***Brand New Sunday Night Drama on RTÉ One***
Charlie is a trilogy of feature-length television dramas, based on real events.
The drama explores the emergence of modern Ireland through charting the rise and fall of the charismatic and divisive figure of Charles J. Haughey.
Written by theatre and screenwriter Colin Teevan, directed by Kenny Glenaan and Charlie McCarthy, produced by Catherine Magee, the drama covers the period from Charles J. Haughey’s bid for power in 1979 and chronicles his attempts to maintain that power until his departure from politics in 1992.
The ensemble cast includes some of Ireland’s finest screen talent, amongst them is Aidan Gillen (Charles J. Haughey), Tom Vaughan-Lawlor (PJ Mara), Risteárd Cooper (Dermot Nally), Peter O’ Meara (Brian Lenihan), Gavin O’Connor (Sean Doherty) and Marcus Lamb (Des O’Malley). Also joining them is celebrated English actress, Lucy Cohu (Terry Keane).
Produced for RTÉ by Touchpaper and Element Pictures and co-funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television Licence Fee.
Episode One RISE (1979-1981)
Billing – In 1979 Irish Minister for Health, Charles J. Haughey confounds his critics and succeeds in his bid to become Taoiseach, championed by a close circle of allies.
Episode Summary It’s 1979 and Ireland is struggling with high unemployment, mass emigration, and a huge budget deficit. Incumbent Taoiseach, Jack Lynch is under pressure to resign. George Colley anticipates the Fianna Fáil crown. But Charles Haughey has other plans. Charting his leadership battle with George Colley and the party’s fear that Charlie would break them up, his relationship with Terry Keane, his bold bid to engage the British over peace in Northern Ireland, and the financial implications of seeking and holding on to office, the episode culminates in 1981 when the perfect storm of economic implosion, party in-fighting and the Hunger Strikes conspire against him. He’s out – but not down.
Aidan Gillen – Charles Haughey
Tom Vaughan-Lawlor – PJ Mara
Lucy Cohu – Terry Keane
Peter O’Meara – Brian Lenihan
Risteárd Cooper – Dermot Nally
Gavin O’Connor – Seán Doherty
Marcus Lamb – Des O’Malley
Edward Mac Liam – Ray McSharry
Peter Gowen – George Colley
Frankie McCafferty – Des Traynor
Fergal McElherron – Albert Reynolds
John Connors – Jimmy
Jody O’Neill – Geraldine Kennedy
Rory Nolan – Charlie McCreevy
Gus McDonagh – Bertie Ahern
Sinead Watters – Jacinta
Frances Tomelty – Sarah Haughey
Laurence Kinlan – Tony Gregory
Andrew Stanley – Gallagher
David Herlihy – Ray Burke