Banagher writer and director releases short film inspired by Fleabag

A County Derry writer and filmmaker has released a short film which is inspired by the tone and fourth wall breaking nature of the hit BBC comedy drama series, Fleabag.

Starring Wexford actress Áine Collier as well as Belfast comedian and TikToker Sean McConville, the story of 'Showtime' deals with a young woman returning from work late at night only to witness her neighbour's home being raided by police. The dark comedy drama film deals with working class issues, crime, drug addiction as well as the youths’ anxiety over their future.

The film's writer and director, Desmond Lynch, from Banagher, said: “Showtime follows a young woman named Camilla, who arrives home late at night from work. She witnesses her neighbour's home being raided by the police. While some people would be shocked or horrified, Camilla is gleeful – she grabs a beer, stands and watches by her window as the drama unfolds.”

ABOVE: Film director Desmond Lynch, who hails from Banagher, Co Derry.

Desmond, who lives and works in Belfast, continued: “The short film is influenced by Fleabag as well as films such as Trainspotting. It deals with issues like poverty, drug addiction, crime and how many young people feel they don’t have a future in a world with many pressing issues. Working with the likes of Áine and Sean, alongside a crew of fantastic talented people, was a great experience for me. I hope people enjoy watching the film just as much as we enjoyed making it.”

'Showtime' has been screened at a variety of film festivals in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, including the BAFTA qualifying IndieCork festival as well as the Kerry International Film Festival. Lynch’s other short films, Goodnight Midnight (2024) and Trespass (2024) are on the film festival circuit as well. His recent short film 'God’s Country' is expected to be completed by this summer.

ABOVE: A still from the film.

'Showtime' has completed its time on the film festival circuit and is now available online on YouTube for all to view via YOUTUBE

There will also be a special behind the scenes director’s audio commentary series in which the filmmaker talks about the filmmaking process, as well as a series of interviews with both cast and crew in regards to their experiences making the film.