Documentary On One - Rté Documentaries

Irish tenor and actor, Colm Wilkinson, best known for originating the role of Jean Valjean in Les Misérables in the West End and Broadway talks about his life in musical theatre and preparing to leave this iconic character behind as he moves on to new productions. (1987)  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mary Leadbeater's letters tell the stories of real people from the village of Ballitore at the beginning of the 19th Century. Giving us an insight into the life of a remarkable woman, who wrote constantly about the people she met and the events that were unfolding at this time, including witnessing first-hand the horrors of the 1798 rebellion.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Andy O'Mahony joins Dr. A. L. Rowse for afternoon tea at the Athenaeum in London on November 14th 1985. The many topics up for discussion include the left-wing politics of the Oxford scene in the 1920s and 30s, Rowse's admiration for Margaret Thatcher and his modernisation of Shakespeare's plays. (1986)  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ireland is the perfect place to sail around, the course retains a magic all of its own for most sailors. However, when the ingredients include a modern ocean racing catamaran, extreme weather from gale to calm, and a diverse crew attempting to break the all-time around Ireland record - the outcome is captivating. Will they succeed? (1986)  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A journey through the boroughs of London city meeting Irish people who left their home to seek fortune in this bright and fast-moving metropolitan. London offers many young Irish a life of opportunity and adventure. But, at this time of year, the city can be a lonely place for those who cannot make it back home for Christmas. (1985)  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mulligan was an Irish record company in the 70s and 80s with a catalogue ranging from traditional to contemporary. However, it was far from a typical 9 to 5 office. This collective had an idealistic approach and was perhaps ahead of it's time  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A profile of the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies which was established in 1940 by the then Taoiseach, Éamon de Valera. We look at how DIAS became a world leader in advanced research and Celtic Studies. (1985)  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ballroom dancing enjoyed a revival during the 1980s in dancehalls all over the country, especially in the west. People flocked to their local community halls to listen to music which brought back memories of youth and past romances. Might they find new love on the dancefloor?  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

For over four decades, TEAM Educational Theatre Company was one of Ireland's longest established theatres in Ireland. It earned national acclaim working within the primary and post-primary system, and on it's tenth anniversary we hear from students who have been part of this programme from Dublin to Donegal. (1985)  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This 1985 documentary provides an insight into the former East German state, hearing from families and their opinions on a wide range of topics from housing and transport needs to holidays, education, entertainment and religion. The programme was first broadcast in May 1985, compiled and presented by Brendan O’Heithir and produced by Micheal Holmes  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This is a history of Belfast, from its beginnings as a river-crossing, through its centuries of radical politics and commercial enterprise to the nightmare of the Troubles. Based on the book "“Belfast – An Illustrated History” by Jonathan Bardon (1983).  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ireland has a long tradition of fostering in Ireland. Families have always taken care of the young and vulnerable but many opt to foster children for long periods of time. An insight into fostering, social work and children in foster care in 1982  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Kidnapping has had a devastating effect on families in Ireland for decades. This documentary looks at cases of men and women in Northern Ireland and in the South, who have gone missing. Often the mystery remains unsolved and families have to deal with the aftermath. (First Broadcast 1982)  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This documentary on the young De Valera and his limerick background is based on Donnagha O’Dulaing’s series ’A Boy from Bruree’. Presenter Donncha O’Dulaing speaks about how the recording came to be. From his early childhood through to primary school and secondary school, Dev talks fondly of these times in Bruree County Limerick.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Three wishes in the life of John Bradburne. A mystic, pilgrim, and poet he joined the war in 1939 looking for adventure but instead, he found religion. He converted to Catholicism and began his pilgrim across the world. His last journey was to a leper colony in Zimbabwe where he fell victim to its civil war. Did he get his last wish? (1981)  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Our Documentary archive from 1981 looks at the EEC's Economic and Social Committee, the organisation known before the European Union was formed. We hear from diplomats and politicians in Europe about the structure and issues of such an organisation, as Ireland was a relatively new member and many felt it could do more for Ireland at home. (1981)  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Established by the British Government in 1831, Irish National Schools were originally multi-denominational. The schools were controlled by a State body and the National Board of Education (mixed religions). Featuring voices, text books, legislation and religion, we explore the founding of the national school system in Ireland (1981)  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Fastnet biennial race challenges the most experienced sailors as the unpredictable weather means it is one of the most dangerous races in the world. The 1981 race has an air of trepidation as the last time it took place, in 1979, 15 sailors died in what became known as one of the biggest ocean disasters in history.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What are the chances of striking gold in your own backyard? What if your discovery turns out to be priceless? In 1979, Michael Webb and his son, also named Michael, unearthed a treasure hoard on an ancient monastic site in Tipperary that included the Derrynaflan Chalice. Who is entitled to this priceless find, the state or the person who found it?  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Bedridden following a serious accident on the Canadian railroads, playwright, George Shiels, was inspired by Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Paralysed and back in his native Ballymoney, he started writing short stories and plays. His work caught the attention of The Abbey where he later became their leading comic writer.(1981)  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.