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Belfast Live
Entertainment
Sophie McLaughlin

William of Orangedale: New comedy short set in East Belfast airing on Channel 4

A new comedy short set in an East Belfast council estate will air on Friday as a part of Channel 4's new 'Blap' series.

William of Orangedale, written by local comedians Dave Elliott and William Thompson, will be available to watch on All 4 on May 6 and follows a group of friends growing up in Belfast.

Heavily inspired by William Thompson's own teenage years, he plays the titular character showing what it is like to grow up with cerebral palsy and navigate life in East Belfast.

Read more: Coming of age film set in the Holylands to start filming this summer

Channel 4 said: "William of Orangedale is a coming-of-age comedy about teenager William and his friends growing up on a council estate in East Belfast and the shenanigans that they get up to. Your teenage years can be complicated but for William he must juggle all these dramas while living with cerebral palsy.

"Developed by Hat Trick ( Derry Girls, Episodes, Kate & Koji and Father Ted ), William of Orangedale delves into a side of Northern Ireland never seen on screen before. Inspired by the life of comedian William Thompson who co-wrote the script alongside fellow comedian Dave Elliott, William of Orangedale is an uplifting tale about friendship, family and making the best of your lot!

"William of Orangedale is directed by Eoin Cleland, produced by Anna Hinds and executive produced by Louise Gallagher and Jimmy Mulville for Hat Trick Productions. It was commissioned by Joe Hullait."

Announcing the show, William, who reached the finals of BBC New Act of the Year 2021, said he was "absolutely buzzing".

Write Dave Eliott said: "Delighted to say our @channel4 Blap 'William of Orangedale' will be released on All 4 on Friday 6th May.

"It was so much fun to make and I can't wait for you to see it!!"

Read more: From Bloodlands to Belfast: How 2021 became a success story for Northern Ireland on film and TV

Read more: Northern Irish-made TV shows and films to look out for in 2022

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