RTÉ announced a wide range of new and established
entertainment and music programmes which fulfil the public service
broadcaster's commitments to increase their
entertainment and music output in 2003 and 2004.
Clare Duignan, Director of Programmes, RTÉ Television,
said, "We are delighted with the range and diversity of
entertainment and music programming which we have put
together for 2003/2004. The licence fee increase has
enabled us to recognise and provide platforms for the
talents of so many gifted Irish performers, but first
and foremost, it has allowed us to deliver television
which I believe our viewers will enjoy and consider
good value for money."
Kevin Linehan, Commissioning Editor Entertainment and
Music, said, “I think this demonstrates the exciting
array of programming we’ve developed across
entertainment, comedy, music and proven flagship shows
for broadcast over the coming year. In particular we
offer a block of new programmes on Sunday evenings for
family viewing from 6.30 through to 9.00 – an
innovative new magic show, a new quiz show, a new
entertainment show and the return of the show that
captured the imagination of families all around the
country, You’re A Star.”
NEW ENTERTAINMENT
DELEGATION is an exciting new family game show
presented by Tom Ó Brannagáin, made for RTÉ by Fame
Game makers, Adare Productions. Three teams battle it
out to compete for the star prize of a luxury exotic
holiday for all six team members.
ALL KINDS OF EVERYTHING will keep fans of Irish pop
culture happy as they get the
chance to test their knowledge in this brand new
topical weekly quiz game presented by Ryan Tubridy,
aided and abetted by Mario Rosenstock.
CLOSE ENCOUNTERS WITH KEITH BARRY - Irish-born Keith
Barry is a rising star in the international world of
music and illusion – in this brand new series he
confounds, confuses and amuses the general public and
celebrities alike in their homes, on the streets and
where they work with his impressive blend of magic
tricks and illusions. Produced by Midas Productions for
RTÉ.
LAST ONE STANDING is a new general knowledge quiz
produced by Mind the Gap/Ludus
Entertainment for RTÉ. Each programme will have four
contestants battling it out in rapid fire rounds of
multiple choice questions, against each other and
against the clock, to see who will be the Last One
Standing and take home the prize money.
Caroline Morahan makes a welcome return to
our screens in a new format based on the original Fame
Game show - FAME GAME ON THE RUN. The action now takes
place entirely on location, as three members of the
public of various ages use their ingenuity to track
down their idols.
NEW COMEDY
Brand new comedy will feature Ireland’s premier comedic
talents …
THE AULD ONES This brand new animated series reveals
the stories and shenanigans of two auld dears, Bernie
and Mary, as told at their local bus stop. 5 mins x 13
episodes by Wireless Productions for RTÉ.
THE PANEL Spontaneity is at the core of this new
series. Dara Ó Briain presents the show and raises the
burning issues of the last seven days inviting witty
commentary and observations from Deirdre O’Kane and Ed
Byrne long with a rolling panel of comedians and
celebrities. Happy Endings Productions for RTÉ.
BISHOP AT WORK An entertainment documentary series in which
Irish American comic Des Bishop works in traditionally
low paid jobs around the country, revealing what it's
like to live on the minimum wage in 21st Century
Ireland. This new series will blend new stand-up
comedy material and fly-on-the-wall documentary
footage.
JUST FOR LAUGHS - The world’s best stand up comics
along with the cream of the Irish crop take to the
stage as Ed Byrne presents highlights of this year’s
Montreal Comedy Festival.
NEW MUSIC
THE RAW BAR is a new six-part series, an interrogation
of traditional music and its current state of health,
produced by Hummingbird Productions for RTÉ and
presented by Dermot McLaughlin.
THE RTÉ FARMLEIGH PROMS promise highlights of a diverse
and popular programme of music including Russian and
Italian classical favourites, a night with The Rat
Pack, a Glenn Miller Gala and The Music of Abba's Benny
and Björn, with Mary Carewe.
THE LATE LATE MUSIC SHOW features the cream of the 500
acts which have appeared on the show over the last four
years in ten half-hour programmes. Devised by the Late
Late Show Music Associate, Alan Byrne, bass player with
Something Happens.
THE DUN LAOGHAIRE FESTIVAL OF WORLD CULTURES – RTÉ pays
its first ever visit to this extraordinary eclectic mix
of world music and culture.
Virtuoso violinist Nigel Kennedy features in two
separate programmes, KENNEDY PLAYS BACH WITH THE IRISH
CHAMBER ORCHESTRA and WHY DINGLE – NIGEL? (both working
titles). The performance was recorded in St. Mary’s
Church in Dingle, Co Kerry, and the second programme is
a documentary focusing on Kennedy’s interest in the
Dingle peninsula and his experiences playing with Irish
traditional musicians in Kerry.
