes socio-political performance with participants at all levels of experience [or none]. Their practice asks an audience to question their societal norms, engaging with low-brow glitz, crafted with sophisticated dramaturgy. Their work is blackly comedic, athletically delivered and beats with a poetic heart. Drew is the former Artistic Director of Performance Collective Stranraer, co-director of Sanctuary Queer Arts, and works freelance as a Writer, Director and Dramaturg, often with spoken word artists.  

Drew has been commissioned by Take Me Somewhere [Glasgow], Brighton International Festival, Commonwealth Games 2014 Cultural Festival, and most recently by Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival https://www.mhfestival.com/projects/gather/856-drew-taylor-wilson-gather 

Their first TV script QUAIR PEOPLE is currently optioned by LA based Stampede Ventures.

https://www.drewmakestheatre.com/
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Toni Benedetti

Toni, sometimes ‘Bones’, is a screenwriter who specialises in fantasy and horror writing. Having completed an MA in Writing for Television at Glasgow Caledonian University in 2019, she has spent the pandemic researching for a PhD in writing practices for British television while developing her own original scripts. She has dabbled in many artforms – acting, combat, vocalist, novelist, poet, artist – over the last ten years, making her work detailed and insightful in surprising ways.

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Daisy Jo Lucas

Award-winning writer who came to writing whilst performing in theatres across London and Glasgow. After being awarded a full merit-based scholarship, Daisy studied a Masters in Television Fiction at Caledonian University and was subsequently mentored through the development of an original pilot by writer and show runner Liz Lake. Daisy’s first short film EGG was awarded Best Drama Short by the Europe Film Festival and her audio drama THE PARTY was shortlisted for BBC Open Scripts. Daisy was selected for the BBC Writersroom Scottish Voices 2023 cohort and has recently written for BBC Scotland’s continuing drama RIVER CITY.

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Denise Deegan

Denise Deegan is an Irish novelist and PAGE Award-winning screenwriter who tackles issues of loss and injustice through a prism of light and humour. Winner of The Pitch Film Fund, Denise’s comedy short about homelessness, THE INNKEEPER,  is on the festival circuit. A writer on Ireland’s longest running serial drama, Denise has two TV series and three features in development. Ireland’s film body, Screen Ireland, has supported three of her projects with development funding. Denise’s new psychological thriller, THOUGHT I KNEW YOU, is an Academy Nicholl Fellowship Quarterfinalist and Final Draft Big Break Semi-finalist. A former nurse, medical and psychological storylines regularly bubble up in her work. 

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7191402333455495170

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Rosa Hesmondhalgh

Rosa Hesmondhalgh is a Northern writer who trained as an actor at LAMDA and graduated in 2017. Shortly after graduating, Rosa was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and left the industry to go through treatment. Whilst on chemo, she started writing about her experiences with cancer on a blog, Madame Ovary. After the blog was shared over 50,000 times online, she turned it into a one woman play of the same name that opened at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2019, was picked up for a UK Tour, won Vault Festival’s Pick of the Pleasance award and went on to receive its US premiere in Philadelphia in November 2023.

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Maurice Sweeney

Award winning director as comfortable producing full scale drama as he is creating intelligent and innovative documentary. He has a number of large-scale credits in which he has a developed a proven ear for story and emotion. Over his twenty year career, Maurice has worked on numerous international co -productions, and has credits with HISTORY US, BBC, Channel 4, ZDF, ARTE, FIVE and RTE. Maurice has won 5 Irish Film and Television Awards (IFTAs) and was awarded Best Director at the London Independent Film Festival 2013. 

Most  recent work includes in 2022: CONFIDENTIAL for the Irish Government. 2020: Directed the three -part drama PENANCE for Channel 5/Westroad Pictures which was one of the channel’s highest viewed dramas of 2020; SAVING THE TITANIC for Tile Films; COLD CASE COLLINS for Big Fellow Productions; Lead Director on BLOOD – Season 1 & 2 for Channel 5/Westroad Pictures which made Empire Magazine’s best TV of 2020 list. 2018: Directed and co-wrote the critically acclaimed and award winning Feature Documentary I DOLOURS for Screen Ireland/New Decade Films – released in cinemas and then acquired by Netflix.

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WESLEY GRIFFITH

Delighted to say Wesley will be back on tour in ‘Not Lady Chatterley’s Lover’ this Autumn playing Mellors in a fun and sometimes moving take on the controversial work by DH Lawrence..

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Dave Tynan

Dave is an award-winning director/writer who has directed over a dozen short films and one feature film, DUBLIN OLDSCHOOL. His feature premiered at the BFI London Film Festival in 2018 and enjoyed nationwide cinema distribution. Notable shorts include JUST SAYING, ROCKMOUNT, THE CHERISHING, WE FACE THIS LAND, HEARTBREAK and A CONCRETE SONG. Many of these have received critical acclaim – including two IFTAs and two selections for The Nuits En Or tour, The Best Worldwide Short Films as chosen by L’Académie des Arts et Techniques du Cinéma – as well as viral success, with total views in the millions.

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