Stumpy’s Brae on BBC Two NI on Halloween night
Date Posted: October 23, 2013
Stumpy’s Brae, a chilling new horror drama, is due to be broadcast on BBC Two Northern Ireland on Halloween night (Thursday, October 31) at 10pm.
Directed by Chris Baugh from Omagh, County Tyrone, and produced by Brendan Mullin for BBC Northern Ireland through their Belfast-based company Six Mile Hill Productions, Stumpy’s Brae is a dark and gruesome tale of temptation, murder and revenge.
When their meagre life savings are unjustly taken from them, a poor peasant couple decides, one stormy night, to offer shelter to a mysterious pedlar in exchange for money. However a terrible turn of events brings about strange and horrifying consequences with a supernatural twist.
Eglinton writer Darren Gibson scripted the half hour drama, which is in Ulster Scots. It is adapted from the eponymous poem by celebrated writer Cecil Frances Alexander, famous for penning hymns such as ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ and ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’.
Darren Gibson said: “For me Stumpy’s Brae was a unique chance to bring to life our rich literary heritage. It encapsulates, flawlessly, the quintessential qualities of Northern Ireland: our dry wit, strong resolve and stern passions.”
Starring Nigel O’Neill, Louise Mathews and Lalor Roddy, the production was shot on location at the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum at Cultra and The Ulster American Folk Park outside Omagh.
Strabane-born producer Brendan Mullin said: “Stumpy’s Brae bears all the hallmarks of a classic ghost story – interesting characters trapped in fascinating supernatural peril. We wanted to add a fresh, modern, ‘horror movie’ feel that sharpens the sting of this creepy tale. By collaborating with a talented cast and crew we feel we’ve produced a strong drama that will appeal to those who also enjoy a good scare.”
Stumpy’s Brae received funding from Northern Ireland Screen’s Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund.
Richard Williams, CEO of Northern Ireland Screen said: “Stumpy’s Brae is a celebration of the Ulster-Scots language and culture and a testament to the shared heritage of storytelling and folktales found right across Northern Ireland. It is encouraging to see new talent such as Chris Baugh and Brendan Mullin producing such an accessible and engaging drama.”
