Conker Pictures and Samson Films commission immediately pre-bought by corporation
RTÉ has ordered a factual drama adaptation, The Murder of Mr. Moonlight, which has been pre-bought immediately for BBC1.
Produced by Banijay UK’s London and Belfast-based Conker Pictures (Rewarding) and Dublin-based Samson Films (Once), the 5 x 60-minute drama is based on Catherine Fegan’s book of the same name, alongside extensive research and interviews.
It will explore the 2011 disappearance and murder of Bobby Ryan – affectionately known as Mr. Moonlight due to his work as a local DJ entertainer. After his body was discovered in 2013, one of Ireland’s longest-ever murder trials eventually saw Patrick Quirke convicted of murder in 2019.
Set within a close-knit rural community, the drama will explore secrets and tensions beneath a case which captivated Ireland for more than a decade.
Brendan Coyle (Downton Abbey) will star as Ryan alongside Sinéad Keenan (Unforgotten) as his girlfriend Mary Lowry and Owen McDonnell (Bad Sisters) as Quirke.
The series is adapted by Malcolm Campbell (What Richard Did), who said: “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.
“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.”
The drama was commissioned by RTÉ in association with Screen Ireland and Banijay Rights, with additional funding from Screen Ireland.
The exec producers are Kim Varvell and Tommy Bulfin for Conker Pictures, David Collins for Samson Films, and Malcolm Campbell. David Crean is exec producer for RTÉ, Kate McColgan and Sarah Dillon are executive producers for Screen Ireland, and Cathy Payne and Simon Cox are exec producers for Banijay Rights. Alex Jones is series producer and Therese Friel is producer.
The series will be directed by Dathaí Keane and Rachel Carey and written by Campbell, Meadhbh McHugh and Paul Howard.
Former Apple TV scripted exec Varvell, and former BBC drama commissioner Bulfin, who set up shop in 2023, said: “Our ambition has always been to move beyond the headlines and explore the human story behind the case. At the heart of the story is Bobby Ryan, whose life was tragically cut short.
“However, even after his death his story was overshadowed by the media’s fascination with Pat Quirke and his former lover Mary Lowry. This drama intends to give a voice back to Bobby and his family.”
Collins said: “The series prioritises a respectful tone that, above all, seeks to honour Bobby and all who were affected by these extraordinary events.”
Head of BBC scripted pre-buy acquisitions Sue Deeks added: “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.”
Banijay Rights will handle distribution.
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