Scariff Bay Community Radio is set for another first this weekend.

On Sunday it will air a radio play that was rehearsed, recorded and edited during COVID-19 all the while participants adhered to social distancing.

Mr McGuffin’s Plot Device and Writer Unblocking Emporium is a co-production between Scariff Bay and the award winning Sliabh Aughty Drama Group. It will air for the first time this Sunday at 2pm with a repeat at 7pm that day.

Named ‘Best Newcomer’ at the 2014 Blog Awards Ireland, Tara Sparling is the writer behind the play that is directed by Ruth O’Hagan. Eoin O’Hagan produced, engineered and edited the production.

Eoin O’Hagan told The Clare Echo that the example set by Scariff Bay could lead to a boost in radio plays on the airwaves. “With the cancellation of the amateur drama festival circuit in Ireland due to COVID-19 this was an opportunity for the Director, Writer, Producer and Actors who were missing the stage and an outlet for their craft. This innovative and hilarious play could inspire other amateur groups to write and perform radio plays.

“With the right script, cast, sound design, editing and direction this outlet for amateur dramatics could grow due to the restrictions on public performance during the Covid crisis. Scariff Bay Community Radio are playing their part by supporting amateur drama during a time that is challenging and disastrous for live entertainment and the arts. The future is bright for Amateur Drama on Scariff Bay,” he added.